cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inhibition with orthographically similar low-frequency word targets preceded by high-frequency primes

The role of inhibition (increased latency) for lexical decisions on targets preceded by orthographically related high- and low-frequency primes was examined. There was more inhibition for targets preceded by orthographically related high-frequency primes, compared to the same targets preceded by orthographically unrelated primes. These results were interpreted as verification of a version of Colombo's (1986) inhibition hypothesis, modified to fit the current paradigm. According to the modified version of Colombo's hypothesis, the lexical memorial representation of a similarly spelled high-frequency prime competes with the target for recognition when the target is presented. In the current experiment, the lack of phonological inconsistency effects (e.g., TOUCH-COUCH vs. SPOKE-COUCH) was not interpreted to mean that phonological processing did not occur. The lack of phonological inconsistency effects was seen as the result of phonological processes being averaged across targets that were still influenced lexically by the memorial representations of similarly spelled high- and low-frequency primes.
Cloning the human gene for macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF).

Abstract Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) was originally identified as a lymphokine. However, recent work strongly suggests a wider role for MIF beyond the immune system. It is expressed specifically in the differentiating cells of the immunologically privileged eye lens and brain, is a delayed early response gene in fibroblasts, and is expressed in many tissues. Here, we report the structure of the remarkably small gene for human MIF that has three exons separated by introns of only 189 and 95 bp and covers less than 1 kb. The cloned sequence also includes 1 kb of 5′ flanking region. Primer extension and 5′ rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) of human brain RNA both indicate the presence of a single transcription start site in a TATA-less promoter. Northern blot analysis shows a single size of MIF mRNA (about 800 nt) in all human tissues examined. In contrast to previous reports, we find no evidence for multiple genes for MIF in the human genome.
Flow transition in a multilouvered fin array

Abstract The paper describes the detailed transition mechanism from steady to unsteady flow in a multilouvered fin geometry. The initial instability appears in the wake of the exit louver at a Reynolds number of 400 with a characteristic non-dimensional frequency (based on inflow velocity and louver pitch) of 0.84. Between a Reynolds number of 700 and 800, power spectra in the interior of the array indicate an increase in energy in the vicinity of the first harmonic of the initial exit wake instability. By a Reynolds number of 900, free shear layer or Kelvin–Helmholtz type instabilities develop on the leading edge shear layers of louvers near the exit. These instabilities have a characteristic non-dimensional frequency of 1.7. As the Reynolds number increases further, instabilities move upstream into the array. By a Reynolds number of 1300, most of the louvers exhibit unsteadiness, except for the entrance louver and the first two louvers following it. By this Reynolds number, the flow in the downstream half of the array exhibits a chaotic behavior.
Organizational Architecture & Problem Solving: A Topic Modeling Approach to New Problem Attention

This study examines how the organizational architecture shapes the problems that decision makers attend to. Using a unique data set of organizational changes at Motorola over a 23- year period, and...
HAPTOGLOBIN AND TRANSFERRIN DIFFERENCES IN SOME IRANIAN POPULATIONS.

PREVIOUS studies of ABO blood groups and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) distribution in Moslems, Zoroastrians and the Ghashghai tribal group in Iran showed absence of G-6-PD deficiency and a B gene frequency of 0.34 in Zoroastrians as compared with G-6-PD deficiency of 8 per cent and a B gene frequency of 0.28 in Moslems ; ABO blood group studies of the Ghashghai tribe were comparable with that of the Moslem group, and 11 per cent of males examined had G-6-PD deficiency1.
Ubiquitinylation and Ubiquitin-dependent Proteolysis in Vertebrate Photoreceptors (Rod Outer Segments) EVIDENCE FOR UBIQUITINYLATION OF Gt AND RHODOPSIN

In corroboration of the hypothesized regulation of phototransduction proteins by the ubiquitin-dependent pathway, we identified free ubiquitin (8 kDa) and ubiquitin-protein conjugates (50 to >200 kDa; pI 5.3-6.8 by two-dimensional electrophoresis) in bovine rod outer segments (ROS). A 38-kDa ubiquitinylated protein and transducin (Gt) were eluted together from light-adapted ROS membranes with GTP. When ROS were dark-adapted, this 38-kDa ubiquitinylated species and Gt were readily solubilized in buffer lacking GTP. These data are consistent with ubiquitinylation of Gt and corroborate previous cell-free experiments identifying Gt as a substrate for ubiquitin-dependent proteolysis (Obin, M. S., Nowell, T., and Taylor, A. (1994) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 200, 1169-1176). Evidence for ubiquitinylation of rhodopsin (36 kDa), the (photo)receptor coupled to Gt, included (i) the presence in ROS membranes "stripped" of peripheral membrane proteins of numerous ubiquitin-protein conjugates, including two whose masses (44 and 50 kDa) are consistent with mono- and diubiquitinylated rhodopsin; (ii) catalysis by permeabilized ROS of 125I-labeled ubiquitin-protein conjugates whose masses (42, 50, and 58 kDa) suggest a "ladder" of mono-, di-, and triubiquitinylated rhodopsin; (iii) parallel mobility shifts on SDS-polyacrylamide gels of rhodopsin and these 125I-labeled ubiquitin-protein conjugates; and (iv) generation of enhanced levels of 125I-labeled ubiquitin-protein conjugates when stripped, detergent-solubilized ROS membranes (95% rhodopsin) were incubated with reticulocyte lysate. A functional ubiquitin-dependent pathway in ROS is demonstrated by the presence of (i) the ubiquitin-activating enzyme (E1); (ii) four ubiquitin carrier proteins (E214K, E220K, E225K, and E235K) and pronounced activity of E214K, an enzyme required for "N-end rule" proteolysis; (iii) ATP-dependent 26 S proteasome activity that rapidly degrades high mass 125I-labeled ubiquitin-ROS protein conjugates; and (iv) distinct ubiquitin C-terminal isopeptidase/hydrolase activities, including potent ubiquitin-aldehyde-insensitive activity directed at high mass ubiquitinylated moieties. Considered together, the data support a novel role for the ubiquitin-dependent pathway in the regulation of mammalian phototransduction protein levels and/or activities and provide the first identification of a non-calpain proteolytic system in photoreceptors.
Influence of S Contamination on CO2 Reduction at Ag Electrodes

The influence of S poisoning on Ag electrodes for the production of synthesis gas (syn-gas) was evaluated at 20 and 70 C using a flow-cell electrolysis system with a gas diffusion electrode (GDE). Before poisoning, a mixture of CO and H2 (syn-gas) was produced. After exposure to Na2S at open circuit potential (OCP) the overpotential for H2 evolution decreased resulting in a significant decrease in the Faradaic efficiency for CO. It was found that poisoning was mostly reversed by performing electrolysis at 20 C in S free electrolyte but not at 70 C. Measurements on planar disk electrodes showed distinct stripping waves for S adsorbed at OCP. The stripping waves were influenced by both temperature and the presence of CO2. These measurements show the potential dependant nature of electrode recovery where at elevated temperature adequate polarization to strip S was prevented by H2 evolution. Poisoning during operation leads to a temporary decrease in CO produced which can be mostly recovered by exchanging the catholyte. SEM analysis of S-exposed GDEs demonstrated a blocking of the pore-structure at the GDE surface. Preliminary experiments with economical grades of CO2 showed only minor poisoning due to S-containing species leading to only marginal changes inmore » syn-gas composition.« less
A Bandwidth-Adaptive Preamplifier

We propose an adaptive microphone preamplifier that adjusts its power consumption according to the input signal's bandwidth. A chip prototype of the adaptive preamplifier for speech processing was fabricated in a 0.5-μm CMOS process. The adaptive preamplifier's measured input referred noise is 3 μV rms and its total harmonic distortion is -40 dBc for an 80-mV rms input amplitude. These noise and distortion specifications remain virtually constant over the preamplifier's range of bandwidth adaptation. The adaptive preamplifier consumes 65 μW of power. This is achieved with no degradation in speech quality, when compared to a conventional preamplifier of fixed bandwidth, and as measured by the perceptual evaluation of speech quality (PESQ) score.
Geometric interpretation of the Tschauner–Hempel solutions for satellite relative motion

Abstract The fundamental solutions of the Tschauner–Hempel equations, which describe the motion of a deputy satellite relative to a chief satellite with arbitrary eccentricity, are interpreted geometrically as generalizations of the drifting two-by-one ellipse that describes relative motion in circular orbits. General solutions are formed by taking linear combinations of these fundamental solutions. The amplitudes of these fundamental solutions are proposed as a parameterization of relative motion in elliptic orbits. A simple maneuver scheme is also developed to achieve arbitrary desired changes in the fundamental-solution amplitudes.
A new catheter system for coronary angioplasty

A new catheter system has been designed for percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. An independently movable, flexible-tipped guide wire within the balloon dilation catheter facilitates selection of the involved vessel. This guide wire can be passed slowly and carefully beyond the coronary stenosis, permitting safe advancement of the balloon catheter. After testing in animal and cadaver hearts, this system was used in 53 patients (56 stenoses) with single vessel coronary artery disease, with an overall primary success rate of 64 percent. In the last 41 of these 56 cases, use of a balloon catheter with a smaller deflated diameter increased the success rate to 73 percent. In patients with lesions of the left anterior descending coronary artery, the success rate was 89 percent. Three (6 percent) of the 53 patients had complications during coronary arterial dilation that necessitated emergency coronary arterial bypass graft surgery. There were no procedure-related or late cardiac deaths. During the mean follow-up period of 8 months (range 1 to 21), there were one late death (of noncardiac causes) and no late myocardial infarctions. Clinical status was persistently improved in 31 of the 36 patients who had successful dilation. The remaining five patients experienced restenosis at the angioplasty site and return of angina pectoris within 3 months of dilation. Two of these patients had repeat coronary angioplasty with restoration of asymptomatic status, and three had elective coronary bypass graft surgery.
Actions of the Judicial Commission of the International Committee on Systematic Bacteriology on Requests for Opinions Published Between January 1985 and July 1993

Eleven requests were published between January 1985 and July 1993. Four of these requests were granted and have been published as Opinion 64, replacing and recognizing type strains of Methanobacterium formicicum and Methanobacterium bryantii, respectively; Opinion 65, replacing the type strain of Selenomonas sputigena; Opinion 66, replacing the type strain of Streptococcus mitis; and Opinion 67, rejecting Citrobacter diversum. Six requests were denied, including requests for conservation or recognition of “Rhodococcus lentifragmentus,” “Pediococcus acidilactici,” and “Salmonella enterica,” rejection of Erwinia carnegieana, Pectobacterium carnegieana, and Lactobacillus paracasei, and transfer of the type strain of Methanosaeta concilii to Methanothrix soehngenii. A request based on a proposal for reinterpretation of the position of Xanthomonas maltophilia was not considered by the Judicial Commission because it represented a substantive taxonomic issue rather than a nomenclatural question governed by the Bacteriological Code.
Vibrational spectrum and normal coordinate analysis of SF5Br

Abstract The i.r. spectrum of gaseous and the Raman spectrum of liquid SF5Br are reported. Ten out of 11 fundamentals expected for symmetry C4υ were observed and assigned. A normal coordinate analysis was carried out and thermodynamic properties in the range 0–2000 K were computed.
Burbage's Father's Ghost

AbstractBiographical criticism of Hamlet has focused on the deaths of Shakespeare's father and son. Such criticism is underwritten by deep theoretical commitments to Shakespeare's authority, but un...
Subthreshold leakage modeling and reduction techniques

As technology scales, subthreshold leakage currents grow exponentially and become an increasingly large component of total power dissipation. CAD tools to help model and manage subthreshold leakage currents will be needed for developing ultra low power and high performance integrated circuits. This paper gives an overview of current research to control leakage currents, with an emphasis on areas where CAD improvements will be needed. The first part of the paper explores techniques to model subthreshold leakage currents at the device, circuit, and system levels. Next, circuit techniques such as source biasing, dual Vt partitioning, MTCMOS, and VTCMOS are described. These techniques reduce leakage currents during standby states and minimize power consumption. This paper also explores ways to reduce total active power by limiting leakage currents and optimally trading off between dynamic and leakage power components.
Factor Structure of the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ) With Mentally Ill Male Prisoners:

Because of the rising frequency and severity of violence in prison populations, quick and accurate screening of aggressiveness is vital. The Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ) is a 29-item self-report measure of aggression. Bryant and Smith proposed a refined 12-item, four-factor version with superior psychometric qualities; however, Williams, Boyd, Cascardi, and Poythress found a different factor structure among jail detainees than is usually found with nonoffenders. The current study used confirmatory factor analyses with data from mentally ill male offenders in a state prison to examine several previously proposed models for the BPAQ. Results confirmed the four-factor structure, the factorial invariance across populations, and supported the use of a modified 12-item refined BPAQ with this prison population.
Evolving an immersive medical communication skills trainer

This paper presents our experiences in evolving the Virtual Objective Structured Clinical Exam (VOSCE) system. This system allows medical students to experience the interaction between a patient and a medical doctor using natural methods of interaction with a high level of immersion. These features enable the system to provide training on medical communication skills. We discuss the experiences of a group of medical and physician assistant students that pilot tested the system. Further, we examine the impact of evolving the system based on their feedback. The VOSCE system's performance in subsequent studies has indicated that end-user feedback improvements have significantly impacted overall performance and efficacy.
Determination of rate distributions from kinetic experiments

Rate processes in proteins are often not adequately described by simple exponential kinetics. Instead of modeling the kinetics in the time domain, it can be advantageous to perform a numerical inversion leading to a rate distribution function f(lambda). The features observed in f(lambda) (number, positions, and shapes of peaks) can then be interpreted. We discuss different numerical techniques for obtaining rate distribution functions, with special emphasis on the maximum entropy method. Examples are given for the application of these techniques to flash photolysis data of heme proteins.
Analysis of Relative Levels of Production of Pertussis Toxin Subunits and Ptl Proteins in Bordetella pertussis

Pertussis toxin is transported across the outer membrane of Bordetella pertussis by the type IV secretion system known as the Ptl transporter, which is composed of nine different proteins. In order to determine the relative levels of production of pertussis toxin subunits and Ptl proteins in B. pertussis, we constructed translational fusions of the gene for alkaline phosphatase, phoA, with various ptx and ptl genes. Comparison of the alkaline phosphatase activity of strains containing ptx′- or ptl′-phoA fusions indicated that pertussis toxin subunits are produced at higher levels than Ptl proteins, which are encoded by genes located toward the 3′ end of the ptx-ptl operon. We also engineered strains of B. pertussis by introducing multiple copies of the ptl genes or subsets of these genes and then examined the ability of each of these strains to secrete pertussis toxin. From these studies, we determined that certain Ptl proteins appear to be limiting in the secretion of pertussis toxin from the bacteria. These results represent an important first step in assessing the stoichiometric relationship of pertussis toxin and its transporter within the bacterial cell.
Adaptation of Fluorescent-Microscopy to Determination of Genetic Variations in Mouse Mammary Tumor Agent

SummaryA fluorescent-antibody system is reported which allows rapid analysis of the minor antigenic differences between mouse mammary tumor agent (MTA) extracts obtained from different sources. This method correlates very well with the bio-assay method reported by Bittner and associates. An analysis of the antigenic component can be made within a few hours after receiving the MTA extract. In the older bio-assay method up to 2 years of observations were necessary for proper evaluation. The disadvantages of the fluorescent-antibody system include, a) interference by non-specific fluorescence, b) limitations imposed by antisera employed, c) removal of normal tissue antibodies, and d) selection of appropriate fluorescent dyes for conjugation to the sera. These disadvantages can be partially overcome by carefully selecting the antigens to be used for preparing antisera, adsorption of antisera with mouse liver powder extracts, concentration of globulin fractions prior to conjugation, and use of sharply contrast...
A Compact Broadband Planar Antenna for GPS, DCS-1800, IMT-2000, and WLAN Applications

A compact broadband planar antenna is developed for global positioning system (GPS), DCS-1800, IMT-2000, and WLAN handsets. The planar antenna consists of an S-strip and a T-strip which are separately printed on the two sides of a thin substrate (no via process is involved in the fabrication). The antenna size is only 18 mm$\,\times\,$7.2 mm $\,\times\,$0.254 mm which is more compact than previously published antenna configurations. The bandwidth of the planar antenna is enhanced by the mutual coupling between the S-strip and the T-strip. It has been demonstrated by simulation and experiment that the compact planar antenna can achieve a bandwidth of more than 50% for return loss $
A gas-loaded free-electron laser at 600 Å

Abstract The addition of a gas to an FEL wiggler changes the phase velocity of the electromagnetic wave, and so provides a fairly simple way of wavelength tuning. This effect has been demonstrated by reducing the wavelength of an infrared FEL by 0.73 μm with the introduction of 200 Torr of hydrogen gas. In this paper, a helium-loaded FEL experiment, which is to operate at λ = 600 A with λ = 220, is proposed, and detailed design calculations are presented. Near the electronic resonance of helium, which occurs at λ = 584 A , the index of refraction becomes large, so it is possible to use low gas pressures. This is advantageous because at lower pressures there is less degradation of the beam quality due to multiple scattering. Using typical electron beam parameters, in 115 cm of wiggler length, the power in the wave is increased by a factor of ∼ 9 at λ = 600 A .
Synthesized compact model and experimental results for substrate noise coupling in lightly doped processes

A synthesized compact model of substrate coupling resistance for lightly doped substrate processes is proposed. The model incorporates all geometrical parameters including geometrical mean distance with a few process-dependent fitting coefficients. The model accuracy is shown to be within 15% error using the measurement data from two test chips, one in a customized lightly doped process and the other one in a 0.18-/spl mu/m BiCMOS lightly doped process. Substrate noise distribution on a 2 mm by 2 mm chip with 319 substrate contacts is shown with the calibrated SCM model.
Timing of antenatal corticosteroids and neonatal pulmonary mechanics.

Objective: We sought to compare lung mechanics in infants treated with multiple courses of antenatal corticosteroids with those in matched control infants delivered >7 days from dosing and those of matched untreated infants. Study Design: Eighteen infants who received multiple courses of corticosteroids and were delivered within 7 days of dosing were matched with 18 infants who received 1 course of corticosteroids >7 days before delivery (remote) and 18 untreated infants. Respiratory compliance and functional residual capacity were measured within 36 hours. Differences were compared by analysis of variance. Results: Infant demographics were similar. Respiratory compliance was higher in the multiple-course group than in the remote or untreated group (P < .02). Functional residual capacity was higher in the multiple-course group than in the untreated group (P < .05) but similar to that found in the remote group. Conclusion: Babies delivered after multiple courses of corticosteroids and within 7 days of dosing demonstrated improved respiratory compliance compared with untreated and remotely treated infants. This suggests that the enzyme system responsible for surfactant production can be repetitively induced despite prior treatment with corticosteroids. The increased functional residual capacity in remotely treated infants may reflect a maturation of lung architecture independent of surfactant production. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2000;183:895-9.)
A pattern matching co-processor for network security

It has been estimated that computer network worms and virus caused the loss of over $55B in 2003. Network security system use techniques such as deep packet inspection to detect the harmful packets. While software intrusion detection system running on general purpose processors can be updated in response to new attacks. They lack the processing power to monitor gigabit networks. We present a high performance pattern matching co-processor architecture that can be used to monitor and identify a large number of intrusion signature. The design consists of a bank of pattern matchers that are used to implement a highly concurrent filter. The pattern matchers can be programmed to match multiple patterns of various lengths, and are able to leverage the existing databases of threat signatures. We have been able to program the filters to match all the payload patterns defined in the widely used Snort network intrusion detection system at a rate above 7 Gbps, with memory space left to accommodate threat signatures that become available in the future.
An iterative procedure for obtaining maximum-likelihood estimates of the parameters for a mixture of normal distributions

The problem of obtaining numerically maximum likelihood estimates of the parameters for a mixture of normal distributions is addressed. In recent literature, a certain successive approximations procedure, based on the likelihood equations, is shown empirically to be effective in numerically approximating such maximum-likelihood estimates; however, the reliability of this procedure was not established theoretically. Here, a general iterative procedure is introduced, of the generalized steepest-ascent (deflected-gradient) type, which is just the procedure known in the literature when the step-size is taken to be 1. With probability 1 as the sample size grows large, it is shown that this procedure converges locally to the strongly consistent maximum-likelihood estimate whenever the step-size lies between 0 and 2. The step-size which yields optimal local convergence rates for large samples is determined in a sense by the separation of the component normal densities and is bounded below by a number between 1 and 2.
Determination of the mass of 87Y

Abstract The mass excess of 87Y has been determined to be −83 001.4 ± 1.5 keV by measuring the Q-values of the reactions 86Sr(p, γ)87Y and 87Sr(p, n)87Y, which were found to be 5785.4 ± 3.3 keV and −2643.5 ± 1.5 keV, respectively. The mass of 87Y given in the 1970 mass tables appears to be in error, although the 87Sr-86Sr mass excess difference given in that compilation is in agreement with the present work.
Microtubule Flux Mediates Poleward Motion of Acentric Chromosome Fragments during Meiosis in Insect Spermatocytes

We applied a combination of laser microsurgery and quantitative polarization microscopy to study kinetochore-independent forces that act on chromosome arms during meiosis in crane fly spermatocytes. When chromosome arms located within one of the half-spindles during prometa- or metaphase were cut with the laser, the acentric fragments (lacking kinetochores) that were generated moved poleward with velocities similar to those of anaphase chromosomes (∼0.5 μm/min). To determine the mechanism underlying this poleward motion of detached arms, we treated spermatocytes with the microtubule-stabilizing drug taxol. Spindles in taxol-treated cells were noticeably short, yet with polarized light, the distribution and densities of microtubules in domains where fragment movement occurred were not different from those in control cells. When acentric fragments were generated in taxol-treated spermatocytes, 22 of 24 fragments failed to exhibit poleward motion, and the two that did move had velocities attenuated by 80% (to ∼0.1 μm/min). In these cells, taxol did not inhibit the disjunction of chromosomes nor prevent their poleward segregation during anaphase, but the velocity of anaphase was also decreased 80% (∼0.1 μm/min) relative to untreated controls. Together, these data reveal that microtubule flux exerts pole-directed forces on chromosome arms during meiosis in crane fly spermatocytes and strongly suggest that the mechanism underlying microtubule flux also is used in the anaphase motion of kinetochores in these cells.
Numerical investigations on the contribution of point source emissions to the PM2.5 concentrations in Fairbanks, Alaska

Abstract Simulations with and without consideration of emissions from point sources were performed with the Weather Research and Forecasting model with online chemistry (WRF/Chem) to examine the contribution of point source emissions to the PM 2.5 concentrations at breathing level in Fairbanks, Alaska during winter. On days and at locations where PM 2.5 concentrations exceed the National Ambient Air Quality Standard of 35 μg m −3 , emissions from point sources account for 4% of the 24 h–average PM 2.5 concentration on average. The locations of highest concentrations were the same in both simulations. Point source emissions induced only five additional exceedance days in the nonattainment area. The magnitude of the PM 2.5 concentrations depended on meteorological conditions (temperature, wind speed, mixing height) and emissions. The radius of impact of point source emissions on the PM 2.5 concentration at breathing level of about 10–12 km downwind results as a combination of low emission heights, low wind speeds and the presence of inversions.
Radiocarbon dating and metal analyses of ‘fossil’ and living tubes of Protula (Annelida: Polychaeta)

Since the initiation of benthic and trawling studies in southern California over 50 years ago, empty calcareous tubes, measuring up to 36 cm in length and 2.1 cm in diameter, have been collected and presumed to belong to the serpulid genus Protula. 14C dating of these ‘fossil’ tubes, ranged from 631 ±34 to 3987 ±42 yrs. In connection with monitoring programs, living specimens of Protula superba Moore, 1909 were collected from the benthos off southern California. A comparison of the elemental profile of the ancient and extant tubes was conducted to ascertain the effects of time and the recent increase in various anthropogenically mobilized metals on the incorporation of Al, As, Ba, Cd, Ce, Co, Cr, Fe, Mo, Ni, Pb, U, V and Zn in the calcareous tube. Surprisingly, inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) analysis of the digested tubes showed the concentrations of the elements were generally higher in ‘fossil’ tubes than those obtained from living animals. However, the concentration of elements was higher in ‘fossil’ tubes collected from the vicinity of municipal outfall discharges compared to ‘fossil’ tubes collected from near an offshore island. Laser ablation ICP-MS analyses across transverse sections of ‘fossil’ and living tubes showed spatial heterogeneity of elements in the structure. Elevated signals for Pb, Gd, Ce, La, Pr, Sm, Eu and Nd were observed on both internal and external surfaces on all tubes. Elevated responses for Fe, Zn, Sr, Mn, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er and Bi were primarily noted on the outer surfaces. It is hypothesized that the higher concentrations of metals in the ‘fossil’ tubes may be the result of surface contamination facilitating elemental adsorption or substitution over the years. It is concluded that the use of biomineralized structures as biomonitors of water quality should involve rigorous chelating procedures to remove contaminating metals from lattice bound elements locked in the mineral matrix.
High-Resolution Scanning Electron Microscopy and Its Application to Research on Immunity and Aging

The importance of membrane molecules that function as receptors and antigens in aging is attested to by the fact that such molecules emerging late in life can evoke a response from the immune system that can lead to the destruction of cells possessing those specificities. Examples include encephalopathies of autoimmune etiology in which viral antigens appear on neurons and acquired late-adulthood anemias in which immunoglobulins (Ig) M or G are present on erythrocyte membranes.
Visual cortical dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease evaluated with a temporally graded stress test during PET

Objective : Visual-processing abnormalities commonly contribute to typical Alzheimer's disease symptoms, but their detailed pathophysiology remains unknown. To investigate why patients with Alzheimer's disease have greater difficulty performing visuoconstructive (magnocellular-dominated) tasks than face- or color-perception (parvocellular-dominated) tasks, the authors measured brain activation in response to a temporally graded visual stimulus (neural stress test) during positron emission tomography. Method : The stress test measured regional cerebral blood flow (CBF) in response to a patterned flash stimulus in the resting state (0 Hz in the dark) and at frequencies of 1, 2, 4, 7, and 14 Hz. Ten patients with Alzheimer's disease and 12 age- and sex-matched comparison subjects were studied. Results : The striate response at 7 Hz and 14 Hz (the degree of regional CBF increase from that at 0 Hz) was significantly less in the patients than in the comparison subjects, whereas the change in regional CBF at the lower frequencies did not differ between groups. In bilateral middle temporal association areas activated by motion and dominated by magnocellular input, regional CBF at 1 Hz (the frequency with maximal apparent motion) was significantly greater than at 0 Hz in the comparison subjects but not in the patients. Conclusions : The magnocellular visual system normally responds to high-frequency input and motion ; the failure of response in the striate cortex at high but not low frequencies in the Alzheimer's patients suggests greater magnocellular than parvocellular dysfunction at these levels. Activation failure in the middle temporal areas in the patients supports magnocellular dysfunction. The finding that the Alzheimer's disease group had abnormal visual cortical function emphasizes the importance of clinical visuospatial evaluation of patients with Alzheimer's disease to fully understand symptom production and to plan interventions.
Sugar’s Sequels: Inventing Traditions in the Plantation Saga Novels of Martinique and Brazil

This essay will consider how plantation culture, and by extension, national culture, is reflected in two literary sagas that depict life in sugar-producing regions of the New World, one by the Brazilian regionalist writer Jose Lins do Rego (1901-1957) and the other by the Martinican creoliste author Raphael Confiant (b. 1951). The serialization - in other words, the narrative and temporal continuity - of Confiant’s trilogie sucriere (sugar trilogy) and Lins do Rego’s ciclo da cana de acucar (sugarcane cycle), provides particularly fertile terrain for exploring the function of repetition and self-referentiality as they relate to literary production and the construction and promulgation of Martinican and Brazilian national identity.
Catalytic NO Oxidation in the Presence of Moisture Using Porous Polymers and Activated Carbon

NO oxidation catalyzed by porous materials is difficult to implement under industrial conditions because moisture in combustion exhaust streams blocks oxidation sites, decreasing NO conversion. In this work, hydrophobic cross-linked polymers are tested as NO oxidation catalysts to overcome these negative impacts associated with moisture. Although activated carbons (ACs) outperform hyper-cross-linked polymers by >88% and low-cross-linked polymers by >463% under dry conditions, their NO conversion drops to 0% when 50% relative humidity is added. Performance of hyper-cross-linked and low-cross-linked polymers, however, decreases by only 19–35% and <6%, respectively, for NO conversion in the presence of moisture. NO conversion differences between materials are attributed to differences in the catalysts’ initial hydrophilicity and their proclivity to react with generated NO2, which also increases hydrophilicity. While the initial hydrophobicity of the polymers contributes to their consistent performance, it is...
Assessing Principals’ Assessments: Subjective Evaluations of Teacher Effectiveness in Low- and High-Stakes Environments

Teacher effectiveness varies substantially, yet principals’ evaluations of teachers often fail to differentiate performance among teachers. We offer new evidence on principals’ subjective evaluations of their teachers’ effectiveness using two sources of data from a large, urban district: principals’ high-stakes personnel evaluations of teachers, and their low-stakes assessments of a subsample of those teachers provided to the researchers. We find that principals’ evaluations of teachers are quite positive whether the stakes are high or low, but the low-stakes evaluations show substantially more use of lower rating categories, and many teachers rated ineffective on the low-stakes assessment receive “effective” or “highly effective” high-stakes ratings. Teacher characteristics, such as experience, partially explain the discrepancy between the two scores. Also, despite the fact that principals overwhelmingly assign teachers to the two highest rating categories on the high-stakes evaluation, their high- and l...
Genetic analysis of variation in lifespan using a multiparental advanced intercross Drosophila mapping population

Considerable natural variation for lifespan exists within human and animal populations. Genetically dissecting this variation can elucidate the pathways and genes involved in aging, and help uncover the genetic mechanisms underlying risk for age-related diseases. Studying aging in model systems is attractive due to their relatively short lifespan, and the ability to carry out programmed crosses under environmentally-controlled conditions. Here we investigate the genetic architecture of lifespan using the Drosophila Synthetic Population Resource (DSPR), a multiparental advanced intercross mapping population. We measured lifespan in females from 805 DSPR lines, mapping five QTL (Quantitative Trait Loci) that each contribute 4–5 % to among-line lifespan variation in the DSPR. Each of these QTL co-localizes with the position of at least one QTL mapped in 13 previous studies of lifespan variation in flies. However, given that these studies implicate >90 % of the genome in the control of lifespan, this level of overlap is unsurprising. DSPR QTL intervals harbor 11–155 protein-coding genes, and we used RNAseq on samples of young and old flies to help resolve pathways affecting lifespan, and identify potentially causative loci present within mapped QTL intervals. Broad age-related patterns of expression revealed by these data recapitulate results from previous work. For example, we see an increase in antimicrobial defense gene expression with age, and a decrease in expression of genes involved in the electron transport chain. Several genes within QTL intervals are highlighted by our RNAseq data, such as Relish, a critical immune response gene, that shows increased expression with age, and UQCR-14, a gene involved in mitochondrial electron transport, that has reduced expression in older flies. The five QTL we isolate collectively explain a considerable fraction of the genetic variation for female lifespan in the DSPR, and implicate modest numbers of genes. In several cases the candidate loci we highlight reside in biological pathways already implicated in the control of lifespan variation. Thus, our results provide further evidence that functional genetics tests targeting these genes will be fruitful, lead to the identification of natural sequence variants contributing to lifespan variation, and help uncover the mechanisms of aging.
Performance of a Magnesium-Rich Primer on Pretreated AA2024-T351 in Selected Laboratory and Field Environments: Conversion Coating Pretreatments

The effect of conversion coatings on the corrosion protection of AA2024-T351 by magnesium-rich primer (MgRP) was evaluated in topcoated and non-topcoated, scribed conditions. Protection of remote scratches and global protection by the coating after exposure in selected laboratory and field environments was investigated. Exposure studies focused on chromate conversion coating, trivalent chromium pretreatment (TCP), and non-chromium pretreatment, and compared to non-film forming (NFF) surface pretreatment. Exposures were conducted in the field under two different environments: at a coastal marine site and at an inland rural site. ASTM B117 with 5 wt% NaCl, modified ASTM B117 with acidified ASTM substitute ocean water and UV light, as well as full immersion in ambiently aerated 5 wt% NaCl solution were compared to field environments. Mg pigment depletion rate, global galvanic protection potential, coating barrier properties, and scribe protection were investigated. In systems without a topcoat, full immersio...
Plasmonic coupling in single flower-like gold nanoparticle assemblies

Abstract Localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) arises when light interacts with metallic nanoparticles (NPs). When nanoparticles (NPs) assemble together, the plasmon coupling effect between the NPs often leads to new features in the LSPR of the assembled structure. Understanding the plasmon coupling in the complex assemblies will greatly benefit the development of new plasmonic devices. Here we demonstrate the fabrication of a 3D structure using two different sized Au NPs as building blocks. This 3D structure was achieved by manipulating the binding efficiency of ligands linking the NPs, and proper choice of the NP size. The assembled structure is flower-like structure, with one 130 nm Au NP in the center, and several 40 nm Au NPs attaching as “petals”. Single particle dark-field scattering measurements of the individual assemblies were performed, together with electrodynamics simulations. The experimental and theoretical studies show that, the plasmonic coupling lead to broadening of the LSPR and additional peaks, depending on the number and 3D arrangement of the 40 nm NPs around the center 130 nm NP.
Pan-caspase peptide inhibitor to induce primary chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cell death through a non-apoptotic and non-necroptotic mechanism.

e13536 Background: It is thought that CLL cells are poised on the brink of apoptosis. Recent advances in the understanding of the balance of BCL2 family proteins in CLL biology have led to the deve...
Randomized phase II trial of weekly paclitaxel, carboplatin, cetuximab (PCC) versus cetuximab, docetaxel, cisplatin, and fluorouracil (C-TPF) in previously untreated patients with locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

TPS6102 Background: The use of induction chemotherapy in patients (pts) with locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remains controversial. The induction strategy has shown t...
Machine learning to detect signatures of disease in liquid biopsies - a user's guide.

New technologies that measure sparse molecular biomarkers from easily accessible bodily fluids (e.g. blood, urine, and saliva) are revolutionizing disease diagnostics and precision medicine. Microchip devices can measure more disease biomarkers with better sensitivity and specificity each year, but clinical interpretation of these biomarkers remains a challenge. Single biomarkers in ‘liquid biopsy’ often cannot accurately predict the state of a disease due to heterogeneity in phenotype and disease expression across individuals. To address this challenge, investigators are combining multiplexed measurements of different biomarkers that together define robust signatures for specific disease states. Machine learning is a useful tool to automatically discover and detect these signatures, especially as new technologies output increasing quantities of molecular data. In this paper, we review the state of the field of machine learning applied to molecular diagnostics and provide practical guidance to use this tool effectively and to avoid common pitfalls.
Colonic atresia and stenosis: our experience.

Background: Colonic atresia and stenosis are rare entities. On average 1 case per year of colonic atresia is being seen in most of pediatric surgical centers and to date less than 10 cases of colonic stenosis have been reported. Material and Methods: The medical record of patients of colonic atresia and stenosis managed during March 2006 to March 2010 was reviewed. Results: A total of 15 patients of colonic atresia (11) and stenosis (4) were the study population. Four were ascending colon atresia, 2 at hepatic flexure and transverse colon each, and 1 at sigmoid colon. Two patients had multiple colonic atresias. One patient of ascending colon atresia also had pyloric atresia. In colonic stenosis population (two congenital and two secondary to necrotizing enterocolitis), two were transverse colon stenosis and two were sigmoid colon stenosis. The preoperative diagnosis was distal small bowel atresia in 11 patients. Colonic atresias were managed by colocolic anastomosis with covering ileostomy in 8 patients. The remaining 3 patients were managed by exteriorizing both ends of atresia. Colonic stenosis cases were managed by primary colocolic anastomosis in 1 patient and colocolic anastomosis under covering ileostomy in 3 patients. Three patients of colonic atresia succumbed postoperatively. Conclusion: Colonic atresia and stenosis are rare entities. Associated alimentary tract malformations may result poor prognosis. Colonic atresia can safely be managed by colocolic anastomosis with covering ileostomy.
Mechanistic Insight Facilitates Discovery of a Mild and Efficient Copper-Catalyzed Dehydration of Primary Amides to Nitriles Using Hydrosilanes

Metal-catalyzed silylative dehydration of primary amides is an economical approach to the synthesis of nitriles. We report a copper–hydride(CuH)-catalyzed process that avoids a typically challenging 1,2-siloxane elimination step, thereby dramatically increasing the rate of the overall transformation relative to alternative metal-catalyzed systems. This new reaction proceeds at ambient temperature, tolerates a variety of metal-, acid-, or base-sensitive functional groups, and can be performed using a simple ligand, inexpensive siloxanes, and low catalyst loading.
The Molecular Basis of Genetic Defects in HDL Metabolism

Plasma high density lipoproteins (HDL) have been the focus of active research over the last two decades since HDL-cholesterol have been inversely associated with the risk of premature cardiovascular disease, respectively (1–4). HDL have been proposed to modulate the development of premature vascular disease by facilitating the removal of excess cholesterol from peripheral tissues and transporting the cholesterol directly back to the liver or transferring the cholesterol to VLDL or LDL by the cholesterol ester exchange protein (CETP) (5–7). The process of HDL mediated transport of cholesterol from peripheral tissues back to the liver has been termed reverse cholesterol transport (8,9) and remains to be definitively confirmed.
Effect of pH, viscosity and ionic-strength changes on ciliary beating frequency of human bronchial explants

1. Ciliary activity is significantly influenced by chemical and physical properties of the liquid medium in which the cilia beat. 2. We studied the effect of changes in pH, ionic strength and viscosity on the ciliary beat frequency (CBF) of explants of human respiratory mucosa. 3. Optimal CBF was elicited at pH 7 . 0-9 . 0, with a marked reduction of CBF outside these limits. The CBF was well preserved at NaCl concentrations between 5 g/l (80 mmol/l) and 12 g/l (200 mmol/l), but there was rapid loss at concentrations below 0 . 5 g/l (10 mmol/l). The cilia beat best at viscosities below 1 . 0 centipoises (1 mN s m-2). Increase of the viscosity gradually decreases CBF with a significant drop at viscosities above 87 millipoises. 4. It is concluded that the above limits may fairly accurately indicate the actual physical characteristics of the periciliary environment ('sol layer') in vivo.
Genomic Organization and Function of Human Centromeres

Centromeres are required for normal chromosome segregation in mitosis and meiosis, and a substantial proportion of human pathology stems from abnormalities of chromosome segregation, the underlying genomic basis and mechanism(s) of which are largely unknown. Human centromeres consist of megabases ofα-satelliteDNA, atandemlyrepeatedDNA family whose genomic organization, evolution, and function is increasingly well understood. The study of normal, abnormal, and engineered human chromosomes is providing insights into the nature of human centromeres and their mechanism of action, as well as enabling comparison with centromeres of other eukaryotic organisms and the identification of genomic elements required for normal centromere function.
A Rigorous Formulation

In the fifth chapter, we examined the logic of relations which De Morgan published in 1860. This extremely important and suggestive work opened the door to the fully developed logic of relations. Nevertheless, it was untidy and incomplete. Its reader must wonder just what principles are being assumed and how strong the resulting system is.