cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A new chick mitochondrial DNA-binding protein exhibits sequence-specific interaction near heavy-strand replication origin: cleavage activity, stimulation of mtDNA synthesis, and enhancement in transformed fibroblasts.

Abstract We have identified a new, double-strand-dependent, mtDNA-binding protein in chick embryo flbroblast (CEF) mitochondria (and inner-membrane-matrix preparations) which demonstrates both an exclusive specific affinity for the displacement loop (D-loop) control region of chick mtDNA and intramitochondrial levels that reflect corresponding changes in mtDNA replication activity both in vivo and in vitro . This ~36 kDa protein (designated aMDP1, avian mitochondrial DNA-binding protein 1) was identified by elution and renaturation following SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and by direct isolation from specific mtDNA-protein complexes excised from mobility shift gels. Analysis of the entire 16.7-kb mt genome determined that aMDP1 mediates cleavage of chick mtDNA in vitro at three H- and two L-strand sequence-specific target sites located within a 90-bp A+T-rich genomic tract, theoretically capable of forming stable secondary structures, ~200 bases upstream from the H-strand origin (O H ) of replication. Furthermore, gel-isolated aMDP1 relaxes supercoiled mtDNA, and exogenous addition of the protein, in a permeabilized in vitro system, preferentially stimulates the synthesis of H-strand sequences which hybridize to O H -containing fragments. Oncogenic transformation of CEF by Rous sarcoma viruses results in a threefold elevated level of aMDP1, directly correlating with a similarly increased level of mtDNA replication in vivo . Heterologous chick-human crosscompetition experiments showed that aMDP1 also selectively interacts with human (HeLa) D-loop region mtDNA, possibly reflective of an evolutionary importance for aMDP1 interaction in the region. Functionally, we hypothesize that aMDP1 may operate in conjunction with other mtDNA-binding proteins, important in replication and transcription, by potentiating duplex unwinding either prior to or during an initial stage of H-strand synthesis. Together, these results suggest that aMDP1 is a good potential candidate for a nucleus-encoded regulatory protein which communicates with the mt genome during the replication process.
Relationships between electrochemical skin conductance and kidney disease in Type 2 diabetes.

Abstract Background SUDOSCAN® non-invasively measures peripheral small fiber and autonomic nerve activity using electrochemical skin conductance. Since neuropathy and nephropathy are microvascular Type 2 diabetes (T2D) complications, relationships between skin conductance, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and urine albumin:creatinine ratio (UACR) were assessed. Methods Two hundred five African Americans (AA) with T2D, 93 AA non-diabetic controls, 185 European Americans (EA) with T2D, and 73 EA non-diabetic controls were evaluated. Linear models were fitted stratified by population ancestry and T2D, adjusted for covariates. Results Relative to EA, AA had lower skin conductance (T2D cases p −3 ), without association in EA T2D cases (p=0.22). Conclusions Noninvasive measurement of skin conductance strongly associated with eGFR in AA with T2D, replicating results in Hong Kong Chinese. SUDOSCAN® may prove useful as a low cost, non-invasive screening tool to detect undiagnosed diabetic kidney disease in populations of African ancestry.
Preparation and molecular structure of [(η5-C5H5)Fe(CO)2(η1-PhNO2)]BF4

Abstract The nitrobenzene complex [(η 5 -C 5 H 5 )Fe(CO) 2 (PhNO 2 )]BF 4 ( 1 ) has been prepared by the reaction of CpFe(CO) 2 I with AgBF 4 in the presence of nitrobenzene. Characterization by X-ray diffraction reveals that complex 1 ·1/2(CH 2 Cl 2 ) has a nearly planar PhNO 2 ligand coordinated in the η 1 -O mode. Reactivity studies indicate that 1 is not a primary intermediate in the allylic amination of olefins by nitroarenes which are catalyzed by [CpFe(CO) 2 ] 2 .
Prediction of 0.18 um CMOS technology performance using tuned device simulation

ABSTRACTFor the design of a scaled CMOS technology, it becomes necessary to use predictive device simulation toimprove MOSFET design and reduce the design cycle time. The results of a simulation study which iscarried out to predict the performance of N and P channel MOSFETs with a physical gate length (Lg) of0.18 pm are reported in this paper. The performance of the MOSFETs is estimated using a performance Figure of Merit (FOM[1]) calculated from their simulated I-V characteristics. This study is used to identify particular improvements to an existing 0.25 pm, 2.5 V, 60 A technology [2] so as to meet theFOM target at a 0.18 jim, 1.5 V, 36 A technology node.The simulation study is carried out with the 2-D device simulator MEDICI. The MOSFET channel andsource drain doping profiles used in the MEDICI simulation structure correspond to 0.25 jim gate lengthdevices with t0 of 50-60 A, fabricated using a CMOS process[3]. These doping profiles are obtained fromtuned SUPREM3 simulations or SIMS analysis. The simulation parameters for surface mobility, the
Improving administrators' feedback concerning extension, training and research relevance at the local level: New approaches and findings from Southeast Asia

Abstract A rice anthropologist formerly of the International Rice Research Institute reports on selected extension programmes in six Southeast Asian countries. Among extension approaches observed in these countries (including the World Bank's Training and Visit schemes), those programmes directed by Southeast Asians overwhelmingly favoured technicians' one-to-one contact with farmers in solving their problems on the spot, whereas those programmes designed by Westerners included larger classes and instruction in agricultural concepts. The advantages of each approach are reviewed. Given the increasing complexity of irrigated agriculture, technicians and even supervisors were found to need more training in both social and intellectual initiative. As seen in a recent workshop at the International Rice Research Institute, anthropological research methods can be useful in improving the accuracy and insights of administrators' information from the provincial and farm levels. In many instances the more informal and intensive investigative techniques employed by anthropologists offer decided advantages over written reports from staff and survey questionnaires among farmers. Finally, administrators at all levels can benefit from the breadth that anthropologists bring to understanding both technicians' and farmers' decision making.
De la Taille on the Grace of Union

The grace of union is the hypostatic union conceived as grace for the humanity of Christ and so for the whole human race. It consists of two elements, one uncreated, the person of the divine Word, ...
Design of InAs/Ga(In)Sb superlattices for infrared sensing

Abstract New infrared detector materials with high sensitivity, multi-spectral capability, improved uniformity and lower manufacturing costs are required for numerous infrared sensing applications. One material system has shown great theoretical and experimental promise for these applications: InAs/In x Ga 1− x Sb type-II superlattices. These superlattices offer a large design space for adjusting not only the energy band gap of the material but also the band structure. The infrared properties of several sets of designs of InAs/GaSb superlattices were studied. These designs covered the mid-infrared spectral band from 3 to 6 μm. Optimization design rules were explored. The infrared photoresponse spectra, combined with 8×8 k · p envelope function approximation modeling of superlattice band gaps and absorption spectra, provide insight into the underlying physics behind the optimized design of these materials.
Omnidirectional absolute band gaps in two-dimensional photonic crystals

A plane-wave expansion method has been developed to investigate the off-plane propagation of electromagnetic waves in a two-dimensional (2D) photonic crystal. Photonic band-structure calculations indicate that some 2D crystal structures can support a common band gap for both polarizations and for all off-plane angles from $0\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}$ up to $90\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}.$ The presence of such an omnidirectional absolute band gap implies that a 2D photonic crystal can exhibit some of the functionalities of a three-dimensional crystal with a complete band gap.
Deuterium, tritium, and helium desorption from aged titanium tritides

Six new samples of tritium-aged bulk titanium have been examined by thermal desorption and isotope exchange chemistry. The discovery of a lower temperature hydrogen desorption state in these materials, previously reported, has been confirmed in one of the new samples. The helium release of the samples shows the more severe effects obtained from longer aging periods, i.e. higher initial He/M ratios. Several of the more aged samples were spontaneously releasing helium. Part I will discuss the new results on the new lower temperature hydrogen desorption state found in one more extensively studied sample. Part II will discuss the hydrogen/helium release behavior of the remaining samples.
Role of Approval Motivation in Children's Problem Solving

Summary The present research was designed to investigate the role of the social desirability response tendency in the discrimination learning of children at different grade levels. In Experiment I, 160 first and fifth grade boys and girls were administered a dimensional discrimination learning task. The major factors were (a) high versus low social desirability, (b) two treatment conditions (neutral versus cue), and (c) sex of Ss. High social desirability first graders made fewer errors than low social desirability Ss. In the fifth grade group, an external cue facilitated the learning of high social desirability females and low social desirability males. The results of Experiment II (N = 80 fifth graders), with the use of a conceptual discrimination learning task, replicated those obtained for fifth graders in Experiment I. The findings suggest that for young children, scores on the social desirability scale may require a different interpretation than scores for older children and adults.
Branched-Chain Fatty Acids in Sediments

Branched-chain (iso and anteiso) fatty acids were isolated from marine sediments from several environments. The relatively high ratio of branched-chain to straight-chain fatty acids for the even-numbered carbon molecules suggests a bacterial origin for the branched-chain isomers. The branched-chain fatty acids are present in the Green River shale. Possible geochemical implications are suggested.
Effect of surface treatments on interfacial properties of flax fiber-reinforced composites

Flax fiber has become increasingly attractive as reinforcement in polymer matrix composites. Due to its lighter weight, flax fiber-reinforced composites can perform similar to glass fiber-reinforced composites on a specific property comparison. In order to maximize the mechanical performance of the flax-reinforced composites, different fiber surface treatments have been investigated by many studies. In this study, four different chemical modifications were selected to compare difference on the mechanical performance between flax/vinyl ester composites and E-glass/vinyl ester composites. Different unidirectional flax fiber/vinyl ester and E-glass/vinyl ester composites were produced via a modified vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding process. Higher specific properties of chemically treated flax fiber-reinforced composites over those of E-glass composites were obtained. Acrylic acid treatment increased both the interfacial shear strength and the interlaminar shear strength about 30% compared with untreat...
Interleukin-1β increases airway epithelial cell mitogenesis partly by stimulating endothelin-1 production

To investigate the influence of interleukin-lβ (IL-lβ) on airway epithelial cell growth, we measured [3H]thymidine incorporation and cell numbers of cultured porcine tracheal epithelial cells in the presence or absence of human recombinant IL-1β with or without the following: goat antiporcine polyclonal antibody to platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF); IL-1 receptor antagonist; indomethacin; PD-145065, a combined endothelin-A and -B receptor antagonist; BQ-123, an antagonist selective for endothelin-A receptors; or phosphoramidon, an inhibitor, in part, of endothelin-converting enzymes, including neutral endopeptidase. We found that IL-1β stimulated the proliferation of airway epithelial cells, and this response was inhibited by the IL-1 receptor antagonist and by PD-145065 or BQ-123. However, neither indomethacin nor PDGF antibody was influential. The endothelin receptor antagonists also decreased basal thymidine incorporation by these cells as did phosphormidon, although to a lesser degree. Data from radioimmunoassays indicated that phosphormidon reduced the endogenous production of endothelin-1 from the cells, and IL-lβ clearly increased it over time. We conclude that IL-lβ is a stimulant of airway epithelial cell growth, and its mitogenic effects are mediated, in part, by endogenous endothelin-1 production.
Electrolyte transport across the rabbit caecum in vitro

Electrolyte transport across rabbit caecal epithelium was investigated in vitro using conventional short-circuiting and radioisotope techniques. In standard saline the caecum exhibited a relatively high short-circuit current (Isc = 4.4 microEq.cm-2.h-1) and conductance (6.43 mS.cm-2). Both sodium and chloride were absorbed (JNa(net) = 6.40 and JCl(net) = 3.40 microEq.cm-2.h-1) and potassium was secreted (JK(net) = -0.5 microEq.cm-2.h-1). Removal of Na+ abolished Isc and JCl(net) whereas removal of Cl- reduced JNa(net) to 2.92 microEq.cm-2.h-1 but did not alter Isc. In HCO3(-)-free salines containing 10(-4) M acetazolamide JCl(net) was abolished and JNa(net) and Isc were reduced to 2.3 and 2.5 microEq.cm-2.h-1 respectively. A positive residual ion flux (approximately 1 microEq.cm-2.h-1) was detected in standard and Cl(-)-free salines but not in Na+-free or HCO3- buffers. Mucosal amiloride (10(-3) M) decreased net Na+ and Cl- absorption but did not decrease Isc. Mucosal DIDS (10(-4) M) decreased JCl(net) while mucosal bumetanide (10(-4) M) did not affect any of the measured parameters. Finally, addition of theophylline (8 mM) stimulated Cl- secretion and increased Isc. It is concluded that net sodium absorption by caecal epithelia occurs by both electrogenic and electroneutral mechanisms whereas net chloride absorption occurs only by an electroneutral process. Coupling of the absorptive fluxes of Na+ and Cl- may result from Na+/H+ and Cl-/HCO3- antiport systems in this tissue. Finally, it is proposed that up to half of the Isc is due to a Na+-dependent secretion of bicarbonate ion.
American Idols with Caribbean Soul: Cubanidad and the Latin Grammys

The televised broadcasts of the Latin Grammy ceremonies attempt to create an inter-Latino space through scripted dialogue that identifies the country of origin of featured artists. Such markers of identification highlight diversity, while the absence of more nuanced discussions of the political and ideological differences that exist between and among these countries ensures a market-friendly construction of a presumably non-politicized Latino panethnic group of musicians and fans. This paper focuses on the participation of Cuban-American artists in the 2000, 2002, and 2003 Latin Grammy ceremonies. While other artists are introduced through scripted dialogue that situates them in relation to a specific country of origin, Celia Cruz and Gloria Estefan are identified as “American” and “Caribbean,” respectively. These creative titles of identification mark the women as anything-but-Cuban. In doing so, the scripted dialogue inadvertently draws attention to the limitations of the Latin Grammy's project of promoting a non-politicized image of their award nominees and Latino music fan base. Most of the dialogue on the award show upholds the popular culture industry definitions of Latinidad that presume a natural affinity for one's home country. However, a closer examination reveals that the home country preference is coded differently for Cuban-Americans than for other Latino artists.
Transcription-modulated repair in Escherichia coli evident with UV-induced mutation spectra in supF.

We have determined several mutation spectra with the supF sequence after UV mutagenesis in Escherichia coli. The cells were either mfd+ or mfd− and grown in defined or complex medium. The tRNA supF gene was expressed from the plasmid pZ189 or pLS1D (similar to pLS189, a variant of pZ189, but with a tac promoter for supF). Most of the mutations with either plasmid could be attributed to possible targeting photoproducts at dipyrimidine sites in the transcribed (TS) or non-transcribed (NTS) DNA strand with differential characteristics relevant to the repair process “mutation frequency decline” (MFD): (1) with pZ189, targeting sites in TS were favored over sites in NTS in all conditions except after an explicit MFD incubation with mfd+ cells, when there was a majority in NTS; (2) with pLS1D (tac promoter), there was always a marked bias for targeting sites in TS and this was not altered by an MFD incubation; and (3) with pLS1D, spectra withmfd− cells vis-a-vis wild-type indicated a notable shift in the position of a hot-spot (both targeting sites in TS) and an increase in deletion mutations. The results support the Selby-Sancar idea that transcription-coupled nucleotide excision repair (TCR) at tRNA genes accounts for MFD and can be inhibited by rapid transcription. During interference of TCR by rapid transcription, however, the presence or absence of functional Mfd protein (transcription-repair coupling factor) can still influence the pattern of mutation, e.g. alter the position of a hot-spot in pLS1D. Only when a tRNA promoter is modulated by an MFD condition is transcription at a rate conducive to TCR. There were several deletion mutations with pLS1D between direct repeats (not present in pZ189) and a model for their production by UV damage is suggested. The spectra with pZ189 in E. coli had similarities with those published for UV mutagenesis in human cells, e.g. mutations at positions ∼124 and 156.
Origins of the variations in long‐term potentiation between synapses in the basal versus apical dendrites of hippocampal neurons

Responses to theta pattern stimulation, and the long-term potentiation (LTP) they induce, were compared in the basal versus apical dendrites of neurons in field CA1 of hippocampus. A series of 10 theta bursts produced more than twice as much LTP in basal synapses as in their apical counterparts as measured with field EPSPs. This confirms earlier field potential studies showing that the maximum degree of potentiation (the LTP ceiling) is considerably greater in stratum oriens than stratum radiatum. Experiments with whole-cell clamp recording obtained similar results, indicating that synapses at different loci on the same neuron reach different LTP ceilings following prolonged theta burst stimulation. The basal synapses also required fewer theta bursts to reach their LTP ceiling than did the apical synapses. Tests with paired-pulse facilitation and an antagonist of the NMDA receptor gave no indication that the greater LTP in basal synapses was qualitatively different from the lesser effect obtained in apical contacts. Intracellular recording revealed significant differences between basal versus apical responses to single theta bursts and trains of bursts: the within-burst depolarization was greater and the between-burst hyperpolarization was smaller for the basal dendritic responses. These two variables have previously been proposed to influence the magnitude of LTP and the observed differences between basal versus apical synapses are in accord with this hypothesis. Together with recently described immunocytochemical results, the findings reported here suggest that variations in LTP across dendritic subfields of hippocampus reflect a differential distribution of a subclass of GABAergic interneurons.
Parametric Cost Modeling of Space Missions Using the Develop New Projects (DNP) Implementation Process

This paper presents an overview of a parametric cost model that has been built at JPL to estimate costs of future, deep space, robotic science missions. Due to the recent dramatic changes in JPL business practices brought about by an internal reengineering effort known as develop new products (DNP), high-level historic cost data is no longer considered analogous to future missions. Therefore, the historic data is of little value in forecasting costs for projects developed using the DNP process. This has lead to the development of an approach for obtaining expert opinion and also for combining actual data with expert opinion to provide a cost database for future missions. In addition, the DNP cost model has a maximum of objective cost drivers which reduces the likelihood of model input error. Version 2 is now under development which expands the model capabilities, links it more tightly with key design technical parameters, and is grounded in more rigorous statistical techniques. The challenges faced in building this model will be discussed, as well as it's background, development approach, status, validation, and future plans.
Comorbidity of psychiatric and alcohol/drug disorders: interactions and independent status.

Dual diagnosis as interpreted in clinical psychiatric practice is often not what the term means-two independent disorders. Commonly, addictions disorders are attributed to self medicating of "underlying" psychiatric disorders, there by, a contingency status. However, studies and clinical addiction practice show that drug and alcohol addiction must be afforded an independent status before accurate assessment and assignment of interactions in dual diagnosis can be made in clinical conditions. Studies also show rates for psychiatric comorbidity are low in addiction populations and rates for addictive disorders are high in psychiatric populations. If the common denominator is taken as addiction, then the perspective of the setting and examiner become crucial in determining prevalence rates for both disorders. Most importanltly, effective treatment of either disorder will not occur unless an agreement on an independent status is accepted for both addictive and psychiatric disorders in any patient population se...
Relational complexity and the development of analogical reasoning

Abstract The topic of relational reasoning in children has been the focus of much recent research, especially in the realm of reasoning by analogy. However, there is a curious discrepancy between the findings in the recent research literature on problem solving by analogy, where young children are very successful, and the large literature on solving classical a:b::c:d analogies, where children are largely unsuccessful until around age 10 years. It is hypothesized that the main reason for this discrepancy is that the relations used in classical analogies are more complex than those used in problem analogies. Two experiments are presented in which children aged 4–7 years were given classical analogies to solve that were based on simple perceptual relations. It was found that by age 6, children were highly successful in solving a:b::c:d analogies of this kind.
A note on mixing transformations

Let (Θ, ℱ, μ) be a probability space andT a 1-1, onto, measure-preserving transformation. Necessary and sufficient conditions are given forT to be mixing, in terms of union of iterates of sets.
Structure factor of substitutional sequences

We study the structure factor for a large class of sequences of two elementsa andb such that longer sequences are generated from shorter ones by a simple substitution rulea→σ1(a, b) andb→σ2(a, b), where theσ's are some sequences ofa's andb's. Such sequences include periodic and quasiperiodic systems (e.g., the Fibonacci sequence), as well as systems such as the Thue-Morse sequence, which are neither. We show that there are values of the frequencyω at which the structure factors of these sequences have peaks that scale withL, the size of the system likeLα(ω). For a given sequence a simple one- or two-dimensional dynamical iterative map of the variableω can easily be abstracted from the substitution algorithm. The basin of attraction of a given fixed point or limit cycle of this map is a set of values ofω at which there are peaks of the structure factor all of which share the same value ofα. Furthermore, only those values ofω which are in the basin of attraction of the origin can haveα(ω)=2. All other peaks will grow less rapidly withL. We show how to construct many sequences which, like the Thue-Morse sequence, have noL2 peaks. Other qualitative features of the structure factors are presented. Our approach unifies the treatment of a large class of apparently very diverse systems. Implications for the band structure of these systems as well as for the analysis of sequences with more than two elements are discussed.
Density Functional Theory Based Configuration Interaction Calculations on the Electronic Spectra of Free-Base Porphyrin, Chlorin, Bacteriochlorin, and cis- and trans-Isobacteriochlorin

Configuration interaction calculations with single excitations based on density functional theory (DFT/SCI) provide a reasonably accurate description of the electronic spectra of prototype porphyri...
ACCELERATED RATES OF FORAMINIFERAL ORIGINATION AND EXTINCTION DURING THE LATE PALEOZOIC ICE AGE

Foraminifers experienced increased taxonomic diversity, increased rates of origination and extinction and shorter mean species durations during the Late Paleozoic ice age (LPIA) than during the immediately pre- and post-glacial intervals, a pattern opposite to that exhibited by brachiopods and other marine invertebrates. Much, but not all, of the increase in evolutionary rates can be attributed to the origin and rapid diversification of the fusulinoideans, a narrowly specialized group that was prone to high rates of extinction and speciation under the variable, cyclothemic conditions of the LPIA. Increased rates of evolution among non-fusulinoidean foraminifers during the LPIA also could be related in some way to glacioeustatically induced instability of neritic environments.
A new type of stochastic fractal for application in subsurface hydrology

Abstract Data suggest that many property distributions [P(x); p = property, x = length] are irregular [dP / dx discontinuous], exhibiting variations on all measurement scales. Logic then leads one to attempt to characterize these distributions through study of their increments or fluctuations [P(x + L) − P(x)], which results naturally in a statistical approach. Increment frequency distributions for a fixed L that fit the Levy/Gaussian family of probability density functions [PDFs] independent of position [statistically stationary in a spatial sense] have well-defined scaling properties characteristic of what are called self-affine stochastic fractals. Data show that measurements in natural systems display some of the scaling characteristics of this PDF family, but do not agree with theory in many important aspects. For example, increment ln(K) distributions show a consistently non-Gaussian shape for smaller values of L and become more Gaussian as L gets large. Particularly for smaller L, PDF tails display an approximate exponential decay and maintain a finite variance. In many cases they appear to be displaying a continuous change from exponential, or even sub-exponential, to Gaussian behavior with increasing L. Data supporting these observations are presented along with explanations of how the fractal-based concepts arise, both physically and mathematically. This is followed by the presentation and initial analysis of what appears to be a new type of stochastic fractal called fractional Laplace motion that displays more of the features observed in natural sedimentary systems.
Mating behavior and male mating success in wildAnastrepha Ludens (Diptera: Tephritidae) on a field-caged host tree

Mating behavior and factors affecting mating success of males were studied using wild Anastrepha ludens on a fieldcaged host tree. The most common courtship sequence had five components: (1) male calls from the underside of a leaf, (2) female arrives to the maleoccupied leaf, (3) male orients to female and stops calling, (4) one or both approach to a face-to-face position 1–3 cm apart, and (5) male mounts female after 1–2 s. Courtship behavior was almost identical to that of laboratoryculture flies observed previously under laboratory conditions. Most malefemale encounters occurred at a height of 1–2m, well inside the outer canopy of the tree. Differential mating success by males occurred. No male mated more than once per day, owing possibly to a very short sexual activity period. Factors favoring mating success of males were survival ability and tendency to join male aggregations and to fight other males. Thorax length and age (9–11 days difference) had no effects on male copulatory success. Overall win/loss percentage was not related to mating success because the males that were most successful at mating fought mostly among themselves, driving their win/loss percentage down. However, these successful males (at mating) won most of their fights against less successful males. Results confirmed a lek mating system: males aggregated, called, and defended territories; territories did not contain femalerequired resources; and females exercised mate choice, apparently through selection of sites within leks.
Time-dependent density functional study on the electronic excitation energies of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon radical cations of naphthalene, anthracene, pyrene, and perylene

Time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) and its modification, the Tamm–Dancoff approximation to TDDFT, are employed to calculate the electronic excitation energies and oscillator strengths for a series of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon radical cations. For the radical cations of naphthalene and anthracene, TDDFT using the Becke–Lee–Yang–Parr functional and the 6-31G** basis set provides the excitation energies that are roughly within 0.3 eV of the experimental data. The assignments of the electron transitions proposed by TDDFT accord with the previous assignments made by accurate ab initio calculations, except that TDDFT indicates the existence of a few additional transitions of π*←σ character among the several low-lying transitions. The calculated energies for these π*←σ transitions are found to be consistent with the onset of a σ electron ionization manifold in the photoelectron spectra. For the pyrene radical cation, TDDFT supports the previous assignments made by semiempirical calculations, whereas for the perylene radical cation, TDDFT suggests the energy ordering of the three lowest-lying excited states be changed from those of the semiempirical results.
Absolute Displacement Metrology for the Next Generation of Calculable Capacitor

Using a high resolution Fabry-Perot interferometer for displacement measurement, we demonstrate 1 pm accuracy over a range of 70 mm using an optical frequency comb and Gouy phase evaluation. We describe the ongoing effort to extend it into air.
Kinetic and structural characterization of manganese(II)-loaded methionyl aminopeptidases.

Manganese(II) activation of the methionyl aminopeptidases from Escherichia coli (EcMetAP-I) and the hyperthermophilic archaeon Pyrococcus furiosus (PfMetAP-II) was investigated. Maximum catalytic activity for both enzymes was obtained with 1 equiv of Mn(II), and the dissociation constants (Kd) for the first metal binding site were found to be 6 ± 0.5 and 1 ± 0.5 μM for EcMetAP-I and PfMetAP-II, respectively. These Kd values were verified by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and found to be 3.0 ± 0.2 and 1.4 ± 0.2 μM for EcMetAP-I and PfMetAP-II, respectively. The hydrolysis of MGMM was measured in triplicate between 25 and 85 °C at eight substrate concentrations ranging from 2 to 20 mM for PfMetAP-II. Both specific activity and Km values increased with increasing temperature. An Arrhenius plot was constructed from the kcat values and was found to be linear over the temperature range 25−85 °C. The activation energy for the Mn(II)-loaded PfMetAP-II hydrolysis of MGMM was found to be 25.7 kJ/mol while t...
A Theoretical and Experimental Study on Modulation-Format-Independent Wavelength Conversion

Modern optical networks are adopting advanced modulation formats. Future dynamic optical networks will benefit from all-optical wavelength conversion and signal regeneration techniques in support of multiple modulation formats. This paper presents a concept for a modulation-format-independent wavelength conversion technique based on an optical hybrid and an in-phase/quadrature (IQ) wavelength converter. This technique has the potential for wavelength conversion and signal regeneration of multiple modulation formats. This paper also discusses the signal distortions and noises in the semiconductor optical amplifier based IQ wavelength converter. A proof-of-principle experiment shows the wavelength conversion results of multiple modulation formats. Further, this paper presents the signal regeneration of a return-to-zero quadrature-phase-shifted-keying signal through simulation.
New majorities’ abuse of power Effects of perceived control and social support

Two studies examined how new majorities (minorities-turned-majorities) abused power by claiming privileges (in-group favoritism) and disparaging new minorities (out-group hostility). Study 1 found that new majorities low in perceived control showed significantly more in-group favoritism than new majorities high in perceived control and stable majorities. The effect of control on new majorities’ in-group favoritism was mediated by certainty about status stability. Study 2 replicated the effect of control on new majorities’ in-group favoritism. In addition, Study 2 found that new majorities were most likely to engage in out-group hostility when they were low in perceived control and received social support for such discrimination. Our studies suggest that power abuse is most egregious among minorities who rise to majority status without a sense of control in the context where abuse is socially endorsed.
Multiple-objective motion planning for unmanned aerial vehicles

Here we consider the problem of low-flying rotorcraft that must perform various missions such as navigating to specific goal points while avoiding obstacles, looking for acceptable landing sites or performing continuous surveillance. Not all of such missions can be expressed as safe, goal seeking, partly because in many cases there isn't an obvious goal. Rather than developing singular solutions to each mission, we seek a generalized formulation that enables us to express a wider range of missions. Here we propose a framework that allows for multiple objectives to be considered simultaneously and discuss corresponding planning algorithms that are capable of running in realtime on autonomous air vehicles. The algorithms create a set of initial hypotheses that are then optimized by a sub-gradient based trajectory algorithm that optimizes the multiple objectives, producing dynamically feasible trajectories. We have demonstrated the feasibility of our approach with changing cost functions based on newly discovered information. We report on results in simulation of a system that is tasked with navigating safely between obstacles while searching for an acceptable landing site.
Effects of a Time-Dependent Ring Current on Field Lines of a Magnetic Dipole

Summary An analytical expression for the magnetic lines of force for a system consisting of a magnetic dipole and the symmetric ring current in free space was first derived in terms of the intensity of the ring current. Then, with the aid of the magnetic flux conservation theorem, an expression relating the latitudinal displacement of the magnetic lines of force and the change of the ring current intensity was derived, and the space and time variations of the magnetic lines of force with a change in the intensity of the ring current were examined. Several model calculations were made and their applications to geophysical phenomena were suggested.
Rheologic considerations in organ preservation.

In the process of harvesting an organ for transplantation, flushing the organ with various perfusates, and, ultimately, implanting the organ into the recipient, a number of abnormal hemodynamic forces have an impact on the microvasculature of the graft. First, the microvasculature can be acutely overdistended by the preservation solution infused at the time of organ harvest from the donor. Second, there is a loss of the usual pulsatile blood flow when the organs lie flaccid on ice during the transport period. At this point, the microvasculature is sensing a minimal intravascular pressure. Finally, when the graft is implanted, the conditions of reperfusion may have an impact on graft function as well. It is increasingly appreciated that extremes in perfusion pressure may ultimately affect graft function both in the short and long term. Inasmuch as these are variables that can be controlled, it is important to define the optimal hemodynamic conditions for organ preservation and reperfusion.
Recipients of Oocyte Donation: An Integrative Review

Objective To conduct a systematic review of published research to provide a synthesis of the psychosocial characteristics of donor oocyte recipient women. Data Sources The sample of published studies was selected from 1983 to September 2002. Retrieval of the studies used online computer searches from CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Wilson's Social Science Abstracts using the terms reproduction techniques, in vitro fertilization, oocyte donation, oocyte recipients, and egg donation; citations from references and bibliographies of previously located articles; and two 60‐minute retrieval sessions with a librarian specializing in health science literature. Study Selection The majority of studies retrieved were completed in the natural sciences. The final sample resulted in 16 studies. Data Extraction Each study was read and the data were extracted using a survey instrument developed by the investigator. Data Synthesis Multiple methodologies were used in the sample; most were exploratory, retrospective, and descriptive studies. Thus, the data were analyzed using a qualitative discursive approach. A total of 827 donor oocyte recipient women participated in the studies. Conclusions Published research investigating the psychosocial characteristics of donor recipient women was categorized into six focused areas: motivation; desired donor characteristics; selection of a known versus an anonymous donor; demographic, educational, and psychosocial profiles; disclosure of the method of conception to family members, friends, and the resulting child; and the relationship between the oocyte recipient and her resulting offspring. Research involving the psychosocial aspects of donor oocyte recipient women is in the infancy stage.
From Sea to Shining Sea: What Is It About Where You Live and Your Stroke Risk?

See related article, pages 2221–2227. Despite clear documentation that the “Stroke Belt” has existed for more than 60 years, we know remarkably little regarding the underlying causes. The US vital statistics system requiring the mandatory reporting of causes of death has provided nearly all of what we know about geographic disparities in stroke with virtually no data available on geographic disparities in stroke incidence. The vital statistics system allows estimates of stroke mortality rates to be made at the national level as well as for specific regions (eg, state and county level) and for specific race/sex groups. Large cohort studies, including Framingham,1 Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC),2 Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS),3 and the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA),4 provide stroke incidence data; however, these outstanding studies are limited to only a few communities and provide little insight to the geographic variations in incidence. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) provides incidence data from a larger number of communities; however, even this study is limited in both the number of communities across the United States (only 81) and a sample size of only approximately 6000 individuals of ages where stroke is more prevalent.5 Although most readers of Stroke are likely aware of the Stroke Belt, they may not be aware of the paucity of data to address the next logical questions such as “Is the Stroke Belt caused by a higher incidence of stroke or a higher case fatality following stroke?” The lack of data describing the geographic disparities in stroke incidence underscores the substantial contribution of the article by Rich et al based on up to 22.5 years of follow up of a national cohort that provides a description of regional variations in stroke incidence.6 This important contribution is among the …
Antimycin inhibition as a probe of mitochondrial function in isolated rat hepatocytes Effects of chronic ethanol consumption

Abstract Previous studies have established that hepatic mitochondria and submitochondrial particles from rats, fed ethanol chronically, display diminished respiratory activities and alterations in the contents of specific electron transfer chain components. The latter include a decrease of about 50% in cytochrome b content. Titrations of respiratory activity in submitochondrial particles with antimycin, a stoichiometric inhibitor of electron flow through the cytochrome b - c 1 region of the respiratory chain, indicated a comparable decrease (35%) in the amount of antimycin required to elicit maximal inhibition (‘titer’) after chronic ethanol treatment. Measurements of antimycin binding to submitochondrial particles by fluorescence quenching demonstrated a similar diminution in the number of tight binding sites per mg protein. By contrast, hepatocytes isolated from control and ethanol-fed rats exhibited nearly identical rates of oxygen utilization under a variety of conditions. However, antimycin titrations of respiratory activity in isolated hepatocytes revealed a 60% decrease in the antimycin titer, but no change in the maximal extent of inhibition after chronic ethanol treatment. Direct measurements of cytochrome b which could be reduced in the presence of antimycin in hepatocytes confirmed a comparable decrease (42%) after chronic ethanol treatment. The results demonstrate that molecular alterations in the cytochrome b region of the respiratory chain caused by ethanol feeding are present in intact liver cells, but suggest that substrate accessibility, rather than the respiratory chain, limits the rate of oxygen utilization in isolated hepatocytes. The data also suggest that mitochondria account for at least 80% of total oxygen utilization by liver cells from both control and ethanol-fed rats.
Locating Disciplinary Change: The Afterlives of Area and International Studies in the Age of Globalization

The common thread running through these books is their interest in how location functions as an organizing trope for contemporary work in the humanities and social sciences. Taken together, they explore the concept of location as places we study (such as literature in America, culture in Africa), places we study in (English depart- ments, American studies programs, centers for East Asian studies, and others), and circumstances that define and structure our subjec- tivity as scholars and critics (such as the fact that I write this article as a white, upper-middle-class professor of English at a Midwestern, urban university). This shared preoccupation with locations, and the act of locating, is connected both to significant developments in the- ory and methodology in the humanities and social sciences and to profound political, economic, and cultural changes in the areas and regions we study. David Simpson's Situatedness: Or, Why We Keep Saying Where We're Coming From (2002) and the essays collected in Learning Places: The Afterlives of Area Studies (2002), edited by Masao Miyoshi and H. D. Harootunian and Disciplinarity at the Fin de Siecle (2002), edited by Amanda Anderson and Joseph Valente, for example, would be unthinkable without the theoretical critique of essentialism inaugurated by Jacques Derrida, or Michel Foucault's work on subjectivity and the relationship between power, ideology, and institutions. However, these books also respond to profound dis- locations and realignments connected to the collapse of the Soviet Union, the end of the Cold War, the intensification of globalization, and the current crisis surrounding US policy toward Islam and the so-called "war on terror." Together, these changes have begun to significantly influence the areas and regions we mark off for study, the structures within which we do our work, and our self-consciousness about our situatedness as critics.
Physiological factors that regulate the use of endogenous fat and carbohydrate fuels during endurance exercise.

Exercise causes a dramatic increase in energy requirements because of the metabolic needs of working muscles. Exercise-dependent factors regulate fuel use. Absolute exercise intensity determines the exercise-induced increase in energy demands, whereas exercise intensity relative to an individual's maximal aerobic capacity (VO2max) determines the proportional contribution of different fuel sources (i.e. plasma glucose, plasma fatty acids, muscle glycogen and intramuscular triacylglycerols). Endurance training increases aerobic capacity in muscle and the oxidation of fat during exercise. In addition, exercise-independent factors, such as diet composition, sex, age, and body composition also influence substrate use during exercise. The present review discusses the regulation of substrate use during exercise in human subjects, with a focus on the role of exercise-independent factors.
The Definition of GOES Infrared Lightning Initiation Interest Fields

Within cumulus cloud fields that develop in conditionally unstable air masses, only a fraction of the cumuli may eventually develop into deep convection. Identifying which of these convective clouds is most likely to generate lightningoften startswith littlemore than a qualitative visual satelliteanalysis. The goal ofthis study is to identify the observed satellite infrared (IR) signatures associated with growing cumulus clouds prior to the first lightning strike, or lightning initiation (LI). This study quantifies the behavior of 10 Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-12 (GOES-12) IR fields of interest in the 1 h in advance of LI. A total of 172 lightning-producing storms, which occurred during the 2009 convective season, are manually tracked and studied over four regions: northern Alabama, central Oklahoma, the Kennedy Space Center, and Washington, D.C. Four-dimensional and cloud-to-ground lightning array data provide a total cloud lightning picture(in-cloud,cloud-to-cloud,cloud-to-air,andcloud-to-ground)andthus preciseLI pointsforeachstorm in both time and space. Statistical significance tests are conducted on observed trends for each of the 10 LI fields to determine the unique information eachfield provides in terms of behaviorprior to LI. Eight out of 10 LI fields exhibited useful information at least 15 min in advance of LI, with 35 min being the average. Statisticaltests on theseeightfields arecomparedforseparatelargegeographical areas.MedianIR temperatures and 3.9-mm reflectance values are then determined for all 172 events as an outcome, which may be valuable when implementing a LI prediction algorithm into real-time satellite-based systems.