cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Concentration of Pneumococcus Antibody.

A method was given in a previous publication by which the protective substance of antipneumococcus serum could be concentrated with a resulting product practically free from chill-producing characteristics. It was also stated in the same publication that the steps outlined for the purification of the water-insoluble precipitate obtained by diluting potent serum with water were applicable to the water-insoluble precipitate obtained by the common salting-out methods, using ammonium sulfate or sodium sulfate. It is the purpose of this paper to outline a method of concentration with anhydrous sodium sulfate as the precipitating agent instead of the commonly used ammonium sulfate. Sodium sulfate, rather than ammonium sulfate, is given at present because, as judged from the troublesome reaction after intravenous administration, a better product has been obtained by its use. From the standpoint of concentration of the protective antibody alone, however, ammonium sulfate has not only been used in many experiments with the same result as with sodium sulfate but also it has the advantage of greater ease in handling. The objection to its use, from our experience, is the chill-producing reaction of the final product following intravenous administration. Attempts have been made to obviate this difficulty but so far they have met with only partial success. In the course of our investigation on the pneumococcus antibody, obtained from the serum of immunized horses, certain facts have been observed concerning the associated protein. Although details will be given in other publications a brief summary of our findings will be reported here. In the first place, in contradistinction to Avery's work,2 the antibody has been found by us to be associated only with a waterinsoluble protein; never with the water-soluble pseudoglobulin. This observation has been confirmed by Banzhaf.3 However, the possibility should not be overlooked that the antibody when isolated may be watersoluble and also that the manipulations in Avery's work may have been such that some of the protective antibody was found with the pseu-
Landscape Scale Measures of Steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Bioenergetic Growth Rate Potential in Lake Michigan and Comparison with Angler Catch Rates

The relative quality of a habitat can influence fish consumption, growth, mortality, and production. In order to quantify habitat quality, several authors have combined bioenergetic and foraging models to generate spatially explicit estimates of fish growth rate potential (GRP). However, the capacity of GRP to reflect the spatial distributions of fishes over large areas has not been fully evaluated. We generated landscape scale estimates of steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) GRP throughout Lake Michigan for 1994-1996, and used these estimates to test the hypotheses that GRP is a good predictor of spatial patterns of steelhead catch rates. We used surface temperatures (measured with AVHRR satellite imagery) and acoustically measured steelhead prey densities (alewife, Alosa pseudoharengus) as inputs for the GRP model. Our analyses demonstrate that potential steelhead growth rates in Lake Michigan are highly variable in both space and time. Steelhead GRP tended to increase with latitude, and mean GRP was much higher during September 1995, compared to 1994 and 1996. In addition, our study suggests that landscape scale measures of GRP are not good predictors of steelhead catch rates throughout Lake Michigan, but may provide an index of interannual variation in system-wide habitat quality.
OPTIMIZATION OF SUPERSONIC TRANSPORT TRAJECTORIES

This paper develops a near-optimal guidance law for generating minimum fuel, time, or cost fixed-range trajectories for supersonic transport aircraft. The approach uses a choice of new state variables along with singular perturbation techniques to time-scale decouple the dynamic equations into multiple equations of single order (second order for the fast dynamics). Application of the maximum principle to each of the decoupled equations, as opposed to application to the original coupled equations, avoids the two point boundary value problem and transforms the problem from one of a functional optimization to one of multiple function optimizations. It is shown that such an approach produces well known aircraft performance results such as minimizing the Brequet factor for minimum fuel consumption and the energy climb path. Furthermore, the new state variables produce a consistent calculation of flight path angle along the trajectory, eliminating one of the deficiencies in the traditional energy state approximation. In addition, jumps in the energy climb path are smoothed out by integration of the original dynamic equations at constant load factor. Numerical results performed for a supersonic transport design show that a pushover dive followed by a pullout at nominal load factors are sufficient maneuvers to smooth the jump.
The assembly of a spliceosomal small nuclear ribonucleoprotein particle

The U1, U2, U4, U5 and U6 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein particles (snRNPs) are essential elements of the spliceosome, the enzyme that catalyzes the excision of introns and the ligation of exons to form a mature mRNA. Since their discovery over a quarter century ago, the structure, assembly and function of spliceosomal snRNPs have been extensively studied. Accordingly, the functions of splicing snRNPs and the role of various nuclear organelles, such as Cajal bodies (CBs), in their nuclear maturation phase have already been excellently reviewed elsewhere. The aim of this review is, then, to briefly outline the structure of snRNPs and to synthesize new and exciting developments in the snRNP biogenesis pathways.
Insulin-like growth factor I production is essential for anabolic effects of thyroid hormone in osteoblasts.

Thyroid hormone (T3) and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) are critical regulators of skeletal function. T3 increases IGF-I production in bone. To assess the potential role of IGF-I as a mediator of T3 actions, we characterized phenotypic markers of osteoblast activity in two osteoblast models, normal mouse osteoblasts and MC3T3-E1 cells, exposed to T3 alone or under conditions that interfere with IGF-I actions. T3 significantly increased osteoblast 3H-proline incorporation, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and osteocalcin. Both αIR3, a neutralizing monoclonal antibody to the IGF-I receptor, and JB1, an IGF-I analogue antagonist, attenuated the stimulatory effects of T3. T3 effects also were decreased in cells transfected with antisense oligonucleotide (AS-ODN) to the IGF-I receptor gene. Both IGF-I and T3 had mitogenic effects that were inhibited by the antagonists. IGF-I by itself did not stimulate 3H-proline incorporation, ALP, and osteocalcin in the models used, revealing that although IGF-I is essential for the anabolic effects of T3, it acts in concert with other factors to elicit these phenotypic responses. (J Bone Miner Res 2000;15:188–197)
On the Background and Motivation of Students in a Beginning Spanish Program.

: A number of recent articles have examined the motivation, purpose of study, and demographics of first- and second-year language learners of French or Spanish (see, e.g., Ossipov, 2000; Rava, 2000; Voght, 2000; Wen, 1997) This study surveyed the make-up of a sample of first-and second-year university-level Spanish learners at a major postsecondary institution in a city with a substantial, growing population of monolingual and bilingual Spanish speakers. The results of the survey were used to address questions about learner preparation prior to entering a four-year university course of study, preferred and desired activities in the current curriculum, and motivations for the study of Spanish. Generalizations about the nature of the typical learner in this context and the implications of the appreciation of and desire for grammar-related and communicative activities — as expressed by the respondents — in the contemporary liberal arts curriculum are discussed.
Reaction of 5-enol-pyruvoylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase with diethyl pyrocarbonate: Evidence for an essential histidine residue

Abstract 5-enol-Pyruvoylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase catalyzes the reversible condensation of phosphoenolpyruvate and shikimate 3-phosphate to yield 5-enol-pyruvoylshikimate 3-phosphate and inorganic phosphate. The enzyme is a target for the nonselective herbicide glyphosate (N-phosphonomethylglycine). Diethyl pyrocarbonate inactivated this enzyme with a second-order rate constant of 220 m −1 min−1 at pH 7.0 and 0 °C. The rate of inactivation is pH dependent and the pH inactivation rate data show the involvement of a group with a pKa of 6.8. Almost all of the original activity was recovered by treatment of the inactivated enzyme with hydroxylamine. The difference spectrum of the inactivated and native enzyme reveals a single peak at 242 nm but no trough at around 278 nm is observed. Complete inactivation required the modification of four histidine residues per molecule of the enzyme. However, statistical analysis of the residual activity and the extent of modification shows that among the four modifiable residues, only one is critical for activity. Furthermore, this inactivation is prevented by the substrates of the enzyme. The above results indicated that one histidine is located within or very close to the active site and may play an important role in catalysis.
The Hyperfine Structure of Hydrogen and Deuterium

The atomic-beam magnetic resonance method has been applied to measure the h.f.s. separation of the ground state of H and D by observing frequencies of the r-f field required to induce transitions among certain of the magnetic levels of the h.f.s. multiplets in magnetic fields of the order of 1 gauss. The resonance minima were of the theoretical width for transitions which are field independent in the first order. For deuterium we find ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{\mathrm{D}}=327.384\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.003$ Mc which agrees with our previously reported value within the precision claimed for that quantity. For hydrogen we find ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{\mathrm{H}}=1420.410\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.006$ Mc which is less than the value previously reported by 0.06 percent. The ratio of the measured h.f.s. separations, $\frac{{\ensuremath{\nu}}_{\mathrm{H}}}{{\ensuremath{\nu}}_{\mathrm{D}}}$, is 4.33867\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.00004.The h.f.s. separations, ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{\mathrm{H}}$ and ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{\mathrm{D}}$, may be calculated from known values of the magnetic moment of the proton, ${\ensuremath{\mu}}_{p}$, and the magnetic moment of the deuteron, ${\ensuremath{\mu}}_{d}$. The measured ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{\mathrm{H}}$ and ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{\mathrm{D}}$ are larger than the calculated values by 0.24 percent and 0.26 percent, respectively. The ratio $\frac{{\ensuremath{\nu}}_{\mathrm{H}}}{{\ensuremath{\nu}}_{\mathrm{D}}}$ may be calculated from the known ratio $\frac{{\ensuremath{\mu}}_{p}}{{\ensuremath{\mu}}_{d}}$ using the ordinary reduced mass correction (discussed in the section entitled "Discussion of Results" of this paper). This ratio is independent of ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}^{2}$ and ${R}_{\ensuremath{\infty}}$. The calculated ratio is found to be higher than our value by 0.017 percent. This discrepancy is 18 times the probable error in our measurements.
Performance of community-based coastal resource management (CBCRM) programs in the Philippines: A meta-analysis

Abstract Community-based coastal resource management (CBCRM) is a major conservation and fisheries management strategy in the tropics. In this study, the performance of 16 CBCRM programs in the Philippines was assessed using a meta-analysis of eight indicators that represented the perceptions of local resource users. Overall, the CBCRM programs in the Philippines were perceived to have a significant positive impact. However, the performance of each of the indicators was mixed. Although the CBCRM programs were perceived to be effective in empowering the local fishing communities, their perceived impact on improving the state of the local fisheries resources remained limited. This highlights the importance of incorporating ecological and socio-economic considerations in setting fisheries management regimes.
Crystal Phases, Defects, and Dynamics of Adsorbed Hydroxyl Groups and Water in Pure and Lanthanide-Modified Zirconia: A Neutron-Scattering Study

Abstract The role of lanthanide doping in zirconia as a means of stabilizing and promoting catalytic reactions was studied by neutron spectroscopy. The crystal structure of high-surface-area Ln 0.1 Zr 0.9 O 1.95 ( Ln = La and Nd) powders prepared by a coprecipitation method were found to be composed of mixed phases of tetragonal and cubic symmetry, which can be stabilized over a temperature range (up to ∼ 1000°C) pertinent to catalytic applications. A real-space correlation function, obtained from a Fourier transform of the filtered residual diffuse scattering, showed evidence of static, oxygen vacancy-induced atomic displacements along the pseudocubic 〈111〉 and other directions. The dynamics of hydrogen atoms associated with the surface hydroxyl groups and adsorbed water molecules on Ln 0.1 Zr 0.9 O 1.95 and pure ZrO 2 over a frequency range of 0-4400 cm −1 was investigated by neutron inelastic scattering. The stretch vibrations of surface hydroxyl groups on monoclinic ZrO 2 were found to have slightly higher frequencies than those for Ln 0.1 Zr 0.9 O 1.95 . At a submonolayer coverage of water the O-H stretch bands broaden and shift to lower energies. At higher coverage three bands, corresponding to the O-H stretch, H-O-H bend, and librational motion of water molecules, were observed, indicating the influence of hydrogen bonding. The neutron results were compared with infrared data and ab initio calculations for similar zirconia systems found in the literature.
Evaluation of a rapid chromic acid method for determination of total nitrogen in soils

Abstract A chromic acid method proposed for rapid determination of total nitrogen (N) in soils was evaluated by comparing its results with those obtained by a Kjeldahl method commonly used for total N analysis of soils. Analyses of 12 surface soils selected so that they differed markedly in texture and organic carbon content showed that the chromic acid method recovered only 87.5% to 94.1% (average, 90.5%) of the soil N recovered by the Kjeldahl method. The recovery of N from ammonium sulfate and soils by the chromic acid method decreased with increase in time of digestion with chromic acid from 1 minute to 15 minutes (the recommended digestion time). This indicates that the low recovery of soil N by the chromic acid method was at least partly due to oxidation of ammonium to nitrate and/or nitrite by chromic acid and subsequent gaseous loss of these forms of N. Support for this conclusion was provided by analyses showing that about half of the N that could not be recovered as ammonium after digestion of a...
Recent advances in food processing and packaging technology

As the economies of many countries are increasing, the consumers have started using processed food more than the staples. As a matter of fact global food processing and packaging business has reached to multi trillion dollars. It was reported that approximately, 16 million people work in the food industry. Recent advances in food processing and packaging is not just to meet the productivity demands but to adopt sophisticated automation, control and monitoring methods and techniques. This paper reviews aspects of food processing and packaging methods and techniques. The intention of including this paper in this journal was that significant amount of processing and packaging research and developments involve study of automation, control and monitoring. This paper, therefore, besides describing various stages of food processing, provides a detail review on many subtopics including recent advances in smart packaging techniques, the role of nanotechnology in packaging, various types of packaging machineries including the application of robotics, package printing techniques, conventional automation and control tools, Open, Modular Architecture Control (OMAC) guidelines on automation and control including further references, the importance of treatability attribute, paradigm shift with regard to the use of fieldbus-based automation scenarios and some evidences and last but not the least the current research directions in the field of Food Processing and Packaging Technology (FPPT).
Astrophysics: shock breakout caught on camera.

What exactly is the relationship between bursts of cosmic γ-rays and the stellar explosions known as supernovae? Intimate, it seems: highly magnetic neutron stars might even have spawned both.
Distributed problem-solving techniques: A survey

Distributed problem-solving is defined as a subfield of artificial intelligence that deals with the interaction of groups of intelligent agents attempting to cooperate to solve problems. A taxonomy of distributed artificial intelligence systems is presented, based on the communication and control methodologies used by their constituent agents, along with the theoretical foundations which underly them. Control in distributed problem-solvers is characterized by cooperation, organization, and dynamics. Communications are specified through paradigms, content, and protocols. Several prototypical systems in areas such as natural language processing and medical diagnosis are briefly discussed, along with more mature systems in applications such as air-traffic control, vehicle monitoring, and manufacturing systems.
Brainstem evoked response to dorsal vagal gastric input from the proximal stomach.

Abstract Unitary responses to electrical stimulation of gastric vagal fibers, that serve the proximal stomach and join the dorsal vagal trunk, were bilaterally distributed in nucleus tractus solitarus (NTS) in the brainstem of the cat. The vagally activated brainstem responses consisted of single or multiple spikes with a mean latency of 281 (SD ± 43 ms) which translated into a conduction velocity of
Off-Mass-Shell Approach to Baryon Resonances

The off-mass-shell approach to baryon resonances may be considered as a new formulation of bootstrap idea in which the dispersion theory and the current-commutator algebra [1] are incorporated in a systematic and unambiguous manner. We study in this approach the off-mass-shell continuation of the matrix element in which a baryon resonance decays into another baryon resonance with the emission of a single pion, kaon, or η-meson. We study, in particular, the dispersion relation satisfied by the off-mass-shell decay amplitude with respect to the external mass of the baryon resonance. We assume no subtraction in this dispersion relation. We assume, furthermore, that the dispersion relation can be saturated in terms of the baryon resonances, which are assumed in this approach to behave more or less like stable particles. Because of this bootstrap assumption, the above dispersion relation reduces to a set of self-consistency conditions satisfied by the physical decay amplitudes among the baryon resonances.
Overgrowth of GaN on GaN nanowires produced by mask-less etching

Abstract We report on the generation of GaN nanowires (NWs) using mask-less reactive ion etching (RIE). The NWs are believed to be the result of a high etching rate in regions where a high dislocation density is present in the GaN films grown on sapphire substrates. We have studied the effect of defect densities in the original GaN films and its relation to the generation of these NWs. We show that defect reduction in the overgrown GaN is related to the presence of a network of embedded voids generated between these nanowires during the regrowth on the etched nanowires. We show that further reduction in dislocation density can be achieved by repeating the process of nanowire generation and overgrowth. Also we report on the residual strain and curvature in GaN after the first and second embedded voids approach (EVA).
Trace element and isotopic zoning in minerals: Models of compositional fractionation by mineral separation procedures

Abstract Data on compositional zoning of minerals are required to apply thermodynamic models to mineral ,chemistry and to constrain kinetic models of diffusion and grain growth. Trace elements and isotopes have not been utilized fully in these applications because in situ methods of analysis (e.g. SIMS and PIXE) have not become routine. Trace element and isotopic compositions of minerals are usually determined from mineral separates. However, routine mineral separation procedures are not designed to detect and characterize zoning. Mineral separates are formed by segregating simple (monomineralic) particles of a mineral from other minerals and compound particles. Models of the formation of simple and compound particles during rock comminution show how the size and shape of mineral grains and the size of the particles formed affect the constitution of the separates. The interior portions of minerals are strongly over-represented in mineral separates, while the margins of the grains are preferentially included in compound particles. The particle size/grain size ratio is the dominant factor in the segregation of the rims of minerals from the cores. The particle size/grain size ratio can be controlled through regulation of rock comminution and sieving procedures. Separation protocols are suggested to gain information about the nature of chemical and isotopic heterogeneities in minerals. In particular, chemical and isotopic effects associated with thin zones near grain boundaries can be investigated effectively.
Analysis of biomolecule detection with optofluidic ring resonator sensors

We theoretically and experimentally analyze the biomolecule detection capability of the liquid core optical ring resonator (LCORR) as a label-free bio/chemical sensor. We first establish a simple and general linear relationship between the LCORR's bulk refractive index sensitivity (BRIS) and its response to molecule deposition onto the surface, which enables us to easily characterize the LCORR sensing performance. Then, biosensing experiments are performed with bovine serum albumin (BSA) and LCORRs of various BRISs. The experimental results are in good agreement with the theoretical prediction. Further analysis shows that the LCORR is capable of detecting BSA below 10 pM with sub-picogram/mm2 mass detection limit.
Molecular clocks and the incompleteness of the fossil record

Molecular clocks can be evaluated by comparing absolute rates of evolution and by performing relative-rate tests. Typically, calculations of absolute rates are based on earliest observed occurrences in the fossil record. Relative-rate tests, on the other hand, merely require an unambiguous outgroup. A major disadvantage of relative-rate tests is their insensitivity to concomitant and equal rate changes in all lineages. Apparent differences in absolute rates, in turn, may be artifacts that are attributable to an incomplete fossil record. Recently developed methods in quantitative biostratigraphy recognize the incompleteness of the fossil record and allow us to place confidence intervals on the endpoints of taxon ranges. These methods are applicable to taxa whose fossil records are of markedly different quality. When we extend these methods and integrate molecular and paleontologic data, we can test the null hypothesis that seemingly disparate rates of molecular evolution are in fact equal under the simplifying assumption that fossils are randomly and independently distributed over their temporal ranges and that fossils can be accurately placed in a phylogenetic context. We can also estimate the range of ticking rates, if any, that are compatible with known fossil data. Ultimately, more accurate rate estimates for widely divergent taxa should allow for more meaningful comparisons of evolutionary rates. DNA hybridization data for monotremes and marsupials suggest a 17-fold difference for 14 different rate calculations with a mean value of approximately 1% divergence per million years. Variation among marsupials is sevenfold. However, when we apply appropriate statistical tests and make additional allowances for fossils of uncertain taxonomic assignment, etc., all 14 rates are compatible with a molecular clock ticking at approximately 0.4% divergence per million years. In addition, this analysis brings relative- and absolute-rate tests into accord.
Abstract 3836: Enhancement of doxorubicin cytotoxicity in breast cancer by NIM811, A non-immunosuppressive cyclosporine A analog

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Cyclophilin A (CypA) is a member of the immunophilin family of peptidyl prolyl isomerases (PPI) that catalyze the cis-trans interconversion of proline imide bonds of peptides. In this role, cyclophilins have been found to function as signaling switches, regulating the activity of receptors, kinases and transcription factors. The PPI activity of CypA is inhibited by the immunosuppressive drug cyclosporine A (CsA), and in turn the CypA-CsA complex inhibits calcineurin-mediated NFAT activation. Our laboratory has demonstrated that CypA is necessary for the prolactin (PRL)-induced activation of Jak2/Stat5 signaling and gene expression (Cancer Res 68:7769, 2008). In addition, we have also shown that CsA inhibits the in vitro and in vivo growth and progression of both ER+ and ER- breast cancer cell lines. Here, we show that the non-immunosuppressive CsA analog NIM811 blocked PRL-stimulated activation of the Jak2/Stat5, PI3K/AKT and MAPK pathways in T47D cells. NIM811 also inhibited ER+, ER-, and Her2+ breast cancer cell proliferation, survival, motility and anchorage independent growth in a dose-dependent manner. NIM811 inhibited PRL induced gene expression, such as CISH and Cyclin D1. NIM811 also blocked the PRL-induced association between Stat5 and cMyb, and at higher doses, triggered PARP cleavage and activate Caspase 3. Furthermore, NIM811 increased the effects of doxorubicin in inhibiting monolayer cell growth and soft agar colony growth in vitro. In vivo, NIM811 alone significantly induced the primary tumor central necrosis and inhibited lymph node metastasis; combining NIM811 with a low dose of doxorubicin significantly inhibited MDA-MB-231 breast cancer xenograft tumor growth and distant organ metastasis. In summary, these results indicate that non-immunosuppressive cyclophilin inhibitor NIM811 has significant potential as both a single agent or in combination with cytotoxic agents for breast cancer therapy. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3836. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-3836
Phosphoinositides in giant barnacle muscle fibers: a quantitative analysis at rest and following electrical stimulation.

Abstract Quantitative data are presented on the composition of the major phospholipids in isolated giant barnacle muscle fibers. It is shown, using internal perfusion techniques, that the high specific activity of labeling of polyphosphoinositides in vivo is attained by the activities of specific kinases. Electrical stimulation causes a reduction in the specific activity of labeling of PtdInsP 2 . This phospholipid, which is the immediate precursor for the release of InsP 3 , is found at a significant concentration (40 nmol/g wet weight) in single barnacle muscle fibers, sufficient to support a role as precursor of second messengers. The rapid catabolization of PtdInsP 2 in the absence of external Ca 2+ suggests that E-C coupling in barnacle muscle may be associated with a voltage-dependent, Ca 2+ -independent, activation of the breakdown of polyphosphoinositides.
Biological aspects of the geranium mites,Coptophylla caroliniani andAceria mississippiensis (Prostigmata: Eriophyidae)

Aceria mississippiensis andCoptophylla caroliniani (Prostigmata: Eriophyidiae) were found on wild geranium,Geranium carolinianum L., in northern Mississippi. About onehalf of the total developmental time was spent in the egg stage for each species. The developmental threshold forA. mississippiensis was 5.5±1.04°C and 7.3±0.93°C forC. caroliniani. The optimum temperature for each developmental stage was between 25 and 29°C.C. caroliniani failed to develop at 36°C, whereasA. mississippiensis failed at 40°C. Day-degree requirements to complete development were 100.7±3.6 Do and 154.6±4.1 Do forC. caroliniani andA. mississippiensis, respectively.
Synthesis and In Vitro Evaluation of 5-[18F]Fluoroalkyl Pyrimidine Nucleosides for Molecular Imaging of Herpes Simplex Virus Type-1 Thymidine Kinase Reporter Gene Expression

Two novel series of 5-fluoroalkyl-2′-deoxyuridines (FPrDU, FBuDU, FPeDU) and 2′-fluoro-2′-deoxy-5-fluoroalkylarabinouridines (FFPrAU, FFBuAU, FFPeAU) that have three, four, or five methylene units (propyl, butyl, or pentyl) at C-5 were prepared and tested as reporter probes for imaging herpes simplex virus type 1 thymidine kinase (HSV1-tk) gene expression. The Negishi coupling methodology was employed in efficiently synthesizing the radiolabeling precursors. All six 5-[18F]fluoroalkyl pyrimidines were readily prepared from 3-N-benzoyl-3′,5′-di-O-benzoyl-protected 5-O-mesylate precursors in 17−35% radiochemical yield (decay-corrected). In vitro studies highlighted that all six [18F]-labeled nucleosides selectively accumulated in cells expressing the HSV1-TK protein and there was negligible uptake in control cells. [18F]FPrDU, [18F]FBuDU, [18F]FPeDU, and [18F]FFBuAU had the best uptake profiles. Despite their selective accumulation in HSV1-tk-expressing cells, all 5-fluoroalkyl pyrimidine nucleosides had lo...
Severe loss-of-function mutations affect critical genes and pathways in the Qatari population

Exome sequencing was used to study genetic variation in the Qatari population. We sequenced 100 healthy Qataris (50X average depth, with >80% of sites at >10x depth) representing the 3 major Qatari genetic subpopulations (Q1 - Bedouin, Q2 - Persian/South Asian, Q3 - African). A total of ~174,000 high quality variants were identified, of which 1306 were predicted to cause loss of function (frameshift/ stop-gain/splice/start-loss) in 1102 unique genes. Of these, 471 (36%) were novel Qatari variants (absent from public databases) of which 43 were observed in 2 or more individuals, suggesting a population allele frequency #1%. 54 of 471 loss of function mutations affected genes in the OMIM database with a confirmed disease-causing status. Of these, 30 occurred in genes known to cause severe autosomal recessive disease. Of interest, some of these mutation had allele frequencies of up to 8% in Qataris. We further focused on the subset that were nonsense mutations (n=671/1306). These occurred in 616 of 1102 unique genes and resulted in a median truncated protein length of 54.3%. 237 of 671 nonsense mutations were novel to Qataris, suggesting that a significant number of variants from this population are yet to be sampled and covered in public databases. When nonsense alleles were considered in the 3 separate Qatari subpopulations, the Q3 population displayed the highest number of nonsense alleles per individual (mean: 40.7, range: 28-55), consistent with the highest genome diversity due to African ancestry. Surprisingly, despite having the lowest number of heterozygous nonsense mutations (mean: 22.8, range: 16-31), the Q1 subpopulation had at least 20% more homozygous nonsense mutations (range: 2-15, mean: 6.7) per individual than either Q2 or Q3, consistent with the high levels of consanguinity in this population. Specifically, the Q1 had significantly higher allele frequencies than the rest of the world for 2 autosomal recessive disease genes, including 1 individual homozygous for a nonsense mutation in POMT1 which causes muscular dystrophy, and 4 individuals heterozygous for a mutation that truncates the Holoprocencephaly-causing TGIF1 gene to 7.5% full length. Additionally, the population as a whole had higher allele frequencies for 6 other autosomal-recessive-disease-causing mutations, bearing significant health implications for the Qatari population in particular, and for this highly consanguineous region of the world in general.
Overcoming Clientelism Through Local Participatory Institutions in Mexico: What Type of Participation?

This article addresses the relationship between institutionalized citizen participation at the municipal level and clientelism. It argues, contrary to what the literature has suggested, that the institutionalization of local citizen participation does not necessarily lead to the erosion of clientelism. Drawing on a comparative case study of participatory experiences in two Mexican municipalities, Leon and Nezahualcoyotl, this study argues that participation does matter, but that not all types of participation have the same effect on state-society relations. Institutional design is important in assessing the significance of popular participation in defining the relationship between the state and its citizens, but informal practices are even more important determinants of citizens' level of autonomy in institutionalized participatory mechanisms. This level of autonomy, in turn, determines the potential for such local institutions to become a means to overcome clientelism as the mechanism traditionally characterizing state-society relationships in Mexico.
Mentoring programs to affect delinquency and associated outcomes of youth at risk: A comprehensive meta-analytic review

Objectives To conduct a meta-analytic review of selective and indicated mentoring interventions for effects for youth at risk on delinquency and key associated outcomes (aggression, drug use, academic functioning). We also undertook the first systematic evaluation of intervention implementation features and organization and tested for effects of theorized key processes of mentor program effects.
Role of calcium and calcium-binding agents on the lipase digestibility of emulsified lipids using an in vitro digestion model

Controlling the digestibility of lipids within the gastrointestinal tract is important for developing food and pharmaceutical products. In vitro digestion methods are commonly used to study the influence of formulation composition and microstructure on lipid digestibility. In this paper, we focus on the impact of calcium and calcium-binding agents on the rate of lipid droplet digestion in corn oil-in-water emulsions monitored using a pH-stat method. The rate of fatty acid production increased with increasing calcium, e.g., the free fatty acids released after 20 min digestion was 95% for 20 mM CaCl2. The ability of calcium to increase the digestion rate was found for three different emulsifiers used to stabilize the initial lipid droplets: lyso-lecithin, caseinate and β-lactoglobulin. For these three systems, the initial rate of lipid digestion increased in the following order lyso-lecithin > β-lactoglobulin > caseinate at both 0 and 20 mM CaCl2, but the rate was considerably faster at higher calcium levels for all systems. The addition of EDTA, a calcium chelating agent, to emulsions containing 20 mM CaCl2 caused an appreciable decrease in lipid digestion rate, reducing the amount of free fatty acids produced after 20 min from around 97% to 32% when the EDTA level was increased from 0 to 5 mM. Finally, we examined the impact of two anionic polysaccharides (pectin and alginate) on the rate of lipid digestion in emulsions containing 20 mM CaCl2. High methoxy pectin, which does not bind calcium strongly, did not have a major effect on the rate of digestion, whereas alginate, which does bind calcium strongly, depressed the rate considerably. This study has important implications for designing and testing delivery systems that control lipid digestion.
Sox17 and β-catenin cooperate to regulate the transcription of endodermal genes

Recent studies have led to a model of the molecular pathway that specifies the endoderm during vertebrate gastrulation. The HMG box transcription factor Sox17 is a key component of this pathway and is essential for endoderm formation; however, the molecular events controlled by Sox17 are largely unknown. We have identified several direct transcriptional targets of Sox17, including Foxa1 and Foxa2. We show that beta-catenin, a component of Wnt signaling pathway, physically interacts with Sox17 and potentiates its transcriptional activation of target genes. We identify a motif in the C terminus of Sox17, which is conserved in all the SoxF subfamily of Sox proteins, and this motif is required for the ability of Sox17 to both transactivate target genes and bind beta-catenin. Nuclear beta-catenin is present in endoderm cells of the gastrula, and depletion of beta-catenin from embryos results in a repression of Sox17 target genes. These data suggest that in a mechanism analogous to Tcf/Lef interacting with beta-catenin, Sox17 and beta-catenin interact to transcribe endodermal target genes.
Methods for computing NASCAR tire/track intersections

A problem that arises naturally in the real-time simulation of race car motion is the calculation of tire/track intersection points, given track geometry, a wheel hub position, and a wheel plane normal. The challenge arises from handling very large track models, which may comprise millions of polygons, and still meeting tight timing constraints, which require more than 5,000 lookups/second. Three methods of solution are proposed, and the performance and reliability of each is discussed.
One-Dimensional Phase-Change Nanostructure: Germanium Telluride Nanowire

High-quality nanowires of germanium telluride (GeTe), a one-dimensional chalcogenide phase-change nanostructure, were synthesized via thermal evaporation method under vapor−liquid−solid mechanism. The physical morphology, chemical composition, and crystal structure of the as-synthesized GeTe nanowires were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), and X-ray photoemission spectroscopy. Through real-time TEM imaging of nanowire sample heated in an incrementally controllable heating system, the melting point of a single crystalline GeTe nanowire (∼40−80 nm diameter) is found to be significantly lower than that of its bulk counterpart (46% reduction, from 725 to 390 °C). The significant reduction in melting point makes one-dimensional phase-change chalcogenide nanowire a potential material for application in low-power high-density resistive switching nonvolatile data storage in which the thermal energy for mat...
An interdisciplinary course in digital image processing

This paper documents the development and first offering of an interdisciplinary undergraduate course in Digital Image Processing at the University of Wyoming. The course itself was designed to serve majors from a wide range of academic disciplines, although in its initial offering, it was attented mainly by students majoring in Computre Science and Electrical Engineering. National Foundation funding for equipment for the course was used to purchase a high speed image processing system and six state-of-the-art graphics workstations with software that supported basic and intermediate level image processing operations. Students in the course were required to perform a standard set of image processing sequences such as histogramming and histogram equalization, edge detection and evaluation, image smoothing, region growing, Fourier filtering, and image warping. Each student, in consultation with the instructor, then pursued a specific topic in image processing which involved either combining several image processing operations to produce a desired result or developing special code to implement image processing algorithms that were discussed in the text but not included in the provided software. The nature of the course and its impact on education at the University of Wyoming is discussed in the paper that follows.
Rapid immunological induction of murine lymphomas: evidence for a viral etiology.

A graft-versus-host reaction induced in (SJL/J x C57BL/1)F1 hybrid mice by injection of SJL/J spleen cells resulted in 100 percent incidence of tumors at 40 days. Transplantation studies revealed that the tumors were antigenically C57BL/1. Since both SJL/J and C57BL/1 mice carry tumorigenic virus, the evidence suggests a viral etiology.
Why Military Regimes Fail: The Perils of Transition

This article argues that in industrializing democratic (or semidemocratic) societies, where military interventions have been viewed as solutions to increasingly complex economic and political problems, the return to civilian rule is a frustrating experience for the military leaders. Even under the best of circumstances-when soldiers withdraw willingly-the transition process rarely produces the results desired by the military. The shortcomings of the transition are imbedded in the dynamics of the process, which include the officers' own miscalculations and, more importantly, civilians' need to demonstrate independence and resistance. This article demonstrates the perils of transition in the case of post-1980 Turkey, where the military undertook a well-planned and thought-out process of disengagement under very favorable conditions. There was almost no civilmilitary conflict or opposition from external sources. Yet the final outcome disappointed the generals.
Subordinate imitation of supervision behavior: The role of supervisor power and subordinate self-esteem

Following Social Learning Theory, it was hypothesized that subordinate perceptions of their supervisor's reward, coercive, and expert power should relate to the degree of modeling for subordinates high in self-esteem (SE), but not for subordinates low in SE. Correspondingly, perceptions of supervisor's referent power should relate to modeling for those low in SE, but not those high in SE. Respondents were 66 department heads and their immediate supervisors, the branch managers, from an Israeli banking organization. Manager-department head similarity in self-described leadership behavior was used as the index of modeling. The over-all pattern of results largely supported the applicability of Social Learning Theory to organizational modeling.
An isotopic biogeochemical assessment of shifts in organic matter input to Holocene sediments from Mud Lake, Florida

Abstract A molecular and isotopic study of sediment cores from a sinkhole lake, Mud Lake, Florida, USA, was performed in order to relate documented changes in the regional terrestrial vegetation and water table over the last ∼5500 years to molecular and isotopic proxies for biological sources of organic matter to the lake sediments. Temporal shifts in the source of organic matter to the sediment, as determined by the stable carbon-isotope composition of bulk organic matter and biomarkers, correspond with previously defined regional scale transitions in forest ecosystems ( Quercus to Pinus at ∼5500 14 C yr BP and Taxodium expansion at 2500 14 C yr BP) and coincident increases in the Floridan water table. The δ 13 C values for total sedimentary organic carbon showed a shift from terrestrial and aquatic macrophyte sources (−27.8‰, in sediments dated at ∼5400 14 C yr BP) within the basal peat, to a cyanobacterial-dominated sapropel (−18.1‰) at the surface. A comparison of the δ 13 C values of bulk sediment and biomarkers representative of cyanobacterial and algal input (e.g. 7- and 8-methylheptadecane and the n -alkane C 17 ) indicates that the present shallow lake was fully developed by ∼2400 14 C yr BP. Differences among the δ 13 C values of specific biomarkers derived from vascular plants (C 29 and C 31 n -alkanes and CuO lignin oxidation products) and from cyanobacteria and algae are nearly equivalent in magnitude to the shift recorded in δ 13 C of TOC, indicating their effective use as source proxies in this system.
Organizational systems to support publicly funded tobacco treatment services

Background Professional societies and government organizations have promoted guidelines and best practices that encourage clinicians to routinely integrate cessation counseling into patient encounters. While research in health maintenance organizations has demonstrated that the development and maintenance of office systems do enable clinicians’ smoking-cessation services, little is known about the adoption of system strategies in diverse organizations serving disadvantaged populations. Methods Data were collected via face-to-face interviews from November 2001 to October 2002 using a standardized systems assessment checklist at service delivery sites of 83 funded community health service agencies, which included hospitals, community health centers, and other organizations (e.g., substance abuse, mental health, and multiservice). The content of the structured assessment reflected system elements with proven effectiveness that have been included in guidelines and best practices recommendations. Detailed information was collected on the implementation strategies. Results This study found considerable attention to systems that support cessation services in diverse healthcare organizations, but much remains to be done. There is a wide diversity of implementation strategies employed, with varied degrees of sophistication. Conclusions A major challenge is to develop systems capable of providing population-based feedback to, and between, providers, which will enable further quality improvement efforts.
Wholly aromatic thermotropic liquid crystalline polyesters of 3,3′‐bis(phenyl)‐4,4′‐biphenol with 4,4′‐benzophenone dicarboxylic acid

A series of wholly aromatic, thermotropic polyesters, derived from 3,3′-bis(phenyl)-4,4′-biphenol (DPBP), nonlinear 4,4′-benzophenone dicarboxylic acid (4,4′-BDA), and various linear comonomers, were prepared by the melt polycondensation reaction and characterized for their thermotropic properties by a variety of experimental techniques. The homopolymer of DPBP with 4,4′-BDA had a fusion temperature (Tf) at 265°C, exhibited a nematic phase, and had a liquid crystalline range of 105°C. All of the copolyesters of DPBP with 4,4′-BDA and either 30 mol % 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (HBA), 6-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid (HNA), or 50 mol % terephthalic acid (TA), 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid (2,6-NDA) had low Tf values in the range of 220–285°C, exhibited a nematic phase, and had accessible isotropization transitions (Ti) in the range of 270–420°C, respectively. Their accessible Ti values would enable one to observe a biphase structure. Each of the copolymers with HBA or HNA had a much broader range of liquid crystalline phase. In contrast, each of the copolymers with TA or 2,6-NDA had a relatively narrow range of liquid crystalline phase. Each of these polyesters had a glassy, nematic morphology that was confirmed with the DSC, PLM, WAXD, and SEM studies. As expected, they had higher glass transition temperatures (Tg) in the range of 161–217°C than those of other liquid crystalline polyesters, and excellent thermal stabilities (Td) in the range of 494–517°C, respectively. Despite their noncrystallinity, they were not soluble in common organic solvents with the exception that the homopolymer and its copolymer with TA had limited solubility in CHCl3. However, they were soluble in the usual mixture of p-chlorophenol/1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane (60/40 by weight) with the exception of the copolymer with 2,6-NDA. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 35: 769–785, 1997
How Do I Evaluate THAT? Experiences from a Systems-Level Evaluation Effort

In this paper we describe our experience deriving evaluation metrics for a systems-level framework called Ripple that connects software engineering and usability engineering life cycles. This evaluation was conducted with eight teams of graduate students (falling under four types of development models) competing in a joint software engineering and usability engineering course to create a software solution for a real world client. We describe the challenges of evaluating systems-level frameworks and the approach we used to derive metrics given our evaluation context. We conclude with the outcome of this evaluation and the effectiveness of the metrics we employed.