cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chaotic behavior in the dynamical system of a continuous stirred tank reactor

Abstract The dynamical system describing a continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) for the reactions A→B→C and A→C, B→D is considered. A circulating attractor with accompanying circulating orbits is shown to exist when the critical point of the system is unique and unstable. The orbit structure has been numerically found to consist of periodic orbits and chaotic behavior.
Private Sector Response to HIV/AIDS in Tanzania

This study assessed HIV/AIDS prevention practices used by employers in Tanzania. The study also aimed to provide a feasibility analysis of the readiness for HIV/AIDS prevention and other employee health promotion disease prevention and management interventions within the private sector in Tanzania and to inform emerging scientific literature on the prevalence and composition of employee health education programs in developing countries. Responses to a questionnaire were obtained via structured face-to-face interviews during visits with company leaders at their workplaces in Tanzania. The survey was conducted from January to March of 2008. It was found that most companies (82%) offer some form of assistance for employees living with HIV/AIDS and other chronic health conditions and most (73%) also offered HIV/AIDS prevention programs. Use of peer educators was a common feature of HIV prevention efforts. Companies commonly provided free condoms for men (64%); somewhat fewer (55%) provide female condoms. The majority of companies (72%) had a written HIV/AIDS policy. The high rates of program offerings for employees suggest that employers have adopted HIV/AIDS prevention programs though the wide variability in program offerings indicates employers beliefs vary concerning the impact of programs health benefits and policies.
Reconstruction of Rectangles from Projections: An Application to Surface- Mounted Device Placement

In this work we consider algorithmic approaches to the placement problem for surface mounted components and present theoretical results on the minimum number of measurements that are needed to reconstruct images of the components and circuit boards. Initial placement of the chip over the mount area may be slightly incorrect. Machine vision has been used to achieve high accuracy in the placement by providing feedback to the controller on the position of the component's leads relative to the soldering pads. Many traditional 2D vision techniques for image registration have been used to address this problem. Here we take a different approach and consider the problem of reconstructing the shape of the component and the circuit board from a set of projections. We assume that the image consists of overlapping rectangles (the leads and pads) that are iso-oriented and provide theoretical results on the minimum number of measurements that are needed to recover the shape. Such theoretical bounds can help in designing efficient methods to solve the problem of aligning the chip leads to the solder pads.
Impacts on microbial communities and cultivable isolates from groundwater contaminated with high levels of nitric acid–uranium waste

Microbial communities were characterized at contaminated sites that had elevated levels of nitrate, nickel, aluminum, and uranium (up to 690 mM, 310 microM, 42 mM, and 30 microM, respectively). The bacterial community structure based upon clonal libraries of the SSU rRNA genes (screened clones = 876) was diverse at the background site, but the three acidic samples had decreased diversity and the majority of clones were closely related to Azoarcus and Pseudomonas species. Arthrobacter and Novosphingobium sequences were recovered from the background samples but not the acidic sites, and similar pseudomonad populations were present at the background and acidic sites albeit at different relative abundances. Heterologous sequence coverage analyses indicated the microbial communities at the contaminated sites were very similar (p = 0.001) but different from the background site. Bacterial isolates (n = 67) classified as beta-or gamma-Proteobacteria, high G+C Gram-positive or low G+C Gram-positive were obtained from the background and one contaminated sample, and some of the isolates had less than 95% sequence identity with previously observed microorganisms. Despite variations in nitrate and heavy metal levels and different proximities to the source ponds, the three acidic samples had similar microbial populations. However, the least contaminated site (lowest nitrate and aluminum) had increased diversity compared to the other acidic samples. The results suggested that the combined contamination has decreased the microbial diversity, and Azoarcus populations were observed at a drastically increased frequency compared to the background site that had a more even distribution of multiple taxa.
Regulation of molybdenum cofactor of maize leaf

Abstract Molybdenum cofactor and nitrate reductase were extracted from maize leaf and assayed using established methods. While both applied nitrate and light increased nitrate reductase activity, only nitrate was required to increase molybdenum cofactor to its highest level and light had no apparent influence.
The Coalitionary Process in Initiating Family Therapy

The observation and use of the coalitionary process constitute a substantial component of family therapy. Through monitoring this variable, the therapist can rationally establish basic ground rules, that is, lay down metacommunicational principles, that will frame and guide an effective course of treatment. In addition, as the coalitionary configuration in the course of family therapy replicates crucial family stereotypes, its careful analysis allows the calibration and refinement of therapeutic strategies.
Identification and transfer of heterotic chromosome blocks for forage yield in short-day exotic pearl millet landraces

Photoperiod sensitivity of pearl millet, Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br., exotic accessions has limited their use in nontropical environments due to excess height and late maturity problems. Objectives of this research were (i) to describe and evaluate a modification of a direct method to screen non-converted short-day Burkina Faso landraces (BFL) of pearl millet for large heterosis-creating heterotic chromosome blocks (HCBs) that can replace a small HCB in the male parent T383 of tbe top producing F 1 hybrid Tifleaf 2 and to increase its forage yield; and (ii) to determine the variation in the size of HCBs in a single landrace. Short early T383-like F 2 plants in IBFL x T383) F 2 populations were screened for HCBs by crossing them with T23Rp 1 , which carries the red marker gene, crossing those F 1 s on T85A [cytoplasmic male sterile (cms) green 23], growing 100 spaced plants of the cross T85 x (BFL x T383) F 2 , cutting and weighing 50 of the red and 50 of the green plants in each population, and analyzing the data with the SAS General Linear Model. Percent heterosis for plant forage yield in 100-plant populations of each cross ranged from 0 to 51%. The average HCB heterosis for T383 was 4%. Sister plants within a single BFL were variable enough to make it important to cross a single BFL plant with T23Rp 1 to measure HCB heterosis and with T265 (T383Rp 1 ) to start the transfer of the top HCB to T383. The modification method requires an extra year before measuring HCBs, but requires a less variable 100-plant screening population and should require fewer backcrosses to transfer the top HCB to T383.
Use of a radioreceptorassay (RRA) for human luteinizing hormone/chorionic gonadotropin (hLH/CG) for detection of early pregnancy and estimation of time of ovulation in macaques.

A radioreceptorassay (RRA) for macaque luteinizing hormone (LH)/chorionic gonadotropin (CG) was adapted from the clinical RRA for human LH/CG, Biocept-G™, for the purposes of detection of pregnancy prior to day 20 of gestation and for estimation of the time of ovulation in macaques. The 90-min assay procedure was simple, accurate, and reliable. Seventy-five rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) and 20 crab-eating monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) were tested for the presence of CG in the serum on estimated days 17-20 of pregnancy. Of a total of 160 tests, four false negative and 0 false positive tests were obtained, for an accuracy of 97.5%. The preovulatory LH peak was detected in 19 rhesus monkeys by semiquantitative RRA of LH/CG. Ovulation was confirmed in these 19 animals by the presence of a fresh corpus luteum at laparotomy 2-10 days after ovulation, collection of an embryo, pregnancy, or subsequent cycle history. The short, simple assay procedure and the low inter-and intraassay coefficients of variation (7.3 and 3.7%, respectively) allow use of this assay in an economical, predictive, as well as retrospective, capacity for estimation of the time of ovulation in rhesus monkeys. The sensitivity, reliability, species nonspecificity, simplicity, and rapidity of performance of this RRA for LH/CG are features which add up to a useful new management tool for breeding macaques for research purposes.
Hybrid side-channel/machine-learning attacks on PUFs: a new threat?

Machine Learning (ML) is a well-studied strategy in modeling Physical Unclonable Functions (PUFs) but reaches its limits while applied on instances of high complexity. To address this issue, side-channel attacks have recently been combined with modeling techniques to make attacks more efficient [25][26]. In this work, we present an overview and survey of these so-called "hybrid modeling and side-channel attacks" on PUFs, as well as of classical side channel techniques for PUFs. A taxonomy is proposed based on the characteristics of different side-channel attacks. The practical reach of some published side-channel attacks is discussed. Both challenges and opportunities for PUF attackers are introduced. Countermeasures against some certain side-channel attacks are also analyzed. To better understand the side-channel attacks on PUFs, three different methodologies of implementing side-channel attacks are compared. At the end of this paper, we bring forward some open problems for this research area.
Cytological Studies of Some Indian Diplopoda (Myriapoda)

A comparative study of the chromosomes during spermatogenesis of four species of Diplopoda (Myriapoda) belonging to two families has been made. The diploid chromosome numbers of the described species vary from 12 to 24. In addition to the variation in numbers, the cytology of diplopods offers many points of interest. In all the species studied all the chromosomes are acrocentric. The male is the heterogametic sex and the sex-chromosome mechanism is of the XY type. The sex-chromosomes are characterized by their heteropycnosis and also by their differential behaviour, exhibiting prereductional division and lagging during meiotic divisions.
Morphine Epigenomically Regulates Behavior through Alterations in Histone H3 Lysine 9 Dimethylation in the Nucleus Accumbens

Dysregulation of histone modifying enzymes has been associated with numerous psychiatric disorders. Alterations in G9a (Ehmt2), a histone methyltransferase that catalyzes the euchromatic dimethylation of histone H3 at lysine 9 (H3K9me2), has been implicated recently in mediating neural and behavioral plasticity in response to chronic cocaine administration. Here, we show that chronic morphine, like cocaine, decreases G9a expression, and global levels of H3K9me2, in mouse nucleus accumbens (NAc), a key brain reward region. In contrast, levels of other histone methyltransferases or demethylases, or of other methylated histone marks, were not affected in NAc by chronic morphine. Through viral-mediated gene transfer and conditional mutagenesis, we found that overexpression of G9a in NAc opposes morphine reward and locomotor sensitization and concomitantly promotes analgesic tolerance and naloxone-precipitated withdrawal, whereas downregulation of G9a in NAc enhances locomotor sensitization and delays the development of analgesic tolerance. We identified downstream targets of G9a by providing a comprehensive chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by massively parallel sequencing analysis of H3K9me2 distribution in NAc in the absence and presence of chronic morphine. These data provide novel insight into the epigenomic regulation of H3K9me2 by chronic morphine and suggest novel chromatin-based mechanisms through which morphine-induced addictive-like behaviors arise.
Conservation genetics of evolutionary lineages of the endangered mountain yellow-legged frog, Rana muscosa (Amphibia: Ranidae), in southern California

Severe population declines led to the listing of southern California Rana muscosa (Ranidae) as endangered in 2002. Nine small populations inhabit watersheds in three isolated mountain ranges, the San Gabriel, San Bernardino and San Jacinto. One population from the Dark Canyon tributary in the San Jacinto Mountains has been used to establish a captive breeding population at the San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research. Because these populations may still be declining, it is critical to gather information on how genetic variation is structured in these populations and what historical inter-population connectivity existed between populations. Additionally, it is not clear whether these populations are rapidly losing genetic diversity due to population bottlenecks. Using mitochondrial and microsatellite data, we examine patterns of genetic variation in southern California and one of the last remaining populations of R. muscosa in the southern Sierra Nevada. We find low levels of genetic variation within each population and evidence of genetic bottlenecks. Additionally, substantial population structure is evident, suggesting a high degree of historical isolation within and between mountain ranges. Based on estimates from a multi-population isolation with migration analysis, these populations diversified during glacial episodes of the Pleistocene, with little gene flow during population divergence. Our data demonstrate that unique evolutionary lineages of R. muscosa occupy each mountain range in southern California and should be managed separately. The captive breeding program at Dark Canyon is promising, although mitigating the loss of neutral genetic diversity relative to the natural population might require additional breeding frogs.
Climate in the Southern Sawatch Range and Elk Mountains, Colorado, U.S.A., during the Last Glacial Maximum: Inferences Using a Simple Degree-Day Model

Abstract Equilibrium-line altitudes (ELAs) were determined from reconstructions of 22 paleoglaciers at their extent during the local last glacial maximum (LGM) using the accumulation-area method. LGM ELAs thus derived ranged from 2980 to 3560 m and follow a statistically significant regional trend of rising ∼4.5 m km−1 to the east. Two approaches using a degree-day model were used to infer LGM climate by finding plausible combinations of temperature and precipitation change that (1) would be required to lower ELAs to their mean LGM values in both the Taylor Park/eastern Elk Mountains region and western Elk Mountains, and (2) provide steady-state mass balances to maintain individual glaciers. The results of these two approaches are convergent and suggest that in the absence of significant changes in precipitation, mean summer (or mean annual) temperatures within the study area during the LGM were on the order of about 7 °C cooler than at present. The model also suggests that even allowing for modest change...
Data partitioning strategies for graph workloads on heterogeneous clusters

Large scale graph analytics are an important class of problem in the modern data center. However, while data centers are trending towards a large number of heterogeneous processing nodes, graph analytics frameworks still operate under the assumption of uniform compute resources. In this paper, we develop heterogeneity-aware data ingress strategies for graph analytics workloads using the popular PowerGraph framework. We illustrate how simple estimates of relative node computational throughput can guide heterogeneity-aware data partitioning algorithms to provide balanced graph cutting decisions. Our work enhances five online data ingress strategies from a variety of sources to optimize application execution for throughput differences in heterogeneous data centers. The proposed partitioning algorithms improve the runtime of several popular machine learning and data mining applications by as much as a 65% and on average by 32% as compared to the default, balanced partitioning approaches.
AGU Congressional Science Fellows Chosen

AGU announces its two newest Congressional Science Fellows—Laura Sherman and Charles Podolak—who will work on science issues in a congressional office from September 2014 until August 2015. The program is run by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and trains scientists in the inner workings of congressional offices before helping them find a position. AGU has sponsored fellows in the program for 37 years, during which AGU fellows have worked on climate change, energy, water, security, and many more critical issues that rely on scientific understanding and affect the lives of the general public every day.
Studies of virus structure by Raman spectroscopy I. R17 virus and R17 RNA

Abstract The laser-excited Raman spectrum of the RNA virus, R17, is shown to contain a large number of Raman lines assignable to scattering by vibrations of the nucleotide residues of RNA and the amino-acid residues of protein capsomers. The Raman lines from specific nucleotide vibrations in the phage are compared with their counterparts in the spectrum of protein-free RNA to suggest many similarities of RNA structure in the phage and protein-free states. However, the average configuration of guanine residues in the phage is apparently very different from that of protein-free RNA, suggesting that guanine plays an important role in RNA-protein interactions.
A simplified radioactive assay for the enzyme UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase.

Abstract A radioactive assay for the enyme UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase has been modified. The modifications allow the enzyme to be assayed in one simple step and eliminate two procedures (a boiling step and an alkaline phosphatase incubation) which lengthen the time required to do the assay, make it somewhat cumbersome, and which must be carefully controlled. Furthermore, the modifications allow the simultaneous measurement of large numbers of samples. The modified assay is sensitive enough to quantitate activity in a mutant of Dictyostelium discoideum which with previous spectrophotometric assays could not be accurately measured.
Rituximab in post-transplant pediatric recurrent focal segmental glomerulosclerosis

Background Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) recurs in 20–40 % of allografts. Plasmapheresis (TPE) has been one of the mainstays of treatment with variable results. Rituximab (RTX), a monoclonal antibody to the protein CD20, is being used for treatment of recurrent FSGS (recFSGS) but pediatric experience is limited.
Lysine and pipecolic acid metabolism in the domestic fowl.

SummaryExperiments were conducted with colostomized adult Leghorn pullets to determine the urinary excretion products produced from the metabolism of d- and l-lysine and l–pipecolic acid. The results indicate that the fowl, unlike the rat, excretes very little free pipecolic acid after an intraperitoneal dose of either d-lysine or l-pipecolate. The urine was analyzed for an ornithine conjugate of pipecolic acid or a degradation product of lysine metabolism. None was detected. It was concluded that the increase in the chicken's requirement for arginine when surfeit lysine is consumed is not due to a need for ornithine to detoxify a lysine metabolite.
Measuring the supply response to housing allowances

The annual cost of housing inputs,V f=P fQh, equals the sum of six components: Annual cost of service inputs,P 8Q8. Real return to land,r P 1Q1. Real return to improvements,rP k(t)Qk. Current maintenance cost,P mM(A+t)Qk. Current insurance cost,nP k(t)Qk. Depreciation, $$ - \frac{{dp_k \left( t \right)}}{{dt}}Q_k $$ .
Agonists Trigger G Protein-mediated Activation of the CPI-17 Inhibitor Phosphoprotein of Myosin Light Chain Phosphatase to Enhance Vascular Smooth Muscle Contractility

Myosin light chain phosphatase (MLCP) plays a pivotal role in smooth muscle contraction by regulating Ca2+ sensitivity of myosin light chain phosphorylation. A smooth muscle phosphoprotein called CPI-17 specifically and potently inhibits MLCP in vitro andin situ and is activated when phosphorylated at Thr-38, which increases its inhibitory potency 1000-fold. We produced a phosphospecific antibody for this site in CPI-17 and used it to studyin situ phosphorylation of endogenous CPI-17 in arterial smooth muscle in response to agonist stimulation. In the intact femoral artery, CPI-17 phosphorylation was negligible at the resting state and was not increased during contraction induced by K+depolarization. The Ca2+-sensitizing agonists histamine and phenylephrine induced nearly equivalent contractions, but histamine generated significantly higher levels of CPI-17 phosphorylation. In α-toxin-permeabilized strips at pCa 6.7, contractile force and CPI-17 phosphorylation were proportional in response to histamine, guanosine 5′-O-(γ-thiotriphosphate), and histamine plus guanyl-5′-yl thiophosphate, implying that histamine increased CPI-17 phosphorylation through activation of G proteins. Inhibitors of Rho-kinase (Y27632) and protein kinase C (PKC; GF109203X) reduced contraction and CPI-17 phosphorylation in parallel, suggesting that CPI-17 functions downstream of Rho kinases and PKC. The results show that agonists such as histamine signal through phosphorylation of CPI-17 to produce Ca2+ sensitization of smooth muscle contraction.
A Contemporary Definition and Classification of Hydrocephalus

This review focuses on the problems related to defining hydrocephalus and on the development of a consensus on the classification of this common problem. Such a consensus is needed so that diverse research efforts and plans of treatment can be understood in the same context. The literature was searched to determine the definition of hydrocephalus and to identify previously proposed classification schemes. The historic perspective, purpose, and result of these classifications are reviewed and analyzed. The concept of the hydrodynamics of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) as a hydraulic circuit is presented to serve as a template for a contemporary classification scheme. Finally, a definition and classification that include all clinical causes and forms of hydrocephalus are suggested. The currently accepted classification of hydrocephalus into "communicating" and "noncommunicating" varieties is almost 90 years old and has not been modified despite major advances in neuroimaging, neurosciences, and treatment outcomes. Despite a thorough search of the literature using computerized search engines and bibliographies from review articles and book chapters, I identified only 6 previous attempts to define and classify different forms of hydrocephalus. This review proposes the following definition for hydrocephalus: hydrocephalus is an active distension of the ventricular system of the brain related to inadequate passage of CSF from its point of production within the ventricular system to its point of absorption into the systemic circulation. Based on this definition (potential points of flow restriction) and on the view of the CSF system as a hydraulic circuit, a classification system is proposed. The acceptance of this proposed definition and classification schema would allow clinicians and basic scientists to communicate effectively, to share information and results, and to develop testable hypotheses.
Metal-organodiphosphonate chemistry: Hydrothermal syntheses and structures of Zn(II) and Cd(II) coordination polymers with xylyldiphosphonate ligands

Abstract Hydrothermal reactions of zinc(II) acetate dihydrate or cadmium(II) nitrate tetrahydrate with xylyldiphosphonic acid isomers in the presence of an organonitrogen chelating ancillary ligand provided a series of materials of the (M(II)-organonitrogen chelate)/xylyldiphosphonate family. One-dimensional structures were observed for [Zn(H2O)(bpy)(1,2-HO3PC8H8PO3H)] (1), [Zn(bpy)(1,3-HO3PC8H8PO3H)]·H2O (2·H2O), [M(o-phen)(1,3-HO3PC8H8PO3H)] (M = Zn (5·H2O), M = Cd (11), and [Zn(tpyprz)(1,2-HO3PC8H8PO3H)] (7), while the phases [M(bpy)2(1,4-H2O3PC8H8PO3H2)(1,4-HO3PC8H8PO3H)] (M = Zn (3) and Cd(9)) exhibited virtual layered structures constructed from { M ( bpy ) 2 ( 1 , 4 - H 2 O 3 PC 8 H 8 PO 3 H 2 ) } n 2 n + chain hydrogen-bonded to the {HO3PC8H8PO3H}2- charge compensating anions. The two-dimensional structures are represented by [M(o-phen)(1,2-HO3PC8H8PO3H)] (M = Zn (4) and Cd (10)) and [Cd(bpy)(1,3-HO3PC8H8PO3H)] (8). Expansion into three-dimensions occurs only with the spatially extended 1,4-xylyldiphosphonate ligand in [Zn4(o-phen)4(1,4-HO3PC8H8PO3)2(1,4-HO3PC8H8PO3H)]·3H2O (6·3H2O) and [Cd(o-phen)(1,4-HO3PC8H8PO3H)] (12).
Submarine Gel Electrophoresis Purification of a Small Molecule: 99.9998 Fluorescently Pure IMI2

HPLC and related techniques failed to raise the fluorescence purity of a BODIPY−imidazole dye (IMI2) above 99.5%, based on assessment of dye purity by capillary electrophoresis with laser-induced fluorescence detection (CE-LIF). This difficulty was overcome by employing submarine gel electrophoresis, which raised the fluorescence purity level to about 99.9998%. This estimate of final dye purity was made by using immobilized metal affinity chromatography to selectively remove the dye from a sample that was then analyzed by CE-LIF as a 5000× more concentrated sample than the original. The amount of dye purified on a 87- × 67- × 10-mm (l × w × h) gel in a 40-min run was at the 0.5-mg level. The dye was recovered by soaking the sliced-out electrophoretic band in methanol. We are now in a position to employ this dye for labeling of trace phosphomonoester analytes without being hampered by dye impurities, by further developing methodology that we reported previously (Wang, P.; Giese, R. W. Anal. Chem. 1993, 65,...
Multi-state digital and quantum signal processing and emerging nanoelectronic processing hardware: complexity, performance and capabilities

Emerged nanoelectronic devices enable resonance phenomena, multiple-valued logics, multi-state switching, high-frequency fast switching, low losses and other advantageous capabilities. Typical examples of such devices are resonant-tunneling diodes, transistors, optoelectronic devices, etc. Those opportunities ultimately require a refinement of baseline analysis, design and evaluation principles. This paper studies processing, performance and capabilities of digital systems established using nanoscaled electronic devices which compose large-scale integrated circuits. Fundamental, hardware and software solutions are considered. CMOS-centric device-, module- and system-level realizations should be fully supported by processing arithmetics, organizations and architectures. The analysis and design aspects must be examined. We focus on the analysis of multi-state digital signal processing and information processing. The results reported are verified. Utilizing the first principles of information theory and enabling design paradigms, we expand the solutions toward coherent analysis of complexity and information-centric digital data processing. We quantitatively study various performance quantities, measures and capabilities which can comprise performance metrics. Those analysis and design concepts suit a general class of problems, e.g., spanning from the conventional VLSI design of digital systems to envisioned neuromorphological processing platforms. The ability to accomplish the aforementioned studies significantly contributes to the forefront design paradigms of reconfigurable (adaptive), parallel and scalar digital signal processors (DSPs). Numerous examples are examined in detail, supporting the proposed concepts of information-theoretic analysis and coherent design of information processing platforms.
STEP carbon capture – The barium advantage

Abstract We have recently introduced the theory of the Solar Thermal Electrochemical Process for carbon capture and utilization (STEP carbon). We have also provided experimental validation of that theory using electrolysis of molten lithium and eutectic alkali carbonates at high (∼50%) solar efficiency and high rate, and delineated the materials required to use STEP carbon to decrease atmospheric CO2 to preindustrial levels in ten years. In this communication an effective, alternative STEP carbon electrolyte is introduced. It is demonstrated thermodynamically that barium carbonate can provide more than an order of magnitude greater affinity for direct carbon dioxide absorption from the air than our prior lithium carbonate electrolyte. It is demonstrated experimentally that molten barium carbonate mixtures provide an effective medium for the direct electrolytic reduction of absorbed carbon dioxide at high rate and lower energy. The products of the electrolysis are graphite, which is readily stored as a valued added commodity for future generations, and oxygen. The electrolyte is not consumed in this carbon dioxide splitting process.
Electrophysiological properties of catecholaminergic neurons in the norepinephrine-deficient mouse

To determine how norepinephrine affects the basic physiological properties of catecholaminergic neurons, brain slices containing the substantia nigra pars compacta and locus coeruleus were studied with cell-attached and whole-cell recordings in control and dopamine beta-hydroxylase knockout (Dbh -/-) mice that lack norepinephrine. In the cell-attached configuration, the spontaneous firing rate and pattern of locus coeruleus neurons recorded from Dbh -/- mice were the same as the firing rate and pattern recorded from heterozygous littermates (Dbh +/-). During whole-cell recordings, synaptic stimulation produced an alpha-2 receptor-mediated outward current in the locus coeruleus of control mice that was absent in Dbh -/- mice. Normal alpha-2 mediated outward currents were restored in Dbh -/- slices after pre-incubation with norepinephrine. Locus coeruleus neurons also displayed similar changes in holding current in response to bath application of norepinephrine, UK 14304, and methionine-enkephalin. Dopamine neurons recorded in the substantia nigra pars compacta similarly showed no differences between slices harvested from Dbh -/- and control mice. These results indicate that endogenous norepinephrine is not necessary for the expression of catecholaminergic neuron firing properties or responses to direct agonists, but is necessary for auto-inhibition mediated by indirect alpha-2 receptor stimulation.
Suggestive evidence for both stimulatory and inhibitory domains on human lymphocytes, as indicated by phospholipid turnover studies with wheat germ agglutinin and other lectins.

Short term effects (1 hour or less) of various lectins on ospholipid turnover in human lymphocytes were studied. As expected, concanavalin A and phytohemagglutinin produced 1.5–4.0 fold increases in incorporation of 32PO4 radioactivity into phospholipids (primarily phosphatidylinositol). Wheat germ agglutinin, a nonmitogenic lectin, not only failed to produce a response but actually inhibited phospholipid turnover, both in the presence and absence of PHA or con A. Since wheat germ agglutinin did not appear to be cytotoxic, as defined by a failure to see changes in vital dye uptake, and other evidence from our laboratory indicates that this lectin also inhibits aminoisobutyric acid transport and DNA synthesis in human lymphocytes we would tentatively interpret its negative action as indicating the existence of specific inhibitory domains on the cell surface.
Fjord: Informed storage management for smartphones

Smartphone applications are becoming more sophisticated and require high storage performance. Unfortunately, the OS storage software stack is not well engineered to support flash-based storage used in smartphones. On top of that, storage software stack is configured to be too conservative due to the fear of sudden power failures. We believe that this conservatism with respect to data reliability is misplaced considering that many of the popular apps (e.g., Web browsing, Facebook, Gmail) that run on today's smartphones are cloud-backed, and the local storage on the smartphone is often used as a cache for cloud data. In this paper, we propose Informed Storage Management framework, named Fjord, for mobile platforms. The key insight is to use system-wide dynamic context information to improve the storage performance on mobile platforms. We implement a set of mechanisms (write buffering, logging, and fine-grained reliability control), and through judicious use of these mechanisms based on system context, we show how we can achieve significant improvement in storage performance. As proof of concept, we implement Fjord in two Android smartphones and experimentally validate the performance advantage of informed storage management with multiple smartphone applications.
Improved Historical Temperature and Precipitation Time Series for U.S. Climate Divisions

AbstractThis paper describes an improved edition of the climate division dataset for the conterminous United States (i.e., version 2). The first improvement is to the input data, which now include additional station networks, quality assurance reviews, and temperature bias adjustments. The second improvement is to the suite of climatic elements, which now includes both maximum and minimum temperatures. The third improvement is to the computational approach, which now employs climatologically aided interpolation to address topographic and network variability. Version 2 exhibits substantial differences from version 1 over the period 1895–2012. For example, divisional averages in version 2 tend to be cooler and wetter, particularly in mountainous areas of the western United States. Division-level trends in temperature and precipitation display greater spatial consistency in version 2. National-scale temperature trends in version 2 are comparable to those in the U.S. Historical Climatology Network whereas ver...
Site Investigation and Slope Stability Analysis of the Chitina Dump Slide (CDS), Alaska

We present the mapping and subsurface analysis of a slide occurring in discontinuous permafrost located near Chitina, AK. Our investigation included mapping landslide features, conducting seismic surveys, collecting tree-ring samples for dendrogeomorphic analysis, and conducting a slope stability analysis to back-calculate residual soil strength properties. Referred to as the “Chitina Dump Slide” because of its previous use as a dump, the active slide intersects a state road and is an ongoing maintenance issue. The soils in the area consist of surficial silt overlying clayey glaciolacustrine diamicton, overlying bedrock. Drilling data indicated the deepening of the permafrost table in the active slide area from 6.1 m in 2005 to greater than 16.5 m in 2010. Field mapping indicated that the landslide extent is much larger than the active portion of the slide. The dendrogeomorphic analysis indicated that movement occurred in at least two portions of the area in the 1940s and in a third area later in the 1990s. Seismic surveys, with typical velocities ranging from 100 to 900 m/s, produced good correlation with drilling data and proved to be an effective method of subsurface imaging. From these observations, we conclude that the failure mechanism for the active portion of the slide is different than that of the overall slide area. Back-calculation of slope failure within the clay layer indicates a residual effective friction angle of 22°. Permafrost degradation due to the thermal effects of the dump may be a contributing factor in the ongoing movement of the active slide area.
Pitfalls in the determination of absolute dimensions using angiographic catheters as calibration devices in quantitative angiography

Abstract Using catheter outer diameter as a scaling device, quantitative coronary arteriography allows the precise and objective measurement of change in absolute dimensions of coronary arteries after mechanical or pharmacologic intervention. Because of variable density in the wall of the catheter, automated systems might vary in the determination of the outer catheter diameter. To examine this premise, catheters in a variety of French sizes from 6 manufacturers were injected with radiographic contrast and used as scaling devices for arterial phantoms of known geometric dimension. Radiographic diameters of the catheters were determined by applying the quantitative coronary arteriographic algorithm to the catheters using a calibration grid in the same field of view. The varying composition of the catheters resulted in differing x-ray attenuation and, subsequently, automated edge-detection algorithms varied widely in determining the actual catheter diameter to be used as a scaling factor. For instance, a Lucite TM “artery” with a minimal luminal diameter of 1.50 mm (image calibrated using the micrometer-determined outside diameter of a Baxter 8Fr guiding catheter) resulted in a quantitative angiographic diameter of 2.03 mm (overestimation by 35%). If the diameter of a similar size Shiley catheter was used to calibrate the image, a luminal diameter of 1.60 mm was determined: a difference of 0.43 mm based solely on differences in scaling catheter attenuation. These data suggest that a specific “finger-print” for each catheter material and catheter French size exists, rendering generalizations about catheter size questionable. These observations are important for quantitative angiography where many brands and sizes of angiographic catheters are being used clinically. Differences in determining the absolute dimensions of coronary lesions could result from different catheters being used as scaling devices, and study designs using this approach should take this potential source of error into account.
COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC EVALUATION OF ANATOMIC AND PATHOLOGIC VARIATIONS IN THE FELINE NASAL SEPTUM AND PARANASAL SINUSES

The purpose of this study was to compare the prevalence of nasal septal deviation and variations of the paranasal sinuses in normal and diseased cats. Prevalence of nasal septal deviation was 86.7%, 68.4%, and 71.4% in cats with rhinitis, neoplasia, and normal cats, respectively, with no statistically significant difference (P = 0.244). There was a statistically significant difference (P = 0.01) in the magnitude of nasal septal deviation between cats with and cats without nasal disease, using a cutoff value of 1 mm for maximum distance of deviation from midline. There was a statistically significant difference (P = 0.019) between cats with rhinitis and neoplasia when comparing the presence of a mass (7.7% and 53.8%, respectively), but not when comparing for lysis of the septum. Deviation of the frontal sinus septum occurred in 27.7% of all cats, while the sphenoid septum was oblique and eccentric in 96.6% of all cats. The mean length of the frontal sinus was longer in male cats than female cats. The presence of nasal septal deviation alone cannot be used as a criterion to diagnose nasal disease, but cats with rhinitis or neoplasia have more marked deviation than normal cats. The presence of a mass and lysis of the septum were only seen in cats with nasal disease and a mass is more likely to be seen with neoplasia than rhinitis. Male cats have a longer frontal sinus than female cats. Almost all cats have an oblique, eccentric sphenoid septum.
Moving Beyond Discrepancies: The Importance of Velocity as a Predictor of Satisfaction and Motivation

Adopting a control theory framework, the authors tested a dynamic perspective which suggests that satisfaction and motivation during goal-striving depends not only on discrepancies (i.e., differences between current and desired states) but also on velocities (i.e., rates at which discrepancies change over time). Two studies with different approaches and methodologies were conducted and support was found for the primary hypothesis that velocity information predicts affective and cognitive reactions incremental to discrepancy information. In addition, a Discrepancy × Velocity interaction influenced task satisfaction, success expectancy, and goal commitment. Results are discussed in relation to the broader context of self-regulation.
An open-label study to evaluate a single-dose of cinacalcet in pediatric dialysis subjects

Background There is limited knowledge of the effectiveness and safety profile of cinacalcet in pediatric patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism (sHPT) treated with dialysis.
Acquisition of interpersonal communication skills: a research-based approach

Abstract Today's work environment requires increasing competence in interpersonal communication skills. Behavior modeling is the most effective training method for acquisition of these skills. This paper describes the behavior modeling approach and summarizes research on the effectiveness of behavior modeling training and its impact on organizational performance. Recent enhancements to behavior modeling are also reviewed. Behavior modeling's effectiveness lies in its application of sound, research-based learning principles. Behavior modeling combines instructional principles from behavioral learning theory, cognitive information processing theory, and social learning theory. It is also consistent with Hague's electric model of learning and instruction in that it incorporates critical conditions for human learning. Advice is offered for acquiring or developing behavior modeling training.
Great Expectations in China

In her article “Chemist to lead new science ministry” (Research News, 27 Mar., p. [2034][1]), Xiong Lei notes that Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji has promoted Zhu Lilan, a polymer chemist, to head the new Ministry of Science and Technology. Much is expected of the new Cabinet and of Premier Zhu
An optimal stochastic control theory for distributed energy harvesting networks

Abstract A new approach, based on H 2 optimal control theory, is presented for the design of feedback controllers for energy harvesting systems for maximal power generation. The theory applies to stochastically excited vibratory systems in broadband stationary response, and allows for harvested power to be explicitly optimized. It is applicable to both single-transducer systems as well as coupled networks of many transducers. The theory accounts for the influence of energy harvesting on the dynamics of the structure to which the transducers are attached. It also accounts for resistive and semiconductor dissipation in the power-electronic network interfacing the transducers with energy storage. Due to its predominance in the literature, a piezoelectric bimorph cantilever beam is used as the context for the theory, and simulation examples are used to illustrate various aspects of the optimal controllers.
A practical analytic model for daylight

Sunlight and skylight are rarely rendered correctly in computer graphics. A major reason for this is high computational expense. Another is that precise atmospheric data is rarely available. We present an inexpensive analytic model that approximates full spectrum daylight for various atmospheric conditions. These conditions are parameterized using terms that users can either measure or estimate. We also present an inexpensive analytic model that approximates the effects of atmosphere (aerial perspective). These models are fielded in a number of conditions and intermediate results verified against standard literature from atmospheric science. Our goal is to achieve as much accuracy as possible without sacrificing usability.
Extensional motions of spatially periodic lattices

Abstract The behavior of microrheological models for multiphase fluids that have spatially periodic structure depends on certain kinematic properties of the unit cell. Anomalous results associated with identical objects approaching too closely during the flow can be reduced if not eliminated by satisfying lattice compatibility conditions. This is straightforward for simple shearing flow but subtle for extensional flows. Using the connection between lattice compatibility and lattice reproducibility (periodic lattice behavior with the flow) we establish sufficient conditions for compatibility of arbitrary lattices in planar extensional flow. Detailed results for square and hexagonal unit cells include: initial orientations for periodic behavior; strain periods; and minimum lattice spacings D . We identify the orientation of a square unit cell that leads to periodic behavior (with the minimum period) and the largest D of any lattice in planar extensional flow. We show that no lattice exhibits periodic behavior in uniaxial extensional flow (or biaxial extensional flow) even though Adler & Brenner have established the existence of compatibility.
Abstract 1303: The Wilms’ tumor gene, WT1, regulates E-cadherin expression and migration of prostate cancer cells.

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Carcinoma of the prostate is one of the most common malignancies and second leading cause of death among American men. Even though patients with localized disease have high survival rates, patients with detectable metastasis have a median survival of only 12-15 months. One key step in the metastatic process is the loss of E-cadherin expression associated with tumor invasion. However the regulation of E-cadherin gene expression in prostate cancer (PrCa) cells is not well understood. Recently, the zinc finger transcription factor, WT1 was shown to regulate E-cadherin in NIH 3T3 cells and epicardial cells. We have previously reported the presence of WT1 protein in high grade prostate tumor sections, with little or no WT1 staining in non-neoplastic or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) tissues. However, the significance of WT1 expression in prostate cancer has not been established. The objective of this study was to determine whether WT1 might contribute to increase migration of PrCa cells by repressing E-cadherin expression. Using quantitative real-time PCR (QRTPCR), WT1 and E-cadherin mRNA levels were measured and found to be inversely related in PrCa cells. Similarly, QRTPCR results showed a decrease in E-cadherin mRNA in GFP/WT1 transfected PrCa cells, while E-cadherin levels were increased in PrCa cells with suppressed WT1 expression. Titration of WT1 levels also affected the migration of PrCa cells in wound healing and transwell migration assays. Silencing of WT1 by siWT1 RNA decreased the migratory potential of PC3 cells and the overexpression of GFP/WT1 increased the migration of LNCaP cells. A bioinformatics approach was used to identify potential WT1 binding sites in E-cadherin promoter, then direct in vivo binding of WT1 to the E-cadherin promoter in the chromatin of PrCa cells was confirmed by Chromatin Immunoprecipitation. Transcriptional control was quantified by co-transfection of a GFP/WT1 expression construct with E-cadherin promoter constructs. Results showed that WT1 decreased the activity of the proximal E-cadherin promoter in PC3 cells and DU145 cells. Using site directed mutagenesis, a newly identified WT1 binding site located 146 bp from the transcription start site was shown to be required for the repression of the E-cadherin proximal promoter by WT1. Overall these results demonstrate that WT1 transcriptionally down-regulates E-cadherin expression and thereby increases migration of PrCa cells. This finding suggests that the biological significance of WT1 expression in high grade prostate cancer lies in its contribution to cell migration and potentially to the promotion of metastasis. Supported by NIHR15CA11360 and the Ohio Board of Regents. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1303. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-1303