cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Applications of biological pores in nanomedicine, sensing, and nanoelectronics.

Biological protein pores and pore-forming peptides can generate a pathway for the flux of ions and other charged or polar molecules across cellular membranes. In nature, these nanopores have diverse and essential functions that range from maintaining cell homeostasis and participating in cell signaling to activating or killing cells. The combination of the nanoscale dimensions and sophisticated – often regulated – functionality of these biological pores make them particularly attractive for the growing field of nanobiotechnology. Applications range from single-molecule sensing to drug delivery and targeted killing of malignant cells. Potential future applications may include the use of nanopores for single strand DNA sequencing and for generating bio-inspired, and possibly, biocompatible visual detection systems and batteries. This article reviews the current state of applications of pore-forming peptides and proteins in nanomedicine, sensing, and nanoelectronics.
Effect of experimental anaphylaxis on tissue lipids in rabbits.

Abstract The changes in fatty acid composition of brain, spleen, and serum lipids in rabbits during fatal anaphylaxis have been investigated. As was surmised in an earlier report, the serum cholesterol content is found to be increased. However, increase in the phospholipids was unexpected. Overall, tissues seem to have increased amounts of unsaturated fatty acids at the expense of saturated ones.
Comparison of Stopping Rules in Forward “Stepwise” Regression

Abstract This paper uses the unconditional mean square error of prediction as a criterion for comparing stopping rules used with the forward “stepwise” selection procedure in multivariate normal samples, based on simulations of 48 population correlation matrices. The CP statistic, “F to enter” (.15 < α < .25), a rule which minimizes the sample criterion, and one which sequentially tests the equality of the population criterion (.25 < α < .35) are superior. For these rules, the criterion seldom differs by more than three percent, although there are considerable differences between these and some of the other rules.
Role of the putative N-glycosylation and PKC- phosphorylation sites of the human sodium-dependent multivitamin transporter (hSMVT) in function and regulation

Abstract The sodium-dependent multivitamin transporter (SMVT) is a major biotin transporter in a variety of tissues including the small intestine. The human SMVT (hSMVT) polypeptide is predicted to have four N-glycosylation sites and two putative PKC phosphorylation sites but their role in the function and regulation of the protein is not known and was examined in this investigation. Our results showed that the hSMVT protein is glycosylated and that this glycosylation is important for its function. Studies utilizing site-directed mutagenesis revealed that the N-glycosylation sites at positions Asn138 and Asn489 are important for the function of hSMVT and that mutating these sites significantly reduces the Vmax of the biotin uptake process. Mutating the putative PKC phosphorylation site Thr286 of hSMVT led to a significant decrease in the PMA-induced inhibition in biotin uptake. The latter effect was not mediated via changes in the level of expression of the hSMVT protein and mRNA or in its level of expression at the cell membrane. These findings demonstrate that the hSMVT protein is glycosylated, and that glycosylation is important for its function. Furthermore, the study shows a role for the putative PKC-phosphorylation site Thr286 of hSMVT in the PKC-mediated regulation of biotin uptake.
The Persistent Impacts of Norm-Based Messaging and Their Implications for Water Conservation

Although an increasing number of studies have demonstrated the short-term impacts of behavioral nudges to achieve public policy objectives, less is known about their longer-term impacts. In a randomized experimental design with over 100,000 households, we study the longer-term impacts of a one-time behavioral nudge that aimed to induce voluntary reductions in water use during a drought. Combining technical information, moral suasion, and social comparisons, the nudge has a surprisingly persistent effect. Although its effect size declines by almost 50% after 1 year, it remains detectable and policy-relevant six years later. In fact, the total reduction in water use achieved after the 4-month period targeted by the intervention is larger than the total reduction achieved during the target period. Further analysis suggests that the intervention works through both short-lived behavioral adjustments and longer-lived adjustments to habits or physical capital. Treatment effects are not detectable in homes from which the treated consumers have moved, which provides suggestive evidence that these longer-lived adjustments are mobile rather than incorporated into the housing stock. The persistence of the effect makes the intervention more cost-effective than previously assumed (cost drops by almost 60%). Nevertheless, water utilities may find this persistence undesirable if the nudges are intended to have only a short-run effect on demand during environmental emergencies.
Clinical and angiographic outcomes after coronary artery stenting for acute or threatened closure after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. Initial results with a balloon-expandable, stainless steel design.

BACKGROUNDAcute occlusion after balloon coronary angioplasty is associated with an increased risk of angina, emergency coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), myocardial infarction (MI), and death. Stents offer a way of restoring patency and avoiding these complications.METHODS AND RESULTSOne hundred sixteen patients underwent attempted stent placement for imminent or total acute closure after PTCA. In 103 patients (110 stents, 105 procedures) the stent was successfully deployed (89%). Angiographic success (final diameter stenosis of < 50%) was achieved in 94 placements (85%). Seventy-one phase 2 procedures (CABG optional, n = 96; phase 1, CABG required, n = 9) were angiographically successful without complications of death, Q-wave myocardial infarction, or CABG (clinical success 74%). Stent placement was associated with resolution of ST-segment deviation and angina in 84% of patients. Five deaths and 5 Q-wave MIs occurred during hospitalization. Two deaths were related to pulmonary insufficiency from chr...
Experimental and modelling tests of a spherically convergent ion focus

Summary form only given. Convergent ion focus devices have been considered as sources of fusion reactivity since early studies in the late 1960's. In general, these devices rely on the confinement and acceleration of plasma ions in a spherically or cylindrically symmetric electrostatic potential well. Ions at the edge fall into the well and converge to the central core region. This leads to a strongly increasing central density and central ion energies comparable to the depth of the potential well, resulting in considerable fusion reactivity with modest device parameters. Several schemes have been proposed for creating the potential well, with simple transparent spherical grids being the usual experimental realization. Potential applications of these fusion devices range from small low-intensity fusion-product particle sources for nuclear assaying to more intense sources for isotope generation and waste processing. Even more optimistic projections have led to discussions of fusion power generation through electrostatic confinement. Recent experiments and modelling efforts are developing a deeper understanding of the operation of these devices. Near-term future experiments are concentrating on development of nonperturbing diagnostics of the energetic ion core, achieving high core density operation, and testing predictions of flow instabilities.
Benefits of Being Attractive: Differential Payoffs for Men and Women

This study used attractiveness ratings of about 601 males and 745 females based on high school annual pictures to predict marital and socio-economic status 15 yr. later. Attractiveness gets females...
An Evaluation of the Semiadjustable Suture Strabismus Surgical Procedure

Background: Muscle slippage is an adverse outcome of strabismus surgery. Its incidence is increased if adjustable sutures are used or if surgery is performed on the inferior or medial rectus muscles. Although there are no firm numbers for this complication, studies have suggested incidence rates between 7% and 41% when adjustable suture surgery is performed on the inferior rectus muscle. In theory, the semiadjustable suture procedure should decrease this adverse outcome. This procedure involves suturing the corners of the muscle firmly to the sclera and placing the center of the muscle on an adjustable suture. This study evaluates semiadjustable suture surgery with respect to muscle slippage. Methods: The primary treatment group consisted of 57 patients who underwent semiadjustable suture surgery on a total of 61 muscles that either had never previously undergone surgery or had undergone surgery and had not previously slipped postoperatively. Fifty-five were inferior rectus muscles and 6 were medial rectus muscles. An additional 7 patients had semiadjustable suture surgery on muscles that had slipped after prior surgery and were analyzed separately. The outcome evaluation was at least 6 months after surgery. Results: None of the 57 patients in the primary treatment group demonstrated muscle slippage after semiadjustable suture surgery. One of the 7 patients who had history of prior muscle slippage also had slippage after semiadjustable suture surgery. Conclusion: The semiadjustable suture procedure appears to decrease the incidence of muscle slippage.
On the Quantization of Einstein's Gravitational Field Equations

Weiss' method of quantization of field theories characterized by first-order Lagrangians can be carried out in a non-metrical "amorphous" space, as was first stated by Bergmann and Brunings. The gravitational equations can be regarded as differential equations for the field variables ${g}_{\ensuremath{\mu}\ensuremath{\nu}}$ in an amorphous space and the quantization procedure can be applied to them. The gravitational field equations are written in canonical form, the Hamiltonian being a function of generalized coordinates, momenta, and velocities. This Hamiltonian is obtained using a method developed by Dirac for Lorentz invariant theories.
CO-DUPLICATION OF A VARIANT SURFACE GLYCOPROTEIN GENE AND ITS PROMOTER TO AN EXPRESSION SITE IN AFRICAN TRYPANOSOMES

Activation of the metacyclic variant antigen type 7 (MVAT7) variant surface glycoprotein (VSG) gene in bloodstream Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense involves a duplicative transposition of the gene. The DNA transposition unit extends from a site approximately 3.0 kilobases upstream of the VSG gene through the coding region and includes a 73-base pair sequence that possesses promoter activity in transient transfections. This MVAT7 promoter has 80% identity to a previously characterized promoter for the MVAT4 VSG gene. Nuclear run-on assays demonstrate that the MVAT7 promoter is active in MVAT7 bloodstream organisms and that its transcript is synthesized by an RNA polymerase resistant to alpha-amanitin, consistent with previously published reports regarding VSG gene transcription. The transcription start site was identified by primer extension studies and a modified rapid amplification of cDNA ends protocol. Selective mutational analysis of the MVAT7 promoter showed that two conserved trinucleotide regions are important for full promoter function. This study demonstrates that the MVAT7 VSG gene is co-duplicated with its promoter and transcribed into a monocistronic precursor RNA.
Inositol and Free Sugars in Chicken Muscle Post-Mortem

SUMMARY Chicken muscle was analyzed for free sugars using separations by paper chromatography. Inositol, glucose, sedoheptulose, mannose, fructose, rihose, and rihulose were identified. Two other unknown compounds appeared to he arabinose and xylose. Five minor components detected were not identified. The principal free sugars present in chicken muscle immediately postmortem were glucose and fructose. Ribose occurred only in trace amounts. During a 6-day storage period at ice temperature, glucose levels increased in white muscle from 13-week-old pullets and also in both red and white muscle from old hens, but decreased in red muscle from pullets. Red muscle contained more than twice as much free iuositol as white muscle. Inositol, fructose, and ribose increased during storage in the two kinds of muscle in both older and younger birds.
Role of noradrenergic and dopaminergic processes in amphetamine self-administration.

Abstract Dogs were trained to intravenously self-administer d-amphetamine (0.05 mg/kg/infusion) until a stable intake per 4 hr daily session was achieved. When the dogs were given noncontingent infusions of d-amphetamine in varying amounts (0% to 100% of the baseline intake) immediately prior to the session, they decreased their self-administration response rate appropriately so that total drug intake remained constant. However, there were no changes in subsequent responding for d-amphetamine following pretreatment with either the noradrenergic agonist methoxamine (0.5–2.0 mg/kg) or the noradrenergic antagonist phenoxybenzamine (1–8 mg/kg). Additionally, responding was not maintained when methoxamine (0.05 mg/kg/infusion) was substituted for d-amphetamine. In contrast, pretreatment with either the dopaminergic antagonist pimozide (5–40 μg/kg) or chlorpromazine (0.25–2.0 mg/kg) produced dose-dependent increases in the number of self-administered d-amphetamine infustions. These data suggest that noradrenergic neurotransmission is not responsible for d-amphetamine self-administration, but an intact dopaminergic system does appear to be important.
The Political Economy of Elections in Latin America, 1980–1991

The process of political democratization in Latin America during the 1980s created a rare opportunity to explore the political economy of elections outside of the North Atlantic basin. Using interrupted time-series analysis, I explore the impact of elections on macroeconomic performance in eight Latin American nations. The findings indicate that macroeconomic performance has fluctuated with the electoral calendar but that contrary to the traditional business cycle literature, as well as the conventional wisdom about Latin America, competitive elections have enhanced, rather than undermined, the capacity of political leaders to address outstanding problems of macroeconomic management. The analysis suggests that the relationship between democracy and economics is captured more adequately by a “political capital” model than by its traditional theoretical alternative.
Different Spectral Signatures of Octapeptide 310- and α-Helices Revealed by Two-Dimensional Infrared Spectroscopy

Femtosecond two-dimensional infrared (2D IR) spectroscopy is applied to the amide I modes of the terminally protected homo-octapeptide Z-[l-(αMe)Val]8-OtBu in CDCl3, 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol (TFE), and 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-propanol (HFIP) solutions to acquire 2D spectral signatures that distinguish between 310- and α-helix structures. Suppression of diagonal peaks by controlling polarizations of IR pulses clearly reveals cross-peak patterns that are crucial for structural determination. A doublet feature is observed when the peptide ester forms a 310-helix in CDCl3 and TFE and when it is at the initial stage of 310- to α-helix transition in HFIP. In contrast, the 2D IR spectrum shows a multiple peak pattern after the peptide ester has acidolyzed and become an α-helix in HFIP. Electronic circular dichroism spectra accompanying the acidolysis-driven conformational change are also reported. This is the first report on the experimental 2D IR signature of a 310-helical peptide. These results, using a model o...
Direct measurement of field effects on surface diffusion

We present here a method for quantitatively determining tip effects on surface diffusion during a scanning tunneling microscopy experiment. Using the technique of atom tracking, we measure the bias voltage and tunnel current dependencies of adsorbed Si dimer dynamics on Si(001). Throughout the range of typical tunneling conditions, the activation barrier for diffusion varies by less than 3{percent}. We also find a striking difference between the electric-field effects on dimer diffusion and rotation, indicating the importance of transition states for this system. {copyright} {ital 1998} {ital The American Physical Society}
Prospects in a wireless random access game

Game theoretic models have found widespread use in the analysis and design of radio resource management algorithms for a wide variety of systems such as cellular, ad hoc and sensor networks. The fundamental principle behind such models and much of game theory has been the reliance on expected utility theory (EUT). In this paper, we consider a simple wireless random access game where instead of following the precepts of EUT, the players follow the precepts of Prospect Theory (PT), a theory developed by Kahneman and Tversky to explain real-life decision making that often deviates from the behavior expected under EUT. Specifically, we consider a game where selfish players adjust their transmission probabilities over a collision channel according to rewards received for successful transmission while incurring energy and delay costs. We compare and contrast the Nash equilibria achieved under both EUT and PT and highlight the differences in them.
An optimization model for regional renewable energy development

This research effort details the modeling component of a comprehensive decision support system for energy planning that allows for combining existing electricity generating capabilities with increased use of renewable energy sources. It focuses on energy planning at the regional level, and it is illustrated by applying it to the greater southern Appalachian mountains of the eastern United States: a region that was chosen for analysis not only due to its heavy dependence on coal for electricity, but also because of its potential for increased use of wind and solar power. The paper specifically discusses the development of a multi-objective linear programming (MOLP) model that can be used to determine the optimal mix of renewable energy sources and existing fossil fuel facilities on a regional basis. This model allows a decision maker to balance annual generation costs against the corresponding greenhouse gas emissions, and it provides significant support for implementing a variety of different policy analyses.
Multiple-pattern matching in LZW compressed files using Aho-Corasick algorithm

Summary form only given. A novel multiple-pattern matching algorithm for LZW compressed files using the Aho-Corasick algorithm (Aho, A.N. and Corasick, M.J., 1975) is reported. Since the LZW trie can be reconstructed without explicit decompression (Amir, A. et al., J. System Sciences, vol.52, p.299-307, 1996), a state transition table is then built from the LZW trie and the AC automaton and is used in our algorithm for fast multiple-pattern searching. The algorithm takes O(mt+n+r) time with O(mt) extra space, where n is the size of the compressed file, m is the total size of all patterns, t is the size of the LZW trie and r is the number of occurrences of the patterns. Extensive experiments have been conducted to test the performance of the algorithm and to compare it with other well-known compressed pattern matching algorithms, particularly the similar algorithm developed by M. Kida et al. (see J. Discrete Algorithm, vol.1, no.1, 2000). The results show that the proposed algorithm is practically the fastest among all approaches when the number of patterns is not very large. Therefore, our algorithm is preferable for general string matching applications. The proposed algorithm is efficient for large files and it is particularly efficient when being applied in an archival search, if the archives are compressed with a common LZW trie.
The enzymes of biotin dependent CO2 metabolism: What structures reveal about their reaction mechanisms

Biotin is the major cofactor involved in carbon dioxide metabolism. Indeed, biotin-dependent enzymes are ubiquitous in nature and are involved in a myriad of metabolic processes including fatty acid synthesis and gluconeogenesis. The cofactor, itself, is composed of a ureido ring, a tetrahydrothiophene ring, and a valeric acid side chain. It is the ureido ring that functions as the CO2 carrier. A complete understanding of biotin-dependent enzymes is critically important for translational research in light of the fact that some of these enzymes serve as targets for anti-obesity agents, antibiotics, and herbicides. Prior to 1990, however, there was a dearth of information regarding the molecular architectures of biotin-dependent enzymes. In recent years there has been an explosion in the number of three-dimensional structures reported for these proteins. Here we review our current understanding of the structures and functions of biotin-dependent enzymes. In addition, we provide a critical analysis of what these structures have and have not revealed about biotin-dependent catalysis.
Numerical design and scattering losses of a one-dimensional metallo–dielectric multilayer with broadband coupling of propagating waves to plasmon modes in the visible range

We report on the design, fabrication, and optical characterization of a one-dimensional (1D) metallo–dielectric metamaterial tuned to enhance evanescent wave transmission with kx≤4k0. Taking reflection and transmission measurements from a 1D subwavelength diffraction grating placed on the metamaterial, we show broadband-propagating wave to surface plasmon coupling in the visible. However, the fabricated device falls short of the design expectations based on coupled-wave numerical simulations. The dips in the reflection spectrum associated with surface plasmon coupling are 40% smaller than predicted, and the transmission exhibits strong depolarization. Overall, the numerical results support that intrinsic metallic losses do not preclude the development of these devices in the visible, but there are considerable plasmon scattering losses from the metamaterial’s imperfections. This extrinsic limiting factor needs to be overcome to develop metallo–dielectric metamaterials for practical components for use in superlenses.
A pilot study on the impact of a low fructose diet and allopurinol on clinic blood pressure among overweight and prehypertensive subjects: a randomized placebo controlled trial

Fructose and sodium intake have been associated with hypertension and metabolic syndrome. Although various mechanisms are involved, fructose causes hypertension partly through rising intracellular and serum uric acid. To date, there are no studies in adults that have evaluated the impact of low fructose diets and allopurinol on prehypertensive and overweight subjects. The objective of this study was to compare the effect of low fructose diet and allopurinol or placebo on blood pressure (BP) and metabolic syndrome components The study was a controlled clinical trial and consisted of two phases; in the first phase of intervention (4 weeks), patients were randomized to either low fructose diet (34 patients) or control diet (38 patients). In the second phase of intervention (weeks 4-8), the same groups continued with the same diet prescriptions but were further randomized to receive placebo or allopurinol (300 mg/d). Clinic and 24-hour ambulatory BP, anthropometric measures, and laboratory data were determined at baseline, weeks 4 and 8. Seventy-two patients were included in the trial. At the end of the dietary phase, both diet groups significantly reduced their BP, but there were no between-group differences. Compared to placebo, at the end of follow-up, subjects in the allopurinol group had a lower clinic systolic blood pressure and this was significant within- and between-group comparisons. The percentage of dippers was higher in the allopurinol group, and weight was reduced significantly despite the absence of caloric restriction Allopurinol was associated with a significant reduction in clinic BP, an increase in the percentage of dippers, and significant weight loss. Larger studies with longer follow-up are needed to confirm our findings.
On particle-grid interpolation and calculating chemistry in particle-in-cell methods

Abstract A generalized Fisher's equation, which models chemically reacting fluid flow and for which there is an analytic solution for a one-dimensional premixed flame, is solved numerically using three particle-in-cell (PIC) methods and a finite-difference method that is second-order accurate in space. Two of the PIC methods introduce new particle-grid interpolation schemes that use mass matrix formulations. Through comparisons with the analytic solution and through truncation error analyses, it is shown that the two new interpolation schemes are superior to the standard PIC method and are as accurate as the finite-difference method when the fluid velocity is comparable to the flame velocity. All three PIC methods give superior results when the fluid velocity is greater than the flame velocity. Solving chemical rate equations on the grid instead of on each particle yields significant increases in computational efficiency with no significant increases in numerical error.
Fixation of proximal humeral prostheses and rotational micromotion

Twenty pairs of cadaveric humeri were used to compare the rotational stability of proximal humeral prostheses fixed by proximal cementation with the stability offered by press fit or full cementation. For each proximally cemented specimen, only the upper portion of the prosthesis was coated with cement. For the fully cemented specimens, a cement restrictor was used just distal to the prosthesis, and a finger-packing technique was used to fill the proximal humeral medullary canal. Torque was applied to the Morse taper of the prostheses, and rotational micromotion was measured at the level of the osteotomy. In each of 11 pairs of cadaveric humeri, one side was press fit and the contralateral side was proximally cemented; in each of 9 pairs, proximal cementation was compared with full cementation. Proximally cemented prostheses' micromotion was significantly less than that of press-fit prostheses (P = .0016). There was no difference in micromotion between proximal cementation and full cementation (P = .82). Proximal cementation increased initial fixation over press fit. Full cementation did not increase rotational stability.
Suppression of Conformation-Compromised Mutants of Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium MelB

The crystal structure of the Na(+)-coupled melibiose permease of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (MelBSt) demonstrates that MelB is a member of the major facilitator superfamily of transporters. Arg residues at positions 295, 141, and 363 are involved in interdomain interactions at the cytoplasmic side by governing three clusters of electrostatic/polar interactions. Insertion of (one at a time) Glu, Leu, Gln, or Cys at positions R295, R141, and R363, or Lys at position R295, inhibits active transport of melibiose to a level of 2 to 20% of the value for wild-type (WT) MelBSt, with little effect on binding affinities for both sugar and Na(+). Interestingly, a spontaneous suppressor, D35E (periplasmic end of helix I), was isolated from the R363Q MelBSt mutant. Introduction of the D35E mutation in each of the mutants at R295, R141 (except R141E), or R363 rescues melibiose transport to up to 91% of the WT value. Single-site mutations for the pair of D35 and R175 (periplasmic end of helix VI) were constructed by replacing Asp with Glu, Gln, or Cys and R175 with Gln, Asn, or Cys. All mutants with mutations at R175 are active, indicating that a positive charge at R175 is not necessary. Mutant D35E shows reduced transport; D35Q and D35C are nearly inactivated. Surprisingly, the D35Q mutation partially rescues both R141C and R295Q mutations. The data support the idea that Arg at position 295 and a positive charge at positions 141 and 363 are required for melibiose transport catalyzed by MelBSt, and their mutation inhibits conformational cycling, which is suppressed by a minor modification at the opposite side of the membrane.
Nonlinear optical imaging with Sub-12fs pulses

Transform limited ultrashort pulses are used in a laser-scanning two-photon microscope for imaging of various biological specimens, demonstrating the importance of dispersion-free imaging system. Pulse characterization, qualitative and quantitative data are presented.
Azole heteroresistance in Cryptococcus neoformans: emergence of resistant clones with chromosomal disomy in the mouse brain during fluconazole treatment.

ABSTRACT We have previously reported that Cryptococcus neoformans strains are innately heteroresistant to fluconazole in vitro , producing minor, highly resistant subpopulations due to adaptive formation of disomic chromosomes. Using a mouse model, we assessed the emergence of heteroresistant clones in the brain during fluconazole treatment and found that the occurrence of heteroresistant clones in vivo with chromosomal disomy is strain dependent. Interestingly, emergence of heteroresistant clones in vivo was unrelated to the strain9s MIC to fluconazole.
A data compression technique for sensor networks with dynamic bandwidth allocation

In this paper, we have presented a new data compression technique, designed for historical information compression in sensor networks. Our method employs the LVQ learning process to construct the codebook and the codebook's updates are compressed to save bandwidth for sensor data transmission. In addition, we have addressed the dynamic bandwidth allocation problem in sensor networks. Our DBA algorithm can dynamically adjust the communication bandwidth of different sensors in order to balance data compression qualities at different sensors.
Systematic Analyses of rpm-1 Suppressors Reveal Roles for ESS-2 in mRNA Splicing in Caenorhabditis elegans

The PHR (Pam/Highwire/RPM-1) family of ubiquitin E3 ligases plays conserved roles in axon patterning and synaptic development. Genetic modifier analysis has greatly aided the discovery of the signal transduction cascades regulated by these proteins. In Caenorhabditis elegans, loss of function in rpm-1 causes axon overgrowth and aberrant presynaptic morphology, yet the mutant animals exhibit little behavioral deficits. Strikingly, rpm-1 mutations strongly synergize with loss of function in the presynaptic active zone assembly factors, syd-1 and syd-2, resulting in severe locomotor deficits. Here, we provide ultrastructural evidence that double mutants, between rpm-1 and syd-1 or syd-2, dramatically impair synapse formation. Taking advantage of the synthetic locomotor defects to select for genetic suppressors, previous studies have identified the DLK-1 MAP kinase cascade negatively regulated by RPM-1. We now report a comprehensive analysis of a large number of suppressor mutations of this screen. Our results highlight the functional specificity of the DLK-1 cascade in synaptogenesis. We also identified two previously uncharacterized genes. One encodes a novel protein, SUPR-1, that acts cell autonomously to antagonize RPM-1. The other affects a conserved protein ESS-2, the homolog of human ES2 or DGCR14. Loss of function in ess-2 suppresses rpm-1 only in the presence of a dlk-1 splice acceptor mutation. We show that ESS-2 acts to promote accurate mRNA splicing when the splice site is compromised. The human DGCR14/ES2 resides in a deleted chromosomal region implicated in DiGeorge syndrome, and its mutation has shown high probability as a risk factor for schizophrenia. Our findings provide the first functional evidence that this family of proteins regulate mRNA splicing in a context-specific manner.
A modular on‐line three‐dimensional liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry approach to characterization of organelle proteomes

In this work we describe the use of a modular multidimensional chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry approach for rapid identification of proteins. In particular we highlight the use of a strong cation exchange cartridge in conjunction with a membrane postconcentration cartridge and nano-HPLC on-line with tandem mass spectrometry to characterize the eosinophil granule organelle proteome. Details are provided of the analytical approach we have developed and we discuss some of the advantages compared with previously reported analyses, as well as providing some specific examples of novel proteins identified.
A sensing chair using pressure distribution sensors

The sensing chair project enables an ordinary office chair to become aware of its occupant's actions and needs. Surface-mounted pressure distribution sensors are placed over the seatpan and backrest of the chair for real time capturing of contact information between the chair and its occupant. Given the similarity between a pressure distribution map and a gray-scale image, pattern recognition techniques commonly used in computer and robot vision, such as principal components analysis, were successfully applied to solving the problem of sitting posture classification. The current static posture classification system operates in real time with an overall classification accuracy of 96% and 79% for familiar and unfamiliar users, respectively. The results obtained form important stepping stones toward an intelligent chair that can find applications in many areas including multimodal interfaces, intelligent environment, and safety of automobile operations.
Quantitative morphology of rabbit retinal ganglion cells

Intraretinal (extracellular) injections of horseradish peroxidase were used to stain rabbit retinal ganglion cells. Five basic morphological ganglion cell classes were identified by quantitative analysis of dendritic branching patterns and computer reconstruction of dendritic ramification levels. Type 1 cells are characterized by a unistratified, radial dendritic morphology. The dendritic fields are of medium to large size. Subgroups ramify in either the outer or the inner part of the inner plexiform layer (i.p.l.). Type 2 cells have complex intricately branched dendritic morphologies with wide branch angles. They are comparable with type 1 cells in dendritic field size. Subgroups of this class include unistratified cells ramifying in the outer or inner part of the i.p.l. as well as cells with more complicated i.p.l. ramification schemes. Type 3 cells are somewhat similar to type 1 cells. A particular distinction is that they are much larger than type 1 cells at the same retinal eccentricity. Type 4 cells have a thin elliptical soma and a lobulate dendritic tree structure. Type 5 cells are a somewhat heterogeneous group with very small intricately branched dendritic fields. Since the number of anatomical groups is comparable with the number of physiological classes, it is tenable that the major physiological cell classes are associated with distinct dendritic morphologies.
The Anthropology of Development and Globalization: From Classical Political Economy to Contemporary Neoliberalism

The Anthropology of Development and Globalization: From Classical Political Economy to Contemporary Neoliberalism. Marc Edelman and Angelique Haugerud, eds. Oxford: Blackwell Publishers, 2005. 406 pp.
Improved SHSAW transduction efficiency using grating and uniform electrode guiding

Pure shear-horizontal surface acoustic wave (SHSAW) devices have been increasingly considered for liquid phase and biosensing applications because of their ability to operate under liquid-loaded conditions and intrinsic sensitivity to mass, stiffness, viscosity, and electrical perturbations occurring at the device/fluid interface. Typically, the SHSAW is weakly guided by a free surface boundary condition (BC) or may not even exist for some materials and orientations, such as the quartz ST-90° orientation considered in this work. For a surrounding free surface BC, the interdigital transducer (IDT) typically generates strong shear-horizontal bulk acoustic waves (SHBAWs) relative to SHSAW. For that reason, guiding structures, e.g., dense and/or thick electrodes in periodic or uniform configurations, are incorporated into the design and placed between IDTs in delay-line devices to increase the ratio of transduced SHSAW power to IDT input power, ηSHSAW. The degree of ηSHSAW improvement depends on the thickness, composition, and geometry of the guiding structure. In previous work, the authors evaluated ηSHSAW using hybrid finite and boundary element method (FEM/BEM) models, but were limited to cases of stress-free or finite-thickness-grating surrounding surfaces. This work extends the analysis to the important boundary condition case of uniform finite-thickness electrode guiding, which is typically employed in liquid-phase and biosensor applications. To integrate the uniform electrode guiding structure with the SHSAW device analysis, a combined finitelength uniform electrode structure followed by an additional quarter-wavelength electrode was considered. In this work, it is shown that adjusting the quarter-wavelength electrode's film thickness and length allows cancellation of the SHSAW reflection from the edge discontinuity. As a result, the finite-length uniform guiding electrode can be treated as if it extends to infinity, and ηSHSAW can be easily obtained. In addition, the finite thickness of all electrodes is considered in the calculations. To verify the model, an IDT with uniform guiding electrodes was simulated and compared with the experimental results of a fabricated and tested device. The simulations predict SHSAW excitation directivity of 9 dB by the IDT, which is experimentally confirmed to within 0.8 dB.
Laulimalide and Paclitaxel: A Comparison of Their Effects on Tubulin Assembly and Their Synergistic Action When Present Simultaneously

Previous work has shown that laulimalide, a sponge-derived natural product, resembles paclitaxel in enhancing tubulin assembly and in its effects on cellular microtubules. The two compounds, however, seem to have distinct binding sites on tubulin polymer. Nearly equimolar amounts of tubulin, laulimalide, and paclitaxel are recovered from microtubules formed with both drugs. In the present study, we searched for differences between laulimalide and paclitaxel in their interactions with tubulin polymer. Laulimalide was compared with paclitaxel and epothilone A, a natural product that competes with paclitaxel in binding to microtubules, for assembly properties at different temperatures and for effects of GTP and microtubule-associated proteins on assembly. Although minor differences were observed among the three drugs, their overall effects were highly similar, except that aberrant assembly products were observed more frequently with paclitaxel and that the polymers formed with laulimalide and epothilone A were more stable at 0 degrees C. The most dramatic difference observed between laulimalide and epothilone A was that only laulimalide was able to enhance assembly synergistically with paclitaxel, as would be predicted if the two drugs bound at different sites in polymer. Because stoichiometric amounts of laulimalide and paclitaxel can cause extensive tubulin assembly, maximum synergy was observed at lower temperatures under reaction conditions in which each drug alone is relatively inactive. Laulimalide-induced assembly, like paclitaxel-induced assembly, was inhibited by drugs that inhibit tubulin assembly by binding at either the colchicine- or vinblastine-binding site. When radiolabeled GTP is present in a reaction mixture with either laulimalide or paclitaxel, nucleotide hydrolysis occurs with incorporation of radiolabeled GDP into polymer.
Communautés, gouvernement intime et sujets de l’environnement au Kumaon, Inde

Le present article examine la formation des subjectivites environnementales au Kumaon, dans l’Etat d’Uttar Pradesh, en Inde. Il s’attarde sur l’exemple d’une gestion communautaire de la foret qui a debute il y a 70 ans et montre comment des strategies de reglementation associees a une prise de decisions collective transforment egalement les convictions et les positions des sujets qui prennent part a ces activites de regulation. L’experience de la rarete, les responsabilites associees au gouvernement des forets et la participation a l’elaboration de regles ont une influence determinante sur les personnes qui en viennent, a la longue, a se considerer comme des sujets de l’environnement. L’etude se fonde sur des donnees d’archives et sur les resultats d’une recherche ethnographique effectuee a deux periodes distinctes.
An International Investigation of the Influence of Dividend Taxation on Research and Development Tax Credits

This paper examines the ability of the research and development (R&D) tax credit to stimulate corporate R&D investment by considering it in the context of different forms of taxation for dividends. Many countries use an imputation system to eliminate the double tax on dividends found in a classical system. Using an international sample, we compare firms from different tax regimes that invest in R&D. The tax regime of interest offers both an R&D tax credit and an imputation credit for dividends. We develop a system of equations to estimate the companies' R&D expense and dividend payout. The primary result from the estimation is that firms operating in a tax regime that encourages both R&D and increased dividend payments spend less on R&D as they pay more in dividends. This inverse relation is greater than the inverse relation found between dividends and R&D in the full sample. We conclude that the effect of an R&D tax credit on private R&D spending depends on both the firms' commitment to dividend payments...
Arctic Tundra Biodiversity: A Temporal Perspective from Late Quaternary Pollen Records

During the Quaternary (the last ca. 2 milhon years), the earth’s climate has oscillated between numerous predominantly warm or cold periods, causing dramatic changes in the distribution and composition of plant communities worldwide (Bradley 1885; Bartlein 1988; Bartlein and Prentice 1989). Arctic tundra has been particularly affected because large temperature fluctuations and the growth of continental ice sheets have extensively altered vegetation at high latitudes (Climap 1981; Bradley 1985). Since future warming is predicted to be greatest at high latitudes (e.g. Schlesinger and Mitchell 1987; Hansen et al. 1988), tundra will most likely continue to undergo significant change. Understanding the effects of potential chmatic change on tundra biodiversity requires a variety of research approaches. In this effort, information on long-term responses of tundra to past climatic variations can complement results of shorter-term observations and experiments on contemporary landscapes.
Economics of Historic Preservation: Dollars and Sense

The built environment expresses diversity, identity, individuality, and differentiation. In economics, it is the differentiated product that commands a monetary premium. Historic preservation protects our diverse building stock while creating more construction jobs, returning under-utilized buildings to the tax rolls, attracting heritage tourists, and maximizing the use of existing infrastructure. It has been said that the greenest building is the one that is already built. Four out of five existing buildings will be renovated over the next generation while two new buildings are added. With an overwhelming vastness of existing building stock, this becomes the elephant in the room. We cannot build our way to sustainability but must conserve our way to it. Economically, this makes good sense. Historic preservation, sustainability and conservation go hand in hand to protect our built environment while providing healthy, aesthetically pleasing buildings in which to live, work, and play, thus growing the local economy.
Electrical Accidents

Six factors influence the result of an electric shock: type of circuit, voltage, resistance, current, current pathway, and duration of contact. Preventive measures will reduce the hazard, and resuscitation will save many victims, according to information summarized in this article, which is based on reports previously published.
ANALGESIC AND PSYCHOTOMIMETIC PROPERTIES OF DEXOXADROL.

SummaryDexoxadrol, a compound which in animals appears to increase sensitivity to noxious stimuli, and to antagonize certain effects of narcotic analgesics, has been shown capable of relieving clinical pain. Unfortunately, at the doses employed in this study, the analgesic properties are associated with a high incidence of side effects, including psychotomimetic states. The coexistence of analgesic and psychotomimetic properties in dexoxadrol adds this drug to a list of other agents sharing these properties.
Longitudinal Study of a Distributed System

A possible solution for decreasing the load on a centralized computer system is to distribute the load by incorporating personal computers into the system. The personal computers can either be used as smart terminals or as stand alone systems. This study investigates the human factors problems which could occur for such a distributed system. In the study, both faculty and clerical staff were provided with personal computers (the Apple Lisa, the Apple Macintosh, and the IBM PC/XT) which could be networied to a larger, centralized computer system. The errors, needs, and attitudes of the users were evaluated. Significant differences occurred between the two classes of users and between the three computer systems. Suggestions for implementing a distributed system, based upon the results of this study, are provided.
Evaluation and analysis of surveillance data of fever and respiratory syndrome for early warning in Wuxi City from 2005-2010

[Objective]To surveillance and analyze the epidemiological and etiological characteristics of SARS warning data and influenza-like illness(ILI) monitoring data,to set the warning limits of fever respiratory surveillance in Wuxi City,and evaluate the early warning effect of surveillance system in influenza outbreak.[Methods]The data of SARS warning and ILI monitoring in Wuxi City from 2005-2010 were analyzed.EWMA method was used to set the upper limit which was evaluated for its value on influenza outbreak early warning.[Results] The surveillance data of ILI and SARS(acute respiratory illness,ARI) showed there were 3 obvious peaks in 11-14 week in 2006,33-36 week and 46-48 week in 2009,and the 2 moving average lines were basically the same.Pathogen monitoring indicated the peak of influenza virus isolation positive rate coincided with ILI and ARI peaks,and the epidemic status in 2006 was type B dominant in outbreak with type A(H1N1) of sporadic cases.The phenomenon of 4 kinds of strains simultaneously detected in August and September 2009 had been gradually replaced by the new emerging of H1N1.EWMA warning results showed ILI and ARI both alerted at week 47 in 2005,at week 11-13 in 2006,at week 11,33-34,at week 36 and 46 in 2009.The warning signals were basically consistent with the actual influenza outbreaks in Wuxi City in 2006 and 2009.[Conclusion]The 2 kinds early warning signal are approximately consistent with the actual influence outbreaks.Early warning analysis on multiple kinds of monitoring data via EWMA method is more scientific and reliable than warning analysis on single one kind of data,with more accuracy on time.