cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Solar-thermally driven PCR for power-free diagnostics

The utility of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology is significantly reduced in resource-limited settings partly due to high energy costs associated with thermal cycling. We introduce a solar-powered PCR technique in which sunlight is used to create a specific thermal profile compatible with PCR. We show preliminary results in which genomic DNA extracted from Kaposi's Sarcoma-associated herpesvirus is amplified. We also characterize the on-chip temperatures under different external temperatures to demonstrate its potential usability over a range of ambient conditions. By circumventing traditional power requirements, solar-powered PCR could help make PCR technology widely available in the developing world.
Distributional Properties of CUSUM Stopping Times and Stopped Processes

Abstract Let {Z(t), t ≥ 0} be a stochastic process with stationary independent increments and let T 1 = inf{t ≥ 0: Z(t) − min0≤s≤t Z(s) ≥ h}, h > 0. Under suitable conditions on Z(t), we obtain the joint Laplace transform of T 1 and Z(T 1) by deriving a formula for ψ1(α, β) = E exp (α Z(T 1) − β T 1), where β > 0 and α is a suitable number in some interval containing zero. Furthermore, if T 2 is T 1 for Z*(t) = −Z(t), then ψ1(α, β) leads to a formula for ψ2(α, β) = E exp (α Z(T 2) − β T 2). Moreover, if T = min(T 1, T 2), then a formula for ψ1(α, β) = E exp (α Z(T) − β T) is also given in terms of ψ1(α, β) and ψ2(α, β). Our results provide quite direct and simple derivations of several results due to Taylor and others. Many of the isolated examples with detail theories of their own are unified by the given generalization. A number of examples are discussed.
Effects of exercise on chromium levels. Is supplementation required

It is estimated that most individuals are not ingesting sufficient amounts of chromium in their diets. Although there is little information on chromium intake in athletes, many athletes ingest more calories than do non-athletes so their chromium intake should be adequate. However, athletes who restrict calories to maintain low bodyweights could compromise their chromium status. Some evidence also shows that exercise may increase chromium loss into the urine. At present, it is not known whether this loss necessitates additional chromium in the diet or whether the body will increase retention in response to the loss. Chromium deficiency is thought to contribute to glucose intolerance and unhealthy blood lipid profiles. The primary function of chromium is to potentiate the effects of insulin, and thereby alter glucose, amino acid and fat metabolism. Chromium supplements have been purported to increase muscle mass and decrease body fat. However, the preponderance of evidence has not supported this claim. There is little information available on the long term use of chromium supplements, but at present, supplements within the Estimated Safe and Adequate Daily Dietary Allowance (ESADDI) level do not appear harmful. The prudent course of action for athletes would be to ingest foods rich in chromium and perhaps take a multivitamin/mineral supplement containing no more than the ESADDI of chromium.
Satisfaction with intimate exchange: Gender-role differences and the impact of equity, equality, and rewards

The relative effects of equity, equality, and reward level upon assessments of marital satisfaction are investigated. In doing so, the impact of gender-role orientation upon the relationship between the predictor variables and marital satisfaction is specified. The data indicate that reward level is the major variable affecting assessments of satisfaction for both moderns and traditionals. Further, the effect of reward level is more pronounced for those with modern gender-role orientations. Contrary to expectation, the effects of the exchange-related variables, equity and equality, are minimal for both moderns and traditionals. These findings suggest that intimates, regardless of gender-role orientation, tend to avoid the “bookkeeping” involved in global equity and equality comparisons and instead accentuate individual reward levels. It appears, however, that moderns are significantly more demanding than traditionals in their emphasis upon reward levels.
Rayleigh Scattering Diagnostic for Measurement of Temperature and Velocity in Harsh Environments

A molecular Rayleigh scattering system for temperature and velocity measurements in unseeded flows is described. The system is capable of making measurements in the harsh environments commonly found in aerospace test facilities, which may have high acoustic sound levels, varying temperatures, and high vibration levels. Light from an argon-ion laser is transmitted via an optical fiber to a remote location where two flow experiments were located. One was a subsonic free air jet; the second was a low-speed heated airjet. Rayleigh scattered light from the probe volume was transmitted through another optical fiber from the remote location to a controlled environment where a Fabry-Perot interferometer and cooled CCD camera were used to analyze the Rayleigh scattered light. Good agreement between the measured velocity and the velocity calculated from isentropic flow relations was demonstrated (less than 5 m/sec). The temperature measurements, however, exhibited systematic errors on the order of 10-15%.
A Comparison of the Effectiveness of the Small Business Institute Case Method

The perceived effectiveness of the Small Business Institute (S.B.I.) case approach to teaching business was compared to that of three traditional methods of instruction. The S.B.I. approach was judged to teach in the greatest depth, provide the best chance to use what has been learned, provide the best opportunity for individualized instruction, and require the most self-motivation. The students with the higher grade point averages believed that lecture discussion and the S.B.I. case approaches taught them the most; the students with the lower grade point averages stated that the large group lecture and traditional textbook case approaches taught them the most. The study's design permitted an investigation of the effect on the respondents' replies of whether the focus of the study on the S.B.I. case method was made explicit. Disguising the focus produced responses somewhat less favorable to the S.B.I case method.
K-CORONAL ENHANCEMENTS AND CHROMOSPHERIC PLAGES.

A systematic investigation was made of the K-corona immediately overlying the positions of the brightest and most isolated chromospheric plages during the years 1964–1967. In all cases, the corona was found to be enhanced with peak brightness proportional to the plage area. In the absence of plages, the K-coronal brightness remained at a quiet level which was essentially the same thoughout this part of the solar cycle.
Glial-neuron interactions and the regulation of myelin formation

The association between neuron and glial cell that leads to the formation of a myelinated axon depends on a number of adhesion/recognition molecules whose temporal expression, localization, and in some cases removal are critical for sculpting the mature myelin sheath.
Conformal Lie superalgebras and moduli spaces

A conformal Lie superalgebra is a superextension of the centerless Virasoro algebra W—the Lie algebra of complex vector fields on the circle. The algebras of Ramond and Neveu-Schwarz are not the only examples of such superalgebras. All known superconformal algebras can be obtained as comlexifications of Lie superalgebras of vector fields on a supercircle with an additional structure. For every such superalgebra a class of geometric objects—complex — is defined. For the superalgebras of Neveu-Schwarz and Ramond they are super Riemann surfaces with punctures of different kinds. We construct moduli superspaces for compact , and show that the superalgebra acts infinitesimally on the corresponding moduli space.
Hierarchical forecasting: issues and use guidelines

In order to provide the appropriate demand forecast information given various managerial levels and functional disciplines within organizations, reliance on family‐based forecasting is increasing. The family‐based approach, sometimes referred to as hierarchical forecasting (HF), is based on a strategy of aggregating items into families. HF systems are capable of providing forecasts for items and their respective families. The objectives of HF systems, include improved forecast performance and a reduction in the overall forecasting burden. To date, several studies have offered practical guidelines for the structural design of HF systems. The primary purpose of this paper is to summarize these guidelines. First, an explanation of the HF process is provided. In this explanation, important system parameters and strategic choices, which allow for the custom configuration of HF systems are identified. Second, the relevant family‐based forecast research is reviewed. The important issues addressed and the conclusions presented in this research are identified. Third, practical guidelines regarding the use of a HF approach that have been reported in the research literature are clearly delineated. With much still unknown regarding the performance impact of various system parameter and strategic process choices, the paper concludes with suggestions for future research.
Enhancement of Cyclopamine via Conjugation with Nonmetabolic Sugars

The Veratrum alkaloid cyclopamine, an inhibitor of cancer stem cell growth, was used as a representative scaffold to evaluate the inhibitory impact of glycosylation with a group of nonmetabolic saccharides, such as d-threose. In a five-step divergent process, a 32-member glycoside library was created and assayed to determine that glycosides of such sugars notably improved the GI50 value of cyclopamine while metabolic sugars, such as d-glucose, did not.
Migrating a (large) science database to the cloud

We report on attempts to put an existing scientific (astronomical) database -- the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) science archive [1] - in the cloud. Based on our experience, it is either very frustrating or impossible at this time to migrate an existing, complex SQL Server database into current cloud service offerings such as Amazon (EC2) and Microsoft (SQL Azure). Certainly it is impossible to migrate a large database in excess of a TB, but even with (much) smaller databases, the limitations of cloud services make it very difficult to migrate the data to the cloud without making changes to the schema and settings (for example, inability to migrate a spatial indexing library, and several other user-defined functions and stored procedures) that would invalidate performance comparisons between cloud and on-premise versions. So it is not surprising that our preliminary performance comparisons show a very large (an order of magnitude) performance discrepancy with the Amazon cloud version of the SDSS database. We have also not yet investigated the performance tweaks that could be possible within the cloud.Although we managed to successfully migrate (a subset of) the SDSS catalog database to Amazon EC2, we were not able to access the database in a meaningful way from the outside world. Even though this was advertised as a public dataset on the AWS blog, it was not clear how other users or the public would be able to access this data in a meaningful way, if at all.These difficulties suggest that much work and coordination needs to occur between cloud service providers and their potential database clients before science databases can successfully and effectively be deployed in the cloud. This is true not just for large scientific databases but all databases that make extensive use of advanced database management system (DBMS) features for performance and user convenience.
Two-dimensional transient electromagnetic responses

The time‐domain electromagnetic (TEM) modeling method of Oristaglio and Hohmann is reformulated here in terms of the secondary field. This finite‐difference method gives a direct, explicit time‐domain solution for a two‐dimensional body in a conductive earth by advancing the field in time with DuFort‐Frankel time‐differencing. As a result, solving for the secondary field, defined as the difference between the total field and field of a half‐space, is not only more efficient but is also simpler and eliminates several problems inherent in the solution for the total field. For example, because the secondary field varies slowly both in space and time, it can be modeled on a coarse grid with large time steps. In addition, for a simple body the field is local; therefore, because the field can be assumed to satisfy a simple boundary condition in the earth computation is greatly simplified. Our tests show that for the same accuracy, the secondary‐field solution is roughly five times faster than the total‐field so...
Higher Bandwidth X

Network bandwidth has always been a key issue for multimedia protocols. Many potential users of networked multimedia protocols will continue to have low bandwidth network connections for some time: copper wire ISDN, infra-red, cellular modems, etc.. Compression provides potential relief for users of slow networks by increasing effective bandwidth. Higher Bandwidth X (HBX) introduces a new technique, based on arithmetic coding and statistical modeling, for compressing structured data. Applied to the X networked graphics protocol, this technique yields 6.3:1 compression across a representative set of traces, performing twice as well as the popular LZW-based Xremote compression protocol. HBX's coding techniques are generally applicable to the graphics and imaging subset of multimedia protocols. Future work will determine whether HBX's coding techniques can be applied to audio and video streams as well.
High-pressure liquid chromatography: a tool for study of enzyme reactions involving purines and purine nucleotides.

Abstract High-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) has been used as a tool to assay IMP-GMP:pyrophosphate phosphoribosyltransferase (HGPRT). Complete separation of the products of the enzyme-catalyzed reactions from the substrates and high sensitivity obviate some of the problems encountered when spectral assays are used. Results of divalent metal ion studies with HGPRT demonstrate the utility of the assay method.
The Galvanic Skin Response as a Measure of Emotion in Prejudice

(1956). The Galvanic Skin Response as a Measure of Emotion in Prejudice. The Journal of Psychology: Vol. 42, No. 1, pp. 149-155.
Histone demethylase dUTX antagonizes JAK-STAT signaling to maintain proper gene expression and architecture of the Drosophila testis niche

Adult stem cells reside in microenvironments called niches, where they are regulated by both extrinsic cues, such as signaling from neighboring cells, and intrinsic factors, such as chromatin structure. Here we report that in the Drosophila testis niche an H3K27me3-specific histone demethylase encoded by Ubiquitously transcribed tetratricopeptide repeat gene on the X chromosome (dUTX) maintains active transcription of the Suppressor of cytokine signaling at 36E (Socs36E) gene by removing the repressive H3K27me3 modification near its transcription start site. Socs36E encodes an inhibitor of the Janus kinase signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) signaling pathway. Whereas much is known about niche-to-stem cell signaling, such as the JAK-STAT signaling that is crucial for stem cell identity and activity, comparatively little is known about signaling from stem cells to the niche. Our results reveal that stem cells send feedback to niche cells to maintain the proper gene expression and architecture of the niche. We found that dUTX acts in cyst stem cells to maintain gene expression in hub cells through activating Socs36E transcription and preventing hyperactivation of JAK-STAT signaling. dUTX also acts in germline stem cells to maintain hub structure through regulating DE-Cadherin levels. Therefore, our findings provide new insights into how an epigenetic factor regulates crosstalk among different cell types within an endogenous stem cell niche, and shed light on the biological functions of a histone demethylase in vivo.
A Combined Method for the Determination of Myocardial Perfusion in Experimental Animals Using Microspheres and CMR

A convenient method is introduced for myocardial perfusion research by combining multislice short-axis cine cardiovascular magnetic resonance (MSA-CMR) and colored microspheres (CM). In canine control-ischemia-reperfusion (n = 11), Cardiac output (CO) was measured using MSA-CMR (COMSA), Phase Contrast CMR (PC-CMR, COPC) and CM (from reference blood samples, COμ) in 3 experimental periods per animal. COμ significantly and systematically overestimated COMSA (median deviation: 291 mL/min, p < 0.01), while there was excellent agreement between PC-CMR and MSA-CMR without significant over-or underestimation (median deviation: −14 ml/min, p = NS). In quantitative myocardial perfusion assay by CM, CMR should be used instead of reference blood sampling. This should improve the accuracy of absolute regional perfusion measurement.
Linear Models for Optimal Test Design

(2006). Linear Models for Optimal Test Design. Journal of the American Statistical Association: Vol. 101, No. 476, pp. 1727-1727.
Balancing move and work: women's labour market exits and entries after family migration

A substantial literature has examined the nature of mobility and migration and the link to workforce participation. In general that literature has documented the disadvantages to women who move or migrate with a partner during the mobility or migration process, but it suggests, especially for the US, that the disadvantage is temporarily limited. This study of the same process in the British labour market reaffirms a temporary deficit-effect of two-worker migration for women, but unlike the US labour market the process of re-entry seems slower. There are modest monetary gains from mobility and migration, but these gains come for some families only when women enter the labour force after migration. The study reconfirms the importance of gender in the migration and mobility processes. Income, for women, recovers more slowly if a birth was registered in the migration interval. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Production of phagocytosis-inducing factor and expression of 4B4 antigen by cloned human T cells before and after transformation with HTLV-I

Abstract The characteristics of 4 T-cell clones, each capable of producing phagocytosis-inducing factor (PIF), were compared before and after transformation with human T-lymphotropic virus Type 1 (HTLV-I). Before transformation, the four clones produced PIF transiently after stimulation with antigen or mitogen and expressed the phenotype T3 (CD3)+, T4 (CD4)+, T8 (CD8)−, 4B4+, and 2H4−; the three clones that could be studied also expressed the OKT17 marker. After transformation, the cells expressed the same phenotypic markers, except for two clones that lost the CD3 antigen. The clones that were available for study before and after transformation also expressed the antigen detected by the monoclonal antibody 5 9 . In addition, all clones secreted PIF constitutively after transformation. These characteristics of the four transformed T-cell clones closely resembled those of three long-term HTLV-I-transformed T-cell lines, HUT-102, C5/MJ, and MT-2, which also produced PIF constitutively and expressed the CD4 and 4B4, but not 2H4, markers. In addition, two other HTLV-I-transformed lines generated in the present study produced PIF constitutively. Since all nine HTLV-I transformed cell lines and all four untransformed clones secreted PIF, and since our previous studies have shown that only approximately 20% of CD4+ peripheral blood lymphocytes secrete PIF, these results suggest that HTLV-I may preferentially transform PIF-secreting CD4+ lymphocytes. The predominant 4B4+, 5 9 +, 2H4− phenotype (characteristic of antigen-responsive T cells) of the untransformed and transformed clones as well as the long-term HTLV-I-transformed lines also suggests that the subset of CD4+ lymphocytes that proliferates in response to soluble antigen may be especially susceptible to transformation with this virus.
Cadmium−Porphyrin Coordination Networks: Rich Coordination Modes and Three-Dimensional Four-Connected CdSO4 and (3,5)-Connected hms Nets

Functionalized tetraarylporphyrin molecules have been widely used as ligands for the design of supramolecular coordination arrays. Even though a large number of porphyrin coordination compounds have been synthesized, three-dimensional networks are still less common. Here we report the hydrothermal synthesis and structure characterizations of four cadmium−porphyrin compounds based on meso-tetra(4-pyridyl)porphyrin (H2TPyP). In these structures, both cadmium and porphyrin exhibit rich coordination chemistry. The porphyrin molecule displays four types of coordination modes in which each porphyrin molecule bonds to one, two, four, and five cadmium sites. The Cd2+ site shows equally diverse coordination modes and exists in five different coordination environments. The porphyrin molecules are connected through Cd2+ cations or Cd3(SC2H2OH)24+ clusters into molecular (Cd−TPyP-1), two-dimensional (Cd−TPyP-4), and three-dimensional networks (Cd−H2TPyP-2 and Cd−TPyP-3). Three-dimensional frameworks are of particular...
The use of the binomial distribution in establishing an association between high‐risk donors and transfusion‐associated aids

In the first seven cases of transfusion-associated acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (TA-AIDS) with completion of blood donor investigations, there was identification of at least one person (a high-risk donor--HRD) in each donor set who might have transmitted the disease. Using three definitions of an HRD, we estimated the prevalence of HRDs in the overall donor population and used the binomial distribution to calculate the probabilities of finding at least the observed numbers of donor sets with one or more HRDs. These probabilities--0.028, 0.007 and 0.014, respectively--allowed us to reject the null hypothesis that the number of cases of TA-AIDS exposed to an HRD was not greater than that expected by chance, based on the total number of donors to which each case was exposed and the estimated proportion of HRDs in the overall donor population. We concluded that there was a statistically significant association between HRDs and TA-AIDS.
Deep inelastic scattering: Comparisons with the quark model

The 1990 Nobel Prize for Physics lecture is reprinted. The author describes the deep inelastic electron-proton scattering experiments conducted at SLAC in 1967. The implications of the observed dependence of cross sections on four-momentum transfer are discussed. (AIP)
Biologically Inspired Motors for Micro-Air-Vehicles

Two preliminary concepts of propulsion based on a bacterial flagellum motor (BFM) were developed with the potential for use in micro-air-vehicles (MAV). The first uses the conventional turbojet without the turbine with a BFM to run the compressor. The second concept uses the conventional propeller without the turbine. For Concept I, design analysis is carried out in terms of power/thrust generated as a function of multiple design variables. Results are obtained with varying values of fan diameter and compressor ratio. Based on the results obtained, Concept I seems feasible for use in MAVs. However, more detailed analyses as well as experiments are needed before the actual implementation of these concepts in micro-air-vehicles prototypes.
Analysis of Endogenous LRP6 Function Reveals a Novel Feedback Mechanism by Which Wnt Negatively Regulates Its Receptor

The canonical Wnt pathway plays a crucial role in embryonic development, and its deregulation is involved in human diseases. The LRP6 single-span transmembrane coreceptor is essential for transmission of canonical Wnt signaling. However, due to the lack of immunological reagents, our understanding of LRP6 structure and function has relied on studies involving its overexpression, and regulation of the endogenous receptor by the Wnt ligand has remained unexplored. Using a highly sensitive and specific antibody to LRP6, we demonstrate that the endogenous receptor is modified by N-glycosylation and is phosphorylated in response to Wnt stimulation in a sustained yet ligand-dependent manner. Moreover, following triggering by Wnt, endogenous LRP6 is internalized and recycled back to the cellular membrane within hours of the initial stimulus. Finally, we have identified a novel feedback mechanism by which Wnt, acting through β-catenin, negatively regulates LRP6 at the mRNA level. Together, these findings contribute significantly to our understanding of LRP6 function and uncover a new level of regulation of Wnt signaling. In light of the direct role that the Wnt pathway plays in human bone diseases and malignancies, our findings may support the development of novel therapeutic approaches that target Wnt signaling through LRP6.
Negotiating and Navigating the Rough Terrain of Transnational Feminist Research

This article examines aspects of feminist methodology pertinent to carrying out transnational research within an era of globalization. I explore the use of self-reflexivity, engagement with conceptualizations of insider/outsider, and the employment of feminist critiques of notions of objectivity within the research process as feminist methodological tools relevant to transnational feminist research. I argue that in an age of globalization, such methodological frameworks and tools are necessary in research committed to feminist contestations of globalization in that the nature of transnational research sustains an ever dynamic and shifting landscape of personal, political, and geographical relationships. This article draws upon my experiences carrying out transnational research in Ireland and the United States for my PhD dissertation between 2003 and 2007.
Tethered Capsule Endoscopy, A Low-Cost and High-Performance Alternative Technology for the Screening of Esophageal Cancer and Barrett's Esophagus

Esophageal cancer is currently the fastest growing cancer in the United States. To help combat the recent rise in morbidity, our laboratory has developed a low-cost tethered capsule endoscope system (TCE) aimed at improving early detection of esophageal cancer. The TCE contains a resonant fiberoptic laser scanner (1.6 mm O.D.) which fits into 6.4-mm easy-to-swallow capsule at the distal tip. The tethered portion contains a single mode optical fiber multiplexed to three laser diodes at the proximal end. This design offers two main advantages over current endoscope technology. First, because of its small size, the TCE can be swallowed with minimal patient discomfort, thereby obviating sedation. Second, by imaging via directed laser light, the TCE is strategically positioned to employ several burgeoning laser-based diagnostic technologies, such as narrow-band, hyperspectral, and fluorescence imaging. It is believed that the combination of such imaging techniques with novel biomarkers of dysplasia will greatly assist in identifying precancerous conditions such as Barrett's esophagus (BE). As the probe is swallowed, the fiber scanner captures high resolution, wide-field color images of the gastroesophageal junction (500 lines at 0.05-mm resolution) currently at 15-Hz frame rate. Video images are recorded as the capsule is slowly retracted by its tether. Accompanying software generates panoramic images from the video output by mosaicing individual frames to aid in pattern recognition. This initial report describes the rationale for the unique TCE system design, results from preliminary testing in vitro and in vivo, and discussion on the merits of this new platform technology as a basis for developing a low-cost screening program for esophageal cancer.
Occupational Engagement of Veterans in LTC: Testing the Effectiveness of a Military Cultural Intervention

ABSTRACTAim: This study evaluated the effectiveness of the Occupation-based Cultural Heritage Intervention-Military Version (OBCHI-MV) in improving occupational engagement; quality of life and social participation of veterans residing in long-term care settings. Method: Eleven male veterans residing in a state-funded veteran's home between the ages of 60 to 92 years participated in the intervention, which incorporated cultural heritage components into a six-session, three-week intervention. Pre- and post-tests measuring occupational engagement, social participation and quality of life were administered to measure the effectiveness of the intervention. Results: Data analysis using the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test revealed no statistical significance of any of the measures (p < .05). Conclusion: The clinical significance of the findings from the Yesterday Interview (YI) and Post-Intervention Participant Survey, indicate the OBCHI-MV may have the potential to improve quality of life, occupational engagement and...
The Carotenoids of Several Low-Carotenoid Fruits

SUMMARY The carotenoids were examined in several fruits of low carotenoid content. Fruits studied in detail were black figs, cranberries, and Thompson seedless grapes; the examination was less comprehensive for blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, and pomegranates. The carotenoid mixtures of the various fruits were similar to those in green leaves, but (except in the grapes) the beta-carotene content was much lower. Lutein-5,6-epoxide was a major carotenoid of cranberries, and violaxantbin was the most abundant carotenoid of black figs.
EVIDENCE SUPPORTING SCALING WITH A PARAMETER FOR THERMODYNAMIC FUNCTIONS AND THE PAIR CORRELATION FUNCTION

Abstract The first five derivatives with respect to R ≡ Jz/Jxy of the susceptibility, specific heat, and second moment for the sc and fcc Ising models are found to be characterized by a crossover exponent ϕ = 1.75, supporting the predictions of scaling with respect to R for both thermodynamic functions and the pair correlation function.
Divisome under Construction: Distinct Domains of the Small Membrane Protein FtsB Are Necessary for Interaction with Multiple Cell Division Proteins

Cell division in bacteria requires the coordinated action of a set of proteins, the divisome, for proper constriction of the cell envelope. Multiple protein-protein interactions are required for assembly of a stable divisome. Within the Escherichia coli divisome is a conserved subcomplex of inner membrane proteins, the FtsB/FtsL/FtsQ complex, which is necessary for linking the upstream division proteins, which are predominantly cytoplasmic, with the downstream division proteins, which are predominantly periplasmic. FtsB and FtsL are small bitopic membrane proteins with predicted coiled-coil motifs, which themselves form a stable subcomplex that can recruit downstream division proteins independently of FtsQ; however, the details of how FtsB and FtsL interact together and with other proteins remain to be characterized. Despite the small size of FtsB, we identified separate interaction domains of FtsB that are required for interaction with FtsL and FtsQ. The N-terminal half of FtsB is necessary for interaction with FtsL and sufficient, when in complex with FtsL, for recruitment of downstream division proteins, while a portion of the FtsB C terminus is necessary for interaction with FtsQ. These properties of FtsB support the proposal that its main function is as part of a molecular scaffold to allow for proper formation of the divisome.
Simultaneous quantitative determination of electroporative molecular uptake and subsequent cell survival using gel microdrops and flow cytometry.

Background: Electroporation is widely used to introduce molecules into cells, but conditions yielding maximal molecular uptake often result in low cell survival. We describe a high throughput method for analyzing populations of culturable cells simultaneously for molecular uptake and cell growth. Methods: Cells are microencapsulated within agarose gel microdrops (GMDs), exposed to a polar tracer fluorescent molecule, electrically pulsed at various field strengths, and cultured. The GMDs are then analyzed at about 100,000 occupied GMDs per hour by flow cytometry for both uptake and microcolony formation. Results: We demonstrate how the method can be used to optimize a parameter of interest (e.g., the applied field strength) with respect to both uptake and cell survival. Here, the optimal field strength is determined to be 1.7 kV/cm. Below this, there is lower molecular uptake. As the field strength is increased, the cell survival rate goes down. Conclusions: This method may be applicable to optimization of other electroporation parameters and alternative physical and chemical methods for cell loading. Cytometry 39:243‐249, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Promoters, enhancers, and transcription target RAG1 binding during V(D)J recombination

V(D)J recombination assembles antigen receptor genes in a well-defined order during lymphocyte development. This sequential process has long been understood in the context of the accessibility model, which states that V(D)J recombination is regulated by controlling the ability of the recombination machinery to gain access to its chromosomal substrates. Indeed, many features of “open” chromatin correlate with V(D)J recombination, and promoters and enhancers have been strongly implicated in creating a recombinase-accessible configuration in neighboring chromatin. An important prediction of the accessibility model is that cis-elements and transcription control binding of the recombination-activating gene 1 (RAG1) and RAG2 proteins to their DNA targets. However, this prediction has not been tested directly. In this study, we use mutant Tcra and Tcrb alleles to demonstrate that enhancers control RAG1 binding globally at Jα or Dβ/Jβ gene segments, that promoters and transcription direct RAG1 binding locally, and that RAG1 binding can be targeted in the absence of RAG2. These findings reveal important features of the genetic mechanisms that regulate RAG binding and provide a direct confirmation of the accessibility model.
An improved method for the analysis of GHB in human hair by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry

The abuse of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) and its suspicion in cases of suspected drug-facilitated sexual assault is of keen interest to forensic toxicology laboratories. This paper reports an extraction, separation and detection procedure for GHB in hair utilizing a combination of liquid-liquid extraction and solid-phase extraction using ethyl acetate and Oasis Max(®) cartridge, respectively, after the hair sample was digested. Analysis was by LC-MS-MS using a gradient separation on an Acclaim(®) Trinity(TM) P1 column performing three multiple-reaction monitoring (MRM) transitions each for GHB and its internal standard. The procedure was validated over a range from 0.4 to 50 ng/mg with estimated limit of detection (LOD) of 0.33 and an administratively set limit of quantitation (LOQ) of 1.2 ng/mg. Twenty hair specimens collected from individuals with no known exposure to GHB were analyzed for matrix interferences and to establish initial background levels of GHB. A wide range of endogenous GHB levels were observed in these samples (from less than the LOQ to 4.4 ng/mg). The results suggest the need for additional studies to better establish the full range of endogenous GHB levels in hair and that extreme caution is required in interpreting GHB findings in hair samples.
Effects of exercise on platelet function, coagulation, and fibrinolysis

Exercise and physical conditioning may reduce the subsequent risk of major vascular thrombotic events. In view of this, it may be important to examine the effects of exercise on the blood coagulation system. The present paper reviews the effects of physical exercise and conditioning on blood coagulation, platelet function, and fibrinolytic activity. A hypothetical scheme is developed, in which increased blood coagulability and activated platelet function is counterbalanced by increased fibrinolytic activity and endothelial prostacyclin release. Some consideration is given to how this sequence of events may be altered in vascular disease states.
Oscillatory convection in a dilute 3 He-superfluid 4 He solution

Convective instabilities in a rectangular, unity-aspect-ratio Rayleigh-Benard cell with a solution of 1.46%3He in superfluid4He have been studied in the temperature range 0.70–1.05 K, with a corresponding Prandtl number range of 0.045<σ<0.15. The onset of stationary convection is much like that in a classical, one-component fluid. The oscillatory instability is studied by using an extremely sensitive local temperature probe. It is found that the total heat transport efficiency is suppressed by the oscillations in the entire range of Prandtl number we have studied. The local temperature probe indicates a striking difference in the oscillatory amplitude when the sense of rotation of the convective rolls is reversed. The magnitude of the convective velocity is deduced from both the initial slope of the Nusselt number near the onset of the stationary convection and the frequency of the oscillations. Determinations of the temperature dependence of the convective velocity using these two methods agree very well. The observed behavior of the oscillatory frequency and onset condition supports the theory of oscillatory convection for a classical, low-Prandtl-number, one-component fluid.
Advanced AC to AC power conversion techniques for naval ship propulsion drives

Recent advances in magnetic materials, cooling and design allow simplification of compa ct propulsion motor driv es for naval ship drives. The paper shows the advantage of direct water cooling with integrated gate commutated thyristor (IGCT) variable speed drives to lower the overall weight as well as the manufacturing cost of these propulsion plants. The drives can be installed as a hy brid electric drive or as an auxilia ry propulsion plant connecte d to the main reduction gear on a surface ship. A trade study sho ws the advantage of going to a mediu m voltage (4160 to 7000 Volts AC) on the propulsion machine and power electronic drive when the horsepower ratings exceed 2500 HP. A preferred ci rcuit is an AC Resonant Link with an input total harmonic distortion of 1.5%.
Clocking and Cell Placement for QCA

In this paper we propose a novel two-dimensional clocking and timing scheme for systems which permit a reduction in the longest line length in each clocking zone. The proposed clocking schemes utilize logic propagation techniques which have been developed for systolic arrays. Placement of QCA cells is modified to ensure correct signal generation and timing. The significant reduction in the longest line length permits a fast timing and efficient pipelining to occur, while guaranteeing kink-free behavior in switching.
Measurement of Kinesthetic Perception of Muscular Force with Muscle Potential Changes

Abstract A technique for using muscle potential changes as a measure of the kinesthetic perception of muscular force is described. Application of the technique to selected groups of male and female physical education majors and liberal arts majors revealed that: (1) the constant error for all groups was positive; (2) the difference in constant error between sexes was not significant, but the constant error for physical education majors was significantly smaller than that for liberal arts majors; and (3) the differences in variable errors between sexes and major groups was not significant.
Acute changes associated with electrode insertion measured with optical coherence microscopy

Despite advances in functional neural imaging, penetrating microelectrodes provide the most direct interface for the extraction of neural signals from the nervous system and are a critical component of many high degree-of-freedom braincomputer interface devices. Electrode insertion is a traumatic event that elicits a complex neuroinflammatory response. In this investigation we applied optical coherence microscopy (OCM), particularly optical coherence angiography (OCA), to characterize the immediate tissue response during microelectrode insertion. Microelectrodes of varying dimension and footprint (one-, two-, and four-shank) were inserted into mouse motor cortex beneath a window after craniotomy surgery. The microelectrodes were inserted in 3-4 steps at 15-20°, with approximately 250 μm linear insertion distance for each step. Before insertion and between each step, OCM datasets were collected, including for quantitative capillary velocimetry. A cohort of control animals without microelectrode insertion was also imaged over a similar time period (2-3 hours). Mechanical tissue deformation was observed in all the experimental animals. The quantitative angiography results varied across animals, and were not correlated with device dimensions. In some cases, localized flow drop-out was observed in a small region surrounding the electrode, while in other instances a global disruption in flow occurred, perhaps as a result of large vessel compression caused by mechanical pressure. OCM is a tool that can be used in various neurophotonics applications, including quantification of the neuroinflammatory response to penetrating electrode insertion.
Neonatal Eye Disorders Requiring Ophthalmology Consultation

Multiple ophthalmic disorders can present in neonates. Such disorders can be isolated or be associated with other systemic anomalies. Timely referral, diagnosis, and management are critical to allow optimal visual development. The critical period of visual development is in the first 6 months after birth. Infants who meet screening criteria for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) should be screened to help prevent serious visual sequelae, including blindness. Pediatricians and neonatologists should identify ocular abnormalities and refer patients for detailed ophthalmic evaluation when deemed necessary.
Properties of a cytotoxic kidney antibody associated with human renal transplantation.

A technic for demonstrating a complement-dependent cytotoxic response specific for human kidney cells was developed. Positive and negative sera from kidney-transplant recipients were subjected to several assay and adsorption procedures. The cytotoxic antibody reaction appeared to be specific against human kidney in tests with a variety of target cells. Manifestation of the typical cytotoxic effect depended on kidney explant target-cell surface changes following attachment, outgrowth, and dispersion of the first passage monolayer. A comparison of serum responses to lymphocytes and to kidney cells indicated that the cytotoxic response by human kidney cells is not related to the lymphocytotdxic antibodies associated with the HLA system.
Required Role of Bacteroides Melaninogenicus in Mixed Anaerobic Infections

Barteroides melaninogenicus is commonly found in the intestine and on the male and female external genitalia of man (Burdon, 1928). This organism is ubiquitously present in the oral cavity, being found in highest numbers in the gingival crevice area where it comprises S^o oi the total cultivable organisms (Socransky et al, 1963; Gibbons et al, 1963). When adequate cultural procedures are utilized, B. melaninogenicus is frequently isolated from a variety of clinical infections (Cohen, 1932; Altemeier, 1938; Weiss,1943; Heinrich and Pulverer, 1960; Finegold, 1964). Although pure cultures of the organism are almost invariably noninfective for experimental animals, several investigators have demonstrated a synergistic role of this organism in experimental infections (Altemeier, 1942; Hite et al, 1949; Macdonald et al, 1954; Pulverer and Heinrich, 1960; Kestenbaum and Weiss, 1962). These synergistic anaerobic infections have generally been considered to be bacteriologically nonspecific, but probably biochemically specific in that they are dependent upon a given array of metabolites produced by the infective combination (Macdonald et al, 1960). Recent data from our laboratory suggested that B. melaninogenicus may play an essential role in
Monozygotic Twins Discordant for Trisomy 13; A Case of Trisomic Rescue Supporting the Continued Need for First Trimester Ultrasound

Monozygotic twins with discordant karyotypes for trisomy 13 are rare. We report a case of a spontaneously conceived pregnancy who presented with first-trimester ultrasound finding of umbilical cord cyst and increased nuchal translucency in Twin A and no abnormalities in Twin B. Amniocentesis revealed 47,XY,+13 karyotype in Twin A and 46,XY karyotype in Twin B. Selective fetal reduction was performed for Twin A. Twin B was delivered at 32 weeks gestation with normal phenotype. Peripheral blood karyotype revealed 15% mosaicism for trisomy 13 and skin fibroblast revealed 46,XY karyotype. The surviving twin will be monitored for potential complication of uniparental disomy 13 and mosaic trisomy 13. This case reinforces the need for early ultrasound and nuchal translucency measurements, especially in twin gestations.
Summary of Trial Test of Three Gorges-Shanghai ±500 kV HVDC Transmission Project

In the two stages of the system commissioning test of Three Gorges-Shanghai HVDC Transmission Project,a total of 238 test items has been completed,including operation initialization,protective tripping,system monitoring,current control,power control,reactive power control,reduced voltage operation,auxiliary power switching,AC/DC line fault,local/remote control switching,power rise/drop,rated DC power operation,and overloaded DC operation,etc.Effects of monopolar and bipolar system trial tests on equipments and its functions are analyzed in detail.Equipment test,subsystem and station system trial test results are also analyzed and conclusions are made.Finally,conclusion to the system trial test is given.
Clinical Supervision of Staff Nurses

In nursing there is considerable discussion, mostly in the back rooms, that administrative supervision should be replaced by clinical supervision. I have suggested that each clinical supervisor should have an administrative assistant to take care of management details, thereby freeing the supervisor to do clinical supervision. What would it be like? What kind of regular sessions should be set up for orderly and continuing review of the work of the staff nurse with a clinical expert who is the clinical supervisor? With what frequency should these conferences occur? What would be a useful duration, one hour, two hours, or an indeterminate period? What kind of preparation for the conference should be expected of the supervisor and the staff nurse? Does the work situation allow this kind of time and effort? These and many other questions about the best form of clinical supervision are being raised by nurses. I address these questions from an interpersonal standpoint.
Differentiation and Integration

In this chapter, we consider under what conditions and to what extent integration and differentiation are inverse operations on a function. We apply new results obtained by the author of this text with J. Bliedner [11]. Those results use “local maximum functions”; they extend and simplify the usual techniques used for the material presented in this chapter.