cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sarin (nerve agent GB)-induced differential expression of mRNA coding for the acetylcholinesterase gene in the rat central nervous system

Abstract We carried out a time–course study on the effects of a single intramuscular (i.m.) dose (0.5× ld 50) of sarin (O-isopropyl methylphosphonofluoridate), also known as nerve agent GB, on the mRNA expression of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in the brain of male Sprague–Dawley rats. Sarin inactivates the enzyme AChE which is responsible for the breakdown of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh), leading to its accumulation at ACh receptors and overstimulation of the cholinergic system. Rats were treated with 50 μg/kg of sarin (0.5× ld 50) in 1 mL saline/kg and terminated at the following time points: 1 and 2 hr and 1, 3, and 7 days post-treatment. Control rats were treated with normal saline. Total RNA was extracted, and northern blots were hybridized with cDNA probes for AChE and 28S RNA (control). Poly-A RNA from both treated and control cortex was used for reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR)-based verification of the data from the northern blots. The results obtained indicate that a single (i.m.) dose of sarin (0.5× ld 50) produced differential induction and persistence of AChE mRNA levels in different regions of the brain. Immediate induction of AChE transcripts was noted in the brainstem (126±6%), cortex (149±4%), midbrain (153±5%), and cerebellum (234±2%) at 1 hr. The AChE expression level, however, increased over time and remained elevated after a decline at 1 day in the previously shown more susceptible brainstem. The transcript levels remained elevated at a later time point (3 days) in the midbrain, after a dramatic decline at day 1 (110±2%). In the cortex, transcript levels came down to control values by day 1. The cerebellum also showed a decline of the elevated levels observed at 2 hr (275±2%) to control values by day 1. RT–PCR analysis of the AChE transcript at 30 min in the cortex showed an induction to 213±3% of the control level, confirming the expression pattern obtained by the northern blot data. The immediate induction followed by the complex pattern of the AChE mRNA time–course in the CNS may indicate that the activation of both cholinergic-related and unrelated functions of the gene plays an important role in the pathological manifestations of sarin-induced neurotoxicity.
Abstract 3100: The RNA-binding protein insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 3 is oncogenic in liposarcoma

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC Introduction: The insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 3 (IGF2BP3) is an oncofetal mRNA binding protein that controls migration and proliferation through post-transcriptional regulation of target genes. It is aberrantly expressed in various cancers. We sought to determine the alterations in IGF2BP3 expression and copy number in well-differentiated (WD) and dedifferentiated (DD) liposarcoma (LS) and elucidate its role in driving oncogenesis in WD and DD LS cell lines. Methods: U133A microarray analysis was performed on 61 DD and 52 WD LS as well as 17 normal fat (NF) tissue samples. CGH Agilent arrays were used to determine IGF2BP3 amplification status. An shRNA lentiviral system was used to knockdown (KD) IGF2BP3 in DD (DDLS8817, LPS141) and WD (RWD3051) cell lines. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, and mRNA expression were analyzed by Cyquant, annexin V, and qRT-PCR, respectively. Results: CGH analysis showed IGF2BP3 amplification in 19% of DDLS (n=36) and 5% of WDLS (n=36) tumor samples. On U133A analysis IGF2BP3 was 2.5-fold and 1.2-fold upregulated in DDLS and WDLS, respectively, compared to NF. IGF2BP3 was overexpressed in 49% of DDLS and 33% of WDLS tumor samples. Gene expression was increased in DDLS8817 (3-fold), LPS141 (6-fold) and RWD3051 (6-fold) compared to adipose-derived stem cells. IGF2BP3 KD reduced expression >95%(p<0.05) compared to empty vector control for each cell line. IGF2BP3 KD decreased proliferation by 43%, 31%, and 36%(p<0.001) in DDLS8817, LPS141 and RWD3051, respectively, compared to control. Apoptosis was increased by 34%, 55%, and 58%(p<0.0001) compared to control in DDLS8817, LPS141, and RWD3051, respectively, and correlated with level of IGF2BP3 upregulation. p27, a cell cycle inhibitor, was identified as a potential target of IGF2BP3 by photoreactive crosslinking and immunoprecipitation. On Western blot analysis p27 was increased, cyclin D1 was decreased, and p53 was decreased in IGF2BP3 KD compared to control in LPS141, consistent with the functional effects observed. Conclusions: IGF2BP3 overexpression is essential for proliferation and survival of LS cells. The cell cycle regulator, p27 was identified as an IGF2BP3 target mediating these functional effects. Identification of additional IGF2BP3 targets may lead to new therapeutic options for patients with DD and WD liposarcoma. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3100.
1-(2,5-Dichlorophenyl)-3-methyl-5-phenyl-1H-pyrazole

The title compound, C 16 H 12 Cl 2 N 2 , crystallizes in the centrosymmetric space group P2 1 /c. Two independent but chemically identical molecules comprise the asymmetric unit and in each of these the pyrazole ring is planar.
Electron-beam-induced pellet fusion

As we have seen, there are many problems which must be dealt with if we are to achieve successful pulsed fusion using electron beams. In order to accomplish this goal, there are three crital areas of physics which will require substantial clarification: (1). beam focusing in low-inductance diodes, (2) symmetric input to the target, and (3) energy deposition in the outer region of the pellet. The accelerators we now have and are planning to build in the near future should provide the needed basis of fundamental understanding. If beams can be focused efficiently down to the millimeter sizes at power levels of ∼ 1014 W, then extremely interesting implosion studies can be carried out. If these prove successful within the next several years, then we may be able to go onward toward producing prototype fusion reactors, and much later, if many technical problems are solved, practical fusion power may follow.
Equilibrium transformations and the Revenue Equivalence Theorem

I develop a method that transforms an equilibrium strategy profile from one auction to another. The method is constructive and does not require complicated computation. This provides a new approach to revenue equivalence and extends the theorem to domains where it had not previously been known, in particular to simultaneous multiple object auctions with complete information and to auction environments having correlated private values and common values.
Effect of Immunosuppression on Humoral and Cell-Mediated Immunity to Murine Cytomegalovirus

SummaryC57B1/6 mice were immunosuppressed with antilymphocyte globulin and prednisolone around the time of infection with cytomegalovirus (CMV) or from 18 to 30 days after infection. Mice immunosuppressed around the time of CMV infection developed humoral immunity (HI) but not cell-mediated immunity to CMV. The ability of spleen cells to transform to nonspecific mitogens was also depressed in immunosuppressed mice. If mice were immunosuppressed from 18 to 30 days after infection, a time they are known to have CMI to CMV, the CMI disappeared and remained low for the duration of the study (67 days after infection). However, HI was not affected. Transformation of spleen cells to nonspecific mitogens similarly remained low. These studies demonstrate that immunosuppression can abrogate CMI but not HI to CMV.
Estuarine salt conservation : a Lagrangian approach

Abstract Understanding tidal and mean flow transport mechanisms that maintain the estuarine salt balance against seaward transport by river flow is one of the fundamental questions of estuarine oceanography. Previous salt transport studies have failed to resolve this problem for two principal methodological reasons, in addition to the inherent variability of estuaries. First, salt transport expansions used to represent the salt balance have included a large number of terms that could not be related to any theory of estuarine circulation and whose physical meaning was thus unclear. Second, it has proven difficult to measure small mean velocities in the presence of much larger tidal variations. A new analysis method that expresses Lagrangian scalar property transport in terms of time and space variations of Eulerian variables is much simpler than expansions previously used and yields new insights into estuarine transport processes. This approach (like previous expansions) is valid for narrow systems in which cross-channel transport processes are weak and the ratio of tidal amplitude to mean depth is small. A surface boundary condition is used to eliminate one class of troublesome terms. The equivalence of the tidal-cycle average transport of tidal variations in salinity and the Stokes transport of mean salinity is then employed to show that the vertically integrated tidal flow plays no role in the overall salt balance. That is, seaward transport of salt caused by the river flow can only be balanced by landward transport resulting from correlations between shear and stratification in the mean, tidal and overtide flows. In a hypothetical inviscid estuary, tide and overtide flows would be vertically uniform, and outward fluvial salt transport could only be balanced by shear and stratification in the mean gravitational circulation. In a more realistic example with strong friction, the gravitational circulation would be severely damped, and inward transport could only be accomplished by correlations of shear and stratification in the tide and overtide flows.
Documentation of Contraception and Pregnancy When Prescribing Potentially Teratogenic Medications for Reproductive-Age Women

Women of childbearing age sometimes receive prescriptions for potentially teratogenic drugs. Schwarz and coworkers assessed pregnancy rates and frequency of documented contraceptive counseling with...
Pain, pain catastrophizing, and past mental healthcare utilization.

Abstract Objective Pain symptoms have been associated with a number of psychiatric disorders, particularly mood and anxiety disorders as well as personality disorders. However, to our knowledge, no study to date has examined pain symptoms in terms of participants' past mental healthcare utilization—the focus of the present study. Methods Using a cross-sectional approach and a self-report survey methodology in a sample of 242 consecutive internal medicine outpatients, we examined pain symptoms at assessment, over the past month, and over the past year as well as pain catastrophizing in relationship to 4 mental healthcare variables (i.e., ever seen a psychiatrist, ever been in a psychiatric hospital, ever been in counseling, and ever been on medication for “nerves”). Results Only three of the four mental-healthcare-utilization variables were analyzed due to response rate (i.e., ever been hospitalized in a psychiatric hospital was infrequently endorsed and not analyzed), and each demonstrated statistically significant relationships with self-reported pain levels at all three time-points and with pain catastrophizing at the p Conclusions In this study, primary care outpatients with histories of mental health treatment evidenced statistically significantly higher levels of pain as well as statistically significantly higher levels of pain catastrophizing than their peers.
Review : Topoisomerase I inhibitors: 1. Topotecan

Purpose. The primary objective of this article is to discuss the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, clin ical use, and adverse effects of the approved topoisomerase I inhibitors. This is the first in a series of two articles and will focus on topotecan.Data Sources. We reviewed the literature through a MEDLINE search of English language articles from 1985 through 1997. Relevant articles cited in the titles obtained from the MEDLINE search were also used. The following terms were used for purpose of conducting the MEDLINE search: topoisomerase inhibitors, topotecan, topo isomerase I, Hycamtin, SKF 104864.Data Extraction. We reviewed the current literature in order to discuss the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, clinical use, toxicity, drug inter actions, indications, formulation, dosage and ad ministration, and pharmaceutical issues surround ing the use of topotecan.Data Synthesis. The topoisomerase I inhibi tors are new antineoplastic agents with a unique mechanism of action. Promising areas of applica tion i...
Gender Ideologies, Socioeconomic Opportunities, and HIV/STI-related Vulnerability among Female, African-American Adolescents

The importance of gender within HIV/STI prevention has become widely recognized. However, gender ideologies associated with vulnerability to HIV/STI are often examined and addressed without sufficient attention to the larger socioeconomic context within which they arise and evolve. We conducted a cross-sectional survey with 155 female, African-American adolescents recruited from two health clinics in Baltimore, Maryland. Multivariate logistic regression was utilized to assess the relationships between HIV/STI vulnerability resulting from male partner concurrency, adherence to traditional female gender norms, using a measure of hyperfemininity, and perceived socioeconomic opportunity structures. The likelihood of reported partner concurrency increased significantly among participants reporting higher levels of hyperfemininity (OR = 2.08; 95%CI = 1.01–4.30). Hyperfeminine thinking and behavior was significantly lower in the context of higher perceived socioeconomic opportunity structures (OR = 0.87; 95%CI = 0.79–0.95). Interventions seeking to promote gender equity and reduce HIV/STI may be more effective when the socioeconomic context of gender ideologies is assessed and addressed. Programs and policies to increase educational and professional opportunity structures, particularly among marginalized communities, should be actively integrated into HIV/STI prevention planning.
Observation, replication, and measurement in sports economics.

This paper provides an introduction to the special edition as well as my contribution on the topics covered in this special edition—observation, replication, and measurement issues relevant to sports economists. The papers cover issues related to the professional conveyance of first-hand experience, interaction with related sports analysis communities not governed by peer review or our usual citation requirements, data integrity, data and result replication, and second-hand measurement relevant to particular economic questions. My contribution is in brief descriptions concerning how these issues have intruded on some of my own work.
Competing dissociation of and bond formation between CH3CHOH+ and .CH2CH3 formed by bimolecular processes

Abstract The C4H10O.+ potential energy surface was accessed at several energies through different ion/molecule reactions. Reaction of CH3CH.+3 with CH3CHO and CH3CHO.+ with CH3CH3 gave predominantly CH3CHOH+ +. CH2CH3 and small amounts of CH3CH2CHOH+ +. CH3. CH3CH.+3 also produced a small amount of CH3CHO+CH3 +. CH3 upon reaction with CH3CHO. CH2 = CHOH. + did not react with CH3CH3. CH3CH2OH. + reacted CH2 = CH2 and CH2 = CH.+2 with CH3CH2OH to produce CH3CH2OH+2 and CH3CHOH+, but only the second pair of reactants produced detectable C3H7O+ ions. CH3CH2CHO.++CH4 produced only CH3CH2CHOH+. In all of the reactions examined, initial proton or H-transfer was much more often followed by simple dissociation than by C C bond formation or multiple H-transfers. This contrasts with the metastable decompositions of ionized 2-butanol, in which elimination of ethane and methane through the complexes [CH3CHOH+.CH2CH3] and [CH3CH2CHOH+.CH3] are important processes. This contrast is attributed to the ion/molecule reactions taking place in a higher energy regime than the metastable decompositions.
Phonon densities of states and vibrational entropies of ordered and disordered Ni3Al.

We performed inelastic neutron-scattering measurements on powdered Ni3Al. The alloy was prepared in two states of chemical order: (1) with equilibrium L12 order, and (2) with disorder (the material was a fcc solid solution prepared by high-energy ball milling). Procedures to convert the energy loss spectra into approximate phonon density of states (DOS) curves for Ni3Al in the two states of chemical order were guided by Born–von Karman analyses with force constants obtained from previous single-crystal experiments on L12-ordered Ni3Al and fcc Ni metal. The main difference in the phonon DOS of the ordered and disordered alloys occurs near 39 meV, the energy of a peak arising from optical modes in the ordered alloy. These high-frequency optical modes involve primarily the vibrations of the aluminum-rich sublattice. The disordered alloy, which does not have such a sublattice, shows much less intensity at this energy. This difference in the phonon DOS around 39 meV is the main contributor to the difference in vibrational entropy of disordered and ordered Ni3Al, which we estimate to be Svibdis-Svibord=(+0.2±0.1)kB/atom at high temperatures.
The physical limits of light trapping in thin-films and photonic structures that operate at the limit

Light-trapping is used in photovoltaic cells to increase the power conversion efficiency and lower the cost by reducing the amount of active material required to efficiently absorb sunlight. In the case of thick crystalline silicon solar cells, a well-known approach is to use geometric textures that scatter incident rays into modes that are trapped by total internal reflection in the absorbing layer leading to a maximum possible enhancement in optical path length of 4n2, where n is the refractive index of the absorber. This limit is applicable at near bandgap wavelenths for device structures that have an acceptance cone of full sky. If device is designed with an acceptance cone of half angle of e then maximum possible enhancement in optical path length is 4n2/sin2(θ) under low absorption limit. This is the well know geometric optics limit of light trapping. Such textures are substantially less effective for thin-film solar cells and an extension of this approach into the wave domain is needed. Here, using principles of unitary time evolution and information theory, we show that light trapping in the wave domain is subject to the same upper limit that was derived for the geometric optics domain. Furthermore, we show that practical subwavelength structures can be designed with light-trapping performance that approaches the theoretical limit. The enhancement in optical absorption exceeds that of previously proposed structures by an order of magnitude.
Length variation in the internal transcribed spacer of ribosomal DNA in chanterelles

DNA was extracted from 31 basidiomes of Cantharellus, Craterellus , and other basidiomycetes considered to have affinities to the Cantharellaceae. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) between the 18S and the 28S genes of the nuclear ribosomal DNA was amplified using the polymerase chain reaction. Except for Cantharellus tubaeformis and Cantharellus infundibuliformis , the ITS region was longer in the Cantharellaceae than in the other fungi tested, and highly variable in length. The ITS-1 region between the 18S and the 5.8S genes was the site of most variation. The Cantharellus cibarius group had the longest ITS-1, ranging from 820 to 1100 base pairs (bp), compared with 240 to 350 bp in other basidiomycetes. Chanterelles have the longest and most variable ITS region yet described for fungi.
Putting Rubrics to the Test: The Effect of a Model, Criteria Generation, and Rubric‐Referenced Self‐Assessment on Elementary School Students' Writing

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of reading a model written assignment, generating a list of criteria for the assignment, and self-assessing according to a rubric, as well as gender, time spent writing, prior rubric use, and previous achievement on elementary school students' scores for a written assignment (N = 116). Participants were in grades 3 and 4. The treatment involved using a model paper to scaffold the process of generating a list of criteria for an effective story or essay, receiving a written rubric, and using the rubric to self-assess first drafts. The comparison condition involved generating a list of criteria for an effective story or essay, and reviewing first drafts. Findings include a main effect of treatment and of previous achievement on total writing scores, as well as main effects on scores for the individual criteria on the rubric. The results suggest that using a model to generate criteria for an assignment and using a rubric for self-assessment can help elementary school students produce more effective writing.
Modeling the Crystal Shape of Polar Organic Materials: Prediction of Urea Crystals Grown from Polar and Nonpolar Solvents

The shape of a crystal is an important characteristic which can influence fundamental properties of the material, including the rate of dissolution, solubility, stability in storage, and compressibility. Understanding the mechanism by which a material with distinct internal structure crystallizes and forms different shapes will enable the engineer to manipulate the crystallization process, so that the desired shape is obtained. There are numerous models for predicting the shape of vapor-grown compounds. Three of the most prominent models: the Bravais−Friedel−Donnay−Harker (BFDH) model, the equilibrium model, and the attachment energy model, have been explored in this article. In addition, we have developed a model based on a detailed analysis of the BCF growth mechanism supplemented by additional terms to account for the adhesion surface energy at the solid−liquid interface. Polar solute−nonpolar solvent interactions were incorporated into the model by a geometric mean approximation for the adhesion surf...
Mutual Life, Limited: Islamic Banking, Alternative Currencies, Lateral Reason

Mutual Life, Limited: Islamic Banking, Alternative Currencies, Lateral Reason. Bill Maurer. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2005. 217 pp.
An adaptive feedback controller for SIP server memory overload protection

Memory overload is one of the key challenges in managing enterprise application server performance such as in J2EE environment. Realizing this issue, J2EE middleware providers introduced management solutions to prevent memory overload. However, such solutions depend on configurable parameters, such as thread pool size and queue length limit, which are typically difficult to determine and unaccommodating to application behavioral changes. In this paper we introduce a dynamic memory overload protection solution based on applying adaptive feedback controller techniques. Our solution consists of (1) a model that captures the dynamics of system and workload characteristics, (2) a Kalman filter for model parameter estimation, and (3) an adaptive feedback controller that regulates the load admission rate to the server in order to prevent memory overload. In particular, we have designed and implemented a self-configurable memory overload controller, which is automatically tuned based on an analytical model of the system under control. We conducted experiments where we used our controller prototype to manage a commercially available SIP server and compared it to a static, fixed gain feedback controller. Our experimental results show that, with little configuration effort, the adaptive controller reacts nicely to workload dynamics.
All-optical positioning of single and multiple Au nanoparticles on surfaces using optical trapping

Plasmonic metal nanoparticles have recently generated significant interest in both fundamental and applied nanoscience. An emerging area of interest within plasmonics is the study of optical forces on metal nanoparticles. These forces can be used to manipulate and assemble particles into useful geometries. In this work Au nanoparticles are optically trapped and deposited onto surfaces using both focused beam (gradient) as well as total internal reflection (TIR) based optical trapping. In the case of focused beam trapping, single spherical Au nanoparticles can be rapidly deposited to arbitrary locations on a surface with high spatial precision (~100 nm). By controlling both the particle stability and the surface chemistry, large areas (10's of μm 2 ) can be patterned with Au nanoparticles. For TIR-based trapping, dense arrays of high-aspect ratio Au bipyramids with spot sizes ~10 μm 2 are deposited on surfaces. Au bipyramids are deposited via a plasmon-selective photothermal heating mechanism. Both of these methods are fast (patterning large areas in minutes) and require no lithography or scanning probes.
How many resources and how to identify them? Commentary on boles et al. and vidulich and tsang

One goal of human factors is to identify theory-based mechanisms of human performance that can account for meaningful performance differences in real-world tasks and settings. Boles, Bursk, Phillips, and Perdelwitz (2007, this issue) set out to do this by demonstrating that mechanisms of multiple resources, as assessed by a method different from the more conventional multiple resource model with which I have been associated (Wickens, 1980, 1984, 2002), can account for differences in dual-task interference between complex tasks that can generalize to real world tasks. (In the preceding characterization of their research, I focus only on Experiment 2, for reasons I will describe later.) Their research provides data that appear to support this generalization. Vidulich and Tsang (2007, this issue) offer a number of criticisms of the research, with two in particular focusing on (a) the fact that sequential processing of two tasks, resulting because of widely separated displays and discrete responses, may limit the contributions of multiple resources to time-sharing in the paradigm chosen; and (b) concerns about the structure of the three tasks in Experiment 2 ‐ one pair mandating more continuous demands and therefore concurrent processing, and the other two pairs probably prohibiting it. They suggest that this feature could readily account for the observed data, thereby eliminating the need to postulate multiple resource mechanisms. Boles and Phillips (2007, this issue) in turn argue in defense that sequential processing is common in most time-sharing applications and that asynchronous processing “was considered to more closely mimic dual tasks as used in the real world” (p. 51). Although both of Vidulich and Tsang’s (2007) concerns have some merit, I also believe that the data are consistent with a multiple resource interpretation, and so I will not reemphasize their concerns. Rather, I wish to highlight the importance of six theoretical and methodological issues of applied attention research, which the current paper brings to the forefront. In doing so, I hope to extend the message of the experimental research reported in ways that the authors may not have highlighted. Issue 1. Total demand versus resource similarity. In both my older (Sarno & Wickens, 1995;
Legal Issues Surrounding Single-Sex Schools in the U.S.: Trends, Court Cases, and Conflicting Laws

The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, followed by the 2006 U.S. Department of Education regulations, represented a drastic change in American public policy by allowing for sex segregation in public schools—as long as it is voluntary, students are provided a substantially equal co-educational option, and the segregation substantially furthers an important governmental objective. Although existing federal and state laws explicitly ban sex segregation, the Courts have historically allowed single-sex schooling within higher education if it does not perpetuate gender stereotypes. Because of the recent public policy changes, there has been a rapid increase in single-sex education within the U.S. public elementary and secondary school system. Many of the now single-sex public schools, however, began segregating because they believe that boys and girls should be taught differently due to innate differences in learning styles and interests. The result is that many of these schools base their educational practices on gender stereotypes. This contradiction of existing laws and precedents has resulted in ongoing lawsuits. This paper offers a review of the legal issues and court cases surrounding single-sex education in the public school system.
Aetiology and diagnosis of fermentative diarrhoeas.

SUMMARY Various causes for the development of a fermentative diarrhoea are discussed. The lactic acid content of faeces, which can be determined simply and rapidly, proved to be a reliable criterion for the presence of each form of intestinal fermentation. To diagnose fermentation, lactic acid determination is far preferable to the determination of the pH of the faeces alone, their gas-forming capacity determined according to Schmidt-Strassburger, their total content of volatile fatty acids estimated according to Goiffon-Nepveux or to a bacteriological analysis of the faecal flora. For breastfed children, normal artificially fed children and for children suffering from a fermentative dyspepsia, the excretion with the faeces of lactic acid and of the different low molecular volatile fatty acids is compared and evaluated expressed per 100 g of faeces as well as per 24 hours.
Physical-organic studies of ionic electrets: Mechanism of formation, molecular design, and applications

This presentation describes the mechanistic investigations and applications of space-charge electrets fabricated by contact electrification. The electrostatic self-assembly of oppositely-charged electrets is also investigated, which can self-assemble in two and three dimensions.
Transformation by the Rho-specific Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factor Dbs Requires ROCK I-mediated Phosphorylation of Myosin Light Chain

Dbs was identified in a cDNA-based expression screen for sequences that can cause malignant growth when expressed in murine fibroblasts. In previous studies we have shown that Dbs is a Rho-specific guanine nucleotide exchange factor that can activate RhoA and/or Cdc42 in a cell-specific manner. In this current study we have used a combination of genetic and pharmacological approaches to examine the relative contributions of RhoA·PRK and RhoA·ROCK signaling to Dbs transformation. Our analysis indicates that ROCK is activated in Dbs-transformed cells and that Dbs transformation is dependent upon ROCK I activity. In contrast, there appears to be no requirement for PRK activation in Dbs transformation. Dbs transformation is also associated with increased phosphorylation of myosin light chain and stress fiber formation, both of which occur in a ROCK-dependent manner. Suppression of myosin light chain expression by small interfering RNAs impairs Dbs focus formation, thus establishing a direct link between actinomyosin contraction and Rho-specific guanine nucleotide exchange factor transformation.
Electronic spectroscopy and photophysics of metal–alkylidyne complexes

Abstract The electronic-absorption and -emission spectroscopy and photophysical properties of metal–alkylidyne (–carbyne) complexes are reviewed. Emission has been observed in fluid solution at room temperature from compounds of a variety of different metals (Mo, W, Re, Os) and electron configurations (d0, d1, d2). The emissive excited states are of the types dxy → π*, π → π*, π → dxy, and MLCT. This compositional and electronic diversity enables the luminescence properties of metal–alkylidyne complexes to be broadly tuned.
Reversal of a soman-induced effect on neuromuscular function by oximes

Abstract Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) which has been inactivated in vitro or in vivo by the alkyl phosphorus agents is effectively reactivated by certain nucleophilic oximes, providing the inactivated enzyme is not allowed to undergo “aging.” The “aging” process probably involves a dealkylation mechanism and results in conversion of the phosphonylated enzyme to a form which is not reactivatable by the oximes (1). In the case of the phosphonylation of rat brain ( in vivo ) AChE by soman (methyl pinacolyl phosphonofluoridate), the product undergoes “aging” by a process of dealkylation which reaches maximum within 30 min (2). However, current studies indicate that in the intact rat, administration of the oximes several hours after the administration of soman results in a temporary reversal of the soman-induced effects on skeletal neuromuscular function, and this effect of the oximes is not the result of reactivation of the phosphonylated enzyme. This report is concerned with evidence which indicates that this effect of the oximes is that of producing a blockade of the soman-induced repetitive discharge of the muscle cells.
A general formulation of the free energy of interaction in cooperative ligand binding: application to hemoglobin

Abstract A general method for calculating the change in free energy of cooperative interaction upon partial or complete liganding of a protein containing an arbitrary number of binding sites is presented. This method is used to estimate the change in free energy of interaction upon oxygenation of hemoglobin under physiological conditions, which is compared to the internal energy change upon binding oxygen to the non-interacting binding site.
Perception of three-dimensional angular rotation.

In three experiments, difference thresholds (dLs) and points of subjective equality (PSEs) for three-dimensional (3-D) rotation simulations were examined. In the first experiment, observers compared pairs of simulated spheres that rotated in polar projection and that differed in their structure (points plotted in the volume vs. on the surface), axis of rotation (vertical,y, vs. horizontal, x), and magnitude of rotation (200—700). DLs were lowest (7%) when points were on the surface and when at least one sphere rotated around they-axis and varied with changes in the independent variables. PSEs were closest to objective equality when points were on the surface of both spheres and when both spheres rotated about thex-axis. In the second experiment, subjects provided direct estimates of the rotations of the same spheres. Results suggested a reasonable agreement between PSEs for the indirect scaling and direct-estimate procedures. The third experiment varied sphere diameter (and therefore mean linear velocity of stimulus elements) and showed that although rotation judgments are biased by mean linear velocity, they are not likely to be made solely on the basis of that information. These and past results suggest a model whereby recovery of structure is conducted by low-level motion-detecting mechanisms, whereas rotation (and other) judgments are based on a higher level representation.
Vaporization of Tantalum Carbide‐Hafnium Carbide Solid Solutions

The vaporization rates in vacuum of hot-pressed HfC, TaC, and solid solutions of these carbides in the range 2225° to 2725°C were determined by a Langmuir-type method. A composition near 80TaC.ZOHfC (mole %) exhibited the lowest vaporization rate of the compositions within this pseudobinary system. Variations in initial sample bulk density and vapor-specie condensa tion on the furnace wall have negligible effects on the measured vaporization rates.
Vertebrate homeodomain proteins: families of region-specific transcription factors

Abstract Vertebrate homeodomain proteins are transcription factors whose genes can be isolated via a conserved DNA-binding domain called the homeobox. We review recent studies suggesting that one function of these genes is the early subdivision of the embryo along the antero-posterior axis into ‘fields' of cells with different developmental potential.
Nilpotent bases for distributions and control systems

Abstract Let V(M) be the Lie algebra (infinite dimensional) of real analytic vector fields on the n-dimensional manifold M. Necessary conditions that a real analytic k-dimensional distibution on M have a local basis which generates a nilpotent subalgebra of V(M) are derived. Two methods for sufficient conditions are given, the first depending on the existence of a solution to a system of partial differential equations, the second using Darboux's theorem to give a computable test for an (n − 1)-dimensional distribution. A nonlinear control system in which the control variables appear linearly can be transformed into an orbit equivalent system whose describing vector fields generate a nilpotent algebra if the distribution generated by the original describing vector fields admits a nilpotent basis. When this is the case, local analysis of the control system is greatly simplified.
Simulation of low temperature anaerobic digestion of dairy and swine manure.

Abstract The data reported by L.M. Safley, P.W. Westerman [Bioresource Technology 47 (2) (1994) 165–171] from the laboratory digestion of dairy and swine manure at psychrophilic temperatures (i.e., 10–23°C) have been used to determine the response of the latest comprehensive dynamic mathematical model of methanogenesis [D.T. Hill, S.A. Cobb, Transactions of the ASAE 39 (2) (1996) 565–573] in this low temperature range. Extensive performance data from digesters using animal waste in this temperature range have been lacking, thus allowing limited validation of the comprehensive model. The results of the comprehensive model simulations were compared with the actual data reported by Safley and Westerman (loc. cit.) and with their empirical regression models. Results indicate that the comprehensive model is as accurate as Safley and Westerman's models for three of the four cases reported, but shows a great dissimilarity for the fourth case.
Intracellular mechanisms of adaptation and self-regulation in self-organizing networks: The role of chemical transducers

This paper describes mechanisms of intracellular and intercellular adaptation that are due to spatial or temporal factors. The spatial mechanisms support self-regulating pattern formation that is capable of directing self-organization in a large class of systems, including examples of directed intercellular growth, transmitter production, and intracellular conductance changes. A balance between intracellular flows and counterflows causes adaptation. This balance can be shifted by environmental inputs. The decrease in Ca2+-modulated outward K+ conductance in certain molluscan nerve cells is a likely example. Examples wherein Ca2+ acts as a second messenger that shunts receptor sensitivity can also be discussed from this perspective.
Risky Sexual Behaviors in Emerging Adults: Longitudinal Changes and Within-Person Variations

This study examined longitudinal changes in condom use inconsistency and sexual encounters involving alcohol use and the within-person associations of these two risky sexual behaviors with other personal and contextual factors. Data were drawn from a sample of college students who completed surveys on four occasions across 3 years and included 317 participants (48 % male; 32 % African American, 28 % Latino American, and 40 % European American) who reported recent penetrative sexual activities on at least one of the occasions. Multilevel models revealed that, although condom use inconsistency increased and then leveled off over time, sexual encounters involving alcohol use showed a linear increase. Moreover, at times when students held more negative attitudes toward condoms than usual, they used condoms less consistently than usual; at times when students felt more anxious about HIV/AIDS than usual, they had more sexual encounters involving alcohol use than usual; and at times when students were involved in a serious relationship, they used condoms less consistently and had fewer sexual encounters involving alcohol use than usual. Findings demonstrate the utility of a developmental perspective in understanding sexual behaviors, the importance of examining the unique correlates of different risky sexual behaviors, and the distinctiveness between within-person versus between-person associations.
Observation of short-lived particles produced in high energy neutrino interactions

Abstract Examination of a sample of 89 high-energy, neutrino-induced dilepton events produced in the Fermilab 15 ft bubble chamber has resulted in the direct observation of the production and visible semi-leptonic decay of short-lived particles. One charged decay, two neutral decays, and one decay candidate of undetermined charge are found. Assuming these events and the remaining dilepton signal result from D meson decays, we obtain τ D + = 2.5 −1.5 +3.5 × 10 −13 s and τ D 0 = 3.5 −1.7 +3.5 × 10 −13 s, using a maximum likelihood analysis.
Management implications of evaluating the N2 and N3 neck after organ preservation therapy.

Objectives/Hypothesis: To determine if metastatic squamous cell carcinoma with proliferative potential persists in N2 and N3 necks after conventional radiation. Study Design: Retrospective case series. Materials and Methods: We identified 17 patients from our head and neck tumor database who underwent organ-preserving radiotherapy for primary aerodigestive squamous cell cancer and N2-3 regional metastasis. Archival tissue from these 17 neck specimens was evaluated for routine histopathologic evidence of tumor, as well as immunohistochemically for cytokeratin and Ki-67 activity. An assay for apoptosis was also performed on 10 of the specimens. Results: Routine H&E evaluation suggested metastatic cancer in 11 of 17 irradiated neck specimens. Cytokeratin immunostaining confirmed squamous cell carcinoma in these 11 necks as well as 1 additional specimen that had tested H&E negative. Ki-67 staining demonstrated proliferating tumor in 3 of 17 necks. The apoptosis assay confirmed regions of apoptosis in all of the specimens analyzed. Conclusions: The discovery of proliferating cancer cells in 3 of 17 irradiated specimens (18%) supports the practice of planned neck dissection after primary radiotherapy for patients with pretherapeutic N2+ metastatic disease.
Influence of atmospheric vapour pressure deficit on ozone responses of snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) genotypes

Environmental conditions influence plant responses to ozone (O 3), but few studies have evaluated individual factors directly. In this study, the effect of O 3 at high and low atmospheric vapour pressure deficit (VPD) was evaluated in two genotypes of snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) (R123 and S156) used as O 3 bioindicator plants. Plants were grown in outdoor controlled-environment chambers in charcoal-filtered air containing 0 or 60 nl l -1 O 3 (12 h average) at two VPDs (1.26 and 1.96 kPa) and sampled for biomass, leaf area, daily water loss, and seed yield. VPD clearly influenced O 3 effects. At low VPD, O 3 reduced biomass, leaf area, and seed yield substantially in both genotypes, while at high VPD, O 3 had no significant effect on these components. In clean air, high VPD reduced biomass and yield by similar fractions in both genotypes compared with low VPD. Data suggest that a stomatal response to VPD per se may be lacking in both genotypes and it is hypothesized that the high VPD resulted in unsustainable transpiration and water deficits that resulted in reduced growth and yield. High VPD-and water-stress-induced stomatal responses may have reduced the O 3 flux into the leaves, which contributed to a higher yield compared to the low VPD treatment in both genotypes. At low VPD, transpiration increased in the O 3 treatment relative to the clean air treatment, suggesting that whole-plant conductance was increased by O 3 exposure. Ozone-related biomass reductions at low VPD were proportionally higher in S156 than in R123, indicating that differential O 3 sensitivity of these bioindicator plants remained evident when environmental conditions were conducive for O 3 effects. Assessments of potential O 3 impacts on vegetation should incorporate interacting factors such as VPD. © 2012 The Author.
100 years of California’s water rights system: patterns, trends and uncertainty

For 100 years, California’s State Water Resources Control Board and its predecessors have been responsible for allocating available water supplies to beneficial uses, but inaccurate and incomplete accounting of water rights has made the state ill-equipped to satisfy growing societal demands for water supply reliability and healthy ecosystems. Here, we present the first comprehensive evaluation of appropriative water rights to identify where, and to what extent, water has been dedicated to human uses relative to natural supplies. The results show that water right allocations total 400 billion cubic meters, approximately five times the state’s mean annual runoff. In the state’s major river basins, water rights account for up to 1000% of natural surface water supplies, with the greatest degree of appropriation observed in tributaries to the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers and in coastal streams in southern California. Comparisons with water supplies and estimates of actual use indicate substantial uncertainty in how water rights are exercised. In arid regions such as California, over-allocation of surface water coupled with trends of decreasing supply suggest that new water demands will be met by re-allocation from existing uses. Without improvements to the water rights system, growing human and environmental demands portend an intensification of regional water scarcity and social conflict. California’s legal framework for managing its water resources is largely compatible with needed reforms, but additional public investment is required to enhance the capacity of the state’s water management institutions to effectively track and regulate water rights. S Online supplementary data available from stacks.iop.org/ERL/9/084012/mmedia
Reasonable Estimates of Serum Vitamin E, Vitamin C, and β-Cryptoxanthin Are Obtained with a Food Frequency Questionnaire in Older Black and White Adults

Few studies provide correlations between different indicators of the dietary intakes of older (>or= 65 y) black and white adults. This study compared the usual intakes of vitamin E, vitamin C, and selected carotenoids estimated by a modified Harvard food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) to those estimated by multiple 24-h recalls, and to blood concentrations of components in a randomly selected sample of participants in the Chicago Health and Aging Project (CHAP). Subjects (n = 59) were interviewed to complete multiple 24-h recalls over a year's time, then completed an FFQ and subsequently provided a fasting blood specimen within 2 mo. Dietary estimates were energy-adjusted separately for men and women. Significant (P < 0.05) correlations between total (diet and supplement) FFQ estimates and serum measures of vitamin E and vitamin C were as follows: 0.49 and 0.39 for blacks, and 0.42 and 0.29 for whites, respectively. The highest correlations between serum and FFQ indicators were for dietary beta-cryptoxanthin (0.46), total alpha-tocopherol (0.46) and total beta-carotene (0.44) among whites; among blacks, the highest correlations were for dietary alpha-carotene (0.81), total alpha-tocopherol (0.53) and total beta-cryptoxanthin (0.50); all were significant (P < 0.05). Further adjustment for age, gender, BMI, and educational level minimally altered these coefficients. These findings indicate that the modified Harvard FFQ provides reasonable estimates of serum levels of vitamin E, vitamin C and beta-cryptoxanthin among CHAP participants.
Stairway Carpet Design: A Simple Preconstruction Evaluation Approach

We describe the use of a simple and inexpensive preconstruction evaluation-like process in recommending alternative carpet patterns for stairway and ramp areas in a public building where safety of the elderly and those with visual handicaps is a primary concern. Mock-up procedures were used on existing stairway and ramp areas to determine the optimal design to provide a compelling visual indication that stairways or ramp areas were being approached, and to create the maximum differentiation of stair risers and treads with a minimum amount of attendant visual confusion. The evaluation process was quite successful in meeting its goals. We present examples of the original design, mock-up results, and final implementation of the recommendations.