cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Protein Kinase CβII Activation by 1-β-d-Arabinofuranosylcytosine Is Antagonistic to Stimulation of Apoptosis and Bcl-2α Down-regulation

Abstract 1-β-d-Arabinofuranosylcytosine (ara-C) stimulates the formation of both diglyceride and ceramide in the acute myelogenous leukemia cell line HL-60 (Strum, J. C., Small, G. W., Pauig, S. B., and Daniel, L. W. (1994)J. Biol. Chem 269, 15493–15497). ara-C also causes apoptosis in HL-60 cells which can be mimicked by exogenous ceramide. However, the signaling role for ara-C-induced diacylglycerol (DAG) is not defined. We found that Bcl-2 levels were increased by treatment of HL-60 cells with exogenous DAG or 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA). In contrast, exogenous ceramide treatment caused a decrease in cellular Bcl-2 levels. Thus, ara-C stimulates the synthesis of two second messengers with opposing effects on Bcl-2. Since the effects of ara-C-induced DAG could be due to protein kinase C (PKC) activation, we determined the effects of ara-C on PKC isozymes. ara-C caused an increase in membrane-bound PKCβII (but not PKCα or PKCδ). ara-C or TPA-induced translocation of PKCβII was inhibited by 1-O-octadecyl-2-O-methyl-rac-glycero-3-phosphocholine (ET-18-OCH3), and ara-C-induced apoptosis was stimulated by pretreatment of the cells with ET-18-OCH3. ET-18-OCH3 also inhibited stimulation of Bcl-2 by TPA and enhanced the decrease in Bcl-2 observed in ara-C-treated cells. These data indicate that ara-C-induced apoptosis is limited by ara-C-stimulated PKCβII through effects on Bcl-2. To further determine the role of PKC, we used antisense oligonucleotides directed toward PKCβII. The antisense, but not the sense, oligonucleotide inhibited PKCβII activation and enhanced ara-C-induced apoptosis. These data demonstrate that the stimulation of apoptosis by ara-C is self-limiting and can be enhanced by inhibition of PKC.
Finite-temperature properties of binary mixtures of two Bose-Einstein condensates

This work reports studies of a mixture of two interacting Bose condensates in a quasi-one-dimensional geometry using a finite-temperature path-integral Monte Carlo method. For weakly interacting dilute gases, the interactions between atoms are modeled by a hard-sphere potential whose core radius equals its corresponding scattering length. The effect of both the temperature and the interspecies interaction on the static properties, such as the density profile and the superfluid fraction, is discussed. Our results show that for repulsive intra- and interspecies interactions, the presence of the interspecies interactions dramatically changes the structure of both the density profile and the superfluid fraction, and two species are seen to partially separate in space, and there is a finite-size effect on the phase separation between two partially separating Bose-Einstein condensates. In general, our results agree with the theoretical predictions and experimental observations.
Contact problems and depth-sensing nanoindentation for frictionless and frictional boundary conditions

The Hertz type contact problems and the analytical treatment of depth-sensing nanoindentation are under consideration. Fundamental relations of nanoindentation tests are derived for various boundary conditions within the contact region. First, a frictionless contact problem for a convex punch of revolution is studied and the connection between Galin and Sneddon solutions is shown. The Bulychevâ€“Alekhinâ€“Shorshorov (BASh) relation that is commonly used for evaluation of elastic modulus of materials by nanoindentation, is discussed. An analogous relation is derived that is valid for adhesive (no-slip) contact. Similarly to the Pharrâ€“Oliverâ€“Brotzen frictionless analysis, the obtained relation is independent of the geometry of the punch. Further, we study solutions to adhesive contact for punches whose shapes are described by monomial functions and obtain exact solutions for punches of arbitrary degrees of the monoms. These formulae are similar to the formulae of the frictionless Galin solutions and coincide with them when the material is incompressible. Finally, indenters having some deviation from their nominal shapes are considered. It is argued that for shallow indentation where the tip bluntness is on the same order as the indentation depth, the indenter shapes can be well approximated by non-axisymmetric monomial functions of radius. In this case problems obey the self-similar laws. Using one of the authorsâ€™ similarity approach to three-dimensional contact problems and the corresponding formulae, other fundamental relations are derived for depth of indentation, size of the contact region, load, hardness, and contact area, which are valid for both elastic and non-elastic, isotropic and anisotropic materials for various boundary conditions. In particular, it is shown that independently of the boundary conditions, the current area of the contact region is a power-law function of the current depth of indentation whose exponent is equal to a half of the degree of the monomial function of the shape.
Successful repair of complete atrioventricular canal with undivided anterior common leaflet in a 6-month-old infant.

Abstract Complete atrioventricular canal with undivided free-floating anterior common leaflet was corrected in a 6-month-old infant with uncontrollable congestive heart failure. At follow-up two months after operation the patient was in excellent clinical condition. This report illustrates the surgical technique of successful intracardiac repair of this anatomical type of atrioventricular canal. Corrective rather than palliative operation is recommended for infants with uncontrollable heart failure due to complete atrioventricular canal.
The computational complexity of some fuzzy dynamic programs

Abstract Fuzzy dynamic programming, a natural extension of classical dynamic programming, is of great appeal in the modeling and control of certain systems, especially those of a socio-technical systems nature. However, data acquisition, manipulation, and processing create immense problems to the systems designer interested in such realistic modeling tools. Another complication is introduced in the numerical implementation of these models. The usual dimensionality issues characteristic of conventional dynamic programming must be addressed in their fuzzy analogues. We do so for these problems via two variations of a fuzzy dynamic programming model of decision making in a fuzzy environment first proposed by Kacprzyk and then modified by Stein. We consider in particular, both time and space complexity problems associated with the model.
Numerical Instability of Classical Free-Interface Component Mode Synthesis Techniques

10Sarma, G. R., “Transfer Function Analysis of the Constant Voltage Anemometer,” Review of Scientic Instruments, Vol. 69, No. 6, 1998, pp. 2385–2391. 11Kegerise, M. A., and Spina, E. F., “A Comparative Study of ConstantVoltage and Constant-Temperature Hot-Wire Anemometers: Part II—The Dynamic Response,” Experiments in Fluids, Vol. 29, No. 2, 2000, pp. 165– 177. 12Knauss, H., Riedel, R., and Wagner, S., “The Shock Wind Tunnel of Stuttgart University: A Facility for Testing Hypersonic Vehicles,” AIAA Paper 99-4959, Nov. 1999. 13Morkovin, M. V., “Fluctuations and Hot-Wire Anemometry in Compressible Flows,” AGARDograph 24, Nov. 1956. 14Comte-Bellot, G., “Hot-Wire Anemometry,” Handbook of Fluid Dynamics, edited by R. W. Johnson, CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL, 1998, Chap. 34. 15Chen, F.-J., Malik, M. R., and Beckwith, I. E., “Gortler Instability and Supersonic Quiet Nozzle Design,” AIAA Journal, Vol. 30, No. 8, 1992, pp. 2093, 2094.
Calculation of screening masses in a chiral quark model

We consider a simple model for the coordinate-space vacuum polarization function which is often parametrized in terms of a screening mass. We discuss the circumstances in which the standard result for the screening mass , msc = �T, is obtained. In the model considered here, that result is obtained when the momenta in the relevant vacuum polarization integral are small with respect to the first Matsubara frequency.
The damage resistance of quasi-isotropic carbon/epoxy composite tape laminates impacted by high velocity ice

Abstract Transverse impact from hail ice can create internal damage to composite structures that is not visually detectable and is therefore a damage tolerance concern. This paper focuses on the experimental characterization of the damage resistance of laminates made from T800/3900-2 carbon/epoxy tape material to impact by high velocity ice spheres, i.e., simulated hail ice (SHI). The failure threshold energy (FTE) defining the onset of damage was found for three panel thicknesses (1.59, 3.11, and 4.66 mm), each impacted by three ice diameters (38.1, 50.8, and 61.0 mm). Non-destructive investigation techniques were used to detect, map, and characterize the delaminated area. A regression analysis was used to quantitatively determine the FTE of the tape laminates, which was found to closely match previous woven carbon/epoxy FTE data. Both data sets were found to exhibit a linear and common relationship to the ratio of panel thickness to ice diameter (H/D). The resulting delamination patterns of the current and previous panels were found to be similar at damage initiation, but to differ for higher damage states.
Time-Averaging, Overcompleteness, and the Geological Record

Time-averaging makes events that happened at different times appear to be synchronous in the geological record. It can generate overcompleteness by concentrating objects (e.g., fossils, clasts) from a longer time interval into a unit that formed during a shorter interval. Time-averaging results both from extrinsic agents (e.g., vertical mixing, condensation, analytical pooling of data) and the intrinsic properties of the fossilized objects (preservational potential and abundance). Variation in intrinsic and extrinsic factors results in disharmonious time-aver aging: different taxa preserved together may be time-averaged over different time-scales. Because extrinsic and intrinsic factors vary in time and space, the geological record is characterized by vertical and lateral variations in time-averaging. The importance of time-averaging depends on the time-aver aging threshold, which is determined by the time-scale of the process of interest. Significant time-aver aging occurs when the scale of temporal mixi...
Why Basic Knowledge is Easy Knowledge

The problem of easy knowledge arises for theories that have what I call a “basic knowledge structure”. S has basic knowledge of P just in case S knows P prior to knowing that the cognitive source of S's knowing P is reliable.1 Our knowledge has a basic knowledge structure (BKS) just in case we have basic knowledge and we come to know our faculties are reliable on the basis of our basic knowledge. The problem I raised in “Basic Knowledge and the Problem of Easy Knowledge”2 (BKEK) is that once we allow for basic knowledge, we can come to know our faculties are reliable in ways that intuitively are too easy. This raises a serious doubt about whether we had the basic knowledge in the first place. In “Easy Knowledge”, Peter Markie argues that BKS theories do not face any problem concerning easy knowledge.3 I argued that the problem arises in two forms, and Markie takes issue with both. I will argue that Markie's defense of BKS theories fails.
Do dichotic listening procedures measure lateralization of information processing or retrieval strategy

The data from two dichotic studies, both of which evaluated spontaneously generated response strategies under free recall and one of which also manipulated retrieval strategy by instruction, supported a conception that what dichotic procedures mostly measure are response strategies—mobile and readily deployed without loss of mnemonic capability. Consequently, competitional methods which are heavily influenced by output factors appear to be unreliable as a means of evaluating input processing dominance.
The influence of light, stream gradient, and iron on Didymosphenia geminata bloom development in the Black Hills, South Dakota

The aquatic nuisance species Didymosphenia geminata was first documented in Rapid Creek of South Dakota’s Black Hills during 2002. Since then, blooms have occurred primarily in a 39-km section of Rapid Creek while blooms were rarely observed in other Black Hills streams. In this study, we evaluated factors related to the presence and development of visible colonies of D. geminata in four streams of the Black Hills. At the watershed scale, stream gradient was negatively associated with the occurrence of D. geminata whereas stream width was positively related to D. geminata presence. At the stream scale, D. geminata coverage was inversely related to canopy coverage and iron concentration. At the local scale, shading by bridges virtually eliminated growth of D. geminata colonies under bridges. At all three scales, proxy measures of light such as stream width, canopy coverage, and bridge shading revealed that light availability was an important factor influencing the presence and coverage of D. geminata colonies. In general, streams that had relatively wide stream reaches (mean = 9.9 m), shallow gradients (mean = 0.22%), and little canopy cover (mean = 13%) were associated with D. geminata blooms. In addition, iron concentrations in streams with D. geminata colonies were lower than in streams without blooms.
Nucleotide sequence of pho-4+, encoding a phosphate-repressible phosphate permease of Neurospora crassa.

Abstract The nucleotide (nt) sequence of the Neurospora crassapho-4 gene, which encodes a phosphate-repressible phosphate permease, has been determined. The gene specifies a protein of 590 amino acids (aa) and contains two introns. Two RNA transcripts of 3.3 and 2.4 kb have been identified, and transcription start points ( tsp ) and termination sites and/or processing sites have been located. The 3.3-kb message is initiated about 890 nt upstream from the tsp for the 2.4-kb transcript. A hydropathy profile of the aa sequence suggests ten to twelve membrane-spanning helices with a large hydrophilic domain between the eighth and ninth helices. This model for the predicted secondary structure of the protein is very similar to models proposed for other sequenced integral membrane proteins from both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Since very few permease-encoding genes of eukaryotes have been examined in molecular detail, it will be of interest to compare the sequence of pho-4 + with those encoding other anion transport proteins, as they become available.
Taxol Biosynthesis and Molecular Genetics

Biosynthesis of the anticancer drug Taxol in Taxus (yew) species involves 19 steps from the universal diterpenoid progenitor geranylgeranyl diphosphate derived by the plastidial methyl erythritol phosphate pathway for isoprenoid precursor supply. Following the committed cyclization to the taxane skeleton, eight cytochrome P450-mediated oxygenations, three CoA-dependent acyl/aroyl transfers, an oxidation at C9, and oxetane (D-ring) formation yield the intermediate baccatin III, to which the functionally important C13-side chain is appended in five additional steps. To gain further insight about Taxol biosynthesis relevant to the improved production of this drug, and to draw inferences about the organization, regulation, and origins of this complex natural product pathway, Taxus suspension cells (induced for taxoid biosynthesis by methyl jasmonate) were used for feeding studies, as the foundation for cell-free enzymology and as the source of transcripts for cDNA library construction and a variety of cloning strategies. This approach has led to the elucidation of early and late pathway segments, the isolation and characterization of over half of the pathway enzymes and their corresponding genes, and the identification of candidate cDNAs for the remaining pathway steps, and it has provided many promising targets for genetically engineering more efficient biosynthetic production of Taxol and its precursors.
Inequality, Segregation, and the Overrepresentation of African Americans in School Suspensions.

Using school, district, and county data from the State of Florida Department of Education and the U.S. Census, we examine the relationship between school segregation and the overrepresentation of black students among those suspended. We explore two competing hypotheses about the nature of this relationship: (1) an overall racial inequality hypothesis that suggests schools located in districts with relatively high levels of segregation among students also have the largest black suspension imbalances and (2) a resegregation hypothesis that suggests schools situated in relatively highly segregated districts have the lowest rates of black imbalances in suspension. Results from a multilevel analysis indicated that higher levels of school segregation corresponded with lower levels of the black suspension imbalance and provided support for the resegregation hypothesis.
Applicability of asymptotic QCD for exclusive processes.

By directly applying light-front boosts to model wave functions, we calculate the soft parts as well as the hard parts of exclusive processes. In the model used by Isgur and Llewellyn Smith, the asymptotic terms begin to dominate for ${\mathrm{Q}}_{\mathrm{c}}^{2}$\ensuremath{\approxeq}3.5 (GeV/c${)}^{2}$ for the pion charge form factor, a much smaller value than previously reported.
Left atrial puncture in patients with rheumatic mitral valvular disease.

Abstract The value of percutaneous transthoracic left atrial puncture in the diagnosis of predominant mitral regurgitation was studied in 50 patients with combined lesions of the mitral valve. The investigation was divided into three parts and consisted of: (1) assessment of morbidity associated with this procedure, (2) comparison of surgical findings with the results of analysis of left atrial pressure curves, and (3) correlation of left atrial pressure curves with the pulmonary arterial wedge pressure-pulse contours. The results obtained indicate that percutaneous transthoracic left atrial puncture was associated with significant morbidity. The analysis of left atrial pressure curves did not consistently separate mitral regurgitation from mitral stenosis. Pulmonary arterial wedge pressure, on the other hand, correlated well with the left atrial pressure curves. The results of this investigation are discussed and indicate that left atrial puncture in most cases of combined mitral lesions affords few advantages. For this reason, emphasis should be placed on clinical evaluation of patients, combined, if necessary, with catheterization of the right side of the heart.
INDIRECT ASSESSMENT OF INTERCULTURAL PREJUDICES

On demande a quatre echantillons de Canadiens francais et anglais d'evaluer les traits de personnalite de 12 personnes qui parlent avec un accent marque, certains avec un accent francais (Parisien, Quebecois ou Acadien), d'autres avec un accent anglais (Americain, Oxfordien ou Canadien). L'analyse des jugements ne confirme qu'en partie les etudes qui ont porte sur les prejuges des Canadiens francais et anglais. On trouve que, conformement aux hypotheses, L'accent du Quebec chez un homme entraine des jugements moins favorables, quant aux traits de personnalite, que tous les autres accents etudies ici; cette devalorisation du Quebecois mâle se retrouve dans tous les echantillons utilises dans cette etude y compris dans L'echantillon quebecois lui-meme; mais, alors qu'on s'attendait a ce qu'une femme a L'accent quebecois soit, comme son homologue masculin, L'objet d'une devalorisation, on trouve qu'elle n'est surpassee dans les jugements que par la femme a L'accent d'Oxford. Ainsi les donnees font apparaitre une interaction significative entre L'accent et le sexe qui peut refleter le statut different, dans le systeme canadien, du Quebecois francais selon qu'il est homme ou femme: ce statut place L'homme quebecois plus bas dans L'echelle que la femme quebecoise. Les resultats sont interpretes a la lumiere des conclusions d'etudes precedentes sur les reactions valorisantes au langage parle et de leur utilisation comme technique indirecte d'etude des prejuges.
Effects of micro- and macro-vascular perfusion during radiofrequency tumor ablation

Tumor ablation using radiofrequency (RF) energy is clinically used for treatment of various cancer types. During RF ablation, an electrode is inserted into a tumor under imaging-guidance, and the tumor is heated by RF electric current and cancer cells killed above temperatures of ~50 °C. One of the major factors affecting tissue temperature and ablation zone dimensions is tissue perfusion. To examine perfusion effects, we created Finite Element Method computer models of a clinically used RF ablation device, including temperature-dependent electrical and thermal tissue properties. Microvascular perfusion was modeled according to Pennes' Bioheat Equation, and was varied with temperature to include perfusion cessation due to coagulation at high temperatures. Microvascular perfusion rate was varied to represent variations between patients by +/-1 standard deviation based on prior data measured in humans. Macro-vascular perfusion was modeled by including a large vessel (10 mm diameter) in the model geometry, and assigning a convective heat transfer coefficient as a boundary condition at the vessel wall. The vessel resulted in local deviation of the ablation zone around the vessel, and resulted in a region of viable tissue near the vessel wall. Microvascular perfusion affected overall size and geometry of the ablation zone. Ablation zone volume for average microvascular perfusion was 20.1 cm 3 , and was 16.6 and 25.3 cm 3 when perfusion rate was increased or reduced by 1 standard deviation. Both micro- and macrovascular perfusion considerably affect tissue temperature and ablation zone. Patient-specific data on perfusion would allow for more accurate estimates of ablation zone dimensions and improved treatment planning.
Binding of naloxone to human T lymphocytes

Purified T lymphocytes have a specific binding site for naloxone, the opiate antagonist. The KD for the site was 50.6 +/- 2.4 nM, while the Hill coefficient (n) was 1.67 +/- 0.16, indicating a degree of positive cooperativity of ligand binding. The bound naloxone was partially displaceable by various opiate agonists including morphine (56%), beta-endorphin (61%), met5- and leu5-enkephalin (40% each), [D-ala2, D-leu5]-enkephalin (78%) and [D-ala2, D-leu5]-enkephalinamide (66%). Virtually all of the binding capacity was recovered in the particulate membrane fraction after sonic lysis of the cells. There was great interindividual variability in Bmax between samples, suggesting a possible mechanistic basis for the variability in drug action seen between different individuals.
Atrial Excitation-Contraction Coupling and Ca Wave Propagation in Normal and Failing Hearts

We compared excitation-contraction coupling and Ca wave propagation in normal and heart failure (HF) rabbit atrial myocytes. Cytosolic Ca transients (Fluo-4 or Rhod-2), sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) [Ca] (Fluo-5N) and mitochondrial localization (Mitotracker Red) were recorded by confocal microscopy. SEA and Ru360 were used to inhibit sarcolemmal Na/Ca exchange (NCX) or mitochondrial Ca uptake, respectively. In normal and HF rabbit atrial myocytes transverse tubules are missing, and the peripheral junctional SR (j-SR) is separated from the central non-junctional SR (nj-SR) by a 1-2 µm wide gap that is largely devoid of mitochondria and SR structures. During action potential (AP) stimulation SR Ca release initiated from the j-SR and propagated in centripetal direction via Ca-induced Ca release (CICR) from nj-SR. The centripetal Ca propagation velocity was highest across the gap between j-SR and nj-SR, slowed during propagation across the nj-SR and increased after Ru360 application. In HF, the centripetal propagation velocity was higher and mitochondrial density was decreased. Spontaneous Ca waves propagated with a leading wave front located to the cell periphery, i.e. arising from j-SR Ca release. Nearly half of all Ca waves in normal cells, but <10% in normal cells pretreated with SEA and none in ventricular cells triggered an AP, followed by a whole-cell Ca transient (termed here 'arrhythmogenic Ca waves'). The incidence of spontaneous Ca waves, the fraction of arrhythmogenic Ca waves and NCX activity were significantly increased in HF. In summary, the lack of mitochondria in the gap between j-SR and nj-SR enables rapid propagation of CICR from the j-SR to the nj-SR. Decreased mitochondrial Ca uptake in HF contributes to an increased centripetal Ca propagation velocity. Atrial myocytes are prone to develop NCX-dependent arrhythmogenic Ca waves, which is further accentuated in HF.
Mechanism of Inhibition of the GluA2 AMPA Receptor Channel Opening by 2,3-Benzodiazepine Derivatives

2,3-Benzodiazepine (2,3-BDZ) compounds are a group of AMPA receptor inhibitors and are drug candidates for treating neurological diseases involving excessive AMPA receptor activity. We investigated the mechanism by which GluA2Qflip receptor channel opening is inhibited by two 2,3-BDZ derivatives, i.e. (2,3-BDZ-11-2) and its 1-(4-amino-3-chlorophenyl) analogue (2,3-BDZ-11-4). Both compounds have a 7,8-ethylenedioxy moiety instead of the 7,8-methylenedioxy feature in the structure of GYKI 52466, the prototypic 2,3-BDZ compound. Using a laser-pulse photolysis approach with a time resolution of ∼60 μs and a rapid solution flow technique, we characterized the effect of the two compounds on the channel-opening process of the homomeric GluA2Qflip receptor. Both 2,3-BDZ-11-2 and 2,3-BDZ-11-4 inhibit the receptor noncompetitively with specificity for the closed-channel conformation of the GluA2Qflip receptor. 2,3-BDZ-11-4 is ∼10-fold stronger, defined by its inhibition constant for the closed-channel conformation (i.e., KI = 2 μM), than 2,3-BDZ-11-2. From double-inhibitor experiments, we find that both compounds bind to the same site, but this site is different from the two other noncompetitive sites we reported earlier (Ritz et al., 2008, Ritz et al., 2011). In other words, 2,3-BDZ-11-2 and 2,3-BDZ-11-4 do not bind to either the site where GYKI 52466 binds or the site where 2,3-BDZ-2 binds (see their structures below). Our results provide mechanistic clues to better understand AMPA receptor regulation and establish a structure-activity relationship for designing more potent 2,3-BDZ compounds with predictable properties for this new noncompetitive site.
Darfur and the failure of the responsibility to protect

When official representatives of more than 170 countries adopted the principle of the ‘responsibility to protect’ (R2P) at the September 2005 World Summit, Darfur was quickly identified as the test case for this new doctrine. The general verdict is that the international community has failed the test due to lack of political will. This article argues that the failure is real but that it is more fundamentally located within the doctrine of R2P itself. Fulfilling the aspiration of R2P demands an international protection capability that does not exist now and cannot be realistically expected. The critical weakness in R2P is that the ‘responsibility to react’ has been framed as coercive protection, which attempts to be a middle way between classic peacekeeping and outright military intervention that can be undertaken without the consent of the host government. Thus far, theoretical and practical attempts to create this intermediate space for coercive protection have failed to resolve basic strategic and operational issues. In addition, the very act of raising the prospect of external military intervention for human protection purposes changes and distorts the political process and can in fact make a resolution more difficult. Following an introductory section that provides background to the war in Darfur and international engagement, this article examines the debates over the R2P that swirled around the Darfur crisis and operational concepts developed for the African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS) and its hybrid successor, the UN–African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID), especially during the Abuja peace negotiations. Three operational concepts are examined: ceasefire, disarmament and civilian protection. Unfortunately, the international policy priority o bringing UN troops to Darfur had an adverse impact on the Darfur peace talks without grappling with the central question of what international forces would do to resolve the crisis. Advocacy for the R2P set an unrealistic ideal which became the enemy of achievable goals.
Mitigating Rail Transit Project Risks with Systems Integration

As rail transit systems are becoming more complex, from a hardware, software and technology standpoint, new approaches are being contemplated to reduce capital project risk. Systems integration has come forward as a way to efficiently transition from traditional systems designed and installed independently without the need for a formal, structured process for physical, functional, logical, and operational integration, to more integrated systems. This paper presents the application of systems integration as a way to mitigate risk on two light rail projects in New Jersey, USA. It discusses how and at what levels various and complex interfaces were managed, and presents methods used to ensure that interface gaps were avoided, duplication reduced, conflicting requirements across projects negotiated and managed, and coordination among all stakeholders refined. It also highlights similarities and differences in approaching the systems integration process for these two projects, the unique challenges faced by the project teams, and general lessons learned that can be carried forward on other capital projects.
Air righting without the cervical righting reflex in adult rats

The current explanation of air righting in animals is that when falling supine in the air, labyrinthine stimulation triggers head rotation. The head rotation involves neck rotation which, via the cervical righting reflex, triggers rotation of the body. (In cats and monkeys, when the labyrinths are absent, visual stimulation when falling supine can also trigger this righting sequence.) In the present paper, a descriptive analysis of air righting in the rat shows that the shoulders rotate, carrying the unmoving head and neck passively along. Thus, for this species, labyrinthine input appears to trigger shoulder rotation directly, independently of the cervical righting reflex. This suggests that at least two physiological mechanisms exist for labyrinthine control of head rotation during air righting, one via the neck and the other via the shoulder girdle.
Extraparenchymal Neurocysticercosis: Report of Five Cases and Review of Management

Neurocysticercosis due to parenchymal cysts carries a good prognosis regardless of therapy. Extraparenchymal neurocysticercosis (including ventricular, spinal, and subarachnoid types) carries a poorer prognosis. Most extraparenchymal cases present with hydrocephalus. Medical treatment alone in doses and schedules developed for parenchymal disease is frequently unsuccessful. For ventricular disease, most cases can be managed with shunting procedures either alone or together with the administration of antiparasitic agents (e.g., praziquantel or albendazole), without extirpation of the cysts. Subarachnoid disease was formerly associated with a case fatality rate of about 50%. However, with the combination of shunting procedures for hydrocephalus, antiparasitic agents, and, in some cases, surgical extirpation of the cysts, the prognosis is much improved. Spinal cysticercosis can be either leptomeningeal (which responds like subarachnoid disease) or intramedullary. For all forms of neurocysticercosis, the role of antiparasitic agents needs to be better defined.
Hydrogen-Bond Patterns of Dialkylpyridone Iron Chelators and Their 1:1 Formic Acid Solvates: Description, Prediction, and Role in Crystal Packing

Abstract The crystal structures (determined from single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies) and hydrogen-bond patterns of three crystalline 1,2-dialkyl-3-hydroxy-4-pyridones and their 1:1 formic acid solvates are elucidated. The primary hydrogen-bond connectivities observed are explained by a model that predicts that the best donor bonds to the best acceptor. Relative hydrogen-bond donating and accepting abilities of the functional groups observed in these compounds are evaluated by a combination of p K a s, energy calculations, resonance arguments, and crystallographic evidence. The primary (O—H … O) hydrogen-bond patterns are described by graph set notation, and brief explanations of the graph set assignments are also included. A total of 17 secondary (C—H … O) hydrogen bonds are also observed in these six structures. Correlations are drawn between the observed C—H … O hydrogen bonds and the molecular packing. The possible role of these secondary hydrogen bonds in influencing molecular packing is discussed.
Electrical Reproduction from Phonograph Records

A new and improved tool generally means new or improved accomplishments. Great improvements in sound recording and reproduction have been made possible by the thermionic amplifier. Electrical reproduction may be considered in three steps, (1) generation of a voltage by the vibrations of the needle, (2) amplification, (3) conversion of electrical power into sound. The first of these steps involves some interesting mechanical and electrical problems, and it is with these that the paper primarily deals, the problems of amplification and loud speaker design having been discussed in earlier publications to which references are given. Several types of phonograph ``pick up'' are possible; electrostatic, piezoelectric, electromagnetic, and variable resistance or microphonic. The electromagnetic principle is used in the device now manufactured. Since the moving armature cannot be actually at the needle tip, the little generator must function by transmitting the vibrations from the needle tip through a more or less flexible structure to the armature. Vibrations are inevitably transmitted, but when the requirements of freedom from appreciable distortion and maximum possible output are added, extreme care in design becomes necessary. An analysis is given of the mechanical behavior of the present model of reproducer.
A novel asymptotic extraction technique for the efficient evaluation of a class of double Sommerfeld integrals

When the Galerkin method of moments (MoM) is used in the numerical analysis of microwave microstrip networks, elements of a network impedance matrix are required. Two dimensional (2D) Sommerfeld (spectral) integrals must be evaluated in such cases. When semi-infinite circuit feed lines are used, certain specific types of Sommerfeld integrals arise whose integrands oscillate rapidly and present serious numerical difficulties for their evaluation. In this paper, a novel, accurate, and much more efficient asymptotic extraction technique (AET) is developed that involves extracting an inner asymptotic angular integral, which is then evaluated analytically before evaluating the outer integral numerically.
Enzyme electrocatalysis at organic salt electrodes

Abstract Electron transfer between electrodes composed of the complex of tetrathiafulvalene and tetracyano-quinodimethane (TTF-TCNQ) and reduced glucose oxidase was studied. Radiolabeling experiments indicated that a layer of irreversibly bound enzyme was formed at the interface, and that this layer was enzymatically inactive. This adsorbed layer appeared to have two functions in the operation of a glucose electrode. First, the adsorbed layer seemed to adsorb active enzyme weakly which could then oxidize glucose to create a potentially useful analytical signal. Second, the inactive layer appeared to facilitate electron transfer from the reduced glucose oxidase to the organic salt electrode. Possible mechanisms for the electron transfer are discussed.
EFFECT OF POSTCUES ON DETECTION OF UNCERTAIN AUDITORY SIGNALS

Summary.-According to signal-detection theory uncertainty about features of a signal causes performance to decline. Traditionally, cues have been used to reduce uncertainty about the signals to be detected. Cues can be introduced either before (precues) or after (postcues) the observation interval. While precues have repeatedly been shown to improve performance, the results when using postcues have been unclear. An experiment was performed in which auditory postcues were introduced into a two-frequency uncertainty detection paradigm. A yes-no psychophysical method was employed. The postcued condition produced significantly better detectability than that of the uncued control condition.
ENERGY: THE CHALLENGES TO AND FROM RELIGION

Exiting the fossil-fuel interlude of human history means a long, hard transition, not only for energy sources, uses, and policies, but for religious values as well. How do religious values account with integrity for the primal elements upon which all life depends and by which all energy is conveyed—earth, air, fire, water, light? What challenges do energy policies pose to religious values so that the latter might be judged to be truly Earth-oriented and Earth-honoring? Reciprocally, how do shared cross-cultural, interfaith religious values challenge present and prospective energy policies? How might value orientations, such as asceticism, sacramentalism, mysticism, prophetic and liberative practices, together with wisdom traditions, influence energy practices and policies? The intention of this essay is to surface these two-way challenges in present debates on energy.
Classification of CT examinations for COPD visual severity analysis

In this study we present a computational method of CT examination classification into visual assessed emphysema severity. The visual severity categories ranged from 0 to 5 and were rated by an experienced radiologist. The six categories were none, trace, mild, moderate, severe and very severe. Lung segmentation was performed for every input image and all image features are extracted from the segmented lung only. We adopted a two-level feature representation method for the classification. Five gray level distribution statistics, six gray level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM), and eleven gray level run-length (GLRL) features were computed for each CT image depicted segment lung. Then we used wavelets decomposition to obtain the low- and high-frequency components of the input image, and again extract from the lung region six GLCM features and eleven GLRL features. Therefore our feature vector length is 56. The CT examinations were classified using the support vector machine (SVM) and k-nearest neighbors (KNN) and the traditional threshold (density mask) approach. The SVM classifier had the highest classification performance of all the methods with an overall sensitivity of 54.4% and a 69.6% sensitivity to discriminate "no" and "trace visually assessed emphysema. We believe this work may lead to an automated, objective method to categorically classify emphysema severity on CT exam.
Thermal initiation of consolidated nanocomposite thermites

Abstract Reactive nanocomposite powder with bulk composition of 8Al·MoO 3 was prepared by arrested reactive milling and cold-pressed into 0.635 cm diameter cylindrical pellets. The material was consolidated to densities up to 99% of theoretical maximum density, or 3.217 g/cm 3 , while maintaining high reactivity. Pellets were ignited by a CO 2 laser beam and the ignition delays increased at lower laser powers and greater pellet densities. A simple numerical model was developed to describe the heating and thermal initiation of the reactive pellets. The model described adequately the observed effects of both laser power and pellet density on the measured ignition delays. The exothermic reaction governing thermal initiation of the prepared consolidated samples is described by the same Arrhenius term as that used to describe ignition of thin layers of respective unconsolidated nanocomposite powders coated on an electrically heated filament. An exothermic reaction with the same activation energy is also detected by earlier thermo-analytical studies with Al–MoO 3 nanocomposite thermites and is suggested to be rate-limited by the reduction of MoO 3 .
Identification and characterization of two closely related β-carbonic anhydrases from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

Aquatic photosynthetic organisms such as the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii respond to low-CO 2 conditions by inducing a CO 2 concentrating mechanism (CCM). Important components of the CCM are the carbonic anhydrases (CAs), zinc metalloenzymes that catalyze the interconversion of CO 2 and HCO - 3 . Six CAs have previously been identified in C. reinhardtii. Here, we identify and characterize two additional (3-type CAs. These two CAs are closely related β-type CAs and have been designated as CAH7 and CAH8.Conceptual translation shows that CAH7 and CAH8 encode proteins of 399 and 333 amino acids, respectively, and they contain targeting sequences. An unusual characteristic of these two CAs is that they have carboxy-terminal extensions containing a hydrophobic sequence. Both these CAs are constitutively expressed at the transcript and protein level. The CAH7 and CAH8 open reading frames were cloned in the overexpression vector pMal-c2x and expressed as recombinant proteins. Activity assays showed that CAH7 and CAH8 are both active CAs. Antibodies were raised against both CAH7 and CAH8, and immunolocalization studies showed that CAH8 was localized in the periplasmic space. A possible role for CAH8 in the inorganic carbon acquisition by C. reinhardtii is discussed.
Alpha-Synuclein Multistate Folding and Misfolding

Alpha-synuclein is an intrinsically disordered neuronal protein whose physiological function involves binding-induced transition from a native disordered state to functional folded states. Misfolding and aggregation of the protein is believed to be central in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD), the second most common neurodegenerative disorder. To understand the molecular basis of how the protein switches from being functional to dysfunctional, we studied the induced folding and aggregation properties of wild-type alpha-synuclein and its PD-linked variants using single-molecule and ensemble biophysical techniques. Our results show that the PD-linked mutations result to altered protein folding landscapes, and conformation-dependent aggregation propensities and pathways. (Support provided by NIGMS [GM066833], National Institutes of Health.)
Transcription of human hepatitis B virus core antigen gene sequences in an in vitro HeLa cellular extract.

Abstract An RNA molecule of 1700 nucleotides was transcribed in vitro in a concentrated Hela cellular extract using recombinant cloned HBV-DNA as template. This RNA contains hepatitis B virus core antigen gene sequences as determined by hybridization to specific restriction fragments of cloned HBV-DNA.
The A302S mutation in Rdl that confers resistance to cyclodienes and limited cross-resistance to fipronil is undetectable in field populations of house flies from the USA

Fipronil is a relatively new insecticide with great potential for insect control, however widespread use of cyclodiene insecticides has selected for an A302S mutation in the Rdl (GABA gated chloride channel) allele. This mutation gives resistance to cyclodienes and limited cross-resistance to fipronil. Given the concern over the possible reduction in efficacy and/or lifetime that fipronil might be used for pest control (given the extensive use of cyclodienes in the past), it is important to know the frequency of the A302S Rdl mutation in field populations. To ascertain the relative frequency of the A302S Rdl mutation in house fly populations we used three experimental approaches. First, we attempted to select for fipronil resistance by initially treating 33,100 field collected flies and selecting 14 additional generations. We were unable to produce a highly resistant strain. Second, we directly sequenced field collected flies. Third, we tested field collected house flies with a diagnostic dose of dieldrin and then genotyped the survivors. Out of the 4750 flies tested, there were no Rdl resistance alleles detected. We conclude that the resistant Rdl allele is rare in house flies in the US due to decades without cyclodiene use and a fitness disadvantage (in the absence of cyclodienes) of the 302S Rdl allele. The limited cross-resistance provided by the cyclodiene resistant Rdl allele, combined with the very low frequency of this allele in field populations, suggests that fipronil could be a promising insecticide for house fly control.
Computing Turaev-Viro invariants for 3-manifolds

We give a simple surface interpretation for each summand in the evaluation of Turaev-Viro invariants, for the case of small (up to eighth) roots of unity. From this interpretation follows an efficient scheme to compute these invariants. Extensive tables relative to a rich variety of 3-manifolds are explicitly presented.
The use of split-thickness hypothenar grafts for coverage of fingertips and other defects of the hand.

Summary Over a four year period, hypothenar split-thickness skin grafts were used to resurface a variety of fingertip and other hand defects in 27 patients. All patients achieved uncomplicated primary wound healing with minimal donor site morbidity. At one year follow-up, there was no evidence of late wound breakdown or fissuring of the wounds treated with hypothenar skin grafts.
Nicotinic acid active transport by in vitro bullfrog small intestine

The fluxes of [7-14C]nicotinic acid across the chamber-mounted, in vitro bullfrog Rana cateshieana small intestine were measured. The flux of tracer in the direction favoring absorption exceeded the opposite flux to a statistically significant degree (P < 0.05) at concentrations of 2.0 · 10−3 M and below. This process saturated at 2.0 · 10−2 M. mannitol 115 mM added to the mucosal salines abolished solvent drag as measured by 10 mM urea fluxes. The transmural potential difference across this preparation is too small (approx. 3 mV) to cause a significant asymmetry in the transfer of any charged solute. At 2.0 · 10−4 M nicotinic acid the flux ratio was 25.7 ± 7.3 (mean ± S.E.). Studies of the chemical nature of the flux of tracer at this concentration disclosed that at least 79% of the label traversing the preparation appeared as nicotinic acid. Since [714C]nicotinic acid absorption is accomplished by a saturable transport system with, at most, minor metabolism of nicotinic acid, we conclude that nicotinic acid itself is actively transported.
A Behavioral and Clinical Evaluation of Two Psychotropic Agents: Doxepin - Hydrochloride & Perphenazine - Amitriptyline Hydrochloride

• Anxiety and depression, appearing separately or in combination, are probably the most frequently observed psychological symptoms in any office practice. In response to the treatment needs of the patient demonstrating mixed symptoms, pharmaceutical chemists have attempted to develop one medication to which both symptoms will respond. Such a "biphasic" drug promises to be among the most effective means of treating patients with mixed anxiety and depression. The inadequacies of treating only one of the symptoms and the dangers of using two different agents, each specific for one of the opposing symptoms, have encouraged the search for truly biphasic action in a single drug. One of the newer pharmacologic agents claiming biphasic activity, doxepin-hydrochloride, has been the subject of a number of investigations. It has been shown to be effective in the treatment of anxiety,I-" depression'--; and mixed anxiety-depression.r,-" In addition, three publications are of particular relevance to this paper because the authors comDared doxepin-hydrochloride with a combination drug, perphenazine-amitriptyline, in the treatment of patients with anxiety and/or depression.