cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Diverse strategies engaged in establishing stereotypic wiring patterns among neurons sharing a common input at the visual system's first synapse

Sensory circuits use common strategies, such as convergence and divergence, typically at different synapses, to pool or distribute inputs. Inputs from different presynaptic cell types converge onto a common postsynaptic cell, acting together to shape neuronal output (Klausberger and Somogyi, 2008). Also, individual presynaptic cells contact several postsynaptic cell types, generating divergence of signals. Attaining such complex wiring patterns relies on the orchestration of many events across development, including axonal and dendritic growth and synapse formation and elimination (reviewed by Waites et al., 2005; Sanes and Yamagata, 2009). Recent work has focused on how distinct presynaptic cell types form stereotypic connections with an individual postsynaptic cell (Morgan et al., 2011; Williams et al., 2011), but how a single presynaptic cell type diverges to form distinct wiring patterns with multiple postsynaptic cell types during development remains unexplored. Here we take advantage of the compactness of the visual system's first synapse to observe development of such a circuit in mouse retina. By imaging three types of postsynaptic bipolar cells and their common photoreceptor targets across development, we found that distinct bipolar cell types engage in disparate dendritic growth behaviors, exhibit targeted or exploratory approaches to contact photoreceptors, and adhere differently to the synaptotropic model of establishing synaptic territories. Furthermore each type establishes its final connectivity patterns with the same afferents on separate time scales. We propose that such differences in strategy and timeline could facilitate the division of common inputs among multiple postsynaptic cell types to create parallel circuits with diverse function.
Quantitative modeling of chronic myeloid leukemia: insights from radiobiology

Mathematical models of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) cell population dynamics are being developed to improve CML understanding and treatment. We review such models in light of relevant findings from radiobiology, emphasizing 3 points. First, the CML models almost all assert that the latency time, from CML initiation to diagnosis, is at most ∼ 10 years. Meanwhile, current radiobiologic estimates, based on Japanese atomic bomb survivor data, indicate a substantially higher maximum, suggesting longer-term relapses and extra resistance mutations. Second, different CML models assume different numbers, between 400 and 106, of normal HSCs. Radiobiologic estimates favor values > 106 for the number of normal cells (often assumed to be the HSCs) that are at risk for a CML-initiating BCR-ABL translocation. Moreover, there is some evidence for an HSC dead-band hypothesis, consistent with HSC numbers being very different across different healthy adults. Third, radiobiologists have found that sporadic (background, age-driven) chromosome translocation incidence increases with age during adulthood. BCR-ABL translocation incidence increasing with age would provide a hitherto underanalyzed contribution to observed background adult-onset CML incidence acceleration with age, and would cast some doubt on stage-number inferences from multistage carcinogenesis models in general.
Nitric oxide synthase expression is induced in hepatocytes in vivo during hepatic inflammation

Abstract Nitric oxide (NO ·) is a short-lived biologic mediator produced by the enzyme NO · synthase (NOS) which exists in constitutive and inducible isoforms. Previously, we have shown that hepatocytes express an inducible NOS in vitro following exposure to the combination of lipopolysaccharide and inflammatory cytokines. The purpose of the present study is to characterize the induction of NOS in vivo in rat hepatocytes during chronic hepatic inflammation triggered by Corynebacterium parvum injection and to correlate NO · synthesis with the timing of liver injury. Using Northern blot hybridization, hepatocyte-inducible NOS mRNA was detected 3 days after C. parvum administration and was not found in normal hepatocytes. Hepatocyte NOS activity was significantly increased 3 to 7 days after C. parvum . Plasma concentrations of nitrite and nitrate (NO - 2 + NO - 3 ), the stable end products of NO · oxidation, increased from a basal concentration of 21.0 ± 2.5 to 2439.6 ± 364.2 μ M 3 days after injection. Urinary excretion of NO - 2 + NO - 3 also increased in a parallel manner. Plasma liver injury enzymes were elevated three to sixfold in vivo at 3 to 5 days following C. parvum and coincided with the period of maximal NO production. The results show that NO · is produced directly by hepatocytes in vivo during hepatic inflammation and suggest a role for NO · in mediating the hepatic response to inflammatory stimuli.
Metabolic clearance rate of prolactin during various physiological states in mice with high and low incidences of mammary tumors.

The MCR of PRL was measured in male, female, pregnant, and lactating mice of a high (C3H/St) and a low (C57BL/St) mammary tumor strain. Mouse PRL was administered by a single injection in the jugular vein of unanesthetized mice pretreated with 2-Br-α-ergocryptine, and sera were collected from the orbit at frequent intervals. Sera were assayed for PRL with a homologous RIA. The MCR of PRL in male mice (C3H/St, 0.45 ± 0.02; C57BL/St, 0.36 ± 0.02 ml/min) was 2–3 times higher than that in virgin females (C3H/St, 0.21 ± 0.01; C57BL/St, 0.10 ± 0.01 ml/min). The MCR did not change significantly during advanced pregnancy (C3H/St, 0.22 ± 0.02; C57BL/St, 0.06 ± 0.01 ml/min). However, the MCR increased sharply in lactating mice (C3H/ St, 0.42 ± 0.02; C57BL/St, 0.50 ± 0.04 ml/min). Except during nursing, the MCR was substantially higher in the high tumor C3H/St strain than in the low tumor C57BL/St strain. The secretion rate of PRL was highest in lactating mice (C3H/St, 123 ± 6; C57BL/St, 206 ± 29 ng/min) and lowest ...
Response of Colletotrichum Coccodes to Selected Fungicides Using a Plant Inoculation Assay and Efficacy of Azoxystrobin Applied by Chemigation

A plant inoculation assay was developed and used to evaluate fungicide efficacy and application timing for reduction of infection of potato stems by Colletotrichum coccodes. Incidence of infected stems treated with azoxystrobin, pyraclostrobin, fluoxastrobin, and mandipropamid + difenoconazole was significantly less than the non-treated control plants when fungicides were applied prior to inoculation. However, fungicide application after inoculation did not significantly reduce infection. Chlorothalonil and mancozeb were not effec- tive in preventing infection by C. coccodes. Additionally, early season fungicide applications by center pivot chemigation in commercial potato fields were evaluated as a potential black dot management tactic. Below-ground stems sampled from replicated plots in commercial fields where azoxystrobin was applied by chemigation at 50 and 67 days after planting (DAP) had significantly less stem surface area covered with sclerotia at 79 DAP than the non-treated control in two of 2 years. However, the effect was not observed both years at a subsequent collection at 102 DAP and only one of 2 years at 140 DAP. Latent infections were detected in non-symptomatic plants collected from the field.
Rebalancing of internally generated carriers for mid-infrared interband cascade lasers with very low power consumption

Mid-infrared semiconductor lasers suffer from a high threshold power density, but interband cascade lasers may offer a more efficient alternative. Here, theory and experiments on such emitters demonstrate remarkably low thresholds and power consumption compared to state-of-the-art quantum cascade lasers.
Ambient haptics in clinical environments

Clinical environments are high cognitive load environment that are fraught with errors. Introduction of technological artefacts can often disrupt clinical workflow causing unnecessary interruptions and increasing risk for errors. There is hence a need for systems that have high usability and behave in a veridical manner. This requirement renders ambient monitoring and evaluation as attractive solutions for clinical environments. Ambient systems employ devices that are seamlessly integrated in a userpsilas environment, providing unobtrusive and interactive access to digital media. These devices, when networked in systems of sensors, actuators, and computational units, can support intelligent, adaptive machine behavior. Haptics as a modality has an important and indispensable role to play in the evolution of user-centered ambient interfaces. The haptic modality is largely untapped, while the vision and auditory modalities are often saturated. The advent of sophisticated haptic interfaces and tangible interfaces makes it possible to employ haptics in ubiquitous and veridical interactions between people and technology, providing supplementary and/or complementary information from a separate information channel. This talk will present challenges and opportunities of employing ambient haptic systems in clinical environments. The talk will lay down a broad theoretical framework to employ such systems successfully in clinical environments while avoiding pitfalls. The proposed theoretical framework is aimed to provide design, development and evaluation guidelines for ambient haptic systems in clinical environment. The application of the framework will be presented through examples of ambient haptic systems for clinicians, patients and hospital administrators.
On the bandwidth of a Hamming graph

The bandwidth of the Hamming graph (the product, (Kn)d, of complete graphs) has been an open question for many years. Recently Berger-Wolf and Rheingold 1] pointed out that the bandwidth of a numbering of the Hamming graph may be interpreted as a measure of the effects of noise in the multi-channel transmission of data with that numbering. They also gave lower and upper bounds for it. In this paper we present better lower and upper bounds, showing that the bandwidth of (Kn)d is asymptotic to (2/?d)nd as d?∞.
Abstract 3172: Role of miRNA-211in melanocytes and melanoma

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding regulatory RNAs that regulate gene expression. Evidence is accumulating that miRNAs are involved in almost all aspects of tumor biology including tumor cell survival, proliferation and migration. Here, we report that miRNA-211, which maps to the sixth intron of TRPM1 gene (a suppressor of melanoma metastasis), is highly expressed in primary melanocytes and its expression is reduced in primary and metastatic melanoma cell lines. Expression of miRNA-211 correlates with expression of TRPM1, a transient receptor potential family member calcium channel protein that we showed to be involved in regulation of melanocyte calcium homeostasis and melanin pigmentation. Inhibition of miRNA-211 expression by anti-miR211 inhibited intercellular Ca+2 update and the growth of rapidly growing melanocytes. Ectopic expression of miRNA-211in melanoma cells inhibit growth and reduced their migration. Regulation of miRNA-211 and its function in melanocytes and melanoma have not been well understood. We show that ectopic expression of p53 (a tumor suppressor) in melanocytes increase miRNA-211 expression and decrease TRPM1 expression. Inhibition of miRNA-211 did not change TPRM1 expression in melanocytes. Additionally, we show that 1.4 kb intron 6 genomic region of TRPM1 which contain miRNA-211 region is sufficient to activate miRNA-211 expression. And 1.4 kb of 6th intron luciferase reporter plasmid transfection followed by luciferase assay showed increase in promoter driven luciferase activity. These data suggests that the presence of putative promoter region of miRNA-211 in the sixth intron of TRPM1 gene. We propose that activation of endogenous miRNA-211 expression or targeted delivery of miR-211 in melanoma is a potential therapeutic option for treatment of cutaneous melanoma. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3172. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-3172
Transdermal delivery of regular insulin to chronic diabetic rats: effect of skin preparation and electrical enhancement

The efficacy of passive transdermal versus electrically-enhanced, or iontophoretic delivery of insulin was studied. The effect of skin pre-treatment on iontophoretic delivery of insulin was also investigated. Rectangular pulses of 0.25 mA/cm2 current amplitude, 2 kHz frequency, and 50% duty cycle were used as anodal stimulation for electrically enhanced transdermal delivery of insulin. Twenty (20) BB/Wor chronic diabetic adult male rats were shaved 48 h prior to the study, and some experimental groups had hair stubble removed with a depilatory lotion. The iontophoretic drug-containing electrode was filled with 3 ml of porcine regular insulin (100 IU/ml) which had been adjusted to an acidic pH of 3.68 using 0.1 M HCl. The iontophoretic electrodes were then adhered to the abdomen of the alert rat. Results of the iontophoretic procedure were quantified by monitoring changes in blood glucose levels. When insulin was placed on the shaved skin, blood glucose levels fell in the chronic diabetic rat. In general, glucose levels fell more quickly and more profoundly using an iontophoretic enhancement of transdermal insulin delivery. However, some skin preparations facilitated movement of insulin more efficiently. The most profound effect of lowered blood glucose occurred when a depilatory lotion was used on the day of the study in conjunction with iontophoresis, where blood glucose levels fell by 61% after 1 h of iontophoretic treatment. Results indicate that insulin was delivered passively at therapeutic levels when the skin had been treated with the depilatory lotion on the same day as the study, as measured through a reduction in blood glucose levels of 29% after 1 h of passive delivery. When the depilatory lotion was used 24 h prior to iontophoresis, blood glucose remained near initial blood glucose levels. In the groups that did not have the depilatory lotion applied, blood glucose levels fell by 8% after 1 h of iontophoretic insulin delivery. The experimental evidence indicates a substantial increase in the penetration of insulin with the same-day application of a depilatory lotion in conjunction with iontophoretic enhancement.
The Living Room Celebration of the Olympic Games

Watching the Olympics on television proved to be a media event for which people planned their viewing, paid close attention to the television, and arranged to have visitors with whom they ate, drank, and talked about what they saw.
Reversal of PHA-induced blastogenesis in human lymphocyte cultures.

THE blastogenic action of phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) on human lymphocytes in culture has been well documented1–4. Some of the metabolic events which accompany this transformation, for example, DNA, RNA and protein synthesis, have also been extensively studied5–9. Such investigations have generally used cultures of lymphocytes or leucocytes in which the cells were continuously exposed to PHA.
Behavioral Interventions for HIV-Positive and HCV-Positive Drug users

The nature, context and frequency of use of various licit and illicit non-injection drugs associated with an elevated risk of HIV infection. Beyond HIV, a high proportion of HIV-infected IDUs are co-infected with HCV (hepatitis C virus). In this review, we provide a brief review of the epidemiology of these problems, discuss behavioral interventions that can reduce ongoing high risk behaviors among HIV-seropositive IDUs and MSM-DUs, and review the literature which has evaluated their effectiveness. The majority of these interventions have focused on HIV-seronegative heterosexuals and therefore need to be considered in this larger context; however, where possible we discuss the potential impact of these interventions among HIV-seropositive persons. In addition, we briefly discuss interventions which have the potential to simultaneously reduce ongoing transmission of both HIV and HCV. Finally, given the dearth of information on the effectiveness of behavioral interventions in reducing the burden of the HIV and HCV epidemics among persons already infected with either or both viruses, we describe some newer, promising interventions and offer suggestions for future studies.
An Integrationist Perspective: A Response to “Bias: Thinking about College Student Psychotherapy versus Drug Treatment and Disability”

This article is written as a response to Dr. Leighton Whitaker's article: “Bias: Thinking about College Student Psychotherapy versus Drug Treatment and Disability.” The author attempts to summarize the main arguments made by Dr. Whitaker and to highlight areas of agreement as well as differences. Although the current psychiatric diagnostic nomenclature has its weaknesses, this author makes a case for using the DSM as a starting point of understanding psychopathology, but not an end point. Also, although research data on psychopharmacology trials have concerning funding and design biases, a case is made for seeing medications as a helpful adjunctive treatment for some college-aged patients, but never superseding the need for an empathic therapist–patient relationship.
Neurobiology of the nicotine withdrawal syndrome

The aversive aspects of withdrawal from chronic nicotine exposure are thought to be an important motivational factor contributing to the maintenance of the tobacco habit in human smokers. Much emphasis has been placed on delineating the underlying neurobiological mechanisms mediating different components of the nicotine withdrawal syndrome. Recent studies have shown that both central and peripheral populations of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are involved in mediating somatic signs of nicotine withdrawal as measured by the rodent nicotine abstinence scale. However, only central populations of nAChRs are involved in mediating affective aspects of nicotine withdrawal, as measured by elevations in brain-stimulation reward thresholds and conditioned place aversion. Nicotine interacts with several neurotransmitter systems, including acetylcholine, dopamine, opioid peptides, serotonin, and glutamate systems. Evidence so far suggests that these neurotransmitters play a role in nicotine dependence and withdrawal processes. The available evidence also suggests that different underlying neurochemical deficits mediate somatic and affective components of nicotine withdrawal. The aim of the present review is to discuss preclinical findings concerning the neuroanatomical and neurochemical substrates involved in these different aspects of nicotine withdrawal.
High-power single-mode 1330- and 1550-nm VCSELs bonded to silicon substrates

We demonstrate novel electrically driven 1330 and 1550 nm VCSELs using conventional InGaAsP active regions. The VCSELs employ two TiO2/SiO2 DBR mirrors and an InAlAs tunnel junction that converts electrons to holes, minimizing free carrier losses in the p-type material. The active layers are transferred onto Si wafers using wafer-scale Pd silicide bonding. We have obtained single-mode room-temperature output powers as high as 2.4mW at 1330nm and 2.7mW at 1550nm. At 80C we have obtained 0.6mW of single-mode power at 1330nm and over 1 mW at 1550nm. These are the highest power single-mode InP-based VCSELs reported in these wavelength ranges.
The Departure from Democratic Principles of Justice in the Chinese People's Republic

Describing the political line of Mao Tse-tung and of his group, the Central Committee of the CPSU notes in the theses "Fifty Years of the Great October Socialist Revolution": "In the late fifties the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party put forward a particular course of foreign and domestic policy that heralded a departure from Marxism-Leninism and profoundly contradicted the principles of proletarian internationalism and the basic laws for the building of a socialist society."
Collision-induced ionization of neutral peptides

A four-sector mass spectrometer was employed to study fragments formed by the high-energy collision of neutral peptides with molecular oxygen. Neutral peptides were generated in the gas phase from proton-bound dimers by the method of Wesdemiotis and co-workers [Anal Chem. 65, 1594 (1993)]. B/E scanning was used in MS-2 to collected the fragment ions from neutral precursors. Molecular ions (radical ions) were not obtained in most of the spectra, but a variety of fragment ions were recorded. High resolution and mass accuracy allowed most fragment ions to be assigned. Most fragment ions are of the same types as those produced from protonated peptides by collisional activation. Formation of y-type ions is significantly reduced in the processes induced by collisional ionization, compared with high- and low-energy collisional activation of protonated peptide precursors.
Atmospheric Kinetic Energy Spectra from Global High-Resolution Nonhydrostatic Simulations

Kinetic energy (KE) spectra derived from global high-resolution atmospheric simulations from the Model forPredictionAcrossScales(MPAS)arepresented.Thesimulationsareproducedusingquasi-uniformglobal Voronoi horizontal meshes with 3-, 7.5-, and 15-km mean cell spacings. KE spectra from the MPAS simulations compare well with observations and other simulations in the literature and possess the canonical KE spectra structure including a very-well-resolved shallow-sloped mesoscale region in the 3-km simulation. There is a peak in the vertical velocity variance at the model filter scale for all simulations, indicating the underresolved nature of updrafts even with the 3-km mesh. The KE spectra reveal that the MPAS configuration produces an effective model resolution (filter scale) of approximately 6Dx. Comparison with other published model KE spectra highlight model filtering issues, specifically insufficient filtering that can lead to spectral blocking and the production of erroneous shallow-sloped mesoscale tails in the KE spectra. The mesoscale regions in the MPAS KE spectra are produced without use of kinetic energy backscatter, in contrast to other results reported in the literature.No substantive difference is found in KE spectra computed on constant height or constant pressure surfaces. Stratified turbulence is not resolved with the vertical resolution used in this study; hence, the results do not support recent conjecture that stratified turbulence explains the mesoscale portion of the KE spectrum.
Epidermal growth factor receptor expression in a retinoic acid-treated human melanoma cell line

Treatment of a human cell line (HXG-2), established from a metastatic melanoma, with retinoic acid (RA) induced morphologic differentiation and eliminated its cloning capacity in soft agar. With the v-erb B oncogene as a probe, slot blot hybridization of genomic DNA from parental HXG-2 cells did not show epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor gene amplification as compared with normal diploid fibroblasts. Analysis of RNA as well as EGF receptor determinations from HXG-2 and RA-treated HXG-2 cells showed essentially no differences, indicating that RA treatment does not modulate EGF receptor gene expression. Although enhanced EGF receptor expression is found in some advanced-stage melanomas, RA-induced changes in the transformation phenotype of cell line HXG-2 probably do not result from modulation of the EGF-mediated pathway.
Protein kinase C alpha modulates microvascular reactivity in the human coronary and skeletal microcirculation

Background Cardioplegic arrest (CP) and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) can lead to dysfunction in the coronary and skeletal microcirculation leading to impaired tissue perfusion. α-Adrenergic signaling pathways acting on these microcirculatory beds are thought to involve protein kinase C (PKC). We investigate here the role of the conventional PKCs in microvascular function in the setting of CP/CPB. Methods Atrial and skeletal muscle was harvested from 30 patients undergoing cardiac surgery before and after CP/CPB. Microvessels were used for Western blotting and immunofluorescent staining against conventional PKCs. Microvascular constriction was assessed in pre- and post-CP/CPB samples in response to α-adrenergic stimulation with phenylephrine, with and without a PKC-α inhibitor or PKC-α activator. PKC activity was assessed in isolated microvessels. Results Western blotting and immunostaining demonstrated only PKC-α in coronary and skeletal microvessels. CP/CPB diminished contractile responses to phenylephrine in coronary and skeletal samples. Inhibition of PKC-α reduced phenylephrine induced vasoconstriction in coronary and skeletal microvessels, whereas activation of PKC-α–augmented phenylephrine induced responses. PKC activity was decreased in coronary microvessels and to an even greater degree in skeletal microvessels after CP/CPB. Conclusions PKC-α is the predominant conventional PKC present in the human coronary and skeletal microcirculation. It likely plays a key role in α-adrenergic signaling in microvessels and in the vasomotor dysfunction after CP/CPB.
Post-CHF Axial- and Swirl-Flow Heat Transfer in Small Horizontal Tubes.

Axial- and swirl-flow heat transfer in the post-critical heat flux (CHF) region in small diameter horizontal tubes under low wall superheat conditions was investigated experimentally. For this reason, a horizontal, concentric-tube, counterflow, test section was designed. The boiling fluid [refrigerant 113 (R-113)] flows in the inner brass tube of 4.74 mm inside diameter while the heating fluid (water) flows in the outer copper tube of 10.9 mm in a counterflow mode. The heated length of the test section is 1.66 m. The test section was designed, fabricated and connected to the existing University of Illinois at Chicago flow boiling facility. Four tapes were used with tape twist ratios of Y = 4, 5.27, 7.63, and 9.15. A total of 25 experiments in an open tube and 109 experiments in swirl flow were conducted. In both types of experiments (axial and swirl flow), the refrigerant mass flux was in the range 51-518 kg/m 2 . s with a pressure of 0.18 MPa to simulate once through and recirculating steam generators. The liquid heating method that was adopted in our experiments permits the study of the whole post-CHF region for a wide range of variables
The relation between repair of DNA and radiation and chemical mutagenesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Abstract The effect of various genes involved in DNA repair functions on radiation and chemical mutagenesis in Escherichia coli is discussed and compared to similar studies done yeast. Results of the effect of various genes conferring radiation-sensitivity on mutation induction in yeast are presented and related to current ideas of mutagenesis.
Active Control of Wing Rock Using Tangential Leading-Edge Blowing

Experiments were performed to demonstrate positive poststall roll control of a free-to-roll wind-tunnel delta wing model using tangential leading-edge blowing. Previous static experiments had shown that significant rolling moments could be produced up to an angle of attack of 55 deg using asymmetric tangential leading-edge blowing. The implication was that poststall dynamic roll control ought to be possible using only blowing. To demonstrate experimentally that this was indeed the case, a free-to-roll wind-tunnel model sting mounting system and a pair of fast acting blowing control servo-valves were developed and manufactured. An automatic feedback roll control algorithm using tangential leading-edge blowing was then synthesized and implemented on a digital controller. Results from the present dynamic experiments indicated that with just symmetric blowing alone, wing rock at an angle of attack of 55 deg was damped. Furthermore, with the use of an automatic roll feedback control algorithm employing asymmetric blowing, the same wing rock was stopped in less than one cycle of the limitcycle oscillation.
Use of ozone as an oxygen atom transfer agent in the synthesis of pentamethylcyclopentadienyl rhenium trioxide

Abstract Reaction of ozone with (η-C5(CH3)5)Re(CO)3 leads to oxidative decarbonylation and a moderate to good yield of (η-C5(CH3)5)ReO3.
Polycaprolactone−POSS Chemical/Physical Double Networks

Biodegradable shape memory polymers are exciting materials, based on a combination of controlled degradation and triggered actuation that enables the design of unique medical devices. However, their synthesis requires precise control over thermomechanical properties often not possible with common building blocks for biodegradable polymers. In the present work, we report the preparation of “double networks” that feature a superposition of a covalent network with a percolative physical network, the latter being derived from a well-defined crystalline phase of strongly hydrophobic polyhedral oligosilsesquioxane (POSS) moieties. Each covalent network chain features polycaprolactone (PCL) tethers on a single POSS moiety by virtue of its use as a difunctional initiator for PCL ring-opening polymerization. Such network chains were synthesized to feature molecular weight values that ranged from 2000 to 4000 g/mol (polydispersity index <1.35) and POSS contents ranging from 49 to 24 wt %, respectively. Thermal anal...
Stabilization of intramolecular triple/single-strand structure by cationic peptides.

For better comprehension of possible physiological roles of triple-helical DNA structures, it is important to understand if the proteins can stabilize intramolecular triplex (H-DNA). One plausible mode of stabilization is through the neutralization of electrostatic repulsion of negatively charged phosphates in the three DNA strands by positively charged arginine and lysine residues of a bound protein. To gain an insight into interactions between H-DNA and cationic protein domains, we examined the effect of Lys- and Arg-rich oligopeptides on the B-DNA to H-DNA transition. These oligopeptides as well as another type of polycation, spermine, shifted the equilibrium toward H-DNA. These polycations introduced little change in DNA superhelicity, so that an increase in torsional stress was not responsible for facilitated H-DNA formation. Competing influences of polycations and monovalent cations suggest a significant involvement of electrostatic interactions in H-DNA stabilization. The Arg-rich peptides are more...
Deformation of a platinum-containing RuAl intermetallic by 〈111〉 dislocations

Abstract A detailed analysis of dislocations in a RuAl alloy following room temperature deformation indicates the presence of a significant density of 〈1 1 1〉 dislocations. The deformation behavior of this alloy with 2 at.% Pt is compared to other RuAl alloys and reasons for the presence of 〈1 1 1〉 dislocations, which are not preferred in high melting point B2 compounds, are explored.
Reply [to “Comment on ‘Color schemes for improved data graphics,” by A. Light and P.J. Bartlein”]

By calling attention to the perception of data graphics among color-impaired readers, we hoped to raise awareness of an even more prevalent phenomenon: the misuse of spectral, or “rainbow,” color schemes. David B. Stephenson is quite right regarding the incidence of different forms of color-vision impairment, which varies among racial and ethnic groups and is much lower for females [Sharpe et al., 1999]. Our article highlighted simulations of the less common protanopia to dramatize the general peril of spectral schemes. Figure 1 shows simulations of spectral, diverging, and progressive color schemes as they might appear to readers with either of the most common forms of color deficiency Figures 1a and 1b illustrate why the adage “red and green should never be seen” is a good one. The simulations in the right-hand column show how deuteranopes may find it difficult or impossible to distinguish between red and green.
Impurity modes in 1-D periodic optical systems

Abstract A one-dimensional periodic structure composed of an alternating array of dielectric slabs is considered for the case in which an impurity is introduced substitutionally into the array by replacing one of the dielectric slabs with an impurity slab. Two types of impurities are considered: (1) impurities obtained by changing the dielectric constant of one of the dielectric slabs in the periodic system from that of its fellows; (2) impurities obtained by changing the width of one of the dielectric slabs in the periodic system from that of its fellows. The dependence of the gap impurity mode frequencies as functions of either impurity dielectric constant or impurity width is studied for a fixed background dielectric constant in the periodic array. The computations for the impurity mode frequencies are performed numerically using transfer matrix techniques in conjunction with the supercell method for treating impurity modes in otherwise periodic arrays.
Relative Reaction Rates of Olefin Substrates with Ruthenium(II) Carbene Metathesis Initiators1

The metathesis of terminal olefins having different steric bulk and different geometries as well as electronically different para-substituted styrenes was studied with the ruthenium-based metathesi...
Pesticides And The P.S.A.C.

vigorous discussions, both formal and informal, on the pesticide problem. In its simplest form, of course, the problem sets a classical example of one of the best-known kinds of incompatibility, namely, that between eating your cake and having it. If the farmer wants maximum yields from his land and his labor, the housewife wants clean and unspeckled fruits and vegetables, and the politician wants surpluses with which to belabor the government or to wow the Russians, then there is no getting away from the necessity of cleaning up the insects, fungi, and weeds that are attacking the crops. On the other hand, if the fisherman wants the biggest and most numerous catch, and the enthusiastic Auduboner hopes to see the prothonatory warbler or the peregrine falcon, then no "chemicals" must be spread anywhere. As always in such problems, the solution lies in the middle
Optophononics with coupled quantum dots

Phonons—quantized lattice vibrations in solids—carry energy and momentum through solids just like electrons, yet their control for technological means remains elusive. Towards this end, Kerfoot et al. show phonon-induced optical transparency in a quantum dot pair via electrically gated phonon dissipation.
Convergence in distribution and Skorokhod Convergence for the general theory of processes

This paper proves some Skorokhod Convergence Theorems for processes with filtration. Roughly, these are theorems which say that if a family of processes with filtration (X n ,ℱ n ),n∈ℕ, converges in distribution in a suitable sense, then there exists a family of equivalent processes (Y n ,ℊ n ),n∈ℕ, which converges almost surely. The notion of equivalence used is that of adapted distribution, which guarantees that each (X n ,ℊ n ) has the same stochastic properties as (X n ,ℱ n ), with respect to its filtration, such as the martingale property or the Markov property. The appropriate notion of convergence in distribution is convergence in adapted distribution, which is developed in the paper. Fortunately, any tight sequence of processes has a subsequence which converges in adapted distribution. For discrete time processes, (Y n ,ℊ n ),n∈ℕ, and their limit (Y, ℊ) may be taken as all having the same fixed filtrationℊ n =ℊ. In the continuous time case, theY n ,ℊ n may require different filtrationsℊ n , which converge toℊ. To handle this, convergence of filtrations is defined and its theory developed.
Relation of achievement test scores and specific reading abilities to the Frostig Developmental Test of Visual Perception.

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the predictive value of the Frostig Developmental Test of Visual Perception to general achievement in the second grade and the relationships among...
Resolut of 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-β-d-glucopyranosylisothiocyanate derivatives of α-methyl amino acid enantiomers by high-performance liquid chromatography☆

Abstract Diastereomers formed by precolumn derivatization of d,l -α-methyl amino acids with 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-β- d -glucopyranosylisothiocyanate (GTIC) were separated by high-performance liquid chroamtography using a conventional C18 reversed-phase column. This method completely resolved all the α-methyl amino acids tested except d,l -4-chloro-α-methylphenylalanines which were less well separated. The d -enantiomer was eluted earlier than the l -enantiomer, which is opposite to the order of elution observed with GITC derivative of unmethylated amino acids.
Effect of cation and anion doping on microstructure and electrochemical properties of the LiMn1.5Ni0.5O4−δ spinel

Abstract A detailed investigation of the structural and electrochemical impact of lithium and fluorine substitutions on the 4.7 V LiMn 1.5 Ni 0.5 O 4− δ (LMNO) positive electrode for Li-ion batteries was accomplished. Impact of subsequent transition metal substitution on the tetrahedral 8a sites was also investigated relative to rate and elevated temperature cycling stability. Significantly improved cycling in excess of 600 cycles was established for an anion modified spinel relative to an optimized benchmark material at 60 °C.
Commercial moss harvest in northwestern Oregon: biomass and accumulation of epiphytes

Abstract As concern over the sustainability of commercial moss harvest in the Pacific Northwest has grown, so too has the need to develop methods for estimating the rate of harvest, the biomass inventory, and the rate of accumulation of commercially harvestable epiphytes. We estimated biomass and net moss accumulation in 10 sites in both the historically heavily moss-harvested Coast Range and the historically relatively unharvested Cascade Range of northwestern Oregon. Harvestable epiphyte biomass in the lower canopy ( −1 in the Coast Range, and 25 to 1068 kg ha −1 dry weight in the Cascade Range. The greater biomass at the Coast Range sites resulted from a higher density of suitable substrates, with epiphyte mass per unit area of substrate roughly equal in the two sets of sites. Epiphyte mass accumulation on vine maple Acer circinatum was extremely variable within and between sites, especially in the Coast Range. A model describing the factors affecting epiphyte mat accumulation is described. We recommend active management to conserve epiphytic bryophytes through promoting hardwood tree and shrub substrates, restricting moss harvest to the lower canopy, controlling the rate of harvest, and instigating rotation periods.
Elastic nonlinearities and wave distortion in heterogeneous materials containing constrained negative stiffness inclusions

This paper demonstrates the enhancement of acoustic nonlinearities in a heterogeneous elastic material consisting of negative stiffness metamaterial structures embedded in an isotropic linear elastic matrix. Standard formulations of nonlinear elasticity are employed to determine the effective isotropic nonlinear bulk modulus of the composite. Acoustic parameters of nonlinearity, which characterize the distortion of a propagating acoustic wave through this heterogeneous material, are determined by relating the bulk modulus to the nonlinear equation of state. The effects of varying the values of the inclusion and matrix parameters are presented and discussed.
Social structural characteristics of psychological empowerment

A set of hypotheses based on emerging theory on high-involvement systems describes expected relationships between social structural characteristics at the level of the work unit (perceptions of role ambiguity, span of control, sociopolitical support, access to information and resources, and work unit climate) and feelings of empowerment. The hypotheses are examined with data on a sample of middle managers from diverse units of a Fortune 50 organization. A work unit with little role ambiguity, strong sociopolitical support, access to information, and a participative unit climate is found to be associated with managerial perceptions of empowerment, as is working for a boss who has a wide span of control.
Modeling of thermal hydraulic instabilities in single heated channel loop during startup transients

Abstract A thermal hydraulics computer code was developed to simulate the geysering instability in a natural circulation system starting from subcooled conditions and to assess the impact of the system pressure and channel inlet subcooling on the inception of instability. The formulation of thermal hydraulics is inherently general and accounts for both single-phase liquid flow and nonhomogeneous, nonequilibrium two-phase flow. The computer code is based on momentum integral method where the current practice of basing fluid properties on the system averaged pressure has been relaxed and the local properties are based on local pressures estimated using the shape of steady-state pressure distribution, thereby, improving the predictions while preserving the computation speed, one of the important strength of the integral methods. This is an important modeling feature since the local vapor generation rate depends on local saturation temperature The methodology has been validated with the experiments conducted to investigate the instabilities in a low pressure natural circulation loop at low powers and high inlet subcoolings. The numerical simulations predicted periodic channel flow reversal, which is one of the feature of condensation-induced geysering. Basing local properties on local pressures instead of system average pressure led to decrease in the discrepancy in the prediction of the positive side amplitude from 40% to 6% and in the frequency from −15% to 5%. In addition, it was observed that the start-up instability can be avoided by increasing system pressure or by decreasing channel inlet subcooling. This study showed that the integral method coupled with local pressure variation for the vapor generation model is suitable to predict startup or geysering transients.
Sorting of Lipidated Peptides in Fluid Bilayers: A Molecular-Level Investigation

Nearest-neighbor recognition (NNR) measurements have been made for two lipidated forms of GlyCys, interacting with analogues of cholesterol and 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC) in the liquid-ordered (Lo) and liquid-disordered (Ld) phases. Interaction free energies that have been determined from these measurements have been used in Monte Carlo simulations to quantify the distribution of the peptides between liquid-ordered and liquid-disordered regions. These simulations have shown that significant differences in the lipid chains have a very weak influence on the partitioning of the peptide between these two phases. They have also revealed an insensitivity of the peptide partition coefficient, Kp, to the size of the Lo and Ld domains that are present. In a broader context, these findings strongly suggest that the sorting of peripheral proteins in cellular membranes via differential lipidation may be more subtle than previously thought.
Relational Psychoanalysis and the Inner Life: Commentary on Cooper, Corbett, and Seligman

Relational analysts know that their experience feels private and contemplative during a significant portion of their working hours. A consideration of the inner life, both the analyst’s and the patient’s, is part of relational praxis. Yet relational analysts also recognize that they are continuously involved with their patients, even at those very same quiet moments. Cooper, Corbett, and Seligman recognize both these parts of relational clinical work and argue that both are necessary. Making this argument explicit is important for its own sake, but also because analysts from other schools sometimes write as if there is no place in relational clinical practice for a quiet consideration of the inner life. Two examples of such criticism are offered, in both of which relational analysts are described as being too focused on social interaction and too little on the inner life. I offer my own version of the kinds of arguments about privacy and contemplation offered by Cooper, Corbett, and Seligman. I then make ...
Using performance measurement to drive improvement: a road map for change.

porting have not been adopted throughout the US health care system despite their central role in encouraging increased participation by consumers in decision-making. Understanding whether the failure of measurement and reporting to diffuse throughout the health system can be overcome is critical for determining future policy in this area. OBJECTIVES. To create a conceptual framework for analyzing the current rate of adoption and evaluating alternatives for accelerating adoption, and to recommend a set of concrete steps that can be taken to increase the use of performance measurement and reporting. RESEARCH DESIGN. Review of three theoretic
Androgen control of mitochondrial protein biosynthesis in male sex accessory tissue and liver of rats.

Incorporation of a (U)14C-amino acid mixture in vivo into total mitochondrial protein was measured as a function of time of androgen or vehicle administration in male sex accessory tissue and liver of normal and castrate rats. In the accessory tissue of castrates, significant increases (2-fold) in mitochondrial protein labeling were noted as early as 6 hr after androgen stimulation. Labeling reached maximal levels (6- to 9-fold) by 24 hr after a single injection of hormone and well before tissue weight increases were noted. Thereafter, protein labeling in the mitochondria of castrate animals plateaued at the same elevated levels between 24 and 72 hr, when additional daily injections of hormone were given. Castrate animals receiving equivalent amounts of vehicle alone showed low incorporation values that were not changed by the experimental procedure. In normal animals, incorporation values in accessory tissue mitochondria were comparable to the highest values seen in treated castrate animals and were not ...
Fair trade consumption from the perspective of US Baby Boomers

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to expand the knowledge base of Baby Boomers’ attitudes, behaviours and perceived barriers related to fair trade purchasing. Design/methodology/approach – This study included 168 Baby Boomers. Data were collected through an online questionnaire. Data analysis included a combination of both quantitative (descriptive statistics, independent samples t-tests and correlation analysis) and qualitative techniques. Findings – Findings indicated that the participants exhibited positive attitudes towards fair trade but were minimally engaged in fair trade purchasing. Furthermore, the participants perceived numerous barriers to purchasing fair trade products including the incompatibility of fair trade merchandise with lifestyles, the inability to touch and see fair trade products prior to purchase and difficulty in identifying fair trade items. Research limitations/implications – A limitation of this study is that the sample was well-educated university faculty and it is not re...
Applying neural networks to control the TFTR neural beam ion sources

The author describes the application of neural networks to the control of the neural beam long-pulse positive ion source accelerators on the Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor (TFTR) at Princeton University. Neural networks were used to learn how the operators adjust the control setpoints when running these sources. The data sets used to train these networks were derived from a large database containing actual setpoints and power supply waveform calculations for the 1990 run period. The networks learned what the optimum control setpoints should initially be set based upon desired accel voltage and perveance levels. Neural networks were also used to predict the divergence of the ion beam. >