cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization of the Enzymatic Properties of the First and Second Domains of Metallocarboxypeptidase D

Carboxypeptidase D (CPD) contains three domains with homology to other metallocarboxypeptidases. To further characterize the various domains, we constructed a series of point mutants with a critical active site Glu of duck CPD converted to Gln. The proteins were expressed in the baculovirus system, purified to homogeneity, and characterized. Point mutations within both the first and second domains eliminated enzyme activity, indicating that the third domain is inactive toward dansyl-Phe-Ala-Arg. CPD removed only the C-terminal Lys or Arg from peptides, with the first domain more efficient toward Arg and the second domain more efficient toward Lys. Peptides containing Pro in the penultimate position were poorly cleaved by either domain. Cleavage of a peptide with Ala in the penultimate position was most efficient, with the relative order Ala ≥ Met > Ser, Phe > Tyr > Trp > Thr ≥ Gln, Asp, Leu, Gly ≫ Pro for CPD with both domains active. There were only minor differences between the first and the second domains regarding the influence of the penultimate amino acid. The first domain was optimally active at pH 6.3–7.5, whereas the second domain was optimally active at pH 5.0–6.5. Thus, the first and second carboxypeptidase domains have complementary enzyme activities. Furthermore, the finding that CPD with both domains active shows a broad activity to a wide range of substrates is consistent with a role for this enzyme in the processing of many proteins that transit the secretory pathway.
Effects of soil degradation and management practices on the surface water dynamics in the Talgua River Watershed in Honduras

When tropical forests are felled, subsequent land uses affect surface runoff, soil erosion, and soil compaction. In some cases, they can markedly change the hydrology of a region with disastrous effects on human life. The objective of this paper is to investigate the effect of rainfall on stream hydrology due to conversion of primary forests to agriculture. Near surface water dynamics were compared for three land uses on the steep hillsides in the Talgua River Watershed in Honduras: degraded grass-covered field; traditional coffee plantation; and primary forest. Infiltration and surface runoff rates were measured using several methods. A clear difference was observed in hydraulic conductivity between the degraded and non-degraded lands. The degraded grass-covered hillslopes developed a surface restrictive layer with a low saturated hydraulic conductivity of 8 to 11 mm/hr, resulting in more frequent overland flow than traditional coffee plantation and primary forest. Soils under the latter two land-use types maintained high infiltration capacities and readily conducted water vertically at rates of 109 and 840 mm/hr, respectively. Dye tests confirmed that the coffee plantation and primary forest both maintained well-connected macropores through which water flowed readily. In contrast, macropores in the degraded soil profile were filled by fine soil particles. Soils in the degraded grass-covered field also showed more compaction than soils in the coffee plantation. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigating how college students’ task definitions and plans relate to self-regulated learning processing and understanding of a complex science topic

Abstract Winne and Hadwin (2008) identified four phases of self-regulated learning (SRL) including defining the task, setting goals and making plans, studying (i.e., learning), and adaptation. The vast majority of SRL research has focused on processing during the third phase, studying. In this study, we developed coding rubrics that allowed us to examine how the results of college students’ processing during phases one and two of Winne and Hadwin’s model, task definitions and plans, affected their SRL processing while learning with a hypermedia learning environment (HLE), and their subsequent academic performance. Our findings showed that, on average, participants gained both factual knowledge and integrated conceptual understanding over the course of learning with the HLE. The quality of participants’ task definitions and plans at pretest, as well as their SRL processing during learning, were related to learning outcomes. On average, participants’ task definitions improved from pretest to posttest. The findings from this study and the associated coding methodologies have implications for educational research and practice.
Routing path selection among competing optimization goals

Route selection algorithms typically use a single metric for routing decisions; this approach will not work when multi media applications impose strict concurrent multicriteria performance requirements on the network. This paper will provide a compromise solution when there are competing performance requirements (packet loss, latency, jitter, link communication cost, and security) on routing paths of varying capabilities. The methodology can be extended to any number of performance metrics. This paper will use the voice over IP application and the ITU-T's E-model for demonstrating the methodology
Per os transmission of iridescent virus of Heliothis zea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Abstract In per os transmission of iridescent virus (IV), the first signs of infection are small iridescent patches in the prolegs, clypeus, labrum, and intersegmental membranes. Per os exposure of neonatal larvae to IV produced 18–40% infection. Per os exposure of 5- and 9-day-old larvae produced 11–47% and 10–30% infection, respectively. A few larvae with a patent infection pupated; however, none reached the adult stage. Infected larvae remained in the larval stage up to 89 days, compared to 12–21 days for normal larvae. Transovum or transovarian transmission was not detected. Examination of fat body, silk glands, and muscles of infected larvae by electron microscopy confirmed the presence of numerous intracytoplasmic virus particles. The mean particle diameter of hexagonal profiles within viral paracrystals was 118±3.5 nm.
ALD honeycomb plates enabling robust ultrathin MEMS

This paper reports rigid MEMS structures made of ALD films, which had thicknesses as low as 10 nanometers and were patterned in the shape of a 3D honeycomb. Hexagonal honeycomb lattices offer a dramatically higher flexural stiffness compared to that of planar films, allowing us to fabricate large-area suspended devices without significant warping. Both alumina (Al2O3) and silica (SiO2) structures were fabricated, each presenting a different set of fabrication challenges. The spring constants of the cantilever structures were measured and compared with the simulation results.
Cancer mortality and quantitative oil production in the Amazon region of Ecuador, 1990–2010

Purpose Controversy persists over whether cancer risk is increased in communities surrounding oil fields, especially in the Oriente region of Ecuador. This ecologic study uses quantitative exposure data, updated mortality data, and improved statistical methods to study the impact of oil exploration and production activities on cancer mortality rates in the Oriente.
Incarceration, maternal hardship, and perinatal health behaviors.

Parental incarceration is associated with mental and physical health problems in children, yet little research directly tests mechanisms through which parental incarceration could imperil child health. We hypothesized that the incarceration of a woman or her romantic partner in the year before birth constituted an additional hardship for already-disadvantaged women, and that these additionally vulnerable women were less likely to engage in positive perinatal health behaviors important to infant and early childhood development. We analyzed 2006–2010 data from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment and Monitoring System to assess the association between incarceration in the year prior to the birth of a child and perinatal maternal hardships and behaviors. Women reporting incarceration of themselves or their partners in the year before birth of a child had .86 the odds (95 % CI .78–.95) of beginning prenatal care in the first trimester compared to women not reporting incarceration. They were nearly twice as likely to report partner abuse and were significantly more likely to rely on WIC and/or Medicaid for assistance during pregnancy. These associations persist after controlling for socioeconomic measures and other stressors, including homelessness and job loss. Incarceration of a woman or her partner in the year before birth is associated with higher odds of maternal hardship and poorer perinatal health behaviors. The unprecedented scale of incarceration in the US simultaneously presents an underutilized public health opportunity and constitutes a social determinant of health that may contribute to disparities in early childhood development.
Postsynthetic Modifications of Iron-Carboxylate Nanoscale Metal−Organic Frameworks for Imaging and Drug Delivery

Fe(III)-carboxylate nanoscale metal−organic frameworks (NMOFs) with the MIL-101 structure were synthesized using a solvothermal technique with microwave heating. The ∼200 nm particles were characterized using a variety of methods, including SEM, PXRD, nitrogen adsorption measurements, TGA, and EDX. By replacing a percentage of the bridging ligand (terephthalic acid) with 2-amino terephthalic acid, amine groups were incorporated into the framework to provide sites for covalent attachment of biologically relevant cargoes while still maintaining the MIL-101 structure. In proof-of-concept experiments, an optical contrast agent (a BODIPY dye) and an ethoxysuccinato-cisplatin anticancer prodrug were successfully incorporated into the Fe(III)-carboxylate NMOFs via postsynthetic modifications of the as-synthesized particles. These cargoes are released upon the degradation of the NMOF frameworks, and the rate of cargo release was controlled by coating the NMOF particles with a silica shell. Potential utility of th...
Eradication of diminutive polyps: a prospective evaluation of bipolar coagulation versus conventional biopsy removal

Bipolar probe coagulation (BICAP) was evaluated and compared with conventional cold biopsy (CBx) as a potential therapeutic modality for eradication of diminutive colonic polyps (DPs). Seventy-seven and 79 DPs were treated with BICAP and CBx, respectively. Twenty-one percent of the BICAP and 29% of the CBx (p greater than 0.05) group had residual polypoid tissue detected at flexible sigmoidoscopy 3 weeks after treatment. Because of incomplete polyp removal, CBx and BICAP coagulation cannot be recommended as definitive therapies for DPs. Neoplasia was present in 22% of DPs located less than 60 cm from the anus, 73% of proximally located small polyps, and 32% of all DPs. Despite apparent eradication at the time of treatment, the incidence of residual polypoid tissue would suggest the need for critical evaluation of other modalities used to eradicate or remove DPs.
Normal incidence reflectance of ion beam deposited SiC films in the EUV

Results are presented from an experimental investigation of the normal-incidence reflectance at 58.4, 92.0, and 121.6 nm wavelength of 30- and 80-nm-thick SiC films produced by ion-beam deposition on unheated 5 x 5-cm microscope slides. The films were deposited in the 2-m evaporator described by Bradford et al. (1969) with chamber base pressure 1 microtorr, operating pressure 40 microtorr, and a 50-62-mA 750-eV Ar ion beam; the reflectance measurements were obtained in the reflector-monochromator system described by Osantowski (1974). Reflectances of over 30 percent were found at 92 and 121.6 nm, almost equal to those of polished CVD films of SiC and degrading only slightly after aging for 4 months. It is suggested that ion-beam deposition may be the best low-temperature technique for coating EUV optics for space astronomy.
Through the wall microwave imaging using FDTD time reversal algorithm

This paper presents through the wall radar imaging technique based on the finite difference time domain method and the time reversal algorithm (FDTD-TR). Reflection imaging modalities for behind the wall objects were investigated. In this study, we implemented the FDTD-TR algorithm in three dimensions using convolutional perfectly matching layers (CPML) as boundaries to truncate the simulation domain.
Relation of beta-blocker-induced heart rate lowering and cardioprotection in hypertension.

Objectives The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of heart rate reduction with beta-blockers on the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with hypertension. Background Resting heart rate has been shown to be a risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in the general population and in patients with heart disease such as hypertension, myocardial infarction, and heart failure. Conversely, pharmacological reduction of heart rate is beneficial for patients with heart disease. However, the role of pharmacological reduction of heart rate using beta-blockers in preventing cardiovascular events in patients with hypertension is not known. Methods We conducted a MEDLINE/EMBASE/CENTRAL database search of studies from 1966 to May 2008. We included randomized controlled trials that evaluated beta-blockers as first-line therapy for hypertension with follow-up for at least 1 year and with data on heart rate. We extracted the baseline characteristics, the blood pressure response, heart rate at the baseline and end of trial, and cardiovascular outcomes from each trial. Results Of 22 randomized controlled trials evaluating beta-blockers for hypertension, 9 studies reported heart rate data. The 9 studies evaluated 34,096 patients taking beta-blockers against 30,139 patients taking other antihypertensive agents and 3,987 patients receiving placebo. Paradoxically, a lower heart rate (as attained in the beta-blocker group at study end) was associated with a greater risk for the end points of all-cause mortality (r = −0.51; p Conclusions In contrast to patients with myocardial infarction and heart failure, beta-blocker–associated reduction in heart rate increased the risk of cardiovascular events and death for hypertensive patients.
Interference Detection for Subdivision Surfaces

Accurate and robust interference detection and ray-tracing of subdivis ion surfaces requires safe linear approximations. Approximation of the limit surface by the subdivided control polyhe dron can be both inaccurate and, due to the exponential growth of the number of facets, costly. This paper shows how a standard intersection hierarchy, such as an OB B tree, can be made safe and efficient for subdivision surface interference detection. The key is to construct, on th e fly, optimally placed facets, whose spherical offsets tightly enclose the limit surface. The spherically offset fac ets can be locally subdivided and they can be efficiently intersected based on standard triangle-triangle interfere nce detection.
Prospective randomized trial of tacrolimus and prednisone versus tacrolimus, prednisone, and mycophenolate mofetil: complete report on 350 primary adult liver transplantations.

ACROLIMUS (Tac) was approved by the FDA forclinical use in liver transplantation in 1993 and myco-phenolate mofetil (MMF) was approved in 1995 for use inkidney transplantation with cyclosporine. The aim of thepresent study was to compare the combination of Tac andsteroids (double therapy, group D) versus tacrolimus, ste-roids, and MMF (triple therapy, group T) in primary adult(age . 18 years) liver transplantation (LTx). An interimreport was published on the ﬁrst 200 patients with a meanfollow-up of 12.7 6 0.4 months.
Jackendoff's conceptualism

In this commentary, I concentrate upon Ray Jackendoff's view of the proper foundations for semantics within the context of generative grammar. Jackendoff (2002) favors a form of internalism that he calls “conceptualism.” I argue that a retreat from realism to conceptualism is not only unwarranted, but even self-defeating, in that the issues that prompt his view will inevitably reappear if the latter is adopted.
Local-Cosmopolitan Orientations and Career Strategies for Specialists

The research reported sought to operationalize the Thompson, Avery, and Carlson model for career strategies, and to relate these strategies to occupational orientation toward either the employing o...
Active Control of Noise in Supersonic Jets Using Plasma Actuators

Noise mitigation has been in the forefront of research and development since the advent of jet engines. Supersonic commercial and especially supersonic military aircraft cannot take the advantages offered by large bypass ratio engines due to significant drag penalty and performance degradation. Therefore, other control techniques must be utilized to reduce noise and satisfy the more recent and looming future stringent noise regulations. A class of plasma actuators has recently been developed at the Ohio State University that offers a significant promise. These actuators possess a wide bandwidth and can provide large amplitude perturbations enabling manipulation of various instabilities in high Reynolds number subsonic and supersonic jets for noise mitigation as well as mixing enhancement. A brief overview of the actuators and some results are presented in perfectly-expanded Mach 1.3 axisymmetric unheated and heated jets.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Genome-Wide Association Studies and Colorectal cancer

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) provide a powerful new approach to identify common, low-penetrance susceptibility loci without prior knowledge of biologic function. Results from three GWAS conducted in populations of European ancestry are available for colorectal cancer (CRC). These studies have identified 11 disease loci that, for the majority, were not previously suspected to be related to CRC. The proportions of the familial and population risks explained by these loci are small and they currently are not useful for risk prediction. However, the power of these studies was low, indicating that a number of other loci may be identified in new ongoing GWAS, and in pooled analyses. Thus, the risk prediction ability of susceptibility markers identified in GWAS for CRC may improve as more variants are discovered. This may, in turn, have important implications for targeting high-risk individuals for colonoscopy screening.
IN VIVO BIOSYNTHESIS OF HYPOTHALAMIC LUTEINIZING HORMONE RELEASING HORMONE IN INDIVIDUAL FREE-RUNNING FEMALE RATS

The present studies examined the feasibility of performing in vivo biosynthetic studies of hypothalamic LHRH in preoptic area cannulated individual ovariectomized, estradiol benzoate (EB)-progesterone (P) treated rats. One day after EB treatment, rats were bilaterally cannulated in the anterior ventromedial preoptic area (POA). The following day, rats were treated with P, and a mix of 3H-proline and 3H-leucine (500 μCi) was continuously infused (for 8 hr) into the POA using an Alzet osmotic minipump delivery system at a rate of 1 μl/h/ cannula. 3H-LHRH was acid-extracted from discrete hypothalamic regions (POA, medial basal hypothalamus [MBH] and median eminence [ME]) and was purified to constant specific activity by sequential High Performance Liquid Chromatography. 3H-LHRH accounted for 0.010%, 0.018% and 1.6% of the total tissue 3H recovered in the POA, MBH and ME, respectively. These results demonstrate the feasibility of performing physiological studies on the biosynthesis and transport of hypothalam...
EVALUATION OF A PARENT‐TRAINING MANUAL FOR REDUCING CHILDREN'S FEAR OF THE DARK

Abstract We evaluated the effectiveness of a manual to teach parents how to help their children overcome fear of the dark. The primary components of the package included desensitization, reinforcement, and verbal self-control statements. Six fearful children ages 3-11 and their parents participated. A multiple-baseline design across three pairs of matched subjects was used. Outcome measures consisted of the level of nighttime illumination voluntarily set by the child on a rheostat installed in the bedroom and the child's subjective rating of his or her fear level during the night. The data indicated that all children were sleeping all night with the rheostat set at criterion level or lower within 2 weeks after initiation of treatment, without any report of fear. Follow-up measures at 3, 6, and 12 months showed that all children maintained or improved on the reduced fear behaviors achieved during the treatment.
A MAC protocol for real-time sensing applications using asymmetric transceivers

We consider a class of single hop wireless sensor networks in which the sensor nodes collect data periodically and transmit it to a sink. To reduce the complexity, cost and energy consumption of the nodes we propose the use of an asymmetric transceiver model in which the sensor nodes can transmit to the sink using standard physical layer modulation schemes that support relatively high data rates but can receive from the sink using basic modulation schemes that can only support very low data rates. The use of the transceiver module in each sensor node is thus limited to receiving simple feedback in the form of a few bytes of ACK from the sink node. In this paper we propose and study a new MAC protocol that enables effective communication between the sensor nodes and sink in such a network. We develop an analytical model to evaluate the performance of the MAC protocol and verify these results through extensive simulations. We also present results from the implementation of the protocol on a test bed consisting of XSM motes and evaluate its performance in a real world scenario.
Formation of lining bodies and oocyte bodies during avian oogenesis

Abstract Oocytes, 80 μm-30 mm in diameter, from ovaries of White Leghorn hens have been examined. Structures are described that appear to represent intermediate stages in lining body formation. The formation (or assembly) of lining bodies occurs in the follicle cell cytoplasm, a few microns distant from the follicle cell plasma membrane. In the very late stages of their formation or after their formation the lining bodies become associated with follicle cell plasma membrane. A parallel process takes place in the oocyte cytoplasm. Structures we have termed oocyte bodies are being formed or assembled. Oocyte bodies are seen forming near Golgi complexes and many oocyte bodies ultimately become associated with Golgi cisternae. The evidence presented in this paper demonstrates that the two structures, lining bodies and oocyte bodies, are distinct and originate in the follicle cell and oocyte cytoplasm, respectively.
Rare Hiss, Earth Currents and Micropulsations on November 27, 1959

ON November 27, 1959, a rare signal was heard on the chorus-whistler equipment1 at College, Alaska. Beginning as a whistle of perhaps 2 kc./s. at approximately 1351 A.S.T. (2351 G.M.T.) on November 27, 1959, a tone rose slowly to about 10 kc./s., becoming a hiss lasting for what seemed to be several minutes. At the same time magnetic field micropulsations2 with periods of 10–20 sec. were initiated with a commencement magnitude of about 2.5γ falling to 0.4γ in about 5 min.
Emerging role of CaMKII in neuropsychiatric disease

Although it has been known for decades that hippocampal calcium/calmodulin (CaM)-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) plays an essential role in learning and memory consolidation, the roles of CaMKII in other brain regions are only recently being explored in depth. A series of recent studies suggest that CaMKII dysfunction throughout the brain may underlie myriad neuropsychiatric disorders, including drug addiction, schizophrenia, depression, epilepsy, and multiple neurodevelopmental disorders, perhaps through maladaptations in glutamate signaling and neuroplasticity. I review here the structure, function, subcellular localization, and expression patterns of CaMKII isoforms, as well as recent advances demonstrating that disturbances in these properties may contribute to psychiatric disorders.
Quantitative Analysis of Sodium Sulfacetamide Solutions in the Presence of Hydrolysis Products, Sulfanilamide and Sodium Acetate

The official assay for sodium sulfacetamide, the diazotization method, does not differentiate between sulfacetamide and its hydrolytic product, sulfanilamide. A spectrophotometric method involving the formation of ferric acethydroxamate was developed for utilization in studies of the rate of hydrolytic decomposition of 30 buffered and unbuffered solutions of sodium sulfacetamide at several elevated temperatures. The method provided a relatively simple and rapid means by which sodium sulfacetamide is quantitatively determined in the presence of its hydrolysis products, sulfanilamide and sodium acetate.
A double-blind parallel comparison of ketoprofen, codeine, and placebo in patients with moderate to severe postpartum pain.

: A total of 152 patients were treated at a single center in a single-dose, double-blind parallel study designed to compare the safety and efficacy of 25, 50, and 100 mg ketoprofen to 90 mg codeine and placebo in patients with moderate to severe postpartum pain (i.e., postepisiotomy, uterine cramping, or cesarean section pain). The analgesic responses to all three doses of ketoprofen and 90 mg codeine were superior to placebo and were not significantly different from each other. No dose-related response was observed with ketoprofen. The number of side effects was significantly greater (P = 0.001) among patients receiving codeine (six patients) than among those receiving ketoprofen (three patients).
Global Analysis of Regional Differences in Craniometric Diversity and Population Substructure

Estimates of genetic diversity in major geographic regions are frequently made by pooling all individuals into regional aggregates. This method can potentially bias results if there are differences in population substructure within regions, since increased variation among local populations could inflate regional diversity. A preferred method of estimating regional diversity is to compute the mean diversity within local populations. Both methods are applied to a global sample of craniometric data consisting of 57 measurements taken on 1734 crania from 18 local populations in six geographic regions: sub-Saharan Africa, Europe, East Asia, Australasia, Polynesia, and the Americas. Each region is represented by three local populations. Both methods for estimating regional diversity show sub-Saharan Africa to have the highest levels of phenotypic variation, consistent with many genetic studies. Polynesia and the Americas both show high levels of regional diversity when regional aggregates are used, but the lowest mean local population diversity. Regional estimates of F(ST) made using quantitative genetic methods show that both Polynesia and the Americas also have the highest levels of differentiation among local populations, which inflates regional diversity. Regional differences in F(ST) are directly related to the geographic dispersion of samples within each region; higher F(ST) values occur when the local populations are geographically dispersed. These results show that geographic sampling can affect results, and suggest caution in making inferences regarding regional diversity when population substructure is ignored.
Linguistic Factors in Stuttering

Ten stutterers recorded a 141 word passage in the presence of a single listener. The words in the passage were classified as lexical or function words and pronouns, and high information or low info...
Dynamic Modulus Prediction of HMA Mixtures Based on the Viscoelastic Micromechanical Model

Dynamic modulus (|E*|) of hot-mix asphalt (HMA) mixtures is one of the fundamental engineering properties measured by the simple performance tester and has also been incorporated as a basic input into the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials Mechanistic-Empirical Design Guide for flexible pavements. Although direct laboratory testing and empirical equations (such as the Witczak model and the Hirsch model) provide two ways to obtain the values of dynamic modulus of HMA mixtures, a predictive model based on the microstructure of HMA mixtures is more desirable. This paper presents a viscoelastic micromechanical model to predict the dynamic modulus of HMA mixtures based on the elastic-viscoelastic correspondence principle. In this model, HMA mixtures are treated as a composite by embedding the mastic (or asphalt binder)-coated aggregate particles into the equivalent medium of HMA mixtures. Using the proposed model, a solution was obtained to predict the elastic modulus of HMA mixtures. Based on the elastic-viscoelastic correspondence principle, a viscoelastic equation was derived to predict the complex modulus and subsequently the dynamic modulus of HMA mixtures. The developed equations had the capability of taking into account both aggregate gradation and air void size distribution. Laboratory experiments were conducted to verify the developed model. The dynamic modulus values of mastics and HMA mixtures were obtained through direct laboratory testing. The dynamic modulus of mastic was then used to predict the dynamic modulus of laboratory-prepared HMA mixtures with the newly developed model. Laboratory test results showed that a discrepancy exists between the calculated and measured dynamic moduli. The reason for the discrepancy between measured and predicted dynamic moduli and the factors affecting the dynamic modulus were also explored in the paper.
The Utility of Fluoroquinolones in the Critically Ill

Fluoroquinolone antibiotics have been used for more than 40 years to treat a variety of infections from simple uncomplicated urinary tract infections to infections as severe as nosocomial-acquired pneumonia. Their availability both orally and intravenously, ease of dosing, favorable safety profile, and broad spectrum of activity have led to the pervasive use of these agents in both the community and institutions. Unfortunately, this widespread use has led to the development of resistance and subsequently, increased mortality. Resistance, specifically with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli, as well as their association with the development of Clostridium difficile–associated diarrhea, has led many clinicians to question the use of fluoroquinolones in the critically ill. This article will review these issues related to the use of fluoroquinolones, in an effort to better define their role among institutionalized patients.
E-selectin expression and function in a unique placental trophoblast population at the fetal-maternal interface: regulation by a trophoblast-restricted transcriptional mechanism conserved between humans and mice.

Trophoblast are the earliest differentiated cells to emerge during mammalian ontogeny. Proper differentiation and maturation of trophoblast contributes to the fetal-maternal vascular interface of the mature placenta and is required for all subsequent stages of embryogenesis. Although lineage commitment and early differentiation of trophoblast have been investigated experimentally, molecular markers and regulatory mechanisms operating later in trophoblast development remain uncertain. We now report that E-selectin is expressed in a unique pattern in secondary trophoblast giant cells, trophoblast lining the central artery, and a subpopulation of labyrinthine trophoblast all located at the fetal-maternal interface of the murine placenta. These cells line vascular channels but express a unique profile of gene products not displayed by vascular endothelium. Placentae lacking E-selectin show increased trophoblast glycogen cells and fewer labyrinthine neutrophils compared with normal placentae, suggesting that recognition of E-selectin on trophoblast by counter-receptors on other cells contributes to placental development. Novel, distant first exons direct E-selectin expression in both murine and human placentae, suggesting that evolutionarily conserved and lineage-restricted transcriptional mechanisms regulate expression in homologous trophoblast populations in both species. These results define, at molecular and anatomic levels, a unique population of trophoblast located at the physiologically critical fetal-maternal vascular interface in mice. We also present initial functional characterization of E-selectin in placenta. These results support the general hypothesis that endothelial-leukocyte adhesion molecules performing specialized functions in adults may also function in development of human and murine hemochorial placentae. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Structural Chemistry of Oximes

Oximes (RR′C═N–OH) represent an important class of organic compounds with a wide range of practical applications, but a systematic examination of the structural chemistry of such compounds has so far not been carried out. Herein, we report a systematic analysis of intermolecular homomeric oxime···oxime interactions, and identify hydrogen-bond patterns for four major categories of oximes (R′ = −H, −CH3, −NH2, −CN), based on all available structural data in the CSD, complemented by six new relevant crystal structures. The structural behavior of oximes examined here, can be divided into four groups depending on which type of predominant oxime···oxime interactions they present in the solid-state: (i) O–H···N dimers (R22(6)), (ii) O–H···N catemers (C(3)), (iii) O–H···O catemers (C(2)), and (iv) oximes in which the R′ group accepts a hydrogen bond from the oxime moiety catemers (C(6)). The electronic and structural effects of the substituent (R′) on the resulting assembly has been explored in detail to rational...
High-frequency approximations for edge scatter from surfaces of revolution

We consider the radar backscatter from a truncated surface of revolution viewed at axial incidence and derive a closed-form high-frequency (HF) approximation for the physical-optics (PO) scattering integral. The PO predicted edge effect is extracted from this result and used to obtain a closed-form HF representation for the edge effect predicted by the geometrical theory of diffraction. The predictions for total radar backscatter thus obtained are compared with the results of some method-of-moment calculations (for paraboloids) and also with the older theoretical results of Raybin [ IEEE Trans. Antennas Propag.AP-13, 754 ( 1965)] for spherical segments.
On finding a stable roommate, job, or spouse: a case study crossing the boundaries of computer science courses

The use of real world problems as the basis for assignments in Computer Science courses is attractive for many reasons. At the same time it is difficult to find such a problem that offers the same richness that is found, for example, in sorting or searching. In this paper a problem is presented that has many real-world instances and which is pedagogically attractive at all levels of Computer Science from the level of a non-major's course to that of an advanced algorithms course.
Cognitive development and theories of mind: towards a contextual approach

This paper suggests both theoretical and empirical reasons for proposing a joint approach to two fast-evolving research areas in developmental psychology: contextual perspective on cognition and learning and studies on children’s theories of mind. We will first review the general assumptions of contextualism and three main contextual approaches; then the more relevant perspectives on theories of mind development will be presented. The two research fields here considered are conceptually organized around two meanings of the concept of other: the “other in interaction” and the “other as culture”, on the basis of which the integration between the two fields will be justified. Finally some directions for future research will be discussed.
Actinide phosphonate complexes in aqueous solutions

Complexes formed by actinides with carboxylic acids, polycarboxylic acids, and aminopolycarboxylic acids play a central role in both the basic and process chemistry of the actinides. Recent studies of f-element complexes with phosphonic acid ligands indicate that new ligands incorporating doubly ionizable phosphonate groups (-PO{sub 3}H{sub 2}) have many properties which are unique chemically, and promise more efficient separation processes for waste cleanup and environmental restoration. Simple diphosphonate ligands form much stronger complexes than isostructural carboxylates, often exhibiting higher solubility as well. In this manuscript recent studies of the thermodynamics and kinetics of f-element complexation by 1,1 and 1,2 diphosphonic acid ligands are described.
3TP: 3-D models transport protocol

This paper addresses the problem of streaming progressively compressed 3-D models over lossy networks. Out of all encoded packets that can be transmitted, we intelligently choose a subset of packets to be transmitted using TCP in order to meet a given distortion constraint, while transmitting the remaining packets using UDP to minimize the end-to-end delay. We call this new application-layer protocol 3TP (3-D models transport protocol). In this paper, we mathematically model both the delay and the distortion for a given channel characteristics. Then, we minimize the expected delay for a given distortion upper bound. The proposed protocol results in savings of 39% and 62% in delay time at packet-loss rates of 1% and 14%, respectively, compared to systems that do not optimize transmission according to the encoded bitstream content.
Three dimensional inspection using multistripe structured light

Structured light vision systems offer a practical solution to many 3-D inspection problems. This paper examines the trade-offs involved in the design of 3-D inspection systems that use triangulation. General equations describing the behavior of such systems are derived. The implementation of a multistripe system is discussed. Problems common among structured light systems are explored, and alternative solutions are suggested. Experimental results from a prototype system are presented.
Pneumotonometry versus Goldmann tonometry after laser in situ keratomileusis for myopia.

Abstract Purpose To assess the reliability of intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement by Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT) versus pneumotonometry in patients after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for myopia. Setting Shiley Eye Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA. Methods In this prospective study, 31 eyes of 17 patients were evaluated before and 1 month after having LASIK for myopia. A masked observer measured preoperative and postoperative IOP by GAT centrally and by pneumotonometry at the center and the periphery of the cornea. Central corneal thickness and curvature were evaluated. Results Preoperative IOP showed a good correlation between GAT and pneumotonometry values ( r = 0.82). Mean postoperative IOP by GAT was lower by 3.8 mm Hg ± 2.2 (SD) (26.3% ± 15.2%) than by pneumotonometry: 2.3 ± 2.8 mm Hg (15.4% ± 10.7%) ( P = .01). There were no statistically significant differences in central IOP versus peripheral IOP measured by pneumotonometry ( P = .4). Regression analysis showed no statistically significant differences in IOP as a function of change in corneal thickness or change in corneal curvature with either device. Conclusion Postoperatively, there was a decrease in IOP measured by central GAT that was statistically significant. Differences in pneumotonometry were less substantial, with greater reliability of pneumotonometry than GAT after LASIK.
The Five Stages of Executive Coaching: Better Process Makes Better Practice

There remains a paucity of research investigating the efficacy of executive coaching. Ambiguity surrounds its definition, its methodology and outcomes. Despite this, the executive coaching remains a viable business proposition. Practitioners bring services to the business community offering services that transcend traditional performance management consultations establishing independent “performance-driven” relationships with executives. This paper examines the process of coaching suggesting that a better understanding of process will enhance practice efficacy and accelerates empirical investigations. In addition, ethical, confidential and legal issues require attention when planning to utilize an executive coach. All this implicates the need to better understand coaching – and how it typically operates. Case studies are provided in the examination of coaching consultations in Fortune 100 settings.
The influence of 1,1-bis[4′-(1′-carboxy-1′-methylpropoxy)-phenyl]cyclohexane (a new aryloxy compound, S-8527) on cholesterol metabolism in rats

Abstract The effect of 1,1-bis[4′-(1′-carboxy-1′-methylpropoxy)-phenyl]cyclohexane (S-8527) on cholesterol metabolism and serum and liver lipids in rats has been studied. In some experiments S-8527 was compared to ethyl α- p -chlorophenoxyisobutyrate (Atromid-S, Clofibrate). When fed to rats for 3 weeks at a level of 0.03% of the diet, S-8527 did not affect weight gain but caused hepatomegaly. The extent of hepatomegaly (11% above control) was not as great as that seen with Atromid-S (42%). Serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels were significantly reduced, but liver lipid levels were not influenced. Cholesterol synthesis by liver slices from rats fed 0.3% of the drug for 3 weeks was reduced significantly ( P 14 C]acetate and P 14 C]cholesterol to 14 CO 2 by rat liver mitochondrial preparations was unaffected. One day after [4- 14 C]cholesterol was administered to rats fed S-8527 for 2 weeks significantly less [ 14 C]cholesterol was recoverable from the sera of treated rats ( P
Structure and function of ectoapyrase (CD39)

Although the presence of nucleotidase activities on the extracellular surface of cells has been known for many years, the enzymes responsible for these activities in animal cells have only recently been identified. Here, we describe how we cloned the gene for potato apyrase and, thus, found the way to identify CD39 as the animal cell ectoapyrase. CD39 has two transmembrane domains, one at each end of the molecule, small cytoplasmic NH2- and COOH-terminal domains, and a large extracellular domain with the enzymatic activity. One of the characteristic features of this enzyme is the loss of activity caused by solubilization with detergents. Exploration of this phenomenon revealed that ectoapyrase (CD39) is a tetramer in the membrane; solubilization with Triton X-100 causes dissociation of the tetramer to monomers with concomitant loss of activity. On the other hand, the enzyme can be solubilized with digitonin without loss of activity and retention of the tetrameric state. The conclusion is that the transmembrane segments of the protein are involved in association of the monomers to tetramers. Drug Dev. Res. 45:245–252, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The HIV core protein p24 inhibits interferon-γ-induced increase of HLA-DR and cytochrome b heavy chain mRNA levels in the human monocyte-like cell line THP1☆

Abstract Cells from the human monocytic cell line THP1 were incubated prior to activation with IFN-γ or LPS with varying amounts of p24, the main product of the HIV gag gene and the major component of the virus core. The IFN-γ-dependent increase of mRNA for HLA-DR and for the heavy chain of cytochrome b was markedly decreased by p24 but not by gp120. This effect was abrogated by anti-p24 antibodies. On the other hand, preincubation of THP1 cells with p24 did not affect the accumulation of the LPS-dependent mRNA for TNFα and IL1-β. These results indicate that p24 at concentrations similar to those found in the serum of HIV-infected individuals specifically affects IFN-γ-induced activation markers.
Ecdysteroid titers during pupal and adult development in Drosophila melanogaster

Abstract Ecdysteroid titers were determined by radioimmunoassay during prepupal, pupal, and adult development, and during adulthood in Drosophila melanogaster males and females synchronized at pupariation or adult eclosion. At several times in development ecdysteroids were identified using chromatographic techniques. After an ecdysteroid peak at pupariation, a small peak occurred after 10 hr at 25°C, with a subsequent rapid and large increase in activity at 30 hr. One, and possibly two more rapid peaks occurred during the mid-pupal period, with a gradual decline to basal levels in the pharate adult. During the first day of adulthood, the ecdysteroid level declined further and remained at approximately 10 pg/mg fresh weight for 2 weeks. Titers were not significantly different between males and females at any of the stages tested, with the biologically active 20-hydroxyecdysone hormone accounting for 70 to 90% of the ecdysteroids in both sexes. Ecdysteroids in adult females were localized to the hemolymph and abdominal tissue, but not to the ovaries. It is concluded that differences in the concentration of 20-hydroxyecdysone in males and females are not responsible for the sexually dimorphic expression of the yolk protein genes, and that a source other than the ovaries provides hormone in females for this purpose.
Clues to VIP Function from Knockout Mice

We have taken advantage of the availability of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) knockout (KO) mice to examine the possible influence of deletion of the VIP gene on: (a) airway reactivity and airway inflammation, as indicators of bronchial asthma; (b) mortality from endotoxemia, a model of septic shock; and (c) the pulmonary circulation. VIP KO mice showed: (a) airway hyperresponsiveness to the cholinergic agonist methacholine, as well as peribronchial and perivascular inflammation; (b) a greater susceptibility to death from endotoxemia; and (c) evidence suggestive of pulmonary hypertension.
Postmodern Ethical Conditions and a Critical Response

Postmodern, poststructural, and critical theorists say that there are no universally valid foundations for norms. Whether or not we think that ethics exists in international life, or ought to, these theorists maintain that there are no firm grounds for any particular ethical belief. Rather, they argue, ethics is contextual.Many, perhaps most, students of international ethics believe that such approaches have little to offer considerations of international ethics. Christopher Norris says postmodernists are nihilists: “Postmodernism is merely the most extreme (or as some would say, most consistent and consequent) version of this desire to have done with all truth-claims beyond what is presently and contingenty ‘good in the way of belief.‘” Ken Booth argues: “If one scratches a committed post-modernist one will almost certainly find a comfortably well-off Western urban liberal. Those who live against the wall, or who have emancipated themselves from such a position, do not hold these views.… The reason for this is obvious, and relates to the fact that post-modernism—certainly that of a doctrinaire variety—does not deliver an ethics for the emancipation of victims across the world.”