cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Controlling topological entanglement in engineered protein hydrogels with a variety of thiol coupling chemistries

Topological entanglements between polymer chains are achieved in associating protein hydrogels through the synthesis of high molecular weight proteins via chain extension using a variety of thiol coupling chemistries, including disulfide formation, thiol-maleimide, thiol-bromomaleimide and thiol-ene. Coupling of cysteines via disulfide formation results in the most pronounced entanglement effect in hydrogels, while other chemistries provide versatile means of changing the extent of entanglement, achieving faster chain extension, and providing a facile method of controlling the network hierarchy and incorporating stimuli responsivities. The addition of trifunctional coupling agents causes incomplete crosslinking and introduces branching architecture to the protein molecules. The high-frequency plateau modulus and the entanglement plateau modulus can be tuned by changing the ratio of difunctional chain extender to the trifunctional branching unit. Therefore, these chain extension reactions show promise in delicately controlling the relaxation and mechanical properties of engineered protein hydrogels in ways that complement their design through genetic engineering.
The Role of Radiation in Influencing Tropical Cloud Distributions in a Radiative–Convective Equilibrium Cloud-Resolving Model

Abstract Observations by Johnson et al. depict regions of active tropical convection as possessing increased relative humidity through a deep layer and reduced low-level static stability when compared to nonconvecting regions. Shallow cumulus clouds, congestus clouds, and deep convection all coexist within these convecting regions. This investigation explores the effect that radiation might have on the tropical cloud distributions by using large-domain (20 000 km) radiative–convective equilibrium cloud-resolving model (RCE-CRM) experiments that reproduce similar moisture, stability, and cloud structures to those observed. Radiation is found to significantly increase the amount of shallow and intermediate-level clouds (tops between 1.5 and 5 km) by increasing low-level stability and thus promoting additional low-level cloud detrainment. The mechanism by which radiation stabilizes the low levels is found to differ between convectively suppressed and active regions. In convectively suppressed regions, strong...
The circulatory system of amphioxus (Branchiostoma floridae). II. Uptake of exogenous proteins by endothelial cells.

The endothelial cell of Amphioxus has an endocytotic capability since both ferritin and horseradish peroxidase, when injected into the endostylar artery, became localized within endothelial cell cytoplasmic vesicles. The endothelial cells also contain vesicles within which the lysosomal enzyme acid phosphatase has been localized. Because of the presence of an endocytotic capability and lysosomes, these cells possess both the means and the method for the acquisition and disposal of exogenous proteins.
What is sex and why does it matter? A motivational approach to exploring individuals' definitions of sex.

What sexual experiences qualify as “having sex”? We investigated two assumptions apparently underlying research on how individuals make these judgments: that individuals have clear definitions regarding what qualifies as sex and that these judgments depend on how closely the activity being assessed matches their definitions of sex. Using open-ended questionnaires, 100 students, 51 women and 49 men, described their experiences that were “almost but not quite sex” or “just barely sex” and situations where there was uncertainty or disagreement about whether the experience qualified as “sex.” In contrast to the above assumptions, many respondents expressed ambiguity about their definitions of sex, and their decisions about labeling an experience as “sex” often seemed influenced by the consequences of applying this label.
Establishing Proper System Parameters for Digitally Sampling a Continuous Scanning Spectrometer

A gaussian spectral line is represented as a true function of time and its power spectrum determined. With the use of this information and application of the sampling theorem, a relationship between system parameters such as spectral resolution, scan rate, amplifier band width, and sampling rate is established. Use of this relationship in establishing run parameters ensures acquisition of valid data by a digital sampling system.
Characterization of high-energy heavy-ion implanted InP crystals by a variety of techniques.

MeV ion implantation into InP compound semiconductor crystals with 5 MeV nitrogen ions has been investigated. The subsequent characterization was undertaken by a variety of techniques such as nuclear resonant reaction analysis, channeling Rutherford backscattering spectrometry, X-ray rocking curve measurement and cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy. These techniques have clearly revealed substantial changes in structural properties and radiation-induced damage distribution as well as the influence of post-implantation annealing in ^(15)N ion-implanted InP samples. The results from these measurements, which are presented in this paper, are shown to be consistent with each other, and have led to a coherent description of the effects of the implantation and subsequent annealing. In a practical sense this has demonstrated the complementary nature of the analytical capabilities of all of these techniques used for the investigation of the processes involved in high-energy heavy-ion implantation.
Anatomy of lens and pathology of cataracts.

The capsule of the lens is characterized chiefly by its hyaline structure, its tendency to coil when incised, and its conspicuous chromophilia with the PAS stain. It has some of the morphologic and tinctorial properties of Descemet's membrane of the cornea and of Bruch's membrane of the choroid. The epithelial cells forming a layer, one cell thick, beneath the anterior capsule develop into the lens fibres at the equator. Although showing little mitotic activity normally, these cells show a vigorous capacity for proliferation on provocation. Lens fibres develop by a process analogous to keratinization in the skin. The cells become elonated and eosinophilic; the nuclei disappear by pyknosis. The cell walls persist as the fibres become progressively displaced into the interior of the lens; they show no anatomic attachment to each other. Cortical cataracts are characterized histologically by formation of anomalous “bladder cells” that are generally interpreted as aberrant lens fibres. The lens substance itself may metamorphose into eosinophilic balls, called morgagnian globules, that undergo progressive granulation and liquefaction. The liquefied cortex finally “leaks” out of the lens to cause a characteristic macrophage response in the eye. At the same time the retained nucleus, which is not liquefied, falls to the bottom of the capsular envelope to constitute what is known as a morgagnian cataract. A different course of events results from rupture of the capsule. The lens then becomes invaded by polymorphonuclear cells, especially in the immunological reactions known as phakoanaphylaxis, or by epithelioid cells that either dispose of the digestible components or form giant cells about the indigestible components. Cataracts comprise a variety of morphological and aetiological types. Some of these are listed and described briefly but it is apparent that little is known of the underlying biochemical changes.
The Neural Basis of Retrograde Memory: Evidence From Positron Emission Tomography for the Role of Non-mesial Temporal Lobe Structures

Abstract Lesion studies have suggested that retrieval of old, factual, concrete knowledge (retrograde memory) and learning of new, factual, concrete knowledge (anterograde memory) depend on distinct systems in the temporal lobe. Here we report a case study using serial neuropsychological assessments and serial structural and functional imaging studies which provides further support for this notion. A 70-year-old right-handed woman with limbic encephalitis attributed to thymoma was evaluated 4 months after diagnosis. Severe multimodal anterograde and retrograde memory defects were found. An [18F] fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) resting positron emission tomography (PET) scan showed diffuse cortical, but especially right anterolateral temporal hypometabolism. Two years later, there was marked resolution of the retrograde memory defect, with persistent anterograde memory Impairment. A repeat FDG resting PET showed improved metabolism in the anterolateral temporal cortex and in other cortical regions. Metabolism in ...
Navrotsky awarded 2006 Harry H. Hess medal

Alexandra Navrotsky was awarded the Harry H. Hess Medal at the AGU Fall Meeting honors ceremony, which was held on 13 December 2006 in San Francisco, Calif. The medal recognizes outstanding achievements in research in the constitution and evolution of Earth and other planets. It is a great privilege and honor to introduce Alexandra Navrotsky as the recipient of the 2006 Harry H. Hess Medal. She is an outstanding scientist who has made important contributions to our understanding of minerals and other materials through a wide range of theoretical and experimental applications of thermodynamics. She was trained as a physical chemist and originally approached oxide chemistry through a materials perspective. However, her interests broadened and she became known as a leading authority in a wide range of subjects from chemistry through materials science to the geosciences. She held faculty positions at Arizona State University (Tempe) and Princeton University (N.J.) and is now at the University of California, Davis.
Hematopoietic protein-1 regulates the actin membrane skeleton and membrane stability in murine erythrocytes.

Hematopoietic protein-1 (Hem-1) is a hematopoietic cell specific member of the WAVE (Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome verprolin-homologous protein) complex, which regulates filamentous actin (F-actin) polymerization in many cell types including immune cells. However, the roles of Hem-1 and the WAVE complex in erythrocyte biology are not known. In this study, we utilized mice lacking Hem-1 expression due to a non-coding point mutation in the Hem1 gene to show that absence of Hem-1 results in microcytic, hypochromic anemia characterized by abnormally shaped erythrocytes with aberrant F-actin foci and decreased lifespan. We find that Hem-1 and members of the associated WAVE complex are normally expressed in wildtype erythrocyte progenitors and mature erythrocytes. Using mass spectrometry and global proteomics, Coomassie staining, and immunoblotting, we find that the absence of Hem-1 results in decreased representation of essential erythrocyte membrane skeletal proteins including α- and β- spectrin, dematin, p55, adducin, ankyrin, tropomodulin 1, band 3, and band 4.1. Hem1−/− erythrocytes exhibit increased protein kinase C-dependent phosphorylation of adducin at Ser724, which targets adducin family members for dissociation from spectrin and actin, and subsequent proteolysis. Increased adducin Ser724 phosphorylation in Hem1−/− erythrocytes correlates with decreased protein expression of the regulatory subunit of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), which is required for PP2A-dependent dephosphorylation of PKC targets. These results reveal a novel, critical role for Hem-1 in the homeostasis of structural proteins required for formation and stability of the actin membrane skeleton in erythrocytes.
Ser-His-Glu triad forms the catalytic site of the lipase from Geotrichum candidum

The Ser-His-Asp triad is a well known structural feature of the serine proteases. It has also been directly observed in the catalytic sites of two lipases, whose high-resolution three-dimensional structures have been determined 1,2. Lipases show a wide variety of sizes, substrate and positional specificities, and catalytic rates 3. They achieve maximal catalytic rates at oil-water interfaces. The fungus Geotrichum candidum produces several different forms of lipases, two of which have been purified to homogeneity 4,5. Two lipase genes have been identified, cloned and sequenced 6,7. Both code for proteins of 544 amino acids with a total relative molecular mass of about 60,000 (Mr 60K). The two forms are 86% identical. Their isoelectric points differ slightly, being between 4.3 and 4.6. About 7% of the total Mr is carbohydrate. Until now, only a low resolution structure of GCL has been reported 8, but no high resolution structure has followed. We now report the three-dimensional structure of a lipase from G. candidum (GCL) at 2.2 A resolution. Unlike the other lipases and serine proteases, the catalytic triad of GCL is Ser-His-Glu, with glutamic acid replacing the usual aspartate. Although the sequence similarity with the other two lipases is limited to the region near the active-site serine, there is some similarity in their three-dimensional structures. The GCL is also an alpha/beta protein with a central mixed beta sheet whose topology is similar to that of the N-terminal domain of human pancreatic lipase. As in the other lipases 1,2, the catalytic site is buried under surface loops. Sequence comparisons with proteins from the cholinesterase family suggest that they also contain the Ser-His-Glu triad.
Principles and practices for treatment of cutaneous wounds with cultured skin substitutes

Abstract Background: Skin substitutes prepared from cultured skin cells and biopolymers may reduce requirements for donor skin autograft, and have been shown to be effective in treatment of excised burns, burn scars, and congenital skin lesions. Data Sources: Cultured skin substitutes (CSS) generate skin phenotypes (epidermal barrier, basement membrane) in the laboratory, and restore tissue function and systemic homeostasis. Healed skin is smooth, soft and strong, but develops irregular degrees of pigmentation. Quantitative analysis demonstrates that CSS closes 67 times the area of the donor skin, compared to less than 4 times for split-thickness skin autograft. Conclusions: CSS reduce requirements for donor skin autograft for closure of excised, full-thickness cutaneous wounds, and demonstrate qualitative outcome that is not different from meshed, split-thickness autograft. These results offer reductions in morbidity and mortality for the treatment of burns and chronic wounds, and for cutaneous reconstruction.
Environmental stability of solution processed Al-doped ZnO naoparticulate thin films using surface modification technique

Abstract The environmental stability of solution processed Al-doped ZnO (AZO) thin films was enhanced by functionalizing the film surface with a thin self-assembled molecular layer. Functionalization of AZO films was performed using two types of molecules having identical 12-carbon alkyl chain termination but different functional groups: dodecanethiol (DDT) and dodecanoic acid (DDA). Surface modified AZO films were examined using electrical resistivity measurements, contact angle measurements and quantitative nanomechanical property mapping atomic force microscopy. The hydrophobic layer inhibits the penetration of oxygen and water into the AZO's grain boundaries thus significantly increasing the environmental stability over unmodified AZO. Surface modified AZO films using DDT exhibited lower electrical resistivity compared to DDA functionalized AZO films. Our study demonstrates a new approach for improving the physical properties of oxide based nanoparticulate films for device applications.
Generation of a population inversion between quantum states of a macroscopic variable.

A population inversion has been created between the two adjacent fluxoid wells (with energy difference $\ensuremath{\varepsilon}$) in an rf SQUID subject to weak radiation at 100 GHz. The states in the two wells have opposite currents, of magnitude \ensuremath{\sim}2 \ensuremath{\mu}A, circulating through an inductance of 0.2 nH. The steady state population of the upper well ${n}_{u}(\ensuremath{\varepsilon})$ shows local maxima whose positions correspond to calculated photon absorption resonances between the ground state and an intermediate state. The maximum ${n}_{u}(\ensuremath{\varepsilon})$ is 0.94 compared to the expected thermal equilibrium value of ${n}_{u}(\ensuremath{\varepsilon})=2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}9}$.
Experimental techniques for electron microscopy studies of gas reactions with polycrystalline graphites

Abstract In spite of the experimental difficulties involved, structural changes produced in polycrystalline graphites by gas reactions have been examined directly in these materials at high resolution. Experimental techniques are described which were found satisfactory for an exploratory investigation, using direct transmission electron microscopy, of changes in graphite microstructure produced by reactions with oxygen, carbon dioxide, water vapor, and hydrogen. This study was made using disk-shaped graphite specimens having a thin central area made by mechanical abrasion. The procedures used in the preparation, treatment, and microscopic examination of these specimens are described. Specimen treatment involved both thermal gas reactions, at temperatures between 600°C and 6000°C, and electronically-excited reactions initiated by microwave discharge. Specimen examination included weight loss determination, microstructure image study, selected-area electron diffraction analysis, measurement of X-ray emission from impurities, and repeated examination of the same specimen areas before and after treatment.
Interfacial charge separation and trapping in a photovoltaic polymer blend observed with ultrafast vibrational spectroscopy

The dynamics of photoinduced charge separation, recombination and trapping are examined in a polymer blend photovoltaic material with ultrafast visible pump - infrared probe and time-resolved infrared spectroscopy. The carbonyl (C=O) stretch of methanofullerene [6,6]-phenyl C 61 -butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) is probed as a local vibrational reporter of the dynamics in a blend with a poly( p -phenylenevinylene) (PPV) -based conjugated polymer, CN-MEH-PPV. Following interfacial electron transfer, geminate electron - hole pair dissociation occurs on ultrafast timescales. Subsequent to this charge separation process, charge carriers become trapped on the microsecond timescale resulting in the formation of a distinct peak in the vibrational spectra corresponding to the anion of PCBM. The charge trapping dynamics correspond to the carrier lifetime of similar PPV-based polymer blends as reported in photocurrent transients from the literature.
Evidence for taming of cats.

The recent Brevia concerning evidence of early taming of cats (“Early taming of the cat in Cyprus,” J.-D. Vigne et al. , 9 Apr., p. [259][1]) contains some statements that I feel should be scientifically tempered. Vigne et al. state “The joint burial could also imply a strong association
Practical approach to investigate the statistics of nonlinear pressure on a high-speed ship by using the Volterra model

Abstract The present method takes the results of the verified theory for regular waves and bridges a high-order numerical model to construct the time histories of ship responses in irregular waves. The theory is based on the strip method, with the nonlinearities of the force components calculated over the hull's instantaneous wetted surface, and the numerical model adopts the nonlinear third-order Volterra model. The advantage of this method is systematically leading the contributions of the high-order harmonics excited in regular waves into the response predictions for irregular waves. This study focuses on the nonlinear behavior of the pressure on the hull surface of a high-speed vessel in irregular waves of sea state five. A series of experiments was carried out involving both regular and irregular head waves. The ISSC 1979 wave spectrum was followed, with a significant wave height (H1/3) of 3.2 m and an average zero up-crossing period ( T H 1 / 3 ) of 8.0 s. It was confirmed that even for the strong nonlinearities, such as the pressure responses near the waterline or near the keel on the bow zone, the present method is more realistic than that of the usual linear practice.
School-Based Motivation and Self-Regulation Assessments: An Examination of School Psychologist Beliefs and Practices

One hundred eight practicing school psychologists participated in an online survey designed to examine the need for school-based self-regulation and motivation assessments, the frequency with which they engage in these assessment practices, and the nature of this apparent gap in school psychology practice. In general, results showed that even though school psychologists frequently encounter student referrals involving motivation and self-regulation deficits and recognize the importance and value of assessing these processes, they rarely conduct these types of evaluations. Although many factors may contribute to this phenomenon, it appears that school psychologists have insufficient knowledge and familiarity with motivation and self-regulation assessment methods as well as limited training in working with youth exhibiting these types of difficulties. Implications for practice and future research are highlighted and discussed.
Representing equality: a tangible balance beam for early algebra education

In this paper we describe the design and implementation of a tangible balance beam that we created for early algebra education. We also present data from an exploratory study with seven children (ages 9--10 years) in a local elementary summer school classroom. Our results provide insight into how students solve algebra problems using our tangible interface, how they coordinate multiple representations (both digital and physical) in the problem solving process, and how they understand the concept of algebraic equality in this context. The data suggests that our interface helps students think about equations in a relational context, which has been shown to be an important skill for understanding more advanced concepts in algebra. Whether or not the combination of physical and digital representations provided by our interface helps students apply this relational understanding to equations written using standard algebraic notation is an open question that we hope to investigate in future work.
Response to “Comment on ‘Plasma ionization by annularly bounded helicon waves’ ” [Phys. Plasmas 16, 044701 (2009)]

.Taylor’s theorem on minimization of inductance in toroidalplasmas is one example. The comment states that it is okayto include the displacement current. While the displacementcurrent is pertinent to mathematics, it is small in comparisonto other terms. Thus, the displacement current is not impor-tant to physics. We must clarify that the helicon wave analy-sis should not occur in free space. First, electrons can chargethe wall. Second, charge is generated by electron currentsstriking each other every half wavelength.
Metal-ion distribution in metalloproteins by proton-induced X-ray emission analysis

Abstract The role of metal ions in the biological activity of natural and synthetic metalloproteins is an area of active scientific interest. It would be advantageous in such work to be able to analyze for many elements simultaneously. Methods for this purpose should be rapid, require little or no elaborate pretreatment, and consume only small amounts of material. Of particular interest is the resulting metal-ion distribution in synthetically prepared preparations where the metal-free form of the enzyme can act as a scavenger for unwanted elements during the synthesis. Proton-induced X-ray emission analysis (PIXEA) has been applied, in our laboratory and in others, to the analysis of trace amounts of metallic and nonmetallic elements in a variety of matrices (1–3). In general, the sensitivity in terms of μg/g of this method is comparable to conventional tube-excited X-ray fluorescence, but PIXEA offers the advantage of a higher absolute sensitivity. The technique is nondestructive in the sense that the sample is not consumed in the process and, in addition, a broad range of elements can be simultaneously detected at the submicrogram level. Of particular significance is the small total-sample requirement in that, for the studies reported here, only milligram amounts of protein were required for a total analysis.
Helmut and Louise: An Appreciation

Two remarkable people have stepped down as editors of this journal. Their long association with its development, content, and ambitions has proved wise and constitutive. If the study of institutions, in vogue these days, risks understating the importance of leadership, no one affiliated with ILWCH could make this mistake.
798 THE MICROFLORA OF ANIMALS USED IN HOSPITAL PET THERAPY: IS THERE PATIENT RISK?

Pet therapy involves allowing children to visit their pets while in the hospital and/or the introduction of other animals into the hospital setting for viewing and entertaining the patients. Animals involved in pet therapy are numerous, but generally involved those that can be handled and transferred without much difficulty. Using standard microbiological culture techniques, animals commonly used in pet therapy, school study, and pet loaning programs were analyzed for microbiological flora. Cages, water and environmental materials were also cultured. Animals in this study included: salamanders, alligator, rat, tree frog, tarantula, milk snake, turtle, owl and skink. Multiple microorganisms were recovered from all animals except the tarantula. Salmonella sp. was recovered from all reptiles at least once during the study period. Serratia marcescens and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were also often recovered from animals and water in cages. Several animals were colonized with multiple gram-negative bacteria. The outside of cages were often contaminated with gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms. Although no outbreaks of infection have been identified st our institution, until further data is available, it seems logical to restrict the areas of the hospital into which these potential vehicles of infection can be utilized.
Total motion generated in the unstable cervical spine during management of the typical trauma patient: a comparison of methods in a cadaver model.

Object The proper prehospital and inpatient management of patients with unstable spinal injuries is critical for prevention of secondary neurological compromise. The authors sought to analyze the amount of motion generated in the unstable thoracolumbar spine during various maneuvers and transfers that a trauma patient would typically be subjected to prior to definitive fixation. Methods Five fresh cadavers with surgically created unstable L-1 burst fractures were tested. The amount of angular motion between the T-12 and L-2 vertebral segments was measured using a 3D electromagnetic motion analysis device. A complete sequence of maneuvers and transfers was then performed that a patient would be expected to go through from the time of injury until surgical fixation. These maneuvers and transfers included spine board placement and removal, bed transfers, lateral therapy, and turning the patient prone onto the operating table. During each of these, the authors performed what they believed to be the most commo...
Implications of gd Destroying High-Temperature Superconductivity

The magnetic ion Gd+3, having L = 0 and J ≠ 0, is unsplit by crystal fields and, unlike the other trivalent L ≠ 0 rare-earth ions (which are crystal-field split), is a pair-breaker in high-temperature superconductors. Consequently two-layer compounds with Gd (i.e., Gd2-zCezCuO4 and Ba2GdRu1-uCuuO6) do not superconduct, but their sister compounds without unsplit and pair-breaking Gd, do superconduct (e.g., Nd2-zCezCuO4, with crystal-field split Nd, and Sr2YRu1-uCuuO6, with L = 0 Y, both superconduct). The superconductivity clearly originates in the oxygen of the SrO or BaO layers, or in interstitial oxygen, not in the CuO2 planes.
Filamentous Capsulated Streptococci from the Human Respiratory Tract III. Immunochemical Studies of the Cross-Reactivity Between the Cell Wall Antigens of a Filamentous Streptococcus and of Pneumococcus

A cell wall-associated polysaccharide has been isolated from a noncapsulated mutant, 89R50, of the alpha-hemolytic filamentous streptococcus of provisional capsular type 89. Chemical analysis of the polysaccharide indicates that it consists of galactosamine, glucosamine, glucose, and phosphorus. Immunological cross-reactivity was observed between the streptococcal cell wall antigen and antibody to the cell wall-like capsular polysaccharide of pneumococcus. This cross-reactivity appears attributable to similarities in the teichoic acid moieties rather than in the mucopeptide moieties of the two polymers. No chemical or immunological differences were observed in the cell wall carbohydrate of the noncapsulated streptococcus, 89R50, and that of its capsulated progenitor. It is suggested that antibody to this cell wall polysaccharide might serve as a basis for grouping other filamentous strains of streptococci of diverse capsular types, the cell wall antigens of which show similar cross-reactivity with that of pneumococcus.
National burden of invasive methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection.

Importance: Estimating the US burden of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections is important for planning and tracking success of prevention strategies. Objective: To describe updated national estimates and characteristics of health care– and community-associated invasive methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections in 2011.
Interrelationships and evolution of the east Asian grass lizards,Takydromus(Squamata: Lacertidae)

Abstract The east Asian lacertid lizard genus, Takydromus , is well-defined but its relationships to other primitive Palaearctic lacertids are still uncertain and, although it has similarities to the lower Miocene Miolacerta, Takydromus does not appear to be identical with this. The 16 or 17 recognizable species are reviewed and a key provided for their identification; the remaining area of uncertainty about species boundaries is the Takydromus sexlineatus group in Assam. A phylogeny for Takydromus is estimated using a data set of 35 morphological characters drawn from external features, skeleton and soft-parts. There are two main constituent clades which may be informally recognized as Takydromus s.s. and Platyplacopus . Platyplacopus is subtropical and perhaps relict, whereas Takydromus ranges from temperate to tropical areas. The two clades have different ranges of eggs per clutch. In both of them, elongate forms that climb extensively in flimsy vegetation have evolved and have independently acquired similar features that confer performance advantages in this situation. Interestingly, the order of assembly of these features is markedly different.
Selective Tidal Stream Transport by American Eels During Homing Movements and Estuarine Migration

Behaviour during homing movements and downstream migration of yellow- and silver-phase American eels (Anguilla rostrata) was observed using continuous ultrasonic telemetry in a tidal estuary. Homing subadult (yellow-phase) eels, non-displaced yellow-phase eels and adult (silver-phase) eels all used tidal currents as a transport mechanism (‘selective tidal stream transport’) and possibly as a means of orienting and moving in an appropriate direction. Yellow-phase eels displaced up the estuary and migrating silver-phase eels moved mostly at night and during ebbing tides. Yellow-phase eels displaced down the estuary moved mainly during flooding tides both day and night. Non-displaced eels used selective tidal stream transport to make long, round trip excursions and to move about their home range. Eels were at or near the surface during most of their movements, but were also vertically active, diving transiently to mid-water or to the bottom. During movements, the eels tended to drift with the current, or to swim slowly in the direction of the current. Although they used the tidal currents effectively as a transport mechanism, they were not precise in timing their movements to maximize transport on each tide. This study demonstrates that both yellow- and silver-phase eels use selective tidal stream transport during movements in tidal habitats and excludes some cues previously proposed to regulate the behaviour.
Weakly-matched groups to signal constellations

A signal constellation which has been subdivided by cosets into subconstellations may not be geometrically uniform (i.e. not all cosets have the same list of distances to other cosets). The geometrically uniform cases have an isomorphic mapping between an algebraic group and the minimum coset distances of the constellation. The nongeometrically uniform constellations may have an algebraic group which matches the weakest list of coset distances. Otherwise, there may be a group which matches a lower-bound list of distances. TCM codes can be designed over these weakly-matched groups, or lower-bound-matched groups, and will have codeword-independent lower-bound distance properties. >
The Protective Role of a Small GTPase RhoE against UVB-induced DNA Damage in Keratinocytes

RhoE, a p53 target gene, was identified as a critical factor for the survival of human keratinocytes in response to UVB. The Rho family of GTPases regulates many aspects of cellular behavior through alterations to the actin cytoskeleton, acting as molecular switches cycling between the active, GTP-bound and the inactive, GDP-bound conformations. Unlike typical Rho family proteins, RhoE (also known as Rnd3) is GTPase-deficient and thus expected to be constitutively active. In this study, we investigated the response of cultured human keratinocyte cells to UVB irradiation. RhoE protein levels increase upon exposure to UVB, and ablation of RhoE induction through small interfering RNA resulted in a significant increase in apoptosis and a reduction in the levels of the pro-survival targets p21, Cox-2, and cyclin D1, as well as an increase of reactive oxygen species levels when compared with control cells. These data indicate that RhoE is a pro-survival factor acting upstream of p38, JNK, p21, and cyclin D1. HaCat cells expressing small interfering RNA to p53 indicate that RhoE functions independently of its known associates, p53 and Rho-associated kinase I (ROCK I). Targeted expression of RhoE in epidermis using skin-specific transgenic mouse model resulted in a significant reduction in the number of apoptotic cells following UVB irradiation. Thus, RhoE induction counteracts UVB-induced apoptosis and may serve as a novel target for the prevention of UVB-induced photodamage regardless of p53 status.
An Optically Driven Learning Control for Industrial Manipulators

Automation of manufacturing processes often involves integration of some type of robotic manipulator. Automatic brushing, painting, deburring, welding, and seam tracking are examples of tasks that manipulators should be able to perform accurately and autonomously. However, there are dynamic interactions between the manipulator and its environment that produce uncertainties and the manipulator controller has to be capable of compensating for them. Furthermore, due to unmodelled dynamics and flexibilities in the manipulator itself, the task of the controller becomes even more complicated. This paper presents an optical-based learning controller that utilizes past experience and sensory information about the current state to overcome these difficulties. This scheme tries to mimic the way a human brain compensates for such uncertainties. The optical sensor uses an LED emitter and eight detectors to provide distance information normal to the surface of the workpiece. The resulting scheme is implemented on a GE-P50 robot and used to track different unknown surfaces.
A Discussion of Digital Processing in Synthetic Aperture Radar

This is a summary paper describing the processing of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data using digital correlation algorithms. Fundamental SAR theory as it applies to the various SAR modes, namely, strip mapping, spotlight mapping, and Doppler beam sharpened mapping, is described and a baseline design applicable to all SAR modes is presented. Digital processor design is developed, starting with a simple single filter mechanization and proceeding through more complex processing algorithms. Prefilter design is discussed, as is the more advanced processing algorithms, namely, multiple parallel prefilters, two-stage correlation, and FFT processing. The primary processor tradeoff is increased functional complexity versus reduced arithmetic and memory requirements. For high-resolution applications, the arithmetic requirements can be reduced by an order of magnitude or more by implementing the more advanced processing algorithms.
The Use of Aerodynamic and Wind Climatological Databases for High-Rise Reinforced Concrete Structure Design

Structural response due to directional wind must be taken into account rigorously and transparently in wind resistant design, particularly for tall buildings. A databaseassisted design (DAD) technique makes it possible to account for directional effects on the structural design of tall buildings. To this end, DAD employs a climatological database consisting of the directional wind speeds at a meteorological station relevant to the building site, an aerodynamic database of the pressure coefficient time histories at large numbers of taps on the exterior building surface, and a micrometeorological data set consisting of the ratio of wind speeds at the standard elevation at that site to the mean hourly wind speeds at the top of the building. This study describes the application of the DAD methodology to the design of a 60-story reinforced concrete high-rise structure using the aerodynamic and wind climatological databases. The DAD procedure provides wind-induced responses with any mean recurrence interval, including demand-to-capacity indexes, inter-story drifts, and top-floor accelerations, and compares their compliance with design criteria.
R-spondin 2 is required for normal laryngeal-tracheal, lung and limb morphogenesis

Herein, we demonstrate that Lrp6-mediated R-spondin 2 signaling through the canonical Wnt pathway is required for normal morphogenesis of the respiratory tract and limbs. We show that the footless insertional mutation creates a severe hypomorphic R-spondin 2 allele (Rspo2(Tg)). The predicted protein encoded by Rspo2(Tg) neither bound the cell surface nor activated the canonical Wnt signaling reporter TOPFLASH. Rspo2 activation of TOPFLASH was dependent upon the second EGF-like repeat of Lrp6. Rspo2(Tg/Tg) mice had severe malformations of laryngeal-tracheal cartilages, limbs and palate, and lung hypoplasia consistent with sites of Rspo2 expression. Rspo2(Tg/Tg) lung defects were associated with reduced branching, a reduction in TOPGAL reporter activity, and reduced expression of the downstream Wnt target Irx3. Interbreeding the Rspo2(Tg) and Lrp6(-) alleles resulted in more severe defects consisting of marked lung hypoplasia and absence of tracheal-bronchial rings, laryngeal structures and all limb skeletal elements.
Polycrystalline silicon carbide NEMS for high-temperature logic

We report the first ever silicon carbide (SiC) nano-electro-mechanical systems (NEMS) switches capable of operation from 25 to 600 °C. We have developed both laterally- and vertically-actuated designs with threshold voltages of less than 5 V. Switches have been verified to cycle more than 3 billion times at room temperature and more than 2 million times at 600 °C. Plausible models to describe the contact resistance in two actuation voltage regimes are also suggested: (i) at low actuation voltage, the resistance is dominated by the native oxide which forms on the SiC surface; and (ii) at higher actuation voltages, the resistance can be described by Sharvin's model.
Dirichlet L-Series and Primes in an Arithmetic Progression

Our principal goal in this chapter will be to prove the analogue of Dirichlet’s famous theorem about primes in arithmetic progressions. This was first proved by H. Kornblum in his PhD thesis written, just before the onset of World War I, under the direction of Edmund Landau. After completing the work on his thesis, but before writing it up, Kornblum enlisted in the army. He died in the fighting on the Eastern Front. After the war, Landau completed the sad duty of writing up and publishing his student’s results, see Kornblum [1].
The adverse impact on liver transplantation of using positive cytotoxic crossmatch donors.

Abstract Because of the liver graft’s ability to resist cytotoxic antibody-mediated rejection, it has becomedogma that the conventional transplant crossmatch used to avoid hyperacute rejection of other organsis irrelevant to the liver. We examined this hypothesis in a consecutive series of adult primary liverrecipients treated with FK506 and low-dose steroids.Twenty-five of 231 (10.8%) patients received a liver from a cytotoxic-positive crossmatch donor(more than 50% of donor T lymphocytes were killed by dithiothreitol-pretreated recipient serum).The outcome was compared with that of 50 negative crossmatch patients who had theirtransplantations just before and after the crossmatch positive cases.The one-year graft and patient survivals were 56% and 68%, for positive and 82% and 86% fornegative crossmatch patients ( P =0.004, P =0.03, respectively). The difference between patient andfirst graft survival was accounted for by retransplantation, which was 4 times more frequent in thepositive-crossmatch cases. Histologically, failed allografts obtained at the time of retransplantationrevealed a spectrum of pathologic findings related to vascular injury.This study showed a higher difficulty of intraoperative blood product management, a degradedprognosis, and a poorer average quality of ultimate graft function when liver transplantation wasperformed against positive cytotoxic crossmatches. In such patients for whom crossmatch-negativedonors may never be found because of the broad extent and intensity of sensitization, specialtherapeutic strategies perioperatively must be evolved if results are to improve.The immune response to hepatic transplants has previously been described as a cellularrejection response ( 1). We have reported that human hepatic transplants are unusually resistantto antibody-mediated rejection, and can be successfully performed in the face of positiveantidonor crossmatches, as detected by the standard complement-dependent cytotoxicity test(2–4).It is true, however, that crossmatch-positive hepatic grafts have been lost repeatedly forinadequately explained reasons at our center and elsewhere ( 5–9). Experienced liver transplantsurgeons speak of some patients as “liver-eaters” and there are case reports from several
Production of the CYS3 regulator, a bZIP DNA-binding protein, is sufficient to induce sulfur gene expression in Neurospora crassa.

The cys-3+ gene of Neurospora crassa encodes a bZIP (basic region-leucine zipper) regulatory protein that is essential for sulfur structural gene expression (e.g., ars-1+). Nuclear transcription assays confirmed that cys-3+ was under sulfur-regulated transcriptional control and that cys-3+ transcription was constitutive in sulfur controller (scon)-negative regulator mutants. Given these results, I have tested whether expression of cys-3+ under high-sulfur (repressing) conditions was sufficient to induce sulfur gene expression. The N. crassa beta-tubulin (tub) promoter was fused to the cys-3+ coding segment and used to transform a cys-3 deletion mutant. Function of the tub::cys-3 fusion in homokaryotic transformants grown under high-sulfur conditions was confirmed by Northern (RNA) and Western immunoblot analysis. The tub::cys-3 transformants showed arylsulfatase gene expression under normally repressing high-sulfur conditions. A tub::cys-3ts fusion encoding a temperature-sensitive CYS3 protein was used to confirm that the induced structural gene expression was due to CYS3 protein function. Constitutive CYS3 production did not induce scon-2+ expression under repressing conditions. In addition, a cys-3 promoter fusion to lacZ showed that CYS3 production was sufficient to induce its own expression and provides in vivo evidence for autoregulation. Finally, an apparent inhibitory effect observed with a strain carrying a point mutation at the cys-3 locus was examined by in vitro heterodimerization studies. These results support an interpretation of CYS3 as a transcriptional activator whose regulation is a crucial control point in the signal response pathway triggered by sulfur limitation.
Glufosinate efficacy, absorption, and translocation in amaranth as affected by relative humidity and temperature

Abstract Growth chamber experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of relative humidity and temperature on the efficacy, absorption, and translocation of glufosinate at 205, 410, and 820 g ha−1 in Palmer amaranth, redroot pigweed, and common waterhemp. Low relative humidity decreased control of all three species by glufosinate. However, control increased as application rate increased at low relative humidity. Amaranth species grown under 21/16, 26/21, and 31/26 C day/night temperature regimes responded differently to glufosinate. At 26/21 C, glufosinate at 820 g ha−1 controlled redroot pigweed less effectively than it controlled Palmer amaranth and common waterhemp, whereas at 410 g ha−1, glufosinate controlled common waterhemp more effectively than it controlled the other two species. Neither temperature nor relative humidity altered the absorption of 14C-glufosinate in any of the three species. Most of the absorbed glufosinate remained in the treated leaves at all three temperature regimes and t...
Spectrum resolved fluorescence imaging in multi-focal volume holographic microscopy

A real-time three dimensional (3D) fluorescence imaging system incorporating wavelength-coded and multiplexed holographic gratings is presented. Holographic gratings formed in thick Phenanthrenquinone- (PQ-) Doped Poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) have narrowband spectral-spatial transmittance filtering properties to generate wavelengthspectrum selective multi-focal planes within a biological object. We demonstrate the imaging modality to obtain laserinduced fluorescent tissue structures from different depths at the excitation wavelength of 355nm.
A Mutant of Arp2p Causes Partial Disassembly of the Arp2/3 Complex and Loss of Cortical Actin Function in Fission Yeast

The Arp2/3 complex is an essential component of the yeast actin cytoskeleton that localizes to cortical actin patches. We have isolated and characterized a temperature-sensitive mutant of Schizosaccharomyces pombe arp2 that displays a defect in cortical actin patch distribution. The arp2+ gene encodes an essential actin-related protein that colocalizes with actin at the cortical actin patch. Sucrose gradient analysis of the Arp2/3 complex in the arp2-1 mutant indicated that the Arp2p and Arc18p subunits are specifically lost from the complex at restrictive temperature. These results are consistent with immunolocalization studies of the mutant that show that Arp2-1p is diffusely localized in the cytoplasm at restrictive temperature. Interestingly, Arp3p remains localized to the cortical actin patch under the same restrictive conditions, leading to the hypothesis that loss of Arp2p from the actin patch affects patch motility but does not severely compromise its architecture. Analysis of the mutant Arp2 protein demonstrated defects in ATP and Arp3p binding, suggesting a possible model for disruption of the complex.