cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
De novo generation of prion strains

Prions are self-replicating proteins that can cause neurodegenerative disorders such as bovine spongiform encephalopathy (also known as mad cow disease). Aberrant conformations of prion proteins accumulate in the central nervous system, causing spongiform changes in the brain and eventually death. Since the inception of the prion hypothesis - which states that misfolded proteins are the infectious agents that cause these diseases - researchers have sought to generate infectious proteins from defined components in the laboratory with varying degrees of success. Here, we discuss several recent studies that have produced an array of novel prion strains in vitro that exhibit increasingly high titres of infectivity. These advances promise unprecedented insight into the structure of prions and the mechanisms by which they originate and propagate.
Comparing environmental influences on coral bleaching across and within species using clustered binomial regression

Differential susceptibility among reef-building coral species can lead to community shifts and loss of diversity as a result of temperature-induced mass bleaching events. We evaluate environmental influences on coral colony bleaching over an 8-year period in the Florida Keys, USA. Clustered binomial regression is used to develop models incorporating taxon-specific responses to the environment in order to identify conditions and species for which bleaching is likely to be severe. By building three separate models incorporating environment, community composition, and taxon-specific responses to environment, we show observed prevalence of bleaching reflects an interaction between community composition and local environmental conditions. Environmental variables, including elevated sea temperature, solar radiation, and reef depth, explained 90% and 78% of variability in colony bleaching across space and time, respectively. The effects of environmental variables were only partially explained (33% of variability) by corresponding differences in community composition. Taxon-specific models indicated individual coral species responded differently to local environmental conditions and had different sensitivities to temperature-induced bleaching. For many coral species, but not all, bleaching was exacerbated by high solar radiation. A 25% reduction in the probability of bleaching in shallow locations for one species may reflect an ability to acclimatize to local conditions. Overall, model results indicate predictions of coral bleaching require knowledge of not just the environmental conditions or community composition, but the responses of individual species to the environment. Model development provides a useful tool for coral reef management by quantifying the influence of the local environment on individual species bleaching sensitivities, identifying susceptible species, and predicting the likelihood of mass bleaching events with changing environmental conditions.
The neurophysiology of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Recent reviews of the neurobiology of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) have concluded that there is no single pathophysiological profile underlying this disorder. Certainly, dysfunctions in the frontal/subcortical pathways that control attention and motor behavior are implicated. However, no diagnostic criteria or behavioral/neuroimaging techniques allow a clear discrimination among subtypes within this disorder, especially when problems with learning are also considered. Two major Quantitative EEG (QEEG) subtypes have been found to characterize AD/HD. Here we review the major findings in the neurophysiology of AD/HD, focusing on QEEG, and briefly present our previous findings using a source localization technique called Variable Resolution Electromagnetic Tomography (VARETA). These two techniques represent a possible objective method to identify specific patterns corresponding to EEG-defined subtypes of AD/HD. We then propose a model representing the distribution of the neural generators in these two major AD/HD subtypes, localized within basal ganglia and right anterior cortical regions, and hippocampal, para-hippocampal and temporal cortical regions, respectively. A comprehensive review of neurochemical, genetic, neuroimaging, pharmacological and neuropsychological evidence in support of this model is then presented. These results indicate the value of the neurophysiological model of AD/HD and support the involvement of different neuroanatomical systems, particularly the dopaminergic pathways.
The use of satellite data for crop yield gap analysis

Abstract Field experiments and simulation models are useful tools for understanding crop yield gaps, but scaling up these approaches to understand entire regions over time has remained a considerable challenge. Satellite data have repeatedly been shown to provide information that, by themselves or in combination with other data and models, can accurately measure crop yields in farmers’ fields. The resulting yield maps provide a unique opportunity to overcome both spatial and temporal scaling challenges and thus improve understanding of crop yield gaps. This review discusses the use of remote sensing to measure the magnitude and causes of yield gaps. Examples from previous work demonstrate the utility of remote sensing, but many areas of possible application remain unexplored. Two simple yet useful approaches are presented that measure the persistence of yield differences between fields, which in combination with maps of average yields can be used to direct further study of specific factors. Whereas the use of remote sensing may have historically been restricted by the cost and availability of fine resolution data, this impediment is rapidly receding.
Novel Non-Concentrated Solar Collector for Solar-Powered Chemical Reactions

The purpose of this study is the proof that non-concentrating solar-thermal collectors can supply the thermal energy needed to power endothermic chemical reactions such as steam reforming of alcoholic (bio-) fuels. Traditional steam reformers require the combustion of up to 50% of the primary fuel to enable the endothermic reforming reaction. Our goal is to use a selective solar absorber coating on top of a collector-reactor surrounded by vacuum insulation. For methanol reforming, a reaction temperature of 220–250°C is required for effective methanol-to-hydrogen conversion. A multilayer absorber coating (TiNOX) is used, as well as a turbomolecular pump to reach ultra-high. The collector-reactor is made of copper tubes and plates and a Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 catalyst is integrated in a porous ceramic structure towards the end of the reactor tube. The device is tested under 1000 W/m2 solar irradiation (using an ABB class solar simulator, air mass 1.5).Numerical and experimental results show that convective and conductive heat losses are eliminated at vacuum pressures of <10−4 Torr. By reducing radiative losses through chemical polishing of the non-absorbing surfaces, the methanol-water mixture can be effectively heated to 240–250°C and converted to hydrogen-rich gas mixture. For liquid methanol-water inlet flow rates up to 1 ml/min per m2 of solar collector area can be converted to hydrogen with a methanol conversion rate above 90%.This study will present the design and fabrication of the solar collector-reactor, its testing and optimization, and its integration into an entire hydrogen-fed Polymer Electrolyte Membrane fuel cell system.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
The design and realization of switched-capacitor ladder niters using computer and scaled-capacitor models†

Abstract This paper assesses the potential of computer simulation packages and a scaled-capacitor breadboard as predictors of integrated switched-capacitor filters. The study is based upon a seventh order lowpass elliptic filter and presents a detailed performance comparison of the breadboard and integrated structures.
Sustainable cow-calf operations and water quality: A review

As animal agriculture has evolved to larger production operations in subtropical regions of United States, the problems associated with manure handling, storage and disposal have grown significantly. Understanding the interaction effects of sustainable cow farming with water-table management, nutrient dynamics and water quality in pastures could be the key to reducing nutrients in runoff. Soils do not contribute equally to nutrient export from watersheds or have the same potential to transport nutrient to runoff nor would soil test levels accurately predict total dissolved nutrients. Better understanding of soil nutrient dynamics and crop nutrient changes resulting from different management systems should allow us to predict potential impact on adjacent surface waters. In many states, these issues are critical and of increasing importance among environmentalists, ranchers, and public officials particularly in the case of N and P. One of the first steps in assessing N or P level on any farm is to consider total N or total P inputs and outputs. In Florida, reduction of P transport to receiving water bodies is the primary focus of several studies because P has been found to be the limiting nutrient for eutrophication in many aquatic systems. Long-term monitoring of the changes in soil nutrients, especially soil P would enable us to predict soil chemical or physical deterioration under continuous forage-livestock cultivation and to adopt measures to correct them before they actually happen. Despite substantial measurements using both laboratory and field techniques, little is known about the spatial and temporal variability of nutrient dynamics across the entire landscape, especially in agricultural landscapes with cow-calf operations.
Acoustically Augmented Flow and Transport in Supercritical Fluids

Acoustically augmented flow and transport in supercritical fluid (CO2) generated by standing wave in a cylindrical enclosure is simulated. The oscillatory flow field in the enclosure is created by the vibration of one of the end walls of the enclosure. A novel application of the acoustically augmented flow in membrane contactors used in supercritical fluid extraction process is demonstrated numerically. The predicted results from the present study can be utilized to enhance the transport mechanisms in these fluids. The geometric parameters and the frequency of the vibrating wall are chosen such that the lowest acoustic mode propagates along the enclosure. A real-fluid model for representing the thermo-physical and transport properties of the supercritical fluid is considered. The fully compressible form of the Navier–Stokes equations is used to model the flow fields and an implicit time-marching scheme is used to solve the equations. The formation of the acoustic field in the enclosure is computed and fully described and the acoustic boundary layer development is predicted. The interaction of the wave field with viscous effects and the formation of streaming structures are revealed by time-averaging the solutions over a given period. Due to diverging thermo-physical properties of supercritical fluid near the critical point, large scale oscillations are generated even for small sound field intensity. The effects of near-critical property variations and system pressure on the formation process of the streaming structures are also investigated.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Stochastic heating experiment

Abstract A collisionless plasma in a magnetic mirror is heated by an externally applied random electric field acting transverse to the magnetic field direction. The electron heating rate is found to be 1.0 × 10 5 E 2 eV/s, in good agreement (within a factor of two) with the value predicted by a theoretical analysis.
Earthquake probability in engineering — Part 1: The use and misuse of expert opinion. The Third Richard H. Jahns Distinguished Lecture in Engineering Geology

Abstract The Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and the Electric Power Research Institute have developed procedures that statistically merge multiple expert opinions to get probabilistic seismic hazard evaluations. Such methods are intrinsically defective and should not be used for design applications in engineering.
Do Conditional Hypotheses Target Rare Events

Abstract When testing hypotheses, rare or unexpected observations are normatively more informative than common observations, and recent studies have shown that participants' behavior reflects this principle. Research has also shown that, when asked to test conditional hypotheses (“If X, then Y”) that are abstract or unfamiliar, participants overwhelmingly consider a supporting observation mentioned in the hypothesis (X&Y) to be more informative than a supporting observation not mentioned (∼X∼Y). These two empirical findings would mesh well if conditional hypotheses tend to be phrased in terms of rare, rather than common, events. Six experiments are reported indicating that people do have a tendency—often a very strong one—to phrase conditional hypotheses in terms of rare events. Thus, observations mentioned in conditional hypotheses might generally be considered highly informative because they usually are highly informative.
Research article: Mapping the intramolecular signal propagation pathways in protein using Bayesian change point analysis of atomic motions

We propose to use change points of atomic positions in the molecular dynamics trajectory as indicators of the propagating signals in protein. We designate these changes as signals because they can propagate within the molecule in the form of ''perturbation wave'', transmit energy or information between different parts of protein, and serve as allosteric signals. We found that change points can distinguish between thermal fluctuations of atoms (noise) and signals in a protein despite the differences in the motility of amino acid residues. Clustering of the spatially close residues that were experiencing change points close in time, allowed us to map pathways of signal propagation in a protein at the atomic level of resolution. We propose a potential mechanism for the origin of the signal and its propagation that relies on the autonomic coherence resonance in atomic fluctuations. According to this mechanism, random synchronization of fluctuations of neighboring atoms results in a resonance, which increases amplitude of vibration of these atoms. This increase can be transmitted to the atoms colliding with the resonant atoms, leading to the propagating signal. The wavelet-based coherence analysis of the inter-atomic distances between carbon-alpha atoms and surrounding atoms for the residue pairs that belong to the same communication pathway allowed us to find time periods with temporarily locked phases, confirming the occurrence of conditions for resonance. Analysis of the mapped pathways demonstrated that they form a network that connects different regions of the protein.
Quantum well infrared photodetector (λ=3-20 μm) focal plane arrays: monolithic integration with Si-based readout-integrated circuitry for low cost and high performance

Results of detector characterization are presented for quantum well infrared photodetectors (QWIPs) fabricated from a variety of III-V material systems lattice-matched to InP substrate. Extremely large responsivities of 33.2 A/W were obtained from GaInAs/InP QWIPs operating at (lambda) equals 9 micrometers which represents to the authors' knowledge the largest value of responsivity for any QWIP in this wavelength range. Devices made from AlGaInAs/InP and GaInAs/AlInAs have also been realized that extend the wavelength range of sensitivity from 3 micrometers out to 20 micrometers while remaining lattice-matched to InP. Lattice-matched multispectral detectors are demonstrated for sensitivity at both 4 micrometers and 8.5 micrometers . Localized epitaxy of GaInAs/InP superlattice structures lattice-matched to InP was performed on Si substrate for the purpose of monolithic integration of III-V QWIPs with Si-based readout integrated circuitry.
Regulation of HSF1 Activation and Hsp Expression in Mouse Tissues under Physiological Stress Conditions

The studies described above illustrate several important points concerning the study of the cellular stress response. First, they indicate that there are important differences between the nature of the stress response observed in tumor cell lines and that of primary cells of mouse tissues. Therefore, caution should be exercised to avoid overextending and overinterpreting the results of studies using these cell lines until evidence can be obtained from in vivo studies on intact animals or primary cells of tissues. Second, they reveal the existence of cell-type-dependent differences between cell types of the same organism, thus potentially calling into question the supposed universal cytoprotective nature of the cellular stress response. Future studies can address this question by determining the underlying mechanisms that regulate these cell-type-dependent differences in the stress response, and by determining whether there are biological reasons that some cell types exhibit differences in either the temperature set-point or magnitude of the stress response.
Classroom seating location and its effect on course achievement, participation, and attitudes

Abstract Research was reviewed on whether seating location in lecture-style classrooms influences college course grades. Empirical evidence suggests that it does not, or that the influence is so weak as to be of little general theoretical or practical importance. Empirical evidence also suggests, however, that seating location influences class participation and several self-report variables pertaining to attitudes about the course.
Function and Dynamics of Thrombin by NMR

Thrombin is a serine protease that plays an essential role in the blood-clotting cascade, cleaving soluble fibrinogen to insoluble fibrin and activating platelets. Thrombin is also involved in tissue repair, angiogenesis and inflammation via the activation of the PAR-1 and PAR-3 receptors. In its positive feedback loop, thrombin activates factors XI, V, and VIII to promote further clotting. When thrombin binds thrombomodulin (TM) at anion binding exosite 1 (ABE1) the feedback loop becomes negative by activating protein C, which in turn inactivates factors VIIIa and Va, decreasing the rate of thrombin activation. The mechanism of the thrombin specificity change from procoagulant to anticoagulant remains elusive since crystal structures of thrombin bound to TM show no structural change in the active site. NMR provides the residue specific resolution needed to study the dynamics and the contribution to thrombin function. Near complete assignments of thrombin backbone resonances have been achieved using high-field TROSY based methods to study [2H,15N,13C]thrombin. Relaxation and relaxation dispersion experiments performed on thrombin covalently inhibited with PPACK show functional regions with increased dynamics, including ABE1, the γ-loop, and ABE 2. Analysis of residual dipolar couplings in light of accelerated molecular dynamics simulations indicated a structural ensemble that is highly mobile in several timescales, providing a path forward towards understanding the role of dynamics and conformational fluctuations on catalysis and substrate interactions in thrombin.
New and old institutionalists on legal rules: Hayek and Commons

This article examines a particular facet of the new and old institutionalists, i.e., the similarities and differences between Hayek and Commons on legal rules. It is not clear, however, that sufficient uniformity exists between Hayek and other new institutionalists, to warrant any meaningful generalizations. These differences stem primarily from their alternative conceptions of the evolutionary process. We find Hayek interpreting in a manner that restricts the interventionist role of government whereas Commons argues for a more activist stance.
Narcissistic Features in Young Adolescents: Relations to Aggression and Internalizing Symptoms

Recent research and theory suggest narcissistic features contribute to aggression in adults. The present study examined the association of narcissistic features with aggression and internalizing symptoms in 233 students of 5th‐8th grade at three inner-city schools. A factor analysis of the Narcissistic Personality Inventory in this sample revealed three factors: Adaptive Narcissism, Exploitativeness, and Exhibitionism. Regression analyses were used to predict the association of these three narcissistic features with self-, teacher-, and peer-reported aggression and self-reported internalizing symptoms. Results indicate narcissistic exploitativeness positively predicted self-reported proactive aggression, and narcissistic exhibitionism positively predicted internalizing symptoms. Narcissism and self-esteem interacted to predict teacher-reported aggression and self-reported internalizing symptoms. Results are discussed in the context of existing theories of narcissism, threatened egotism, and self-perception bias.
Probabilistic regulation in TH2 cells accounts for monoallelic expression of IL-4 and IL-13

Il4 and Il13, closely linked genes, are expressed monoallelically in TH2 cells. Four different approaches (RNA FISH, cultures from Il13T-Il4/Il13-G4 mice, cultures from heterozygous Il13-Il4 double knockout mice, and a highly selected set of BABL/c*CAST/Ei clones displaying strong Il4 allelic bias) were utilized to study monoallelic expression of Il4 and coexpression of Il4 and Il13 on the same chromosome. There was a random probability for expression of one or two Il4 and one or two Il13 alleles; coexpression of cis and trans Il4 and Il13 alleles was equally probable. Histone H3 acetylation of CNS1, located in the Il13-Il4 intergenic region, was permissive for expression of IL-4 and IL-13 but did not determine the degree of their expression. Thus, monoallelism at the Il4 locus is a complex process; expression is linked to opening CNS1 but probability of expression is controlled at other sites. Based on these probabilities, individual cells randomly express Il4 and Il13 alleles.
Memory for the 2008 presidential election in healthy ageing and mild cognitive impairment

The present study examined memory accuracy and confidence for personal and public event details of the 2008 presidential election in healthy older adults and those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Participants completed phone interviews within a week after the election and after a 10-month delay. MCI patients and healthy older adults had comparable emotional reactions to learning the outcome of the election, with most people finding it to be a positive experience. After the delay period, details about the election were better remembered by all participants than a less emotionally arousing comparison event. However, MCI patients had more difficulty than healthy older adults correctly recalling details of public information about the election, although often the MCI patients could recognise the correct details. This is the first study to show that MCI patients' memory can benefit from emotionally arousing positive events, complementing the literature demonstrating similar effects for negative events.
Economic argument for citrate haemofiltration

Regional citrate anticoagulation is associated with increased mean filter life and greater completion of scheduled filter life compared with heparin [1]. Studies report mean filter lifespans of 44 hours [2] and that 80% of patients reach 72 hours [3]. The potential cost saving from this reduced filter kit purchase is only realised if the treatment is stopped due to filter clotting and needs to be recommenced. In order to identify this we set out to evaluate the filter life and stopping reason for CVVHF treatment in general critically ill patients.
Asynchronous parallelization of particle swarm optimization through digital pheromone sharing

In this paper, a model for sharing digital pheromones between multiple particle swarms to search n-dimensional design spaces in an asynchronous parallel computing environment is presented. Particle swarm optimization (PSO) is an evolutionary technique used to effectively search multi-modal design spaces. With the aid of digital pheromones, members in a swarm can better communicate with each other to improve search performance. Previous work by the authors demonstrated the capability of digital pheromones within PSO for searching the global optimum in both single and coarse grain synchronous parallel computing environments. In the coarse grain approach, multiple swarms are simultaneously deployed across various processors and synchronization is carried out only when all swarms achieved convergence, in an effort to reduce processor-to-processor communication and network latencies. However, it is theorized that with an appropriate parallelization scheme, the benefits of digital pheromones and communication between swarms can outweigh the network bandwidth latencies resulting in improved search efficiency and accuracy. To explore this idea, a swarm is deployed in the design space across different processors. Through an additional processor, each part of the swarm can communicate with the others. While digital pheromones aid communication within a swarm, the developed parallelization model facilitates communication between multiple swarms resulting in improved search accuracy and efficiency. The development of this method and results from solving several multi-modal test problems are presented.
Studies on the mechanism of insulin-stimulated protein phosphorylation in adipocytes.

Abstract Insulin exerts two types of effects on protein phosphorylation in adipocytes. First, insulin stimulates phosphorylation of a 123,000 dalton peptide (ATP citrate lyase); second, insulin inhibits the epinephrine-stimulated phosphorylation of a 69,000 dalton peptide. Propranolol, nicotinic acid and concanavalin A, agents which, like insulin, inhibit epinephrine-stimulated cAMP accumulation, also inhibit epinephrine-stimulated phosphorylation of the 69,000 dalton peptide. These agents do not, however, stimulate the phosphorylation of the 123,000 dalton peptide. Carbamylcholine and a variety of cyclic nucleotides (other than cyclic AMP and dibutyryl cAMP) do not alter protein phosphorylation in intact adipocytes. Finally, under conditions wherein insulin fails to inhibit dibutyryl cAMP-stimulated phosphorylation of the 69,000 dalton peptide, insulin-stimulated phosphorylation persists. Thus, while insulin inhibition of epinephrine-stimulated phosphorylation may be mediated by insulin-induced alterations in cAMP accumulation or action, insulin- stimulated phosphorylation is not due to alterations in cyclic nucleotide accumulation or action.
Developmental biology of angiotensin-converting enzyme

Molecular, biochemical, and evolutionary studies indicate that somatic angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is developmentally regulated in a tissue-specific manner. However, many important questions remain unanswered. For example, the regulatory mechanisms that control the cell- and stage-specific expression of ACE remain largely unknown. The nature, location, and role of the enzyme involved in the release of plasma membrane-anchored ACE have not been elucidated. Although the expression and localization of ACE are developmentally regulated, the physiological implications of these changes in segmental nephron differentiation remain to be elucidated. Investigations of the cellular and molecular mechanisms mediating the developmental co-regulation of the renin-angiotensin and Kallikrein-kinin system by ACE are a formidable challenge for future research.
Encapsulation of hemoglobin in phospholipid vesicles.

Abstract Hemoglobin has been encapsulated in phospholipid vesicles by extrusion of hemoglobin/lipid mixtures through polycarbonate membranes. This technique avoids the use of organic solvents, sonication, and detergents which have proven deleterious to hemoglobin. The vesicles are homogeneous, with a mean size of 2400 A as determined by photon correlation spectroscopy. The encapsulated hemoglobin binds oxygen reversibly and the vesicles are impermeable to ionic compounds. Hemoglobin encapsulated in egg phosphatidylcholine vesicles converts to methemoglobin within 2 days at 4°C. By contrast, when a mixture of dimyristoyl phosphatidylcholine, cholesterol and dicetyl phosphate is used there is no acceleration in methemoglobin formation, and the preparation is stable for at least 14 days at 4°C.
Agglutination in Typhus Fever

The observation has been made by Olitsky1 that specific agglutinins, precipitins, complement-fixing antibodies, and opsonins for B. typhiexanthematici (Plotz) are regularly present in the blood of persons convalescent from typhus fever. He reported that "agglutinins (and other antibodies) are usually absent at the height of the disease, but increase in amount at the crisis, until they reach their maximum well along in the apyrexial period." In the course of further investigations on typhus fever carried on in Volhynia, Russia, during the first 3 months of 1916, at the invitation of the Austro-Hungarian Government, it became necessary to make similar agglutination studies. It has been possible to confirm the observations of Olitsky on much greater material, and to ascertain in more detail the course of the development of antibodies in this disease. In preparing the tests, the microscopic method was used. The relatively slow growth of the organism and its tendency to clump on standing made the macroscopic method of agglutination impractical. The microscopic tests with this organism, as Olitsky has pointed out, are usually more conservative than the macroscopic. The technic employed has previously been described. Readings were made after 1 hour, at room temperature, and only a definite agglutination into clumps, with complete cessation of brownian movement, was considered positive. When the clumps were large and there were no free bacteria to be seen between them, the reaction was considered 4* -\The lowest dilution used was 1: 50. Altogether, 271 agglutination tests were made on the serum of 100 persons with typhus fever. In 46 of the patients, from 3 to 8 examinations were made at intervals during the illness and early convalescence.
Effect of Synthetic Luteinizing Hormone-Releasing Hormone (LH-RH) in Two Brothers with Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism and Anosmia

Two brothers with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, cryptorchism and anosmia were given synthetic LH-releasing hormone (LHRH) by a single intravenous injection and serum levels of FSH and LH were measured by radioimmunoassay. A significant rise in both gonadotropins was found after LH-RH; however, this increase did not exceed the baseline normal range. Rapid intravenous administration of LH-RH was repeated after five days of daily intramuscular injections of LH-RH. The rise in serum FSH and LH levels was similar to that of the first test. It is suggested that the minimal response to LHRH was probably not the result only of a chronic deprivation of releasing hormone but at least part of the disorder may involve the hypothalamus as well as the pituitary.
TEM Characterization and Optical Properties of Hetero-Structured ZnO/CdS Quantum Dots with Long Exciton Lifetime

The tunability of electronic and optical properties of semiconductor nano-crystalline quantum dots (QDs) has been an important subject in nanotechnology. While the control of emission properties of QDs on different wavelengths has been studied extensively, the control of emission lifetimes for many types of QDs has not been explored in depth. In this work we provide combined TEM/ED/EDX characterization in parallel with optical properties measurement for the new ZnOCdS member from family of AII-BVI hetero-structured QDs, especially important for visible optical range and solar applications. Such novel QDs were synthesized in two-step process [1], starting with synthesis of core ZnO nanoparticles followed by the slow stepwise growth of CdS shells. The energy-band diagram ZnO-CdS (Fig.1a) is specific for type-II heterostructures and favors effective electron-hole spatial separation at hetero-junction interfaces ZnO-CdS upon QDs photon’s excitation, potentially leading to long-living excitons and long photoluminescence (PL) decay times.
A new species and a new synonym of Begonia from Bolivia

Begonia cremnophila is described and illustrated as a new species. It is compared with B. weddelliana, and a description of that species is also provided. Begonia davisii is typified and newly synonymized with B. weddelliana.
Metabolic Consequences of Sleep and Circadian Disorders

Sleep and circadian rhythms modulate or control daily physiological patterns with importance for normal metabolic health. Sleep deficiencies associated with insufficient sleep schedules, insomnia with short-sleep duration, sleep apnea, narcolepsy, circadian misalignment, shift work, night eating syndrome, and sleep-related eating disorder may all contribute to metabolic dysregulation. Sleep deficiencies and circadian disruption associated with metabolic dysregulation may contribute to weight gain, obesity, and type 2 diabetes potentially by altering timing and amount of food intake, disrupting energy balance, inflammation, impairing glucose tolerance, and insulin sensitivity. Given the rapidly increasing prevalence of metabolic diseases, it is important to recognize the role of sleep and circadian disruption in the development, progression, and morbidity of metabolic disease. Some findings indicate sleep treatments and countermeasures improve metabolic health, but future clinical research investigating prevention and treatment of chronic metabolic disorders through treatment of sleep and circadian disruption is needed.
Nucleolar change produced by mithramycin in rat hepatic cell.

Abstract Mithramycin was injected into rats intraperitoneally and the nucleoli of the hepatic parenchymal cells were examined with the electron microscope and with the light microscope after supravital staining with azure C. Thirty micrograms of mithramycin per 100 gm of rat body weight caused a redistribution of the nucleolar components that resulted in the loss of the reticulated nucleolar pattern in more than 95% of hepatic parenchymal cells within 30 minutes after injection. The nucleoli showed the normal reticulated pattern 1 day after the injection of the same dose of mithramycin suggesting the reversibility of the nucleolar change. Mithramycin is known to inhibit the deoxyribonucleic acid-directed synthesis of ribonucleic acid. The possible relationship between this metabolic impairment and the nucleolar change is discussed.
Work Time Required to Perform Diagnostic and Interventional Pediatric Cardiac Catheterizations

This study was designed to determine the time required to perform pediatric diagnostic and interventional heart catheterizations. These data are the first published information evaluating such work times.
Emergence of dissipative structures in current-carrying superconducting wires.

We discuss the emergence of a spontaneous temperature and critical current spatial modulation in current-carrying high-temperature superconducting wire. The modulation of the critical current along the wire on a scale of 3--10 mm forces a fraction of the transport current to crisscross the resistive interface between the superconducting film and normal metal stabilizer attached to it. This generates additional heat that allows such a structure to be self-sustainable. Stability and the conditions for experimental observation of this phenomenon are also discussed.
Adaptive splitting technique for Gaussian mixture models to solve Kolmogorov Equation

The accuracy and the computational complexity of a Gaussian mixture model depends upon the number of components. In a stochastic dynamical system, the number of these components must change over time to account for the change in the uncertainty over time. A new splitting technique is provided based on the minimization of Fokker Planck Kolmogorov Equation. The effect of the splitting on the other components is also discussed in the work.
High-energy continuum emission from solar flares

The properties of solar flare continuum emission at energies >300 keV are discussed. Emphasis is placed on observations made during the 21st Solar Maximum by γ-ray detectors aboard the Solar Maximum Mission and Hinotori satellites. The statistical properties of high-energy flares are presented, including their size-frequency distribution, spectral-index distribution, position distribution, and associated soft X-ray size. The temporal structure of the high-energy continuum is reviewed as well as attempts to model the structure by two-step acceleration and particle trapping. Evidence for the directivity of flare radiation is presented and statistical and stereoscopic analysis techniques are compared and contrasted. The first observations of flare γ-rays at energies > 10 MeV are examined. We show that the very high-energy emission must be a mixture of pion-decay radiation and primary electron bremsstrahlung. Finally, we present high-energy observations from the extended phase of the giant 3 June, 1982 flare which seem to require a new acceleration component.
Pseudoaneurysm in the inferior epigastric artery and scrotal hematoma following removal of a femoral vein catheter -A case report-

We report a rare case of pseudoaneurysm of the inferior epigastric artery and inguinal hematoma extending to the scrotum following the removal of a femoral venous catheter in a 24-year-old male patient undergoing two consecutive neurosurgical procedures.
Importance of Diagnosis in Organizational Assessment: Harry Levinson's Contributions.

This article reviews the role of organizational diagnosis in managerial and organizational consultative roles. The particular contributions of Harry Levinson are highlighted. The ways in which Levinson, a pioneering clinical psychologist of work and organizational issues and a pioneering psychologist-consultant, utilized and approached organizational diagnosis are reviewed. Methods of integrating these perspectives in the day-to-day work of psychologist-managers are discussed.
The Three‐Spin Box Product Interaction

The three-spin interaction in the form of a box product, σ1 × σ2 · σ3, is investigated including additional interaction terms in the Hamiltonian in the forms , and πiσiz. With the relative strengths considered as parameters, the thermodynamic properties are evaluated as a function of temperature and show considerable variety. Both second- and first-order phase transitions are found. Die spatproduktformige Dreispin-Wechselwirkung, σ1 × σ2 · σ3, wird untersucht. Sie enthalt zusatzliche Wechselwirkungsglieder der Hamiltonfunktion in der Form , und πiσiz. Mit den relativen Kraften als Parameter werden die thermodynamischen Eigenschaften als Funktion der Temperatur berechnet. Diese weisen grose Unterschiede auf. Phasenanderungen zweiter und erster Ordnung kommen vor.
Globalization, Regionalism, and Urban Restructuring: The Case of Philadelphia

Global-city scholars have drawn attention to urban development in places such as New York, London, and Miami, claiming that some features of that development respond more to global economic conditi...
Deploying Low-Latency Anonymity: Design Challenges and Social Factors

Anonymous communication systems hide conversations against unwanted observations. Deploying an anonymous communications infrastructure presents surprises unlike those found in other types of systems. To address these and related issues, we designed Tor (the onion routing), a widely used low-latency, general-purpose anonymous communication infrastructure a overlay network for anonymizing TCP streams over the real-world Internet. Distribution of trust is central to the Tor philosophy and pervades Tor at all levels.
Flame-Retarded Nylon Carpets

Variables affecting nylon carpet flammability were investigated. They included carpet-face yarn construction, face-yarn,additive modifications, and backing materials. Carpets of the looser shag construction or carpets having certain modified face yarns exhibited some increase in flammability, but both carpet types passed the Tablet Test with suitable overall construction. Shag carpets, however, with these chemically modified face yams, generally exhibited frequent Tablet Test failures. Three flame retardants, found stable in molten nylon, were effective in modified shags in converting carpets failing the Tablet Test to carpets consistently passing the test. Similar flame retardant results were also obtained using alumina trihydrate in the carpet latex or by application of polyvinyl chloride to the face side of the primary backing. These studies encompass only the effects of specific changes on carpet flammability and have not been fully evaluated in terms of total carpet performance.
Least squares estimation of nonhomogeneous Poisson processes

We formulate and evaluate weighted and ordinary least squares procedures for estimating the parametric rate function of a nonhomogeneous Poisson process. Special emphasis is given to processes having an exponential rate function, where the exponent may include a polynomial component or some trigonometric components or both. Theoretical and experimental evidence is provided to explain some surprising problems with the weighted least squares procedure. The ordinary least squares procedure is based on a square root transformation of the "detrended" event times; and the results of an extensive Monte Carlo study are summarized to show the advantages and disadvantages of this procedure.
Spoken Arabic Dialect Identification Using Phonotactic Modeling

The Arabic language is a collection of multiple variants, among which Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) has a special status as the formal written standard language of the media, culture and education across the Arab world. The other variants are informal spoken dialects that are the media of communication for daily life. Arabic dialects differ substantially from MSA and each other in terms of phonology, morphology, lexical choice and syntax. In this paper, we describe a system that automatically identifies the Arabic dialect (Gulf, Iraqi, Levantine, Egyptian and MSA) of a speaker given a sample of his/her speech. The phonotactic approach we use proves to be effective in identifying these dialects with considerable overall accuracy --- 81.60% using 30s test utterances.
Caspase-9 activation results in downstream caspase-8 activation and bid cleavage in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine-induced Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson9s disease (PD) and 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) toxicity are both associated with dopaminergic neuron death in the substantia nigra (SN). Apoptosis has been implicated in this cell loss; however, whether or not it is a major component of disease pathology remains controversial. Caspases are a major class of proteases involved in the apoptotic process. To evaluate the role of caspases in PD, we analyzed caspase activation in MPTP-treated mice, in cultured dopaminergic cells, and in postmortem PD brain tissue. MPTP was found to elicit not only the activation of the effector caspase-3 but also the initiators caspase-8 and caspase-9, mitochondrial cytochrome c release, and Bid cleavage in the SN of wild-type mice. These changes were attenuated in transgenic mice neuronally expressing the general caspase inhibitor protein baculoviral p35. These mice also displayed increased resistance to the cytotoxic effects of the drug. MPTP-associated toxicity in culture was found temporally to involve cytochrome c release, activation of caspase-9, caspase-3, and caspase-8, and Bid cleavage. Caspase-9 inhibition prevented the activation of both caspase-3 and caspase-8 and also inhibited Bid cleavage, but not cytochrome c release. Activated caspase-8 and caspase-9 were immunologically detectable within MPP + -treated mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons, dopaminergic nigral neurons from MPTP-treated mice, and autopsied Parkinsonian tissue from late-onset sporadic cases of the disease. These data demonstrate that MPTP-mediated activation of caspase-9 via cytochrome c release results in the activation of caspase-8 and Bid cleavage, which we speculate may be involved in the amplification of caspase-mediated dopaminergic cell death. These data suggest that caspase inhibitors constitute a plausible therapeutic for PD.
Cellular Activation Triggered by the Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease Gene Product PKD2

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is caused by germ line mutations in at least three ADPKD genes. Two recently isolated ADPKD genes, PKD1 and PKD2, encode integral membrane proteins of unknown function. We found that PKD2 upregulated AP-1-dependent transcription in human embryonic kidney 293T cells. The PKD2-mediated AP-1 activity was dependent upon activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases p38 and JNK1 and protein kinase C (PKC) epsilon, a calcium-independent PKC isozyme. Staurosporine, but not the calcium chelator BAPTA [1,2-bis(o-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N', N'-tetraacetate], inhibited PKD2-mediated signaling, consistent with the involvement of a calcium-independent PKC isozyme. Coexpression of PKD2 with the interacting C terminus of PKD1 dramatically augmented PKD2-mediated AP-1 activation. The synergistic signaling between PKD1 and PKD2 involved the activation of two distinct PKC isozymes, PKC alpha and PKC epsilon, respectively. Our findings are consistent with others that support a functional connection between PKD1 and PKD2 involving multiple signaling pathways that converge to induce AP-1 activity, a transcription factor that regulates different cellular programs such as proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Activation of these signaling cascades may promote the full maturation of developing tubular epithelial cells, while inactivation of these signaling cascades may impair terminal differentiation and facilitate the development of renal tubular cysts.
Experience with Cyclosporine in Children with Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria

: Background: The identification of an autoimmune mechanism for many patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU) was used as a rational for a controlled clinical trial of cyclosporine for adults with CIU not responsive to usual measures. That randomized placebo controlled clinical trial demonstrated clinical efficacy, acceptable safety, and a suggestion of inducing remission in such patients. Objective: To report our experience with cyclosporine in pediatric patients with CIU. Methods: Fifty-four patients with CIU were referred to us during the period from 2000 through June of 2005. Seven of those, aged 9–16, failed therapy with high dose antihistamines even with the addition of alternate morning prednisone. Neoral brand of cyclosporine, 3 mg/kg/day divided b.i.d., was initiated in these patients. Cyclosporine serum concentrations, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, and blood pressure were routinely monitored. Results: All had cessation of hives. This occurred after 1–4 weeks for six of the seven and 8 weeks for one. While some experienced relapses, all were eventually off of all medications and free of hives. None of the seven experienced any adverse effects. Conclusions: Our experience in children is consistent with a previous controlled clinical trial in adults and supports the efficacy and safety of cyclosporine for CIU. However, we recommend that it be reserved for those whose CIU that is resistant to conventional measures and that patients be carefully monitored with cyclosporine serum concentrations and measures of renal function.
Characterization of the performance of external hip protector materials

An experimental method involving the use of a resiliometer was used to obtain the energy-return ability (ERA) and the deceleration (d)-versus-time (t) history for a specimen when subjected to an impact load. Specimens from five materials that are considered candidates for the padding of an external hip protector were evaluated. Through the use of the ERA, d and t results, it was found that the best material is polyolefin copolymer containing 18% ethylene vinyl acetate. The clinical significance of the results is discussed.