cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stability of multispecies communities in randomly varying environment

In this work, we initiate a stability study of multispecies communities in stochastic environment by-using Ito's differential equations as community models. By applying the decomposition-aggregation approach in the context of Liapunov's direct method, we will obtain sufficient condition for stability in the mean of the equilibrium populations. As a by-product of this analysis, we will exhibit important structural properties of the stochastic density-dependent models, and establish tolerance of community stability to a broad class of nonlinear and time-varying perturbations.
The impact of neoliberalism on the psychological development of low-income black youth

This paper is a brief, psychoanalytically informed exploration of youth development, with a focus on the often-negative psychosocial impact of neoliberal ideologies on low-income Black youth. Neoliberal policies have influenced the psychological development of low-income Black youths, who are embedded in psychosocial contexts that are often under-resourced and negatively racialized. This substantially constrains their attempts to love and work. There is often a paucity of safe places, identity capital and caring tutors of the imagination that might facilitate good outcomes for these young people. As a consequence of being embedded in such emotionally austere and unsafe places, they often adopt postures that lead to their under-development and, too often, their early demise. The paper also discusses some strategies of resistance to neoliberal ideology and policy.
Capecitabine-Based Combination Therapy for Breast Cancer: Implications for Nurses

Purpose/objectives To review available data and implications for nurses of combination regimens containing capecitabine for metastatic breast cancer. Data sources Peer-reviewed publications or abstracts from major oncology conferences and reviews of capecitabine focusing on nursing implications. Data synthesis Capecitabine has proven efficacy in combination with docetaxel and is under evaluation in the neoadjuvant, adjuvant, and metastatic settings in combination with several oral and IV chemotherapeutic and biologic agents. Conclusions Capecitabine-containing regimens demonstrate high activity in a range of settings but typically have more complex safety profiles, dose-modification schemes, and scheduling requirements than monotherapy. Implications for nursing Patients need to be aware of a wider range of likely side effects and should understand that they have been prescribed combination therapy rather than more simple, single-agent treatments because of its potential to improve outcome.
Differentiability preserving properties of markov semigroups associated with one-dimensional diffusions

a n d a (2 v k), b(1 v k), and c (k) are bounded for k = 0, 1, . . . . Using probabil is t ic methods, one can show that there is a (unique) strongly cont inuous non-negat ive semigroup {T°(t)} on Co(I ) whose infinitesimal genera tor is an extension of L acting on C o (I) ¢~ C 2 (I) ¢~ L1 C o (I), where L is the differential opera to r defined by Lf = a f (2) +bf(1)+cf. The purpose here is to prove that
Limited host range of avian tumor viruses on pigeon cells.

Abstract The host range of avian tumor viruses (ATV) of subgroups A, B, C, D, and E on pigeon embryo fibroblasts (PEF) of two different breeds was investigated. Virtually all PEF were resistant to ATV of all five subgroups. Only one strain of subgroup D ATV tested had a relatively high efficiency of plating on some PEF. The significance of these findings is discussed in relation to disparities between in vivo and in vitro sensitivity to ATV in pigeons and the derivation of various avian species.
Abnormal Pain Processing in Patients with Fibromyalgia Syndrome

AbstractFibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, sleep abnormalities, and distress. Because FMS lacks consistent evidence for tissue abnormalities, recent investigations have focused on central nervous system mechanisms of pain. Abnormal temporal summation of second pain (“windup”) and central sensitization (CS) have recently been described in FMS patients. Windup (WU) and central sensitization, which rely on central pain mechanisms, occur after prolonged C-nociceptor input and depend on activation of nociceptor specific neurons as well as wide dynamic range neurons in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. The important role of WU is also supported by its ability to predict the clinical pain intensity of FMS patients. Furthermore, brain-imaging techniques that can detect neuronal activation following nociceptive stimuli have provided additional evidence for abnormal central pain mechanisms in FMS. Most importantly, brain images have corroborated the augmented reported pain e...
Characteristic nonlinearities of the 3/s ictal electroencephalogram identified by nonlinear autoregressive analysis

We describe a method for the characterization of electroencephalographic (EEG) signals based on a model which features nonlinear feedback. The characteristic EEG `fingerprints' obtained through this approach display the time-course of nonlinear interactions, rather than aspects susceptible to standard spectral analysis. Fingerprints of seizure discharges in six patients (five with typical absence seizures, one with complex partial seizures) revealed significant nonlinear interactions. The timing and pattern of these interactions correlated closely with the seizure type. Nonlinear autoregressive (NLAR) analysis is compared with other nonlinear dynamical measures that have been applied to the EEG.
Observation of single charge carriers by force microscopy.

The scanning force microscope is used to deposite charge carriers on insulating ${\mathrm{Si}}_{3}$${\mathrm{N}}_{4}$ films and to monitor their recombination. The charge decay shows up as a discontinuous staircase, demonstrating single-carrier resolution. The decay is found to be controlled by thermionic emission.
How to write an EEG report: Dos and don’ts

The EEG report is structured to include demographics of the patient studied and reason for the EEG; specifics of the EEG techniques used; a description of the patterns, frequencies, voltages, and progression of the EEG pattern that were recorded; and finally a clinical impression of the EEG significance. The interpretation should be concise, clear and to the point, avoid jargon and EEG specifics, and should be understandable by any health care practitioner.
Quality of life and coping styles of HIV-positive women with children.

This descriptive study explored the quality of life and coping methods of HIV positive women ( N =52) with children. The sample consisted of women with HIV/AIDS who answered an adapted Padilla Quality of Life Index and the Jalowiec Coping Scale. Among the psychological, physical, and social quality of life subscales, social quality of life was rated highest and the psychological scale rated the lowest. Among the three styles of coping, confrontive was used most frequently, passive and emotive less frequently. Significant relationships between coping and quality of life were examined. It is essential that nurses working with women with HIV disease be aware of their common concerns and provide effective strategies to improve quality of life such as enhancing decision making and coping skills within the context of the family unit.
Energetics and structure of the hydrated gaseous halide anions

Energetics and geometries for the hydrated gaseous halide anions have been computed from a simple model in which the molecular dipole of water was composed of two parts, one due to a lone pair on oxygen (60%) and the rest to formal charges on the nuclei. The calculations were made for both the symmetric and nonsymmetric structures. A variety of structures were used to compute potential energies and distances with up to six water molecules. The total energy consisted of a sum of electrostatic, polarization, dispersion, and repulsion terms. Various sets of repulsive potential parameters, ranging from those determined from molecular beam experiments to those determined using experimental ion–water distances or energies, have been employed to compute repulsive interaction energies. It was found that the range parameters play a significant role in deciding the magnitudes of the distances and energies, as the latter are most sensitive to them. It was also shown that with a simple correlation scheme the consistency of the experimental energies and distances can be tested separately without using repulsive potential parameters from other sources. It also suggests that a range of parameters can be used to compute repulsion energies. Despite the fact that the model is greatly simplified, the agreement of both the predicted ion-oxygen distances and energies with both experiment and other calculations is excellent. A detailed analysis of our calculation suggests that the negative ion clusters with one to three water molecules contain symmetric orientation of water molecules, while those with more than three may contain asymmetric orientations of water molecules or a mixture of both. From the log–log plots of hydration energies versus (R + radius of water molecule), we have proposed empirical expressions of the type ΔEn−1,n = 10·0x (R + 1.38)−y with both Pauling's and Ladd's radii for univalent ions with which stepwise hydration energies of the latter can be predicted if we know thier radii. The values predicted for the alkali cations are in excellent agreement with the experimental and theoretical values, indicating the consistency of the simple model.
Current Diagnosis and Management of Mucormycoses

Due to the rising incidence of diabetes mellitus, the increasing populations of immunocompromised individuals of varied etiologies, and the progresses that have been made in the management of the critically ill, the incidence of invasive fungal infections, in particular those caused by the Mucorales, is increasing. Currently available diagnostics frequently miss this infection. Knowledge of the factors placing individuals at risk for and the varied clinical presentations of mucormycosis should alert clinicians of the possible presence of this infection. Survival of individuals with mucormycosis is dependant on prompt diagnosis and aggressive therapy with antifungal agents; surgical debridement; and, if possible, reversal of the risk factors predisposing the individual to this infection. It is hoped that improved diagnostic testing, improvements in pharmacotherapy, and adjunctive therapies will improve the morbidity and mortality of mucormycosis.
Cloning and characterization of mitochondrial 5-formyltetrahydrofolate cycloligase from higher plants

5-Formyltetrahydrofolate cycloligase (5-FCL) catalyzes the conversion of 5-formyltetrahydrofolate (5-CHO-H4PteGlun) to 5,10-methenyltetrahydrofolate and is considered to be the main means whereby 5-CHO-H4PteGlun is metabolized in mammals, yeast, and bacteria. 5-CHO-H4PteGlunis known to occur in plants and to be highly abundant in leaf mitochondria. Genomics-based approaches identifiedArabidopsis and tomato cDNAs encoding proteins homologous to 5-FCLs of other organisms but containing N-terminal extensions with the features of mitochondrial targeting peptides. These homologs were shown to have 5-FCL activity by characterizing recombinant enzymes produced in Escherichia coli and by functional complementation of a yeast fau1 mutation with the Arabidopsis 5-FCL cDNA. The recombinantArabidopsis enzyme is active as a monomer, prefers the penta- to the monoglutamyl form of 5-CHO-H4PteGlun, and has kinetic properties broadly similar to those of 5-FCLs from other organisms. Enzyme assays and immunoblot analyses indicated that 5-FCL is located predominantly if not exclusively in plant mitochondria and that the mature, active enzyme lacks the putative targeting sequence. Serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT) from plant mitochondria was shown to be inhibited by 5-CHO-H4PteGlun as are SHMTs from other organisms. Since mitochondrial SHMT is crucial to photorespiration, 5-FCL may help prevent 5-CHO-H4PteGlun from reaching levels that would inhibit this process. Consistent with this possibility, 5-FCL activity was far higher in leaf mitochondria than root mitochondria.
Blended Wing Body Architecting and Design: Current Status and Future Prospects

Abstract Fixed-wing aircraft are viewed as no longer satisfying our needs today. In the past ten years, fuel efficiency and noise reduction have become the two biggest challenges for aircraft manufacturers. The recognition spurred aerospace engineers and system architects to come up with the Blended Wing Body (BWB), a new design for next generation aircraft. In this paper, we discuss the development of BWB from the perspective of design challenges that system architects and engineers faced during the design process, the architecting heuristics employed, and the rationale for design decision. In addition, body material and shape selection procedures, flight simulation, design optimization, and the advantages of the resultant design are also addressed. Thereafter, we look down the line and discuss the evaluation of emergence technologies on BWB aircraft subsystems, and a model for evaluating technology upgrade.
GB virus-C infection in type 1 autoimmune hepatitis

Objective To assess the frequency and significance of GB virus-C infection in type 1 autoimmune hepatitis. Material and Methods Serum specimens from 94 patients with type 1 autoimmune hepatitis were tested for GB virus-C RNA by reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction. Serum samples from 50 normal subjects were also assessed. Results Three of the 94 specimens from patients with autoimmune hepatitis were positive for GB virus-C RNA in comparison with none of the 50 control samples (3% versus 0%; P = 0.5). Two patients were seropositive after variceal hemorrhage and blood transfusion, including one patient who clearly acquired the infection in this fashion. One patient had no epidemiologic basis for his seropositivity. Viremia was prolonged in all infected patients (mean duration, 69 ± 23 months; range, 36 to 113); however, no clinical features suggested a concurrent viral infection, and mortality was similar to that among the uninfected counterparts (33% versus 8%; P = 0.2). Liver transplantation was more common in the infected patients (67% versus 9% P = 0.03), but the duration of disease was also longer in these patients (277 ± 29 months versus 106 ± 9 months; P = 0.0008). Clinical features and immediate responses to corticosteroid therapy were similar in both groups. Conclusion GB virus-C RNA is found infrequently in type 1 autoimmune hepatitis, and GB virus-C is unlikely to be an important etiologie agent or prognostic determinant .
Single-chain dynamics of linear polyethylene liquids under shear flow

Abstract Molecular dynamics simulations of linear C78H158 were conducted to investigate the dynamics of individual chains under shear. The distribution of the end-to-end vector exhibited Gaussian behavior at low shear rates; however, it displayed a bimodal form at high shear rates as rotational motion of the individual chains effectively lowered the vector's magnitude. Correlations between the components of the end-to-end vector revealed multiple time scales associated with the fluid response: the Rouse time, and several that were associated with the deformation and rotational dynamics of the fluid.
A study of the focal troughs of three panoramic dental x-ray machines. Part II. Image dimensions.

Abstract A comparison of three panoramic x-ray machines revealed little difference in vertical and horizontal magnifications between machines; larger differences were seen to exist between vertical and horizontal magnifications on each machine.
A modular approach to marine macrolide construction. 4. Assembly of C36-C51 and C29-C44 building blocks and evaluation of key coupling reactions targeting spongistatin 1 (altohyrtin A).

Routes have been developed for the stereocontrolled elaboration of two highly functionalized sectors of spongistatin 1. The approach to ring F takes advantage of B-alkyl Suzuki−Miyaura coupling to install the C44−C45 bond. The E-ring pyran moiety was generated by acylation of an α-sulfonyl carbanion, the stereogenic centers of which were incorporated by sequential asymmetric aldol reactions.
RTX Toxin Actin Cross-Linking Activity in Clinical and Environmental Isolates of Vibrio cholerae

Vibrio cholerae strains from diverse O-antigen groups were evaluated for RTX toxin actin cross-linking activity. This study demonstrates that the actin cross-linking domain sequence is present within rtxA in the majority of clinical and environmental isolates tested, and the RTX toxin produced by these strains catalyzes the covalent cross-linking of cellular actin.
Mental health services in schools: A qualitative analysis of challenges to implementation, operation, and sustainability

Schools are increasingly recognized as a critical venue for the provision of comprehensive behavioral and mental health services for students. Unfortunately, difficulties associated with operating programs in schools often prevent evidence-based practices from being implemented and sustained as intended. In this study, the experiences of school and community providers who were funded through the Safe Schools/Healthy Students Initiative to implement mental health services in a large, urban school district were investigated using a qualitative focus group methodology. Providers identified the major challenges they encountered with implementing, operating, and sustaining their programs as well as the strategies that they used to overcome those challenges. Strategies to enhance support of school-based mental health programs are discussed. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Psychol Schs 42: 361–372, 2005.
Oxide film growth on titaniumaluminum alloys at 165–270°C

Abstract Measurements of in situ oxide film growth on polycrystalline titanium alloys in pure oxygen at one atmosphere pressure were made by the ellipsometric method. Alloys contained 0 to 23 wt.% aluminum and the test temperature range was 165° to 270°C. For the thin film region (less than 40 A at 330°C and 200 A at 550°C), the data follow the reciprocal logarithmic kinetics model.
Electric propulsion cost estimation

A parametric cost model for mercury ion propulsion modules is presented. A detailed work breakdown structure is included. Cost estimating relationships were developed for the individual subsystems and the nonhardware items (systems engineering, software, etc.). Solar array and power processor unit (PPU) costs are the significant cost drivers. Simplification of both of these subsystems through applications of advanced technology (lightweight solar arrays and high-efficiency, self-radiating PPUs) can reduce costs. Comparison of the performance and cost of several chemical propulsion systems with the Hg ion module are also presented. For outer-planet missions, advanced solar electric propulsion (ASEP) trip times and O2/H2 propulsion trip times are comparable. A three-year trip time savings over the baselined NTO/MMH propulsion system is possible with ASEP.
Endoscopic frontal sinusotomy

For 11 years, we primarily relied on frontal sinus oblit­ eration with fat via an osteoplastic flap approach to treat the majority of patients with medically refractive, chronic frontal sinusitis. For the past 4 years, we have primarily used an endoscopic, intranasal approach for initial surgi­ cal management of patients with disease similar to those treated in the earlier ll-year period. We made this tran­ sition to endoscopic frontal sinusotomy because of the following: 1. The advent of rigid fiberoptic endoscopes provides excellent visualization of the frontal recess and medial frontal sinus. 2. Recognition of the role of the anterior ethmoids in recurrent frontal sinusitis and the ability afforded to op­ erate at this site by endoscopes. 3. Knowledge of such surgery being used in Europe. 4. Our desire to minimize the surgical technique for the initial treatment of medically refractive disease.l" Last year, we reported our initial experience with en­ doscopic frontal sinusotomy. This article updates that experience and better describes our surgical technique. 1
Dynamic modeling and control of a rotating piezo-bonded beam-mass system

Abstract A variational finite element method is used to derive the dynamic equations for a high speed rotating beam-mass system with embedded piezoelectric materials. Two piezoelectric layers are attached on the beam surfaces. The layer on the top surface is used for sensing and monitoring. The layer on the bottom surface is used for feedback control. The objective is to develop a simple finite element based dynamic model which can be used for structural characterization, monitoring and control. The structural dynamics introduced by the gyroscopic effect is included in the model. The nodal displacements of the structure are monitored by the output voltage level of the sensing layer. The voltage induced by the sensing layer is negatively fed back to the control layer for the adjustment of nodal displacements. Several simulation examples are presented to validate the effectiveness of the proposed finite element based control model.
Novelty-Induced Self-Food Deprivation in Wild and Semi-Domestic Deermice (Peromyscus Maniculatus Bairdii)

A population of prairie decrmice (Peromyscus maniculatus bairdii) maintained in captivity for I7 years (20-25 generations) was compared with the laboratory-reared offspring of a field-caught population in regard to their response to the forced occupation of a novel environment (activity wheels). It was hypothesized that the incidence of self-induced food deprivation had been significantly reduced in the semi-domestic population as a result or genetic changes accompanying the domestication process. Controls were established for handling, social isolation, post-natal maternal environment (fostering) and post-weaning rearing environment (field enclosure vs. laboratory cages). Unrestricted food consumption of the wild genotype subjects was significantly reduced during the first 48 hours in the novel environment while the food consumption of the semi-domestic subjects did not change. This strain differential response to a novel environment could not be explained by strain differences in responses to handling and social isolation nor was it affected by fostering and post-weaning rearing experience. Changes in body weight and activity could not account for the self-induced food deprivation exhibited by the wild-genotype mice. It was concluded that the differential reactivity of the wild and semi-domestic strains may be due to changes in the gene pool of the semi-domestic population resulting from a shift in selection pressures accompanying the transition from field to laboratory environments.
Recent observations of a spring‐summer surface warming over the Arctic Ocean

For the Arctic Ocean, a 1961–1990 trend analysis of the 2-m, 6-hourly air temperatures from the Russian North Pole (NP) drifting ice stations shows a significant warming in May and June, or seasonally in summer. In this analysis, if we choose temperatures from only those stations which report at least 95% of the time, and define an anomaly field by removal of a mean temperature field, then for both the temperature and anomaly fields, we obtain statistically significant May and June warmings of respectively 0.8 and 0.4°C/decade, and a summer seasonal warming of 0.2°C/decade. For the other seasons, although our trends are not statistically significant, they match the trends derived for the same period from the Arctic land stations.
Altered cerebral glucose utilization following blood-brain barrier opening by hypertonicity or hypertension

Abstract The blood-brain barrier (B-BB) in conscious rats was opened to Evans blue dye by carotid infusion of a 1.8 m arabinose solution or by acute unilateral carotid hypertension, following which [14C]2-deoxy- d -glucose was injected intravenously. Rats were killed 45 min later, and autoradiographs were made from frozen brain sections. Focal areas of increased optical density, or “hot spots,” were noted in brain regions when the B-BB was opened but were absent when B-BB integrity was unaffected. These hot spots, which represented accumulations of brain radioactivity, were not prevented by diet-induced hypokalemia or by systemic pretreatment with high doses of phenoxybenzamine or propranolol. Their cause remains unclear, but their induction by both hypertensive and osmotic B-BB opening suggests that B-BB damage, regardless of cause, can markedly disturb cerebral metabolism.
The global electrical circuit: A review

Research topics on the global electrical circuit are addressed that have received attention in recent years. These topics include the diurnal variation of the global circuit, surface measurements of electric field at high latitude, the annual variation, the semiannual variation, the role of lightning as a source for the global circuit, the electrical contribution of mesoscale convective systems, the possible effect of thunderstorms on the E and F regions of the ionosphere, the evidence for a global circuit impact from nuclear weapons tests, the controversy over long-term variations, the response to climate change, and finally the impact of the global circuit on climate.
Estimation of Corrosion Rates of Structural Members in Oil Tankers

An accurate estimation of corrosion rates plays an important role in determining corrosion allowances for structural designs, planning for inspections, and scheduling for maintenance. This paper presents an estimation of corrosion rates of structural members in oil tankers based on a corrosion wastage database of over 110,000 thickness measurements from 140 single hull oil tankers. Corrosion rates may be described by a Weibull distribution function. Mean, standard deviation and maximum values of corrosion rates for structural members are obtained based on the entire population of the database. They are compared with the ranges of corrosion rate published by Tanker Structure Co-operative Forum (TSCF). The study aims to update knowledge on corrosion rates in steel ships, and to contribute to the efforts of mitigating the risks of corrosion.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Tuned thalamic excitation is amplified by visual cortical circuits

Cortical neurons in thalamic recipient layers receive excitation from the thalamus and the cortex. The relative contribution of these two sources of excitation to sensory tuning is poorly understood. We optogenetically silenced the visual cortex of mice to isolate thalamic excitation onto layer 4 neurons during visual stimulation. Thalamic excitation contributed to a third of the total excitation and was organized in spatially offset, yet overlapping, ON and OFF receptive fields. This receptive field structure predicted the orientation tuning of thalamic excitation. Finally, both thalamic and total excitation were similarly tuned to orientation and direction and had the same temporal phase relationship to the visual stimulus. Our results indicate that tuning of thalamic excitation is unlikely to be imparted by direction- or orientation-selective thalamic neurons and that a principal role of cortical circuits is to amplify tuned thalamic excitation.
FULL TEXT ONLINE AND ABSTRACTS ON CDROM: NEXIS, DIALOG AND ABI/INFORM

NEXIS and DIALOG both offer full‐text online coverage of the magazine Business Week, while ABI/INFORM Global Edition on CDROM provides abstracts. A comparison of all three systems shows mixed results. DIALOG had the most records for two narrow topics, while NEXIS was superior when the search topic was broader. Although retrieving fewer items than the full‐text systems, ABI/INFORM had a considerable amount of material. With the difficulty of choosing between costly full‐text systems, settling for abstracts on CDROM may be an alternative for the researcher.
A comparison between high- and low-energy ion mixing at different temperatures

Abstract High-energy ion mixing occurs when an ion beam of a few hundred keV bombards an interface under the surface. Low-energy ion mixing arises when an ion beam of a few keV bombards an interface near the surface during, e.g., sputter depth profiling and low-energy ion-assisted deposition. At low temperatures, the rate of both high- and low-energy ion mixing can be influenced by thermodynamic parameters, such as the heat of mixing and the cohesive energy of solids. These effects are demonstrated by ion mixing experiments using metallic bilayers consisting of high-atomic-number elements. A model of diffusion in thermal spikes is used to explain this similarity. Low-energy ion mixing can also be strongly affected by surface diffusion and the morphological stability of thin films. These effects are illustrated using results obtained from sputter depth profiling of Ag/Ni, Ag/Fe, and Ag/Ti bilayers at elevated temperatures. High-energy ion mixing at low temperatures can be influenced by the anisotropic momentum distribution in a collision cascade as seen from a set of marker experiments to determine the dominant moving species in high-energy ion mixing. An understanding of these similarities and differences between high- and low-energy ion mixing at different temperatures will provide useful guidelines for applications of ion mixing.
Effects of drift on the transport of cosmic rays IV. Modulation by a wavy interplanetary current sheet

The effect of a wavy interplanetary current sheet on the solar modulation of galactic cosmic rays is studied. A simple model of the heliospheric magnetic field is employed in which there is an Archimedean spiral magnetic field directed in one direction above the current sheet and another direction below. The current sheet itself is taken to be the extension by the solar wind of a surface that, at the sun, is a plane inclined at an angle alpha to the solar equator. Two magnetic sectors will therefore be seen by an observer within an angle alpha of the heliographic equator. A simple approximate model is used to investigate modulation. As the tilt angle alpha is increased from zero, it is found that the cosmic-ray intensity decreases. For reasonable variation of alpha from approximately 10 deg to approximately 30 deg, the change in intensity can be compared to that observed as one goes from solar minimum to solar maximum. It is concluded that changes in the waviness of the interplanetary current sheet can have an important, and perhaps dominant, effect in producing solar modulation of galactic cosmic rays.
HER2 Stabilizes EGFR and Itself by Altering Autophosphorylation Patterns in a Manner That Overcomes Regulatory Mechanisms and Promotes Proliferative and Transformation Signaling

One of the causes of breast cancer is overexpression of the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). Enhanced receptor autophosphorylation and resistance to activation-induced downregulation have been suggested as mechanisms for HER2-induced sustained signaling and cell transformation. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these possibilities remain incompletely understood. In the current report, we present evidence that show that HER2 overexpression does not lead to receptor hyper-autophosphorylation, but alters patterns in a manner that favors receptor stability and sustained signaling. Specifically, HER2 overexpression blocks epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine phosphorylation on Y1045 and Y1068, the known docking sites of c-Cbl and Grb2, respectively, whereas promoting phosphorylation on Y1173, the known docking site of the Gab adaptor proteins and phospholipase C gamma. Under these conditions, HER2 itself is phosphorylated on Y1221/1222, with no known role, and on Y1248 that corresponds to Y1173 of EGFR. Interestingly, suppressed EGFR autophosphorylation on the Grb2 and c-Cbl-binding sites correlated with receptor stability and sustained signaling, suggesting that HER2 accomplishes these tasks by altering autophosphorylation patterns. In conformity with these findings, mutation of the Grb2-binding site on EGFR (Y1068F-EGFR) conferred resistance to ligand-induced degradation, which in turn induced sustained signaling, and increased cell proliferation and transformation. These findings suggest that the Grb2-binding site on EGFR is redundant for signaling, but critical for receptor regulation. On the other hand, mutation of the putative Grb2-binding site in HER2 (Y1139) did not affect stability, signaling or transformation, suggesting that Y1139 in HER2 may not serve as a Grb2-binding site. In agreement with the role of EGFR in HER2 signaling, inhibition of EGFR expression reduced HER2-induced anchorage-independent growth and tumorigenesis. These results imply that complementing HER2-targeted therapies with anti-EGFR drugs may be beneficial in HER2-positive breast cancer.
A new peltate Hydrocotyle (Umbelliferae) from northern Peru

A new peltate-leaved, tuberculate-fruitedHydrocotyle, that occurs in evergreen tropical montane forest in the vicinity of waterfalls, is described from northern Peru.
Evaluation of a training program for persons with SCI paraplegia using the Parastep®1 ambulation system: Part 1. Ambulation performance and anthropometric measures

Abstract Objective: To describe performance parameters and effects on anthropometric measures in spinal cord injured subjects training with the Parastep® 1 system. Design: Before-after trial. Setting: Human spinal cord injury applied research laboratory. Participants: Thirteen men and 3 women with thoracic (T4–T11) motor-complete spinal cord injury: mean age, 28.8yrs; mean duration postinjury, 3.8yrs. Intervention: Thirty-two functional neuromuscular stimulation ambulation training sessions using a commercially available system (Parastep-1). The hybrid system consists of a microprocessor-controlled stimulator and a modified walking frame with finger-operated switches that permit the user to control the stimulation parameters and activate the stepping. Outcome Measures: Distance walked, time spent standing and walking, pace, circumferential (shoulders, chest, abdomen, waist, hips, upper arm, thigh, and calf) and skinfold (chest, triceps, axilla, subscapular, supraillium, abdomen, and thigh) measurements, body weight, thigh cross-sectional area, and calculated lean tissue. Results: Statistically significant changes in distance, time standing and walking, and pace were found. Increases in thigh and calf girth, thigh cross-sectional area, and calculated lean tissue, as well as a decrease in thigh skinfold measure, were all statistically significant. Conclusions: The Parastep® 1 system enables persons with thoracic-level spinal cord injuries to stand and ambulate short distances but with a high degree of performance variability across individuals. The factors that influence this variability have not been completely identified.
Catalytic and regulatory domains of doublecortin kinase-1.

Doublecortin kinase-1 (DCK1) is a newly described multidomain protein kinase with a sequence significantly similar to those of both CaM kinases (CaMKs) and doublecortin, the product of the gene mutated in X-linked lissencephaly/double cortex syndrome, a severe developmental disorder of the nervous system. Functional studies have revealed microtubule binding and polymerization activities of the doublecortin domain, yet little is known regarding the enzymatic properties and regulation of the kinase catalytic domain. We have identified and report here notable similarities as well as differences between the catalytic and regulatory properties of DCK1 and those of the CaMKs. Using synthetic peptide substrates modeled on synapsin I, a substrate recognition motif for DCK1 of Hyd-Arg-Arg-X-X-Ser/Thr-Hyd was derived. The similarity of this motif to that of CaMKI [Lee, J. C., Kwon, Y.-G., Lawrence, D. S., and Edelman, A. M. (1994) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 91, 6413-6417] is consistent with the 59% level of amino acid sequence similarity between their catalytic domains. DCK1 catalytic activity is enhanced by mutagenic introduction of negative charge at Thr-239, a residue in a position equivalent to that of Thr-177 of CaMKI, the activation loop site for regulation by CaM kinase kinase. Unlike CaMKs, DCK1 is not directly activated by Ca(2+)-bound CaM. However, truncation of a pseudosubstrate-like sequence in the C-terminus of DCK1 results in an approximately 6-fold enhancement of activity. Thus, DCK1 demonstrates the potential to be regulated by relief of autoinhibition in response to signal(s) distinct from Ca(2+)-bound CaM and potentially by activation loop phosphorylation and to phosphorylate intracellular targets at sites similar to those recognized by CaMK pathways.
An optically active cyclooctatetraene incapable of racemization

Abstract Cycloheptene-1,2-dicarboxylic anhydride has been transformed into the 1,4-annulated cyclooctatetraene 1 , which in turn was resolved via Its diastereomeric endo -bornyltriazolinedione Diels-Alder adducts; 1 did not racemize during 23 hours at 158°C.
Mechanized Information Flow Analysis through Inductive Assertions

We present a method for verifying information flow properties of software programs using inductive assertions and theorem proving. Given a program annotated with information flow assertions at cutpoints, the method uses a theorem prover and operational semantics to generate and discharge verification conditions. This obviates the need to develop a verification condition generator (VCG) or a customized logic for information flow properties. The method is compositional: a subroutine needs to be analyzed once, rather than at each call site. The method is being mechanized in the ACL2 theorem prover, and we discuss initial results demonstrating its applicability.
The Effects of Skipping Over More Difficult Items on Time-Limited Tests: Implications for Test Validity.

Typically, standardized aptitude and achievement tests are accom panied by directions which suggest that examinees skip over more difficult items and return to them if time permits. The purpose of ...
An asymptotically minimax kernel machine

Abstract Recently, a class of machine learning-inspired procedures, termed kernel machine methods, has been extensively developed in the statistical literature. In this note, we construct a so-called ‘adaptively minimax’ kernel machine. Such a construction highlights the limits on the interpretability of such kernel machines.
Self tracking of human motion for virtual reality systems

Present tracking schemes for virtual reality position sensing have a variety of features that make their use in applications such as large classrooms or remote locations difficult. A more natural tracking method would be a lightweight, low cost, and accurate inertial tracking system. Some commercial inertial systems are discussed. As a low cost alternative, a mouse based head self-tracker has been built at North Carolina State University. Its design and operational ideas are being extended to build a less cumbersome head tracker based on the rotational axes.
The Embedded Psychology of Contemporary Spiritual Direction

A frequency analysis of psychological sources demonstrates that contemporary North American writing about spiritual direction is grounded psychologically in early psychodynamic and depth psychologies; this finding is supported by a content analysis of 67 texts. Although pastoral theologians have thoroughly critiqued these psychologies and their inherent anthropologies, the contemporary literature of spiritual direction has not assimilated these critiques or expanded its use of psychological resources to attend more adequately to social and relational aspects of both human identity and spiritual/religious experience. As a result, the ministry of spiritual direction in North America functions primarily in the classical and therapeutic traditions of pastoral care, with limited attention to communal‐contextual and intercultural paradigms.
Allosteric intermediates in hemoglobin. 2. Kinetic modeling of HbCO photolysis.

Nanosecond absorption spectra are measured in the Soret and near-UV spectral regions of human hemoglobin (Hb) after laser photolysis of the carbonyl adduct in order to study the dynamics of globin tertiary and quaternary conformational changes. Spectra and concentrations of physical intermediates, distinguished by extent of heme ligation and intraprotein relaxation, are obtained from a global analysis using a microscopic kinetic model that explicitly accounts for six observed relaxation and recombination processes. Three observed rate constants for CO rebinding and two intraprotein relaxation constants obtained are similar to constants determined by Hofrichter et al. [(1983) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 80, 2235], the latter two comprising the 20−30-μs R → T quaternary transition and a previously unassigned 1-μs intraprotein relaxation. On the basis of the modeled intermediate spectra, as well as UV circular dichroism results observed on this time scale [Bjorling, S. C., Goldbeck, R. A., Paquette, S. J.,...
Development of an ultrasonic transducer using long acoustic waves for flow measurement

Abstract The ultrasonic technique for fluid-flow measurement in a pipe involves measuring the small change in the net velocity of sound waves in the fluid due to its motion. A well-established technique for this uses sound of very short wavelength generated by transducers with lateral dimensions large compared with the wavelength, so that the wave is propagated as a beam directed diagonally across the pipe. This technique is widely used for pipes larger than about 100 mm in diameter, but is unsatisfactory for smaller pipes, since the practicable acoustic path length is proportional to the pipe diameter. To meet the requirement for accurate flow measurements in smaller (less than 100 mm diameter) pipes, a transducer has been developed using a wavelength in the fluid such that the pipe serves to guide the wave and, in effect, to make the acoustic path length longer than the pipe diameter. The design of the transducer is reported and results obtained on its performance point to simple flow-meter designs that are flexible in application and measure the mean velocity over the pipe cross section, regardless of whether the flow is laminar or turbulent.
Wavelet-based fractal feature extraction for microcalcification detection in mammograms

A novel hybrid wavelet-based fractal feature extraction method and an Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) classification system are proposed for the detection of microcalcification clusters (MCCs) in the digital mammograms. The hybrid wavelet-based fractal feature set consists of the surrounding region dependence based features and the newly proposed wavelet-based fractal features. Experiments demonstrated that the proposed hybrid feature has the best classification discriminating ability among three sets of features tested in the experiments. A satisfactory MCCs' detection rate and a good ratio of true positive fraction to false positive fraction (ROC curve) have been achieved. The proposed MCCs detection system provides an adequate framework for microcalcification detection in the mammograms.
Search for fullerenes in lunar fines 10084 and 79261

Radicati di Brozolo et al. (1994) found the fullerenes C60 and C70 in and around a micrometeorite impact pit on the skin of the LDEF (Long Duration Exposure Facility) spacecraft and concluded that the fullerenes had formed from C of the micrometeorite. Becker et al. (1994) concluded that C60 and C70 in C-bearing rocks from the large Sudbury impact structure had come mostly from C of the impacting bolide. These observations suggested that fullerenes had formed by analogous impacts on the Moon. One sample from the Apollo 11 site and one from the Apollo 17 site were treated with toluene for the extraction of C60 and C70. The extracts were analyzed by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) for the presence of C60 and C70 fullerenes. No fullerenes were detected. Either the formation of fullerenes from extra lunar C on the Moon had very low yields, or fullerenes were formed with detectable yields but were quantitatively removed from the surface of the Moon in a short time.
Low-complexity Interpolation Architecture for Soft-decision Reed-Solomon Decoding

Reed-Solomon (RS) codes have very broad applications in digital communication and storage systems. Among the decoding algorithms of RS codes, the Koetter-Vardy (KV) soft-decision decoding algorithm can achieve substantial coding gain with a polynomial complexity. One of the major steps of the KV algorithm is the interpolation. Recently, a new algorithm was proposed to solve the interpolation problem. Compared to previous efforts, this algorithm is computationally simpler, and thus can potentially lead to practical high-speed hardware implementations of the KV algorithm. This paper proposes novel transformation techniques to further reduce the hardware complexity of the new interpolation algorithm. In addition, efficient VLSI architectures are provided for the new algorithm
Rational design of a secreted enzymatically inactive mutant of extracellular superoxide dismutase

Extracellular superoxide dismutase (SOD3) is a secreted enzyme that regulates levels of extracellular superoxide and protects the extracellular matrix from degradation by reactive species. The SOD3 protein contains a heparin-binding domain and resides in a microenvironment rich in other heparin-bound growth factors, raising the possibility that SOD3 may have some biological role independent of its catalytic activity. To begin to address this, we designed and created enzymatically inactive mutant constructs targeting either the copper coordinating (i.e. H96 and H98) or superoxide channeling (i.e. N180 and R186) amino acid residues of SOD3. All constructs expressed equal quantities of immature intracellular SOD proteins, but only the N180A, R186A, and combination N180A/R186A mutants produced fully processed and secreted extracellular protein. Furthermore, while SOD activity was significantly inhibited in the single N180A and R186A mutants, the activity was completely abrogated in the N180A/R186A double mutant. Overall, the use of this novel tool may have broad reaching impacts into various fields of biology and medicine, and will aid in the delineation of cellular processes that are regulated by solely the SOD3 protein, its reactive oxygen species substrates and products, or the combination of both.
Grid Reconfigurable Optical-Wireless Architecture for Large Scale Municipal Mesh Access Network

This paper presents a novel hierarchical and grid based reconfigurable optical-wireless network (GROW-Net) architecture. GROW-Net supports scalable and flexible integration of a large scale wireless mesh network in a municipal environment. Under the GROW-Net architecture, a joint evolution strategy is proposed to allow graceful upgrades in both optical backbone and wireless mesh network. To alleviate the known throughput bottleneck in mesh networks, a capacity enhancing technique based on flexible cell-splitting is proposed. The technique allocates wavelength resources to unutilized dark fibers using the unique structure of GROWNet's reconfigurable and colorless access gateways. To analyze the effectiveness of the approach, throughput performance of the wireless mesh network is analyzed using a high fidelity simulator. The wireless mesh network in the simulation employs a distributed and cooperative medium access control protocol within a time division multiple access and time division duplex framework. Through the high fidelity simulation, results show the degree of throughput enhancement by using cell splitting method. The evolution strategy further enables the backbone to scale its bandwidth and adapt to future high throughput and very high throughput wireless technologies. The performance of the proposed backbone is demonstrated experimentally over the optical testbed.