cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The role of PAF in reproductive biology

Abstract Platelet-activating factor (PAF) has been shown to play an important role in both fetal lung maturation and in parturition and it has been demonstrated that part of the PAF present in the amniotic fluid is associated with surfactant and, therefore, of lung origin. PAF receptors are present in type II pneumonocytes and the addition of the autacoid promotes both glycogenolysis and increased surfactant secretion from these cells. Moreover, type II pneumonocytes and a human amnion-derived cell line (WISH) have the capability of metabolizing PAF to ethanolamine phospholipids. It has also been established that PAF will cause intracellular Ca 2+ mobilization and promote myosin phosphorylation and increased contractility in myometrial strips. Increased PAF biosynthesis in fetal tissues takes place during the latter stages of pregnancy, simultaneously with a decrease in the activity of PAF-acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH) in maternal plasma. The activity of PAF-AH is decreased by the administration of estrogens in vivo and is increased by glucocorticoids and progestins. A number of agents lower the secretion of PAF-AH by decidual macrophages, including 1,25-(OH) 2 D 3 , bacterial lipopolysaccharides, and some cytokines (IL1, TNF-α). This inhibitory action may result in higher levels of PAF and increased myometrial contractility as a consequence of infectious processes. PAF causes a profound intestinal necrosis when administered to rats by intravenous injection. Pretreatment with dexamethasone protects against this disease. The presence of PAF-AH in human milk may explain the protective effect of mother's milk against necrotizing enterocolitis.
Modeling the Potential Impact of Seasonal and Inactive Multi-Aquifer Wells on Contaminant Movement to Public Water-Supply Wells

Wells screened across multiple aquifers can provide pathways for the movement of surprisingly large volumes of groundwater to confined aquifers used for public water supply (PWS). Using a simple numerical model, we examine the impact of several pumping scenarios on leakage from an unconfined aquifer to a confined aquifer and conclude that a single inactive multi-aquifer well can contribute nearly 10% of total PWS well flow over a wide range of pumping rates. This leakage can occur even when the multi-aquifer well is more than a kilometer from the PWS well. The contribution from multi-aquifer wells may be greater under conditions where seasonal pumping (e.g., irrigation) creates large, widespread downward hydraulic gradients between aquifers. Under those conditions, water can continue to leak down a multi-aquifer well from an unconfined aquifer to a confined aquifer even when those multi-aquifer wells are actively pumped. An important implication is that, if an unconfined aquifer is contaminated, multi-aquifer wells can increase the vulnerability of a confined-aquifer PWS well.
Eva:A midseason golden nematode- and virus-resistant variety for use as tablestock or chipstock

Eva is a new potato variety being released by the New York and Pennsylvania Experiment Stations. Eva is notable for its bright clear skin and attractive round to oval shape. It produces a chip color comparable to Monona from 9 C storage and has specific gravity 014 less than that of Atlantic. It has exceptionally long tuber dormancy and has extreme resistance to PVX, PVY, and race RO1 of the golden nematode. Scab resistance is like that of Monona. It is expected that Eva will find primary acceptance as a tablestock variety.
A measure of competence The first Mushin lecture

The process by which an individual is finally recognised as a physician and licensed to practice medicine is long and complicated. The physician who chooses to specialise pursues additional study and after successfully completing both written and oral examinations may be certified by a 'specialty board'. Such certification is looked upon as evidence that the physician is competent to practice at the consultant level. The competent clinician possesses the intellectual capacity to make valid medical judgments and the technical expertise in his own special field to implement or to direct the implementation of such judgments. The written examination measures the pool of information essential for the individual to make valid medical judgments in the area tested. The oral examination examines attributes difficult to evaluate by other techniques since attributes demand both observation of the candidate and interaction with him. The oral exam is probably a better way to evaluate a candidate's ability to make clinical judgments, to synthesize information, to relate specific basis information to clinical problems presented and, to some extent, to test the ability of the candidate to react in stressful situations. Inadequacies of the oral examination continue to include a lack of objectivity and the potential for bias. Some specialty boards require certificates of clinical competence issued by the faculty of the training programme on behalf of applicants who seek certification in their specialty. In addition to such judgments of clinical competence, the concepts of peer review, licensure, recertification and continuing education all play a role in the elusive objective of assessing clinical competence.
The somatostatin neuroendocrine system: physiology and clinical relevance in gastrointestinal and pancreatic disorders

Somatostatin is produced in enteroendocrine D cells and intrinsic neurons of the stomach, intestines and pancreas. Its physiologic actions are mediated primarily by somatostatin receptors type 2 and 5, and include the inhibition of secretion of most endocrine and exocrine factors. Diseases directly attributable to somatostatin excess or deficiency are rare, although there is a complex pathogenic relationship between persistent Helicobacter pylori infection and reduced somatostatin in chronic gastritis. Abundant somatostatin receptors on many neoplastic and inflammatory cells are the basis for sensitive in vivo imaging with radiolabeled somatostatin analogs and provide a therapeutic target. Current indications for somatostatin therapy include hormone-expressing neuroendocrine tumors, intractable diarrhea and variceal bleeding secondary to portal hypertension. Exciting advances are being made in the development of high-affinity nonpeptide analogs with receptor-subtype selectivity and increased bioavailability. Somatostatin analogs coupled to high-energy radionuclides show promise as novel cytotoxic agents for certain metastatic tumors.
A 12–40 GHz low phase variation highly linear BiCMOS variable gain amplifier

An ultra-wideband low phase variation variable gain amplifier (VGA) in 0.18/am BiCMOS process with high linearity is presented in this paper. The proposed VGA uses novel current steering gain blocks to achieve gain steps with low phase variation. The VGA has a measured gain range of 6.3-8.1 dB over the entire frequency range of 12-40 GHz and shows a phase variation of 0.2-0.78 °/dB. The VGA achieves a simulated input P1dB of 0 dBm at 26 GHz while consuming only 20.5 mW from 1.5 V power supply and occupies an active area of just 0.05 mm2. The VGA shows 7.6 times better Figure of Merit as compared to current state-of-the-art VGAs.
Enhanced radiation hardness of photoluminescence from InAs quantum dots embedded in an AlAs/GaAs superlattice structure

Abstract We report a study of proton irradiation effects on the luminescence of self-assembled InAs quantum dots (QDs) embedded in an AlAs/GaAs short-period superlattice structure. As opposed to the QDs grown in a GaAs thin film, the QDs embedded in an AlAs/GaAs superlattice structure were found to exhibit much higher photoluminescence (PL) degradation resistance to proton irradiation. For example, at the highest dose (10 14 cm −2 ) used in this work, the PL intensity from the QDs in superlattice dropped by a factor of ∼4, while the PL intensity from the QDs in GaAs decreased by almost two orders of magnitude, relative to their respective as-grown samples. Effects of thermal annealing on the luminescence of irradiated QDs were also examined. Possible mechanisms leading to the enhanced PL radiation hardness for QDs in superlattice are discussed.
Students as a resource for introducing intercultural education in business schools

Despite a recognized need for a global mindset, opportunities for US business school students to gain hands‐on diversity training regarding intercultural issues remain rare. The reasons for this neglect include a lack of agreement on how to teach intercultural awareness and a paucity of faculty qualified to do so. In order to introduce intercultural education into a core business course, students were offered the opportunity to participate in an extra‐credit project that required the development of a proposal for an international joint venture and afforded them the chance to learn about each other while pursuing a superordinate goal of value to each. Thirty‐nine cross‐cultural teams were created, each of which had a partner from the US and a partner from a different country. Both quantitative and qualitative analyses revealed that the value of the project was closely related to the amount of learning that reportedly took place in both the business and cultural realms. Importantly, 73% of the students repo...
Distribution of low-lying states in amorphous and glassy materials

Abstract We examine the distribution of normal modes in amorphous or glassy materials. Thermodynamical considerations suggest an unusually high density of low-lying states in such materials. Here we inquire into the dynamics, using the appropriate Green functions.
Structure Effects of Benzene Hydrogenation Studied with Sum Frequency Generation Vibrational Spectroscopy and Kinetics on Pt(111) and Pt(100) Single-Crystal Surfaces

Sum frequency generation (SFG) surface vibrational spectroscopy and kinetic measurements using gas chromatography have identified at least two reaction pathways for benzene hydrogenation on the Pt(100) and Pt(111) single-crystal surfaces at Torr pressures. Kinetic studies at low temperatures (310−370 K) show that benzene hydrogenation does not proceed through cyclohexene. A Langmuir−Hinshelwood-type rate law for the low-temperature reaction pathway is identified. The rate-determining step for this pathway is the addition of the first hydrogen atom to adsorbed benzene for both single-crystal surfaces, which is verified by the spectroscopic observation of adsorbed benzene at low temperatures on both the Pt(100) and Pt(111) crystal faces. Low-temperature SFG studies reveal chemisorbed and physisorbed benzene on both surfaces. At higher temperatures (370−440 K), hydrogenation of benzene to π-allyl c-C6H9 is observed only on the Pt(100) surface. Previous single-crystal studies have identified π-allyl c-C6H9 as...
Guilty plea hearings and judicial supervision: Some differences between federal and state judges regarding Rule 11 and a defendant’s right to due process

Samples of 120 district court judges from six randomly selected circuit court jurisdictions were compared with 62 circuit and criminal court judges in Tennessee concerning their compliance with Rule 11 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure (U.S.C.A., 1986) governing guilty plea hearings. Among other things, Rule 11 provides that judges will inquire of defendants in open court about the voluntariness of their guilty pleas, whether they understand that they are waiving several important constitutional rights, whether there is a factual basis for the guilty plea, whether they realize they have a right to an attorney, and whether they understand the nature and consequences of the charges against them. It was found that federal judges are substantially in compliance with these provisions of Rule 11, although full compliance was not observed for all issue areas. By comparison, Tennessee trial judges adhered to these provisions (duplicated in the Tennessee Rules of Criminal Procedure verbatim) much less frequently. Various reasons for these discrepancies are discussed, as are some implications for defendant’s access to due process and certain constitutional guarantees.
On the linearity of the self-diffusion process

Formal arguments are given that the self-diffusion process, understood as the mutual diffusion process in a system which consists of two mechanically similar species of particles, and which is at total equilibrium if the species labels are ignored, is an inherently linear, but nonlocal, transport process. There are no nonlinear Burnett effects, and the nonlocal diffusion coefficient is independent of the composition of the mixture. The present state of knowledge, from theory and from computer experiments, concerning the various quantities which appear in the formal analysis is summarized for both fluid and Lorentz systems.
Israel and the evolution of U.S. nonproliferation policy: The critical decade (1958–1968)

Dr. Avner Cohen is a Senior Fellow in the Jennings Randolph Program for International Peace at the United States Institute of Peace, Washington, D.C. He was a lecturer in philosophy at Tel Aviv University from 1983 to 1991 and has held visiting posts at several American universities. He has also served as codirector for a project on nuclear arms control in the Middle East at the MIT Center for International Studies. He is the author of many works on proliferation issues, including the forthcoming book Israel and the Bomb: A Political History (1950-1970) (Columbia University Press, 1998). ISRAEL AND THE EVOLUTION OF U.S. NONPROLIFERATION POLICY: THE CRITICAL DECADE (1958-1968)
An efficient synthesis of N-protected threo (2R,3S)-3-amino-1,2-epoxy phenylbutane

Abstract A precise and versatile method was developed for the synthesis of threo amino epoxide derivatives, which are useful intermediates for protease inhibitors. It involves the diastereoselective reduction of the carbonyl group of γ- N , N -dibenzyl amino α-hydroxy β-keto sulfide prepared from an amino acid, and its subsequent stereospecific conversion to an amino epoxide via acetoxy halogenation in high yield.
The case for the physician assistant.

Editor – During more than 20 years working as a physician in the United States, I have interacted with physician assistants in a wide range of clinical settings. Accordingly, I read with great interest Ross and colleagues’ excellent discussion regarding the potential future role of the physician
Transaction tagging in highly congested network simulations

Process flow network simulation models are often constrained by computer time and memory when there are a large number of transactions active in the model. This paper describes an approach to alleviate the storage problems associated with transaction congestion in large scale network simulation models. Transaction tagging, the selective monitoring of entities, is the approach presented. The effect of tagging on primary memory requirements, the information obtained from a simulation, and the cost of running a simulation is investigated. Issues regarding the use of tagging are explored. For certain types of highly congested network simulation models, tagging can be used to reduce storage requirements without significant information loss.
Fibroblasts That Express Aromatic Amino Acid Decarboxylase Have Increased Sensitivity to the Synergistic Cytotoxicity of L-Dopa and Manganese

Abstract Manganism, a neurodegenerative disease that can follow chronic exposure to Mn, has been associated with lesions in the basal ganglia and depletion of dopamine and its metabolites in this brain region. Herein, we have tested the hypothesis that oxidation of catechols is a critical component of Mn-induced cytotoxicity. To eliminate confounding metabolic pathways, a nonneuronal cell line, Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) fibroblasts, was transfected with a cDNA for bovine aromatic amino acid decarboxylase, and a high expressing clone was isolated (CHO/AADC). Exposure of wild-type (CHO/WT) or CHO/ AADC cultures to L-dopa (62 to 500 μM) resulted in intracellular accumulation of L-dopa or L-dopa and dopamine, respectively, that was concentration-dependent. Intracellular catechol levels in CHO/AADC cells were double those in CHO/WT cultures. No dopac was identified intra- or extracellularly. Addition of MnCl 2 (125 to 500 μM) resulted in cytotoxicity that progressed with increasing concentrations of L-dopa or Mn. Neither L-dopa nor MnCl 2 , alone was toxic at these concentrations, and cytotoxicity was completely abrogated by substitution of L-tyrosine for L-dopa. Although CHO/AADC cultures were more sensitive than CHO/WT to L-dopa and Mn, this was completely accounted for by the differences in intracellular catechol levels between the two cell lines. Preformed melanin or dopac were low-potency cytotoxins only at high MnCl 2 concentrations. These results indicate that Mn and intracellular L-dopa and dopamine, but not extracellular dopac or melanin, are potent synergistic cytotoxins.
Spin dependent recombination at the silicon/silicon dioxide interface

Abstract We demonstrate that spin dependent recombination (SDR) has the sensitivity to explore interface and near interface defects in metal/oxide/silicon field effect transistors (MOSFETs) in integrated circuits. We also show that the SDR response of Pb centers is at least qualitatively consistent with the standard Shockley-Read-Hall recombination model. We also show that SDR measurements in the MOS system may provide a critical evaluation of several models which have been proposed to explain the SDR effect.
Evaluation of Recycling Cyclone Spray Chambers for ICP-AES:

Two cyclone spray chambers of different sizes are evaluated for inductively coupled plasma/atomic emission spectrometry. On the basis of a simplified mathematical model, the cut-off diameters of the aerosol droplets are estimated to be 2.2 to 4.3 and 1.8 to 3.5 μm for the large and the small cyclones, respectively. The sample consumption rate can be reduced to about 50 μL/min when the cyclone chamber is used in a recycling mode. In general, the signal-to-background ratios, detection limits, and precisions of the analyte signal intensities obtained with the small cyclone chamber are slightly superior to those achieved with a Scott spray chamber and a recycling gravitational sedimentation chamber. The performance of the recycling cyclone chamber is also evaluated for the determination of copper in the NBS freeze-dried urine.
Integrated experimental-finite element approach for studying elasto-plastic crack-tip fields

Abstract A coupled Moire-finite element method is used to calculate displacement and strain fields around a elasto-plastically deformed crack tip. This hybrid approach is shown to be economical when compared with conventional iterative finite element procedures from the point of view of computational time and storage when analysing problems involving extensive plastic deformations. By supplying surface deformation boundary conditions, one could determine field quantities in the interior of the material. Hybrid method gives more accurate field descriptions than regular finite element schemes.
Insights into Hippocampal-Dependent Declarative Memory: Recent Findings and Clinical Implications

The hippocampus, a structure within the medial temporal lobe, is critical for declarative memory — the form of memory that allows us to remember our experiences and the events of daily life. Tradit...
165 The Chloroplast Genome of the Toxic Stramenopile Heterosigma Akashiwo (Raphidophyceae)

Algae live in an informationally dense environment. To ensure survival, many phytoplankton species respond to specific environmental signals by alternating between motile vegetative and non-motile resting life history phases. Heterosigma akashiwo (Raphidophyceae) can be induced to enter stasis by altering light, temperature and/or nutrient levels. In the resting phase, this obligate photoautotroph can survive for months in cold, dark coastal sediments. To understand how H. akashiwo modifies chloroplast function as it moves between life history phases, we want to (a) identify the signal transduction mechanisms and (b) transcriptional processes in this organelle. Sequencing the chloroplast genome represents the first step in this endeavor. Electron microscopy, reassociation kinetic analysis and restriction analysis show the Heterosigma chloroplast DNA to be 154 kb. Chloroplast DNA recovered by Hoescht dye/CsCl centrifugation has been sheared to 700 bp fragments, cloned in pUC19 and sequenced according to standard protocols. All Heterosigma chloroplast genes lack introns, some genes overlap, others contain large repeats. At least one gene encodes large (90–100 amino acid) domains that are inexplicably inserted within highly conserved proteins and finally, some chloroplast genes encode proteins that have an extended 5′ domain compared to homologues in other plastids. The Heterosigma genome has little co-linearity with the stramenopile (Odontella), rhodophyte (Cyanidium, Porphyra), glaucophyte (Cyanophora), or cryptophyte (Guillardia) chloroplast DNAs that have been sequenced to date. Novel genes encoding signal transduction proteins have been identified.
CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE HISTORY OF PSYCHOLOGY: CII. ATTITUDINAL SHIFTS IN RESPONSES TO 'PSYCHOLOGICAL PRESCRIPTIONS' AMONG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS IN A 'SYSTEMS OF PSYCHOLOGY' COURSE ',

Szrmmary.-18 contrasting pairs of psycholoa~cal prescriptions formed he basis of a rating scale upon which 25 undergradudre paychol~gy students (5 men and 20 women) enrolled in a course in "systems of psychology" indicated their "attitudinal preferences." An analysis of variance, followed by pair-wise comparisons using t tests for correlated samples taken at the beginning and end of the quarter showed a [rend toward endorsements of more "phenomenological" as compared to "operational" prescriptions. The extent to which students' attitudes toward various prescriptions in psychology may vary over the duration of a quarter was assessed in this exploratory study using Watson's (1967) "Prescriptions of Psychology Arranged in Contrasting Pairs" (pp. 436-437). These "prescriptions" are arranged in the format of 18 bipolar "orientations" as follows, Conscious Mentalism-Unconscious Mentalism, Contentual Objectivism-Contentual Subjectivism, Determinism-Indeterminism, Empiricism-Rationalism, Functionalism -Structuralism, Inductivism-Deductivism, Mechanism-Vitalism, Methodological Objectivism-Methodological Subjectivism, Molecularism-Molarism, Monism-Dualism, Naturalism-Supernaturahsm, Nomotheticism-Idlographicism, Peripheralism-Centralism, Purism-Utilitarianism, Quantitativism-Qualitativism, Rationalism-Irrationalism, Staticism-Developmentalism, and StaticismDynamicism. Each contrasting pair was defined in class based on Watson's descriptions, e.g., for conscious vs unconscious mentalism, Watson's definition is "emphasis on awareness of mental structure or activity-unawareness" (p. 436). Method.-A rating scale was constructed from these contvasting pairs of "orientations" so that the first term in a pair was listed on the left side of the page while the contrasted term was listed on the right side of the page in the same row. In between the two terms were five blank spaces for the student's check mark-far left, far right, or somewhere in the middle, e.g., 'Reprint re uests should be addressed to William F. Vitulli, P.O. Box U-1027, Department of pycholog ,\niversiry of South Alabama, Mobile. AL 36688. A comprete table of means and standard deviations for initial and final ratings for 18 contrasting pairs of prescri tions for psychology is on fie with the National Auxiltary Publications Service, POB 35'13, :rand Central Station, New York, NY 10163, in Document NAPS05254. Remit $12.55 for photocopy or $4.00 for fiche.
Uptake of (3H)catecholamines by chick embryo sympathetic ganglia in tissue culture.

— Chick embryo sympathetic chains were grown in tissue culture and pulse labelled with tritiated catecholamines. The uptake was restricted to sympathetic nerve cells. The capability of these cells to take up radioactive dopamine and norepinephrine from the culture media was retained after one month in tissue culture. The uptakes of both [3H]norepinephrine and [3H]dopamine were inhibited when nonradioactive DOPA, dopamine, norepinephrine or epinephrine were present in the pulse media.
Genetic deletion of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase β (CaMKK β) or CaMK IV exacerbates stroke outcomes in ovariectomized (OVXed) female mice

Stroke is the primary cause of long-term disability in the United States. Interestingly, mounting evidence has suggested potential sex differences in the response to stroke treatment in patients as, at least in part, distinct cell death programs may be triggered in females and males following stroke. The NIH has recognized that females are strikingly under-represented in pre-clinical trials. Calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase (CaMKK) is a major kinase that is activated by elevated intracellular calcium. It has recently been suggested that CaMKK and CaMK IV, a downstream target molecule, are neuroprotective in stroke in males. In this study, we examined stroke outcomes in ovariectomized CaMKK β and CaMK IV deficient females. Cell death/survival signaling and inflammatory responses were assessed. Our results demonstrated that CaMKK β or CaMK IV KO exacerbated both ischemic injury and behavioral deficits in female mice. Genetic deletion of CaMKK β or CaMK IV increased hemorrhagic transformation after stroke, and this was associated with both increased MMP9 activity and loss of the blood brain barrier (BBB) protein collagen IV. Transcriptional inactivation was observed in mice lacking either CaMKK β or CaMK IV, as indicated by reduced levels of phosphorylated cAMP response element-binding protein (p-CREB) and B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) proteins. Finally, inhibiting this pathway exacerbated the inflammatory response to stroke as CaMKK β or CaMK IV KO mice had increased levels of the pro-inflammatory serum cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) after stroke. This suggests that the CaMKK pathway is involved in the immune response to brain injury. Inhibition of CaMKK signaling exacerbated stroke outcome and increased BBB impairment, transcriptional inactivation and inflammatory responses in females after stroke. Therefore, CaMKK signaling may be a potential target for stroke treatment in both males and females.
Lactoferrin from bovine milk inhibits bovine herpesvirus 1 in cell culture but suppresses development of in vitro-produced bovine embryos

Bovine herpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1) is widely distributed among cattle populations and has been associated with cells, fluids, and tissues collected from donor animals for use in reproductive technologies. The purpose of this study was to determine if lactoferrin would inhibit BoHV-1 in cell culture and to evaluate if embryos could develop normally when cultured in vitro with lactoferrin. In Experiment 1, lactoferrin (10 mg/mL) inhibited up to 25,000 plaque forming units (PFU)/mL of BoHV-1 in Madin Darby bovine kidney (MDBK) cell culture. In Experiment 2, lactoferrin (10 mg/mL) combined with cidofovir (62.5 μg/mL) inhibited up to 100,200 PFU/mL of virus in cell culture. In Experiment 3, following fertilization, presumptive zygotes were cultured in media containing lactoferrin (10, 5, and 2.5 mg/mL). Embryonic development and quality were assessed, and embryonic viability was determined by counting the nucleated cells of developed blastocysts. While lactoferrin did not affect the nucleated cell count of the treated embryos, it did significantly decrease blastocyst development. In conclusion, lactoferrin from bovine milk can inhibit BoHV-1 in cell culture. However, supplementation of in vitro culture medium with lactoferrin inhibits blastocyst development of in vitro-produced embryos.
Structural Determinants of Substrate Access to the Disulfide Oxidase Erv2p

Erv2p is a small, dimeric FAD-dependent sulfhydryl oxidase that generates disulfide bonds in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum. Mutagenic and structural studies suggest that Erv2p uses an internal thiol-transfer relay between the FAD-proximal active site cysteine pair (Cys121–Cys124) and a second cysteine pair (Cys176–Cys178) located in a flexible, substrate-accessible C-terminal tail of the adjacent dimer subunit. Here, we demonstrate that Cys176 and Cys178 are the only amino acids in the tail region required for disulfide transfer and that their relative positioning within the tail peptide is important for activity. However, intragenic suppressor mutations could be isolated that bypass the requirement for Cys176 and Cys178. These mutants were found to disrupt Erv2p dimerization and to increase the activity of Erv2p for thiol substrates such as glutathione. We propose that the two Erv2p subunits act together to direct the disulfide transfer to specific substrates. One subunit provides the catalytic domain composed of the active site cysteine residues and the FAD cofactor, while the second subunit appears to have two functions: it facilitates disulfide transfer to substrates via the tail cysteine residues, while simultaneously shielding the active site cysteine residues from non-specific reactions.
Dynamic trajectory planning for a cross-country navigator

Autonomous cross-country navigation requires planning algorithms which supports rapid traversal of challenging terrain while maintaining vehicle safety. The central theme of the work is the implementation of a planning system which solves this problem. The planning system uses a recursive trajectory generation algorithm, which generates spatial trajectories and then heuristically modifies them to achieve safe paths around obstacles. Velocities along the spatial trajectory are then set to insure a dynamically stable traversal. Ongoing results are presented from the system as implemented on the NAVLAB II, an autonomous off-road vehicle at Carnegie Mellon University. The planning system was successful in achieving 5.1 km autonomous test runs with obstacle avoidance on rugged natural terrain at speeds averaging 1.8 m/s. Runs of up to 0.3 km at 4.5 m/s were achieved when only checking for obstacles.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Integrated accelerator—monochromator apparatus for time-resolved vacuum-ultraviolet spectroscopy

Abstract A custom-built computer controlled VUV monochromator and scanning mirror assembly were integrated with a 32-kV accelerator and target chamber for measurements of radiative lifetimes of VUV transitions with the beam-gas method. The monochromator has been calibrated and used to measure wavelengths and instrumental linewidths of the Ly-α and Ly-β lines of atomic hydrogen and of a number of mercury lines in preparation for a systematic program of lifetime measurements in the vacuum ultraviolet.
Underpinning professional career development through a systems analysis methodology

Abstract A systems analysis modeling approach is utilized as a guide for decision making in consideration of various strategic choice options relevant to personal career planning. Flexibility and multi-dimensionality of postures are anticipated to be important for pursuing careers in the 21st century. Typologies for assuming adaptive postures are applied in the modeling process.
A quantum violation of the second law

An apparent violation of the second law of thermodynamics occurs when an atom coupled to a zero-temperature bath, being necessarily in an excited state, is used to extract work from the bath. Here the fallacy is that it takes work to couple the atom to the bath and this work must exceed that obtained from the atom. For the example of an oscillator coupled to a bath described by the single relaxation time model, the mean oscillator energy and the minimum work required to couple the oscillator to the bath are both calculated explicitly and in closed form. It is shown that the minimum work always exceeds the mean oscillator energy, so there is no violation of the second law.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Reactivity of Aluminum Alkyl/Amide Complexes Supported by Guanidinate and Monoanionic OCO-Pincer Ligands

The synthesis and characterization of mixed alkyl/amide Al complexes supported by guanidinate and monoanionic OCO-pincer ligands are described. In situ generation of the lithium-guanidinate reagents via reaction of carbodiimides and lithium-amide reagents, followed by reaction with the corresponding AlMexCl3−x reagents, resulted in the formation of compounds 1−3. Subsequent reaction with lithium arylamide reagents provided access to mixed alkyl/amide- and bis-amide-substituted complexes 4−6, which were characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction of compounds 5a and 6a confirmed the monomeric nature of these complexes and revealed the influence of the alkyl/amide functionalities on the bonding of the guanidinate ligands. A similar synthetic approach resulted in isolation of an OCO-pincer-supported Al dialkyl complex, which was also fully characterized. In contrast to the guanidinate compounds, complex 8 showed activity toward intramolecular hydroa...
Insect pest eradication as a discrete non-linear control problem

The problem of eradication of an insect pest population can be viewed as a time optimal, discrete time, non-linear control problem in which the objective is to achieve eradication as quickly as possible. We discuss the solution of a simple model problem in which eradication is carried out by means of the sterile insect technique. An algorithm for the resulting control problem is presented.
γ-Glutamylcysteine inhibits oxidative stress in human endothelial cells.

Abstract Aims γ-Glutamylcysteine (GGC) is a dipeptide and substrate for synthesis of the antioxidant glutathione (GSH), whose health promoting properties include reducing risks of oxidative stress-related injuries and diseases. The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy of GGC on GSH synthesis and oxidative stress in human endothelial cells. Main methods We assessed oxidative stress, GSH, GSH synthetase (GSS) expression, and transcription factor DNA binding levels in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). Key findings We found significantly higher levels of PPARγ DNA binding and lower levels of GSH, GSS protein, NF-κB p65 DNA binding, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and 8-epi-PGF 2α in a concentration-dependent manner, compared with the control. GSH and GSS protein levels showed a negative correlation with PPARγ DNA binding levels and positive correlation trends with NF-κB p65 DNA binding, TBARS, and 8-epi-PGF 2α levels. A putative binding site for NF-κB was found at 4 227 bases upstream from the transcription start site of GSS gene, but none for PPARs. These findings suggest the involvement of NF-κB in regulation of GSS expression. Subsequent GSH synthesis might be affected by the suppression of GSS expression in tested conditions. Significance Besides its substrate role in GSH synthesis, GGC may play a role in protection against oxidative stress by serving as an antioxidant and modulating the expression of protein(s) related to antioxidant defense. Thus, we speculate that GGC may serve as a novel intra- and intercellular therapeutic dipeptide for oxidative stress-related injuries and diseases.
Phospholipase D in Cell Signaling: From a Myriad of Cell Functions to Cancer Growth and Metastasis

Phospholipase D (PLD) enzymes play a double vital role in cells: they maintain the integrity of cellular membranes and they participate in cell signaling including intracellular protein trafficking, cytoskeletal dynamics, cell migration, and cell proliferation. The particular involvement of PLD in cell migration is accomplished: (a) through the actions of its enzymatic product of reaction, phosphatidic acid, and its unique shape-binding role on membrane geometry; (b) through a particular guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) activity (the first of its class assigned to a phospholipase) in the case of the mammalian isoform PLD2; and (c) through protein-protein interactions with a wide network of molecules: Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome protein (WASp), Grb2, ribosomal S6 kinase (S6K), and Rac2. Further, PLD interacts with a variety of kinases (PKC, FES, EGF receptor (EGFR), and JAK3) that are activated by it, or PLD becomes the target substrate. Out of these myriads of functions, PLD is becoming recognized as a major player in cell migration, cell invasion, and cancer metastasis. This is the story of the evolution of PLD from being involved in a large number of seemingly unrelated cellular functions to its most recent role in cancer signaling, a subfield that is expected to grow exponentially.
A NEW FRAMEWORK FOR PROMOTING RELIGIOUS FREEDOM IN CHINA

Abstract Advocates for religious freedom must change their methods of engagement in countries like China if they are going to be effective in alleviating oppression of religious faith. Advocates would do well to elicit better behavior by appealing to modern Chinese pragmatism, materialism, and national pride. External governments concerned with human rights in China must be consistent in their policies, provide an ethical model, address security concerns, and coordinate initiatives around international norms. Conventional approaches that emphasize public moral condemnation, top-down pressure, and reactive diplomacy have not been sustainable on the ground. The new practically minded, multi-sector framework should guide future thinking about religious freedom engagement.
Rural Attitudes Toward Women, Work, and Welfare:

This article explores public attitudes toward work requirements for welfare mothers in one rural state— Wyoming—on the basis of a public opinion survey conducted in fall 1986. It investigates whether women who receive welfare should work, whether the age of children should be considered in determining who should work, what kinds of jobs women should be required to take, and whether the government should support poor mothers' pursuit of a college education. The article discusses results in terms of three values in rural culture: work, family, and education.
Effect of sex hormones on plasma cholesterol in castrated and noncastrated male rats

The administration of estradiol to both castrated and noncastrated male rats was associated with significantly increased plasma cholesterol levels as compared to controls, the estradiol in the noncastrated rats overriding the tendency of testosterone to lower plasma cholesterol.
NICE: Network Intrusion Detection and Countermeasure Selection in Virtual Network Systems

Cloud security is one of most important issues that has attracted a lot of research and development effort in past few years. Particularly, attackers can explore vulnerabilities of a cloud system and compromise virtual machines to deploy further large-scale Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS). DDoS attacks usually involve early stage actions such as multistep exploitation, low-frequency vulnerability scanning, and compromising identified vulnerable virtual machines as zombies, and finally DDoS attacks through the compromised zombies. Within the cloud system, especially the Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) clouds, the detection of zombie exploration attacks is extremely difficult. This is because cloud users may install vulnerable applications on their virtual machines. To prevent vulnerable virtual machines from being compromised in the cloud, we propose a multiphase distributed vulnerability detection, measurement, and countermeasure selection mechanism called NICE, which is built on attack graph-based analytical models and reconfigurable virtual network-based countermeasures. The proposed framework leverages OpenFlow network programming APIs to build a monitor and control plane over distributed programmable virtual switches to significantly improve attack detection and mitigate attack consequences. The system and security evaluations demonstrate the efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed solution.
Training in Empirically Supported Treatments Using Alternative Learning Modalities

[Clin Psychol Sci Prac 18: 84–88, 2011] Godley, Garner, Smith, Meyers, and Godley (2011) describe an intensive dissemination and implementation program for empirically supported substance use treatment in a community setting. Among the many procedures employed by this dissemination program is the integration of in-person and alternate learning modalities (web-based training.) The use of alternate learning modalities to aid treatment dissemination is relatively new, and much needs to be learned about how to best use these methodologies. Early research suggests that, at a minimum, these training aids may be an effective adjunct to more traditional approaches and potentially may become an invaluable tool for large-scale treatment dissemination.
Amphetamine stereotypies and polyribosomal disaggregation in rats: effects of adrenergic and serotonergic blocking agents.

To find the specific chemical moiety responsible for the disaggregation of polyribosomes after induction of aberrated behavior by d-amphetamine, specific amine blockers and reserpine were utilized. It appears that dopamine is responsible for both the disaggregation of polyribosomes and stereotypic behavior while the roles of serotonin and norepinephrine are not significant in this system.
Transparency, Gas Barrier, and Moisture Resistance of Large-Aspect-Ratio Vermiculite Nanobrick Wall Thin Films

The ability to incorporate large-aspect-ratio vermiculite (VMT) clay into thin films fabricated using the layer-by-layer assembly techinique is reported for the first time. Thin films of branched polyethylenimine (PEI) and VMT were analyzed for their growth rate, clay composition, transparency, and gas barrier behavior. These films consist of >96 wt % clay, are >95% transparent, and, because of their nanobrick wall structure, exhibit super gas barrier behavior at thicknesses of <165 nm. When coupled with flexibility, the optical clarity and super barrier that these coatings can impart make them superb candidates for a variety of packaging applications.
Characterization of fructan biosynthesis in big bluegrass (Poa secunda)

Summary Most cool-season grasses contain multiple types of fructans. One exception is big bluegrass (Poa secunda Presl.). When grown under specific controlled environmental conditions it synthesizes only β-2,6-linked fructans. This study analyzed fructan accumulations, enzyme activities and gene expression in big bluegrass. Detachment/illumination and cool treatments effectively induced the accumulation of fructans in leaf tissues. Enzyme assays indicated that 6-SST (sucrose : sucrose 6-fruc tosyltransferase)- and 6-SFT (sucrose : fructan 6-fructosyltransferase)-like activities were the major enzyme activities involved in fructan biosynthesis in big bluegrass leaves. A full-length cDNA of the putative 6-SFT gene was cloned using RT-PCR and RACE techniques. The deduced amino acid sequence showed 69 percnt; identity with barley 6-SFT. Homology was also high with other fructosyltransferases and some invertases. The abundance of putative 6-SFT mRNA showed a coincidence with fructan accumulation and 6-SFT activity. We suggest that 6-SFT is the major enzyme involved in fructan biosynthesis in big bluegrass but it may also exhibit limited 6-SST activity.
Optimization of well placement, CO2 injection rates, and brine cycling for geological carbon sequestration

Abstract In geological carbon sequestration, CO2 can be trapped through several mechanisms. Some forms of trapped CO2 may be more susceptible to leakage and are thus less desirable. Computational optimization can be used to provide modes of operation that maximize preferable trapping mechanisms. In this work we apply optimization procedures to minimize the mobile fraction of CO2 at the end of a 1000-year injection and storage operation in a brine aquifer. A noninvasive gradient-free direct search technique is used for the optimizations. Examples involving only CO2 injection, as well as cases that also include brine cycling, are considered. Brine cycling entails the periodic production of brine from the bottom of the aquifer along with the coincident re-injection of brine into the top of the aquifer. Optimization variables include well locations and injection rates for CO2 injection wells, and the timing and injection volumes for brine cycling. Results demonstrate that optimization can significantly reduce the mobile CO2 fraction compared with base case scenarios. We also show that mobile CO2 fraction decreases monotonically with increasing volumes of brine cycling. The resulting plot of minimum mobile CO2 fraction versus pore volume of brine injected provides the Pareto front for a bi-objective optimization involving these two variables as objectives. The impact of grid resolution on the optimization results is also considered.
Reaction 12C(3He, α) 11C — 12.0 to 18.6 MeV

Abstract Excitation functions for 12 C( 3 He, α) reactions leading to the ground state, first and third excited states of 11 C have been measured at selected angles for E 3 He = 12 to 18 MeV. Angular distributions were measured at bombarding energies of 16,17 and 18 MeV for the ground state and four excited states to study the energy dependence of extracted spectroscopic factors. The ground state reaction is well represented at all energies by a zero-range, local DWBA calculation for neutron pickup with a renormalization factor of R ≈ 40, which is twice as large as the generally accepted value. At E 3 He = 18 MeV angular distributions leading to the ground state and first ten excited states of 11 C were measured. In general the pickup calculations for the excited state reactions do not give a good representation of the measurements when the ground state optical parameters are used.
Heat transfer in shallow vibrated beds

Abstract Coefficients are reported for transfer of heat from a horizontal cylinder and from vertical, flat surfaces (paired back-to-back, closely spaced-apart) to 30-mm deep vibrated beds (25 Hz) of alumina spheres and high- and low-density glass beds (at sizes from 63 to 707 μm). In general, the flat surfaces afford higher coefficients, but heat transfer is sensitive to pattern and vigor of powder circulation. No broadly general explanation or correlation of vibrated-bed heat transfer can be given; but the body of data provides leads for the engineer wishing to develop a vibrated-bed-heat-exchanger design for non-sticky particulate matter. The leads hold promise of coefficients beyond 500 W/m2K, even perhaps approaching 1000.
Adaptation of a perfused rat hemidiaphragm preparation to the study of intermediary metabolism

Abstract Glucose catabolism of a vascular perfused rat hemidiaphragm was determined at rest and during stimulation of the phrenic nerve with trains of either 5 (T5) or 15 (T15) pulses (20 msec intervals) per second. Tissues were perfused and bathed in HEPES-buffered medium containing 11 mM d -[U- 14 C, 5- 3 H]glucose, equilibrated with 100% O 2 . Resting glucose catabolism via the Emden-Meyerhof pathway was indicated by a 3 H 2 O production rate per hemidiaphragm of 1.42 ± 0.07 μ mol/h, of which 47% was recovered as [ 14 C]lactate with the remainder asssumed to be metabolised by mitochondria. During the first 30 min of T5 and T15 stimulation, peak isometric tension declined from an initial value of 105 ± 8 g by 54% and 79%, respectively. The resulting peak tension of 48 and 22 g remained constant for the next 60 min. These tensions were associated with linear rates of 3 H 2 O production of 2.93 ± 0.41 and 2.84 ± 0.25 μ mol/h. Stimulation by T5 and T15 increased mitochondrial metabolism of glucose by 64% adn 95%, respectively, with no significant alterations in lactate formation from either exogenous or endogenous sources. The results suggest that the initial decline in tension is due to fatigue of the fast anaerobic myofibers; whereas, the sustained force beyond 30 min is attributable to the mitochondrial-rich slow myofibers.