cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Molecular dynamics simulations of the structure of closed tethered membranes

The equilibrium structure of closed self-avoiding tethered vesicles are investigated by molecular dynamics simulations. To allow for local flexibility, the vesicles are constructed by connecting linear chains of n monomers to form a closed membrane. For all n studied, 0≤n≤16, we find that the membranes remain flat. The height fluctuations ∼N ζ , where ζ=0.55±0.02 and N is the total number of monomers in the vesicle. This result for ζ is significantly lower than earlier estimates for open membranes with a free perimeter but is in agreement with recent estimates of Abraham for membranes without a free perimeter. Results for the static structure factor, S(q), are calculated and compared to recent data on red blood cell skeletons
The Origins of Deconstruction. Edited by Martin McQuillan and Ika Willis

The Origins of Deconstruction. Edited by Martin McQuillan and Ika Willis (Hampshire, UK: Palgrave Macmillan, 2010), x + 282 pp. £55.00 cloth. From its “origin,” The Origins of Deconstruction sets i...
You Can't Recover From Suicide: Perspectives on Suicide Education in MSW Programs

Suicide is a profound worldwide public health problem that has received increased attention in recent years. The major federal response, the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention, calls for more suicide education for mental health professionals, including social workers. Little is known about the amount of suicide education in MSW curricula nationwide. This study presents quantitative findings from 2 national surveys of MSW deans and directors and of MSW faculty on suicide education and qualitative findings from a series of faculty focus groups. Results suggest that MSW students receive 4 or fewer hours of suicide education in graduate school, and most deans and faculty do not have plans to increase suicide content. Barriers include lack of faculty expertise, crowded curricula, and other educational priorities. Implications are discussed.
Low pressure SWRO membrane for desalination in the Mega-ton Water System

Abstract Reverse osmosis (RO) technology has been widely applied to water treatment such as seawater desalination, and lots of large plants with RO are in operation in the world. However, global water problems are still getting more serious, and much larger plants will be required to secure sufficient water resource in the near future. Mega-ton Water System project was carried out with the aim of developing key 21st century water treatment technologies for sustainable management of water environment and for low-carbon path. Low pressure RO membrane for seawater desalination has been studied in the project as a part of the core technologies to realize mega plant which is capable of producing 1,000,000 m3 of freshwater per day. Fundamental and scientific research for RO membranes based on fine structure analyses by means of transmission electron microscopy with a special technique for sample preparation was conducted, and practical tools for designing new innovative RO membrane were acquired by the structure analyses to quantify the physicochemical and chemical properties of RO membranes. As the result of studying on structural design of RO membrane, low pressure SWRO membrane which enables to reduce energy consumption compared to conventional ones in the past of SWRO was obtained.
Intracellular SV40 nucleoprotein complexes: Synthesis to encapsidation

Abstract Five forms of SV40 nucleoprotein complexes have been characterized: (i) DNA-replicative intermediates, (ii) a 75 S complex which is the product of replicative forms, (iii) a 200 S previrion structure derived from the 75 S complex shortly after the completion of DNA replication, (iv) 250 S mature virion, and (v) a 75 S complex with accumulates in tsB11-infected cells at the nonpermissive temperature. These complexes were studied by pulse-labeling kinetics of viral DNA and proteins, CsCI gradient analysis, immunoprecipitation with anti-virion antibody, and two-dimensional electrophoretic analysis of the heterogeneity of the major capsid protein. Based upon the results of this study, a biosynthetic pathway for the production and maturation of the SV40 chromosome is proposed. The model involves the gradual addition of virion proteins onto the SV40 75 S chromosome: no capsid proteins are present on the tsB11 75 S complex; 2% of the mature virion VP1 complement and 1% of the VP3 complement are present in the transient wildtype 75 S complex; 84% of the virion VP1 complement, no VP2, and 32% of the VP3 complement are present in the 200 S pre-virion; while the virion contains VP1, VP2, and VP3. The phosphorylation and extent of heterogeneity of the major capsid protein VPI are identical in all of the wildtype SV40 nucleoprotein complexes.
Management of electric motor repair

The purpose of this article is to provide a practical education relating to the successful management of electric motor repair. The recommendations presented and the lessons identified in this article reflect the experience of both a large petrochemical producer and an electric motor manufacturer. With good predictive and preventive maintenance (PPM) money can be saved and motor life can be improved.
Fixed-bed hydrogenation of organic compounds in supercritical carbon dioxide

Abstract The Pd/C hydrogenation of cyclohexene to cyclohexane was performed in a continuous fixed-bed reactor employing CO 2 to solubilize the reaction mixture in a single supercritical (sc) phase surrounding the solid catalyst. Employing an equimolar feed of reactants (cyclohexene and hydrogen) in 90% CO 2 and an olefin space velocity of 20 h −1 , excellent temperature control and stable catalyst activity were demonstrated at 343 K and 13.6 MPa , which represent dense supercritical operating conditions. Total cyclohexane selectivity was observed with its productivity being approximately 16 kg/kg cat/h. Gradual catalyst deactivation (2% loss in cyclohexene conversion per hour) occurred with the as-received cyclohexene feed that typically contained 180 ppm organic peroxides. When these peroxides were mitigated to 6 ppm or less by pretreating the cyclohexene feed through an alumina trap, the catalyst activity was stable with no measurable losses in either surface area or pore volume. Based on prior studies in our laboratory, it has been well established that organic peroxides can catalyze the formation of olefinic oligomers that can adsorb strongly on the catalyst surface and cause deactivation by fouling. No CO was detected in the reactor effluent and no H 2 was observed during the post-run depressurization step, indicating that neither the reverse water–gas shift activity between CO 2 and H 2 nor the formation of Pd formate complexes is significant enough at our operating conditions to deactivate the Pd sites. This conclusion is also supported by the fact that no measurable loss of hydrogenation activity was observed after prolonged (∼35 h ) catalyst exposure to CO 2 +H 2 at reaction conditions. These insights on how to operate an exothermic reaction in scCO 2 with tight temperature control and stable catalyst activity pave the way for systematic fundamental investigations of fixed-bed hydrogenations of functional groups on supported catalysts. Clearly, such investigations are essential for rational design and scaleup of scCO 2 -based hydrogenations.
Novel parallel method for association rule mining on multi-core shared memory systems

ShaFEM: a novel association rule mining method for multi-core shared memory systems.ShaFEM self-adapts to data characteristic to run fast on sparse and dense databases.ShaFEM uses two mining strategies and dynamically switching between them.ShaFEM applies its new lock free solution, new data structure named XFP-tree.ShaFEM is up to 5.8 times faster and 7.1 times less memory than the compared method. Association rule mining (ARM) is an important task in data mining with many practical applications. Current methods for association rule mining have shown unstable performance for different database types and under-utilize the benefits of multi-core shared memory machines. In this paper, we address these issues by presenting a novel parallel method for finding frequent patterns, the most computational intensive phase of ARM. Our proposed method, named ShaFEM, combines two mining strategies and applies the most appropriate one to each data subset of the database to efficiently adapt to the data characteristics and run fast on both sparse and dense databases. In addition, our newlock-free design minimizes the synchronization needs and maximizes the data independence to enhance the scalability. The new structure lends itself well to dynamic job scheduling resulting in a well-balanced load on the new multi-core shared memory architectures. We have evaluated ShaFEM on 12-core multi-socket servers and found that our method run up to 5.8 times faster and consumes memory up to 7.1 times less than the state-of-the-art parallel method. For some test cases, ShaFEM can save up to 4.9days of execution time over the compared method.
ANALYTICAL STUDY OF WIND-TUNNEL ACOUSTIC TESTING OF PROPELLERS

An analytical study based on finite element models is made of the acoustic testing of propellers in a wind-tunnel environment. Features that are considered are the subsonic mean flow, including the effect of a boundary layer; acoustically absorbing wind-tunnel walls; and a lifting line representation of the propeller. The boundary layer is approximated by several layers of uniform mean flow with interlayer boundary conditions forcing continuity of particle displacement. Results are presented as simulated acoustic measurements made at various locations around the propeller in the wind tunnel. Comparisons are made with similar simulated measurements generated by a free-field, finite element model of the same propeller. In the present study, the tunnel Mach number is limited to M = 0.5, only purely resistive wall treatment is used, and relatively thick boundary layers are considered. It is found that acoustic pressures near the propeller and removed from the walls compare well with pressures in a free-field environment.
Response of montane meadow vegetation after two years of streamflow augmentation

Changes in montane meadow vegetation were examined in a previously ephemeral drainage that received flow augmentation as a mitigation measure for a transbasin diversion in southeastern Wyoming. After two years of elevated surface and groundwater levels, the herbaceous vegetation shifted toward more water-tolerant species. Dry meadows became like moist meadows, moist meadows became more like moist-wet meadows, and moist-wet meadows became more like wet meadows. Sedge (Carex spp.) biomass increased from 337 to 456 g m−2 in the wet meadows, while tufted hairgrass (Deschampsia cespitosa) biomass decreased from 18 to 3 g m−2 in the moist-wet meadows. Slimstem reedgrass (Calamagrostis neglecta) remained unchanged in the meadows with shallow standing water, but increased from 17 to 88 stems m−2 in the dry meadows with an elevated water table. Bare ground also increased as much as 31 per cent in the meadows without a defined drainage channel.
An early lesion in hepatic carcinogenesis: Loss of heterozygosity in human cirrhotic livers and dysplastic nodules at the 1p36-p34 region

Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) of chromosome 1 has been suggested, by karyotyping, to be an initial episode in human hepatocarcinogenesis. However, this alteration has not yet been investigated in cirrhotic nodules (CNs) or dysplastic nodules (DNs). In an initial study from explanted or resected cirrhotic livers, LOH in 1p36-p32 was examined in 31 hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs), 25 low-grade dysplastic nodules (LGDNs), and 24 high-grade dysplastic nodules (HGDNs). In HCCs, LOH was detected most frequently at loci D1S2843 (1p36.1) (28.6%), D1S513 (1p34.3) (29.2%), and MYCL1 (1p34.1) (28.6%). In HGDN and LGDN, LOH incidences at D1S513 were 11.1% and 13.6%, respectively. To further refine those results and to determine sequential relationships among CN, DN, and HCC, LOH was next studied in an additional 53 HCCs, 56 HGDNs, 30 LGDNs, and 215 CNs from 11 explanted human cirrhotic livers, including 30 "nodule-in-nodule" lesions. Seven markers between D1S2843 (1p36.12) and MYCL1 (1p34.1), and 1 each at D1S484 (1q24.1), IGF2R-3 (6q26), and TP53 (17p13.1) were used. LOH at D1S2843 and D1S513 was detected in HCCs (20.4% and 23.5%, respectively), HGDNs (7.7% and 18.5%), LGDNs (13.6% and 6.9%), and CNs surrounding either HCCs or DNs (7.4% and 8.3%). These results demonstrate that LOH at D1S2843 and D1S513 are early events in human liver carcinogenesis. Data from CN surrounding either HCCs or DN, and also nodule-in-nodule lesions, provide evidence supporting a CN-->DN-->HCC progression. Different deletion patterns from multiple HCCs and DNs suggest independent origins for carcinogenesis in the same individual.
Binding of interleukin 2 to gangliosides

Abstract Exogenous gangliosides inhibit interleukin 2 (IL2)-dependent growth of a T cell line, AKIL-1.E8. IL2 activity is retained by columns of ganglioside covalently linked to poly(L-lysine)-agarose and is not eluted with ethylene glycol but is completely recovered by elution with 1% SDS. The ability of gangliosides to inhibit IL2 activity is directly related to the complexity of their carbohydrate portion, and related ceramide derivatives at similar concentrations do not inhibit IL2 activity. We conclude that IL2 bound to exogenous gangliosides is inactive and that the carbohydrate portion of the ganglioside is crucial to its interaction with IL2.
A Frequency-Modulation Station Monitor

This paper describes the development, theory, and characteristics of a frequency-modulation station monitor developed in the general engineering laboratory of the General Electric Company. The monitor measures mean carrier frequency with and without modulation and the percentage of frequency modulation as a percentage of 75-kilocycle deviation. In addition, it provides a flasher and alarm circuit for overmodulation adjustable from 50 to 120 per cent and an audio-frequency fidelity monitoring circuit. The paper begins with a discussion of the requirements for frequency-modulation monitors and compares the problems involved with those involved in standard broadcast monitors. Several schemes which were examined for use as a frequency-modulation monitor are briefly described, including counter and frequency-division systems. The principles and design of the final monitor are discussed. The last part of the paper is devoted to a discussion of the salient development problems encountered, to a detailed description of the circuit, and to a discussion of the over-all specifications of the commercial sample.
TH‐A‐116‐09: A Novel Prior‐Knowledge‐Based Optimization Algorithm for Automatic Treatment Planning and Adaptive Radiotherapy Re‐Planning

Purpose: To develop a novel algorithm that takes existing prior‐knowledge information into account in optimization to facilitate automatic treatment planning and adaptive radiotherapy (ART) re‐planning. Methods: We developed an algorithm to automatically create a treatment plan guided by the DVH curves of a reference plan that contains information on the clinician approved dose‐volume trade‐offs among different targets/organs and within the same organ. This method has applications in automatic treatment planning and ART re‐planning. In ART, the reference plan is the initial plan for the same patient, while for automatic treatment planning the reference plan is selected (based on patient similarity) from a library of clinically approved and delivered plans of previously treated patients with similar medical conditions. The proposed algorithm employs a voxel‐based optimization model and approximates the large voxel‐based Pareto surface iteratively. The voxel weights are iteratively adjusted to approach a plan that is similar to the reference plan in terms of the DVHs. If the reference plan is feasible but not Pareto optimal, the algorithm generates a Pareto optimal plan consistent with the reference DVHs. If the reference plan is too restricting, the algorithm generates a Pareto plan with DVHs close to the reference ones. Results: The algorithm was tested using a series of patient cases and found to be able to automatically adjust the voxel‐weighting factors automatically in order to generate a Pareto plan with DVHs similar to the reference plan. The algorithm has been implemented on GPU for high efficiency. Conclusion: A novel prior‐knowledge‐based optimization algorithm has been developed that uses the prior knowledge in optimization process to automatically adjust the voxel weights and generate a clinical optimal plan at high efficiency. It is found that the new algorithm can significantly improve the plan quality and planning efficiency in ART re‐planning and automatic treatment planning.
Thyrotropin-releasing hormone and lysine-bradykinin stimulate arachidonate liberation from rat anterior pituitary cells through different mechanisms.

TRH and lysine-bradykinin (Lys-bradykinin) increase PRL release and arachidonate liberation from anterior pituitary cells. We investigated whether the arachidonate liberation stimulated by TRH and Lys-bradykinin originates in pituitary lactotropes and whether these events are accomplished through similar mechanisms. Lys-bradykinin and TRH rapidly (0.5 min) increased the intracellular [3H]arachidonate content of rat anterior pituitary cells. Lys-bradykinin also increased [3H]arachidonate liberation and PRL release from lactotrope-enriched pituitary cells, but not from a pituitary cell preparation with a diminished number of lactotropes. In contrast, TRH increased [3H]arachidonate liberation from both lactotrope-enriched and lactotrope-diminished preparations; this increased [3H]arachidonate liberation stimulated by TRH in the lactotrope-diminished cells may originate in the thyrotropes. The effects of TRH and Lys-bradykinin on [3H]arachidonate and [14C]stearate liberation in perfused pituitary cells also w...
Scattering by a pair of potential energy barriers: tests of numerical software

Abstract We present model problems for scattering in one dimension described by a pair of coupled differential equations with asymptotic boundary conditions at ±∞. We demonstrate how the scattering matrices can be constructed from the scattering matrices of previously-solved single potential barrier problems. The coupled differential equations of the model problems are useful in testing numerical software.
Spin glass on the finite-connectivity lattice: The replica solution without replicas.

We show how to derive equations for the local-effective-field distribution on a Bethe lattice (with appropriate boundary conditions) or on a random lattice with fixed (or average) finite connectivity when many thermodynamic states coexist. The method generalizes the cavity method to the finite-connectivity case and exhibits the correct equations for the instantaneous magnetic field at a given site. A comparison with previous results of Mottishaw and Thouless near the spin-glass transition is made.
Community Family Therapy with Military Families Experiencing Deployment

The length and frequency of deployments in the current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are associated with increased vulnerability for both part- and full-time military families who stand to benefit from systems-oriented practice by marriage and family therapists. Community Family Therapy (CFT) is a modality designed to promote resilience both within and beyond the four walls of the therapy room, facilitate family connections in the community, and empower them for local leadership. The effects of deployment on families are summarized and CFT principles are adapted as a framework for intervention with this population.
High throughput drug discovery with ESI-FTICR

Abstract Ribonucleic acids (RNA) are an attractive target for drug discovery since they play critical roles in cellular functions. Because small structured subdomains are known to mimic the behavior of the entire RNA, it is possible to design RNA drug targets that are amenable to interrogation by high performance mass spectrometry. We have developed a high throughput drug discovery platform that uses electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron mass spectrometry to investigate ligand binding to structured RNA drug targets. This assay is called multitarget affinity/specificity screening (MASS). Using MASS, we show that it is possible to screen synthetic and natural product libraries in a high throughput and robust manner.
Enterprise‐level training in developing countries: do international standards matter?*

Several studies have examined the determinants of training in developing countries but few have paid attention to the potential importance of international standards such as ISO 9000 or ISO 14000 on the firm's training decision. This article examines training determinants using recent employer surveys for five developing countries: Ethiopia, Honduras, Indonesia, Morocco and Nicaragua. It finds that ISO certification status is an important determinant of training, even after controlling for other characteristics such as workers’ formal schooling, firm size, industry and foreign ownership. This points toward the importance of international standards, including product quality and production standards, for firm training. The article also discusses policy implications related to the findings and provides directions for further research.
G.P.233

SMA is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by progressive degeneration of anterior horn cells of the spinal cord resulting in hypotonia, skeletal muscle atrophy, and weakness. Neuroblastoma is the most common cancer, and extracranial solid cancer in childhood, arising from any neural crest element of the sympathetic nervous system. A 4-month-old male infant presented with abdominal mass, and hypotonia. Phenotype was consistent with SMA type I, and diagnosis was further confirmed with SMN1 gene deletion. A tru-cut biopsy from the mass was compatible with the diagnosis of neuroblastoma histologically. The tumor had no amplification of N-myc, but had loss of chromosome 1p36, and gain of chromosome 17q25. There are only a few case reports of SMA type II and/or III with alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. Studies with neuroblastoma × spinal cord hybrid cell lines which are used as a model for developing motor neuron revealed that, SMN1 gene is the key regulator of nuclear architecture in differentiating neuroblastoma cells. Cells unable to sufficiently increase their SMN levels may differentiate less efficiently, and be susceptible to damage or death. One speculation can be, SMN1 deletion in SMA may lead to incomplete differentiation of neurons, and decreased viability of cells and immature forms may escape apoptosis, which can develop malign transformation. Nevertheless, regarding the lack of evidence, the coexistence of these two pathologies may still be a coincidence. The follow-up of this patient is challenging in terms of the natural history of SMA type I, and decisions for chemotherapy protocols.
Predicting Count Loss in Modern Positron-Emission Tomography Systems

The purpose of the data-acquisition electronics for any positron-emission tomography (PET) system is to detect and digitally encode annihilation events as they occur. Individual elements of the electronics are placed in parallel or cascade to organize the event information for subsequent processing. Each element is parameterized with a count loss L which is the fraction of events lost due to dead time (encoding delays, etc.) or data overflow in queueing circuits. This is an important parameter because the sensitivity of the tomograph in proportional to (1-L). The authors have categorized processing elements according to five device types. For each type, they find an expression for count loss. Some mathematical models that have appeared in the literature are applicable. These are extended here to include other devices, such as bank encoders and time-to-digital converters (TDC), with coincidence time resolving circuitry. Because some PET systems will have devices that do not fall into these categories, the authors show the derivations of the loss expressions so that one could easily extend their models with parallel derivations for other device types. In addition to PET systems, one should also be able to apply their results to other types of instruments which count random events.more » Although they concentrate mainly on count loss, they also briefly discuss the evaluation of other metrics of counting efficiency, which are the fraction of miscoded events and the fraction of ''random coincidence'' events.« less
On the joins of hensel rings

It is a theorem of Schmidt [6] that a field which is henselian with respect to two distinct discrete valuations is separably algebraically closed. This result has been extended by Neukirch [5] in his beautiful characterization of the field of algebraic p-adic numbers by grouptheoric data. We prove an analog of Schmidt's theorem for henselizations of arbitrary commutative rings. It grew out of some stimulating discussions with H. Epp, E. Friedlander, and J. Neukirch, in which the general ideas were worked out. Let A be a commutative ring, and let p be a prime ideal of A. We denote by A~ h and A~ ~ the henselization and strict localization of A at p. Thus the strict localization is the limit of finite, etale, local A J ~ algebras; it is a henselian ring with separably closed residue field (el. [1, VII). Given two subrings A 1 , A 2 of a ring R, we call the ring they generate in R their join, and we denote it by [A 1 , A2]. Our result (2.2) is as follows: Let A be a normal integral domain with prime ideals p, q. Let Ap h, Aq ~ be embedded into the algebraic closure R of the field of fractions of A. Then the join [A~ n, Aq n] is henselian. If neither prime contains the other, then the join is a strictly local ring (2.5). Note that if A is a dedekind domain, then the first assertion is trivial, and the second is essentially Schmidt's theorem. In order to get a feeling for the first assertion in higher dimension, one can compare it to the case of ordinary localization: If say p, q are primes corresponding to distinct rational points in the affine plane Spec k[x,y], then the join of the localizations [A~, Aq] is a dedekind domain having one maximal ideal
A hybrid experimental/numerical technique to extract cohesive fracture properties for mode-I fracture of quasi-brittle materials

We propose a hybrid technique to extract cohesive fracture properties of a quasi-brittle (not exhibiting bulk plasticity) material using an inverse numerical analysis and experimentation based on the optical technique of digital image correlation (DIC). Two options for the inverse analysis were used—a shape optimization approach, and a parameter optimization for a potential-based cohesive constitutive model, the so-called PPR (Park-Paulino-Roesler) model. The unconstrained, derivative free Nelder-Mead algorithm was used for optimization in the inverse analysis. The two proposed schemes were verified for realistic cases of varying initial guesses, and different synthetic and noisy displacement field data. As proof of concept, both schemes were applied to a Polymethyl-methacrylate (PMMA) quasi-static crack growth experiment where the near tip displacement field was obtained experimentally by DIC and was used as input to the optimization schemes. The technique was successful in predicting the applied load-displacement response of a four point bend edge cracked fracture specimen.
The effects of methamphetamine on behavior and on the uptake, release and metabolism of norepinephrine☆

Abstract The use of different dose-response schedules may be responsible for conflicting reports between changes in behavior and norepinephrine metabolism in brain following the administration of amphetamine. Therefore, the effects of methamphetamine on the levels of endogenous norepinephrine and on the metabolism of tritiated (3H) norepinephrine in brain were studied after different dose regimens and post medication intervals. Various time intervals after the intraperitoneal injection of methamphetamine (5 mg/kg) norepinephrine-3H was injected into the cisterna magna of rats. Five min later, the brains were removed and assayed for endogenous norepinephrine, tritiated norepinephrine and its metabolites (normetanephrine, deaminated catechols and O-methylated deaminated catechols). Uptake of norepinephrine-3H was inhibited at 0·5 and 1·0 hr, returned to control levels at 2 hr and exceed these levels at 5 hr. Both tritiated deaminated catechol and O-methylated deaminated metabolite levels were decreased at 0·5 and 1 hr but approached control levels when determined 5 hr post methamphetamine administration. Normetanephrine-3H levels were highest (220 per cent of control) at 0·5 hr, then decreased at each successive test time to 130 per cent control level at 7 hr. Endogenous levels of norepinephrine were increased for the first hour and then fell to 85 per cent of control levels at 3 hr. When norepinephrine-3H was injected prior to methamphetamine administration, no significant release of the labeled amine occurred until 7 hr after the administration of the drug. In these release tudies, as was seen in the uptake studies, decreased levels of deaminated catechol-3H and increased normetanephrine-3H levels occurred although norepinephrine-3H levels were not significantly lowered. This supports the hypothesis that methamphetamine interferes with the deamination of norepinephrine by monoamine oxidase. Changes in behavioral ratings had a time course similar to alterations in norepinephrine-3H uptake and metabolism. A high correlation was found between the changes in behavior and normetanephrine-3H levels. It is clear from these data that to properly evaluate interrelationships between drug effects on metabolism and behavior, it is essential to compare several dose-response schedules rather than using a single arbitrary regimen.
The effects of cascade length, kinetics and feedback loops on biological signal transduction dynamics in a simplified cascade model.

How intracellular signals are propagated with appropriate strength, duration and fidelity over time is poorly understood. To address these issues, intracellular signal transduction was studied both analytically and numerically using a simplified cascade model. The main observations can be summarized as follows: when the response kinetics is of the Michaelis–Menten type, the signal strength will always reach the same magnitude as the cascade length increases, regardless of the type of stimulus applied (i.e. either continuous or unitary pulse). However, when the response kinetics is of the Hill type (Hill coefficient >1), there exists a stimulation threshold. If the stimulus is below the threshold, the signal decays toward zero; in contrast, if the stimulus is above the threshold, the signal amplitude reaches a nonzero steady state. The time taken for the signal to proceed through the cascade increases as the half-maximum point, or Hill coefficient, increases, whereas the duration of the output signal at the end of the cascade decreases as the half-maximum point increases. In the presence of positive feedback, the stimulation threshold increases; under these conditions, the feedback strength necessary for bistability changes (with power-law characteristics) inversely related to the length of the cascade. In the presence of negative feedback, oscillations are induced when the Hill coefficient is greater than 1 and the cascade has more than two steps. Likewise, the feedback strength required to generate oscillations changes (again with power-law characteristics) inversely with the length of the cascade.
To cut, to split, to touch, to eat, as of a body or a text

We shall therefore star the text, separating, in the manner of a minor earthquake, the blocks of signification of which reading grasps only the smooth surface … Roland Barthes, S/Z, An Essay 13 Yes...
The Schlieren Method Applied to Flow Visualization in a Water Tunnel

The adaption of the schlieren method for the purpose of observing flow in water is a recent development at the Garfield Thomas Water Tunnel. Flow is shown over an opening and over a semicylinder for a range of Reynolds numbers of 2.5 × 104 to 25 × 104 . The relative effects of temperature and pressure as they affect the index of refraction are treated. The relative persistency of a temperature gradient in air and water is considered, and the relative effects in air and water of a chosen density gradient are calculated.
Receptor-mediated stimulatory effect of IL-1 beta on hyaluronic acid and proteoglycan biosynthesis by cultured rat ovarian cells: role for heterologous cell-cell interactions

An increasing body of information supports the possibility that intraovarian interleukin (IL)-1 may play an intermediary role in gonadotropin-triggered ovulation. To further evaluate this hypothesis, we have examined the effect of IL-1 beta on ovarian proteoglycan/glycosaminoglycan economy, an established corollary of the preovulatory cascade. Rat ovarian cells were metabolically labeled with [35S]sulfate and [3H]glucosamine for 48h in the absence or presence of IL-1 beta, with or without an IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra). At the conclusion of this treatment period, total 35S and 3H incorporation into cell-associated and extracellular proteoglycan/glycosaminoglycan species was determined. Treatment of whole ovarian dispersates with IL-1 beta (10 ng/ml) produced substantial increments in the accumulation of extracellular macromolecular material [11.5-, 2.9- and 2.6-fold for hyaluronic acid (HA), heparan sulfate (HS) and dermatan sulfate (DS) proteoglycans, respectively]. In contrast, only modest increments (< or = 1.7-fold) were noted for IL-1 beta-treated granulosa cells (GC), theca-interstitial cells (TC), or 4:1 co-cultures (GC/TC) thereof. Treatment of whole ovarian dispersates with IL-1 beta also resulted in significant (P < 0.001) increments in the cell-associated accumulation of both HA (6.0-fold increase) and DS proteoglycans (3.4-fold increase). However, the cell-associated accumulation of HS proteoglycan was not significantly affected by IL-1 beta regardless of the cellular preparation under study. The concurrent provision of IL-1ra (5 micrograms/ml) all but neutralized the IL-1 beta effect on HA biosynthesis thereby suggesting mediation by specific ovarian IL-1 receptor(s). Taken together, these observations suggest that treatment of ovarian cells with IL-1 beta results in an overall increase in macromolecular biosynthesis as well as in redistribution favoring extracellular HA and DS (but not HS) proteoglycans. Moreover, since whole ovarian dispersates proved more responsive to IL-1 than isolated cellular components thereof, the present observations suggest an obligatory requirement for heterologous cell-cell interaction without which optimal HA or proteoglycan biosynthesis may not be realized. These observations along with the demonstration of IL-1-mediated amplification of gonadotropin-triggered ovulation provide strong indirect support for the view that IL-1 may be the centerpiece of an intraovarian regulatory loop concerned with the promotion of key periovulatory events.
Postnatal growth and fatty acid synthesis in overgrown rat pups induced by fetal hyperinsulinemia.

Fetal hyperinsulinemia in the rat results in increased body weight, lipid content, and enhanced lipogenesis in liver and carcass. The purpose of our study was to determine whether the macrosomia and enhancement of fatty acid (FA) synthesis and/or content persisted postnatally in this animal model. Fetal hyperinsulinemia was produced in Sprague-Dawley rats by injecting fetuses with 2 units of insulin at 20.5 days fo gestation. Alternate pups in the same litter were injected with saline. Pups were delivered surgically at 22.5 days of gestation, were weighed daily and sacrificed on day 15. FA content and synthesis rates of liver and skeletal muscle were measured. We found: (1) At birth, insulin-treated pups were 12% heavier than saline littermates, (5.88 ± 0.14 g v 5.26 ± 0.14 g, P < .01); and (2) The enhanced growth associated with prenatal insulin treatment persisted during the suckling period, ie, compared with saline-treated controls, insulin pups were 15.7% heavier at 15 days of age (P < .01); growth velocity of insulin pups, beginning on day 3, significantly exceeded that of control pups (P < .05). FA contents of liver and muscle in insulin pups, (62.6 ± 5.7 μmol/g and 62.7 ± 13.2 μmol/g) were significantly greater (P < .05) than in saline littermates (45.1 ± 5.6 μmol/g and 30.2 ± 4.7 μmol/g, respectively). We conclude that: (1) Neonatal overgrowth in pups treated prenatally with insulin is not an evanescent condition; and (2) Although elevated FA contents in liver and muscle of insulin-treated pups were observed, the FA synthesis rates in these organs were similar, thus, the precise mechanism for the elevated FA content in these organs remains unclear and needs further investigation.
Membrane antigens of murine leukaemia cells.

THE membranes of lymphoid cells from tumours induced by oncornaviruses are antigenically altered. The new surface antigen(s) are readily recognised by isologous (histocompatible) hosts which mount both cellular and humoral immune responses1,2. It is essential to know whether or not antigens induced by the various strains of murine leukaemia viruses (MuLV) are cross-reacting immunologically.
Male mate choice and female receptivity lead to reproductive interference

Mating between species is common, but seldom adaptive. Mate preferences and receptivity to mating attempts may both contribute to such matings, also called reproductive interference. Here, we tested the hypothesis that both male mate preference for female body size and female receptivity contribute to reproductive interference between two secondarily sympatric insect species. In north-central Florida, the squash bug Anasa tristis co-occurs with a recently introduced, smaller congener, Anasa andresii. Male A. andresii are frequently found copulating with larger female A. tristis in the field. We found that male A. andresii prefer larger heterospecific females over conspecific females, that female A. tristis accept some mating attempts by heterospecific males, and that female A. tristis are more promiscuous with conspecifics than are female A. andresii. Our findings suggest that both male mate choice and female receptivity contribute to mating between these species.
Postinjection Nonvasomotor Reactions During Chrysotherapy

During gold sodium thiomalate (GST) therapy, 15% of 100 unselected patients described recurring post-injection reactions (PIRs), consisting of transient stiffness, arthralgias, myalgias, and constitutional symptoms. Six patients with more severe reactions requested discontinuation of chrysotherapy and for these, gold thioglucose (GTG) substitution abolished or amelioriated the reactions. The major significance of the PIR is that it may be a frequent cause of unwarranted premature abandonment of chrysotherapy.
Filter assay technique and quench-flow experiments: examples of receptor-mediated transmembrane ion-exchange measured with membrane vesicles

Modifications to a quench-flow apparatus are described which allow a rapid, in-line filter assay with immediate washing, in conditions to give minimum background. A design for an effluent spout is presented, which decelerates the liquid by a large factor, prevents splashes, limits the area of the filter exposed to the sample and allows an immediate wash over a larger area. A design for a filter assay funnel for general use is also presented. These devices feature minimal contact of the funnels with the filter disc. Examples are given in which in-line filtration was used to follow transmembrane ion flux in membrane vesicle preparations. In measurements of transmembrane flux with membrane vesicles and radioisotope the filter assay background can be resolved into three components. These are, (1) the uptake of radioactivity by the filter, (2) the radioactivity inside the vesicles not taking part in the specific measurement and (3) the occlusion of radioactivity in aggregated membrane particles on the filter. These different components depend on the conditions in different ways. Techniques for minimizing the background in filter assays are discussed. The importance of rapid filtration and immediate washing is demonstrated. The examples given illustrate that the function of the acetylcholine receptor from E. electricus is not affected by diisopropylfluorophosphate in the conditions used, and that added GABA is not removed from solution in a brain membrane preparation by the GABA uptake mechanisms in the short times of the experiments.
Toward a complete metrologic solution for the mirrors for the Constellation-X Spectroscopy x-ray telescope

We present an overview update of the metrologic approach to be employed for the segmented mirror fabrication for Constellation-X spectroscopy x-ray telescope. We compare results achieved to date with mission requirements. This is discussed in terms of inherent capability versus in-practice capability. We find that all the needed metrics for the mirrors are in hand but that they are currently limited by the mounting of the mirrors themselves.
The Low-Lying Electronic States of Pentacene and Their Roles in Singlet Fission

We present a detailed study of pentacene monomer and dimer that serves to reconcile extant views of its singlet fission. We obtain the correct ordering of singlet excited- state energy levels in a pentacene molecule (E (S1 )< E (D)) from multireference calculations with an appropriate active orbital space and dynamical correlation being incorporated. In order to understand the mechanism of singlet fission in pentacene, we use a well-developed diabatization scheme to characterize the six low-lying singlet states of a pentacene dimer that approximates the unit cell structure of crystalline pentacene. The local, single-excitonic diabats are not directly coupled with the important multiexcitonic state but rather mix through their mutual couplings with one of the charge-transfer configurations. We analyze the mixing of diabats as a function of monomer separation and pentacene rotation. By defining an oscillator strength measure of the coherent population of the multiexcitonic diabat, essential to singlet fission, we find this population can, in principle, be increased by small compression along a specific crystal direction.
Analytical Solution for Flexural Response of Epoxy Resin Materials

AbstractA piecewise linear parametric uniaxial stress-strain approach has been used to obtain the closed form nonlinear moment curvature response on the basis of strain compatibility in bending for epoxy resin materials. The stress-strain curves, consisting of a bilinear ascending curve followed by strain softening and constant plastic flow in tension and compression, are described by two main parameters, with an additional five nondimensional tensile and seven nondimensional compressive parameters. The main parameters are the modulus of elasticity and strain at the proportional elastic limit point in tension. Parametric studies show that ultimate tensile stress and compressive yield stresses and tension and compression flow stresses have the highest effects on flexural load carrying capacity. Moment curvature equations, in conjunction with softening localization and static equilibrium conditions, were used to simulate the flexural load-deflection response of a beam under three-point bending (3PB) conditi...
Flux Flummoxed: A Proposal for Consistent Usage

I would like to bring to the attention of the hydrogeology community an ongoing inconsistency in the published literature concerning the use of the term flux. The definition of flux that is most pertinent to Ground Water readers comes from the field of transport phenomena, where the flux of some quantity (e.g., mass, energy, momentum, entropy) is defined as the flow rate of that quantity per unit area. For example, a mass flow rate, which has SI units of kg/s, when referenced to a unit area, results in mass flux having SI units of kg/(m2 s). Because this definition includes a direction (i.e., the surface normal of the unit area), flux is a vector. I would like to propose that the community agrees to consistently use this definition in technical presentations, published literature, and, most importantly, classrooms. To support this proposal, I first present details on the two primary definitions of flux currently used in physics, describe the fluxes most commonly found in hydrogeology, continue with a brief history of the usage of the term flux, and then give some examples of uses that are either incorrect or confusing.
Acute calcineurin inhibition with tacrolimus increases phosphorylated UT-A1.

UT-A1, the urea transporter present in the apical membrane of the inner medullary collecting duct, is crucial to the kidney's ability to concentrate urine. Phosphorylation of UT-A1 on serines 486 a...
After the ribosome structure: how does translocation work?

Structures of the ribosomal large and small subunits have been solved to atomic resolution by X-ray crystallography. These structures provide a new foundation to address the complex process of protein biosynthesis by the ribosome. Translocation of the tRNA–mRNA complex is one of the most fascinating tasks performed by the ribosome. The impact of the crystal structures in understanding the molecular mechanism of translocation is highlighted in this review. As recently as the mid-1990s, obtaining high-resolution structure of the ribosome was considered to be an impossible dream. Today, it is feasible for anybody with a personal computer to download and view atomic resolution structures of both ribosomal subunits (Ban et al. 2000; Schluen
Two classes of convolutional codes over GF(q) for q-ary orthogonal signaling

Two classes of nonbinary convolutional codes for error control in communication systems employing q-ary orthogonal signaling are discussed. These classes include as special cases, the dual-k codes and the codes treated by B.D. Trumpis (1975). The types of code, extensions of previous bounds on free distance, the noncatastrophic condition for these codes, and conditions for catastrophic error propagation are described. Codes obtained by a computer search, optimal in that the truncated transfer function bound on the probability of symbol error is minimized, are presented. It is shown how good convolutional codes can be constructed from cyclic block codes. The performance of some of these codes over additive white Gaussian noise channels, Rayleigh channels, and partial-band interference channels is also discussed. >
Matrix summability of Fourier series based on inclusion theorems

Let denote the Fourier series expansion of a function . Fever's celebrated theorem states that the series is summable (C, 1) at each point of continuity of f, where (C, 1) denotes the Cesaro method of summability of order 1. Riesz extended this result to (C, α) for each α > 0. Since then many authors have established sufficient conditions on various methods of summability to guarantee similar results. Over the years the pattern has been to strive for weaker conditions on the matrix, and to replace the condition of continuity on the function by a less stringent one. Theorems have been proved not only for the summability of f, but the summability of the derived series, and other series, related to f. Beginning with the work of Hille and Tamarkin[13], many of the theorems have been extended to absolute summability.