cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Applications of artificial neural networks to proton-impact ionization double differential cross sections

We use artificial neural networks (ANNs) to study proton impact single ionization double differential cross sections of atoms and molecules. While widely used in other fields, to our knowledge, this is the first time that an ANN has been used to study differential cross sections for atomic collisions. ANNs are trained to learn patterns in data and make predictions for cases where no data exists. We test the validity of the ANN’s predictions by comparing them to known measurements and find that the ANN does an excellent job of predicting the known data. We then use the ANN to make predictions of cross sections where no data currently exists.
Kinetic investigation of microbial souring in porous media using microbial consortia from oil reservoirs.

Microbial souring (H[sub 2]S production) in porous media was investigated in an anaerobic upflow porous media reactor at 60 C using microbial consortia obtained from oil reservoirs. Multiple carbon sources (formate, acetate, propionate, iso and n-butyrates) found in reservoir waters as well as sulfate as the electron acceptor were used. Kinetics and rates of souring in the reactor system were analyzed. Higher volumetric substrate consumption rates (organic acids and sulfate) and a higher volumetric H[sub 2]S production rate were found at the front part of the reactor column after H[sub 2]S production had stabilized. Concentration gradients for the substrates (organic acids and sulfate) and H[sub 2]S were generated along the column. Biomass accumulation throughout the entire column was observed. The average specific sulfate reduction rate (H[sub 2]S production rate) in the present reactor after H[sub 2]S production had stabilized was calculated to be 11.62 [+-] 2.22 mg sulfate-S/day g biomass.
On minimizing materializations of array-valued temporaries

We consider the analysis and optimization of code utilizing operations and functions operating on entire arrays. Models are developed for studying the minimization of the number of materializations of array-valued temporaries in basic blocks, each consisting of a sequence of assignment statements involving array-valued variables. We derive lower bounds on the number of materializations required, and develop several algorithms minimizing the number of materializations, subject to a simple constraint on allowable statement rearrangement. In contrast, we also show that when statement rearrangement is unconstrained, minimizing the number of materializations becomes NP-complete, even for very simple basic blocks.
Oxygen electroreduction on Fe- or Co-containing carbon fibers

Abstract Non-noble metal-containing electrocatalysts were prepared by an electrospinning method and evaluated as oxygen reduction electrocatalysts. Fe- or Co-containing carbon fibers were prepared by pyrolyzing electrospun polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fibers containing the respective metal precursor and are denoted Fe-PAN and Co-PAN, respectively. The Fe- or Co-PAN carbon fibers were acid-leached and subjected to a second pyrolysis, whereby the final fibers were found to be uniform in diameter with roughened surfaces. Scanning transmission electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy area-mapping identified Fe or Co nanoparticulates throughout the fiber with a distribution of particulate sizes. X-ray diffractograms (XRD) revealed amorphous Fe-PAN and Co-PAN carbon fibers with no discernible Fe or Co phases, whereas high-resolution XPS scans show a range of potential Fe or Co species. Moreover, the high-resolution X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and peak-fitting analysis provided chemical species information for the C1s, N1s, Fe2p and Co2p regions. The physical characterizations highlighted potential beneficial components for the electrocatalysts that made their use as oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) effective. Rotating disk and ring-disk electrode experiments determined that the best Fe-PAN sample out-performed the best Co-PAN sample and even performed well in comparison to a commercial Pt/C electrocatalyst for the ORR in a high pH media.
Role of β1 Integrin Distribution in Morphology and Function of Collagen-Sandwiched Hepatocytes

Culturing adult rat hepatocytes in a type I collagen gel sandwich has been documented to enhance differentiated function when compared with those cultured on a single collagen gel. The collagen gel...
Parasitism of a new apiocrinitid crinoid species from the Middle Jurassic (Callovian) of southern Israel

A new species of Apiocrinites is described from the Matmor Formation (Middle Jurassic, upper Callovian) of Hamakhtesh Hagadol, southern Israel. Apiocrinites feldmani n. sp. is a small species associated with the larger A. negevensis in a calcareous sponge and coral patch reef community. During life the columns of A. feldmani were commonly and preferentially infested with a soft-bodied parasite that grew with the crinoid and became embedded in its skeleton. These parasites embedded at the articulation between columnals, forcing the columnals to grow around them and producing with time a conical pit surrounded by swollen stereom. If the parasite died while the crinoid was still growing, the conical pit was roofed over by continued growth of columnals, resulting in a swelling with no external opening. Because the crinoids invested energy in forming extra skeleton around these parasites and because the crinoid stems were consequently deformed and likely lost flexibility, we consider these parasites to have caused significant harm. Curiously, these parasites apparently did not infect the larger and more common contemporaneous A. negevensis that lived in the same community.
An internship in information systems: Combining computer science education with realistic problems

Computer science graduates who become professional programmers will have a direct and substantial influence on the impact of applications, but little in traditional computer science training curriculum prepares them for this serious responsibility. Recognizing this situation, we designed a two term sequence for advanced undergraduates and masters students which would not only provide them with the required academic knowledge. The educational atmosphere that we tried to create resembles the internship phase followed in teacher training, medical schools, law schools, clinical psychology and other disciplines.
Experimental and theoretical investigation of fatigue life in reusable rocket thrust chambers

During a test program to investigate low-cycle thermal fatigue, 13 rocket combustion chambers were fabricated and cyclically test fired to failure. Six oxygen-free, high-conductivity (OFHC) copper and seven Amzirc chambers were tested. The chamber liners were fabricated of copper or copper alloy and contained milled coolant channels. The chambers were completed by means of an electroformed nickel closeout. The oxidant/fuel ratio for the liquid oxygen and gaseous hydrogen propellants was 6.0. The failures in the OFHC copper chambers were not typical fatigue failures but are described as creep rupture enhanced by ratcheting. The coolant channels bulged toward the chamber centerline, resulting in progressive thinning of the wall during each cycle. The failures in the Amzirc alloy chambers were caused by low-cycle thermal fatigue. The lives were much shorter than were predicted by an analytical structural analysis computer program used in conjunction with fatigue life data from isothermal test specimens, due to the uneven distribution of Zr in the chamber material.
Adrenergic mechanisms in oxygen chemoreception in the cat aortic body

Sixteen cats were studied to test the hypothesis that oxygen chemoreception in the cat aortic body is dependent on the beta-adrenergic mechanism. The chemoreceptor activity was measured from a few aortic chemoreceptor afferents in each cat, anesthetized with alpha-chloralose (60 mg X kg-1). Three types of experiments were conducted. Aortic chemoreceptor responses to steady-state hypoxia (PaO2 range, 100-30 Torr) were measured (a) before and during intravenous infusion of the beta-receptor agonist, isoproterenol (0.5 micrograms X kg-1) in nine spontaneously breathing cats, and (b) before and after intravenous injection of the beta-receptor antagonist, propranolol (1 mg X kg-1) in seven cats which were paralyzed and artificially ventilated. In the third category (c) the stimulatory effect of hypotension on aortic chemoreceptor activity was measured in six of the seven cats in group (b) before and after propranolol injection. Isoproterenol infusion only moderately stimulated aortic chemoreceptor activity. This stimulation was blocked by propranolol. However, propranolol did not attenuate aortic chemoreceptor responses to hypoxia or to hypotension. We conclude that the beta-receptor adrenergic mechanism does not mediate oxygen chemoreception in the cat aortic body.
Accountability and the restraint of freedom: A deontological case for the stricter standard of corporate disclosure

The purpose of the article is to give a deontological defense of the reasonableness standard of corporate disclosure presently mandated by the Securities and Exchange Commission of the U.S. government. The first part of the article distinguishes the reasonableness standard from the older standard of materiality. The second part presents three deontological arguments, inspired by the work of Ross and Kant, for the prima facie compellingness of the new standard.
Was Himalayan normal faulting triggered by initiation of the Ramgarh–Munsiari thrust and development of the Lesser Himalayan duplex?

The Ramgarh–Munsiari thrust is a major orogen-scale fault that extends for more than 1,500 km along strike in the Himalayan fold-thrust belt. The fault can be traced along the Himalayan arc from Himachal Pradesh, India, in the west to eastern Bhutan. The fault is located within the Lesser Himalayan tectonostratigraphic zone, and it translated Paleoproterozoic Lesser Himalayan rocks more than 100 km toward the foreland. The Ramgarh–Munsiari thrust is always located in the proximal footwall of the Main Central thrust. Northern exposures (toward the hinterland) of the thrust sheet occur in the footwall of the Main Central thrust at the base of the high Himalaya, and southern exposures (toward the foreland) occur between the Main Boundary thrust and Greater Himalayan klippen. Although the metamorphic grade of rocks within the Ramgarh–Munsiari thrust sheet is not significantly different from that of Greater Himalayan rock in the hanging wall of the overlying Main Central thrust sheet, the tectonostratigraphic origin of the two different thrust sheets is markedly different. The Ramgarh–Munsiari thrust became active in early Miocene time and acted as the roof thrust for a duplex system within Lesser Himalayan rocks. The process of slip transfer from the Main Central thrust to the Ramgarh–Munsiari thrust in early Miocene time and subsequent development of the Lesser Himalayan duplex may have played a role in triggering normal faulting along the South Tibetan Detachment system.
Foreign language learning in immersive virtual environments

Virtual reality has long been used for training simulations in fields from medicine to welding to vehicular operation, but simulations involving more complex cognitive skills present new design challenges. Foreign language learning, for example, is increasingly vital in the global economy, but computer-assisted education is still in its early stages. Immersive virtual reality is a promising avenue for language learning as a way of dynamically creating believable scenes for conversational training and role-play simulation. Visual immersion alone, however, only provides a starting point. We suggest that the addition of social interactions and motivated engagement through narrative gameplay can lead to truly effective language learning in virtual environments. In this paper, we describe the development of a novel application for teaching Mandarin using CAVE-like VR, physical props, human actors and intelligent virtual agents, all within a semester-long multiplayer mystery game. Students travel (virtually) to China on a class field trip, which soon becomes complicated with intrigue and mystery surrounding the lost manuscript of an early Chinese literary classic. Virtual reality environments such as the Forbidden City and a Beijing teahouse provide the setting for learning language, cultural traditions, and social customs, as well as the discovery of clues through conversation in Mandarin with characters in the game.
A critical review of recent US market level health care strategy literature

In this review, we argue that it would be profitable if the neoclassical economic theories that have dominated recent US market level health care strategy research could be complemented by greater use of sociological frameworks. Sociological theory can address three central questions that neoclassical economic theories have tended to slight: (1) how decision-makers' preferences are determined; (2) who the decision-makers are; and (3) how decision-makers' plans are translated into organizational action. We suggest five sociological frameworks that would enable researchers to address these issues better relative to market level strategy in health care. The frameworks are (1) institutional theory, (2) organizational ecology, (3) social movements, (4) social networks, and (5) internal organizational change. A recent global trend toward privatization of health care provision makes US market level strategy research increasingly applicable to non-US readers.
A fluorescence polarization assay using an engineered human respiratory syncytial virus F protein as a direct screening platform

Human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) typically affects newborns and young children. Even though it can cause severe and, in some cases, lifelong respiratory infections, there are currently no Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved therapeutics that control this virus. The hRSV F protein facilitates viral fusion, a critical extracellular event that can be targeted for therapeutic intervention by disrupting the assembly of a postfusion 6-helix bundle (6HB) within the hRSV F protein. Here we report the development of a fluorescence polarization (FP) assay using an engineered hRSV F protein 5-helix bundle (5HB). We generated the 5HB and validated its ability to form a 6HB in an FP assay. To test the potential of 5HB as a screening tool, we then investigated a series of truncated peptides derived from the "missing" sixth helix. Using this FP-based 5HB system, we have successfully demonstrated that short peptides can prevent 6HB formation and serve as potential hRSV fusion inhibitors. We anticipate that this new 5HB system will provide an effective tool to identify and study potential antivirals to control hRSV infection.
Flow cytometric analysis of human lymphocytes using affinity-purified antibody to T cell receptor β synthetic J region peptide

Abstract The purpose of this study was to use affinity-purified polyclonal antibodies produced against a synthetic peptide corresponding to the joining (J) region of a human T cell receptor β chain to characterize antigen receptor expression on subpopulations of human lymphocytes. The synthetic peptide used was ANYGYTFGSGTRLTVV, corresponding to the J segment of the human β-chain gene YT35. Biochemical characterization has previously demonstrated binding of anti-J β peptide antibodies to the α β heterodimer and to certain immunoglobulin light chains. Flow cytometric analysis of normal human peripheral blood lymphocytes performed here, using affinity-purified antibodies to the J β peptide, showed expression of the epitope on 50–60% of CD20 (B1)-positive B lymphocytes, and on 40–50% of CD8-positive T lymphocytes. Only background levels were observed on CD4-positive T cells.
Investigating the Performance of Alternate Regression Weights by Studying All Possible Criteria in Regression Models with a Fixed Set of Predictors

We describe methods for assessing all possible criteria (i.e., dependent variables) and subsets of criteria for regression models with a fixed set of predictors, x (where x is an n×1 vector of independent variables). Our methods build upon the geometry of regression coefficients (hereafter called regression weights) in n-dimensional space. For a full-rank predictor correlation matrix, Rxx, of order n, and for regression models with constant R2 (coefficient of determination), the OLS weight vectors for all possible criteria terminate on the surface of an n-dimensional ellipsoid. The population performance of alternate regression weights—such as equal weights, correlation weights, or rounded weights—can be modeled as a function of the Cartesian coordinates of the ellipsoid. These geometrical notions can be easily extended to assess the sampling performance of alternate regression weights in models with either fixed or random predictors and for models with any value of R2. To illustrate these ideas, we describe algorithms and R (R Development Core Team, 2009) code for: (1) generating points that are uniformly distributed on the surface of an n-dimensional ellipsoid, (2) populating the set of regression (weight) vectors that define an elliptical arc in ℝn, and (3) populating the set of regression vectors that have constant cosine with a target vector in ℝn. Each algorithm is illustrated with real data. The examples demonstrate the usefulness of studying all possible criteria when evaluating alternate regression weights in regression models with a fixed set of predictors.
Matrix metalloproteinase secretion is stimulated by TGF-beta in cultured lens epithelial cells.

PURPOSE. To determine if TGF-s regulates the expression of metalloproteinases in chick lens annular pad cells. METHODS. The activity of secreted matrix metalloproteinases was examined with gelatin ...
β-Arrestin-dependent Regulation of the Cofilin Pathway Downstream of Protease-activated Receptor-2

Beta-arrestins are pleiotropic molecules that mediate signal desensitization, G-protein-independent signaling, scaffolding of signaling molecules, and chemotaxis. Protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR-2), a Galpha(q/11)-coupled receptor, which has been proposed as a therapeutic target for inflammation and cancer, requires the scaffolding function of beta-arrestins for chemotaxis. We hypothesized that PAR-2 can trigger specific responses by differential activation of two pathways, one through classic Galpha(q)/Ca(2+) signaling and one through beta-arrestins, and we proposed that the latter involves scaffolding of proteins involved in cell migration and actin assembly. Here we demonstrate the following. (a) PAR-2 promotes beta-arrestin-dependent dephosphorylation and activation of the actin filament-severing protein (cofilin) independently of Galpha(q)/Ca(2+) signaling. (b) PAR-2-evoked cofilin dephosphorylation requires both the activity of a recently identified cofilin-specific phosphatase (chronophin) and inhibition of LIM kinase (LIMK) activity. (c) Beta-arrestins can interact with cofilin, LIMK, and chronophin and colocalize with them in membrane protrusions, suggesting that beta-arrestins may spatially regulate their activities. These findings identify cofilin as a novel target of beta-arrestin-dependent scaffolding and suggest that many PAR-2-induced processes may be independent of Galpha(q/11) protein coupling.
Novel Automated Blood Separations Validate Whole Cell Biomarkers

BACKGROUND Progress in clinical trials in infectious disease, autoimmunity, and cancer is stymied by a dearth of successful whole cell biomarkers for peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs). Successful biomarkers could help to track drug effects at early time points in clinical trials to prevent costly trial failures late in development. One major obstacle is the inaccuracy of Ficoll density centrifugation, the decades-old method of separating PBLs from the abundant red blood cells (RBCs) of fresh blood samples. METHODS AND FINDINGS To replace the Ficoll method, we developed and studied a novel blood-based magnetic separation method. The magnetic method strikingly surpassed Ficoll in viability, purity and yield of PBLs. To reduce labor, we developed an automated platform and compared two magnet configurations for cell separations. These more accurate and labor-saving magnet configurations allowed the lymphocytes to be tested in bioassays for rare antigen-specific T cells. The automated method succeeded at identifying 79% of patients with the rare PBLs of interest as compared with Ficoll's uniform failure. We validated improved upfront blood processing and show accurate detection of rare antigen-specific lymphocytes. CONCLUSIONS Improving, automating and standardizing lymphocyte detections from whole blood may facilitate development of new cell-based biomarkers for human diseases. Improved upfront blood processes may lead to broad improvements in monitoring early trial outcome measurements in human clinical trials.
Ewald summations in systems with two-dimensional periodicity

This study presents formulas for the electrostatic energy of lattices with two-dimensional periodicity, based on Fourier representations and alternatively on the Ewald procedure for convergence acceleration. The work extends the contributions of previous investigators by taking full advantage of plane-group symmetry and by providing analytical formulas for all derivatives of the energy through second order. The derivatives considered include those with respect to the positions of all charges within the unit cell, those with respect to the lattice vectors (cell deformations), and those involving both types of variables. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Quant Chem 68: 385–404, 1998
Inquiry packet interference in bluetooth scatternets

The key to successfully establishing and maintaining a Bluetooth scatternet is the inquiry procedure which discovers Bluetooth devices within range. The inquiry procedure uses a subset of the hop frequencies used by a piconet. While nodes in a scatternet are in the inquiry substate, they can cause significant interference to the neighboring piconets. Nodes seeking to join a piconet cause significant interference to those neighboring piconets attempting normal communication in the connection mode as well. We develop an analytical model of this interference and extend the model to predict interference from any number of interfering nodes. We show that a single inquiring node is expected to disrupt 1.3% of the packets in a neighboring piconet with interference approaching 73% as the number of inquiring nodes increases.
Localization of trehalase in flight muscle of the blowfly Phormia regina.

Abstract The ultrastructural localization of trehalase in the flight muscle of the blowfly, Phormia regina , has been investigated. Approximately 65% of the total activity sediments with a low-speed pellet; 25% of the activity in the homogenate is soluble. The activity in the particulate fraction resides in the mitochondria. Isolated mitochondria have been fractionated by different procedures and the distribution of trehalase has been compared to the distributions of α-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase, hexokinase binding, malic dehydrogenase, and adenylate kinase, representing the inner and outer membranes, the matrix, and the space between the outer and inner membranes of the mitochondria, respectively. Trehalase is clearly separated from the enzyme markers of the matrix and the space between the two membranes. Its distribution closely resembles that of α-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase rather than that of hexokinase binding. Thus, these findings support the tentative conclusion that in blowfly flight muscle the mitochondrial trehalase is localized on the inner membrane. If the permeability of trehalose in mitochondria is the same as that of sucrose, then it is suggested that trehalase is situated on the outside of the mitochondrial inner membrane. The evidence to-date favors the view that the soluble trehalase activity in muscle homogenates represents a muscle enzyme distinct from the mitochondrial trehalase.
CORRELATION OF PHYSIOLOGICAL AND CYTOLOGICAL CHANGES IN THE NEUROHYPOPHYSIS OF RATS WITH EXPERIMENTAL DIABETES INSIPIDUS

ANALYSES of experimental diabetes insipidus have been concerned only in a very limited way with the gland cells in the neurohypophysis which are believed to secrete the antidiuretic principle. It is true that Fisher, Ingram and Ranson (1) have described the total or partial disappearance of pituicytes which occur after interruption of the hypothalamico-hypophysial connections but the interpretation of the observations is admittedly vague, largely because of the non-specific nature of the staining methods employed. The rat is a more favorable animal for this type of study because the parenchymatous cells in the neurohypophysis of this animal are easily and precisely identified because their cytoplasm contains characteristic lipid droplets. The distribution of these cells in the infundibular process and stalk corresponds precisely with the sites from which the antidiuretic substance can be extracted (2).
Paternity Acknowledgment in 2 Million Birth Records from Michigan

Out-of-wedlock childbearing is more common in the U.S. than in other countries and becoming more so. A growing share of such non-marital births identify the father, which can create a legal entitlement to child support. Relatively little is known about individual determinants of the decision to establish paternity, in part because of data limitations. In this paper, we evaluate all birth records in Michigan from 1993 to 2006, which have been merged to the paternity registry. In 2006, 30,231 Michigan children, almost one quarter of all Michigan births, were born to unmarried mothers and had paternity acknowledged. We find that births with paternity acknowledged have worse outcomes along various health and socio-economic dimensions relative to births to married parents, but better outcomes relative to births to unmarried parents without paternity acknowledgement. Furthermore, unmarried men who father sons are significantly more likely to acknowledge paternity than fathers of daughters.
Interest group conflict, alliances, and opposition: Evidence from three states

Abstract Despite a recent surge in attention to the role of private interests in American public policy-making, there is little systematic empirical research on the nature of interest group systems. This article analyzes a new set of survey data in an attempt to illuminate patterns of interaction among groups and between groups and other actors in the American states. The results indicate the following: (1) Conflict is common in many state policy domains. (2) Most state interest groups do not operate in relative isolation. (3) Citizen groups have injected uncertainty and conflict into the state policy process. (4) Many state policy fights are characterized by pitched conflict among citizen groups. Ultimately, the data shed light on a number of questions concerning the scope and nature of interest group conflict and cooperation in the states.
Hybrid Monte Carlo method for simulation of two-component aerosol coagulation and phase segregation

The paper presents the development of a hybrid Monte Carlo (MC) method for the simulation of the simultaneous coagulation and phase segregation of an immiscible two-component binary aerosol. The model is intended to qualitatively model our prior studies of the synthesis of mixed metal oxides for which phase-segregated domains have been observed in molten nanodroplets. In our previous works (J. Aerosol Sci.32, 1479 (2001); Chem. Eng. Sci.56, 5763 (2001); submitted for publication) we developed sectional and monodisperse models where the internal state of the aerosol particles was described. These methods have certain limitations and it is difficult to include additional physical effects into the framework. Our new approach combines both constant volume and constant number Monte Carlo methods. Similar to our previous models, we assume that the phase segregation is kinetically controlled. The MC approach allows us to compute the mean number of enclosures (minor phase) per droplet, average enclosure volume, and the width of the enclosure size distribution. The results show that asymptotic behavior of enclosure distribution exists that is independent of initial conditions, which is very close to the continuum self-preserving distribution. Temperature is a key parameter because it allows for a significant change in the internal transport rate within each droplet. In particular, increasing the temperature significantly enhances the Brownian coagulation rate and lowers the number of enclosures per droplet. As a result, the MC results indicate that the growth of the minor phase can be moderated quite dramatically by small changes in system temperature. These results serve to illustrate the utility of this synthesis approach to the controlled growth of nanoparticles through the use of a majority matrix to slow down the encounter frequency of the minor phase and therefore its particle size.
Effect of Bax deficiency on death receptor 5 and mitochondrial pathways during endoplasmic reticulum calcium pool depletion-induced apoptosis

Thapsigargin (TG), by inducing perturbations in cellular Ca2+ homeostasis, can induce apoptosis, but the molecular mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated. We have recently reported that TG-induced apoptosis appears to involve the DR5-dependent apoptotic pathway that cross talks with the mitochondrial pathway via TG-induced Bid cleavage. In this study, we have utilized Bax-proficient and -deficient HCT116 human colon cancer cells to investigate the effect of Bax deficiency on TG-induced apoptosis and TG regulation of the DR5 and mitochondrial pathways. Our results indicate that Bax-deficient cells are less sensitive to undergo apoptosis following TG treatment. Our results further demonstrate that TG-induced apoptosis is coupled with DR5 upregulation and caspases 8 and 3 activation, as well as Bid cleavage in both Bax-proficient and -deficient cells, although caspase 3 activation was reduced in Bax-deficient cells. TG also promoted the release of cytochrome c into cytosol and caspase 9 activation in Bax-proficient cells but not in Bax-deficient cells. These findings suggest that although Bax is not absolutely required for death receptor (DR)-dependent signals, it appears to be a key molecule in TG-regulated mitochondrial events. Bax-deficient cells were relatively more resistant to Apo2L/TRAIL than the Bax-proficient counterparts. However, the combination of Apo2L/TRAIL and TG was more effective in mediating apoptosis in both Bax-proficient and -deficient cells and that was coupled with activation of caspases 8 and 3. Although both agents in combination also induced cytochrome c release into cytosol and caspase 9 activation in Bax-proficient cells, these events were abrogated in Bax-deficient cells. Our results thus suggest that the combination of Apo2L/TRAIL and TG appears to bypass the Bax deficiency-induced defects in the mitochondrial (intrinsic) pathway by engaging the DR5-dependent apoptotic signals (extrinsic pathway).
Inducible brown adipocytes in subcutaneous inguinal white fat: the role of continuous sympathetic stimulation

Brown adipocytes (BA) generate heat in response to sympathetic activation and are the main site of nonshivering thermogenesis in mammals. Although most BA are located in classic brown adipose tissu...
Covering the de Bruijn graph

Abstract A subset S of maximally independent vertices from the de Bruijn graph B n is a cover of B n if every vertex of B n − S is adjacent to some vector of S . We find bounds on the size of a cover and algorithms and constructions to achieve those bounds.
Synthesis, Structure, and Alkyne Reactivity of a Dimeric (Carbene)copper(I) Hydride

The monomeric, two-coordinate carbene complex (IPr)CuO-t-Bu (1) (IPr = 1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene) reacts readily with silanes such as triethoxysilane, forming a dimeric copper(I) hydride complex (2) with a very short copper−copper distance. Hydrocupration of 3-hexyne by 2 affords a monomeric copper(I) vinyl complex.
Buckling of a thin, tension-loaded, composite plate with an inclined crack

Abstract A numerical study of the local buckling and fracture response of a thin composite plate with an inclined crack and subjected to tension is presented. Local buckling of the unsupported edges of the crack occurs due to compressive stresses caused by a Poisson effect in the neighborhood of the crack. The relationship between fracture of a plate with a crack and the local buckling and postbuckling responses of the plate is established through a geometrically nonlinear finite-element analysis in conjunction with concepts from fracture mechanics. The analysis is based on a co-rotational form of the updated Lagrangian formulation that is implemented with a triangular shell element that includes transverse shear deformation effects. The potential energy release rate results are computed for a predetermined radial crack propagation direction that coincides with the location of the maximum stationary strain energy density near the crack tip. The results indicate that the local buckling load increases and the potential energy release rate decreases as the crack orientation changes from a transverse crack to a longitudinal crack aligned with the direction of the applied tension load. The effect of stacking sequence on the local buckling load and on the energy release rate for specific crack orientations is also discussed.
Impact Tests of Crash Energy Management Passenger Rail Cars: Analysis and Structural Measurements

Two full-scale impact tests were conducted to measure the crashworthiness performance of Crash Energy Management (CEM) passenger rail cars. On December 3, 2003 a single car impacted a fixed barrier at approximately 35 mph and on February 26, 2004, two-coupled passenger cars impacted a fixed barrier at approximately 29 mph. Coach cars retrofitted with CEM end structures, which are designed to crush in a controlled manner were used in the test. These test vehicles were instrumented with accelerometers, string potentiometers, and strain gages to measure the gross motions of each car body in three dimensions, the deformation of specific structural components, and the force-crush characteristic of the CEM end structure. Collision dynamics models were developed to predict the gross motions of the test vehicle. Crush estimates as a function of test speed were used to guide test conditions. This paper describes the results of the CEM single-car and two-car tests and provides results of the structural test. The single-car test demonstrated that the CEM design successfully prevented intrusion into the occupied volume, under similar conditions as the conventional test. During both CEM tests, the leading passenger car crushed approximately three feet, preserving the occupant compartment. In the two-car test, energy dissipation was transferred to the coupled interface, with crush totaling two feet between the two CEM end structures. The pushback of the couplers kept the cars in-line, limiting the vertical and lateral accelerations. In both the conventional tests there was intrusion into the occupant compartment. In the conventional two-car test sawtooth lateral buckling occurred at the coupled connection. Overall, the test results and model show close agreement of the gross motions. The measurements made from both tests demonstrate that the CEM design has improved crashworthiness performance over the conventional design.© 2004 ASME
Reducing Greenhouse Effects via Fuel Consumption-Aware Variable Speed Limit (FC-VSL)

Given the heated discussion of climate change and the ever-increasing demand for fossil fuels, the ability to reduce vehicular carbon footprints is of great importance for both environmental and economical reasons. This paper presents a carbon-footprint/fuel-consumption-aware variable-speed limit (FC-VSL) traffic control scheme that targets minimizing the average vehicular fuel consumption on freeways under live traffic conditions. We first formulated the problem of minimizing fuel consumption for a single vehicle under certain traffic conditions as an optimal control problem. By solving the problem, we obtained the optimal vehicular trajectory, which results in minimum fuel consumption. Then, we designed the FC-VSL scheme based on the optimal trajectory. We evaluated the performance of the FC-VSL scheme through detailed simulation. The results show that the FC-VSL scheme can significantly reduce the average fuel consumption and outperform another speed limit scheme that was designed to smooth traffic flow without considering fuel consumption.
Women and Alport syndrome.

X-linked Alport syndrome (XLAS) is caused by mutations in type IV collagen causing sensorineural hearing loss, eye abnormalities, and progressive kidney dysfunction that results in near universal end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and the need for kidney transplantation in affected males. Until recent decades, the disease burden in heterozygous “carrier” females was largely minimized or ignored. Heterozygous females have widely variable disease outcomes, with some affected females exhibiting normal urinalysis and kidney function, while others develop ESRD and deafness. While the determinants of disease severity in females with XLAS are uncertain, skewing of X-chromosome inactivation has recently been found to play a role. This review will explore the natural history of heterozygous XLAS females, the determinants of disease severity, and the utility of using XLAS females as kidney donors.
Vitamin A in Reproduction and Development

The requirement for vitamin A in reproduction was first recognized in the early 1900’s, and its importance in the eyes of developing embryos was realized shortly after. A greater understanding of the large number of developmental processes that require vitamin A emerged first from nutritional deficiency studies in rat embryos, and later from genetic studies in mice. It is now generally believed that all-trans retinoic acid (RA) is the form of vitamin A that supports both male and female reproduction as well as embryonic development. This conclusion is based on the ability to reverse most reproductive and developmental blocks found in vitamin A deficiency induced either by nutritional or genetic means with RA, and the ability to recapitulate the majority of embryonic defects in retinoic acid receptor compound null mutants. The activity of the catabolic CYP26 enzymes in determining what tissues have access to RA has emerged as a key regulatory mechanism, and helps to explain why exogenous RA can rescue many vitamin A deficiency defects. In severely vitamin A-deficient (VAD) female rats, reproduction fails prior to implantation, whereas in VAD pregnant rats given small amounts of carotene or supported on limiting quantities of RA early in organogenesis, embryos form but show a collection of defects called the vitamin A deficiency syndrome or late vitamin A deficiency. Vitamin A is also essential for the maintenance of the male genital tract and spermatogenesis. Recent studies show that vitamin A participates in a signaling mechanism to initiate meiosis in the female gonad during embryogenesis, and in the male gonad postnatally. Both nutritional and genetic approaches are being used to elucidate the vitamin A-dependent pathways upon which these processes depend.
Analgesic efficacy and safety of single-dose intramuscular ketorolac for postoperative pain management in children following tonsillectomy

The efficacy of ketorolac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, in the management of moderate to severe pain in adults, has led us to conduct a trial of this analgesic in children following tonsillectomy. Children were randomized to receive intramuscular (i.m.) ketorolac (1 mg/kg, EXP group, n = 45) or saline (CTL group, n = 42) at the completion of surgery. Intravenous (i.v.) fentanyl (0.5 micrograms/kg/dose) was administered in repeated doses postoperatively. Pain intensity was measured using both the Oucher and the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Pain Scale (CHEOPS) to allow for comparison between self-report and behavioral measures of pain intensity. Severity of postoperative bleeding was measured using a 4-point rating scale. The EXP group had a significant reduction in total fentanyl dose (mean: 35.9 micrograms) compared to the CTL group (mean: 48.3 micrograms, t = -2.21, P 0.05). In the first hour postoperatively, the CHEOPS demonstrated significant decreases in pain intensity scores in response to opioids, in both groups. In the PACU, children were unable to provide a self-report of pain intensity potentially due to a variety of factors (e.g., emergence delirium, agitation, excitement, sedation, and/or pain). However, during the remainder of the postoperative stay, the photographic scale of the Oucher was a more valid measure of pain intensity than the CHEOPS.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The relationship of serum estradiol and progesterone concentrations to the enzyme immunoassay measurements of urinary estrone conjugates and immunoreactive pregnanediol-3-glucuronide in Macaca mulatta.

Paired urine and serum samples from four conceptive and six nonconceptive ovarian cycles of seven adult Macaca mullatta were analyzed by radioimmunoassay (RIA) for circulating estradiol (E2) and progesterone (Po), and urinary estrone conjugates (E1C) and immunoreactive preganediol-3-glucuronide (iPDG) using enzyme immunoassay (EIA). Nonconceptive cycles exhibited a fivefold increase in urinary E1C and serum E2 levels from follicular phase levels to the preovulatory peak. Linear correlation between urinary E1C and serum E2 nonconceptive cycle hormone levels was significant (P <0.01, r = 0.69). Luteal phase levels of iPDG and serum Po levels were approximately parallel in nonconceptive cycles. Similarly, conceptive cycle urinary E1C levels and serum E2 measurements had a correlation coefficient that was significant (P<0.01, r = 0.45). Nonconceptive and conceptive cycle iPDG and Po levels were significantly correlated (P = 0.05, r = 0.63, and P<0.01, r = 0.66, respectively). These data demonstrate that EIA measurements of ovarian hormones in daily urine samples can be used to accurately monitor ovarian function and early pregnancy in Macaca mulatta.
Comparison of GLUT1, GLUT3, and GLUT4 mRNA and the subcellular distribution of their proteins in normal human muscle

Basal, "insulin-independent" glucose uptake into skeletal muscle is provided by glucose transporters positioned at the plasma membrane. The relative amount of the three glucose transporters expressed in muscle has not been previously quantified. Using a combination of qualitative and quantitative ribonuclease protection assay (RPA) methods, we found in normal human muscle that GLUT1, GLUT3, and GLUT4 mRNA were expressed at 90 +/- 10, 46 +/- 4, and 156 +/- 12 copies/ng RNA, respectively. Muscle was fractionated by DNase digestion and differential sedimentation into membrane fractions enriched in plasma membranes (PM) or low-density microsomes (LDM). GLUT1 and GLUT4 proteins were distributed 57% to 67% in LDM, whereas GLUT3 protein was at least 88% in the PM-enriched fractions. These data suggest that basal glucose uptake into resting human muscle could be provided in part by each of these three isoforms.
A Ti getter pump with evaporation source of TiC heater. On the optimum evaporation condition of titanium

Abstract A Ti getter pump with the evaporation source of TiC heater was made in order to evacuate a mirror coating apparatus. In the previous report1 the TiC heaters were bar-shaped, buth this time2 TiC was used in a ribbon form and Ti wire was fed on to a TiC heater. This paper describes the optimum evaporation condition of such getter pump on the following assumption: 1. (1) In spite of many kinds of residual gases, the number of molecules gettered by one Ti atom is constant. 2. (2) The evaporated Ti atoms are active until they combine with gas molecules in constant ratio. The equation: ν Ti = ν Air γr k −1 which gives the condition of optimum evaporation rate is verified by experiments.
Use of strontium to separate calcium-dependent pathways for proliferation and differentiation in human keratinocytes.

The role of extracellular calcium (Caex) in modulating keratinocyte differentiation has been well documented, but its role in proliferation has been harder to define due to the confounding effect of terminal differentiation. Because strontium (Sr) does not induce terminal differentiation in murine keratinocytes but does mimic the stimulatory effect of Caex on DNA synthesis in chick fibroblasts, experiments were undertaken to determine if Sr could be used to separate the presumably presumably opposing effects of Caex on the proliferation and differentiation of cultured human keratinocytes. In response to additions of SrCl2, keratinocytes in a serum-free hormone-supplemented basal medium containing 0.03 mM Ca showed a dose-dependent increase in day 7 cell yields. Cell yield in the optimal concentration of SrCl2 (1.8 mM) was approximately twice that obtained in any concentration of CaCl2. Maximally stimulatory additions of CaCl2 varied from 0.05 to 1.8 mM, but 0.03 and 0.05 mM additional CaCl2 always increased cell yield relative to unsupplemented controls. Keratinocytes grown in low levels of CaCl2 or any level of SrCl2 have minimal contact with each other regardless of cell density in contrast to the colonies of tightly apposed and stratified cells grown in 1.8 mM CaCl2. Transmission electron micrographs of vertically sectioned confluent cultures in low or high levels of SrCl2 or low levels of CaCl2 revealed abundant ribosomes and keratin filaments but no stratification or desmosomes, while cultures in 1.8 mM CaCl2 were stratified with numerous desmosomes. These results suggest that Caex may separately stimulate keratinocyte proliferation and terminal differentiation and that Srex can substitute for Caex in the former but not the latter process.
The acquisition of face and person identity information following anterior temporal lobectomy.

Thirty unilateral anterior temporal lobectomy (ATL) subjects (15 right and 15 left) and 15 controls were presented a multitrial learning task in which unfamiliar faces were paired with biographical information (occupation, city location, and a person's name). Face recognition hits were similar between groups, but the right ATL group committed more false-positive errors to face foils. Both left and right ATL groups were impaired relative to controls in acquiring biographical information, but the deficit was more pronounced for the left ATL group. Recall levels also varied for the different types of biographical information; occupation was most commonly recalled followed by city name and person name. In addition, city and person name recall was more likely when occupation was also recalled. Overall, recall of biographical information was positively correlated with clinical measures of anterograde episodic memory. Findings are discussed in terms of the role of the temporal lobe and associative learning ability in the successful acquisition of new face semantic (biographical) representations. (JINS, 2005, 11, 237–248.)