cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cytosolic xanthine oxidoreductase mediated bioactivation of ethanol to acetaldehyde and free radicals in rat breast tissue. Its potential role in alcohol-promoted mammary cancer

Epidemiological evidence links alcohol intake with increased risk in breast cancer. Not all the characteristics of the correlation can be explained in terms of changes in hormonal factors. In this work, we explore the possibility that alcohol were activated to acetaldehyde and free radicals in situ by xanthine dehydrogenase (XDh) and xanthine oxidase (XO) and/or aldehyde oxidase (AO). Incubation of cytosolic fraction with xanthine oxidoreductase (XDh+XO) (XOR) cosubstrates (e.g. NAD+, hypoxanthine, xanthine, caffeine, theobromine, theophylline or 1,7-dimethylxanthine) significantly enhanced the biotransformation of ethanol to acetaldehyde. The process was inhibited by allopurinol and not by pyrazole or benzoate or desferrioxamine and was not accompanied by detectable formation of 1HEt. However, hydroxylated aromatic derivatives of PBN were detected, suggesting either that hydroxyl free radicals might be formed or that XOR might catalyze aromatic hydroxylation of PBN. No bioactivation of ethanol to acetaldehyde was detectable when a cosubstrate of AO such as N-methylnicotinamide was included in cytosolic incubation mixtures. Results suggest that bioactivation of ethanol in situ to a carcinogen, such as acetaldehyde, and potentially to free radicals, might be involved in alcohol breast cancer induction. This might be the case, particularly also in cases of a high consumption of purine-rich food (e.g. meat) or beverages or soft drinks containing caffeine.
Effect of water deprivation and cues associated with water on the heart rate of the rat

Abstract Heart rate (HR) was recorded from rats prior to and during 10 cycles of adaptation to 0, 23.5 and 47.5 hr water deprivation schedules. Drinking was permitted in the last 5 min of each 10 min recording session during deprivation. Though the 23.5 hr group was excluded from the analysis due to a predeprivation artifact, their data agreed with that of the remaining groups reported. Results showed no difference in the 5 min predrink period between the 47.5 and the 0 hr deprived groups even after 4 deprivation cycles. As a function of repeated exposures to the situation, the HR of the 47.5 hr group increasingly exceeded that of the 0 hr group resulting in a significant groups X days interaction. During drinking a clear accelerative effect was noted in both deprived groups. The outcome was interpreted as being compatible with the theoretical position of Campbell in demonstrating the importance of cues associated with water in the activation of a deprived animal.
Drivers of Decadal-Scale Change in Southern Everglades Wetland Macrophyte Communities of the Coastal Ecotone

Understanding the relationships between hydrology and salinity and plant community structure and production is critical to allow predictions of wetland responses to altered water management, changing precipitation patterns and rising sea-level. We addressed how salinity, water depth, hydroperiod, canal inflows, and local precipitation control marsh macrophyte aboveground net primary production (ANPP) and structure in the coastal ecotone of the southern Everglades. We contrasted responses in two watersheds - Taylor Slough (TS) and C-111 - systems that have and will continue to experience changes in water management. Based on long-term trajectories in plant responses, we found continued evidence of increasing water levels and length of inundation in the C-111 watershed south of the C-111 canal. We also found strong differentiation among sites in upper TS that was dependent on hydrology. Finally, salinity, local precipitation and freshwater discharge from upstream explained over 80 % of the variance in Cladium ANPP at a brackish water site in TS. Moreover, our study showed that, while highly managed, the TS and C-111 watersheds maintain legacies in spatial pattern that would facilitate hydrologic restoration. Based on the trajectories in Cladium and Eleocharis, shifts in plant community structure could occur within 5–10 years of sustained water management change.
Response of dehydroepiandrosterone to corticotropin-releasing hormone stimulation in alcohol-dependent subjects

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is the most abundant steroid in humans, and has been shown to reduce low-density lipoprotein levels (Nestler et al 1988), alter hepatic enzymatic activity (Cleary 1990), display antidiabetic properties (Coleman et al 1984), and improve memory (Flood et al 1988). Low plasma concentrations of DHEA and DHEA-sulfate (DHEA-S, the major metabolite of DHEA) have been associated with various medical and psychiatric chronic illnesses (Barrett-Connor et al 1986; Lopez et al 1976; Merrill et al 1989; Tourney and Hatfield 1972), as well as early mortality from all causes (Barrett-Connor et al 1986). The adrenal reserve of DHEA, in contrast to that of the glucocorticoids, has also been shown to be attenuated in various disease states (Parker et al 1985). The pathophysiologic states associated with low DHEA levels bear similarities to the disease processes associated with excessive alcohol consumption. We therefore hypothesized that the chronic course of alcoholism may induce disturbances in DHEA secretion similar to those observed in other chronic illnesses. Attenuated levels of DHEA in alcohol-dependent patients could subsequently be causally related to alcohol-associated physiologic impairments.
Effect of Geometry of Rice Kernels on Drying Modeling Results

Geometry of rice grain is commonly represented by sphere, spheroid, or ellipsoid shapes in the drying models. Models using simpler shapes are easy to solve mathematically; however, deviation from the true grain shape might lead to large errors in predictions of drying characteristics such as moisture content (MC) and moisture gradients (MG). This research was undertaken to determine the impact of such shape considerations on prediction of drying characteristics. Impact of shrinkage of grains caused by drying was also investigated. Three separate mathematical models, each representing rice grain by sphere, spheroid, and ellipsoid shapes, were developed to describe the drying process. These models were solved by the finite element method using Comsol Multiphysics® simulation program. Drying simulations showed important differences in predictions of MC and MG in these three models. The sphere-shaped model predicted a slower drying than the spheroid- and ellipsoid-shaped models, whose MC predictions were simi...
Transformation of power means and a new class of means

Abstract Using transformations associated with power means, a new class of means is defined. The behavior of these means is examined vis-a-vis power means, as a free parameter is varied. In particular, limits which contain those of J. L. Brenner (Pi Mu Epsilon J. 8(1985), 160–163) and L. Hoehn and I. Niven (Math. Mag. 58 (1985), 151–156) are obtained.
Characterization of Keratinocyte Plasminogen Activator Inhibitors and Demonstration of the Prevention of Pemphigus IgG-induced Acantholysis by a Purified Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor

To investigate the mechanisms by which cutaneous plasminogen activator (PA) may be regulated, we have tested cultured keratinocytes for the presence of PA inhibitors. Using biosynthetic labeling experiments with 35SS-methionine in conjunction with specific antibody precipitation, we have shown that human keratinocytes in culture synthesized and secreted both PA inhibitor I and PA inhibitor 2. PA inhibitor 1 was present in conditioned media in the inactive form, but it could be detected with reverse phase autography. PA inhibitor 2 was detected by its ability to form complexes with 125I-uPA. Potential therapeutic relevance for cutaneous PA inhibitor 2 was suggested in skin organ culture experiments which demonstrated that purified PA inhibitor 2 from human placenta was able to prevent the acantholytic changes induced by pemphigus IgG.
Proximité technologique, infrastructures de communication et activités innovantes en Europe

D’apres les modeles de la nouvelle economie geographique, le caractere limite de la diffusion des connaissances represente un des principaux determinants de la localisation des activites innovantes. En s’appuyant sur la problematique des externalites dynamiques presentee par Glaeser et al. (1992), de nombreux travaux econometriques recents tentent d’evaluer les effets de la diffusion des connaissances sur la localisation des activites innovantes. Les externalites de connaissance etant favorisees par la proximite a la fois geographique et technologique, nous etudions differentes structures de dependance spatiale integrant l’indice technologique de Jaffe (1986) et le temps de transport entre regions europeennes. Les resultats mettent en avant l’importance de l’information concernant la qualite des infrastructures de communication ainsi que de la proximite technologique dans l’explication de la polarisation des activites innovantes en Europe.
RELATIVISTIC Z-DEPENDENT THEORY OF MANY-ELECTRON ATOMS

Abstract This paper describes a relativistic generalization of the nonrelativistic Z -dependent theory of many-electron atoms recently given by the senior author. The present theory affords a unified description of relativistic and nonrelativistic effects in the structure and spectra of many electron atoms that is valid over the entire range of the coupling parameter χ ≡ α 2 Z 3 and allows fully for all electronic contributions to the energy (expressed in units of mc 2 ) of order ϵ k and ϵ k Z −1 , k ≧ 1 , ϵ ≡ ( αZ ) 2 . As in the nonrelativistic theory, the grouping of states into complexes, characterized by a definite set of principal quantum numbers and a definite parity, plays a central role. Relativistic and nonrelativistic contributions to the energy that involve interaction elements connecting different complexes are of order Z −2 as compared, respectively, with the leading relativistic and nonrelativistic contributions to the energy. On the other hand, all interactions connecting states of the same complex contribute quantities of order ϵ k or ϵ k Z −1 , k ≧ 1 , to the energy. Three expansion parameters— Z −1 , ϵ, and χ—figure in the relativistic theory. In the nonrelativistic approximation, ϵ and χ drop out, and the energy can be expanded in powers of Z −1 . In general, the energy can be expressed as a double power series in Z −1 and ϵ whose coefficients normally depend upon χ; for χ ⪡ 1, they can be expanded in powers of χ, for χ ⪢ 1 in powers of χ −1 . In the past, two distinct forms of the relativistic interaction between electrons (both due to Breit) have been used, one valid for ϵ ⪡ 1, the other for χ ⪢ 1. In this paper we derive a formula for the interaction that is valid over the entire range of Z , and show that it differs from Breit's formula for ϵ ⪡ 1 by quantities that are smaller than the Lamb shift. In many practical applications it is a sufficiently good approximation to retain only the portion of the relativistic two-electron interaction that is of order ϵ 2 Z −1 . The calculations required for a consistent application of this approximation differ in several respects from conventional calculations based on the Pauli approximation: They employ relativistic hydrogenic (Dirae) wave functions (instead of nonrelativistic variational wave functions); they include certain effects of configuration mixing within a given complex; and they can normally be performed more readily in a representation based on Dirac spinors, with the Breit interaction in its “unreduced” form, than in one based on Pauli spinors, with the Breit interaction in its “reduced” form. We evaluate the relativistic level shift for states belonging to the configurations 1 s 2 , 1 s 2 s , 1 s 3 s , 1 s 2 2 s , and 1 s 2 3 s , and find excellent agreement between theory and experiment.
Multilayer sol/gel membranes for optical sensing applications: single layer pH and dual layer CO2 and NH3 sensors

Abstract Organo-silica sol–gel membranes have been prepared and demonstrated in a single layer format for pH measurement and multiple-layer format for both carbon dioxide and ammonia. The sensors are simple and versatile since the same chemistry and membranes are used for each sensor. The sensors use hydroxypyrenetrisulfonic acid (HPTS) as the indicator immobilized in a base-catalyzed sol–gel containing poly(dimethyl)siloxane, aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) and tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS). This indicator gel is over coated with a hydrophobic sol–gel to reduce cross reactivity to pH when either CO2 or NH3 are examined. The gels are very stable and the sensors retain response up to a 12-month period. Sensors can be stored in buffer or dry without loss of function and have response times to that are comparable to literature values.
Mechanisms of dysfunction of the nitric oxide pathway in vascular diseases.

Vascular nitric oxide (NO) is involved in many physiologic and pathophysiologic processes throughout the body. Many vascular diseases have a reduction in the activity of endothelium-derived NO as an important component involved in the initiation and/or progression of the disease. It is now known that there are multiple mechanisms for this reduction in NO activity with one or more mechanisms operating depending on the specific condition or stage of a disease. In other instances, the therapy for certain diseases is responsible for the reduction in NO activity and contributes to the acceleration of vascular disease. This review details the known mechanisms of dysfunction of the NO pathway leading to vascular diseases, which provides the rationale for why certain therapies can improve while other therapies adversely affect vascular health.
Osteoid osteoma of the carpal bones.

Three cases of osteoid osteoma of the carpal bones are described, with a reivew of the literature. The scaphoid is the carpal bone involved most frequently. Typically the lesions are painful and respond to aspirin. Roentgenologic finding of the central area of lucency surrounded by sclerotic bone often is diagnostic. Block excision with bone grafting is an acceptable method of treatment.
Pro: NIRS is “Standard of Care” for Postoperative Management

Successful postoperative management depends on early detection and correction of circulatory insufficiency. Global cardiac output and oxygen delivery must be adequate and distributed appropriately to meet metabolic demands to prevent the development of multi-organ dysfunction, morbidity, and death. Decreased cardiac output during the postoperative period is common, but circulatory assessment using standard monitoring provides inadequate information to reliably detect low cardiac output syndrome or effectively guide therapy. Goal-directed therapy using invasive estimates of global oxygen supply-demand balance (SvO2) has been shown to improve survival among patients in shock states. Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a noninvasive assessment of regional oxygen supply–demand balance. Multiple prospective observational studies have shown that NIRS-derived measures of systemic oxygen balance correlate with global circulatory measures, including SvO2 and biochemical indicators of shock. Additionally, NIRS has been shown in multiple prospective observational studies to identify circulatory inadequacy in specific organ systems, such as the brain, kidney, and gut. NIRS provides continuous, non-invasive measures that are suitable targets for goal-directed therapy to treat deficiencies in global and regional perfusion and should be standard of care.
Intentional vs arousal effects of goal-setting

Abstract The effects of goal-setting on performance can be interpreted as operating through intentions or, as a rival hypothesis, due to increased arousal. The distinction is important, since (1) intentional effects on performance would bear a functional relationship to level of task difficulty or complexity different from that of arousal effects and (2) arousal effects on performance would depend on level of individual trait anxiety. This paper reports results of two laboratory experiments attempting to isolate and compare the magnitude of intentional vs arousal effects of goal-settings. One study used a proofreading task in an “incidental learning” paradigm and the other used an anagram task with three levels of difficulty of items; both studies compared dependent behaviors of high- and low-anxiety individuals. Results from both studies offer relatively strong support for the intentions hypothesis and little evidence in favor of an arousal interpretation.
On the kinetics of propylene polymerization

The kinetics of propylene polymerization catalyzed by a commercial sample of highly activated titanium trichloride and diethylaluminum chloride have been investigated. Polymerizations were carried out at various temperatures, pressures, and catalyst concentrations, and reaction rates were determined by a gasometric technique. The concentration of metal—polymer bonds was measured by quenching aliquots of the reaction mixture with methanol-O-t and radioassaying the polymer. The rates were found to decrease with time while the concentration of metal—polymer bonds increased. These results were interpreted in terms of two exchange reactions of the active sites, one which leads to an inactive site, and another which produces a different active site. With the aid of a kinetic model based on this mechanism, number-average and weight-average molecular weights were calculated and were compared with values obtained from fractionation, osmometry, and viscometry.
The relationship between the transition and upper‐shelf fracture toughness of ferritic steels

Conventionally, the transition fracture toughness and upper-shelf fracture toughness of ferritic steels are viewed as separate properties: they are measured by tests conducted according to different standards, and neither toughness property can be estimated (except in very qualitative terms) based on knowledge of the other. Information presented in this paper demonstrates that quite the opposite is true: transition fracture toughness and upper-shelf fracture toughness are directly related because the microstructural features responsible for both the temperature dependence of fracture toughness and for the magnitude of fracture toughness at any given temperature are the same in both transition and on the upper shelf (the lattice structure controls the temperature dependence, while the size and distribution of second-phase particles control crack initiation and thus the magnitude of fracture toughness). These features bind the transition fracture tough. ness and upper-shelf fracture toughness together in a way that is extremely consistent for all ferritic steels. We present empirical evidence of this relationship based on fracture toughness data from a variety of ferritic steels: various heats of nuclear grade pressure vessel steels and welds (both before and after irradiation), copper precipitation hardened steels used in naval ship construction and mild steels used in ship construction. In total, these data span a broad range of To: from -180 °C to +140 °C. The combination of this theoretically motivated, empirically calibrated relationship between transition and upper-shelf toughness with Wallin's Master Curve (for toughness in fracture mode transition), and EricksonKirk's proposed Master Curve for toughness on the upper shelf, produces a model that predicts the temperature dependence of, and scatter in, fracture toughness of ferritic steels throughout the transition and upper-shelf temperature regimes. As input information, this model needs only the value of To, which can be estimated by performing fracture toughness tests according to the protocols of ASTM test standard E1921-05.
Reactor scale simulation of an atomic layer deposition process

Abstract To simulate an atomic layer deposition (ALD) process in a reactor scale, three-dimensional deposition of Al2O3 from trimethylaluminum and ozone inside a viscous flow reactor is investigated. The chemistry mechanism used includes both gas-phase and surface reactions. The simulations are performed for a fixed operating pressure of 10 torr (1330 Pa) and two substrate temperatures at 250 °C and 300 °C. The Navier–Stokes, energy, and species transport equations are discretized through the finite volume method to simulate transient, laminar and multi-component reacting flows. It is found that the larger surface reaction rate constant, and the greater concentrations of gaseous reactants at the substrate result in higher deposition rates on the substrate at 300 °C. At a fixed substrate temperature, the deposition rate distributions are the same among all the cycles that indicate a constant growth rate at each cycle. As a result, Al2O3 growth rates of 3.78 angstrom/cycle and 4.52 angstrom/cycle are obtained for the substrate temperatures of 250 °C and 300 °C, respectively.
Christian Democracy in Western Europe: an idea whose time has passed?

Christian Democracy as an ideology and as a political movement has been ascendant in Western European states for half a century, forming the governing party or a major part of the governing coalition of parties in many of them over numerous decades up to the present. Yet the study of Christian Democracy, its general ideology and general programmatic elements across Western Europe, has been singularly lacking. Centrist establishment parties and economic programmes seem not to have the same appeal to academic investigators as the more exciting and ideologically demarcated ones. Also the future seems bleak for some Christian Democratic parties in Western Europe. The focuses are on the general ideology of the movement and the shared programmatic commonalities among the parties. Advances a consideration of the future for CD parties in the short term and the problems confronting Christian Democracy in the future. Also assesses the role and prospects for Christian Democracy in the European Union, particularly as they relate to the European People’s Party (EPP) in the European Parliament.
Gene gun-mediated intracutaneous vaccination with papillomavirus E7 gene delays cancer development of papillomavirus-induced skin papillomas on rabbits.

Abstract High-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) E6 and E7 viral oncogenes are expressed in HPV-associated cancers, and thus represent tumor-specific antigens. We used the cottontail rabbit papillomavirus (CRPV) rabbit model to test whether vaccination with either the E6 or E7 genes alone could prevent or delay carcinoma development. CRPV-induced papillomas on 24 rabbits were allowed to grow for 3 months without any treatment intervention. An immunization protocol using gene gun-mediated intracutaneous administration of DNA plasmids encoding the E6 or the E7 gene or vector only, respectively was initiated at this time point. Carcinoma development was followed up to 24 months after virus infection. Within this period, five rabbits died due to other causes but without carcinoma; one from the vector control group, and two each from the E6- and E7-vaccinated groups. The remaining seven rabbits from the vector control group developed carcinoma within 7–17 months. The remaining six E6-vaccinated rabbits developed cancer within 8–15 months. There was no delay in cancer development for the E6-vaccinated rabbits compared to the vector-injected rabbits. Some delay in cancer development in the remaining E7-vaccinated rabbits was observed; one developed cancer at month 23 and a second was without cancer at month 24. In addition, some E7-vaccinated rabbits with primary skin carcinomas had fewer lung metastases (
Rapid Correction of Bone Mass after Parathyroidectomy in an Adolescent with Primary Hyperparathyroidism

Hyperparathyroidism during growth can result in severe deficits in bone mass; dramatic recovery of bone mineral content/bone mineral density following surgical removal of an offending parathyroid adenoma is reported.
Reproductive behavior of Aplysia californica Cooper: diel patterns, sexual roles and mating aggregations

Abstract Reproductive behavior of Aplysia californica Cooper was studied in the field and laboratory. Distinct diel patterns of behavior were found in the field. During the summer > 1 2 of A. california observed at 0300 and 0900 were engaged in reproductive behaviors (precopulatory behavior, copulations, egg-laying); feeding behavior predominated at 1500 and 2100. Relatively little time was spent crawling or being sedentary. This diel behavior pattern was similar during two time periods spanning the sumer peak in A. californica reproduction. A. californica mate in aggregations, which were larger at 0300 and 0900 than at 1500 and 2100. Larger aggregations and aggregations with eggs were more likely to persist to the following day than were small or egg-less aggregations. Despite the relatively high persistence of mating aggregations, individual turnover within the aggregations was high - only ≈ 1 3 of the observed individuals were present in the same aggregation on the following day. Individuals usually joined mating chains as the terminal male, but left from either end or the middle. Mixed-species aggregations of A. californica and the sympatric A. vaccaria Winkler often formed, suggesting that the two species share a common sexual pheromone; however, the two species did not interbreed. A. californica are simultaneous hermaphrodites. The sexual role chosen by an individual was not a function of its mass, relative size compared to its partner, or immediate feeding history. Individuals of some Aplysia species have been reported to specialize in one or the other sexual role; A. californica did not. Egg-laying was associated with subsequent reproduction as a male; reproduction in either role was associated with subsequent egg-laying. The benefits of mating in aggregations probably drive A. californica diel behavior cycles and patterns of social interaction. Major differences in the behavior of different Aplysia species remain to be explained.
Abnormal Parietal Cortex Activation During Working Memory in Schizophrenia: Verbal Phonological Coding Disturbances Versus Domain-General Executive Dysfunction

Objective: The goal of this study was to determine whether the regions of the prefrontal and parietal cortices showing abnormal activation among individuals with schizophrenia during working memory tasks are associated with either 1) phonological coding processes that may be specific to verbal tasks (i.e., ventral prefrontal and parietal cortices) or 2) domain-general executive processes engaged by verbal and nonverbal tasks (i.e., dorsal prefrontal and parietal cortices). Method: The participants were 57 medicated individuals with schizophrenia and 120 healthy subjects. Functional magnetic resonance imaging was used to scan all participants during performance of verbal and nonverbal 2-back working memory tasks. Results: In the healthy subjects there was similar bilateral dorsal prefrontal and inferior parietal cortex activation for both the verbal and nonverbal working memory tasks, but greater left ventral prefrontal and parietal cortex activation during verbal compared to nonverbal working memory. Individuals with schizophrenia showed bilateral deficits in dorsal frontal and parietal activation during both verbal and nonverbal working memory tasks. They also demonstrated the typical pattern of greater activity for verbal, as compared to nonverbal, working memory in ventral prefrontal and parietal regions, although they showed less verbal superiority in a left ventral prefrontal region. Conclusions: These results support the hypothesis that working memory deficits in individuals with schizophrenia reflect deficits in activation of brain regions associated with the central executive components of working memory rather than domain-specific storage buffers.
A new platform for ultra-high density Staphylococcus aureus transposon libraries

Staphylococcus aureus readily develops resistance to antibiotics and achieving effective therapies to overcome resistance requires in-depth understanding of S. aureus biology. High throughput, parallel-sequencing methods for analyzing transposon mutant libraries have the potential to revolutionize studies of S. aureus, but the genetic tools to take advantage of the power of next generation sequencing have not been fully developed. Here we report a phage-based transposition system to make ultra-high density transposon libraries for genome-wide analysis of mutant fitness in any Φ11-transducible S. aureus strain. The high efficiency of the delivery system has made it possible to multiplex transposon cassettes containing different regulatory elements in order to make libraries in which genes are over- or under-expressed as well as deleted. By incorporating transposon-specific barcodes into the cassettes, we can evaluate how null mutations and changes in gene expression levels affect fitness in a single sequencing data set. Demonstrating the power of the system, we have prepared a library containing more than 690,000 unique insertions. Because one unique feature of the phage-based approach is that temperature-sensitive mutants are retained, we have carried out a genome-wide study of S. aureus genes involved in withstanding temperature stress. We find that many genes previously identified as essential are temperature sensitive and also identify a number of genes that, when disrupted, confer a growth advantage at elevated temperatures. The platform described here reliably provides mutant collections of unparalleled genotypic diversity and will enable a wide range of functional genomic studies in S. aureus.
A biomimetic approach for enhancing the in vivo half-life of peptides

The tremendous therapeutic potential of peptides has not yet been realized, mainly owing to their short in vivo half-life. Although conjugation to macromolecules has been a mainstay approach for enhancing protein half-life, the steric hindrance of macromolecules often harms the binding of peptides to target receptors, compromising the in vivo efficacy. Here we report a new strategy for enhancing the in vivo half-life of peptides without compromising their potency. Our approach involves endowing peptides with a small molecule that binds reversibly to the serum protein transthyretin. Although there are a few molecules that bind albumin reversibly, we are unaware of designed small molecules that reversibly bind other serum proteins and are used for half-life extension in vivo. We show here that our strategy was effective in enhancing the half-life of an agonist for GnRH receptor while maintaining its binding affinity, which was translated into superior in vivo efficacy.
Combinatorial optimization for spacecraft scheduling

The application of combinatorial optimization techniques to the automatic spacecraft scheduling problem is described. The problem is to search over the candidate sequences of experiments for a sequence that maximizes the value of the science conducted while minimizing constraint conflicts. Exploratory computational results indicate that pseudorandom research techniques, such as simulated annealing, generate viable sequences in reasonable times. >
Distributed Feedback Mid-IR Interband Cascade Lasers at Thermoelectric Cooler Temperatures

Continuous wave (CW) operation of single-mode distributed feedback interband cascade (IC) lasers has been demonstrated at temperatures up to 261 K near ~3.3 m with side-mode-suppression ratio greater than 20 dB. The electrical power consumption is less than 1.1 W over the entire operating range, which enables CW operation using only thermoelectric cooling from ambient temperatures.
Wicksell, Lindahl and the Theory of Public Goods

Wicksell's and Lindahl's ideas on public goods and decisions are reviewed in light of later developments in the theoretical economics literature. I begin by discussing their normative ideals, in particular the notion of justness, and the sources of the difficulties in reaching them. Wicksell's and Lindahl's ideal states, as well as the obstacles that they perceive, are compared to more recent views on free riding and on the behavior of elected representatives. Their views on political bargaining are then related to later concepts, in particular to the core of the economy.
Regulation of C-Cadherin Function during Activin Induced Morphogenesis of Xenopus Animal Caps

Treatment of Xenopus animal pole tissue with activin results in the induction of mesodermal cell types and a dramatic elongation of the tissue. The morphogenetic movements involved in the elongation appear similar to those in normal gastrulation, which is driven by cell rearrangement and cell intercalations. We have used this system to explore the potential regulation of cell-cell adhesion and cadherin function during morphogenesis. Quantitative blastomere aggregation assays revealed that activin induction reduced the calcium-dependent adhesion between blastomeres. Activin-induced blastomeres formed smaller aggregates, and a greater proportion of the population remained as single cells compared to uninduced blastomeres. The aggregation was mediated by C-cadherin because C-cadherin was present in the blastomeres during the aggregation assay, and monoclonal antibodies against C-cadherin inhibited the calcium-dependent aggregation of blastomeres. E-cadherin was not detectable until after the completion of the assay and, therefore, does not explain the adhesive differences between induced and uninduced blastomeres. L cells stably expressing C-cadherin (LC cells) were used to demonstrate that C-cadherin activity was specifically altered after activin induction. Blastomeres induced with activin bound fewer LC cells than uninduced blastomers. L cells not expressing C-cadherin did not adhere to blastomeres. The changes in C-cadherin-mediated adhesion occurred without detectable changes in the steady-state levels of C-cadherin or the amount of C-cadherin present on the surface of the cell. Immunoprecipitation of C-cadherin and its associated catenins revealed that the ratio of C-cadherin and the catenins was not altered by activin induction. These results demonstrate that activin decreases the adhesive function of existing C-cadherin molecules on the surface of blastomeres and suggest that decreased cadherin mediated cell-cell adhesion is associated with increased morphogenetic movement.
Strong copper complexation in an organic-rich estuary: the importance of allochthonous dissolved organic matter

River input of allochthonous organic matter dominates the strong complexation capacity of dissolved copper in the organic-rich Cape Fear River (CFR) estuary, North Carolina. This slightly stratified estuary is characterized by conservatively mixed dissolved organic carbon (DOC=200–1200 μM C), high river flow, and low biological productivity. Copper speciation data measured using competitive ligand equilibration–cathodic stripping voltammetry (CLE–CSV with 8-hydroxyquinoline (8-HQ)) for seven Cape Fear estuarine transects revealed that strong (mean detection window αCu8HQ=105.2) Cu-complexing ligands range in concentration from 7 to >200 nM (at fixed KCuL′=1013.5), are conservatively mixed below the turbidity maximum zone (S∼5), and exist in substantial excess of dissolved Cu levels (3–25 nM). Strong ligand and DOC concentrations exhibited strong linear correlations among transect samples at DOC concentrations <1000 μM C (r2=0.93, p≪0.01) and among all size fractions of ultrafiltered estuarine samples (r2=0.94, p≪0.01). A 300 μM C solution of Cape Fear River humic substances isolated using C18 extraction exhibited a strong Cu ligand concentration of 143 nM (at fixed KCuL′= 1013.5). Comparison with speciation data from estuarine transects indicates C18 isolated humics could account for 100% of the typical strong Cu-complexation capacity in the Cape Fear estuary.
Varying styles of magmatic strain accommodation across the East African Rift

Observations of active dike intrusions provide present day snapshots of the magmatic contribution to continental rifting. However, unravelling the contributions of upper crustal dikes over the timescale of continental rift evolution is a significant challenge. To address this issue, we analyzed the morphologies and alignments of >1500 volcanic cones to infer the distribution and trends of upper crustal dikes in various rift basins across the East African Rift (EAR). Cone lineament data reveal along-axis variations in the distribution and geometries of dike intrusions as a result of changing tectonomagmatic conditions. In younger ( 10 Ma) in Ethiopia and the Kenya Rift, rift-parallel dikes accommodate upper crustal extension along the full length of the basin.
Escherichia coli DksA Binds to Free RNA Polymerase with Higher Affinity than to RNA Polymerase in an Open Complex

The transcription factor DksA binds in the secondary channel of RNA polymerase (RNAP) and alters transcriptional output without interacting with DNA. Here we present a quantitative assay for measuring DksA binding affinity and illustrate its utility by determining the relative affinities of DksA for three different forms of RNAP. Whereas the apparent affinities of DksA for RNAP core and holoenzyme are the same, the apparent affinity of DksA for RNAP decreases almost 10-fold in an open complex. These results suggest that the conformation of RNAP present in an open complex is not optimal for DksA binding and that DNA directly or indirectly alters the interface between the two proteins.
Some practical considerations for management information systems

A Management Information System (MIS) performs transactional processing and sup plies information to organizational manage ment for planning and decision making. It is suggested that the MIS administrator should be concerned with the system's cost effectiveness, completeness, and degree of use. The amount of training of MIS users and the necessity for a dynamic system are discussed. When implementing a new MIS, the administrator should concentrate on using good organizational politics, should avoid computer jargon, and should encourage organizational personnel involvement in planning. The MIS should be built on existing data processing structures, and the MIS administrator should be very care ful about data accessibility and security.
An Introduction to Item Response Theory Using the Need for Cognition Scale

This paper provides an introduction to two commonly used item response theory (IRT) models (the two-parameter logistic model and the graded response model). Throughout the paper, the Need for Cognition Scale (NCS) is used to help illustrate different features of the IRT model. After introducing the IRT models, I explore the assumptions these models make as well as ways to assess the extent to which those assumptions are plausible. Next, I describe how adopting an IRT approach to measurement can change how one thinks about scoring, score precision, and scale construction. I briefly introduce the advanced topics of differential item functioning and computerized adaptive testing before concluding with a summary of what was learned about IRT generally, and the NCS specifically.
The relationship between female adolescent self-esteem, decision making, and contraceptive behavior

Purpose: To examine the relationship between female adolescent self-esteem, decision making, and contraceptive behavior in multiethnic, 14- to 17-year-olds, residing on the Big Island of Hawaii. Data sources: This was a descriptive cross-sectional survey design using a convenience sample of 98 female adolescents aged 14-17 who came to five different clinics on the Big Island of Hawaii for health care. Along with a brief demographic questionnaire, global self-esteem was measured by Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem Scale, decision making was measured by the Flinders Adolescent Decision Making Questionnaire, and sexual activity and contraception use was measured by a nonnormed Sexual History and Contraceptive Use Questionnaire developed for this study. Descriptive statistics, logistic regression, and correlations were used to analyze associations and correlations between age, global self-esteem, decision self-esteem, decision coping (vigilant and maladaptive), and contraceptive use for sexually active female adolescents. Conclusions: No significant associations or correlations were found between age, global self-esteem, decision self-esteem, decision coping (vigilance), and the decision to use contraception in sexually active adolescent females. There was, however, significant negative correlation (p < .05) between overall maladaptive decision making and contraceptive use in sexually active female adolescents. This suggests that sexually active adolescent females with higher maladaptive scores are less likely to use contraception. There was also significant association (p < .05) between maladaptive decision making in contraceptive use and sexually active female adolescents. For every one unit increase on the maladaptive scale, the odds of using contraception were estimated to decrease by 7%. Implications for practice: Adolescence is a period of transition that involves biological, cognitive, psychological, and social changes. During the vulnerable transition period of adolescence, decisions relating to contraception may occur. Interventions focused on improving decision-making skills and stimulating thinking around not only sexual issues but also on relationship and communication in adolescent issues may facilitate more competent decision making. Understanding the relationship between female adolescent self-esteem, decision making, and contraceptive behavior has contributed to the knowledge base about female contraceptive behavior. Gaining further insight into these relationships will help healthcare professionals provide counseling and health care to female adolescents.
Dolichol Concentration and Biosynthesis in Rat Testis and Epididymis

The concentration and synthesis of dolichol was studied in testis and epididymis. In the rat, dolichol concentration is highest in the caput and corpus epididymidis, and concentrations in testis and all parts of the epididymis are higher than in rat liver. Uptake of 2-l’� C] -mevalonic acid into dolichols separated by high performance liquid chromatography mirrors dolichol concentration in the organs studied, with greatest incorporation into dolichols in the corpus epididymidis.
Role of Actin Cytoskeletal Dynamics in Activation of the Cyclic AMP Pathway and HWP1 Gene Expression in Candida albicans

Changes in gene expression during reversible bud-hypha transitions of the opportunistic fungal pathogen Candida albicans permit adaptation to environmental conditions that are critical for proliferation in host tissues. Our previous work has shown that the hypha-specific adhesin gene HWP1 is up-regulated by the cyclic AMP (cAMP) signaling pathway. However, little is known about the potential influences of determinants of cell morphology on HWP1 gene expression. We found that blocking hypha formation with cytochalasin A, which destabilizes actin filaments, and with latrunculin A, which sequesters actin monomers, led to a loss of HWP1 gene expression. In contrast, high levels of HWP1 gene expression were observed when the F-actin stabilizer jasplakinolide was used to block hypha formation, suggesting that HWP1 expression could be regulated by actin structures. Mutants defective in formin-mediated nucleation of F-actin were reduced in HWP1 gene expression, providing genetic support for the importance of actin structures. Kinetic experiments with wildtype and actin-deficient cells revealed two distinct phases of HWP1 gene expression, with a slow, actinindependent phase preceding a fast, actin-dependent phase. Low levels of HWP1 gene expression that appeared to be independent of stabilized actin and cAMP signaling were detected using indirect immunofluorescence. A connection between actin structures and the cAMP signaling pathway was shown using hyper- and hypomorphic cAMP mutants, providing a possible mechanism for up-regulation of HWP1 gene expression by stabilized actin. The results reveal a new role for F-actin as a regulatory agent of hypha-specific gene expression at the bud-hypha transition. Candida albicans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen with a tropism for the gastrointestinal mucosa. The progression to candidiasis from the usual state of commensalism is prompted by changes in the immune status of the host that relay signals for proliferation and culminate in tissue invasion. Growth in host tissues is characterized by the presence of yeast, pseudohyphal, and hyphal morphologies in response to a number of environmental parameters within the host that may
FPAC: fast, fixed-cost authentication for access to reserved resources

Enhanced network services often involve allocating resources (bandwidth/buffer space) preferentially to packets belonging to certain flows or traffic classes. Such services are vulnerable to denial-of-service attacks if packet classification is based on information that can be forged, such as source and destination addresses and port numbers. Traditional message authentication codes (MACs), often considered the only solution to this problem, are really not designed to solve it. In particular, their per-packet costs are so high that they enable another form of denial-of-service attack based on overwhelming the verification mechanism. We describe the problem of denial of access to reserved resources and the inadequacies of conventional solutions. We then observe that it is reasonable to trade some of the strong security guarantees provided by conventional MACs for a lower per-packet cost. We propose a new packet authentication algorithm, designed to solve the problem of protecting reserved resources, with a very low, fixed per-packet cost. While it cannot replace conventional MACs for end-to-end authentication, we argue that it is a better solution for the problem considered here. We present measurements from a prototype implementation that can verify a packet of arbitrary size in as few as 1000 machine cycles on an Intel architecture machine.
Quantifying Accessibility of Nonmotorized Transportation Modes in Recreational Areas: Case Study of Mill Creek Canyon, Utah

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: Multimodal transportation is encouraged in recreational areas, particularly nonmotorized modes that provide people with the opportunity to be physically active while sustaining the natural environment. Accessibility emerges as a relevant indicator of the quality of transportation performance, especially related to nonmotorized modes, because it addresses how transportation solutions are tailored to their contexts. This study develops an accessibility measurement framework for pedestrians and bicyclists in parks and recreation areas, and applies it to the recreational area in Mill Creek Canyon, Utah, one of Salt Lake City’s most popular recreational destinations . The goal of the study is to demonstrate how accessibility measurements can be defined and implemented as indicators of transportation system performance by recreational managers interested in gaining a more complete picture of existing conditions from a multimodal perspective and, if necessary, assessing possible multimodal transportation improvement alternatives. Data collection activities utilized canyon maps, a site visit, Google Earth, and geographic information systems. Potential origins and destinations for pedestrians and bicyclists were mapped in Arc Map. Proposed accessibility performance measures were applied to the Mill Creek Canyon case study using Google Earth again for distance measurements. Pedestrian and bicyclists requirements in terms of path width, speed, and acceptable travel time were adopted from existing transportation policies and guidelines. Accessibility was quantified using performance measures such as p ercentage of destinations reachable from each origin within a given distance, percentage of destinations reachable from each origin within a given time frame, percentage of origins leading to each destination within a given distance, percentage of origins leading to each destination within a given time frame, percentage of spatially accessible destinations, and percentage of temporally accessible destinations. Decision makers can further use these measures to properly evaluate quality of service for pedestrians and bicyclists, as they are broadly applicable to recreation areas of different sizes and flexible enough to grow into accessibility guidelines with further research expansion.