cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Processing of topoisomerase I cleavable complexes into DNA damage by transcription

Topoisomerase I (TOP1)-mediated DNA damage induced by camptothecin (CPT) in the presence of active transcription has been studied using purified calf thymus TOP1 and T7 RNA polymerase. CPT-stabilized TOP1 cleavable complexes located on the template strand within the transcribed region were found to be converted into irreversible strand breaks by the elongating RNA polymerase. By contrast, CPT-stabilized TOP1 cleavable complexes located on the non-template strand within the transcribed region was unaffected by the elongating RNA polymerase. Previous studies have demonstrated that the elongating T7 RNA polymerase is arrested by TOP1 cleavable complexes located on the template but not the non-template strand [Bendixen et al ., (1990) Biochemistry , 29, 5613-5619]. Together, these results suggest a model in which collision between the TOP1-cleavable complexes located on the template strand and the elongating RNA polymerase results in transcription arrest and conversion of TOP1 cleavable complexes into 'irreversible' strand breaks. The implication of the transcription collision model in DNA damage and repair, as well as cell killing, is discussed.
Inelastic photoproduction of charged vector bosons.

A proposal for a photon beam at the Superconducting Super Collider makes Mikaelian's paper on photoproduction of charged vector bosons of current interest. We update that paper to include modern values of the parameters, modern distribution functions, and an electric quadrupole coupling in the three-gauge-boson vertex. The cross section remains large enough that a substantial number of W/sup +- / could be produced. The prospects for determining the three-gauge-boson coupling, however, are not good.
The X ray corona, the coronal hole, and the heliosphere

The question of why the sun heats the corona in active regions with an energy input of 10 exp 7 erg sq cm/s is addressed. It is argued that the trapped gas is heated by the intermittent dissipation of magnetic energy (nanoflares) at the current sheets that arise spontaneously in any magnetic field subject to continuous deformation. Most of the heat input is close to the sun, in the first 1-2 RS, raising the gas slowly out through the gravitational field and gradually accelerating it through the speed of sound at a distance of about 3-5 RS. The only source for the principle heat input close to the sun appears to be the network activity; thus the mass loss and the formation of the heliosphere are primarily a consequence of the smallest-scale activity supplemented by occasional flares and coronal mass ejections. The X-ray emission is largely a consequence of the smallest flares, the nanoflares, supplemented by occasional X-ray bursts from large flares.
Cerebral amyloid angiopathy causing intracranial hemorrhage

Ten cases of sporadic cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) were seen as intracranial hemorrhage. CAA was seen as a stroke or catastrophic intracranial hemorrhage in all cases. CAA complicated by intracranial hemorrhage carried a high mortality; 9 of 10 patients died in spite of aggressive medical or surgical treatment. Senile dementia of Alzheimer's type was an associated finding in only 1 patient. Computed tomographic scanning in 4 patients initially was not diagnostic for hemorrhage. Lambda chains and amyloid P protein were demonstrated in the areas of amyloid angiopathy immunocytochemically. The pathogenesis of hemorrhage in CAA could be either increased fragility of amyloid-laden blood vessels or rupture of microaneurysms. Surgical treatment of intracranial hemorrhage in CAA should therefore be undertaken with caution.
Binding of a macrocyclic bisacridine and ametantrone to CGTACG involves similar unusual intercalation platforms.

The binding of a macrocyclic bisacridine and an antitumor intercalator ametantrone to DNA has been studied. We carried out X-ray diffraction analyses of the complexes between both intercalators and...
Heat shock responses in polytene foot pad cells of Sarcophaga bullata.

Heat shock induces a single large puff (hs puff) near the tip of chromosome arm EL in polytene foot pad cells of fly pupae (Sarcophaga bullata). The inducible hs locus is constitutively active, invariably forming a small puff, which can be maximally activated in cells of the dorsal epidermis or in trichogen cells at any time during the lifetime of mature polytene chromosomes. Both in vivo and in cultured food pads, maximal puff induction occurs at 37 degrees C. At the same temperature, normal development of puffing patterns continues undisrupted for several days. A few specific hs proteins are vigorously induced at 37 degrees C, also without disrupting patterns of normal protein synthesis. Rates of normal protein synthesis in cultured food pads and rates of pupal development are enhanced up to about 39 degrees C. During heat shock at 41 degrees-44 degrees C protein synthesis becomes completely dominated by the production of hs proteins. The severe or complete suppression of most of the proteins normally made is followed by developmental arrest. There is also a decline of transcription (chromosomal uridine incorporation) between 37 degrees and 44 degrees C, which appears to affect all chromosomal loci proportionally, including the hs locus. The hs puff is no longer maximally induced at 41 degrees-44 degrees C, but the expanded puff now persists indefinitely, whereas below 39 degrees C, initial puff expansion is always followed by at least partial puff regression. The control of the duration of the puffing response appears to be entirely independent of protein synthesis, e.g., complete inhibition of protein synthesis by cycloheximide fails to prolong transient puffing responses. Canavanine also has no effect on puff regression. Heat shock above 45 degrees C arrests all RNA and protein synthesis within 30 min. RNA synthesis is resumed immediately after shift-down to 25 degrees C, not only at the hs locus, but at most or all previously active loci. Protein synthesis is also resumed immediately, but it is almost completely restricted to the production of the major hs protein (hsp-65, equivalent to hsp-70 of Drosophila melanogaster). Extreme heat shock also triggers maximal puffing responses at the hs locus, but actual puff expansion is delayed and only occurs hours after shift-down in the wake of a surge of hsp-65 synthesis. Following these delayed hs responses pupal thermotolerance starts increasing and protein synthesis returns to normal.
Capacitive Type of Biomedical Electrode

A suitable dielectric for a capacitive biomedical electrode is presented. In application a thin (2-mil) film of pyre varnish is deposited on the electrode surface and heat cured. Capacitance values of 800 pF for a 0.5-inch-diameter electrode are typical. A field-effect transistor source follower circuit is used in conjunction with this type of electrode.
Radiolysis of TcO4- in Alkaline, Nitrate Solutions: Reduction by NO32-

The radiation chemistry of pertechnetate has been examined in highly alkaline solution. In the presence of selected, organic O- scavengers, radiolysis reduces TcO4- with varying radiation chemical yields, which depend on the reduction potentials of the organic radicals produced during radiolysis. When aminopolycarboxylates are used as O- scavengers, the radiation chemical yield for pertechnetate reduction, G(−TcO4-) is equal to 1/3 G(eaq-), which strongly implies that the organic radicals produced by the reaction of O- with aminopolycarboxylates are unreactive toward the technetium species present in solution. In the presence of excess nitrate, TcO4- is still efficiently reduced during radiolysis when aminopolycarboxylates are used as O- scavengers. This observation is consistent with the reduction of TcO4- by NO32-.
Self-discharge of Li/LixMn2O4 batteries in relation to corrosion of aluminum cathode substrates

We studied the self-discharge of Li/LixMn2O4 battery cells in relation to the corrosion of aluminum cathode substrates. We determined the self-discharge of the cells from the decline of their open-circuit voltage, observed aluminum corrosion with use of voltammetry on electrochemical corrosion cells with an aluminum working electrode, and detected the existence and change of passivation films on the aluminum substrates with ac impedance measurement. The results showed that for the two salts LiPF6 and LiClO4 that formed the electrolytes with a binary solvent of ethylene carbonate–dimethoxyethane, the presence of LiPF6 reduced the self-discharge of the battery cells, retarded the corrosion of aluminum, and assisted the formation of a passivation film on aluminum. On the other hand, pre-treating aluminum to 480°C seemed to have similar but weaker effects. We therefore concluded that corrosion of aluminum played a significant role in the self-discharge of Li/LixMn2O4 batteries with an aluminum cathode substrate, but the corrosion could be greatly reduced by the formation of protection films on the aluminum. Such films could be formed by either having LiPF6 salt in the electrolyte in contact with the aluminum or by pre-treating the aluminum to a high temperature. However, films formed in the former fashion seemed much more stable when the aluminum was carrying an LixMn2O4 material.
Are democracies more or less prone to war? A dynamical model approach

A coupled pair of non-linear recursion relations is assumed to represent the arms race between two competing nations. The pair depends upon two parameters: the effective fear-and-loathing coefficients of the two nations for each other. For large enough values of these coefficients, the solutions to the recursion relations become unstable. The resultant chaos in the model is taken to represent crisis-instability and war for the two nation system being modelled. The value of the parameters is linked to the degree of democracy in the two nations: the less ''democratic'' the governments of one or both countries, the more likely it is that the model coefficients will be large enough to lead to chaotic solutions of the recursion relations. In this sense, for two nations selected at random from a set of ''equivalent'' ones, the more democratic they are, the more likely they are to remain at peace with each other.
Numerical Simulations of Nonreacting Flows for Industrial Gas Turbine Combustor Geometries

This study evaluates the application of the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to calculate the flowfields in industrial combustors. Two-burner test cases, which contain the elemental flow characteristics of an industrial gas turbine combustor, are studied. Comparisons were made between the standard k-epsilon turbulence model and a modified version of the k-epsilon turbulence model. The modification was based on the work of Chen and Kim in which a second time scale was added to the turbulent dissipation equation. Results from the CFD calculations were compared to experimental data. For the two-burner test cases under study, the standard k-epsilon model diffuses the swirl and axial momentum, which results in the inconsistent prediction of the location of the recirculation zone for both burner test cases. However, the modified k-epsilon model shows an improved prediction of the location, shape, and size of the primary centerline recirculation zone for both cases. The large swirl and axial velocity gradients, which are diffused by the standard k-epsilon model, are preserved by the modified model, and good agreements were obtained between the calculated and measured axial and swirl velocities. The overprediction of turbulent eddy viscosity in regions of high shear, which is characteristic of the standard k-epsilon model,more » is controlled by the modified turbulence model.« less
HIV-1 clones resistant to a small molecule CCR5 inhibitor use the inhibitor-bound form of CCR5 for entry

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection can be inhibited by small molecules that target the CCR5 coreceptor. Here, we describe some properties of clonal viruses resistant to one such inhibitor, SCH-D, using both chimeric, infectious molecular clones and Env-pseudotypes. Studies using combinations of CCR5 ligands, including small molecule inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) and chemokine derivatives such as PSC-RANTES, show that the fully SCH-D-resistant viruses enter target cells by using the SCH-D-bound form of CCR5. However, the way resistance to SCH-D and other small molecule CCR5 inhibitors is manifested depends on the target cell and the nature of the assay (single- vs. multi-cycle). In multi-cycle assays using primary lymphocytes, SCH-D does not inhibit resistant molecular clones, and it can even enhance their infectivity modestly. In contrast, the same viruses (as Env-pseudotypes) are significantly inhibited by SCH-D in single-cycle entry assays using U87-CD4/CCR5 cells, resistance being manifested by incomplete inhibition at high SCH-D concentrations. When a single-cycle, Env-pseudotype entry assay was performed using either U87-CD4/CCR5 cells or PBMC under comparable conditions, entry was inhibited by up to 88% in the former cells but by only 28% in the PBMC. Hence, there are both cell- and assay-dependent influences on how resistance is manifested. We also take this opportunity to correct our previous report that SCH-D-resistant isolates are also substantially cross-resistant to PSC-RANTES [Marozsan, A.J., Kuhmann, S.E., Morgan, T., Herrera, C., Rivera-Troche, E., Xu, S., Baroudy, B.M., Strizki, J., Moore, J.P., 2005. Generation and properties of a human immunodeficiency virus type 1 isolate resistant to the small molecule CCR5 inhibitor, SCH-417690 (SCH-D). Virology 338 (1), 182-199]. A substantial element of this resistance was attributable to the unappreciated carry-over of SCH-D from the selection cultures into analytical assays.
Functional anatomy of the thumb sagittal band.

Purpose To study the anatomy and kinematics of the thumb sagittal band (SB) and the influence of simulated injury on the stability of the extensor pollicis longus (EPL) tendon. Methods Twenty-four below-elbow, cadaveric amputation specimens were used. The study had 3 components: SB anatomy, SB kinematics, and assessment of SB influence on extensor stability through simulated injury by serial sectioning. Results The radial and ulnar components of the SB originated on their respective sides of the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint from a soft tissue confluence and inserted into the margins of the EPL tendon. The radial component was much more transparent and thinner, but slightly wider (2.4 mm) and longer (0.5 mm) than the ulnar component. The SB fibers were oriented perpendicular to the long axis of the thumb and EPL tendon. Interphalangeal joint motion had the greatest influence on SB fiber angulation and excursion. Partial and complete sectioning of the ulnar SB had minimal influence on EPL tendon stability. Partial sectioning of the radial SB resulted in ulnar EPL tendon subluxation. Complete sectioning of the radial SB resulted in ulnar dislocation of the EPL tendon. Conclusions The radial component of the thumb SB seems to be more important to EPL stabilization at the level of the metacarpophalangeal joint than its ulnar counterpart. EPL tendon instability was observed to be proportional to the degree of radial SB injury. Knowledge of the anatomy of the thumb SB and its functional relationship to the extensor apparatus provides an understanding of the repair and reconstructive considerations for conditions of EPL tendon instability associated with trauma and inflammatory and nonrheumatoid thumb deformities.
The Influences of Immigration on Health Information Seeking Behaviors Among Korean Americans and Native Koreans

Korean Americans (KAs) have low screening rates for cancer and are often not well informed about their chronic diseases. Reduced access to health-related information is one reason for gaps in knowledge and the widening health disparities among minority populations. However, little research exists about KAs' health information seeking behaviors. Guided by the Structural Influence Model, this study examines the influence of immigration status on KAs' trust in health information sources and health information seeking behaviors. Cross-sectional surveys were conducted in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area as well as in the Gwangju metropolitan city in South Korea during 2006-2007. Two hundred and fifty-four KAs and 208 native Koreans who were 40 years of age or older completed the surveys. When comparing native Koreans to KAs, we found KAs were 3 times more likely to trust health information from newspapers or magazines (odds ratio [OR] = 3.13; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.49-6.54) and 11 times more likely to read the health sections of newspapers or magazines (OR = 11.35; 95% CI = 3.92-32.91) in multivariate adjusted models. However, they were less likely to look for health information from TV (OR = 0.29; 95% CI = 0.12-0.72) than native Koreans. Our results indicate that immigration status has profound influences on KAs' health information seeking behaviors. Increasing the availability of reliable and valid health information from printed Korean language magazines or newspapers could have a positive influence on increasing awareness and promoting screening behaviors among KAs.
Vertical-axis diamond flycutting machine for producing flat half-meter scale optics

A new diamond flycutting machine accommodates 100 kg workpieces with surfaces as large as 490 mm × 490 mm. A vertical stage supports the workpiece and provides elevation, orientation, and depth-of-cut control, allowing a fixed-position vertical-axis flycutter. The machine design and results of part-cutting tests are described.
New smart materials for adaptive microwave signature control

Versatile control of the microwave signature of a complex object under the command of a central/local processor(s) requires a bias/communications network to be embedded in a smart surface treatment and distributed over distances small compared to the shortest wavelength of interest. One requirement of the system is that the bias and microwave signal paths be isolated for all configurations of the smart surface. It is also required that the surface impedance of the treatment satisfy an impedance boundary condition to allow the processor to use an efficient electromagnetic computational code. A design approach that accommodates these requirements incorporates the bias conductors as an integral constituent of a new smart microwave material called an `effective surface;' the two dimensional equivalent of an effective media.
Pyruvate metabolism during maturation of hamlin oranges

Abstract The roles of the pyruvate decarboxylation pathway and TCA metabolic cycle in activation of anaerobic metabolism in ripening Hamlin oranges were investigated. Oranges were harvested weekly from October to February during the 1980–81 and 1981–82 growing season. Juice vesicles from each weekly sample were assayed for pyruvate decarboxylase, alcohol dehydrogenase, malic enzyme, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase, malate dehydrogenase, citrate synthase, isocitrate dehydrogenase and cytochrome oxidase. Also, juice was assayed for ethanol, acetaldehyde, pyruvate, oxalacetate, malate and citrate. In December when ethanol accumulated rapidly in the fruit, pyruvate decarboxylase and alcohol dehydrogenase increased markedly. During the same month, the pyruvate level declined, suggesting that the increases in enzyme levels activated the conversion of pyruvate to ethanol.
Determination of rhodium by thermal neutron activation analysis using g-ray spectrometry

Abstract Trace amounts of rhodium have been determined by thermal neutron activation analysis using both destructive and non-destructive methods. With a neutron flux of 10 12 n cm -2 sec -1 the lower limits of detection are about 0.1 μg and 0.01 μg, respectively. A rapid sodium-peroxide fusion followed by a pyridine extraction was used in the destructive method to separate the 4.4-mm 104m Rh from its matrix. The 44-sec 104 Rh was used in the non-destructive method. Both radioactive isomers were measured by γ-ray spectrometry with a multichannel pulse height analyzer. The average time required per non-destructive analysis was 7 min while the chemical method averaged 20 min.
Production of exotic atoms at energies available at the CERN Large Hadron Collider

We study in details the space-time dependence of the production of muonic, pionic, and other exotic atoms by the coherent photon exchange between nuclei at the Large Hadron Collider at CERN. We show that a multipole expansion of the electromagnetic interaction yields an useful insight of the bound-free production mechanism which has not been explored in the literature. Predictions for the spatial, temporal, and angular distribution, as well as the total cross sections, for the production of exotic atoms are also included.
Bureaucratic Power: Security and the National Response Plan

The National Response Plan was created by the Department of Homeland Security for the purpose of organizing disaster relief services by coordinating activities of cabinet departments and independent agencies. A case study of the Plan's creation shows that the Department has skillfully used its sources of administrative power to build a latent control network with little or no oversight, raising questions of accountability and ultimate security. Variables discussed here promote building of a theory of bureaucratic power.
Institutional Analysis and Ecosystem-Based Management: The Institutional Analysis and Development Framework

/ Scholars, government practitioners, and environmentalists are increasingly supportive of collaborative, ecosystem-based approaches to natural resource management. However, few researchers have focused their attention on examining the important administrative and institutional challenges surrounding ecosystem-based management. This paper describes how the institutional analysis and development (IAD) framework can be used to better understand the institutional arrangements used to implement ecosystem-based management programs. Some of the observations emanating from previous research on institutional design and performance are also discussed. The paper's central argument is that if this new resource management paradigm is to take hold and flourish, researchers and practitioners must pay closer attention to the questions surrounding institutional design and performance. This should help improve our understanding of the relationship between science and human values in decision making. It should also help researchers avoid making faulty policy recommendations and improve the implementation of ecosystem-based management programs.KEY WORDS: Ecosystem management; Watershed management; Common pool resources; Implementation; Institutional analysis; Evaluation; Policy analysishttp://link.springer-ny.com/link/service/journals/00267/bibs/24n4p449.html</HEA
Measurement of relative blood flow, transit-time distributions and transport-model parameters by residue detection when radiotracer recirculates

Abstract The interpretation of tracer kinetic data obtained by external monitoring of radioactively-labeled indicators is generally based on mathematical models that ignore recirculation. An important limitation of these models is that they can be used successfully only in those situations in which the major portion of the response curves are obtainable prior to the onset of the first recirculation. A further complication that limits the usefulness of the models is due to interference from radiotracers carried by recirculation into adjacent perfused regions also within the field of view of the detector. In this paper, we develop a mathematical model applicable for measuring blood flow per unit volume and determining transit-time distributions by external monitoring when recirculation is not a late event and must be taken into consideration. Additionally, the model accounts for interfering recirculation of tracer to adjacent perfused regions in the field of view of the detector. Central to the model is the use of two injections of tracer: one upstream (arterial) and one downstream (venous) of the particular organ or region of interest. Thus, two residue curves are obtained. We develop equations indicating how to employ the two residue curves in order to determine the mean transit time of tracer through the vascular system of interest, as well as higher moments of the transit-time distribution if they are desired. These equations are natural generalizations of Zierler's residue-detection method in that they do not depend for their validity on any model of mass transport within the system of interest. The numerical calculations implied by our equations need not rely on curve-fitting of the data. In addition to mean flow per unit volume, our method can yield compartmental parameters if these are appropriate and desired.
Environmental Preference and Risk Recreation: The Case of White Water Kayakers

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine environmental preferences in one-risk recreation activity. The sample comprised participants in the white water kayaking program at the Nantahala Outdoor Center in North Carolina. Using a mail survey, the author found that this sample prefers a natural environment, scenery, and clean river water but is rather indifferent to man-made manipulations such as comfort facilities and paved access roads. Using analysis of variance, the author found skill-level differences among novice, intermediate, and advanced kayakers on 7 of the 14 items. The implications of this study should prompt further theoretical work in other risk recreation activities, recreation specialization, and the psychological needs of river users. For the manager, this research suggests more integrative approaches to management of river resources.
Application of a diffusion–desorption rate equation model in astrochemistry

Desorption and diffusion are two of the most important processes on interstellar grain surfaces; knowledge of them is critical for the understanding of chemical reaction networks in the interstellar medium (ISM). However, a lack of information on desorption and diffusion is preventing further progress in astrochemistry. To obtain desorption energy distributions of molecules from the surfaces of ISM-related materials, one usually carries out adsorption–desorption temperature programmed desorption (TPD) experiments, and uses rate equation models to extract desorption energy distributions. However, the often-used rate equation models fail to adequately take into account diffusion processes and thus are only valid in situations where adsorption is strongly localized. As adsorption–desorption experiments show that adsorbate molecules tend to occupy deep adsorption sites before occupying shallow ones, a diffusion process must be involved. Thus, it is necessary to include a diffusion term in the model that takes into account the morphology of the surface as obtained from analyses of TPD experiments. We take the experimental data of CO desorption from the MgO(100) surface and of D2 desorption from amorphous solid water ice as examples to show how a diffusion–desorption rate equation model explains the redistribution of adsorbate molecules among different adsorption sites. We extract distributions of desorption energies and diffusion energy barriers from TPD profiles. These examples are contrasted with a system where adsorption is strongly localized – HD from an amorphous silicate surface. Suggestions for experimental investigations are provided.
An object-oriented view of backtracking

In this paper we explore Wirth's[11] backtracking algorithm from the perspective of algorithm reuse and separation of concerns. We explore treatment of this problem in object-oriented data structures and algorithms texts. Finally, we present a reusable backtracking (or depth-first search) class.
Explaining Post-IPO Venture Performance through a Knowledge-Based View Typology

We extend the knowledge-based view (KBV) with a new typology and its application to post-IPO firm performance. The typology categorizes knowledge development activity along the dimensions of familiarity (whether the firm has experience with the knowledge or it is new) and source (whether the firm creates it independently or with partners). We use this typology to determine direct and interaction effects of knowledge development activity on survival, RoA, and Tobin’s q of newly public firms. Using a sample of 1,056 high-technology manufacturing IPOs in 1990-2005, we find that focused, internal knowledge development correlates with higher performance. We also find several significant interactions among the different forms of knowledge development, indicating synergies that managers could exploit (e.g., between focused, internal and diversifying, alliance- based knowledge development).
A Comparison of Basal Reader Language and the Oral Language of Beginning First Grade Children.

AbstractThis study compared the oral language of beginning first grade children with the language found in current editions of basal reading textbooks used in grades one through four. Oral language samples of five hundred words were obtained in separate interviews with each of twenty-six children. Five-hundred-word samples were selected from basal reading textbooks produced by twelve publishers at seven levels, primer through grade four. Variables used in the comparison were: average sentence/utterance length, average T-unit length, number of types (different words), and number of different prepositions per passage. Results showed that basal reader language approximates the oral language of beginning first graders on all variables by the initial textbook level of grade two. The validity of one variable, average sentence/utterance length, for use in studies involving children’s oral language was questioned.
Gender and the Neighborhood Location of Mixed-Race Couples

Gender asymmetry in mixed-race heterosexual partnerships and marriages is common. For instance, black men marry or partner with white women at a far higher rate than white men marry or partner with black women. This article asks if such gender asymmetries relate to the racial character of the neighborhoods in which households headed by mixed-race couples live. Gendered power imbalances within households generally play into decisions about where to live or where to move (i.e., men typically benefit more than women), and we find the same in mixed-race couple arrangements and residential attainment. Gender interacts with race to produce a measurable race-by-gender effect. Specifically, we report a positive relationship between the percentage white in a neighborhood and the presence of households headed by mixed-race couples with a white male partner. The opposite holds for households headed by white-blacks and white-Latinos if the female partner is white; they are drawn to predominantly nonwhite neighborhoods. The results have implications for investigations of residential location attainment, neighborhood segregation analysis, and mixed-race studies.
Solution combustion synthesis of carbon nanotube loaded nickel foams

Abstract Nickel–carbon nanotube (Ni–CNT) foams were synthesized using a solution combustion method. In this method CNTs were added directly to the nickel nitrate–glycine solution followed by combustion on a hot plate at 300 °C under atmospheric conditions. No heat treatment of the resulting foams was necessary to yield relatively high purity (99.7%) foam as determined by X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive spectroscopy and standard combustion techniques. Raman spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy analyses confirmed that there was no visible degradation of the carbon nanotubes in the reacted product. By combining solution combustion with carbon nanotube addition Ni–CNT foams were easily formed. This approach shows promise for being a flexible, general, route for the synthesis of a wide range of transition metal, intermetallic, cermet, and oxide–CNT materials.
A relational approach to monitoring complex systems

Monitoring is an essential part of many program development tools, and plays a central role in debugging, optimization, status reporting, and reconfiguration. Traditional monitoring techniques are inadequate when monitoring complex systems such as multiprocessors or distributed systems. A new approach is described in which a historical database forms the conceptual basis for the information processed by the monitor. This approach permits advances in specifying the low-level data collection, specifying the analysis of the collected data, performing the analysis, and displaying the results. Two prototype implementations demonstrate the feasibility of the approach.
Measuring image similarity to sub-pixel accuracy

Measuring the similarity between different images is essential for performing registration (alignment) and many related tasks. We show that popular image similarity measures such as the sum of squared differences (SSD), cross correlation (CC), and mutual information (MI), particularly in the presence of noise, may present local optima at half pixel translation intervals when low order interpolators are used to model the discrete images. Several strategies for reducing local optima artifacts during registration are discussed. Results using magnetic resonance image (MRI) data are shown.
InsP3R-associated cGMP Kinase Substrate Determines Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate Receptor Susceptibility to Phosphoregulation by Cyclic Nucleotide-dependent Kinases

Ca2+ release through inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (InsP3R) can be modulated by numerous factors, including input from other signal transduction cascades. These events shape the spatio-temporal characteristics of the Ca2+ signal and provide fidelity essential for the appropriate activation of effectors. In this study, we investigate the regulation of Ca2+ release via InsP3R following activation of cyclic nucleotide-dependent kinases in the presence and absence of expression of a binding partner InsP3R-associated cGMP kinase substrate (IRAG). cGMP-dependent kinase (PKG) phosphorylation of only the S2+ InsP3R-1 subtype resulted in enhanced Ca2+ release in the absence of IRAG expression. In contrast, IRAG bound to each InsP3R subtype, and phosphorylation of IRAG by PKG attenuated Ca2+ release through all InsP3R subtypes. Surprisingly, simply the expression of IRAG attenuated phosphorylation and inhibited the enhanced Ca2+ release through InsP3R-1 following cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) activation. In contrast, IRAG expression did not influence the PKA-enhanced activity of the InsP3R-2. Phosphorylation of IRAG resulted in reduced Ca2+ release through all InsP3R subtypes during concurrent activation of PKA and PKG, indicating that IRAG modulation is dominant under these conditions. These studies yield mechanistic insight into how cells with various complements of proteins integrate and prioritize signals from ubiquitous signaling pathways.
Working with Internalized Relationships through a Kinesthetic and Kinetic Imagery Process

The unique importance of each mode of representation (enactive, image, and lexical) in enabling clients to derive personal meaning from their experience is underscored. The author offers a rational...
Dose and airflow dependence of benzyl alcohol disposition on skin.

Abstract The penetration of benzyl alcohol (BA) through split-thickness cadaver skin was measured in nonoccluded Franz cells placed in a fume hood. BA, dissolved in a small volume of ethanol and spiked with 14 C radiolabel, was applied to skin at nine doses ranging from 0.9 to 10600 µg/cm 2 . The percentage of radioactivity penetrated after 24 h increased gradually with dose, ranging from 19.8 ± 2.9% at the lowest dose to 29.2 ± 3.0% at the highest. Less than 4% of the radioactivity was retained in the tissue at 24 h; the remainder was considered to be evaporated. These data and those from a previous study were analyzed in terms of a finite dose diffusion/evaporation model. The analysis showed that the increase in BA absorption with dose was consistent with a threefold increase in BA diffusivity in the stratum corneum, as its concentration increased from tracer levels to saturation. The variable diffusivity model was able to describe the combined observations from the two studies to within an rms error of 4.2% of dose. A method of estimating the diffusion model parameters independently of the experiment was found to yield good agreement with the experimentally-derived values at low and moderate doses. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association
Carex secalina (Cyperaceae), an Introduced Sedge New to North America

Abstract Carex secalina, a species native to eastern Europe and Asia, is reported as a new naturalized member of the North America flora. There are currently seven known populations in North America, all in southeastern New York State. In its native range, it is a species of damp or wet, often saline soils. In North America, it is known to grow predominately in highly disturbed urban habitats, including areas influenced by salt. It currently does not appear to be invasive in North America, but further monitoring is warranted due to its high potential fecundity. The updated Koppen-Geiger climate classification model is used to assess potential regions in North America where C. secalina might grow. Carex secalina is easily distinguished from all other members of the North American flora by a combination of the perigynia being very sharply two-angled and the spikes being pedunculate, especially proximally. Images of the species and its habitat in North America are presented, as are maps showing its distribut...
What goes on behind closed doors: physiological versus pharmacological steroid hormone actions

Steroid hormone-activated receptor proteins are among the best understood class of factors for altering gene transcription in cells. Steroid receptors are of major importance in maintaining normal human physiology by responding to circulating concentrations of steroid in the nM range. Nonetheless, most studies of steroid receptor action have been conducted using the supra-physiological conditions of saturating concentrations (≥100 nM) of potent synthetic steroid agonists. Here we summarize the recent developments arising from experiments using two clinically relevant conditions: subsaturating concentrations of agonist (to mimic the circulating concentrations in mammals) and saturating concentrations of antagonists (which are employed in endocrine therapies to block the actions of endogenous steroids). These studies have revealed new facets of steroid hormone action that could not be uncovered by conventional experiments with saturating concentrations of agonist steroids, such as a plethora of factors/conditions for the differential control of gene expression by physiological levels of steroid, a rational approach for examining the gene-specific variations in partial agonist activity of antisteroids, and a dissociation of steroid potency and efficacy that implies the existence of separate, and possibly novel, mechanistic steps and cofactors.
A Generalization of the Inventory Pooling Effect to Non-Normal Dependent Demand

Eppen (1979) showed that inventory costs in a centralized system increase with the correlation between multivariate normal product demands. Using multivariate stochastic orders, we generalize this statement to arbitrary distributions. We then describe methods to construct models with arbitrary dependence structure, using the copula of a multivariate distribution to capture the dependence between the components of a random vector. For broad classes of distributions with arbitrary marginals, we confirm that centralization or pooling of inventories is more valuable when demands are less positively dependent.
Fingarette on the disease concept of alcoholism

Herbert Fingarette [1] argues that alcoholism is not a disease and that the alleged alcoholic under certain circumstances has the power to control his or her drinking disorders. I shall analyze Fingarette's argument and show that his position rests on some logical and conceptual confusions. In analyzing Fingarette's argument for the self-control theory of drinking disorders I conclude that it is problematic for the following reasons: (1) his argument assumes that the identification of a single cause of alcoholism is a necessary condition of its being a disease; (2) unless it is already assumed (a priori) that persons with drinking disorders possess freedom and self-control to the extent that Fingarette assumes they do, then such persons are likely to suffer from apathy or defeatism regarding their condition; (3) even if Fingarette is correct in his criticism of certain health care programs for those with drinking disorders, it does not follow from this that certain theories about the possible causes of such disorders are false; (4) Fingarette's claim that those with drinking disorders are morally responsible for their actions that result from their disorders is problematic, that is, unless it can be shown that such persons act freely; and (5) Fingarette attempts to support the self-control theory of alcoholism by refuting a ‘straw man’ conception of the disease model of alcoholism.
Social Anxiety and Adolescents’ Friendships: The Role of Social Withdrawal

Research indicates social anxiety is associated with lower friendship quality, but little is known about the underlying mechanisms. This 2-month longitudinal study examined social withdrawal as a m...
GABAA receptor α1 subunit deletion prevents developmental changes of inhibitory synaptic currents in cerebellar neurons

Developmental changes in miniature IPSC (mIPSC) kinetics have been demonstrated previously in cerebellar neurons in rodents. We report that these kinetic changes in mice are determined primarily by developmental changes in GABAA receptor subunit expression. mIPSCs were studied by whole-cell recordings in cerebellar slices, prepared from postnatal day 11 (P11) and P35 mice. Similar to reports in granule neurons, wild-type cerebellar stellate neuron mIPSCs at P11 had slow decay kinetics, whereas P35 mIPSCs decayed five times faster. When mIPSCs in cerebellar stellate neurons were compared between wild-type (+/+) and GABAA receptor α1 subunit-deficient (−/−) littermates at P35, we observed dramatically slower mIPSC decay rates in −/− animals. We took advantage of the greater potency of imidazopyridines for GABA current potentiation with α1 subunit-containing receptors to characterize the relative contribution of α1 subunits in native receptors on inhibitory synapses of cerebellar granule neurons. Zolpidem-induced prolongation of mIPSC decay was variable among distinct cells, but it increased during development in wild-type mice. Similarly, Zolpidem prolongation of mIPSC decay rate was significantly greater in adult +/+ mice than in knock-outs. We propose that an increased α1 subunit assembly in postsynaptic receptors of cerebellar inhibitory synapses is responsible for the fast inhibitory synaptic currents that are normally observed during postnatal development.
Axisymmetric vibration of infinite piezoelectric cylinders using one-dimensional finite elements

A general finite-element analysis for infinite piezoelectric cylinders has been formulated. The classical three-dimensional elasticity equations of motion are used. The dependence on theta , z, and time are included by assuming appropriate trigonometric functions, and the three-dimensional problem is reduced to a one-dimensional finite element with four degrees of freedom per node. The tabulated results are limited to cylinders with stress-free, shorted electrode ( phi =0) boundary conditions at the outside surface of the cylinder. However, solutions for a variety of boundary conditions are possible. Solutions for the piezoelectric cylinder compare favorably with the existing literature. The motion of piezoelectric cylinders with thin coatings is analyzed by modeling the cylinder and thin coating as a layered cylinder. >
Plants for Food and Medicine: Proceedings of the Joint Conference of the Society for Economic Botany and the International Society for Ethnopharmacology

Plants for Food and Medicine: Proceedings of the Joint Conference of the Society for Economic Botany and the International Society for Ethnopharmacology. H. D. V. Prendergast. N. L. Etkin. D. R. Harris. and P. J. Houghton. eds. Kew, Richmond, UK: Scientific Publications Dept., Royal Botanic Gardens, 1998. 438 pp.
Scientific Controversy and the Public Face of Science

This paper is about a puzzle. The puzzlement is a result of reviewing a large number of articles and reports of research on behavior from both genetic and environmental perspectives. Because empirical study of behavior is not study of behavior in general, but of some specific behavior, my own study of this research has concentrated on research on two behaviors: aggression and sexual orientation. I was drawn to the work on aggression by accounts of several conferences on the biology of aggression that took place in the mid-1990s in the United States. These, especially one hosted by the University of Maryland, sparked a storm of protest, both from within the academy and from without. Sexual orientation was chosen in order to have another behavior for comparison, and because it, too, has been an active area recently. My own interest in reviewing this body of work was to understand the dynamics of critical interaction among scientists advocating or employing different approaches to the same problem. Behavioral research provokes a great deal of critical interaction, both in the general public and among scientists, even as many researchers go on about their own business, producing studies employing their own preferred methodologies. Thus, it has seemed a good site for this investigation.1
Stereoselective inhibition of neuronal sodium channels by local anesthetics. Evidence for two sites of action

The objective of this study was to determine if the "tonic," resting inhibition of Na+ channels by local anesthetics results from binding at a site different from that for "phasic," use-dependent inhibition. Stereoselective actions of four local anesthetics were examined in isolated frog peripheral nerve and single Na+ channels. Using the sucrose-gap method on desheathed nerves, four actions of local anesthetics were assayed: 1) tonic depression of compound action potentials at low stimulation frequency (one per minute); 2) phasic depression of the compound action potential during trains of stimulation at 5, 10, and 20 Hz; 3) competitive antagonism of the reversible Na+ channel activator veratridine assayed through the depolarization of the compound resting membrane potential; and 4) depression of the depolarization of the compound resting membrane potential initially induced by the irreversible channel activator batrachotoxin. For assays 1, 2, and 3, all local anesthetics showed a stereoselectivity, where rectus, or (+), enantiomers were more potent than sinister, or (-), enantiomers. In contrast, for the noncompetitive antagonism of veratridine's action and the depression of batrachotoxin-induced depolarization, also a noncompetitive interaction between anesthetic and activator, the (-) enantiomer was more potent than the corresponding (+) enantiomer. Blockade of single Na+ channels activated by batrachotoxin in planar lipid bilayers was also stereoselective for the (-) enantiomer. These findings, along with previously reported voltage-clamp results, can be applied to infer properties of a local anesthetic binding site in activator-free channels. Local anesthetic molecules with more sharply angled shapes have stronger stereoselectivities than less angled, more planar drugs. The inversion of the stereopotency induced by the activators can be explained by either of two mechanisms. There may be two binding sites for local anesthetics, one of high and one of low affinity and of opposite stereoselectivity; activators may change the conformation at the high affinity site, reducing its local anesthetic affinity below that of the usual low affinity site and thereby revealing the pharmacology of the weaker site. Alternatively, only a single binding site may exist and be conformationally altered by activators such that both anesthetic affinity and stereopotency are modified. In activator-free channels, however, a single, high-affinity binding site with a constant stereoselectivity can account for both tonic and phasic inhibition by local anesthetics.