cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Radiances and equivalent widths of Lorentz lines for nonisothermal paths

Abstract The Ladenburg-Reiche analysis of the growth of an isolated spectral line was extended to the case of a nonisothermal path with optical depths for which neither a weak line nor a strong line approximation is appropriate. The results, in terms of the total radiance and equivalent width of the line, are given byN = 2πγ e ∫0 f (x L N * ν ( f )d f and W = 2πγ e f (x L where x L is the total nondimensional optical depth of the extended source, f = f (x) = x exp(-x)[J 0 (ix)−iJ 1 (ix)] is the Ladenburg-Reiche function, and N * v ( f ) is the Planck function of the local temperature in the emitting- absorbing gas. The nondimensional optical depth is defined by dx = S ( X ) F ( X )d X /2πγ e , where S ( X ) is the local value of the line strength corresponding to T = T ( X ), d X is the increment of standard optical depth, γ e is an effective spectral line half-width, and F ( X ) is a function characterizing the temperature dependence of the line width. The expression of F ( X ) by unity and by γ( X )/γ e specifies respectively the “nearly weak” and “nearly strong” line approximations for use at intermediate optical depths.
A hybrid parallelizable low-order algorithm for dynamics of multi-rigid-body systems: Part I, chain systems

This paper presents a new hybrid parallelizable O(n) algorithm for the modeling of the dynamic behavior of multi-rigid-body chain systems. The method is based on the cutting of certain system interbody joints so that largely independent multibody subchain systems are formed. These subchains in turn interact with one another through associated unknown constraint forces f"c at the cut joints. The underlying feature of this new hybrid low-order algorithm is the increased coarse grain parallelism obtained through cutting the joints and explicit determination of associated constraint loads combined with a sequential O(n) procedure. In other words, sequential O(n) procedures are performed to form and solve equations of motion within subchains, and parallel strategies are used to form and solve constraint equations between subchains in parallel. It is shown that the resulting algorithm is coarse grain parallelizable up to the total number of bodies in the system. Also, the algorithm can easily accommodate the available number of processors while maintaining high efficiency. An O[(n + m)/N"p + m^(^1^+^@c^)/N"p + m^@cIog"2N"p] (0 < @c < 1) performance will be achieved with N"p processors for a chain system with n degrees of freedom and m constraints due to cutting of interbody joints.
A Structure Theorem and a Positive-Definiteness Condition in Rings with Involution+

There has been a series of works recently describing the structure of a ring R with involution t when various subsets of its symmetric or skew symmetric elements are assumed to be regular or invertible, or nilpotent [4, 6, 9, 13-151. In particular, if all the symmetric elements are regular or nilpotent, and R is prime with no nil right ideals, then a necessary and sufficient condition for R to be “well behaved” is a certain left-right symmetry condition. Specifically, with the above hypotheses on R, R is a domain or an order in a four-dimensional simple algebra if and only if the following holds: For any x E R, XX* = 0 implies X*X = 0 [13]. The same condition has also arisen in studying symmetric units [lo, Theorem 61. The work in this paper was motivated by a desire to examine this condition by itself. There are two obvious ways in which a ring could satisfy the desired condition. First of all, it may happen that xx* is never 0, for any x # 0 in R. This is a kind of “positive-definiteness” assumption about the involution, and has been studied by Herstein in [6]. The other trivial possibility is that xx* = x*x for all x E R. Such “normal” rings have also been studied. Maxwell has considered such algebras of matrices [12], and more generally, Amitsur has studied identities in rings with involution of the form p(xl ,..., x,; x1* ,..., cc,*), where p is a polynomial in 2n indeterminates [l]. Clearly p(x; x*) = XX* - X*X is a special case, and it is an immediate consequence of Amitsur’s results that a prime ring satisfying p(x; x*) E 0 must be an order in a four-dimensional simple algebra. + This research was supported by NSF Grant GP-38601 at the University of Southern California. 181 Copyright 0 1976 by Academic
Arthroscopy and the Dramatic Increase in Frequency of Anterior Acromioplasty From 1980 to 2005: An Epidemiologic Study

Purpose The purposes of this study was to better understand the utilization of anterior acromioplasty over time, in the absence of rotator cuff repair; to examine the relation to patient characteristics (age, sex) and types of rotator cuff pathology (inflammation or fibrosis, partial-thickness tearing, full-thickness tearing undergoing debridement); and to assess the utilization of arthroscopy in this procedure. Methods Using the resources of the Rochester Epidemiology Project, cataloging medical records of residents in Olmsted County, Minnesota, we identified 246 patients who underwent anterior acromioplasty between 1980 and 2005. It has previously been shown that rarely does a resident of Olmsted County undergo an orthopaedic procedure at a facility outside the county. Results The incidence of anterior acromioplasty increased over time ( P P P Conclusions The frequency of anterior acromioplasty has dramatically increased over time. Increasing knowledge about this syndrome, including better imaging, has facilitated patient treatment for a stable spectrum of rotator cuff pathology (inflammation or fibrosis, partial-thickness tearing, full-thickness tearing undergoing debridement), as has the application of endoscopic surgery. Level of Evidence Level III, epidemiologic study.
Age-dependent effects of treadmill exercise during a period of inactivity

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of a treadmill exercise protocol to prevent muscle weakness, atrophy and alterations in calcium regulation in adult, old and very old rats. Adult (7-12 months), old (29-30 months) and very old (34-36 months) F344BNF(1) rats were randomly assigned to weight bearing (WB), weight bearing exercise (WBX), non-weight bearing (NWB) and non-weight bearing exercise (NWBX) groups. The WB group was considered the sedentary-control animals. NWB rats were hindlimb unweighted for 14 days. WBX and NWBX groups were exercised on a treadmill for approximately 15 min four times daily. The contractile properties [diameter, peak active force (P(0)), specific tension (P(0)/CSA)] of single myosin heavy chain type II fibers and Ca regulation [Ca(2+) dependent ATPase activity] were determined. Fiber diameter reduced by 24% in the very old rats with NWB. P(0) and P(0)/CSA declined in the young adult and very old rats with NWB. NWBX attenuated these changes in the young and very old rats. Ca(2+) dependent ATPase activity increased with treadmill exercise during non-weight bearing in the young animals. In conclusion, the treadmill exercise is beneficial in attenuating the non-weight bearing-induced changes in the individual MHC type II muscle fibers of the gastrocnemius muscle.
Density-functional-based linear and nonlinear polarizabilities of fullerene and benzene molecules.

To address recent experiments showing a relatively large off-resonant nonlinear optical response of the fullerene molecule, we have calculated the static electronic response of fullerene molecules. While our linear polarizability is in good agreement with experimental measurements, we find that the third-order contribution is approximately one or two orders of magnitude lower than the experimental measurements. Using the same theoretical method, we have calculated the first- and third-order polarizabilities of benzene and find good agreement between our results and other experimental and theoretical results.
One God, One Revelation, One People: On the Symbolic Structure of Elective Monotheism

The article explores some of the symbolic foundations of the monotheistic discourses that underlie Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The focus of such discourses on the uniqueness of the Creator of the world and the exclusivity of his modes of communication with especially selected individuals and communities fosters within each tradition an abiding capacity for intercommunal rivalry and conflict. In this view, competition and conflict among monotheistic traditions is not a failure of monotheistic ethics but an expression of the fundamental intentionality of monotheistic discourses as symbolic systems. The article opens with some criticisms of commonly cited encyclopedic treatments of monotheism and distinguishes between metaphysical or speculative monotheism and elective monotheism. The bulk of the discussion probes the general symbolic structures that underlie concrete historical discourses of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
Impact of Past Mining Activities on Aquatic Sediments in Moira River Basin, Ontario

Abstract The geochemistry of aquatic sediments collected from the Moira River system, which empties into eastern Lake Ontario, was studied to determine the distribution and transport of Ni, Co, Cu, Pb, Zn, Cr, Hg, Ag, and As through the system. Surface sediment from 14 stations and sediment from two core profiles collected at Moira Lake and Bay of Quinte were analyzed. Concentrations of Si, Al, Fe, Mg, K, and Na, which represent the major mineral species were generally similar in all samples. However, significant enrichment of As, Cu, Co, and Ni were observed in the surface of the core from Moira Lake, downstream from previous mining and smelting activities at Deloro where wastes were discharged in Moira River. The horizonal distribution of trace element concentrations in the sediment decreased with increasing distance from the old mining and smelting site. Water samples collected downstream from this area contained 250 μg L −l of As, indicating significant release of As into the watershed at the present time.
Mitral Annular Plane Systolic Excursion as a Surrogate for Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction

Background Assessing left ventricular function is a common indication for echocardiography. It generally requires expert echocardiographer estimation and is somewhat subjective and prone to reader discordance. Mitral annular plane systolic excursion (MAPSE) has been suggested as a surrogate measurement for left ventricular function. The aim of this study was to examine the accuracy of MAPSE for predicting left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) on the basis of a large cohort of consecutive echocardiograms. Methods The study design was a retrospective analysis of 600 two-dimensional echocardiographic studies performed in a single laboratory. MAPSE measurement was performed by an untrained observer and compared with the EF as determined by an expert echocardiographer. The first 300 studies served as a calibration cohort to establish an algorithm for predicting EF on the basis of MAPSE measurement. The following 300 studies served as a verification cohort to test the accuracy of the established algorithm. Results Using the first 300 studies, an algorithm was developed to predict EF. Cutoff values for normal EF (≥11 mm for women and ≥13 mm for men) and severely reduced EF ( Conclusions MAPSE measurement by an untrained observer was found to be a highly accurate predictor of EF.
Nuclear functions required for cytochrome c oxidase biogenesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae: multiple trans-acting nuclear genes exert specific effects on expression of each of the cytochrome c oxidase subunits encoded on mitochondrial DNA

Fourteen nuclear complementation groups of mutants that specifically affect the three mitochondrially-encoded subunits of yeast cytochrome c oxidase have been characterized. Genes represented by these complementation groups are not required for mitochondrial transcription, transcript processing, or translation per se but are required for the expression of one of the three genes — COX1, COX2, or COX3 — which encode the cytochrome c oxicase subunits I, II, or III, respectively. Five of these genes affect the biogenesis of cytochrome c oxidase subunit I, 3 affect the biogenesis of subunit II, 3 affect the biogenesis of subunit III and 3 affect the biogenesis of both cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and cytochrome b, the product of COB. Among the 5 complementation groups of mutants that affect the expression of COX1, 2 lack COX1 transcripts, 1 produces incompletely processed COX1 transcripts, and 2 contain normal levels of normal-sized COX1 transcripts. In contrast, all 3 complementation groups which affect the expression of COX2 and all 3 complementation groups which affect the expression of COX3 exhibit no, or little, detectable difference with respect to the wild type pattern of transcripts. The 3 complementation groups which affect the expression of both COX1 and COB all have aberrant COX1 and COB transcript patterns. These findings indicate that multiple trans-acting nuclear genes are required for specific expression of each COX gene encoded on mitochondrial DNA and suggest that their products act at different steps in the expression of these mitochondrial genes.
Lead-indium phosphate glasses for optical applications

A new glass system based on a range of lead-indium phosphate compositions has been developed. These glasses have a relatively high index of refraction (1.8 - 1.9) in the visible region and exhibit moderate dispersion (typical Abbe number of 32). The ultraviolet absorption edge occurs near 300 nm and the glasses strongly absorb in the infrared at wavelengths greater than 2800 nm. The glasses can be prepared at relatively low temperatures (900 - 1000 degree(s)C) and are easily poured at temperatures near 800 degree(s)C due to their low melt viscosities. Lead-indium phosphate glasses exhibit good chemical durability and resistance to both weathering and intense gamma-irradiation. These materials have a glass transition temperature of 430 degree(s)C, and thermal expansion coefficients in the range of 11 to 12 X 10-6/ degree(s)C. The structure of these glasses consists of a distribution of chains of PO4 tetrahedra held together by bonding between the non- bridging oxygen of the tetrahedra and the metal cations. The polyphosphate chain distribution was determined using the technique of high-performance liquid chromatography. The high index of refraction of lead-indium phosphate glasses makes them attractive for several applications such as high-numerical-aperture optical fibers and specialty lenses. Optical fibers up to 60 m in length have been drawn, and several simple lenses have been designed, ground, and polished. Preliminary results on the ability to directly cast optical components of lead- indium phosphate glass are also discussed as well as the suitability of these glasses as a host medium for rare-earth ion lasers and amplifiers.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Correlation of vascularity with mineralization in human fetal teeth.

The qualitative relationship of dental vascularity to mineralization of dentin and enamel was studied in 50 normal human fetuses 11.5 to 18 weeks of age, obtained unembalmed within 12-24 hours after abortion. A 50-50 suspension of India ink and 10% neutral formalin was injected manually into the umbilical vein (intact fetuses) or internal carotid arteries (autopsied fetuses), using sufficient pressure on the syringe to fill but not rupture nor overdistend the blood vessels. After immersion of the injected fetuses in 10% neutral formalin for three to five days, the maxillae and mandibles were removed and stained with alizarin red S for identification of calcium salts. Under magnification the dental sacs were exposed, removed intact and opened to observe: (1) the dental papilla, (2) its size and vascularity, and (3) the extent of mineralization of the crowns and cusps. Macroscopic preparations and microscopic sections were made of selected tissues from these specimens. The degree of mineralization appeared to be correlated more closely with the vascularity of the dental papilla than with the total size of the dental sacs, or that of the cusps or crowns. Blood vessels were present at the peripheral edge of both the developing enamel and dentin but no blood vessels were found to traverse the stellate reticulum nor were any blood cells found within it normally; whereas if abnormal pressure had been applied to the fetus or if the specimens were undergoing maceration, blood cells were observed within the stellate reticulum.
Inactivation of Rous Sarcoma Virus on Contact with N-Ethyl Isatin (β-Thiosemicarbazone

ISATTN β-thiosemicarbazone (IBT) and its N-methyl and N-ethyl derivatives have been shown to inhibit the growth of a wide range of viruses containing DNA and RNA1. In a recent study, the spectrum of antiviral activity of these compounds, which previously included members of the poxvirus, adenovirus and herpesvirus groups, was extended to the viruses of the Picornavirus, reovirus, arbovirus, myxovirus and paramyxovirus groups. In view of the broad range of inhibitory activity exhibited by these compounds and the fact that the methyl derivative (methisazone, Marboran) is effective clinically in the prevention of smallpox2, we have tested their effect against Rous sarcoma virus (RSV).
A numerical strategy for efficient modeling of the equatorial wave guide

Convection in the tropics is observed to involve a wide-ranging hierarchy of scales from a few kilometers to the planetary scales and also has a profound impact on short-term climate. The mechanisms responsible for this behavior present a major unsolved problem. A promising emerging approach to address these issues is cloud-resolving modeling. Here a family of numerical models is introduced specifically to model the feedback of small-scale deep convection on tropical planetary waves and tropical circulation in a highly efficient manner compatible with the approach through cloud-resolving modeling. Such a procedure is also useful for theoretical purposes. The basic idea in the approach is to use low-order truncation in the meriodonal direction through Gauss–Hermite quadrature projected onto a simple discrete radiation condition. In this fashion, the cloud-resolving modeling of equatorially trapped planetary waves reduces to the solution of a small number of purely zonal two-dimensional wave systems along a few judiciously chosen meriodonal layers that are coupled only by some additional source terms. The approach is analyzed in detail with full mathematical rigor for linearized equatorial primitive equations with source terms.
Hemangioblastoma of the conus medullaris associated with cutaneous hemangioma

A 6-month-old infant is reported with a spinal cord hemangioblastoma located in the conus medullaris associated with an overlying congenital dermal sinus and cutaneous capillary hemangioma. There were no neurologic deficits either preoperatively or following removal of the tumor. The skin and spinal cord lesions were believed to represent an isolated vascular malformation. This spinal cord hemangioblastoma is unusual because of the age of the patient, manner of clinical presentation, location in the caudal spinal cord, and pathologic characteristics. We review the literature and discuss the associations of spinal cord hemangioblastomas with cutaneous and other lesions.
Initiation factor IF-3: a specific inhibitor of ribosomal subunit association

Abstract At Mg 2+ concentrations optimal for protein synthesis on natural messenger UNA, initiation factor IF-3 † effectively inhibits the association of 30 s and 50 s ribosomal subunits but does not cause the dissociation of single ribosomes. The rate of exchange between single ribosomes and ribosomal subunits is very slow at these concentrations of Mg 2+ , but increases markedly at lesser concentrations of Mg 2+ . The net dissociation of single ribosomes observed at low concentrations of Mg 2+ in the presence of IF-3 is not stimulated by this factor, but proceeds only to the extent of spontaneous dissociation of single ribosomes, with IF-3 subsequently intercepting the ribosomal subunits. The inhibition of ribosomal subunit association is displayed by highly purified IF-3, but not by IF-1 or IF-2. It can be overcome in the presence of 0.01 mspermidine, but not by putrescine. Ribosomal subunit association also is inhibited by tetracycline; this inhibition likewise is overcome by spermidine.
More than meets the eye: relationship between low health literacy and poor vision in hospitalized patients.

Patient-centered care includes involving patients and their families in self-management of chronic diseases. Identifying and addressing barriers to self-management, including those related to health literacy and vision limitations, may enhance one's ability to self-manage. A set of brief verbal screening questions (BV SQ) that does not rely on sufficient vision to assess health literacy was developed by Chew and colleagues in the outpatient setting. The authors aimed to evaluate the usefulness of this tool for hospitalized patients and to determine the prevalence of poor vision among inpatients. In a prospective study, the BVSQ and the Rapid Estimate of Adult Learning in Medicine-Revised (REALM-R; among participants with sufficient vision, ≥20/50 Snellen) were administered to general medicine inpatients. Of 893 participants, 79% were African American, and 57% were female; the mean age was 53 years. Among 668 participants who completed both tools, the proportion with low health literacy was 38% with the BVSQ versus 47% with the REALM-R (p = .0001). Almost one fourth of participants had insufficient vision; participants with insufficient vision were more likely to be identified as having low health literacy by the BVSQ, compared with those with sufficient vision (59% vs. 38%, p < .001).
Children with Developmental Disability and Visual Impairment: What Information Can an Ophthalmologist Provide to Family and School

Improved technology has increased survival of infants with serious medical conditions in the US, as well as worldwide, at a cost of significant developmental disability and sensory deficits in many children. This has created a public health challenge and is stressful to families who are the primary caretakers of children with complex medical problems resulting in disabilities. Children with comorbidities such as developmental disability and visual impairment have more difficulty than children with normal development. The pediatric ophthalmologist is an essential member of the multidisciplinary team caring for the child. The pediatric ophthalmologist can provide essential information and specific recommendations for medically necessary services, accommodations and interventions that can aid a child and family in reaching the child’s potential and relieve stress.
Whole genome microarray analysis of gene expression in Prader–Willi syndrome

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is caused by loss of function of paternally expressed genes in the 15q11-q13 region and a paucity of data exists on transcriptome variation. To further characterize genetic alterations in this classic obesity syndrome using whole genome microarrays to analyze gene expression, microarray and quantitative RT-PCR analysis were performed using RNA isolated from lymphoblastoid cells from PWS male subjects (four with 15q11-q13 deletion and three with UPD) and three age and cognition matched nonsyndromic comparison males. Of more than 47,000 probes examined in the microarray, 23,383 were detectable and 323 had significantly different expression in the PWS lymphoblastoid cells relative to comparison cells, 14 of which were related to neurodevelopment and function. As expected, there was no evidence of expression of paternally expressed genes from the 15q11-q13 region (e.g., SNRPN) in the PWS cells. Alterations in expression of serotonin receptor genes (e.g., HTR2B) and genes involved in eating behavior and obesity (ADIPOR2, MC2R, HCRT, OXTR) were noted. Other genes of interest with reduced expression in PWS subjects included STAR (a key regulator of steroid synthesis) and SAG (an arrestin family member which desensitizes G-protein-coupled receptors). Quantitative RT-PCR for SAG, OXTR, STAR, HCRT, and HTR2B using RNA isolated from their lymphoblastoid cells and available brain tissue (frontal cortex) from separate individuals with PWS and control subjects and normalized to GAPD gene expression levels validated our microarray gene expression data. Our analysis identified previously unappreciated changes in gene expression which may contribute to the clinical manifestations seen in PWS.
Engineering of the fluorescent-energy-conversion arm of phi29 DNA packaging motor for single-molecule studies.

The bacteriophage phi29 DNA packaging motor contains a protein core with a central channel comprising twelve copies of re-engineered gp10 protein geared by six copies of packaging RNA (pRNA) and a DNA packaging protein gp16 with unknown copies. Incorporation of this nanomotor into a nanodevice would be beneficial for many applications. To this end, extension and modification of the motor components are necessary for the linkage of this motor to other nanomachines. Here the re-engineering of the motor DNA packaging protein gp16 by extending its length and doubling its size using a fusion protein technique is reported. The modified motor integrated with the eGFP-gp16 maintains the ability to convert the chemical energy from adenosine triphosphate (ATP) hydrolysis to mechanical motion and package DNA. The resulting DNA-filled capsid is subsequently converted into an infectious virion. The extended part of the gp16 arm is a fluorescent protein eGFP, which serves as a marker for tracking the motor in single-molecule studies. The activity of the re-engineered motor with eGFP-gp16 is also observed directly with a bright-field microscope via its ability to transport a 2-µm-sized cargo bound to the DNA.
Recognizing sketched multistroke primitives

Sketch recognition attempts to interpret the hand-sketched markings made by users on an electronic medium. Through recognition, sketches and diagrams can be interpreted and sent to simulators or other meaningful analyzers. Primitives are the basic building block shapes used by high-level visual grammars to describe the symbols of a given sketch domain. However, one limitation of these primitive recognizers is that they often only support basic shapes drawn with a single stroke. Furthermore, recognizers that do support multistroke primitives place additional constraints on users, such as temporal timeouts or modal button presses to signal shape completion. The goal of this research is twofold. First, we wanted to determine the drawing habits of most users. Our studies found multistroke primitives to be more prevalent than multiple primitives drawn in a single stroke. Additionally, our studies confirmed that threading is less frequent when there are more sides to a figure. Next, we developed an algorithm that is capable of recognizing multistroke primitives without requiring special drawing constraints. The algorithm uses a graph-building and search technique that takes advantage of Tarjan's linear search algorithm, along with principles to determine the goodness of a fit. Our novel, constraint-free recognizer achieves accuracy rates of 96p on freely-drawn primitives.
Immunotoxicity of in vitro vanadium exposures : effects on interleukin-1, tumor necrosis factor-α, and prostaglandin E2 production by WEHI-3 macrophages

Abstract Treatment of cultured mouse macrophages with either of two different vanadium compounds was shown to affect the production/release of two major immunoregulatory cytokines. The pentavalent vanadium compound ammonium metavanadate was shown previously to disrupt cell-mediated immunity at the earliest stages of an in vivo anti-Listerial response, in that mice treated with vanadium displayed decreased accessory cell recruitment and numbers of activated macrophages at infection sites. To determine whether these effects were due to vanadium-induced alterations in the production of biologically-active mediators, mouse macrophage-like WEHI-3 cells were treated in vitro with ammonium metavanadate or vanadium pentoxide prior to stimulation with lipopolysaccharide endotoxin (LPS). After stimulation, monokine (tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) activities were assessed. Both vanadium compounds decreased recovered monokine activities; measured TNFα concentrations were also reduced. Spontaneous release of the IL-1/TNF-regulating prostanoid PGE2 was significantly increased by the highest concentration of vanadate tested, although LPS-stimulated PGE2 production was unaffected by either compound. These results indicate that, in vitro, pentavalent vanadium can interfere with immunoregulatory mediators critical for maintaining host immunocompetence.
Timing, Coordination, and Rhythm : Acrobatics at the DNA Replication Fork

In DNA replication, the antiparallel nature of the parental duplex imposes certain constraints on the activity of the DNA polymerases that synthesize new DNA. The leading-strand polymerase advances in a continuous fashion, but the lagging-strand polymerase is forced to restart at short intervals. In several prokaryotic systems studied so far, this problem is solved by the formation of a loop in the lagging strand of the replication fork to reorient the lagging-strand DNA polymerase so that it advances in parallel with the leading-strand polymerase. The replication loop grows and shrinks during each cycle of Okazaki fragment synthesis. The timing of Okazaki fragment synthesis and loop formation is determined by a subtle interplay of enzymatic activities at the fork. Recent developments in single-molecule techniques have enabled the direct observation of these processes and have greatly contributed to a better understanding of the dynamic nature of the replication fork. Here, we will review recent experimental advances, present the current models, and discuss some of the exciting developments in the field.
FREEZING OF THE CHROMOPROTEIN PHYCOERYTHRIN FROM THE RED ALGA PORPHYRIDIUM CRUENTUM.

Abstract Exposure of the chromoprotein phycoerythrin to subzero temperatures resulted in changes in its physical properties. The protein, purified from the unicellular red alga Porphyridium cruentum, was analyzed by means of sedimentation analysis, disc electrophoresis, and absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy. Absorption spectroscopy indicated a general hypochromicity and loss of an absorption maximum, and fluorescence spectroscopy indicated an increased yield following treatment. Sedimentation and electrophoretic analyses of repeatedly frozen-thawed phycoerythrin demonstrated a decrease in the amount of “native” phycoerythrin, and the presence or increase of two new additional components. The nature and extent of the alteration seemed to depend, at the least, upon the minimum temperature to which the sample was exposed, and on the rate at which it was rewarmed to room temperature.
Fractionation of Dissolved Organic Matter by (Oxy)Hydroxide-Coated Sands: Competitive Sorbate Displacement during Reactive Transport

Sorptive retention of dissolved organic matter (DOM) at soil particle surfaces controls C flux through the critical zone. Prior studies have shown that pristine Al- and Fe-(oxy)hydroxide surfaces are especially reactive toward DOM sorptive stabilization. However, the impact of progressive and/or preexisting organic surface coatings on further surficial uptake and exchange during repeated DOM infusion episodes remains unclear. In this study, DOM solutions were extracted from organic horizons in grassland (G) and mixed conifer forest (F) vegetation types in the Jemez River Basin Critical Zone Observatory. Extracted DOM solutions were used to sequentially irrigate columns packed with either quartz sand (Qtz), Al-hydroxide-coated quartz sand (Al-Qtz), or Fe-hydroxide-coated quartz sand (Fe-Qtz). Use of distinct DOM sources enabled investigation of how sorption, fractionation, and exchange ensued during reactive transport through mineral media progressively coated with sorbate organic matter (SOM). During initial irrigation of fresh mineral media with G-DOM, the magnitude of DOM sorption (per unit sorbent mass) followed the trend: Al-Qtz ≥ Fe-Qtz > Qtz. Effluent solutions showed diminished molar absorptivity and humification index (HIX) values, indicating preferential uptake of high-molar-mass aromatic constituents. Introduction of F-DOM to G-SOM-coated surfaces revealed competitive desorption of G-SOM from the organo–mineral interface. During F-DOM irrigation, high HIX values were observed in effluent solutions, indicating remobilization of G-SOM by displacement. According to spectroscopic analyses, the displaced G-SOM consisted of aromatic phenolic acids with high excitation–emission “fingerprints” characteristic of fulvic- and humic-acid-like compounds, providing evidence for kinetic DOM exchange reactions.
Interactions of citrus flavor compounds with polypropylene films of varying crystallinities

Equilibrium sorption levels at 23 degrees C were determined individually for two citrus flavor components (d-limonene and 1-carvone) into ground and unground polypropylene films of different crystallinites. Sorption levels at equilibrium were also determined for a mixture of the two flavor compounds. Aqueous solutions of the flavor compounds (200 ppm carvone and 1000 ppm limonene) were employed. Concentrations of flavors remaining in solution before and after exposure were measured by high performance liquid chromatogrpahy (HPLC). Results indicated flavor compound polarity, polymer crystallinity and the presence of other flavor compounds in a mixture influenced sorption behavior.
A longitudinal examination of JIT purchasing practices

Purpose – To examine the changes in just‐in‐time (JIT) purchasing practices over time.Design/methodology/approach – The evaluation of changes in JIT purchasing practices was done through a longitudinal study. The first study was performed in 1989. The second study was performed almost a decade later. The empirical studies measured the managerial perceptions of the importance of nine different areas of JIT purchasing activities. Regression and bootstrapping were used for comparison between time periods.Findings – The study found similar results from a decade earlier on all but 17 out of a total of 103 JIT purchasing practices. The only significantly more important item was the contract provision for delivery frequency. It appears that purchasing professionals have learned and are more familiar with JIT purchasing practices. As a result four problem areas were significantly lower and 12 other practices deemed less important.Research limitations/implications – Sample size is a limitation for the study. The a...
Sequential testing of simple hypotheses about compound Poisson processes

One of two simple hypotheses for the unknown arrival rate and jump distribution of a compound Poisson process is correct. We start observing the process, and the problem is to decide on the correct hypothesis as soon as possible and with the smallest probability of wrong decision. We find a Bayes-optimal sequential decision rule and describe completely how to calculate its parameters without any restrictions on the arrival rate and the jump distribution.
A Possible Younger Dryas Record in Southeastern Alaska

A stratigraphic record of climatic cooling equal in timing and severity to the Younger Dryas event of the North Atlantic region has been obtained from lacustrine sediments in the Glacier Bay area of southeastern Alaska. Fossil pollen show that a late Wisconsin pine parkland was replaced about 10,800 years ago by shrub- and herb-dominated tundra, which lasted until about 9,800 years ago. This vegetational change is matched by geochemical evidence for loss of organic matter from catchment soils and increased mineral erosion. If this event represents the Younger Dryas, then an explanation for a hemisphere-wide propagation of a North Atlantic climatic perturbation must be sought.
The CYP inhibitor 1-aminobenzotriazole does not prevent oxidative stress associated with alcohol-induced liver injury in rats and mice

Cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2E1 is induced by ethanol and is postulated to be a source of reactive oxygen species during alcoholic liver disease. However, there was no difference in liver pathology and radical formation between wild-type and CYP2E1 knockout mice fed ethanol. Other CYP isoforms may contribute these effects if CYP2E1 is inhibited or absent. The purpose of this study was, therefore, to determine if blocking most of the P450 isoforms with 1-aminobenzotriazole (ABT; 100 mg/kg i.g.), has any effect on liver damage and oxidative stress due to alcohol in rats and mice. Male C57BL/6 mice and Wistar rats were fed either high-fat control or ethanol-containing enteral diet for 4 weeks. ABT had a significant inhibitory effect on many P450 isoforms independent of concomitant alcohol administration. However, ABT did not protect against liver damage due to alcohol in either species. Indices of oxidative stress and inflammation were also similar in livers from vehicle-treated and ABT-treated animals fed ethanol. In summary, suppression of P450 activity with ABT had no apparent effect on oxidative stress caused by alcohol in both rats and mice. These data support the hypothesis that oxidative stress and liver damage can occur independently of CYP activities in both rats and mice during early alcohol-induced liver injury.
Chemometrics and liquid chromatography in the study of acute lymphocytic leukemia

Abstract Parametric and nonparametric pattern-recognition techniques were used to investigate the intrinsic structure of chromatographic data obtained from blood plasma of acute lymphocytic leukemic patients. The chromatographic data base (consisting of nucleosides, bases, and other low-molecular-weight ultraviolet-absorbing compounds) was obtained by using reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. When five pattern vectors obtained from twenty-four normal control and twenty-four plasma samples are used, it is possible to discriminate with excellent sensitivity and selectivity between the normal physiological and the pathological processes when both supervised and unsupervised linear learning techniques are applied.
Loss of FLOWERING LOCUS C Activity Eliminates the Late-Flowering Phenotype of FRIGIDA and Autonomous Pathway Mutations but Not Responsiveness to Vernalization

The MADS domain–containing transcription factor FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC) acts as an inhibitor of flowering and is a convergence point for several pathways that regulate flowering time in Arabidopsis. In naturally occurring late-flowering ecotypes, the FRIGIDA (FRI) gene acts to increase FLC levels, whereas the autonomous floral promotion pathway and vernalization act to reduce FLC expression. Previous work has shown that the Landsberg erecta allele of FLC, which is not a null allele, is able to partially suppress the late-flowering phenotype of FRIGIDA and mutations in the autonomous pathway. In this study, using a null allele of FLC, we show that the late-flowering phenotype of FRIGIDA and autonomous pathway mutants are eliminated in the absence of FLC activity. In addition, we have found that the downregulation of SUPPRESSOR OF OVEREXPRESSION OF CONSTANS1 by FRI and autonomous pathway mutants also is mediated by FLC. Complete loss of FLC function, however, does not eliminate the effect of vernalization. Thus, FRI and the autonomous pathway may act solely to regulate FLC expression, whereas vernalization is able to promote flowering via FLC-dependent and FLC-independent mechanisms.
Specifying subtypes in Safety Critical Java programs

SUMMARY Real-time and safety-critical code could benefit from the use of design patterns and frameworks that rely on subtyping and dynamic dispatch. However, modular reasoning about programs that use subtypes requires that each overriding method obeys the specifications of all methods that it overrides. For example, if method scale is specified in a supertype Vector2d to take at most 42 ns to execute, then an override of scale cannot take more than 42 ns to execute in any subtype, such as Vector3d. The problem is that subtype objects typically contain more information, such as the z coordinate in Vector3d, and thus their methods often require more time to execute than the methods they override. In this paper, we show how to specify timing constraints for subtypes in a way that both allows overriding subtype methods to have more time to execute and yet permits precise modular verification and checking of timing constraints. Our techniques allow object-oriented coding and design patterns based on subtype polymorphism to be used in real-time and safety-critical software. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Contributions of the Three CYP1 Monooxygenases to Pro-Inflammatory and Inflammation-Resolution Lipid Mediator Pathways

All three cytochrome P450 1 (CYP1) monooxygenases are believed to participate in lipid mediator biosynthesis and/or their local inactivation; however, distinct metabolic steps are unknown. We used multiple-reaction monitoring and liquid chromatography-UV coupled with tandem mass spectrometry–based lipid-mediator metabololipidomics to identify and quantify three lipid-mediator metabolomes in basal peritoneal and zymosan-stimulated inflammatory exudates, comparing Cyp1a1/1a2/1b1( −/− ) C57BL/6J-background triple-knockout mice with C57BL/6J wild-type mice. Significant differences between untreated triple-knockout and wild-type mice were not found for peritoneal cell number or type or for basal CYP1 activities involving 11 identified metabolic steps. Following zymosan-initiated inflammation, 18 lipid mediators were identified, including members of the eicosanoids and specialized proresolving mediators (i.e., resolvins and protectins). Compared with wild-type mice, Cyp1 triple-knockout mice exhibited increased neutrophil recruitment in zymosan-treated peritoneal exudates. Zymosan stimulation was associated with eight statistically significantly altered metabolic steps: increased arachidonic acid–derived leukotriene B 4 (LTB 4 ) and decreased 5 S -hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid; decreased docosahexaenoic acid–derived neuroprotectin D1/protectin D1, 17 S -hydroxydocosahexaenoic acid, and 14 S -hydroxydocosahexaenoic acid; and decreased eicosapentaenoic acid–derived 18 R -hydroxyeicosapentaenoic acid (HEPE), 15 S -HEPE, and 12 S -HEPE. In neutrophils analyzed ex vivo, elevated LTB 4 levels were shown to parallel increased neutrophil numbers, and 20-hydroxy–LTB 4 formation was found to be deficient in Cyp1 triple-knockout mice. Together, these results demonstrate novel contributions of CYP1 enzymes to the local metabolite profile of lipid mediators that regulate neutrophilic inflammation.
Characterization of Rous Sarcoma Virus Gag Particles Assembled In Vitro

Purified retrovirus Gag proteins or Gag protein fragments are able to assemble into virus-like particles (VLPs) in vitro in the presence of RNA. We have examined the role of nucleic acid and of the NC domain in assembly of VLPs from a Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) Gag protein and have characterized these VLPs using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning TEM (STEM), and cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM). RNAs of diverse sizes, single-stranded DNA oligonucleotides as small as 22 nucleotides, double-stranded DNA, and heparin all promoted efficient assembly. The percentages of nucleic acid by mass, in the VLPs varied from 5 to 8%. The mean mass of VLPs, as determined by STEM, was 6.5 × 10 7 Da for both RNA-containing and DNA oligonucleotide-containing particles, corresponding to a stoichiometry of about 1,200 protein molecules per VLP, slightly lower than the 1,500 Gag molecules estimated previously for infectious RSV. By cryo-EM, the VLPs showed the characteristic morphology of immature retroviruses, with discernible regions of high density corresponding to the two domains of the CA protein. In spherically averaged density distributions, the mean radial distance to the density corresponding to the C-terminal domain of CA was 33 nm, considerably smaller than that of equivalent human immunodeficiency virus type 1 particles. Deletions of the distal portion of NC, including the second Zn-binding motif, had little effect on assembly, but deletions including the charged residues between the two Zn-binding motifs abrogated assembly. Mutation of the cysteine and histidine residues in the first Zn-binding motif to alanine did not affect assembly, but mutation of the basic residues between the two Zn-binding motifs, or of the basic residues in the N-terminal portion of NC, abrogated assembly. Together, these findings establish VLPs as a good model for immature virions and establish a foundation for dissection of the interactions that lead to assembly.
The objective analysis of horizontal wind divergence fields

Statistical evidence is adduced to support the contention that significant patterns are discernible in fields of divergence values computed from the horizontal winds using the Bellamy triangle technique. An objective method is presented for determining: (a)the percentage of the variance of a given data field which is explainable using a statistical objective analysis technique on a specified observational network, (b)the principal wavelengths present in the data field, (c)statistically determined weight curves for the objective analysis of the field. Space autocorrelation shows a 1,700 nautical mile wavelength to be dominant in the tropospheric divergence fields and the noise level to be about 10−5 sec−1. the case history of a developing storm is presented and the divergence patterns associated with various aspects of the development are shown to be in agreement with synoptic experience.
The effect of the 2-D Laplacian operator approximation on the performance of finite-difference time-domain schemes for Maxwell's equations

The behavior of the finite-difference time-domain method (FDTD) is investigated with respect to the approximation of the two-dimensional Laplacian, associated with the curl-curl operator. Our analysis begins from the observation that in a two-dimensional space the Yee algorithm approximates the Laplacian operator via a strongly anisotropic 5-point approximation. It is demonstrated that with the aid of a transversely extended-curl operator any 9-point Laplacian can be mapped onto FDTD update equations. Our analysis shows that the mapping of an isotropic Laplacian approximation results in an isotropic and less dispersive FDTD scheme. The properties of the extended curl are further explored and it is proved that a unity Courant number can be achieved without the resulting scheme suffering from grid decoupling. Additionally, the case of a 25-point isotropic Laplacian is examined and it is shown that the corresponding scheme is fourth order accurate in space and exhibits isotropy up to sixth order. Representative numerical simulations are performed that validate the theoretically derived results.
Insulin/FOXO Signaling Regulates Ovarian Prostaglandins Critical for Reproduction

Abnormalities in insulin/IGF-1 signaling are associated with infertility, but the molecular mechanisms are not well understood. Here we use liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry to show that the C. elegans insulin/FOXO pathway regulates the metabolism of locally acting lipid hormones called prostaglandins. C. elegans prostaglandins are synthesized without prostaglandin G/H synthase homologs, the targets of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Our results support the model that insulin signaling promotes the conversion of oocyte polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) into F-series prostaglandins that guide sperm to the fertilization site. Reduction in insulin signaling activates DAF-16/FOXO, which represses the transcription of germline and intestinal genes required to deliver PUFAs to oocytes in lipoprotein complexes. Nutritional and neuroendocrine cues target this mechanism to control prostaglandin metabolism and reproductive output. Prostaglandins may be conserved sperm guidance factors and widespread downstream effectors of insulin actions that influence both reproductive and nonreproductive processes.