cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
STUDIES ON THE FORMATION OF DNA.PROTEIN INTERFACES: DNA SPECIFICITY AND STRAIGHTENING BY CREB

Abstract Transcriptional regulation by bZIP proteins in the CREB/ATF family requires that these proteins discriminate between the CRE and AP-1 target sites, two DNA sequences that differ by a single G·C base pair. We reported recently that CRE-BP1, one member of the CREB/ATF family, prefers the CRE target site to the AP-1 target site by 2.3 kcal·mol −1 and straightens the intrinsic bend in its specific CRE target site upon binding. Of all well-characterized members of the CREB/ATF family, the cyclic-AMP response-element binding protein (CREB) is among the most divergent from CRE-BP1 in primary sequence. Here we show that CREB, like CRE-BP1, (1) displays high selectivity ( ΔΔG 0 obs = 1.5 kcal·mol −1 ) for the CRE target site and (2) straightens the intrinsically bent CRE target site upon binding. Although the effect of CREB on DNA conformation is comparable to that of CRE-BP1, the relative affinities of these two proteins for the CRE and AP-1 target sites are not. These results indicate that CRE/AP-1 specificity, the hallmark of the CREB/ATF transcription factor family, cannot be explained solely on the basis of differential DNA flexibility.
Management of dementia and acute confusional states in the perioperative period

The fourth edition of The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders defines delirium as "a reversible state of confusion with a reduced level of consciousness manifest as an inability to focus, sustain or shift attention." Pharmacologic agents are important contributors to delirium in hospitalized elderly patients and those patients in the perioperative state. Delirium is especially problematic in patients who are given multiple agents, including hypnotics and analgesics. With an appropriate history, physical examination, and investigations, the causes of delirium can be categorized and are usually due to drug intoxication, metabolic disorders, infection, cardiac disorders, stroke, trauma, reactions to pain, or isolation.
An analysis of Memnet—an experiment in high-speed shared-memory local networking

Memnet is a shared-memory local area network under development at the University of Delaware that provides close coupling to the processors of a physically distributed multiprocessor system. The Memnet local network appears as memory in the physical address space of each processor (host) on the network.This paper describes an analysis of the Memnet system performed to predict the possible performance levels attainable by a Memnet system. One objective of this analysis is to provide analytic results demonstrating the intrinsic soundness of the Memnet architecture. This is in support of the intuitive arguments of the shared-memory network model over the I/O modeled local network schemes. Another function of this analysis has been to provide design feedback for the choice of values for parameters such as page size.The analysis results indicate that the Memnet approach to networking should significantly speed communication compared to alternative networking schemes.Due to space limitations, the details of the analysis have not been included. The full text is available as TR-88-6-1 from: Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark DE, 19716.
Where do we go from here? [bioelectromagnetic effects]

An enquiring skeptic who studies the history of bioelectromagnetics may well come to the conclusion that, associated with any particular region of the spectrum, there is a recurring cycle of "discovery". It goes something like this. First exploratory work indicates there seems to be an interesting biological "effect associated with low level" exposure to that portion of the spectrum. This precise wording of the phrase in inverted commas is itself important and requires explanation. The term "effect" rather than the term "hazard" is used because it is broader and because an "effect" must be presumed neutral until proven otherwise, besides, while one fears to find a hazardous effect, one could conceivably find a beneficial one. Further, the term "associated with" is used rather than the term "caused by" since the proof of causation is rather more difficult to achieve than the observation of association. Finally, the modifier "low level" is of extreme importance: sufficiently strong ELF magnetic fields can, in principle, induce life threatening eddy currents in a torso; and microwaves can be used for cooking; but the public worry arises over the possibility of hazards which are neither overtly electrophysiological nor overtly thermal. Second, this observation of an interesting bioeffect associated with low level exposure excites comment; and the field seems poised for a breakthrough. Third, other workers eagerly endeavor to verify, extend, or explain the original report. Fourth (occasionally), the effect is confirmed and, its bases having been elucidated, is adjudged not all that startling or worrisome after all. Too often, the effect is not confirmed, and interest in it gradually wanes.
Non-Debye capacitance in single-crystal sodium beta-alumina☆

Abstract A recently proposed theory of non-Debye capacitance in solids is applied to complex impedance measurements of Na β-alumina. The results show conclusively that this material is a non-Debye solid whose admittance has a frequency exponent, n, of approximately 0.8 at room temperature. Values of the conductivity, susceptibility coefficient, and frequency exponent, as functions of temperature for 25°C≤T≤500°C are presented.
Logic, licensing and public relations

This article focuses on the need to move past First Amendment concerns to foster a meaningful debate about the licensing of public relations practitioners. Whether, and to what extent, public relations should be licensed is not the subject of this discussion. Instead, this article uses Aristotelian logic to dispute the spurious conclusion that any licensing scheme for public relations work and / or the individuals who perform it is unconstitutional on its face. Relying on First Amendment jurisprudence, the article demonstrates that some restraints on speech in the form of licensing are allowed, that not all public relations work involves protected speech or press, that there is a similarity to the constitutionally permitted licensing of certain speech‐related professions and that a hypothetical case can be constructed regarding those who could qualify as licensed public relations counsel. The article concludes that the First Amendment does not necessarily prevent licensing certain public relations practit...
Cooling and trapping of atomic strontium

We present a detailed investigation of strontium magneto-optical trap (MOT) dynamics. Relevant physical quantities in the trap, such as temperature, atom number and density, and loss channels and lifetime, are explored with respect to various trap parameters. By studying the oscillatory response of a two-level 1S0–1P1 88Sr MOT, we firmly establish the laser cooling dynamics predicted by Doppler theory. Measurements of the MOT temperature, however, deviate severely from Doppler theory predictions, implying significant additional heating mechanisms. To explore the feasibility of attaining quantum degenerate alkaline-earth samples via evaporative cooling, we also present the first experimental demonstration of magnetically trapped metastable 88Sr. Furthermore, motivated by the goal of establishing the fermionic isotope 87Sr as one of the highest-quality, neutral-atom-based optical frequency standards, we present a preliminary study of sub-Doppler cooling in a 87Sr MOT. A dual-isotope (87Sr and 88Sr) MOT is also demonstrated.
Completions of perpetual logic programs

Abstract For logic programs that compute infinite atoms, SLD-resolution is not complete with respect to a natural Herbrand based semantics. The paper discusses two aspects of this problem: Characterize those programs that are complete (i.e. for which SLD-resolution is complete); if a program is not complete, then construct a complete extension of the program so that the two programs have the same finite and infinite semantics. Partial results are obtained for both problems.
Integrated Feasibility Experiment for Bio-Security: IFE-Bio a TIDES demonstration

As part of MITRE's work under the DARPA TIDES (Translingual Information Detection, Extraction and Summarization) program, we are preparing a series of demonstrations to showcase the TIDES Integrated Feasibility Experiment on Bio-Security (IFE-Bio). The current demonstration illustrates some of the resources that can be made available to analysts tasked with monitoring infectious disease outbreaks and other biological threats.
Interstrand duplexes in nuclear RNA.

Nuclear intermolecular duplexes appear to be a general feature of nucleated cells. Most of these duplexes are formed between large RNA as well as between large and small RNA molecules. A significant portion of the large molecules belong to a special class of RNA that is restricted to the nucleus and, therefore, not designated for export. These molecules are assembled with proteins and form a structure of a higher order. The possibility that these molecules and a set of small nuclear RNAs are components of a complex machine, “the transportosome”, which functions in nucleocytoplasmic traffic, is discussed.
The Reserve Army of the Underemployed: II - The Role of Education

Throughout the industrialized world, governments are attempting to provide greater social equality through the expansion of access to edcation. In so doing, they have nurtured attitudes of “entitlement” to good jobs among those of high educational qualifications. Unhappily, no economic system appears capable of fully keeping pace with this new inflation in employment expetations of younger workers. Simply put, there are not enough good jobs for everyone who wants one and whose educational credentials say he or she deserves one. Perversity, then, the well-intentioned social and educational policies of the developed nations are engendering more and more frustration and low morale among underemployed workers. Underemployment—the chronic under-utilization of education, skills, and other human resources—thus becomes a chronic societal contradiction in advanced nations. There is growing evidence that this disjunction between educational opportunity and upper-grade jobs it beginning to create a series of potenti...
Image and video search engine for the World Wide Web

We describe a visual information system prototype for searching for images and videos on the World-Wide Web. New visual information in the form of images, graphics, animations and videos is being published on the Web at an incredible rate. However, cataloging this visual data is beyond the capabilities of current text-based Web search engines. In this paper, we describe a complete system by which visual information on the Web is (1) collected by automated agents, (2) processed in both text and visual feature domains, (3) catalogued and (4) indexed for fast search and retrieval. We introduce an image and video search engine which utilizes both text-based navigation and content-based technology for searching visually through the catalogued images and videos. Finally, we provide an initial evaluation based upon the cataloging of over one half million images and videos collected from the Web.
Müllerian Inhibiting Substance Signaling Uses a Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP)-Like Pathway Mediated by ALK2 and Induces Smad6 Expression

Signal reception of Mullerian inhibiting substance (MIS) in the mesenchyme around the embryonic Mullerian duct in the male is essential for regression of the duct. Deficiency of MIS or of the MIS type II receptor, MISRII, results in abnormal reproductive development in the male due to the maintenance of the duct. MIS is a member of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGFbeta) superfamily of secreted protein hormones that signal through receptor complexes of type I and type II serine/threonine kinase receptors. To investigate candidate MIS type I receptors, we examined reporter construct activation by MIS. The bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-responsive Tlx2 and Xvent2 promoter-driven reporter constructs were stimulated by MIS but the TGFbeta/activin-induced p3TP-lux or CAGA-luc reporter constructs were not. The induction of Tlx2-luc was dependent upon the kinase activity of MISRII and was blocked by a dominant negative truncated ALK2 (tALK2) receptor but not by truncated forms of the other BMP type I receptors ALK1, ALK3, or ALK6. MIS induced activation of a Gal4DBD-Smad1 but not a Gal4DBD-Smad2 fusion protein. This activation could also be blocked by tALK2. The BMP-induced inhibitory Smad, Smad6, was up-regulated by MIS endogenously in Leydig cell-derived lines and is expressed in male but not female Mullerian duct mesenchyme. ALK6 has been shown to function as an MIS type I receptor. Investigation of the pattern of ALK2, MISRII, and ALK6 in the developing urogenital system demonstrated overlapping expression of ALK2 and MISRII in the mesenchyme surrounding the duct while ALK6 was observed only in the epithelium. Examination of ALK6 -/- male animals revealed no defect in duct regression. The reporter construct analysis, pattern of expression of the receptors, and analysis of ALK6-deficient animals suggest that ALK2 is the MIS type I receptor involved in Mullerian duct regression.
Pharmacological studies in frog sympathetic ganglion: support for the cholinergic monosynaptic hypothesis for slow IPSP mediation

The slow inhibitory postsynaptic potential (slow IPSP), the slow excitatory postsynaptic potential (slow EPSP), the late slow excitatory postsynaptic potential (late slow EPSP), and the fast excitatory postsynaptic potential/compound action potential (fast EPSP) were recorded from the 9th or 10th paravertebral sympathetic ganglia of bullfrogs (and someRana pipiens frogs) by the sucrose-gap technique. The adrenergic antagonists phentolamine, dihydroergotamine and propranolol did not show any antagonistic effect on the slow IPSP when used at concentrations of up to 10, 100 and 10 μM, respectively. U-0521 (3′,4′-dihydroxy-2-methylpropriophenone, 50 μg/ml), a specific inhibitor of catechol-OM-methyltransferase, did not show any potentiating effect on the slow IPSP. The cholinesterase inhibitor neostigmine (0.5–1 μM) induced a large increase in the duration and amplitude of slow IPSP. When phentolamine and propranolol at concentrations greater than 10 μM were used the slow IPSP (and all other synaptic potentials) were non-specifically reduced in amplitude by these drugs. The results reported in this paper do not lend any support to the hypothesis that the slow IPSP in frog sympathetic ganglia is mediated by an adrenergic interneuron. The results are consistent with the proposal that the slow IPSP in this ganglion is mediated by a direct action of acetylcholine released from cholinergic preganglionic fibers.
Direct Observation of Ligand Dynamics in Cytochrome C Using Time-Resolved FTIR Spectroscopy

Horse heart cytochrome c (cyt c) has emerged as a paradigm for the study of protein folding. The folding of reduced cyt c induced by photodissociation of CO from the CO-bound unfolded protein has been studied extensively. Following a nanosecond light pulse, four transitions have been resolved with time constants of approximately 1-5, 50-100, 200-500, and 1000-10,000 μs. While originally thought to be associated with CO rebinding to two different partially folded states of cyt c, the two slower process are now understood to reflect the bimolecular reassociation of CO followed by religation of the His18, which by the base elimination mechanism is induced to dissociate after CO photolysis. Thus, the two slower time constants turn out not to report on protein folding, but instead reflect the complexity of heme ligation. The two faster time constants have been attributed to ligation at the heme center by protein side chains. Here, to unambiguously determine the post-photodissociation steps involving CO, we monitored the CO vibration following photodissociation with step-scan FT IR spectroscopy. We find that like the slower timescale processes, the 50-100 μs timescale process is associated not with protein dynamics, but with CO ligand dynamics. The data clearly demonstrate that whatever the origins of the spectral changes, they clearly involve CO rebinding or changes in the environment of an already bound CO ligand. In addition to these fast dynamics, we also find multi-phasic CO rebinding on timescales of 1-100 s. The dependence of the associated amplitudes on denaturant concentration suggests that a unique species exists at intermediate denaturant concentrations, consistent with a folding-unfolding process of the protein driven by CO dissociation. This may represent the first evidence for the long sought-after protein folding process triggered by photo-induced CO dissociation.
Ionic diffusion in the oxidation of iron—effect of support and its implications to chemical looping applications

Addition of TiO2 was found to significantly enhance the ionic diffusivity of O anion within iron and its oxides, thereby changing the dominating ionic transfer mechanism for iron oxidation from “outward Fe cation diffusion” (in pure Fe case) to “inward O anion diffusion” (in Fe with TiO2 support case).
Crystal structures of the dinitrate-bis-(acetylenedicarboxylate) and acetylenedicarboxylate pseudorotaxane complexes of [24-pyrimidinium crown 6]

The reaction of [24-Pyrim C6][ $$ {\text{NO}}_{{\text{3}}} $$ ]6 · 8H2O with the monopotassium salt of acetylenedicarboxylic acid yielded single crystals of [24-Pyrim C6][C4O4]2[ $$ {\text{NO}}_{{\text{3}}} $$ ]2 · 7H2O, (1). The compound crystallized in the triclinic space group P $$ \overline{1} $$ , with a = 9.731(8) A, b = 10.953(9) A, c = 14.270(14) A, α = 108.06(7)°, β = 94.86(7)°, γ = 99.01(7)°, Z = 1, R = 0.0737, R′ = 0.1024, and 3709 independent reflections. The reaction of [24-Pyrim C6]Cl6 with the monopotassium salt of acetylenedicarboxylic acid gives single crystals of the inclusion complex {[24-Pyrim C6][C4O4]2} · [ $$ {\text{C}}_{{\text{4}}} {\text{O}}_{{\text{4}}} $$ ]0.92Cl0.17[H2C4O4]0.16 · 10H2O, (2). The compound crystallizes in the triclinic space group P $$ \overline{1} $$ , with a = 13.543(3) A, b = 14.354(8) A, c = 17.484(8) A, α = 74.35(4)°, β = 79.12(3)°, γ = 69.77(3)°, Z = 2, R = 0.0976, R′ = 0.2662, and 5655 independent reflections with. Strength of binding and size of the nitrate and chloride counter ions in the reacting species determines the mode of acetylenedicarboxylate binding to the cation upon crystallization.
A two-color pump probe atomic magnetometer for magnetoencephalography

In recent years, atomic magnetometers (AMs) have demonstrated sub-femtotesla sensitivities and have emerged as potential replacements for superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs). In an AM, a circularly polarized pump laser aligns the electron spins in a cloud of alkali metal vapor. Changes occur in the optical properties of the vapor when its collective moment interacts with an external magnetic field, resulting in a measurable polarization rotation of a linearly polarized probe beam. We present a unique pump/probe scheme in which a pump beam tuned to the 87Rb D1 line (795 nm) and a probe beam tuned to the D2 line (780 nm) share a single optical axis. A dichroic waveplate is used to circularly polarize the pump beam while leaving the probe beam linearly polarized. Based upon this scheme, we have developed a small profile, fiber-coupled AM. By independently optimizing pump/probe power and detuning, we are able to achieve intrinsic single-channel sensitivity of < 5 fT/√Hz, which is suitable for demanding applications such as magnetoencephalography (MEG). Furthermore, through straightforward adaptations of the current design, it should be possible to create dense, reconfigurable arrays of AMs for whole-head MEG.
Characterizing and evaluating desktop grids: an empirical study

Summary form only given. Desktop resources are attractive for running compute-intensive distributed applications. Several systems that aggregate these resources in desktop grids have been developed. While these systems have been successfully used for many high throughput applications there has been little insight into the detailed temporal structure of CPU availability of desktop grid resources. Yet, this structure is critical to characterize the utility of desktop grid platforms for both task parallel and even data parallel applications. We address the following questions: (i) What are the temporal characteristics of desktop CPU availability in an enterprise setting? (ii) How do these characteristics affect the utility of desktop grids? (iii) Based on these characteristics, can we construct a model of server "equivalents" for the desktop grids, which can be used to predict application performance? We present measurements of an enterprise desktop grid with over 220 hosts running the Entropia commercial desktop grid software. We utilize these measurements to characterize CPU availability and develop a performance model for desktop grid applications for various task granularities, showing that there is an optimal task size. We then use a cluster equivalence metric to quantify the utility of the desktop grid relative to that of a dedicated cluster.
Structure, function, and inhibition of chemokines.

Chemokines are the largest family of cytokines in human immunophysiology. These proteins are defined by four invariant cysteines and are categorized based on the sequence around the first two cysteines, which leads to two major and two minor subfamilies. Chemokines function by activating specific G protein–coupled receptors, which results in, among other functions, the migration of inflammatory and noninflammatory cells to the appropriate tissues or compartments within tissues. Some of these proteins and receptors have been implicated or shown to be involved in inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and infection by HIV-1. The three-dimensional structure of each monomer is virtually identical, but the quaternary structure of chemokines is different for each subfamily. Structure-function studies reveal several regions of chemokines to be involved in function, with the N-terminal region playing a dominant role. A number of proteins and small-molecule antagonists have been identified that inhibit chemokine activ...
Heat transfer enhancement through control of thermal dispersion effects

Abstract Heat transfer enhancements are investigated inside channels by controlling thermal dispersion effects inside the fluid. Different distributions for the dispersive elements such as nanoparticles or flexible hairy fins extending from the channel plates are considered. Energy equations for different fluid regions are dimensionalized and solved analytically and numerically. The boundary arrangement and the exponential distribution for the dispersive elements are found to produce enhancements in heat transfer compared to the case with a uniform distribution for the dispersive elements. The presence of the dispersive elements in the core region does not affect the heat transfer rate. Moreover, the maximum Nusselt number for analyzed distributions of the dispersive elements are found to be 21% higher than that with uniformly distributed dispersive elements for a uniform flow. On the other hand, the parabolic velocity profile is found to produce a maximum Nusselt number that is 12% higher than that with uniformly distributed dispersive elements for the boundary arrangement. The distribution of the dispersive elements that maximizes the heat transfer is governed by the flow and thermal conditions plus the properties of the dispersive elements. Results in this work point towards preparation of super nanofluids or super dispersive media with enhanced cooling characteristics.
Predicting sediment flux from fold and thrust belts

The rate of sediment influx to a basin exerts a first-order control on stratal architecture. Despite its importance, however, little is known about how sediment flux varies as a function of morphotectonic processes in the source terrain, such as fold and thrust growth, variations in bedrock lithology, drainage pattern changes and temporary sediment storage in intermontane basins. In this study, these factors are explored with a mathematical model of topographic evolution which couples fluvial erosion with fold and thrust kinematics. The model is calibrated by comparing predicted topographic relief with relief measured from a DEM of the Central Zagros Mountains fold belt. The sediment-flux curve produced by the Zagros fold belt simulation shows a delay between the onset of uplift and the ensuing sediment flux response. This delay is a combination of the natural response time of the geomorphic system and a time lag associated with filling, and then subsequently uplifting and re-eroding, the proximal part of the basin. Because deformation typically propagates toward the foreland, the latter time lag may be common to many ancient foreland basins. Model results further suggest that the response time of the bedrock fluvial system is a function of rock resistance, of the width of the region subject to uplift and erosion, and, assuming a nonlinear dependence of fluvial erosion upon channel gradient, of uplift rate. The geomorphic response time for the calibrated Zagros model is on the order of a few million years, which is commensurate with, or somewhat larger than, typical recurrence intervals for episodes of thrusting. However, model experiments also highlight the potential for significant variations in both geomorphic response time and in sediment flux as a function of varying rock resistance. Given a reasonable erodibility contrast between resistant and erodible lithologies, model sediment flux curves show significant sediment flux variations that are related solely to changes in rock resistance as the outcrop pattern changes. An additional control on sediment flux to a basin is drainage diversion in response to folding or thrusting, which can produce major shifts in the location and magnitude of sediment source points. Finally, these models illustrate the potential for a significant mismatch between tectonic events and sediment influx to a basin in cases where sediment is temporarily ponded in an intermontane basin and later remobilized.
The Application of Apriori-Gen Algorithm in the Association Study in Type 2 Diabetes

Study shows type 2 diabetes is a genetic disease and evidence of a statistical interaction among several SNPs has been reported. Gene-gene interaction analysis has been used to identify common disease susceptibility genes. This paper explores the application of Apriori-Gen algorithm on the association study among SNPs. The algorithm has been applied to SNP data of type 2 diabetes for association study. The result shows the interaction among 5 SNPs with support s of 50% and confidence alpha of 60%. The risk rate RR and odds ratio OR are 2.14 and 2.92, respectively. The experiment results indicate that the interaction among those SNPs is associated with the disease.
Unexpected outcomes of childhood psychiatric hospitalization.

This article describes an aspect of a larger study of the experiences, outcomes, and consequences of hospitalization during the years that constitute the "for-profit psychiatric hospital scandal" in Texas. Specifically, this article is concerned with patients who were children during 1985-1991. The author presents a case study of one such patient, followed by discussion of perceived outcomes as well as the longterm professional, economic, and policy sequelae of questionable psychiatric hospitalization. Questions are also raised as to the implications of applying a purely marketplace orientation to the care of society's most vulnerable individuals.
Structural aspects of heteropolyacid microemulsions.

Metrical insights from X-ray scattering studies of dense fluid phases (known as “third” phases) in the Keggin heteropolyacid–tri-n-butyl phosphate (TBP)–n-alkane system are provided. Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) experiments reveal inter-acid correlation peaks corresponding to average centre-of-mass to centre-of-mass separations of 18–23 A between P⋯P, Si⋯Si, and Al⋯Al of H3PW12O40, H4SiW12O40, and H5AlW12O40, respectively, consistent with the presence of TBP solvates that form by hydrogen bonding between the acids and the phosphoryl group of TBP. The Baxter sticky sphere model analyses of the SAXS data reveal identical structures for all the dense phases with inter-cluster interaction energies of ∼5kBT. We demonstrate that the sticky sphere model is an essential paradigm for interpreting SAXS and predicting mesoscale assembly in heteropolyacid microemulsions. The model parameters for the ternary polyoxometalate–amphiphile–oil systems reveal, in rigorous clarity, how the interactions between heteropolyacid solvates underpin their condensation to produce the observed scattering data. Aside from aiding researchers in predicting the physical origins of SAXS in strongly-interacting micellar systems found in natural and engineered settings, such as chemical separations, our study provides mesostructural information that complements previously observed electrochemical behaviours for third phases formed by solvent extraction involving the contact of aqueous electrolytes of dodecatungsto-phosphoric, -silicic, and -aluminic acids with organic solutions (e.g. n-dodecane and n-octane) of TBP, and by simple dissolution of the acid salts of the polyoxometalate hydrates in the same organic solutions.
An approach to architectural analysis of product lines

This paper addresses the issue of how to perform architectural analysis on an existing product line architecture. The con tribution of the paper is to identify and demonstrate a repeatable product line architecture analysis process. The approach defines a “good” product line architecture in terms of those quality attributes required by the particular product line under development. It then analyzes the architecture against these criteria by both manual and tool-supported methods. The phased approach described in this paper provides a structured analysis of an existing product line architecture using (1) formal specification of the high-level architecture, (2) manual analysis of scenarios to exercise the architecture's support for required variabilities, and (3) model checking of critical behaviors at the architectural level that are required for all systems in the product line. Results of an application to a software product line of spaceborne telescopes are used to explain and evaluate the approach.
Focal Cerebral Ischemia Induces Active Proteases That Degrade Microvascular Matrix

Background and Purpose— Focal cerebral ischemia causes microvessel matrix degradation and generates proteases known to degrade this matrix. However, proof that the proteases generated do indeed degrade vascular matrix is lacking. Here we demonstrate that active proteases derived from ischemic tissue after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and transferred to normal tissue can degrade vascular matrix. Methods— In an ex vivo bioassay, the effects of supernatants from ischemic and normal basal ganglia of nonhuman primates, proteases, and control buffer on the immunoreactivity of vascular matrix constituents in normal brain tissue sections were quantified. Protease families were identified with specific inhibitors. Results— Plasmin, active matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, and active MMP-9 significantly reduced microvessel-associated collagen, laminin, and heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPG). The vascular HSPG perlecan was more sensitive than collagen or laminin in the bioassay and in the ischemic core ...
AOD use and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often continue to exhibit significant impairment in academic, occupational, and social functioning throughout adulthood. In addition, children with ADHD are at increased risk for developing alcoholism and other drug addictions, especially if alcoholism or ADHD exists in other family members. Alcohol and other drug (AOD) abuse may develop earlier in life (i.e., in midadolescence) when ADHD is accompanied by certain behavioral or mood disorders. The nature of the link between ADHD and AOD use disorder is unknown, although the association may be mediated by the co-occurring disorders just mentioned. In addition, ADHD-related AOD abuse may develop initially as an attempt to alleviate symptoms of mental distress associated with chronic failure, feelings of inadequacy, and conflict with parents and peers. Therapeutic intervention should incorporate both addiction and mental health treatment, including appropriate use of psychiatric medications.
The Effect of Pitocin on Milk Lipase

Summary 1.The addition of pitocin to samples of normal milk and that which developed rancidity was quite consistent in activating the tributyrinase found in both. 2.When the longer chain substrates or butter oil were used, the pitocin might either decrease or increase the amount of the hydrolysis.
Paramagnetic resonance linewidth of EuO near the curie temperature

Abstract Measurements of the EPR linewidth Δ H of EuO at 9 GHz are reported in the temperature range of 66–300° K, with particular attention to the region near T c (69.6° K). Comparison with the earlier data of Eastman at 25 GHz in the critical region shows considerable suppression of Δ H at 25 GHz. The temperature-dependent behavior of Δ H in EuO at 9 GHz is similar to the observations in CrBr 3 and it is in qualitative agreement with the zero-field predictions of Huber and Maleev. The quantitative discrepancies are believed to be due to the effect of the resonance magnetic field on EPR spin dynamics near T c and an inadequate decoupling of the four-spin correlation functions used in the theories.
Occupancy Distribution of Queueing Systems with Opportunistic Scheduling in the Downlink

We consider a block-fading homogeneous broadcast channel with n users each receiving packets randomly and independently with a rate of lambda. Packets are stored in separate queues to await transmission using an opportunistic scheduling which exploits the multiuser diversity of the channel by serving the user with the most favorable channel condition at each coherence interval. In this paper, we consider a stochastic model in which mean packet transmission time is n-1 and establish a convergence result for the occupancy distribution of all n queues under opportunistic scheduling. It is shown that if lambda < 1 then the expected length of the longest queue is less than log1/lambda n + O(1) for large n. In order to improve the occupancy distribution while exploiting the multiuser diversity, we also study a scheme that serves the user with the longest queue among the d users with the most favorable channel conditions. It is shown that upper bound on the expected length of the longest queue improves to logd/lambda n + O(1). Simulation results are presented to validate our asymptotic results.
Adaptation to Self-Managing Work Teams:

Two studies examined the team member characteristics (Big Five personality traits and attitude toward self-managing teams) that predict successful adaptation to participation in self-managing work ...
Relations of Alcohol Consumption With Smoking Cessation Milestones and Tobacco Dependence

Objective Alcohol consumption is associated with smoking cessation failure in both community and clinical research. However, little is known about the relation between alcohol consumption and smoking cessation milestones (i.e., achieving initial abstinence, avoiding lapses and relapse). Our objective in this research was to examine the relations between pretreatment alcohol consumption patterns (non/infrequent drinker, moderate drinker, binge drinker) and smoking cessation milestones and tobacco dependence.
The Study of Behavior of Vibrating Systems Controllable by Devices with Rheological Fluid

The nonlinear mathematical model of behavior of controllable viscosity fluid (CVF) under applied external field is presented. A large family of these fluids is commonly used to control responding forces of dampers in vibration control applications. The responding force of a damper with CVF has two components. The first one – uncontrollable – is proportional to the viscosity of a base fluid and velocity of its motion, the second one, which is controllable, depends on the strength of the applied external field. Both are involved in the process of dissipation of unwanted energy from the vibrating systems. An equivalent damping factor based on the principle of energy dissipated during one cycle of damper work under a constant strength external field was calculated. When mass or stiffness is variable the equivalent damping factor can be set accordingly by adjusting the strength of external field to have vibrating damped system purposely/continuously working in the critical or other chosen state. This paper also presents cases of applying periodically changing strengths of an external field synchronized with cycles of periodical motion of the vibrating system to continuously control the damping force within each cycle.
Prospects for Gene Therapy for Heart Failure

Heart failure represents an enormous clinical challenge in need of effective therapeutic approaches. The possibility of gene therapy for heart failure merits consideration at this time because of improvements in vector technology; cardiac gene delivery; and, most importantly, our understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of heart failure. We will first review recent advances in cardiac gene delivery in animal models and then examine several targets being considered for therapeutic intervention. In this context, gene transfer provides not only a potential therapeutic modality but also an important tool to help validate specific targets. Several interventions, particularly those enhancing sarcoplasmic calcium transport, show promise in animal models of heart failure and in myopathic cardiomyocytes derived from patients. However, bridging the gap between these basic investigative studies and clinical gene therapy remains a formidable task. Early experiments in rodents will need to be extended to large-animal models with clinical-grade vectors and delivery systems to assess both efficacy and safety. On the basis of a foundation of rigorous science and a growing understanding of heart failure pathogenesis, there is reason for cautious optimism for the future.
Near infrared semiconductor microlasers with partially chaotic resonators

Summary form only given. A new class of semiconductor microlasers has recently attracted considerable attention. In these novel devices, the resonator design which incorporates chaotic ray motion, leads to a dramatic increase of the output power and emission directionality.
Estrogenic stimulation of the antiestrogen specific binding site in rat uterus and liver.

Tamoxifen and other antiestrogens bind to the estrogen receptor and to a specific antiestrogen binding site (AEBS). We have confirmed the existence of an AEBS by saturation and competitive binding analyses with [3H]tamoxifen as the radiolabeled ligand. The quantities of AEBS (pmol/g tissue) present in a low speed cytosol (25,000 × g × 30 min) of the liver and uterus vary with species and physiological state: liver, mature female rat, 82.7 ± 6.7; ovariectomized mature rat, 46.1 ± 2.9; immature female rat, 40.0 ± 1.8; mature male rat, 57.3 ± 2.7; and mature female mouse, 63.0 ± 5.0; uterus, mature rat, 17.9 ± 1.7; ovariectomized mature rat, 13.3 ± 0.5; immature rat, 8.2 ± 0.8; and mature mouse, 49.0 ± 2.1. The dissociation constants did not differ significantly in any of the cases and were 1.5 and 2.5 nM for the liver and uterus, respectively. Developmental studies demonstrated that the liver AEBS gradually increases in both sexes from 21.0 pmol/g at birth to their respective adult levels with the only dive...
BRITISH AND AMERICAN ATTITUDES TOWARD FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS

Summary.-Responses of students in a London university and a midwestern American university to measures of family dynamics yielded significant differences in attitudes toward their families. Although the Americans were more likely to come from divorced families, they were also more likely than the British to describe their families as satisfying, cohesive, and adaptable. The British students were more likely to anticipate cohabitation before marriage. Both American and British students said they eventually plan to marry. The British were somewhat more likely to take an extreme view of sex-role functions, but they were also more likely to describe family sex roles in egalitarian terms.
Laser‐induced ignition in solid‐state combustion

The ignition process of condensed-phase combustion by a laser is studied experimentally as well as numerically. Numerical simulations are performed in one, two and three spatial dimensions, and are compared with the experimental observations. The effects of energy-dissipative mechanisms, such as melting and ablation due to laser irradiation and the effects of laser power output fluctuations, are also studied. We find that the ignition process depends mainly on the energy deposited in the system. The time leading up to ignition is longer for higher light fluxes keeping the average laser power constant, since a larger fraction of the energy is reradiated from the heated surface or consumed during the process of material removal.
HIGHER EDUCATION, INTERPRETATION, AND THE MODULAR MIND

Until recently, psychological and educational theories have largely supported the lay intuition that our minds function as complexly integrated wholes. Now, cognitive scientists are questioning the assumption of a unitary mental structure, and proposing that the predominant architecture of the mind is modular. These ideas about the nature of mental structures and processes have implications for learning, and thus for education. Although it is too early to assess the ultimate utility of either modular or unity points of view, the exploration of the implications of modularity for education may provide us with a new perspective on the complex processes involved in teaching and learning. 1
A scanning transmon qubit for strong coupling circuit quantum electrodynamics

Superconducting circuits may be useful as quantum simulators, but new tools are needed to fully characterize their behaviour. Shanks et al. present a scanning transmon qubit, map its coupling strength to a separate resonator, and propose its use to probe photon number in a superconducting resonator lattice.
Sexual activity in chronic pain patients

Abstract In a study of the sexual activity of 66 married patients referred to a pain management center, almost two thirds reported deterioration in sexual adjustment, with decreased frequency and quality, and more than one third reported deterioration of the marriage itself. These sexual changes represent additional problems for the patient. In order to make a comprehensive diagnosis and a recommendation for treatment, physicians must include sexual function in their medical review of patients with chronic pain.
Understanding the kinematics of salt-bearing passive margins: A critical test of competing hypotheses for the origin of the Albian Gap, Santos Basin, offshore Brazil

Thin-skinned gravitational gliding and spreading drive deformation on salt-bearing passive margins. Such margins typically have an updip extensional domain kinematically linked to a downdip contractional domain. However, calculating magnitudes of extension and shortening in salt-bearing margins is difficult because the initial widths of diapirs are uncertain. Extension and shortening may be cryptic, being hidden in widening or shortening of diapirs. This uncertainty can lead to controversy in regional analysis. The Santos Basin, offshore Brazil, contains a prime example of this uncertainty in the form of an enigmatic structure known as the “Albian Gap,” a zone up to 75 km wide within which the Albian section is missing. The Albian Gap has been variably interpreted as the product of post-Albian extensional faulting (the extension model) or as an Albian salt structure evacuated in response to loading by post-Albian sediments (the expulsion model). We evaluate these two models by: (1) structurally restoring a regional seismic-reflection profile across the Albian Gap using both models; (2) quantitatively analyzing the geometry of the Upper Cretaceous rollover overlying the Albian Gap; and (3) synthesizing and critically evaluating arguments previously advanced in support of extension or expulsion. We propose a revised model for the evolution of the Albian Gap that invokes Albian thin-skinned extension and post-Albian salt expulsion. Our approach shows that critical analysis of geological observations from borehole-constrained seismic-reflection data can be used to assess the relative roles of the key processes in the deformation of salt-bearing passive margins.
Dynamics of Conjunctivitis and Mycoplasma gallisepticum Infections in House Finches

Abstract Conjunctivitis, an infectious disease caused by Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG), has produced a significant decline in eastern House Finches (Carpodacus mexicanus) of North America. In this paper, we present findings from two complementary studies designed to clarify annual and seasonal trends of MG infections in House Finches from the northeastern United States. The first was a field study of House Finches common to urban and residential habitat from Mercer County, New Jersey. We documented conjunctivitis in 11% (188/1,651) of the birds examined. Conjunctivitis prevalence in House Finches ranged from 0 to 43% per month, and exhibited marked seasonal fluctuation (elevations during fall and winter months and lower disease prevalence during the breeding season). There was excellent intermethod agreement on disease prevalence when measured by either presence of physical signs (conjunctivitis) or MG infection (kappa = 0.75). During the peak of the breeding season (April through June), conjunctivitis wa...
Modeling thermionic emission from laser-heated nanoparticles

An adjusted form of thermionic emission is applied to calculate emitted current from laser-heated nanoparticles and to interpret time-resolved laser-induced incandescence (TR-LII) signals. This adjusted form of thermionic emission predicts significantly lower values of emitted current compared to the commonly used Richardson-Dushman equation, since the buildup of positive charge in a laser-heated nanoparticle increases the energy barrier for further emission of electrons. Thermionic emission influences the particle's energy balance equation, which can influence TR-LII signals. Additionally, reports suggest that thermionic emission can induce disintegration of nanoparticle aggregates when the electrostatic Coulomb repulsion energy between two positively charged primary particles is greater than the van der Waals bond energy. Since the presence and size of aggregates strongly influences the particle's energy balance equation, using an appropriate form of thermionic emission to calculate emitted current ma...