cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Immunological Studies with a Strain of Leptospira isolated from a Case of Yellow Fever in Merida, Yucatan.

Identification of the leptospira isolated from a case of yellow fever in Merida was accomplished by means of an anti-icteroides immune serum prepared in a horse with several Guayaquil strains of Leptospira icteroides . The immune serum showed a protective action of high titer against the Merida strain, thus establishing its efficacy as a therapeutic agent against this strain. Polyvalent anti-icteroides immune serum prepared in the horse or monovalent anti-icteroides immune serums prepared in the rabbit had a definite devitalizing action upon the Merida strain, while immune serums similarly prepared with strains of icterohœmorrhagiœ had no perceptible effect upon the Merida strain. Serums from yellow fever convalescents in Merida gave a positive Pfeiffer reaction with the Merida strain of Leptospira icteroides . The reactions between the Guayaquil strains (Nos. 1 and 5) and two of these serums from convalescents varied from definitely positive to doubtful, owing probably to the diminution of active immune principles in the serums during the prolonged and unfavorable conditions of their transportation.
On the Asymmetry of Solar Acoustic Line Profiles

We study a simplified model of solar acoustic oscillations and show how asymmetries in spectral lines depend both on the acoustic source depth, as previously recognized, and on the acoustic source type. We provide a unified description of modal line asymmetries and high-frequency pseudomode locations, suggesting an inversion on power spectra minima to determine source properties and a correction to Lorentzian line shapes based upon the relative locations of spectral peaks and valleys. We also consider nonadiabatic effects due to Newtonian cooling and demonstrate that these do not lead to notable differences between velocity and intensity power spectral line shapes. We argue more generally that it is unlikely that any nonadiabatic effect can be responsible for the observed differences. Finally, we discuss the importance of both multiplicative and additive background power to the spectra and show how additive noise can reduce the apparent line asymmetry of a mode. We note that information on solar convective motions can be potentially extracted from three components of the acoustic power spectra: the additive background yielding information on the spectrum of nonoscillatory motions at the height of observation, the multiplicative background reflecting the source spectrum, and the power minima providing the source depth and physical nature. For stochastically excited linear waves only the first of these contributes significantly to spectral differences between observed variables.
The landscape of conflict: IDPs, aid and land-use change in Darfur

This article examines spatial changes in production in the presence of civil conflict. A simple model predicts land abandonment which increases with proximity to insecurity, and welfare losses to rural land owners. The model also predicts that food aid can buffer the land-use change impacts generated by war. Spatial data on land use, violent events, displaced populations and aid from 2001-2007 corroborate these predictions in Darfur, Sudan. The results suggest large disruptions in short-term production, with abandonment of agriculture far from the cities, and intensification of land use on their periphery. Language: en
The protective effect of overexpression of extracellular superoxide dismutase on nitric oxide bioavailability in the lung after exposure to hyperoxia stress

ABSTRACTThe objective of this study was to determine whether overexpression of human extracellular superoxide dismutase (hEC-SOD) can preserve nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability. In vitro studies examined the transient expression of hEC-SOD in mouse epithelial (C10) cells and its effect on extracellular accumulation of NO, intracellular cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activation under normal and oxidative stress conditions. In vivo, newborn rabbits were treated with a plasmid containing hEC-SOD cDNA or vehicle plasmid alone, followed by exposure to hyperoxia (Fio2 = 95% for 7 days). A third group was raised under normoxic conditions. cGMP and NF-κB activation were studied. There was significantly higher NO accumulation in cells expressing hEC-SOD exposed to oxidative stress compared with nontransfected cells. Accumulation of cGMP was significantly higher in cells expressing hEC-SOD. Oxidative stress induced NF-κB activation, which was abrogated by hEC-SOD expressio...
Atomic parameters for Fe(XV) and Ni(XVII)

Transition probabilities and oscillator strengths have been obtained in a study of the magnesium-like ions Fe(XV) and Ni(XVII). Some of the atomic parameters developed are tabulated in this work.
Religion, Boundaries, and Bridges

L'A. etudie les relations et les frontieres entre les differentes communautes religieuses implantees aux Etats-Unis. Il souligne que les nouveaux immigrants contribuent au developpement et a l'installation d'un grand nombre de communautes religieuses dans ce pays. Il analyse la notion de frontiere. Il met en lumiere un certain nombre d'experiences qui ont permis d'etablir des relations entre les differentes communautes religieuses. Il envisage les processus de construction des frontieres et d'etablissement des relations entre ces communautes. Il montre que la vie religieuse americaine est marquee a la fois par un certain pluralisme culturel et par un phenomene d'assimilation
Net Exchange of CO2 in a Mid-Latitude Forest

The eddy correlation method was used to measure the net ecosystem exchange of carbon dioxide continuously from April 1990 to December 1991 in a deciduous forest in central Massachusetts. The annual net uptake was 3.7 ± 0.7 metric tons of carbon per hectare per year. Ecosystem respiration, calculated from the relation between nighttime exchange and soil temperature, was 7.4 metric tons of carbon per hectare per year, implying gross ecosystem production of 11.1 metric tons of carbon per hectare per year. The observed rate of accumulation of carbon reflects recovery from agricultural development in the 1800s. Carbon uptake rates were notably larger than those assumed for temperate forests in global carbon studies. Carbon storage in temperate forests can play an important role in determining future concentrations of atmospheric carbon dioxide.
Use of a fertility index in soil test interpretation

Abstract A fertility index as used by the Auburn University Soil Testing Laboratory for P, K, Ca, and Mg is described. It is reported as percentage sufficiency and is the amount extracted by soil test expressed as a percentage of the amount shown by research to be adequate for maximum yield of cotton or legumes on the soil sampled. It is calculated and reported by the computer in multiples of 10 from 0 to 9990. The index below 100 follows the curvilinear relationship between soil‐test values and yield without addition of the element. The primary objectives of the index are to report all nutrients determined on a common basis that can be understood by growers, and to provide a quantitative result that can be used in keeping records of soil fertility build‐up or depletion.
Gender and Sources of Subjective Well-Being

The literature on national differences in sources of well-being (Kwan, Bond, & Singelis, 1997) was used to generate predictions about gender differences in sources of well-being. This linkage was made possible by parallels between national and gender differences in individualism, collectivism, and selfhood (Markus & Kitayama, 1994). Respondents completed measures of self-construal, self-esteem, relationship harmony, and well-being (positive and negative affect). As anticipated, men’s well-being was predicted better by self-esteem than by relationship harmony, whereas women’s well-being was predicted similarly (though more moderately) by self-esteem and relationship harmony. A mediated pathway from independent self-construal to well-being through self-esteem was predicted and supported. Conceptual fit of this study with previous cross-national and gender research is discussed.
N-acetylglutamate synthase: structure, function and defects

N-acetylglutamate (NAG) is a unique enzyme cofactor, essential for liver ureagenesis in mammals while it is the first committed substrate for de novo arginine biosynthesis in microorganisms and plants. The enzyme that produces NAG from glutamate and CoA, NAG synthase (NAGS), is allosterically inhibited by arginine in microorganisms and plants and activated in mammals. This transition of the allosteric effect occurred when tetrapods moved from sea to land. The first mammalian NAGS gene (from mouse) was cloned in 2002 and revealed significant differences from the NAGS ortholog in microorganisms. Almost all NAGS genes possess a C-terminus transferase domain in which the catalytic activity resides and an N-terminus kinase domain where arginine binds. The three-dimensional structure of NAGS shows two distinctly folded domains. The kinase domain binds arginine while the acetyltransferase domain contains the catalytic site. NAGS deficiency in humans leads to hyperammonemia and can be primary, due to mutations in the NAGS gene or secondary due to other mitochondrial aberrations that interfere with the normal function of the same enzyme. For either condition, N-carbamylglutamate (NCG), a stable functional analog of NAG, was found to either restore or improve the deficient urea-cycle function.
The vibrational spectra of acrylic acid and sodium acrylate

Abstract The complete vibrational spectra of acrylic acid and sodium acrylate have been recorded and a tentative assignment for each molecule is proposed. The spectra of acrylic acid can best be interpreted in terms of a dimer formed by hydrogen bonds in which two monomer units are sufficiently strongly coupled so that “pseudo” C 2 4 selection rules are followed. The enthalpy change on dimerization of acrylic acid monomer has been measured for three pairs of vibrational bands. It is concluded that conjugation of the carboxyl group with an olefinic linkage decreases this quantity slightly from that reported for saturated acids.
Diastereoselective formation of α-aminoamides from carbamoylsilanes and aldehyde imines

Abstract Diastereoselectivities were determined for the reaction of a series of aldehyde imines with carbamoylsilanes, each containing chiral auxiliaries at nitrogen. A maximum de of 88% was achieved via a matched double differentiation.
An iron-regulated and glycosylation-dependent proteasomal degradation pathway for the plasma membrane metal transporter ZIP14

Protein degradation is instrumental in regulating cellular function. Plasma membrane proteins targeted for degradation are internalized and sorted to multivesicular bodies, which fuse with lysosomes, where they are degraded. ZIP14 is a newly identified iron transporter with multitransmembrane domains. In an attempt to dissect the molecular mechanisms by which iron regulates ZIP14 levels, we found that ZIP14 is endocytosed, extracted from membranes, deglycosylated, and degraded by proteasomes. This pathway did not depend on the retrograde trafficking to the endoplasmic reticulum and thus did not involve the well-defined endoplasmic reticulum-associated protein degradation pathway. Iron inhibited membrane extraction of internalized ZIP14, resulting in higher steady-state levels of ZIP14. Asparagine-linked (N-linked) glycosylation of ZIP14, particularly the glycosylation at N102, was required for efficient membrane extraction of ZIP14 and therefore is necessary for its iron sensitivity. These findings highlight the importance of proteasomes in the degradation of endocytosed plasma membrane proteins.
PASSKey A Model for Naturalistic Assessment and Intervention Design

Following a discussion of four approaches to children's services and intervention design, a description of PASSKey, an ecobehavioral and naturalistic approach to intervention design, is presented. PASSKey stands for planned activity, systematic sampling, and keystone behavior, which represent the major components of the model. It has been developed for early intervention consultants to provide technical assistance for intervention planning with young children reported to have learning and/or behavioral problems. The intervention design method capitalizes on existing teacher or parent (or other direct-care providers) competencies and thereby may enhance acceptability and generalizability of interventions. The model is illustrated through an actual case, and implications for practice and research are discussed.
Adenosine 5'-phosphosulfate (APS) kinase: diagnosing the mechanism of substrate inhibition.

Abstract Adenosine 5′-phosphosulfate (APS) kinase is subject to strong substrate inhibition by APS. The inhibition has been variously reported to be uncompetitive with respect to MgATP (resulting from the formation of a dead-end E · APS · MgADP complex) or competitive with MgATP (resulting from the formation of a dead-end E · APS complex). It is shown that these two types of substrate inhibition can be differentiated for ordered kinetic mechanisms by simple inspection of thevversus [APS] plots at different fixed concentrations of MgATP. Linear diagnostic plots are unnecessary. One diagnostic feature is the changing position of [APS]opt, the concentration of APS that yields the peak velocity. In the uncompetitive system, [APS]optdecreases asymptotically to a limit as the fixed [MgATP] is increased, while in the competitive system, [APS]optincreases continuously as the fixed [MgATP] is increased. A second (and more easily discerned) diagnostic feature is that, at any given inhibitory level of APS, enzyme activity relative to the velocity at [APS]opt(v/vopt) decreases as the fixed [MgATP] is increased in the uncompetitive system, while in the competitive system the relative activity increases as the fixed [MgATP] is increased. Normalized plots ofv/voptversus [APS] clearly display these distinguishing characteristics. The method confirmed thatPenicillium chrysogenumAPS kinase exhibits uncompetitive inhibition by APS.
Scleroderma-like lesions and the carcinoid syndrome.

Patients with scleroderma-like lesions secondary to metastatic secreting carcinoid tumors are different in several ways from patients with progressive systemic sclerosis. Scleroderma resulting from a carcinoid does not have an acrosclerotic distribution but develops first in dependent regions of the body following pronounced pitting edema. Raynaud's phenomenon is absent. Results of serological tests are negative. The typical internal organ changes of systemic sclerosis are not seen. Differences in end-organ (skin) response to exogenous serotonin creatinine sulfate suggest metabolic differences as well. It is probable that scleroderma arises by a different mechanism when associated with the carcinoid syndrome than when seen independently, and that this mechanism involves capillary permeability and tissue edema induced by serotonin or other active tumor metabolites.
Purification and properties of triglyceride synthetase from the intestinal mucosa

Abstract 1. 1. Triglyceride synthetase from hamster intestinal mucosa has been purified approx. 70-fold. The synthetase contains acyl-CoA:monoglyceride acyl transferase, acyl-CoA:diglyceride acyl transf erase and acyl-CoA synthetase. These enzymes appear to be purified simultaneously. 2. 2. The synthetase exhibits maximal activity at pH 7.0–7.5. Km value for palmityl-CoA is 5.6 · 10−5 M and for 2-monopalmitin 5.9 · 10−5 M. 3. 3. The enzymatic activity is destroyed by exposure to a variety of detergents. 4. 4. Polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis of the synthetase shows that it consists of four proteins. The one with the highest mobility stains for lipid and binds deoxycholate, monoglyceride and palmityl-CoA. 5. 5. Sucrose gradient centrifugation studies indicate that the substrates and products are enzyme-bound.
Plant Natural Compounds with Antibacterial Activity towards Common Pathogens of Pond-Cultured Channel Catfish (Ictalurus punctatus)

The bacteria Edwardsiella ictaluri and Flavobacterium columnare cause enteric septicemia and columnaris disease, respectively, in channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus). Natural therapeutants may provide an alternative to current management approaches used by producers. In this study, a rapid bioassay identified plant compounds as potential therapeutants. Chelerythrine chloride and ellagic acid were the most toxic toward E. ictaluri, with 24-h IC50 of 7.3 mg/L and 15.1 mg/L, respectively, and MIC of 2.1 mg/L and 6.5 mg/L, respectively. Chelerythrine chloride, ellagic acid, β-glycyrrhetinic acid, sorgoleone, and wogonin were the most toxic towards two genomovars of F. columnare, and wogonin had the strongest antibacterial activity (MIC = 0.3 mg/L).
Identification of 2-Fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose Metabolites by19F{1H} Hetero-RELAY

Abstract It has been proposed that in mammalian systems the glucose analog 2-fluoro-2-deoxy- D -glucose (FDG) is phosphoryated and subsequently converted to the corresponding mannose derivative via the action of phosphoglucose isomerase. As is generally true in metabolic studies of fluorinated molecules, the fluorine spectrum alone is suggestive, without providing definitive structural evidence, while the use of 1 H NMR techniques generally suffers from a lack of adequate selectivity. A 1 H– 19 F version of the hetero-RELAY experiment has been applied to this problem. Formation of the corresponding C-6 phosphorylated 2-FDG analog with hexokinase, followed by treatment of the resulting phosphorylated products with phosphoglucose isomerase, resulted in the observation of additional 19 F resonances consistent with the corresponding 2-fluoro-2-deoxy- D -mannose-6-phosphate metabolite. A more definitive product identification was obtained using the hetero-RELAY experiment, which provides a complete 19 F-decoupled proton spectrum for each of the fluorinated species.
Smoking cessation counseling: a missed opportunity for general surgery trainees.

Abstract Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the attitudes, practices, technique utilizations, and barrier perceptions of smoking cessation counseling (SCC) in general surgery (GS) and primary care (PC) residents. Methods: One hundred house staff officers (45 GC and 55 PC residents, consisting of internal medicine and family medicine disciplines) were randomly surveyed. χ2 and t tests were used for comparative analysis where appropriate. The National Cancer Institute's recommendation that physicians follow the “four A's” for SCC (Ask, Advise, Assist, and Arrange follow-up) was examined with respect to compliance by surgical and medical residents. Results: Fewer GS than PC residents thought physicians were responsible for SCC (64% versus 85%; P
Specificity of Escherichia coli mutD and mutL mutator strains

Abstract The products of the mutD and mutL genes of Escherichia coli are involved in proofreading by DNA polymerase III and DNA adenine MTase (Dam)-dependent mismatch repair, respectively. We have used the plasmid-borne bacteriophage P22 mnt gene as a target to determine the types of mutations produced in mutL25 and mutD 5 strains. Of 60 mutations identified from mutL 25 cells, 52 were transition mutations and of these the AT → GC subset predominated (40 out of 52). The majority of AT → GC mutations were found at the same three sites (hotspots). In contrast, transversion mutations (47 out of 76) were found about twice as frequently as transitions (28 out of 76) from mutD 5 bacteria. Two hotspots were identified but at different sites than those in the mutL 25 cells. These results suggest that the proofreading function of DNA polymerase III primarily repairs potential transversion mutations while Dam-dependent mismatch repair rectifies potential transition mutations.
GRIM-19 Interacts with Nucleotide Oligomerization Domain 2 and Serves as Downstream Effector of Anti-bacterial Function in Intestinal Epithelial Cells

Nucleotide oligomerization domain 2 (NOD2) functions as a mammalian cytosolic pathogen recognition molecule, and variants have been associated with risk for Crohn disease. We recently demonstrated that NOD2 functions as an anti-bacterial factor limiting survival of intracellular invasive bacteria. To gain further insight into the mechanism of NOD2 activation and signal transduction, we performed yeast two-hybrid screening. We demonstrate that GRIM-19, a protein with homology to the NADPH dehydrogenase complex, interacts with endogenous NOD2 in HT29 cells. GRIM-19 is required for NF-κB activation following NOD2-mediated recognition of bacterial muramyl dipeptide. GRIM-19 also controls pathogen invasion of intestinal epithelial cells. GRIM-19 expression is decreased in inflamed mucosa of patients with inflammatory bowel diseases. GRIM-19 may be a key component in NOD2-mediated innate mucosal responses and serve to regulate intestinal epithelial cell responses to microbes.
Protein determination using bicinchoninic acid in the presence of sulfhydryl reagents

The bicinchoninic acid (BCA) copper reagent, developed for quantification of proteins, was found to react with thiol reagents in a linear and reproducible manner. The reactivity with thiols closely matched the extinction coefficient determined for the Cu(I)-BCA complex [6.6 X 10(3) liters (mol Cu.cm)-1], suggesting that the reaction is quantitative. This reaction interferes with the accurate determination of protein concentrations. A method was developed for determining protein concentrations in the presence of thiol reagents using the BCA protein reagent. The procedure involves preincubation of the protein solution with iodoacetamide prior to addition of the BCA protein reagent. Iodoacetamide does not react with the BCA reagent by itself. In the presence of a 10-fold molar excess of iodoacetamide over thiol equivalents, the reaction of the thiol with the BCA reagent is prevented. The method is simple and allows the assay of solutions of proteins which have been stabilized by the addition of thiol reagents.
Classification of body movements based on posturographic data.

Abstract The human body, standing on two feet, produces a continuous sway pattern. Intended movements, sensory cues, emotional states, and illnesses can all lead to subtle changes in sway appearing as alterations in ground reaction forces and the body’s center of pressure (COP). The purpose of this study is to demonstrate that carefully selected COP parameters and classification methods can differentiate among specific body movements while standing, providing new prospects in camera-free motion identification. Force platform data were collected from participants performing 11 choreographed postural and gestural movements. Twenty-three different displacement- and frequency-based features were extracted from COP time series, and supplied to classification-guided feature extraction modules. For identification of movement type, several linear and nonlinear classifiers were explored; including linear discriminants, nearest neighbor classifiers, and support vector machines. The average classification rates on previously unseen test sets ranged from 67% to 100%. Within the context of this experiment, no single method was able to uniformly outperform the others for all movement types, and therefore a set of movement-specific features and classifiers is recommended.
Electron capture from aligned p-state Rydberg atoms

Electron capture by Li{sup +} ions from aligned Na(25p) Rydberg atoms was measured as a function of the approach angle between the alignment axis of the target-atom wave functions and the ion-beam direction, over a range of reduced velocity v-tilde=1.0-2.0, where v-tilde=v{sub ion}/v{sub e}. A Stark barrel was used to generate uniform rotatable electric fields over the collision volume and to align Rydberg atoms along the field at arbitrary angles over a full range of 360 deg. A mixture of Na(25p) fine-structure levels was prepared in the Stark barrel by two-step pulsed laser excitation in the presence of a moderate electric field (about 56 V/cm) followed by adiabatic switching and rotation to 1.8 V/cm. The relative capture cross section, which varied sinusoidally as a function of the alignment angle, had maxima at 0 deg. and 180 deg. and minima at 90 deg. and 270 deg. throughout this velocity range, showing a strong preference for capture from the endwise arrangement. The alignment effect weakened as the projectile velocity was increased. The Rydberg-state results differ in both magnitude and trend from those based on low-lying aligned states. The spin-independent asymmetry parameter was inferred from the angle-dependent capture cross sections after the spin-orbitmore » depolarization effect in the mixed Rydberg p state was fully accounted for so that the results correspond purely to molecular {sigma} and {pi} collision geometries.« less
Ion cyclotron resonance excitatio/de-excitation: A basis for Stochastic fourier transform ion cyclotron mass spectrometry

Abstract Previous mass spectrometers based on the ion cyclotron resonance principle have employed continuous excitation (single-pulse or frequency-sweep), With detection during (frequency-sweep) or after (single-pulse or frequency sweep) the excitation. The present paper introduces an experiment in which an ion is first excited to a Larger orbit by continuous excitation, and then “de-excited” back to its starting point. The effect is demonstrated for the C9F20N+ peak (m/z = 502) in the Fourier transform ion cyclotron mass spectrum of perfluorotributylamine. By choosing which ion m/z ratios are “de-excited”, it should be possible to generate mass “windows” within which ions experience no net excitation. Potential applications of the method include the generation of an excitation with sharply defined “windows” or “steps”, with major advantages for MS/MS or multiple-ion-monitoring experiments.
Materials Processes of Graphite Nanostructured Composites Using Ball Milling

ABSTRACT Polymer nanocomposites are an emerging class of multifunctional materials that have not been optimized for their functional potential. As a part of a series of studies conducted by Wong and collaborators [1-6], a novel processing design for polymer nanocomposites using ball milling and nanoscale graphite platelets (NGPs) was recently investigated. Processes for carbon nanotube (CNT), despite its promise in maneuvering varied functionality, are prohibitively expensive at present for widespread composite applications. Instead of trying to discover lower-cost processes for CNT, we investigated the possibility of using ball milling to produce nanoscale reinforcements. The studied nanocomposites are distinct from existing sp3 carbon black, CNT, and nanoclay reinforcements. Materials processes to produce nanostructured polymer composites using the ball milling method are reported. It was found that ball milling primarily reduced particle sizes to smaller platelets. No other critical advantages were not...
Transforming chronic care for older adults: guided care and the elusive triple aim.

Multimorbidity is ubiquitous in the geriatric population, with over half of older adults living with three or more chronic conditions.1 The health care of the frail elderly with multiple medical conditions is complex, fragmented, and expensive. In response to deficiencies in provision of health care, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has implemented the “triple aim” of (1) improving individual health, (2) improving population health, and (3) decreasing health care costs. Several different models of chronic care management, including disease management and care coordination,2–6 have been developed to meet this aim. Unfortunately, the data from initial clinical trials and demonstration projects have yet to provide convincing evidence that any one model (with the possible exception of collaborative management of depression)7,8 can achieve all three goals.
Coupling Constant and P -Wave Phase Shifts in Low-Energy Pion-Nucleon Scattering

By means of a model for low-energy pion-nucleon scattering, it is shown that analyticity, unitarity, and the crossing properties are sufficiently strong conditions to determine the pi N coupling constant, the P-wave phase shifts STAincluding the position and width of the (3/2,3/2) resonance! and to give restrictions on the pi pi cut. In addition, the solution for the (1/2,1/2) scattering amplitude turns out to be of the form describing the nucleon as a bound state of the pi N system in close analogy to a bound state in potential theory. In the model, the pi pi cut is represented by a pair of conjugate poles, and crossing is approximated by the static crossing relations. No cutoff parameter has to be introduced, and the crossing relations are fulfilled to a high degree. (auth)
Computer Simulation of Protein Adsorption to a Material Surface in Aqueous Solution: Biomaterials Modeling of a Ternary System

Biomaterals are often in contact with the body or body fluids, so interfacial phenomena, especially protein adsorption, control essential parameters, such as biocompatability and bioreactivity. In addition, optimization of biotechnology tools such as DNA/protein microarrays and microfluidic systems will also require a mechanistic understanding of how biological macromolecules interact with materials surfaces. Thus, atomistic characterization of structure−function relationships at the interface between biological macromolecules and materials surfaces will be crucial to the future development of an enormous range of bioengineering and biotechnology applications. We have used standardized computer modeling software to simulate protein adsorption to a materials surface in water. Molecular dynamics and local minimization were employed to simulate a multicomponent system in which a hydrated protein, bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor (BPTI), encounters an MgO surface in pure water. It is known that soluble pro...
A possible experimental method for the production and detection of heavy hyperfragments

A method is presented for the production and detection of heavy hyperfragments. A uranium-loaded Ilford G-5 stack was exposed to an enriched beam of K- moderated so as to stop in the stack An illustration is given for Kcapture bv a U/sup 238/ nucleus From this are formed two fission products at ranges 14.7 and 16.5 mu and a proton of 4.5 mm range. The uranium concentration was determined from the observed density of alpha -particle tracks to be 2.8 x 10/sup 20/ nuclei/cm/sup 3/ or 0.6% of all nuclei of the dry emulsion excluding hydrogen. (B.O.G.)
A Saponification Procedure for the Determination of Some Chlorinated Hydrocarbons in Fish

Abstract A rapid method is described for the separation and analysis of chlorinated hydrocarbon residues in Great Lakes fishes. The method involves saponification with alcoholic KOH and chromatography on activated silica gel column with petroleum ether and diethyl ether elutions. Final analysis is achieved by gas chromatography equipped with electron-capture detection system. The recovery of the chlorinated hydrocarbon residues, using the silica gel clean-up, ranged from 82 to 94% with an average standard deviation of ± 0.8. Analysis by this method of some chlorinated hydrocarbons in Lake Huron fish gave values ranging from 0.130 to 1.89 ppm for PCB, 0.018 to 0.76 ppm for DDT and metabolites, and 0.002 to 0.040 ppm for aldrin.
Comparative toxicity of intraocular irrigating solutions on the corneal endothelium.

Summary Isolated rabbit and human corneas were perfused in vitro with Plasma-lyte 148 solution and with a glutathione bicarbonate Ringer's solution. The corneal swelling rate and ultrastructure were compared to corneas perfused with three commonly used intraocular irrigating solutions. Corneas perfused with Plasma-lyte 148 swelled at a rate of 47 μ/hr and the endothelial cells separated from each other and showed extensive damage after three hours of perfusion. By comparison, corneas perfused with 0.9% NaCl increased in thickness by 98 μ/hr, lactated Ringer's by 39 μ/hr, balanced salt solution by 24 μ/hr, and glutathione bicarbonate Ringer's solution by 4 μ/hr. These results indicate that endothelial cell damage and increased corneal thickness observed during perfusion was related to the incomplete composition of 0.9% NaCl, Plasma-lyte 148, and lactated Ringer's and that endothelial cell damage can be prevented if the intraocular irrigating solution contains concentrations of inorganic and organic constituents that are similar to those in aqueous humor.
Functional Diversification of Paralogous Transcription Factors via Divergence in DNA Binding Site Motif and in Expression

Background Gene duplication is a major driver of evolutionary innovation as it allows for an organism to elaborate its existing biological functions via specialization or diversification of initially redundant gene paralogs. Gene function can diversify in several ways. Transcription factor gene paralogs in particular, can diversify either by changes in their tissue-specific expression pattern or by changes in the DNA binding site motif recognized by their protein product, which in turn alters their gene targets. The relationship between these two modes of functional diversification of transcription factor paralogs has not been previously investigated, and is essential for understanding adaptive evolution of transcription factor gene families. Findings Based on a large set of human paralogous transcription factor pairs, we show that when the DNA binding site motifs of transcription factor paralogs are similar, the expressions of the genes that encode the paralogs have diverged, so in general, at most one of the paralogs is highly expressed in a tissue. Moreover, paralogs with diverged DNA binding site motifs tend to be diverged in their function. Conversely, two paralogs that are highly expressed in a tissue tend to have dissimilar DNA binding site motifs. We have also found that in general, within a paralogous family, tissue-specific decrease in gene expression is more frequent than what is expected by chance. Conclusions While previous investigations of paralogous gene diversification have only considered coding sequence divergence, by explicitly quantifying divergence in DNA binding site motif, our work presents a new paradigm for investigating functional diversification. Consistent with evolutionary expectation, our quantitative analysis suggests that paralogous transcription factors have survived extinction in part, either through diversification of their DNA binding site motifs or through alterations in their tissue-specific expression levels.
Measuring chronic rheumatic Pain in Mexican Americans: Cross-cultural adaptation of the McGill Pain Questionnaire☆

Abstract We performed a cross-cultural adaptation of the McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) from English to Spanish for studying Mexican Americans in South Texas. Each of the 78 single-word pain descriptors in the original MPQ was translated into Spanish by a panel of nine bilingual health researchers, preserving the original structure of the questionnaire. The pain-intensity content (PIC) of the words in each language was then rated on a 100 mm visual analog scale by 8 bilingual health care providers and 10 bilingual health-care consumers. The correlation between Spanish and English average PIC ratings was strong ( r = 0.85 for providers, r = 0.80 for consumers). The translated Spanish version was compared to the original English in a group of 50 bilingual Mexican-American patients with musculoskeletal pain, who completed the MPQ in both languages. There was no difference in Average Pain Rating Index between the Spanish and English versions (29.8 ± 14.7 vs 29.1 ± 15.8, p = 0.55), and agreement between the two language versions was almost perfect ( r 1 = 0.85). Test-retest reliability was measured in two groups of hospitalized patients (25 per group), one composed of monolingual Spanish speakers and the other of monolingual English speakers. Each subject completed the MPQ, the McGill Pain Map, two 10-cm visual analog scales measuring pain now and within the past week, the bodily pain items of the MOS-SF36 survey, and the Modified Health Assessment Questionnaire, on two occasions one day apart. Test-retest reliability of the Spanish and English components of the MPQ was not significantly different and was comparable to that of the other pain and health status instruments. We conclude that the Spanish MPQ is cross-culturally equivalent to the original English and has similar concurrent validity and reliability. This questionnaire is suitable for cross-cultural studies of pain comparing Spanish-speaking Mexican Americans with English-speaking members of the same and other ethnic groups.
Using live distributed objects for office automation: demo proposal

Web services and platforms such as .NET make it easy to integrate interactive end-user applications with backend services. However, it remains hard to build collaborative applications in which information is shared within teams. We present a new drag-and-drop technology, in which standard office documents (spreadsheets, databases, etc.) are interconnected with eventdriven middleware ("live distributed objects"), to create distributed applications in which changes to underlying data propagate quickly to downstream applications. Information is replicated in a consistent manner, making it easy for team members to share updates and to coordinate their actions. In this demo, we present our middleware platform in office automation settings which is highly automated and highly configurable.
Least Absolute Regression Residuals: Analyses of Split-Plot Designs:

Summmry.-Residuals obtained from least sum of absolute deviations regression are analyzed by a procedure consisrent wich Euclidean geomerry. Applications ro a split-plot design are illusrrared and evaluared. The procedure is applicable to balanced and unbalanced split-plot designs and avoids the customary assumptions of ordinary least squares analyses including normality, homogeneity of variance and covariance, and sphericity. Consider an experiment in which two treatment factors are of interest, A and B, with a and b levels, respectively, so there are ab treatment combinations. If each testing session requires h hours of a subject's time and every subject is to be tested under all treatment combinations, each subject wd require ab testing sessions and abh hours of testing time. If this is unreasonable, an alternative experimental design may be appropriate (Edwards, 1985). With S subjects available, assign n=S/a subjects to each level of Factor A and test each subject under all levels of Factor B. The described experimental design is called a split-plot design. More specifically, it is a repeatedmeasures split-plot design in which subjects are randomly assigned to the a levels of Factor A, i.e., plots, and each subject is then tested under all b levels of Factor B, i.e., subplots. The design is also called a mixed factorial design with one between-subjects factor (A) and one within-subjects factor (B), or an A x (B x S) design (Keppel, 1982). Split-plot designs are among the most widely used experimental designs in behavioral research (Kirk, 1982). The traditional analysis of variance approach to the split-plot design yields three F ratios for evaluating the between-subjects factor (A), the within-subjects factor (B), and the interaction effect between Factors A and B. Two error terms are used to form the F ratios, one with a(~ - 1) degrees of freedom
The U.S. federal effort in developing social indicators

As an introduction to this issue, some historical background of the effort of the U.S. Federal goverment in tracking social trends and making use of social indicators is reviewed. The 1934 study, Recent Social Trends in the United States, and the monographs analyzing demographic trends sponsored by the U.S. Bureau of the Census, are seen as antecedents to the current support accorded what has become a kind of triennial Social Indicators publications. The three subject-matter social indicators volumes of the Federal government — Science Indicators, The Condition of Education and Health: U.S.A. — are reviewed in this volume, and the programs of several other agencies, the Bureau. etc., to develop and communicate social indicators are discussed. The forecast for the future of social indicators includes the development of social accounts, the improvement of models that have criterion social indicators as the dependent variable, and the appreciation of the statistical system to provide the information needed for improved monitorship and understanding. These are seen as joint endeavors of the public and private sectors.
Biomedical surface science: Foundations to frontiers

Surfaces play a vial role in biology and medicine with most biological reactions occurring at surfaces and interfaces. The foundations, evolution, and impact of biomedical surface science are discussed. In the 19th century, the first observations were made that surfaces control biological reactions. The advancements in surface science instrumentation that have occurred in the past quarter of a century have significantly increased our ability to characterize the surface composition and molecular structure of biomaterials. Similar advancements have occurred in material science and molecular biology. The combination of these advances have allowed the development of the biological model for surface science, where the ultimate goal is to gain a detailed understanding of how the surface properties of a material control the biological reactivity of a cell interacting with that surface. Numerous examples show that the surface properties of a material are directly related to in vitro biological performance such as protein adsorption and cell growth. The challenge is to fully develop the biological model for surface science in the highly complex and interactive in vivo biological environment. Examples of state-of-the-art biomedical surface science studies on surface chemical state imaging, molecular recognition surfaces, adsorbed protein films, and hydrated surfaces are presented. Future directions and opportunities for surface scientists working in biomedical research include exploiting biological knowledge, biomimetics, precision immobilization, self-assembly, nanofabrication, smart surfaces, and control of non-specific reactions.
Empirical infrared line lists for five SO2 isotopologues: 32/33/34/36S16O2 and 32S18O2

Abstract Using the latest published, empirically refined potential energy surface (PES) Ames-1 and purely ab initio CCSD(T)/aug-cc-pV(Q+d)Z dipole moment surface (DMS), we have computed infrared line lists for five symmetric isotopologues of sulfur dioxide: 32S16O2 (626), 33S16O2 (636), 34S16O2 (646), 36S16O2 (666), and 32S18O2 (828). The line lists are based on J = 0–80 rovibrational variational calculations with E′ ⩽ 8000 cm−1. The 34S16O2 and 33S16O2 line lists are compared to the experiment-based models in the HIgh-resolution TRANsmission molecular absorption database (HITRAN2012, http://www.cfa.harvard.edu/hitran/ ) and the Cologne Database for Molecular Spectroscopy, CDMS ( http://www.astro.uni-koeln.de/cdms/ ). The accuracy for computed 646 band origins is similar to what has been reported for the main isotopologue, i.e. 0.01–0.03 cm−1 for bands up to 5500 cm−1. For rovibrational transitions, the 646 line position and intensity deviation patterns are much simpler and more self-consistent than those of the main isotopologue 626. The discrepancies are mainly found for higher Ka/J transitions. 626 and 646 exhibit comparable line position and intensity agreement for lower Ka/J transitions. The line position deviations for the 636 purely rotational band are parallel to those of 626 and 646, while its line intensity deviations do not show branching patterns as we found in the 626 and 646 cases. Predictions for the other minor isotopologues are expected to exhibit similar accuracy. These line lists are accurate enough to provide alternatives for missing bands of 626 and the minor isotopologues. It may significantly facilitate the laboratory spectroscopic measurement and analysis, as well as to identify these isotopologues in various astrophysical environments.
Tributyltin environmental studies in Chesapeake Bay

Abstract This paper presents and discusses all available data on tributyltin (TBT) monitoring and toxicity studies conducted in Chesapeake Bay. TBT evaluations in the water column were more numerous than microlayer, sediment or tissue assessments. Maximum TBT concentrations occurred in marina or harbour areas during the beginning of the boating season; significant reductions were reported during the summer and early fall. Significantly lower TBT concentrations generally occurred in non-marina areas. TBT toxicity data were available for various Chesapeake Bay invertebrates and fish. Few studies have been conducted with phytoplankton. Chesapeake Bay copepods were the most sensitive organism tested. Bivalve embryos were also sensitive to TBT. A comparison of TBT environmental concentrations with toxicity data was attempted. Maximum TBT concentrations reported in the water column of Chesapeake Bay marinas would likely be toxic to some copepods and early life stages of bivalves. Mean TBT values reported in some marinas would also be toxic to sensitive Chesapeake Bay copepods. If laboratory toxicity data are considered a realistic indicator of real world effects, then most of the Chesapeake Bay organisms tested to date would not be affected by TBT concentrations reported in non-marina areas. Full life-cycle toxicity tests are needed to evaluate chronic effects of environmentally realistic concentrations of TBT to Chesapeake Bay biota.
A Chartalist Critique of John Locke's Theory of Property, Accumulation, and Money: or, is it Moral to Trade Your Nuts for Gold?

The focus of this paper is John Locke's theoretical defense of economic inequality. It is well known that Locke identified labor as the original and just foundation of property. Succinctly, Locke's was a labor theory of property. Now, while Locke saw private property as legitimate, he proposed that the state of nature within which people interact is part of a social system that is regulated by distinct rules that limit accumulation. There is nothing in Locke's initial argument that allows for unbounded accumulation and consequent inequality. The justification for unbridled accumulation comes later, and rests squarely on Locke's treatment of money as a non-exploitive institution. For Locke, money allows unlimited accumulation while still adhering to the rules he established to govern morally correct behavior. In this paper, we challenge Locke's position by contrasting his exchange-based view of money with the debt-based or Chartalist theory of money. We demonstrate that when money is properly conceived, Lo...