cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dissociation of mitochondrial depolarization from cytochrome c release during apoptosis induced by photodynamic therapy

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) with the phthalocyanine photosensitizer Pc 4 induces rapid apoptosis in mouse lymphoma (LY-R) cells, initiating with the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria. It has been proposed that the opening of the mitochondrial membrane permeability transition pores, which results in the dissipation of the mitochondrial membrane potential (Deltapsi(m)), is essential for the escape of cytochrome c from mitochondria into the cytosol as well as for apoptotic cell death. Therefore, we have assessed the correlation between the loss of Deltapsi(m)and the release of cytochrome c following PDT. Treatment of LY-R cells with 300 nM Pc 4 and 60, 90 or 120 mJ/cm(2)of red light resulted in apoptosis of 80-90% of the cells, accompanied by >20-fold elevation in caspase-3-like activity within one h. At all 3 doses of PDT employed here, the majority of the cytochrome c was released from mitochondria at 15 min after irradiation, as determined by an immunohistochemical method. In contrast, the loss of Deltapsi(m)following PDT, as monitored by the uptake of JC-1 or Rh-123, depended on the PDT dose and the post-treatment time. In spite of the release of cytochrome c at 15 min after each of the 3 doses, a corresponding loss of Deltapsi(m)was observed only for those cells that received the highest dose of PDT. Virtually all cells that received one of the lower doses of PDT (300 nM Pc 4 plus 60 or 90 mJ/cm(2)) maintained normal Deltapsi(m). Hence, our results support the conclusion that the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria resulting from Pc 4-PDT-induced photodamage is independent of the loss of Deltapsi(m). Therefore, it is important to consider a range of doses of this or other apoptotic stimuli in deciphering the relationship of metabolic responses that contribute to apoptosis.
Towards a unifying theory for stand-level dieback

Trees may die in forest stands over relatively large areas for obvious reasons, such as fire, flooding, severe drought, strong air pollution, and insect outbreaks. However, in many cases, stand-level dieback occurs without an obvious reason and then its etiology becomes more complicated, involving a combination of factors. The dieback structure, its symptomatology, and its spatial and temporal patterns may be used to identify these factors at least at the generic level. Moreover, observations of the dieback-associated vegetation dynamics can be used to draw inferences about the dieback process. In addition to biotic diseases and environmental changes or short-term recurring stresses, local site characteristics and the life history of the stand must be considered in a more universally applicable theory for stand-level dieback. This is further explained by a simplified model related to the decline disease concept of Houston.
A Septum-Derived Chemorepulsive Factor for Migrating Olfactory Interneuron Precursors

During mammalian brain development, immature neurons often migrate considerable distances. A dramatic example is the rostral migration of olfactory interneuron precursors from near the septum to the olfactory bulb via a subventricular pathway. Heterotopic transplantations establish that this migration is unidirectional and that guidance cues operate over a considerable distance. The guidance cues for this translocation have not been identified, and the present studies provide evidence that a diffusible chemorepulsive factor, secreted by caudal septum but not by other tissue regions surrounding the pathway, may be involved. This activity is functionally distinct from that produced by factors that influence vertebrate axon outgrowth, such as netrin-1, netrin-2, and collapsin-1/semaphorin-III. The presence of this activity in the floor plate/ventral spinal cord as well as the septum suggests that it may influence other types of cell migration.
Resonant frequency divider design methodology for dynamic frequency scaling

A rotary traveling wave oscillator (RTWO) frequency divider design methodology is proposed for dynamic frequency scaling. The proposed methodology can be used for designing dividers for integer division ratios of 3 to 9 within one circuit topology. HSPICE-based experiments are performed to test the electrical characteristics of the RTWO frequency dividers. The simulation results show that the power consumption of a frequency divider is as low as approximately 5mW for different frequency division ratios.
Vibrational mode and collision energy effects on a highly constrained reaction: OCS+(ν)+OCS→CS+2+CO2 and S+2+2 CO

We report the effects of collision energy and OCS+ vibrational state (ν1, ν2, and ν3) on the reaction of OCS+ with OCS. Production of CS+2+CO2 is exoergic and the cross section shows no evidence of an activation barrier. Nonetheless, the cross section is only ∼0.1% of the collision cross section, even at low collision energies where formation of an intermediate complex is facile. There appears to be a severe phase‐space (steric) bottleneck for this rearrangement reaction. CS+2 production is weakly inhibited by collision energy, and enhanced by all three modes of OCS+ reactant vibrational excitation. Production of S+2 is endoergic and is enhanced by collision energy and by ν2 (bend) and ν3 (CS stretch) excitation. Excitation of ν1 (CO stretch) does not enhance this channel, even though it is the highest energy mode. At high collision energies, S+2 production becomes relatively efficient, suggesting that the reaction mechanism for this channel is direct with no significant bottleneck.
Introduction to the Special Volume on Genomics and Gene Transfer

The field of microcirculation has undergone tremendous changes in the last 30 years. Studies in the late 1970s and 1980s focused on defining the biophysical factors governing transcapillary fluid and solute exchange, vascular resistance, and tissue oxygenation. From these early studies grew the need to examine the cellular events regulating these physiological processes. As a result, the emphasis shifted toward cell biology in the 1990s. Researchers focused on signal transduction and electrophysiology with abundant reports centering on kinase cascades, transcription factors, and ion channel regulation. As microcirculation research was evolving over the past 30 years, the field of molecular genetics emerged. Initially led by studies on prokaryotes and insects, the field moved toward more complex organisms, including mammals. Molecular biologists identified individual genes and the polypeptides that they encoded. The arrangement of individual genes on chromosomes became and continues to be the focus of many laboratories. Species by species we are seeing completed genomic maps that describe the location of genes on chromosomes. Despite the wealth of information on individual genes and genome sequences, the function of genes and their promise in curing disease remains unclear. The next wave of research will require that the physiological sciences embrace molecular biology with the goal of understanding how genes govern cell function. The task is daunting but exciting. The purpose of this special issue of Microcirculation is to acquaint the microvascular biologist with approaches that merge molecular genetics with physiology. Some of these approaches are already being applied to the microcirculation. Others have not but must be if the full physiological significance of genes and gene products are to be understood. One thing, however, is certain: Improper application of these approaches or overinterpretation of the results obtained could impede rather than accelerate our understanding of gene function. This issue of Microcirculation brings together a series of reviews detailing the application of new approaches. The subjects can be broadly grouped into two categories: genomics and gene transfer. The first article in this issue centers on physiological genomics. Perhaps the earliest step in identifying gene
Stacked corn hybrids show inconsistent yield and economic responses in New York.

Stacked (two to three transgenic traits) corn (Zea mays L.) hybrids represented 40% of U.S. corn in 2008, despite limited agronomic studies. Field-scale studies were conducted on four farms in New York for 2 yr to evaluate the agronomics and economics of double-stacked {glyphosate resistance and Bt (Bacillus tburingiensis) European corn borer [Ostrinia nubilalis (Hubner)] trait} hybrids when following soybean [Glycine Max (L.) Merr.], as well as triple-stacked [additional Bt corn rootworm (Diabrotica spp.) trait] hybrids in continuous corn. Stacked hybrids vs. near-isolines had mostly lower weed densities, root damage ratings, and stalk lodging under generally low pest and lodging conditions in both rotations. Double-stacked hybrids vs. near-isolines yielded similarly when following soybean, but 5.7 and 3.6% higher at two sites where lodging exceeded 11%, and similarly at two sites where lodging averaged <3% in near-isolines in continuous corn. Triple and double-stacked hybrids yielded similarly. Grain moisture averaged 15 g kg -1 greater in stacked hybrids vs. near-isolines in both rotations, but similarly between double and triple-stacked hybrids in continuous corn. Partial returns had site x hybrid trait interactions in both rotations as increased yield revenue offset increased drying costs for double-stacked hybrids vs. near-isolines for three site-rotation comparisons, resulting in $45 to $89 ha -1 profit gain, but not for two-site rotation comparisons, resulting in $47 to $71 ha -1 profit loss. If stacked hybrids with the Bt corn borer trait have higher grain moisture, growers in northern latitudes should balance potential corn borer occurrence against increased drying costs.
Dynamic contrast-enhanced CT to assess metabolic response in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer and stable disease after chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy.

To compare tumour enhancement patterns measured using dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE)-CT with tumour metabolism measured using positron emission tomography (PET)-CT in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and stable disease after chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy. After treatment, 75 NSCLC tumours in 65 patients who had stable disease on DCE-CT according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumour (RECIST) were evaluated using PET-CT. On DCE-CT, relative enhancement ratios (RER) of tumour at 30, 60, 90, 120 s and 5 min after injection of contrast material were measured. Metabolic responses of tumours were classified into two groups according to the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) by PET-CT: complete metabolic response (CR) with an SUVmax of less than 2.5, and noncomplete metabolic response (NR) with an SUVmax of at least 2.5. Using the optimal RER60 cutoff value of 43.7 % to predict NR of tumour gave 95.7 % sensitivity, 64.2 % specificity, and 82.1 % positive and 95.0 % negative predictive values. After adjusting for tumour size, the odds ratio for NR in tumour with an RER60 of at least 43.7 % was 70.85 (95 % CI = 7.95–630.91; P < 0.05). Even when disease was stable according to RECIST, DCE-CT predicted hypermetabolic status of residual tumour in patients with NSCLC after treatment. • Dynamic contrast-enhanced CT (DCE-CT) can provide useful metabolic information about non-small cell lung cancer. • NSCLC lesions, even grossly stable after treatment, show various metabolic states. • DCE-CT enhancement patterns correlate with tumour metabolic status as shown by PET. • DCE-CT helps to assess hypermetabolic NSCLC as stable disease after treatment.
Estradiol-cellular interaction in tissue culture.

SummaryL strain fibroblasts were grown in medium 199P containing estrone-16-C14 and estradiol-16-C14 at a concentration ranging from 10-7 to 10-5 M. These cells did not convert either steroid into water soluble conjugates in 72 hours. The estradiol in the medium and that associated with the cells was unchanged, but a large portion of the estrone was converted to estradiol. In experiments using cell suspensions, some of the early events in the interaction between estradiol and fibroblasts were studied. The primary reaction appeared to involve a rapid adsorption of the compound to the cell surface. There is evidence indicating that very little, if any, of the steroid penetrated the cell. The amount of estrogen that adsorbs to the cell surface could be directly related to the estradiol content in the medium. When estradiol content in the medium was 3.5 × 10-5 M, there was inhibition of cell growth. This inhibition has been previously shown to be associated with the blockage of substrate transport. Approximat...
Application of hydrogen/deuterium exchange mass spectrometry to study protein tyrosine phosphatase dynamics, ligand binding, and substrate specificity.

Abstract Protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) are signaling enzymes that control a diverse array of cellular processes. Further insight into the specific functional roles of PTPs in cellular signaling requires detailed understanding of the molecular basis for substrate recognition by the PTPs. A central question is how PTPs discriminate between multiple structurally diverse substrates that they encounter in the cell. Although X-ray crystallography is capable of revealing the intimate structural details for molecular interaction, structures of higher order PTP · substrate complexes are often difficult to obtain. Hydrogen/deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (H/DX-MS) is a powerful tool for mapping protein–protein interfaces, as well as identifying conformational and dynamic perturbations in proteins. In addition, H/DX-MS enables analysis of large protein complexes at physiological concentrations and provides insight into the solution behavior of these complexes that can not be gleaned from crystal structures. We have utilized H/DX-MS to probe PTP dynamics, ligand binding, and the structural basis of substrate recognition. In this article, we review general principles of H/DX-MS technology as applied to study protein–protein interactions and dynamics. We also provide protocols for H/DX-MS successfully used in our laboratory to define the molecular basis of ERK2 substrate recognition by MKP3. Many of the aspects that we cover in detail should be applicable to the study of other PTPs with their specific targets.
DNA SYNTHESIS IN PLANT TUMOR CELLS.

Abstract Incorporation of 3 H-thymidine was used to compare patterns of DNA synthesis in normal root meristems and in stem tissues of bean during crown-gall tumor formation. There was no evidence of differential activation of DNA synthesis to distinguish normal wound response at 2 days after treatment from tumor cell transformation. By 5 days, tumorous tissues demonstrated an acquired propensity for continued DNA duplication, either with or without subsequent mitosis. Labeled nuclei from the higher DNA classes were found initially in both wounded and infected stem tissues, but persisted only in tumors. Labeling by tumifacient bacteria was less than 1 per cent of that found for host nuclei. There was no evidence of non-chromosomal DNA in tumor cells. Sigmoid curves computed for net thymidine incorporation showed that DNA synthesis extended over 50–60 per cent of the interphase period in both normal and tumorous bean tissues. While rates were not constant throughout the synthetic period, DNA synthesis was approximately linear during mid-interphase. Although the fundamental cellular alterations which lead to autonomous tumor growth in crown-gall presumably involve regulatory mechanisms governing cell duplication and differentiation, to date such changes are not specifically manifest in relative rates of DNA synthesis or in total DNA content of affected cells during the induction period.
Self-contained harpoon and sample handling device for a remote platform

A key objective of the NASA exploration missions is to explore the Solar System and beyond in an implementation that is safe, sustainable and affordable. One of the major enabling technologies for meeting this objective is the development of effective autonomous sampling systems for robotic in-situ analysis and scientific experiments for life and water detection as well as the potential to conduct materials characterization and mineralogy. Rapid sampling techniques with minimum deterioration of the sample and the potential to capture volatiles have long been an objective of the planetary science community. Tethered penetrator sampling whether the penetrator is driven by gravity [Jones et al. 2006], chemical means [Jones et al. 2006], mechanical springs [Backes et al. 2008] or air guns [Lorenz and Shandera 2000] has the potential to meet this objective. In this paper we present the development of a tethered harpoon sampling and sample handling system operated from an aerial platform for in-situ astrobiological investigations. The harpoon system can be driven into the sample using gravity, pyro, spring or compressed gas mechanisms and is retrieved using a spooling mechanism. The system description and preliminary test results are presented.
Dibucaine, chlorpromazine, and detergents mediate membrane breakdown in potato tuber homogenates

Abstract Various strategies were evaluated for their ability to minimize the rate of breakdown of endogenous membrane lipids during cell fractionation studies with potato tubers. Buffering the homogenates at pH 7.5 to 8.0 resulted in significantly lower rates of phosphatidylcholine (PC) hydrolysis than were observed at lower pH values. Several potential inhibitors were added to homogenates to evaluate their ability to inhibit membrane lipid hydrolysis. The addition of bovine serum albumin (1% w/v) inhibited the rate of PC hydrolysis by 50%. The addition of low concentrations (25–100 μM) dibucaine (nupercaine) inhibited PC hydrolysis, but at higher concentrations (1-2 mM) it caused a 5- to 6-fold stimulation. Because dibucaine is a calmodulin antagonist, two other calmodulin antagonists (trifluoperazine and chlorpromazine) were tested and found to exhibit similar patterns of inhibition and stimulation. Similarly, the addition of low concentrations of deoxycholate also inhibited PC hydrolysis and high concentrations stimulated it. These results indicate that the hydrophobic properties of deoxycholate, dibucaine, and other calmodulin antagonists may explain their unusual effects on the rates of PC hydrolysis in potato tuber homogenates. Although the addition of exogenous calcium increased the rate of PC hydrolysis, the addition of calmodulin (bovine brain) had no effect. Other experiments revealed that the addition of 1% bovine serum albumin improved the yield and stability of mitochondrial and microsomal fractions from potato tubers. In constrast, the addition of 100 μM dibucaine caused deleterious effects.
Absolute stability of systems under block diagonal memoryless uncertainties

Abstract Absolute stability of systems under block diagonal uncertainties is studied. A quadratic Lyapunov function is used. It is found that the quadratic stability condition of such a system is equivalent to that of systems with uncertainties restricted to be rank one matrices. The main technique used is exact penalization in nonsmooth analysis.
The Influence of Fasting and the Thyroid State on the Activity of Thyroxine 5′-Monodeiodinase in Rat Liver: A Kinetic Analysis of Microsomal Formation of Triiodothyronine from Thyroxine*

In the present studies, we have evaluated the effects of fasting, variations in thyroid state, and interactions thereof on the kinetic properties of the microsomal enzyme in rat liver that generates T3 from T4. The formation of T3 from T4 (T3-neogenesis) in preparations of rat liver microsomes enriched with 10 mM dithiothreitol was monitored by assessing the formation of [125I]T3 from [125I]T4 in the presence of various concentrations of stable T4. T3-neogenesis in this system was a saturable process that obeyed the laws of first order enzyme kinetics. The effects of diverse in vivo manipulations on the kinetics of T3-neogenesis were assessed. The Vmax was markedly decreased in preparations from thyroidectomized animals, being, respectively, partially and completely restored to normal with daily maintenance therapy with T4 (0.5 and 1.5 μg/100 g BW) and markedly increased after the administration of supraphysiological replacement doses of T4 (5.0 μg/100 g·day). Km was not affected by alterations in thyroid...
Field evaluation of commercial formulations of the codling moth granulovirus: persistence of activity and success of seasonal applications against natural infestations of codling moth in Pacific Northwest apple orchards

Abstract Inundative applications of the codling moth (CM), Cydia pomonella L., granulovirus (CpGV), which target neonate larvae before or during initial entry into fruit, offer potential for selective control of this key pest. In field tests on apple we compared the persistence and efficacy of single applications of three CpGV products approved for organic orchards in North America. In addition, the success of repeated (2–14) applications of one product (Cyd-X) as a principal control measure for CM in apple orchards was monitored following operational use by cooperating growers at four separate locations. In the first study, an early season application of all products at label rates remained highly effective for the first 24 h (averaging 94% larval mortality relative to controls) and moderately effective after 72 h (averaging 71% mortality) during dry sunny conditions. Significant activity remained up to 14 days, suggesting prolonged survival of the virus in UV-protected locations, such as the calyx of fruit. A second application later in the season was slightly less effective. Data obtained from commercial sites provide circumstantial evidence for the effectiveness of well-timed CpGV applications against CM outbreaks. In all cases where first generation larvae were targeted beginning at egg hatch (≈250 degree days) and treated areas monitored (0.3–1.6 ha plots), fruit damage during the second larval generation was reduced or eliminated. Based on the number of live larvae recovered throughout the season, mortality rates remained high (80.3–100% across sites). The cumulative number of moths caught in pheromone-baited traps was reduced (66–94%) in the second flight. Data from tree bands placed to catch diapause-destined larvae indicated overwintering generations remained low in treated sites (⩽0.18 larvae/band).
Grain Flow and Grain Flow Deposits

ABSTRACT The term grain flow is restricted to sediment gravity flows in which a dispersion of cohesionless grains is maintained against gravity by grain dispersive pressure and in which the fluid interstitial to the grains is the same as the ambient fluid above the flow. Modified flows include those in which a dense interstitial fluid, current, or escaping pure fluid aids in maintaining the dispersion. Conclusions regarding the dynamics of grain flows have been based largely on the analysis of Bagnold (1954) of fully confined, gravity-free dispersions. Natural flows are neither fully confined nor gravity-free, and their characteristics and dynamics differ significantly from his experimental systems. Velocity equations are developed and used to analyze natural grain flows. Unmodified subaerial and subaqueous, steady and uniform flows of sand occur only on slopes at or near the angle of repose, are generally less than 5 cm thick, and cannot individually account for the formation of thick sedimentation units. On slopes inclined at less than the angle of repose, grain flows collapse and freeze; on higher slopes, they accelerate, dilate, and become increasingly influenced by fluid forces. Thick grain flows of gravel-sized debris and thick flows modified by the presence of dense, plastic mud interstitial to the clasts (debris flows), polymodal coarse-sediment size distribution (density-modified grain flows), or concurrent sediment liquefaction or fluidization (liquefied or fluidized sediment flows) can move over relatively low slopes and accumulate as thick sedimentation units.
Femtosecond Lasers in Ophthalmology

Purpose To provide an update and review of femtosecond (FS) lasers in clinical ophthalmology. Design Perspective, literature review, and commentary. Methods Selected articles from the literature and the authors' clinical and laboratory studies. Results The FS laser employs near-infrared pulses to cut tissue with minimal collateral tissue damage. Although its major use at present is in the cutting of laser in situ keratomileusis flaps, the laser has proven its versatility in laser-assisted anterior and posterior lamellar keratoplasty, cutting of donor buttons in endothelial keratoplasty, customized trephination in penetrating keratoplasty, tunnel creation for intracorneal ring segments, astigmatic keratotomy, and corneal biopsy. Current laboratory studies include all–FS laser refractive keratomileusis sans flap, cutting corneal pockets for insertion of biopolymer keratoprostheses, noninvasive transscleral glaucoma surgery, retinal imaging and photodisruption, presbyopia surgery, and anterior lens capsulorrhexis. Conclusions Advances in ultra-fast laser technology continue to improve the surgical safety, efficiency, speed, and versatility of FS lasers in ophthalmology.
Hypnotic susceptibility order effects in waking analgesia.

Abstract This study reexamined Spanos, Hodgins, Stam, and Gwynn's (1984) contention that susceptibility testing order effects generated a relationship between waking analgesia pain reduction and level of hypnotic responsiveness. Undergraduate volunteers with no previous hypnosis experience were randomly assigned to two groups. Group 1 (n = 69) first received a cold pressor pain protocol, and then was administered the Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale, Form C (SHSS:C). Group 2 (n = 69) was administered the SHSS:C prior to the cold pressor pain protocol. Our findings do not support Spanos, Hodgins et al.'s contention that susceptibility testing order effects generate the often reported relationship between waking analgesia and level of hypnotic responsiveness. We found significant partial correlation coefficients between the SHSS:C and nonhypnotic pain reduction regardless of order of susceptibility testing. Implications regarding the adequacy of design-generated expectancies to explain hypnotic analge...
Reactive ion etching in the fabrication of niobium tunnel junctions

A niobium-based tunnel-junction technology has been developed for analog signal-processing applications. Devices of interest would integrate superconductive transmission lines and superconductor/insulator/superconductor (SIS) mixers. Reactive ion etching of niobium patterns with linewidths of 1 μm or less has been investigated with regard to the composition of gases, chamber pressure and power levels. These studies were made on RF-sputtered niobium films having critical-transition temperatures above 9°K. Junction area is defined by reactively ion etching insulating films of silicon monoxide to resolutions of 0.3μm or better. A niobium-oxide tunnel barrier is grown by RF-plasma oxidation. Proper control of the technology has allowed the achievement of critical current densities which are uniform to 10% or better over the silicon substrate. Junction V-I characteristics show low leakage currents with critical current densities to 2 × 104A/cm2. Lead is employed for counter-electrodes and indium-gold (or aluminum) for circuit resistors. The robustness and stability of niobium-based junctions is essential in applications which normally require extreme dependability and long standby times.
Production and work in the American metropolis: a macroscopic approach

In this paper, I pursue the idea that large and small metropolitan areas are subject to distinctively different technological, organizational, and employment dynamics. This idea is considered both in general terms, and, more specifically, in the light of the emerging cognitive-cultural economy in the United States Two main bodies of empirical evidence are invoked in a series of hypothesis-testing exercises. One of these is focused on 6-digit manufacturing sectors in metropolitan areas; here, the objective is to reveal by means of regression analysis the basic dimensions of locational sorting across the metropolitan hierarchy. The other revolves around detailed census occupational groupings and the different ways in which their functional relations to data, people, and things are reflected in their spatial dynamics. The evidence presented suggests that the competitive advantages of large metropolitan areas reside above all in forms of economic activity marked by high levels of operational instability and product differentiation as expressed, among other things, in labor-intensive technologies and discretionary labor processes. The competitive advantages of small metropolitan areas flow from a converse set of characteristics. It is also shown that the new cognitive-cultural economy of the United States is being ushered in via metropolitan areas at the top of the urban hierarchy.
Compliant systems using monolithic mechanisms

Abstract Traditionally, engineers have designed artifacts to be strong and stiff, whereas designs in nature are strong, but not necessarily stiff. Mechanical designers generally tend to treat elastic deformation as an undesirable effect or pretend that it does not exist at least until the design is created and deal with the consequences at a later stage in the product development process. By assuming all functional components to be infinitely rigid, we connect them with different types of joints such as pins and sliders to create intricate, but highly purposeful, mechanical assemblies. Once the device is manufactured, that is after painstakingly assembling various parts, problems due to joint clearances, backlash, wear and noise must be dealt with - not to mention the ‘undesirable’ elastic deformation of certain members either due to unforeseen external loads or due to inertia forces in high-speed applications. Given that nothing is really ‘infinitely rigid’, it is as well to utilise elasticity to provide the desired function by carefully choosing the form and the material. Although the notion of exploiting elasticity is not a common practice in today's engineering world, the idea itself is very old. Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a systematic procedure to determine an optimal topology and dimensions of compliant mechanisms to meet prescribed functional requirements and performance constraints. Novel designs have been developed including a single piece windshield wiper, an adaptive leading edge and trailing edge for an aircraft wing, displacement amplifiers integrated with various actuators such as micro electrostatic motors (MEMS), piezoactuators and voice-coil motors for a variety of applications.
Interesting Series Involving the Central Binomial Coefficient

(1985). Interesting Series Involving the Central Binomial Coefficient. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 92, No. 7, pp. 449-457.
Columbus's Legacy, Conquest or Invasion? An Analysis of Counterhegemonic Potential in Guatemalan Teacher Practice and Curriculum

This article examines counterhegemonic elements of curriculum and teacher practice in two Guatemalan bilingual (Kaqchikel Maya-Spanish) public elementary schools. The analysis focuses on the manner in which teachers and students construct knowledge about Guatemala's major ethnic groups that challenges dominant views of Maya history and culture, as well as Maya-ladino ethnic relations. Data were derived from classroom observations, teacher interviews, and content analyses of instructional materials.
Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair: an initial institutional experience.

Abstract Background. Ventral and incisional hernias remain a problem for surgeons with reported recurrence rates of 25–50% for open repairs. Laparoscopic approaches offer several theoretical advantages over open repairs. Materials and methods. All patients undergoing a laparoscopic ventral hernia repair from April to December 2000 were prospectively entered in a database. Patients underwent repair with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene dual mesh. Full-thickness abdominal wall nonabsorbable sutures and 5-mm tacks were placed circumferentially. Results. Of 32 patients, 15 underwent incisional repair, 13 had repair of a recurrent incisional hernia, and 4 had repair of a primary abdominal wall defect. Two procedures [2/32; 6.3%] were converted to open, one for loss of abdominal domain and one for neovascularization due to cirrhosis. There were two early recurrences [2/30; 6.7%]. Both of these failures occurred in patients with hernia defects extending to the inguinal ligament, preventing placement of full-thickness abdominal wall sutures inferiorly. Average operating time was 128 ± 42 min (range 37–225 min). Average length of stay was 1.8 days [range 0–7 days]. There were no transfusion requirements or wound infections. One patient underwent a small bowel resection after completion of repair. One patient required drainage of a seroma 4 weeks after the procedure. Conclusions. Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair can be safely performed with an acceptable early recurrence rate, operative time, length of stay, and morbidity. Securing the mesh with full-thickness abdominal wall sutures in at least four quadrants remains a key factor in preventing early recurrence.
Motor Performance and Motor Learning as a Function of Age and Fitness

Abstract Past studies have shown that electroencephalographic alpha activity increases as people learn to perform a novel motor task. Additionally, it has been suggested that motor performance and learning decline as people age beyond 60 years, and it has been hypothesized that physical fitness may attenuate this decline through its impact on the cerebral environment. This study was designed to replicate past research by assessing changes in alpha activity as a function of learning and to extend past research by examining differences in motor performance, motor learning, and alpha activity as a function of age and fitness. VO2max was assessed in 41 older (ages 60–80 years) and 42 younger (ages 20–30 years) participants. Participants were randomly assigned to experimental or control conditions, which differed in the amount of practice received. Participants performed trials on the mirror star trace on both an acquisition and a retention day. Results indicated that younger participants performed better and ...
The Role of Relevancy and Social Suffering in “Generativity” Among Older Post-Soviet Women Immigrants

Purpose of the Study: This paper examines generativity, social suffering, and culture change in a sample of 16 women aged 65 years or older who emigrated from the former Soviet Union. Key concerns with generativity are identity, which can be strongly rooted in one's original cultural formation, and a stable life course, which is what ideally enables generative impulses to be cultivated in later life. DESIGN AND METHODS: To better understand how early social suffering may affect later life generativity, we conducted two 90-min interviews with each of our participants on their past experiences and current views of generativity. RESULTS: The trauma of World War II, poor quality of life in the Soviet Union, scarcity of shelter and supplies, and fear of arrest emerged as common components in social suffering, which affected their identity. IMPLICATIONS: Overall, the theme of broken links to the future-the sense that their current lives were irrelevant to future generations-was strong among informants in their interviews, pointing to the importance of life course stability in relation to certain forms of generativity. Language: en
An Application Streaming Service for Mobile Handheld Devices

Mobile handheld devices such as PDAs and smartphones are increasingly being used by service providers to deliver application functionality similar to that found in traditional desktop computing environments. However, these handheld applications can be quite slow and often lack important functionality compared to their desktop counterparts. We have developed PASSPORT, (PDA application streaming service portal) a thin-client solution that leverages more powerful servers to run full-function desktop applications and then simply stream screen updates to the PDA for display. PASSPORT uses server-side screen scaling to provide high-fidelity display and seamless mobility across a broad range of different clients and screen sizes, including both portrait and landscape viewing modes. PASSPORT also leverages existing PDA control buttons to improve system usability and maximize available screen resolution for application display. We have implemented PASSPORT on Windows PDAs and demonstrate that it can provide superior application performance and functionality compared to the traditional approach of running applications directly on handheld devices
Flux-corrected transport techniques for multidimensional compressible magnetohydrodynamics

A prescription is given for conservatively integrating generalized hydromagnetic equations using flux-corrected transport (FCT) techniques. By placing the magnetic-field components at the interface locations of the finite-difference grid, the field is kept divergence-free to within machine roundoff error. The use of FCT techniques allows an integration scheme of high accuracy to be employed, while the numerical ripples associated with large dispersion errors are avoided. The method is particularly well suited for problems involving magnetohydrodynamic shocks and other discontinuities.
Real-Time Dynamic Balancing and Walking Control of a 7-Link Planar Biped

Physically based modeling and feedback control techniques are used to simulate realistic motion for a planar 7-link biped. Multibody modeling, contact constraints, optimal balancing, and gait cycle generation will be discussed. Efficient multibody dynamics computation allows accurate motion to be simulated in real-time. A full state feedback linear-quadratic regulator control system is used to generate the joint actuator torques for balancing, and a state machine-PD controller is used for walking motion. The control system was designed to maintain stability on various surface environments and in the presence of external disturbances. Real-time interactive simulation software has been developed to allow the user to operate the biped system within a 3D virtual environment. Comparison of the 7-link biped simulation results to other planar biped models, as well as to human walking data, is presented.
FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES AND NUTRITIONAL QUALITY OF ALKALI‐ AND HEAT‐TREATED SOY PROTEIN ISOLATE

Alkali and heat are increasingly utilized in food processing. This study was conducted to evaluate specific functional and nutritional properties of alkali- and heat-treated soy protein isolate (AHSPI) and the relationship between these properties. High pH (12.0) and temperature (100C) increased protein solubility ofthe isolate from 47 to 99. 5% and emulsifying activity index from 74 to 184 m 2 /g. The values for in vitro protein digestibility (IVPD), computed-protein efficiency ratio, and IVPD-corrected amino acid score of AHSPI were not significantly (P>0.05) affected at pH 8.0 or 10.0, but were reduced at pH 12.0. At pH 12.0, lysinoalanine content significantly (P<0.05) increased from 0.39 to 1.22 g/100 g protein as temperature was increased from 40 to 100C. Improvements in functional properties of soy proteins can be obtained through combined alkali and heat treatments. However, very high pH and temperature should be avoided to maintain nutritional quality of the proteins.
Decision Support for Retirement Portfolio Management: Overcoming Myopic Loss Aversion via Technology Design

As firms continue to abandon pensions in favor of employee-managed retirement plans, tremendous demands are being placed on the decision-making proficiency of future retirees. As reflected in the equity premium puzzle, individual investors tend to hold overly conservative portfolios that provide meager payoffs over time. Consequently, there is growing concern that the vast majority of retirement accounts might be insufficiently funded when employees reach retirement. Given that most retirement plans can now be managed online, a potential solution lies in designing a Web-based decision support system (DSS) that helps future retirees make more-profitable portfolio management decisions. This paper reports the results of a study in which 159 retirement plan participants were asked to use an experimental website to manage a portfolio of retirement investments over a simulated 30-year period. Using a psychological approach toward designing the DSS, myopic loss aversion is put forth as a theoretical explanation for the psychological mechanisms that encourage investors to hold overly conservative portfolios. Armed with this knowledge, three design features---information horizon, system restrictiveness, and decisional guidance---are implemented as part of an overarching design strategy targeted at increasing investors' willingness to take calculated risks. The results indicate that investor conservatism diminishes when the DSS presents prospective probabilities and payoffs over long time horizons. In contrast, short-term information horizons constitute a major stumbling block for investors. However, when confronted with short-term information horizons, risk aversion can be successfully counteracted by configuring a DSS to either restrict the frequency of decisions or to suggest a relatively aggressive portfolio allocation. These findings carry important implications for theory and practice.
Display design for the eye and mind

Complex sets of numbers often can be effectively digested only after they are illustrated in charts, graphs or diagrams. However, some of these pictures are worth far less than the proverbial 1,000 words. If a visual display taxes the human perceptual, memory, or cognitive systems, it will be difficult to understand. This talk shows how facts about human information processing can guide one to design “articulate” graphics, which can be read easily and understood immediately. This information is organized into three general “maxims,” which in turn are used to organize sets of individual principles. Each of the principles is illustrated with “good” and “bad” displays taken from magazines, technical digests, books, newspapers, and other sources. The talk will conclude with some reflections about ways in which computational systems can take advantage of these principles, for example by providing no more and no less information than is relevant to the viewer's immediate concerns.
Real-Time Control of Dense-Time Systems Using Digital-Clocks

We study the supervisory control of dense-time discrete event systems (DESs) in which the supervisors employ finite-precision digital-clocks to observe the event occurrence times, thereby relaxing the assumption of the prior works that time can be measured precisely. In our paper, the passing of time is measured using the number of ticks generated by a digital-clock and we allow the plant events and digital-clock ticks to occur concurrently. We formalize the notion of a control policy that issues the control actions based on the observations of events and their occurrence times as measured using a digital-clock, and show that such a control policy can be equivalently represented as a “digitalized”-automaton, namely, an untimed-automaton that evolves over events (of the plant) and ticks (of the digital-clock). We introduce the notion of observability with respect to the partial observation of time resulting from the use of a digital-clock, and show that this property together with controllability serves as a necessary and sufficient condition for the existence of a supervisor to enforce a real-time specification on a dense-time discrete event plant. The observability condition presented in the paper is very different from the one arising due to a partial observation of events since a partial observation of time is in general nondeterministic (the number of ticks generated in any time interval can vary from execution to execution of a digital-clock). We also present a method to verify the proposed observability and controllability conditions, and an algorithm to compute a supervisor when such conditions are satisfied.
Evaluation of an Early Risk Screener for PTSD in Preschool Children After Accidental Injury

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness and most powerful selection of predictors of an early screening tool for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a sample of 87 children ages 2 to 6 years after unintentional injury. METHODS: The examined screener was administered within 6 to 13 days post accident and consisted of an adapted version of the Pediatric Emotional Distress Scale (PEDS), the PEDS-ES (PEDS Early Screener), and questions on 5 additional risk factors (preexisting child behavioral problems, parental preexisting chronic mental or physical illness, pretraumatic life events in the family, parental feelings of guilt, parental posttraumatic stress). The PTSD Semi-structured Interview and Observational Record for Infants and Young Children served as criterion measure 6 months after the accident. A case was deemed positive when meeting criteria for full or partial PTSD. RESULTS: Use of the PEDS-ES without the additional risk factors performed best, with good sensitivity (85%) and moderate specificity (63%) for full or partial PTSD. CONCLUSIONS: The PEDS-ES allows for successful early screening of preschool-aged children after single accidental trauma. It may be used within a stepped-care model for early identification of individuals designated for possible secondary preventative interventions.
Chemical applications of topology and group theory. 12. Post-transition element clusters with particular emphasis on nine vertex

Abstract The previously reported graph theoretical model of aromaticity in two and three dimensions is used to treat homoatomic post-transition element ions containing germanium, tin, lead, antimony, bismuth, selenium, and tellurium. Localized bonding models are sufficient to treat three and seven vertex systems as well as 12 skeletal electron trigonal bipyramidal five vertex systems such as Sn2−5, Pb2−5, and Bi3+5. The squares Bi2−4, Se2+4, and Te2+4 are two-dimensional aromatic systems completely analogous to C4H2−4. Most interesting are the nine vertex systems which can be classified into the following three types: (1) The 20 skeletal electron Ge2−9 system which adopts the tricapped trigonal prismatic configuration expected for a closo 2n + 2 skeletal electron system; (2) The 22 skeletal electron Ge4−9, Sn4−9, and Pb4−9 systems which adopt the capped square antiprismatic configuration with one non-triangular face expected for a nido 2n + 4 skeletal electron system; (3) The 22 skeletal electron Bi5+9 system which is ‘anomalous’ since it adopts the closo deltahedral tricapped trigonal prismatic configuration rather than the nido capped square antiprismatic configuration expected for a 2n + 4 skeletal electron system. However, the tricapped trigonal prism in the 22 electron Bi5+9 system is more ‘elongated’ than the tricapped trigonal prisms in 20 skeletal electron nine vertex clusters such as B9H2−9, B7H7C2(CH3)2, and Ge2−9. Detailed graph theoretical calculations show that such elongation of the tricapped trigonal prism can lead to incomplete overlap of the nine unique internal orbitals which generates the two core bonding orbitals required to accommodate the four core bonding electrons in a 2n + 4 skeletal electron system. These calculations also provide an illustration of a graph splitting algorithm for the symmetry factoring of graph characteristic polynomials.