cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dopamine Enhances EPSCs in Layer II–III Pyramidal Neurons in Rat Prefrontal Cortex

Dopaminergic inputs to the prefrontal cortex (PFC) are important for the integration of neuronal signals, the formation of working memory, and the establishment of memory fields. A detailed characterization of cellular mechanisms underlying the effects of dopamine on PFC is still emerging. We have examined how dopamine affects excitatory synaptic transmission in the PFC using whole-cell patch-clamp recording from visually identified layer II–III pyramidal cells in vitro . Bath application of dopamine significantly enhanced EPSC amplitudes. Pharmacologically isolated AMPA and NMDA receptor-mediated EPSCs were increased to a similar extent. Application of the specific D1-like receptor agonist SKF38393 [(±)-1-phenyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-(1H)-3-benzazepine-7,8-diol hydrobromide] significantly increased EPSC amplitude, whereas the D2-like receptor agonist quinpirole had no effect. Responses to pressure-applied glutamate were also enhanced by dopamine, indicating a postsynaptic mechanism. Inclusion of the Ca2+chelator BAPTA in the recording pipette blocked the dopamine enhancement. When the PKA inhibitory peptide PKI [5–24] was included in the recording pipette, dopamine did not affect EPSCs. Similarly, when the Ca2+/calmodulin-kinase II (CaMKII) inhibitory peptide was present in the pipette, dopamine enhancement of EPSCs was not observed in any of the cells tested. These results indicate that EPSC enhancement may be attributable to a postsynaptic signaling cascade involving Ca2+, PKA, and CaMKII.
Efficacy of Visual Surveys for White-Nose Syndrome at Bat Hibernacula.

White-Nose Syndrome (WNS) is an epizootic disease in hibernating bats caused by the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans. Surveillance for P. destructans at bat hibernacula consists primarily of visual surveys of bats, collection of potentially infected bats, and submission of these bats for laboratory testing. Cryptic infections (bats that are infected but display no visual signs of fungus) could lead to the mischaracterization of the infection status of a site and the inadvertent spread of P. destructans. We determined the efficacy of visual detection of P. destructans by examining visual signs and molecular detection of P. destructans on 928 bats of six species at 27 sites during surveys conducted from January through March in 2012–2014 in the southeastern USA on the leading edge of the disease invasion. Cryptic infections were widespread with 77% of bats that tested positive by qPCR showing no visible signs of infection. The probability of exhibiting visual signs of infection increased with sampling date and pathogen load, the latter of which was substantially higher in three species (Myotis lucifugus, M. septentrionalis, and Perimyotis subflavus). In addition, M. lucifugus was more likely to show visual signs of infection than other species given the same pathogen load. Nearly all infections were cryptic in three species (Eptesicus fuscus, M. grisescens, and M. sodalis), which had much lower fungal loads. The presence of M. lucifugus or M. septentrionalis at a site increased the probability that P. destructans was visually detected on bats. Our results suggest that cryptic infections of P. destructans are common in all bat species, and visible infections rarely occur in some species. However, due to very high infection prevalence and loads in some species, we estimate that visual surveys examining at least 17 individuals of M. lucifugus and M. septentrionalis, or 29 individuals of P. subflavus are still effective to determine whether a site has bats infected with P. destructans. In addition, because the probability of visually detecting the fungus was higher later in winter, surveys should be done as close to the end of the hibernation period as possible.
Tuning Sensitivity of CAR to EGFR Density Limits Recognition of Normal Tissue While Maintaining Potent Antitumor Activity

A re-engineered CAR T-cell receptor decreases risks of on-target off-tissue toxicity by enabling preferential recognition of EGFR on the basis of its overexpressed levels in cancer.
Solid-phase synthesis of cyclic peptide-DNA hybrids.

A methodology for preparing cyclic peptide−DNA hybrids on controlled pore glass in high yield is reported. This methodology employs Fmoc/Alloc-protected amino acid and nucleoside phosphoramidites on an ω-hydroxylauric acid-derivatized support and is suitable for library synthesis. A cyclic hybrid of the sequence Glu-Leu-T*T-DP-Lys, where Glu and Lys are linked and T* denotes a 5‘-amino-5‘-deoxynucleotide, exhibited high resistance to exo- and endonucleases.
Further Calculations on Multiple-Quantum Transitions

We develop a detailed theory to calculate multiple-quantum transition probabilities. It is shown that the quantum electrodynamical (QED) approach must be used in order to explain quantitatively the experimental observations of Kusch. The anomalous behavior of shifts in resonance frequency and saturation of widths of transition probabilities can be explained on the basis of a QED renormalization principle. In this paper, we work out the detailed calculations for the case of a double-quantum transition quantitatively. The agreement between QED calculation and Kusch's observation is remarkable. We conclude that the renormalization principle of QED is important even for low-frequency and finite-intensity fields.
Structure/function relationships in nickel metallobiochemistry

Among the many highlights of nickel metallobiochemistry in 1998 were the discoveries that Escherichia coli glyoxalase I is the first example of a nickel isomerase, and that the superoxide dismutase isolated from Streptomyces seoulensis is a new structural class of superoxide dismutase that features thiolate ligation.
A Naturally Occurring Mineral as a Buffer in the Diet of Lactating Dairy Cows

Abstract In Experiment 1, 24 cows were used to compare the acceptance of concentrate mixtures containing 1) no buffer, 2) 1.5% sodium bicarbonate, or 3) 1.5% Alkaten (a naturally occurring mineral containing primarily sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate). During the 1st wk the cows fed Alkaten had sharply reduced concentrate intakes. By the 3rd wk, concentrate intakes were nearly equal among groups. Total feed consumption was equal by the 2nd wk because cows compensated by eating more forage. In Experiment 2, 27 cows were assigned at 1 d postpartum for 7 wk to one of three complete rations of 15% whole cottonseed, 30% corn silage, and 55% concentrate with buffers as in Experiment 1. Feed intakes of 3.04, 3.08, and 3.31 kg/100 kg of body weight, respectively, were not different for the 7 wk, but cows fed Alkaten ate more feed wk 4 through 7. There was no depression in feed intake in wk 1, suggesting that blending the concentrate with forage resolved the initial depression seen in Experiment 1. Rumen pH, rumen volatile fatty acid molar percentages and ratios, and urine pH means suggest that Alkaten is similar to sodium bicarbonate in buffering or neutralizing action.
Perioperative considerations in patients with adrenal tumors

In this article the pre-operative, intraoperative, and post-operative management of patients with pheochromocytoma, aldosterone-producing adenoma, cortisol-producing tumors, and adrenal cortical carcinoma are reviewed. A detailed plan for pre-operative assessment and medical optimization is discussed. The potential intraoperative and post-operative complications that occur in patients with an adrenal tumor are reviewed with emphasis on recognition, treatment and prevention. Recommendations for anesthetic management, intraoperative and post-operative monitoring, blood pressure management, laboratory analysis and medication adjustments are presented.
Survival after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for patients with inflammatory breast carcinoma.

BACKGROUND The authors retrospectively determined the clinical outcome of patients with inflammatory breast carcinoma (IBC) treated with high dose chemotherapy (HDC) and autologous bone marrow (ABM) or peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) support. METHODS Twenty-four consecutive patients with IBC received HDC, including escalating doses of carboplatin (range, 1.2–1.8 g/m2) and cyclophosphamide (range, 4.8–6.0 g/m2) over 3 days followed by ABM (n = 5) or PBSC infusion (n = 19). Restaging evaluation was performed 100 days after transplant, every 6 months for 2 years, and then yearly thereafter. After transplantation, fifteen patients received immunotherapy with interleukin-2 (IL-2) or IL-2 and interferon-α. RESULTS The 2-year estimated disease free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) for these patients were 71% (90% confidence interval [CI], 55–87%) and 73% (90% CI, 53–93%), respectively. The median follow-up of surviving patients was 19 months (range, 8–68 months). Six patients developed disease recurrence at a median of 10 months (range, 4–16 months) after transplantation. Four of these 6 patients died from metastatic disease at a median of 18 months (range, 14–21 months). Using the generalized Wilcoxon test and the Cox proportional hazards regression model, patients with tumors that demonstrated estrogen receptors had an improved DFS (P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS Combining HDC and ABM or PBSC for patients with IBC may yield an improved OS and DFS. Cancer 1999;85:93–9. © 1999 American Cancer Society.
School Counseling Outcome: A Meta-Analytic Examination of Interventions

The effectiveness of school counseling interventions is important in this era of evidence-based practices. In this study, Meta-Analysis 1 involved treatment-control comparisons and Meta-Analysis 2 involved pretest-posttest differences. The overall average weighted effect size for school counseling interventions was .30. The study examined whether pertinent moderator variables influenced effect sizes. The pretest-posttest effect size was not significant, so moderator analyses were conducted on treatment-control comparisons. Analyses of moderator variables indicated school counseling program activities or interventions varied in effectiveness.
Navier-Stokes calculations of multi-dimensional flows with complex chemical kinetics

Abstract Multi-dimensional flows have been calculated with complex chemical kinetics for hydrocarbon fuels. The flows include both premixed and diffusion flames, and there is a wide variation of both thermodynamic and chemical reaction conditions. The numerical methods have included an implicit block solver of the ADI type for the transport equations, and the low Mach number limit has been taken for the calculation of the pressure field. The applications consisted of a steady premixed methane flame about a hot sphere, and the time-dependent ignition of a methanol droplet in air. The methane calculation has been compared to a detailed stagnation point calculation, and the results compare favorably. The methanol droplet flow includes the gas, liquid, and interface conditions, and the calculation has been performed under diesel engine thermodynamic conditions. The methane flame was calculated with only temperature change error control and this form of error control was tested first on zero and one-dimensional models with the same chemistry. With this type of error control the time dependent calculation was stable, and steady state was approached rapidly. These calculations of complex chemical kinetics required substantial computer time, but the computational times are not large when compared to the potential of massively parallel computers. The methods used in the paper can be extended to parallel machines in a straight forward manner.
Aq-Analogue of Faà di Bruno's Formula

Some years ago Gessel (Ge]) introduced aq-analogue of functional composition that was strong enough to support aq-analogue of the chain rule. In this note we show that Gessel'sq-composition is even strong enough to support a-analogue of Faa di Bruno's formula for thenth derivative of a composite function.q-analogues of the Bell polynomials arise naturally in this context.
MicroRNAs as a therapeutic target for cardiovascular diseases

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are tiny, endogenous, conserved, non-coding RNAs that negatively modulate gene expression by either promoting the degradation of mRNA or down-regulating the protein production by translational repression. They maintain optimal dose of cellular proteins and thus play a crucial role in the regulation of biological functions. Recent discovery of miRNAs in the heart and their differential expressions in pathological conditions provide glimpses of undiscovered regulatory mechanisms underlying cardiovascular diseases. Nearly 50 miRNAs are overexpressed in mouse heart. The implication of several miRNAs in cardiovascular diseases has been well documented such as miRNA-1 in arrhythmia, miRNA-29 in cardiac fibrosis, miRNA-126 in angiogenesis and miRNA-133 in cardiac hypertrophy. Aberrant expression of Dicer (an enzyme required for maturation of all miRNAs) during heart failure indicates its direct involvement in the regulation of cardiac diseases. MiRNAs and Dicer provide a particular layer of network of precise gene regulation in heart and vascular tissues in a spatiotemporal manner suggesting their implications as a powerful intervention tool for therapy. The combined strategy of manipulating miRNAs in stem cells for their target directed differentiation and optimizing the mode of delivery of miRNAs to the desired cells would determine the future potential of miRNAs to treat a disease. This review embodies the recent progress made in microRNomics of cardiovascular diseases and the future of miRNAs as a potential therapeutic target - the putative challenges and the approaches to deal with it.
Misfit dislocations in superconducting thin films on SrTiO3{010}

We have studied the nature of strain-induced dislocations during epitaxial growth of YBa2Cu3-O7−δ films on SrTiO3{010} substrate. From the contrast analysis under different diffraction vectors, it was determined that the dislocations of a[110] and [011] Burgers vectors are formed in (110) and (011) planes respectively. At the points of intersection, they react (a[110]+a[011]→a[101]) to form a[101] segments in (010) planes. We have analyzed the formation of dislocations near the free surface above a critical thickness to minimize the total energy of the system. The dislocations glide into the film and the substrate. The importance of these results in the fabrication of thin film superconducting devices is emphasized.
Differentiating organic and psychogenic erectile dysfunction with the Millon Behavioral Health Inventory

The results of psychometric instruments in differentiating organic from psychogenic erectile dysfunction has generally been disappointing. The present study employed the Millon Behavioral Health Inventory in an attempt to differentiate and classify 80 males into organic, psychogenic and control groups. The results indicate that 85% of the subjects with organic etiology, 75% of the subjects with psychogenic etiology and 83% of the control group were correctly classified. These initial findings provide encouragement for the use of a nonintrusive, cost effective method of assessing sexual dysfunction.
Isopentenyl Diphosphate Isomerase Catalyzed Reactions in D2O: Product Release Limits the Rate of this Sluggish Enzyme-Catalyzed Reaction

The E. coli isopentenyl diphosphate isomerase (IDI) catalyzed reaction of isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP) in D(2)O gives a 66% yield of dimethylallyl diphosphate labeled with deuterium at the (E)-methyl group (d-DMAPP) and a 34% yield of IPP labeled with 1 mol of deuterium at C-2 (d-IPP). This shows that the release to D(2)O of the initial product of the IDI-catalyzed reaction (d-DMAPP) is slower than its conversion to d-IPP. Product dissociation is therefore rate determining for isomerization of IPP with a rate constant k(dis) ≈ k(cat) = 0.08 s(-1). The data provide an estimated rate constant of k(as) = 6 × 10(3) M(-1) s(-1) for binding of DMAPP to E. coli IDI that is similar to rate constants determined for the binding of N-protonated 2-amino ethyl diphosphate intermediate analogs to IDI from yeast [Reardon, J. E.; Abeles, R. H. Biochemistry1986, 25, 5609-5616]. We propose that ligand binding to IDI is relatively slow because there is a significant kinetic barrier to reorganization of the initial encounter complex between enzyme, substrate, and an essential Mg(2+) to form the Michaelis complex where the metal cation bridges the protein and the substrate diphosphate group.
Variation in Nuclear DNA Content in Pinus taeda L. Tissue Cultures of Diploid Origin

Summary Despite prolonged efforts to obtain plant regeneration from pine callus cultures, little attention has been given to the genetic condition of callus cultures. We measured nuclear DNA content in loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) callus during six months of continuous culture. Absolute DNA content was measured quantitatively using microspectrophotometry in conjunction with an internal standard. Twenty to thirty percent of the cells in the cultures contained nuclear DNA contents in excess of the 4C amount with the remainder having the 2C-4C amount, equivalent to cells in a diploid cell cycle. Cells with increased DNA contents arose early and were present throughout the culture period. Examination of occasional shoot meristems that formed on «callus-induction» medium revealed that shoots formed which contained cells with abnormal nuclear DNA content as compared with controls. Because polyploidy is deleterious to pines, these results demonstrate the importance of screening tissue cultures for genetic stability in an in vitro propagation program.
Motherhood as political voice: The rhetoric of the mothers of Plaza de Mayo

This essay uses the Latin American myth of marianismo (the good woman as mother) as a framework for the analysis of the rhetoric of the Mothers of Plaza de Mayo, a group formed in 1977 by mothers whose children “disappeared” under the military dictatorship that ruled Argentina from 1976 to 1983. The analysis treats the Mothers’ story as an example of the power of “private” voices transferred to the public realm of political action. The marianismo myth defines the Mothers as apolitical and non‐confrontational. The Mothers maintained this identity while acting publicly in a situation where all traditional modes of dissent are suppressed.
Amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia and immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia in a cat

An eleven-month-old female spayed domestic shorthair cat was presented for investigation of pruritic skin lesions and haemorrhage. Haematological evaluation revealed a markedly regenerative anaemia, neutrophilia with left shift, monocytosis, basophilia and severe thrombocytopenia. The direct antiglobulin test and serum antinuclear antibody tests were positive. Serologic and immunofluorescent antibody tests for feline leukaemia virus were negative. Bone marrow cytology revealed a lack of megakaryocytes with erythroid and myeloid hyperplasia. A peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia was detected ultrasonographically, but was not considered to be related to the haematologic abnormalities. An immune-mediated aetiology for the amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia was considered likely based on the concomitant positive direct antiglobulin and antinuclear antibody tests, but the cat responded poorly to short-term immunosuppressive therapy and was euthanized.
Uncooled MEMS-based detector arrays for THz imaging applications

We report experimental results on recently developed MEMS-based, uncooled THz detectors and imaging applications for linear focal plane arrays constructed from them. The detector incorporates a broadband micro-antenna coupled to an impedance-matched microbridge. Micro-antennas were fabricated having cut-on frequencies of 500GHz, 650GHz, and 1.5THz, each with bandwidth of several hundred GHz. Sensitivity and frequency response of the detectors is predicted to be ~6pW/√Hz (with backplane) and 7kHz, respectively, and supporting measurements of the first devices will be presented. Fully integrated 1x8 linear focal plane arrays have been assembled and will be used in on-going imaging demonstrations.
Modification of hibiscus growth by treating unrooted cuttings and potted plants with uniconazole or paclobutrazol

Unrooted cuttings ofHibiscus rosasinensis L. “Seminole Pink” were soaked for 5 s in a solution containing 25, 50, 75, or 100 mg L−1 uniconazole or paclobutrazol, rooted, and then potted and allowed to grow without pinching. Uniconazole was more effective than paclobutrazol in suppressing stem growth and number and length of lateral shoots. Uniconazole and paclobutrazol, at the 25 mg L−1 concentration, resulted in stem growth 75 and 25%, respectively, of the control, with further reduction at higher rates. Flowering was delayed by the highest rate of uniconazole but not paclobutrazol. Flower number was reduced by both retardants, without any effect on flower size. Plants treated with uniconazole had short pedicels regardless of the rates, whereas paclobutrazol did not affect pedicel length. A second experiment used unrooted cuttings being soaked in a solution containing 0, 12.5, 25, or 50 mg L−1 uniconazole or having the lower 2.5 cm of the stem dipped in a solution containing 0, 50, 100, or 200 mg L−1 uniconazole. Plants were pinched after potting. Soaking resulted in more efficient height control than dipping. Lateral shoot number was reduced by soaking but not dipping. All treated plants had smaller stem diameters. Flower size was unaffected regardless of method of treatment and the type of retardant applied. In a third experiment, soil drenches with uniconazole at a rate as low as 0.05 mg/pot resulted in excessive growth retardation. Soil drenches with paclobutrazol at 0.05–0.20 mg/pot reduced shoot growth, flower number, and pedicel length, but did not affect days to bloom.
Sarah Good’s first death warrant resurfaces, or we thought

Kent Library of Southeast Missouri State University received an historic document in 1979. This document appeared to be a death warrant for Sarah Good from 1692. Sarah Good was executed for practicing witchcraft in Salem. After closer examination, the document was declared to be a forgery, with similar documents distributed during the 1930s. This article examines the history of this document, explains why the document was declared a forgery, further examines features that are often found in forgeries, and gives suggestions that libraries can use to identify forgeries.
Interventional radiology in the treatment of retroperitoneal trauma

Interventional radiology is used most often in the management of the trauma patient to control hemorrhage and drain fluid collections. Transcatheter arterial embolization is an effective, expeditious, and safe technique for the nonoperative control of renal and other retroperitoneal bleeding, arteriovenous fistulas, and pseudoaneurysms. Transcatheter drainage of renal and other retroperitoneal collections of pus, urine, and blood is successful in more than 90% of trauma patients; such drainage should be attempted prior to any surgical intervention. Other procedures, such as antegrade nephrostomy, ureteral stenting and dilatation, angioplasty of traumatic renal artery stenosis, and suprapubic cystostomy, are infrequently indicated but provide alternatives to standard surgical intervention.
Deposition of functionalized nanoparticles in multilayer thin-film structures by resonant infrared laser ablation

We report the successful fabrication of layers of functionalized nanoparticles using a novel infrared, laser-based deposition technique. A frozen suspension of nanoparticles was ablated with a laser tuned to a vibrational mode of the solvent, resulting in the disruption of the matrix and ejection of the nanoparticles. The solvent was pumped away and the nanoparticles collected by a receiving substrate in a conformal process. Photoluminescence measurements of nanoparticles containing two common dyes showed no significant change to the emission properties of either dye, suggesting that no damage occurred during the laser ablation process. The process is generally applicable to particles of various sizes, shapes, and chemistries provided that an appropriate solvent is chosen. Deposition through shadow masks turned out to be straightforward using this technique, suggesting its potential utility in preparing designer sensor structures using functionalized nanoparticles.
Printed Low Velocity Delay Lines for Cathode Readout of Proportional Chambers

A new type of flat delay line was developed which has a low propagation velocity and very good delay to rise time ratio. It can be constructed by printed circuit techniques without crossovers. The magnetic loops of a shifted periodic structure yield high inductance per unit length. Geometric scaling factors are shown. This line, forming the cathode plane of a proportional chamber, allows simultaneously, a satisfactory induced signal and the readout of the second coordinate by time delay without disturbing the electric field configuration around the anode. Optimization of position resolution vs. noise is discussed. Experimental results are shown. Other properties of such delay lines are discussed.
A system of systems approach: A benchmark to WSNs mobility models

In last year's conference, we presented a system of systems (SoS) approach for the development of a generalized mathematical model for modeling complex systems with integrated WSNs so that necessary benchmark cases can be derived. Additionally, this will allow for a standardized evaluation of performance measures for the different mobility models of WSNs. The generalized model has been tested mathematically and verified be simulation. In this paper, specific mobility models have been tested against this framework and the results have shown that the generalized model provides a powerful framework for the verification of QoS attributes of different models.
A novel application of MSC-Pool in mobile communication core networks

The Mobile Switching Center (MSC)-Pool technology, described in 3GPP specifications, has been playing an important role in the construction and maintenance of mobile networks. With the MSC-Pool, the quality of network and customer's satisfaction can be improved. Furthermore, the investment and operation cost can be reduced at the same time. However, how to improve the implementation of the above MSC-Pool over a large-scaled mobile communication network has not been discussed enough. Therefore, in this paper an analysis and related implementation of MSC-Pool over real network are carried out. The details on solution, network structure and performance have also been shown.
Acid-base phenomena and the hydrogen ion.

Summary A unitary concept for considering acid-base disorders has been presented in terms of hydrogen ion concentration. The concepts of metabolic and respiratory acidosis and alkalosis have been interpreted in terms of hydrogen ion concentrations and the basic respiratory and renal regulating systems governing hydrogen ion metabolism and excretion. Four illustrative cases have been described, representing each of the classic situations of metabolic acidosis and alkalosis and respiratory acidosis and alkalosis. Although the consideration of these problems in terms of the hydrogen ion is relatively new and requires some reorientation in our classical thinking about these problems, such an orientation should ultimately prove simpler and more in keeping with our understanding of the other cations and anions of the body fluids.
The Energetics of Modernization: The Last One Hundred Million Years of Biotic Evolution

Abstract. The Phanerozoic history of life is characterized by at least seven protracted, stepwise increases in predation, herbivory, bioturbation, bioerosion, and control of nutrient cycles by organisms. During the Mesozoic era, there are at least two episodes, one concentrated in the Late Triassic to Early Jurassic interval, and the other beginning in the mid-Cretaceous, about 100 Ma. This second Mesozoic revolution witnessed the origin of 19 important innovations related to competition and predation, as well as the enormous expansion of diversity of angiosperms, fungi, and insects on land and of gastropods and fishes in the sea. The great excess of diversity on land, which dates to this revolution, owes its origins to the vast radiations of plants and their associated pests, dispersers, and pollinators. These radiations, as well as the increased emphasis on rapid locomotion and consumption in the sea, were made possible by a three- to four-fold increase in the photosynthetic capacity of phylogenetically...
Evolutionary ecology of movement by predators and prey

An essential key to explaining the mechanistic basis of ecological patterns lies in understanding the consequences of adaptive behavior for distributions and abundances of organisms. We developed a model that simultaneously incorporates (a) ecological dynamics across three trophic levels and (b) evolution of behaviors via the processes of mutation, selection, and drift in populations of variable, unique individuals. Using this model to study adaptive movements of predators and prey in a spatially explicit environment produced a number of unexpected results. First, even though predators and prey had limited information and sometimes moved in the “wrong” direction, evolved movement mechanisms allowed them to achieve average spatial distributions approximating optimal, ideal free distributions. Second, predators’ demographic parameters had marked, nonlinear effects on the evolution of movement mechanisms in the prey: As the predator mortality rate was increased past a critical point, prey abruptly shifted from making very frequent movements away from predators to making infrequent movements mainly in response to resources. Third, time series analyses revealed that adaptive, conditional movements coupled ecological dynamics across species and space. Our results provide general predictions, heretofore lacking, about how predators and prey should respond to one another on both ecological and evolutionary time scales.
Cellular cooperation in hapten-carrier responses in the newt, Triturus viridescens.

Abstract Heterologous erythrocyte responses in the three hematopoietic organs, spleen, liver and kidney, were studied in the American Common Newt, Triturus (Diemictylus) viridescens. These responses were measured by immunocytoadherence. Horse (HRBC) and sheep (SRBC) red cells were used as immunogens. Background and response values to HRBC were consistent in all three organs. Activity levels and their kinetics were greater in spleen than in liver or kidney. Anti-SRBC activity levels proved to be too variable and as a consequence HRBC's were used in subsequent studies. Secondary responses in the newt showed modest increases in the spleen, a decrease in liver activity levels and a proportionately large (5×) increase within kidney. While splenectomy prior to immunization did not effect primary response activity in liver and kidney, it caused a three-fold enhancement of the usual loss of activity in secondary responses within liver. Kidney secondary response levels were unaffected by prior splenectomy. Spleen-liver lymphoid traffic may be involved in anamnestic responses in the newt. The main question had to do with whether one could demonstrate cellular cooperation in immune responses in so primitive a vertebrate. Chicken (CRBC) and toad (TRBC) red cells were used as carriers for the hapten trinitrophenol (TNP). Pre-immunization with the carrier immunogen led to the development of rosette forming cells (RFC) specific for the hapten in spleen, liver, and kidney after challenge with the TNP on the same carrier. Injection of the TNP carrier alone or pre-immunization with a different carrier caused no TNP-specific RFC's to be generated. The anti-TNP responses were assayed with HRBC and TNP-HRBC. Prior treatment with TNP-HSA (human serum albumin), before TNP-HRBC assay, blocked the RFC with TNP-HRBC and helped to establish the specificity of the hapten-specific RFC's. These kinds of immune responses in the newt require at least two cooperating cellular populations. Cellular cooperation may have been an early phylogenetic feature of immune responses.
ABIN-1 is a Ubiquitin Sensor that Restricts Cell Death and Sustains Embryonic Development

Proteins that directly regulate tumour necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) signalling have critical roles in regulating cellular activation and survival. ABIN-1 (A20 binding and inhibitor of NF-kappaB) is a novel protein that is thought to inhibit NF-kappaB signalling. Here we show that mice deficient for ABIN-1 die during embryogenesis with fetal liver apoptosis, anaemia and hypoplasia. ABIN-1 deficient cells are hypersensitive to tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-induced programmed cell death, and TNF deficiency rescues ABIN-1 deficient embryos. ABIN-1 inhibits caspase 8 recruitment to FADD (Fas-associated death domain-containing protein) in TNF-induced signalling complexes, preventing caspase 8 cleavage and programmed cell death. Moreover, ABIN-1 directly binds polyubiquitin chains and this ubiquitin sensing activity is required for ABIN-1's anti-apoptotic activity. These studies provide insights into how ubiquitination and ubiquitin sensing proteins regulate cellular and organismal survival.
Flame Retardant Finishing of Nylon/Cotton Blend Fabrics Using a Hydroxy-Functional Organophosphorus Oligomer

In previous research, we found that dimethyloldihydroxyethyleneurea (DMDHEU) is able to covalently bond hydroxy-functional organophosphorus oligomer (HFPO) to nylon and to cotton by formation of a cross-linked polymeric network. In this research, we applied HFPO to two nylon/cotton blend military fabrics using DMDHEU as the bonding agent. The treated fabrics showed high levels of flame retardant performance and excellent laundering durability. The treated fabrics passed the vertical flammability test after 40−50 laundering cycles. The DMDHEU concentration used in a finishing solution plays a critical role in determining the flame retardant performance and physical properties of the treated fabric. Increasing the HFPO/DMDHEU ratio increases phosphorus concentration after one laundering and reduces the fabric stiffness, but it also reduces hydrolysis resistance of the HFPO on the nylon/cotton blend fabrics. We also found that the fabric treated with HFPO and DMDHEU suffers little tensile strength loss. The ...
Abnormal binding in a carbene complex formed from an imidazolium salt and a metal hydride complex

2-Pyridylmethylimidazolium salts and IrH5(PPh3)2 give an [(N–C)IrH2(PPh3)2]+ species with the imidazole ring bound in the ‘wrong way’: at C-5, not at the expected C-2.
Inhibition of thymidylate synthase by the diastereoisomers of leucovorin

The clinical formulation of leucovorin (5-CHO-FH4) is a mixture of diastereoisomers with markedly different pharmacologic properties. Comparatively little information is available concerning the cellular pharmacology of reduced folate stereoisomers, due largely to the difficulty in preparing sufficient quantities of these compounds for in vitro use. Recent improvements in HPLC technology have now facilitated this process, enabling studies of folate stereochemistry on a larger scale. Using purified (6R) and (6S) leucovorin, we examined the effects of these compounds on the enzymatic activity ofLactobacillus casei thymidylate synthase (TS) in a cell-free system. The natural (6S), unnatural (6R), and racemic (6R,S) leucovorin preparations inhibited TS activity by 50% at concentrations of 0.11, 2.1, and 0.52 mM, respectively. Dixon plots demonstrated the inhibition to be competitive, with Ki values of 85µM, 1.59 mM, and 385µM for (6S), (6R), and (6R,S) leucovorin, respectively. In view of the high doses of leucovorin given clinically and the slow clearance of the unnatural isomer, our observations suggest that leucovorin may have important direct inhibitory effects on folate-requiring enzymes.
Mutations within the C-terminus of the γ subunit of the photosynthetic F1-ATPase activate MgATP hydrolysis and attenuate the stimulatory oxyanion effect

Two highly conserved amino acid residues near the C-terminus within the γ subunit of the mitochondrial ATP synthase form a “catch” with an anionic loop on one of the three β subunits within the catalytic αβ hexamer of the F1 segment [Abrahams, J. P., Leslie, A. G. W., Lutter, R., and Walker, J. E. (1994) Nature 370, 621−628]. Forming the catch is considered to be an essential step in cooperative nucleotide binding leading to γ subunit rotation. The analogous residues, Arg304 and Gln305, in the chloroplast F1 γ subunit were changed to leucine and alanine, respectively. Each mutant γ was assembled together with α and β subunits from Rhodospirillum rubrum F1 into a hybrid photosynthetic F1 that carries out both MgATPase and CaATPase activities and ATP-dependent γ rotation [Tucker, W. C., Schwarcz, A., Levine, T., Du, Z., Gromet-Elhanan, Z., Richter, M. L. and Haran, G. (2004) J. Biol. Chem. 279, 47415−47418]. Surprisingly, changing Arg304 to leucine resulted in a more than 2-fold increase in the kcat for MgA...
Neonatal Candidemia and End-Organ Damage: A Critical Appraisal of the Literature Using Meta-analytic Techniques

Objective Neonatal candidemia is an increasing cause of infant morbidity and mortality. We evaluated the current medical literature in an effort to critique the literature and to document the reported prevalences of end-organ damage after neonatal candidemia. Methods We analyzed all peer-reviewed articles of neonatal candidemia published in the English language; inclusion criteria included a cohort limited to all neonatal intensive care unit admissions or all episodes of candidemia in neonates. Articles that also incorporated older patients, did not define a numerator and a denominator for at least 1 form of end-organ damage, included patients from other reports, or did not include all episodes of candidemia in the source population were excluded from the analysis. Results Thirty-four articles reported episodes of candidemia and mortality; 21 articles reported prevalence for at least 1 form of end-organ damage. Only 4 (19%) of 21 articles reported prevalence for >4 forms of end-organ damage from the following list: endophthalmitis, meningitis, brain parenchyma invasion, endocarditis, renal abscesses, positive cultures from other normally sterile body fluids, or hepatosplenic abscesses. The median reported prevalence of endophthalmitis was 3% (interquartile range [IQR]: 0%-17%), of meningitis was 15% (IQR: 3%-23%), of brain abscess or ventriculitis was 4% (IQR: 3%-21%), of endocarditis was 5% (IQR: 0%-13%), of positive renal ultrasound was 5% (IQR: 0%-14%), and of positive urine culture was 61% (IQR: 40%-76%). The medical literature concerning end-organ evaluation after episodes of neonatal candidemia is heterogeneous and consists largely of single-center retrospective studies. Year that the data were collected and prevalence of neonates infected with Candida albicans were associated with observed heterogeneity. Conclusions Given the heterogeneity of the medical literature, precise estimates of the frequencies of end-organ damage are not possible and a prospective multicenter trial is warranted, but the data from the published literature suggest that the prevalence of neonates with end-organ damage not only is greater than 0 but also is high enough that until such a prospective trial is completed, end-organ studies should be considered before the conclusion of antifungal therapy.
Studies of shear band velocity using spatially and temporally resolved measurements of strain during quasistatic compression of a bulk metallic glass

Abstract We have made measurements of the temporal and spatial features of the evolution of strain during the serrated flow of Pd 40 Ni 40 P 20 bulk metallic glass tested under quasistatic, room temperature, uniaxial compression. Strain and load data were acquired at rates of up to 400 kHz using strain gages affixed to all four sides of the specimen and a piezoelectric load cell located near the specimen. Calculation of the displacement rate requires an assumption about the nature of the shear displacement. If one assumes that the entire shear plane displaces simultaneously, the displacement rate is approximately 0.002 m s –1 . If instead one assumes that the displacement occurs as a localized propagating front, the velocity of the front is approximately 2.8 m s −1 . In either case, the velocity is orders of magnitude less than the shear wave speed (∼2000 m s −1 ). The significance of these measurements for estimates of heating in shear bands is discussed.
Nitric Oxide Induction of Neuronal Endonuclease Activity in Programmed Cell Death

Abstract Neuronal survival is intricately linked to the maintenance of intact DNA. In contrast, neuronal degeneration following nitric oxide (NO) exposure is dependent, in part, on the degradation of DNA through programmed cell death (PCD). We therefore investigated in primary rat hippocampal neurons the role of endogenous deoxyribonucleases, enzymes responsible for metabolically derived DNA cleavage, during NO-induced neurodegeneration. Twenty-four hours following exposure to the NO generators sodium nitroprusside (300 μM) and SIN-1 (300 μM), neuronal survival was reduced from approximately 88 to 23%. Treatment with aurintricarboxylic acid (1–100 μM), an endonuclease inhibitor, during NO exposure increased neuronal survival from 23 to 80% and decreased DNA fragmentation from 70 to 30% over a 24-h period. Enhancement of endonuclease activity alone with zinc chelation actively decreased neuronal survival from approximately 80% to approximately 34%. DNA digestion assays identified not only two constitutively active endonucleases, an acidic endonuclease (pH 4.0–7.0) and a calcium/magnesium-dependent endonuclease (pH 7.2–8.0), but also a NO-inducible magnesium-dependent endonuclease (pH 8.0). In the absence of endonuclease activity, DNA degradation did not occur during NO application, suggesting that endonuclease activity was a requisite pathway for NO-induced PCD. In addition, NO independently altered intracellular pH in ranges that were physiologically relevant for the activity of the endonucleases responsible for DNA degradation. Our identification and characterization of specific neuronal endonucleases suggest that the constitutive endonucleases may play a role in the initial stages of NO-induced PCD, but the subsequent “downstream” degradation of DNA may ultimately be dependent upon the NO-inducible endonuclease.
FABRICATING MIRRORS FOR LASER VIBROMETER TESTING

Mirrors of sufficient quality for use with laser vibrometers can be made from aluminum using standard machining and polishing techniques. The relative ease of fabrication means that custom mirrors can be readily made for specialized applications.
Taxonomic revision and phylogenetic analysis of the flightless Mancallinae (Aves, Pan-Alcidae)

Although flightless alcids from the Miocene and Pliocene of the eastern Pacific Ocean have been known for over 100 years, there is no detailed evaluation of diversity and systematic placement of these taxa. This is the first combined analysis of morphological and molecular data to include all extant alcids, the recently extinct Great Auk Pinguinus impennis, the mancalline auks, and a large outgroup sampling of 29 additional non-alcid charadriiforms. Based on the systematic placement of Mancallinae outside of crown clade Alcidae, the clade name Pan-Alcidae is proposed to include all known alcids. An extensive review of the Mancallinae fossil record resulted in taxonomic revision of the clade, and identification of three new species. In addition to positing the first hypothesis of inter-relationships between Mancallinae species, phylogenetic results support placement of Mancallinae as the sister taxon to all other Alcidae, indicating that flightlessness evolved at least twice in the alcid lineage. Convergent osteological characteristics of Mancallinae, the flightless Great Auk, and Spheniscidae are summarized, and implications of Mancallinae diversity, radiation, and extinction in the context of paleoclimatic changes are discussed.
Vision-Based Kinematic Synthesis of Hand Motion

The purpose of this work is to develop a human hand model that will work in conjunction with the myoelectric signals from the arm muscles, for those people who have lost their upper extremity. Though there are many prostheses available on the market with variable cost and functional accuracy, it is hard to find a prosthesis that mimics the complete functionality of the human hand, due to the complex hand motion, the complex dynamics of the myoelectric signals, and the difficulty involved in the acquisition of these signals, which complicates the implementation. In order to overcome some of these problems, the proposed hand model mimics most of the hand movements and it is used together with a kinematic synthesis process to identify the motion of the hand, obtained from visual data. In this paper, the human hand is modeled as a collection of five serial chains. For each movement performed by the joints in the finger/wrist, revolute joints are considered in different configurations, which yield movements similar to those of the human hand. The forward kinematics in matrix form is formulated using Denavit-Hartenberg parameters and expressed using Clifford Algebra exponentials. Kinematic synthesis is used to adjust the dimensions of the proposed model to the hand of the subject, and to identify the angles at each joint for a given hand motion. In the kinematic synthesis process, the forward kinematics equations of the hand are solved for both the angles of the joints and the dimensions of the hand. The synthesis equations obtained from the kinematic synthesis process are solved using a Levenberg-Marquardt nonlinear least-squares algorithm. The experimental setup for the real-time motion capturing consists of three camerasand is to be used in future work to relate the joint motion to the myoelectric signals acquired from the subject's arm.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Mechanical shock behavior of bulk pure Sn solder

With the increasing focus on developing environmentally benign electronic packages, Pb-free alloys have received a great deal of attention. Mishandling of packages during manufacture, assembly or by the user may cause failure of the solder joint. A fundamental understanding of the behavior of Pb-free solders under mechanical shock conditions is lacking. Reliable experimental stress–strain data over a range of strain rates needs to be obtained for reliability models. In this paper we report on the intermediate strain rate behavior of pure Sn solder. The first part of the paper discusses modeling and analysis of the specimen geometry to obtain a relatively uniform stress (and strain) distribution within the gage section. Analysis by the finite element method (FEM) showed that a modified specimen geometry, with 10 mm gage length, provided a homogeneous strain distribution, similar to the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) E8 specimen geometry. The second part describes microstructural characterization and experimental results on pure Sn at intermediate strain rates (~10/s). Ultimate tensile strength and strain to failure in the 10 mm specimen were quite similar to those of the ASTM specimen. A double necking phenomenon was observed in the ASTM specimen, which was not observed in the 10 mm specimen. FEM modeling of the dynamic behavior of the solder correlated very well with the experimental observations.
Hybrid seesaw neutrino masses with A4 family symmetry

Abstract We consider the scenario in which neutrino data are explained by the interplay of type I and II seesaw terms in the Majorana neutrino mass matrix M ν = M L − M D M R −1 M D T . We construct a predictive model with M L proportional to the unit matrix, 3 diagonal texture zeros in M R , and M D diagonal. We show how this pattern can be maintained by the non-Abelian discrete symmetry A 4 , and discuss its phenomenological consequences. It turns out that the two types of seesaw give contributions of the same order to M ν . In the CP conserving case, we find sin θ 13 ≈ 2 / ( tan 2 θ 23 tan 2 θ 12 ) and we predict inverted (normal) ordering of the mass spectrum for tan 2 θ 12 0.5 ( > 0.5 ) .