cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pathways to adolescent health sleep regulation and behavior.

Abstract There are several converging reasons to focus on sleep regulation in relation to healthy adolescent development: (a) Sleep appears to be particularly important during periods of brain maturation; (b) there are substantial biological and psychosocial changes in sleep and circadian regulation exist across pubertal development; (c) interactions between physical and psychosocial domains can lead to dramatic alterations in sleep patterns and habits during adolescence; (d) increasing evidence that many adolescents frequently obtain insufficient sleep exists; (e) there is mounting evidence that sleep deprivation has its greatest negative effects on the control of behavior, emotion, and attention , a regulatory interface that is critical in the development of social and academic competence, and psychiatric disorders; (f) the most obvious direct health consequences of insufficient sleep are high-risk behaviors associated with substance abuse and automobile accidents; (g) substantial evidence for bidirectional effects between sleep and behavioral/emotional regulation exists. Although the past decade has seen research progress in these areas, there continue to be major gaps in existing knowledge and a paucity of well-controlled studies to guide specific health policy decisions and recommendations regarding sleep in adolescence. In particular, there is need for improved understanding of the acute and chronic effects of inadequate sleep in adolescents, guidelines for defining adequate sleep in adolescents, and a better delineation of the links among sleep, behavior, and affect regulation. Finally, this paper briefly examines one specific application of this knowledge area regarding early starting times among some high schools
Spatial organization of soil nematode communities in urban landscapes: Taylor's Power Law reveals life strategy characteristics

Abstract It is well known that Taylor's power law describes spatial aggregation, but its ecological interpretation remains elusive. Here we used data on spatial organization of soil nematode communities in urban landscapes to test relationships between nematode life history characteristics and the power law aggregation indicator, b . Forty seven genera of soil inhabiting nematodes were identified from 360 samples taken from turfgrass lawns at three public schools located in each of three northeast Ohio cities in July and October 2007. The nematodes were classified according to their life-styles in three life history classifications: trophic group, colonizer-persistor (cp) class, and functional guild, a combination of trophic group and cp-class. Estimates of Taylor's b for 28 more common genera ranged from 1.21 to 2.34. Estimates of b for trophic group, cp-class and functional guild ranged from 1.41 to 2.10, 1.34 to 1.97 and 1.41 to 2.39, respectively. Segregating genera by their trophic group, cp-class and functional guild each accounted for as much inter-genus variation in Taylor's power law as fitting 28 separate regressions. The improvements of fit in parallel line analyses for the three life-style categories over 28 lines for individual genera were highly significant. Bacterial- and plant-feeding groups were more highly aggregated than omnivorous and predatory nematodes. Nematodes in cp-classes 1 and 2 tended to be more aggregated than those in higher cp-classes. The functional guilds were generally more highly aggregated than individual genera, suggesting a higher degree of aggregation at the functional guild level. We conclude that nematode genera vary in their spatial organizations, but membership in a cp-class and functional guild accounts for much of this variability. Thus, Taylor's power law aggregation indicator, b , is sensitive to nematode feeding habits and life strategy traits as they influence a population's pattern of spatial organization.
Growth factor-independent expression of the gene encoding eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E in transformed cell lines

Activation of protein synthesis is necessary for the transition of cells from quiescence to proliferation, while withdrawal of growth factors leads to decrease in protein synthesis and transition of normal cells into the resting period. It is shown in this paper that serum growth factors are required for activation of expression of gene encoding translation initiation factor 4E (eIF-4E) in non-transformed NIH 3T3 and Rat-1 fibroblasts but this requirement is lost in C6 glioblastoma, A431 carcinoma and N-myc transformed Rat-1 cells. These data raise the possibility that neoplastic transformation leads to growth factor-independent expression of eIF-4E, thus facilitating continuous growth and replication of transformed cells.
Structure and function of a human insulin-like growth factor-I gene promoter.

We have identified and characterized a promoter regulatory region for the human insulin-like growth factor-l (IGF-I) gene. The 5′-ends of IGF-I mRNAs were first mapped to a series of sites within a 158- nucleotide portion of exon 1 that was found to be structurally similar to the recently delineated transcription start region of the chicken IGF-I gene. In both species multiple initiation sites are probably a reflection of the absence of typical transcriptional regulatory signals, such as a TATA or CCAAT box, in the proximal promoter, although neither gene sequence resembles a GC-rich housekeeping promoter, which also controls a dispersed initiation region. To test promoter function, hybrid genes were constructed linking human IGF-I DNA to a promoterless reporter plasmid. Fusion genes containing from 385-4300 nucleotides of the IGF-I 5′- flanking region enhanced luciferase activity after transfection into the IGF-l-producing SK-N-MC cell line. A plasmid with 1630 nucleotides of 5′-DNA gave maximal activity...
The Arctic as a trigger for glacial terminations

We propose a hypothesis to explain the very abrupt terminations that end most of the glacial episodes. During the last glaciation, the buildup and southerly expansion of large continental ice-sheets in the Northern Hemisphere and extensive cover of sea ice in the N. Pacific and the N. Atlantic imposed a much more zonal climatic circulation system than exists today. We hypothesize that this, in combination with the frigid (dry) polar air led to a significant decrease in freshwater runoff into the Arctic Ocean. In addition the freshwater contribution of the fresher Pacific water was completely eliminated by the emergence of the Bering Strait (sill depth 50 m). As the Arctic freshwater input was depleted, regions of the Arctic Ocean lost surface stability and eventually overturned, bringing warmer deep water to the surface where it melted the overlying sea ice. This upwelled water was quickly cooled and sank as newly formed deep water. For sustained overturn events, such as might have occurred during the peak of very large glacial periods (i.e. the last glacial maximum), the voluminous deep water formed would eventually overflow into the Nordic Seas and North Atlantic necessitating an equally voluminous rate of return flow of warmer surface waters from the North Atlantic thus breaking down the Arctic's zonal isolation, melting the expansive NA sea ice cover and initiating oceanic heating of the atmosphere over the ice-sheets bordering the NA. We suggest that the combined effect of these overturn-induced events in concert with a Milankovitch warming cycle, was sufficient to drive the system to a termination. We elaborate on this proposed sequence of events, using the model for the formation of the Weddell Sea polynya as proposed by Martinson et al. (1981) and various, albeit sparse, data sets from the circum-Arctic region to apply and evaluate this hypothesis to the problem of glacial terminations.
A general sufficiency theorem for minimax control

This paper considers optimal control problems where there is uncertainty in the differential equations describing the system. A minimax optimality criterion is used, and sufficient conditions for a control to be a minimax control are presented. These conditions are more general than those given in Refs. 1 and 2.
Chirp reduction and bandwidth enhancement for direct current modulation in an optically injected semiconductor laser

A directly modulated semiconductor laser when subject to optical injection locking is experimentally investigated. The modulation bandwidth is observed to increase when the laser is injection-locked to an external optical signal. It enhances with increasing injection strength and positively increasing detuning frequency. A more than three fold of bandwidth enhancement is observed experimentally. The frequency chirping is observed to reduce in the injection-locked laser system. It reduces significantly at low modulation frequency and increases with modulation frequency, approaching to that of the laser in free-running condition at high modulation frequency. More importantly, simultaneous bandwidth enhancement and chirp reduction is experimentally achieved.
Implementation and Validation of Planar Soft Tissue Structural Constitutive Model

Constitutive modeling is of fundamental important for numerical simulation and analysis of soft biological tissues. The mechanical behaviors of soft tissues are usually highly nonlinear and anisotropic. The complex behavior is the results from the interaction of tissue microstructure. By incorporating information of fiber orientation and distribution at tissue microscopic scale, the structural model avoids ambiguities in material characterization. Moreover, structural models produce much more information than just simple stress-strain results, but can provide much insight into how soft tissues internally reorganize to external loads by adjusting their internal microstructure. Moreover, it is only through simulation of an entire organ system can such information be derived and provide insight into physiological function. However, accurate implementation and rigorous validation of these models remains very limited. In the present study we implemented a structural constitutive model into a commercial finite element package. The structural model was verified against experiential test data for native bovine pericardium and fetal membrane. In addition to prediction of the mechanical response, we demonstrate how a structural model can provide deeper insights into fiber reorientation and fiber recruitment.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Magnetic structure in Fe/Sm-Co exchange spring bilayers with intermixed interfaces

The depth profile of the intrinsic magnetic properties in an Fe/Sm-Co bilayer fabricated under nearly optimal spring-magnet conditions was determined by complementary studies of polarized neutron reflectometry and micromagnetic simulations. We found that at the Fe/Sm-Co interface, the magnetic properties change gradually at the length scale of 8 nm. In this intermixed interfacial region, the saturation magnetization and magnetic anisotropy are lower and the exchange stiffness is higher than values estimated from the model based on a mixture of Fe and Sm-Co phases. Therefore, the intermixed interface yields superior exchange coupling between the Fe and Sm-Co layers, but at the cost of average magnetization.
A short proof of Totten's classification of restricted linear spaces

A restricted linear space is one which satisfies (b−v)2≤v, where b is the number of lines and v is the number of points. In 1976, Totten classified all restricted linear spaces as being of essentially three types. In this paper we give a short, self-contained proof of this result. Our approach is greatly simplified by the use of techniques from linear algebra.
Recent advances in trace explosives detection instrumentation

There has been a huge increase in instrument development for trace detection of explosives in the past 3 years. This is especially true for methods that can be used at a stand off distance, driven by the frightening increase in the use of improvised explosive devices in both suicide and road side bombings. This review attempts to outline and enumerate these recent developments, with details about the improvements made as well as where further improvements might come.
Combined Sonographic Testing Index and Prediction of Adverse Outcome in Preterm Fetal Growth Restriction

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a significant contributor to perinatal morbidity and mortality.1 Following a diagnosis of FGR, the goal of prenatal care is close surveillance of the pregnancy with the aim of avoiding intra-uterine fetal death and other adverse prenatal and neonatal outcomes.2 The ideal protocol for monitoring these high-risk pregnancies and the optimal trigger for delivery is still controversial.3,4 This problem is compounded by the potential risk of iatrogenic neonatal morbidity and mortality in the preterm period secondary to early delivery. One major limitation influencing identification of the best antenatal test for timing the delivery of the preterm FGR pregnancy involves the poor predictive ability of the currently available antenatal surveillance modalities. While some have depended on the biophysical profile (BPP) for monitoring these pregnancies, this test has been shown to be limited in the prediction of adverse outcomes in preterm FGR.5 Others have proposed Doppler surveillance of these cases. However, the results of the only randomized trial addressing delivery timing of the preterm fetus with FGR (GRIT study) also demonstrated the limitations of Doppler assessments.6.7 The GRIT study enrolled FGR singletons or twins between 24–36 weeks if the responsible clinician was uncertain about delivery timing and umbilical artery Doppler had been recorded. Randomization was to immediate delivery (within 48 hours allowing for steroid administration), or delay until the physician felt delivery could no longer be safely deferred. The main outcome measures were perinatal mortality and Griffith’s developmental quotient at age 2. Over 500 women were recruited in the study. 6 Deaths prior to discharge were identical in both groups and total cesarean sections for delivery were more frequent when immediate delivery was required. Ninety-eight percent completed 2 year follow up which showed comparable rate of death or disability (16–19%) in both arms.7 In this study, we sought to test the hypothesis that combining features of the biophysical profile (BPP) and multi-vessel Doppler evaluation into a single combined sonographic testing index (CSTI), improves prediction of adverse outcomes in preterm FGR compared with using the individual components of the index alone.
An online learning approach for quantifying personalized thermal comfort via adaptive stochastic modeling

HVAC systems are the major energy consumers in commercial buildings in the United States. These systems are operated to provide comfortable thermal conditions for building occupants. The common practice of defining operational settings for HVAC systems is to use fixed set points, which assume occupants have static comfort requirements. However, thermal comfort has been shown to vary from person to person and also change over time due to climatic variations or acclimation. In this paper, we introduce an online learning approach for modeling and quantifying personalized thermal comfort. In this approach, we fit a probability distribution to each comfort condition (i.e., uncomfortably warm, comfortable, and uncomfortably cool) data set and define the overall comfort of an individual through combing these distributions in a Bayesian network. In order to identify comfort variations over time, Kolmogorov–Smirnov test is used on the joint probability distributions. In order to identify comfortable environmental conditions, a Bayesian optimal classifier is trained using online learning. In order to validate the approach, we collected data from 33 subjects, and an average accuracy of 70.14% and specificity of 76.74% were achieved. In practice, this approach could transform the comfort objectives to constrain functions and prevents pareto optimality problems.
The feeding behavior of a South American parasitic catfish (Ochmacanthus alternus)

Ochmacanthus alternus is a small South American parasitic catfish. Previous work, primarily based on examination of gut contents collected in the field, has indicated that it feeds primarily on mucus. The objective of this study was to conduct laboratory experiments on feeding behavior, including assessments of host size selectivity and location of attacks on hosts. Ochmacanthus alternus fed by making contact with a fish and pivoting from side to side, apparently scraping mucus. Feeding attacks were of short duration, with a mean of 2.5 seconds, but longer attacks (up to 29 seconds) occurred earlier in feeding trials. Large hosts (standard length: 75–96 mm) were attacked significantly more often than small hosts (standard length: 29–51 mm), regardless of whether or not expected frequencies of attack were adjusted to reflect host surface area. Attacks tended to be directed anteriorly on the host but were terminated posteriorly. The catfish seemed to be attracted to sources of physical disturbance in the wa...
Collision of transitional cell carcinoma and renal cell carcinoma: An immunohistochemical study and review of the literature

A case characterized by a rare synchronous occurrence of transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the renal pelvis and renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in the same kidney is presented. A retrospective analysis of 23 similar cases reported in the English literature over the last 71 years demonstrated a male-to-female ratio of 2:1, an average age of 64.5 years, and a left-to-right-side ratio of 3.2:1. The three most common findings at initial examination were hematuria (90%), flank pain (19%), and flank mass (14%). Moreover, 24% of patients had tumor metastases even at initial examination. Thirty-four percent of patients had bladder neoplasms, and 24% of them had a history of cigarette smoking. There is no tendency toward higher grade of malignancy or specific histologic pattern for TCC and RCC when they occur together in the same kidney. Immunohistochemical studies were used to examine TCC and RCC, with special attention paid to the site of their collision, which displayed multifocal lymphatic permeation. Both TCC and RCC were positive for epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) and cytokeratins identified by monoclonal antibodies CAM-5.2, AE1/AE3, and MAK-6. TCC was focally positive for keratin, detectable by antibody 34 beta E12, but RCC was not. The tumor tissue infiltrating the lymphatics, which seemed to be RCC, demonstrated positive staining for EMA and keratins CAM-5.2, AE1/AE3, and MAK-6 and negative staining for keratin 34 beta E12. Interestingly, the tumor in lymphatics displayed strong staining for carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) but both TCC and RCC in the vicinity were negative. These findings suggest that keratin 34 beta E12 may play a role in the differential diagnosis between TCC and RCC and that tumor-invading lymphatics may change phenotype, including the neoexpression of CEA.
Statistical physics inspired energy-efficient coded-modulation for optical communications

Because Shannon's entropy can be obtained by Stirling's approximation of thermodynamics entropy, the statistical physics energy minimization methods are directly applicable to the signal constellation design. We demonstrate that statistical physics inspired energy-efficient (EE) signal constellation designs, in combination with large-girth low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes, significantly outperform conventional LDPC-coded polarization-division multiplexed quadrature amplitude modulation schemes. We also describe an EE signal constellation design algorithm. Finally, we propose the discrete-time implementation of D-dimensional transceiver and corresponding EE polarization-division multiplexed system.
STATUTORY STRUCTURE AND POLICY IMPLEMENTATION: THE CASE OF WETLANDS REGULATION

A conceptual framework was developed and applied to assess the statutory structure of state wetlands regulations. The framework was derived from case study literature, but also incorporates broad generalizations. Eight specific variables were used to assess variation among 16 state regulations. Results demonstrate that this framework can be successfully applied to assess the comparative stringency of state regulations. (20 references, 6 tables)
Quantitative glutenin composition from gel electrophoresis of flour mill streams and relationship to breadmaking quality

ABSTRACT Three samples of Nekota (hard red winter wheat) were milled, and six mill streams were collected from each sample. The 18 mill streams were analyzed separately as well as recombined to form three patent flours. The methods of multistacking (MS)-SDS-PAGE and SDS-PAGE were used to separate the unreduced SDS-soluble glutenins and the total reduced proteins, respectively. The separated proteins were quantified by densitometry. The quantity of unreduced SDS-soluble proteins was significantly different among the mill streams at the 4% (largest molecular weight polymeric glutenins) and at the 10 and 12% (smaller molecular weight polymeric glutenins) origins of the MS-SDS-PAGE gels. The quantities of total HMW-GS, LMW-GS, 2*, 7+9, and 5+10 subunits and the ratio of HMW-GS to LMW-GS in polymeric protein samples isolated using preparative MS-SDS-PAGE and in total reduced protein extracts were significantly different among mill streams. The quantities of HMW-GS, LMW-GS, 2*, 7+9, and 5+10 subunits from total...
Rigid band behavior of Nd2-xCexCuO4-y : a direct and inverse photoemission study

Abstract We have employed ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy at hν = 21.2 and 40.8 eV and inverse photoemission spectroscopy at hν = 9.5 eV to study Nd 2- x Ce x CuO 4- y ( x = 0.0, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2). We observe a shift of the Fermi level to higher energies as a function of x . The total shift is 0.3 eV and saturates at x = 0.2. As suggested by existing band-structure calculations, this result seems to point to a rigid-band filling of the Ce-derived electrons in these “electron-doped” superconducting cuprates.
Meteorological Indicators for Amblyomma cajennense and Population Dynamics in the Tamaulipan Biotic Province in Texas

We studied the population dynamics of free-living ticks in the Tamaulipan Biotic Province in south Texas from March, 2005 to November, 2008. We collected 70,873 ticks using carbon dioxide traps. Amblyomma cajennense represented 93.6% of the ticks identified. A. cajennense is distributed from northern Argentina to south Texas in the Tamaulipan Biotic Province. Emergence of larval A. cajennense ticks was observed two to five weeks after significant rain events (p<0.0001) and had a strong negative correlation with temperature (p<0.0001). More larvae were observed under humid conditions (p<0.05). Fewer larvae were observed during windy and warmer conditions (p<0.05). This observation indicates high sensitivity of larvae to desiccating conditions. Peaks in nymphal activity were observed after peaks of larval emergence. Activity of nymphs was negatively correlated with temperature (p<0.05). Adult activity was negatively correlated with humidity (p<0.05) and negatively correlated with total rain from three to six weeks prior to observation (p<0.05). Adult A. cajennense are particularly tolerant to drier conditions relative to other closely related ticks. Adult female activity was positively correlated with temperature (p<0.05). Peaks in rain activity and a summer behavioral diapause appear to be the dominant factors controlling emergence of larvae, and by extension, the life cycle of A. cajennense in the Tamaulipan Biotic Province.
Magnetic resonance imaging of the heart and its role in current cardiology.

Magnetic resonance imaging has been demonstrated to be useful in the assessment of aortic and pericardial disease, cardiac masses, and congenital heart disease. Recently, developments in rapid imaging, assessment of regional function, evaluation of intracardiac shunts and valvular regurgitation, and
Population structure and genetic differentiation among the USDA common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) core collection

Genetic diversity data were collected from a large population of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) landraces representing the United States Department of Agriculture core collection. The data were based on microsatellite data from all linkage groups. A procedure was developed to determine if we collected sufficient marker data to adequately estimated pairwise diversity. The diversity data were used to define populations using distance and model-based approaches. Genetic differentiation and genetic isolation by distance data were collected. Diversity was also compared for markers linked and unlinked to domestication loci. Using a model-based approach, the landraces were divided into the traditional Middle American and Andean gene pools. Diversity was greater for the Middle American gene pool. Six Middle American and three Andean subpopulations were defined, and the Middle American subpopulations exhibited strong geographic identity. Unlike other studies, seed size varied considerably with subpopulations, and a number of the subpopulations contained landraces from multiple common bean races. All of the subpopulations were highly differentiated, with the Middle American subpopulations showing the greatest differentiation. Genetic isolation by distance was observed among the Middle American and Andean subpopulations but not among subpopulations within a gene pool. Within each gene pool, diversity was lower for markers linked to domestication loci.
Nonlinear Computations in the Human Controller

The response of the human forearm following random input step commands was observed to approach at its best the same kind of response as that of a maximum-effort minimum-time optimum bang-bang servo in which the magnitude of the error is compared with a nonlinear function of the stored energy in the load. Tests were made which required the hand to move both small and large inertias, small and large friction coefficients, and small and large springs, with combinations of these. The muscle force was calculated and plotted as a function of time for a great many tests on different individuals. This paper will not describe the average response, but the best response which any individual is capable of achieving. The muscle forces were relatively constant for each individual regardless of the dynamics of the load or the magnitude of the command.
Reducing barriers in future benefit transfers: Needed improvements in primary study design and reporting

Abstract Original research provides many social benefits, including additions to our stock of knowledge. Benefit transfer is a formal process whereby our stock of knowledge, rather than original research, is used to inform decisions. Any shortcoming in this stock directly affects our ability to conduct valid and reliable benefit transfers. This paper discusses three general criteria that are necessary for valid benefit transfers and how original research designs and reporting of results unnecessarily constrain the potential of benefit transfers. We make several suggestions regarding how original research, through improved design and reporting, might increase the validity and reliability of benefit transfers. We also recommend that repositories for original research surveys and data be developed to insure long-term availability of study information.
Effect of exercise training on nitric oxide and superoxide/H2O2 signaling pathways in collateral-dependent porcine coronary arterioles

Endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase (NOS) has been shown to contribute to enhanced vascular function after exercise training. Recent studies have revealed that relatively low concentrations of reactive oxygen species can contribute to endothelium-dependent vasodilation under physiological conditions. We tested the hypothesis that exercise training enhances endothelial function via endothelium-derived vasodilators, NO and superoxide/H2O2, in the underlying setting of chronic coronary artery occlusion. An ameroid constrictor was placed around the proximal left circumflex coronary artery to induce gradual occlusion in Yucatan miniature swine. At 8 wk postoperatively, pigs were randomly assigned to sedentary (pen-confined) or exercise-training (treadmill-run: 5 days/wk for 14 wk) regimens. Exercise training significantly enhanced concentration-dependent, bradykinin-mediated dilation in cannulated collateral-dependent arterioles (∼130 μm diameter) compared with sedentary pigs. NOS inhibition reversed training-enhanced dilation at low bradykinin concentrations in collateral-dependent arterioles, although increased dilation persisted at higher bradykinin concentrations. Total and phosphorylated (Ser1179) endothelial NOS protein levels were significantly increased in arterioles from collateral-dependent compared with the nonoccluded region, independent of exercise. The H2O2 scavenger polyethylene glycol-catalase abolished the training-enhanced bradykinin-mediated dilation in collateral-dependent arterioles; similar results were observed with the SOD inhibitor diethyldithiocarbamate. Fluorescence measures of bradykinin-stimulated H2O2 levels were significantly increased by exercise training, independent of occlusion. The NADPH inhibitor apocynin significantly attenuated bradykinin-mediated dilation in arterioles of exercise-trained, but not sedentary, pigs and was associated with significantly increased protein levels of the NADPH subunit p67phox. These data provide evidence that, in addition to NO, the superoxide/H2O2 signaling pathway significantly contributes to exercise training-enhanced endothelium-mediated dilation in collateral-dependent coronary arterioles.
Ka and Kb from pH and Conductivity Measurements: A General Chemistry Laboratory Exercise

The acid ionization constant, Ka, of acetic acid and the base ionization constant, Kb, of ammonia are determined easily and rapidly using a datalogger, a pH sensor, and a conductivity sensor. To decrease sample preparation time and to minimize waste, sequential aliquots of a concentrated standard are added to a known volume of water and measurements are made after each addition. In this laboratory exercise, students show that Ka and Kb are constants, compare and contrast pH and conductivity approaches, and evaluate how solution components (weak acid alone and weak acid plus conjugate base) affect the results.
CBr4 vapor growth morphologies near the polymorphic transition point II. Crystals with large-angle grain boundaries

The polymorphic phase transition of CBr4 crystals with large-angle grain boundaries or twin boundaries (extended macro-defects), was investigated during growth from the vapor by high resolution microscopy and image processing. We have found that on heating the monoclinic to cubic transition nucleates on the surface at the defects at temperatures distinctively below that of the bulk phase transition Ttr. The phase transformation rate increase rapidly as the temperature approaches Ttr. At a given supersaturation, the transformation rate is large as compared to the growth rates observed below and above the bulk transition temperature. Experimental evidence is given that these high growth rates result predominantly from surface diffusion and only to a small extent from vapor condensation. Thus the new phase grows mostly at the expense of the old phase, leading to surface depressions around the new growth locations. This rapid growth mode shows a new form of morphological instability.
Diary of a Political Scientist II, Summer 2006: Gethsemani, Gambling, and Gary Jacobson

Ten days after graduation for the Class of 2006, I'm at the Abbey of Gethsemani, a Trappist monastery about 50 miles southeast of Louisville, Kentucky. I come here every year at this time for three or four days, usually in the company of one or two of my colleagues at Rhodes College. The Abbey is a place of extraordinary serenity and beauty, both the buildings and, especially, the grounds. In secular terms, I'm here to decompress from the academic year and recharge my batteries for the summer. But I am a Christian as well as an academic, so I'm also here in hopes of stepping briefly outside linear time and into sacred time, where every day recapitulates the monks' centuries-old cycle of prayer, song, study, and work. This article is the second of a four-part series.
Mechanism of glycogenolytic action of cycloheximide in rat liver.

Abstract Cycloheximide (0.1 to 0.2 m M ) increases cAMP concentration 3 to 4-fold in isolated rat liver slices in vitro . This increase in cAMP concentration parallels an increase in phosphorylase activity. When cycloheximide, at a concentration used to inhibit protein synthesis (1 to 2 μg/g body weight), is administered to whole animals, phosphorylase is activated up to 13-fold by 6 hours. This leads to almost complete depletion of liver glycogen (from about 40 mg/g liver to 0.4 mg/g liver).
Regulation of Gene Expression in Renal Compensatory Growth

Compensatory renal hypertrophy is characterized by an increase in cell protein content. There are a number of different cellular mechanisms by which such an increase could be mediated. The relative contributions of transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression to the increase in constitutively expressed cellular proteins were examined in mouse kidneys undergoing compensatory growth following unilateral nephrectomy (UNI-NX). Over the 14-day study period, total protein per kidney increased by up to 37%. Northern blot analysis of the expression of the mRNAs for a number of genes associated with cell growth indicated that there was no significant increase in steady-state levels of these selected genes in nephrectomized compared with sham-operated animals. In vitro assays to measure transcriptional regulation of the same set of genes in compensatory growth showed no increase in the rate of transcription. However, transcription of the 18S ribosomal RNA gene was increased 24 hours after nephrectomy. Immunoblots of two representative proteins showed that the concentration of these proteins in total kidney protein remained constant in the different experimental groups. Since total protein increased, the concentration of these proteins in the hypertrophied kidney must have increased. Taken together, these data suggest that posttranscriptional mechanisms may account for the increase in at least some constitutively expressed proteins in cells undergoing compensatory growth.
Congestion modeling in graph-routed Delay Tolerant Networks with Predictive Capacity Consumption

We present Predictive Capacity Consumption (PCC), a congestion modeling extension to graph-based routing protocols. This extension provides a solution to the problem of flow control in Delay-Tolerant Networks (DTNs) and other overlays that can neither synchronize physical link state across the network nor negotiate bandwidth consumption bridging heterogeneous link layers. PCC enables the construction of a distributed, predictive congestion model independent of the underlying link layer without requiring excessive broadcasts or other mechanisms unfeasible in DTNs. PCC examines information generated by routing protocols and adjusts local routing graphs to account for predicted message paths, correcting for downstream congestion and message retransmission. Unlike other mechanisms, the flow control provided by PCC can be implemented anywhere a graph-based routing methodology is used and the adoption of this method requires only minor modification to the in-situ routing framework. We describe the PCC algorithm, analyze its operation, and demonstrate its performance by simulating multiple data streams driving a set of constrained networks to saturation. The simulation results show that PCC improves the throughput of the network by 97% over table routing approaches and by 37% over graph routing approaches without congestion models.
Sprouty2, a Mouse Deafness Gene, Regulates Cell Fate Decisions in the Auditory Sensory Epithelium by Antagonizing FGF Signaling

The auditory sensory epithelium (organ of Corti), where sound waves are converted to electrical signals, comprises a highly ordered array of sensory receptor (hair) cells and nonsensory supporting cells. Here, we report that Sprouty2, which encodes a negative regulator of signaling via receptor tyrosine kinases, is required for normal hearing in mice, and that lack of SPRY2 results in dramatic perturbations in organ of Corti cytoarchitecture: instead of two pillar cells, there are three, resulting in the formation of an ectopic tunnel of Corti. We demonstrate that these effects are due to a postnatal cell fate transformation of a Deiters' cell into a pillar cell. Both this cell fate change and hearing loss can be partially rescued by reducing Fgf8 gene dosage in Spry2 null mutant mice. Our results provide evidence that antagonism of FGF signaling by SPRY2 is essential for establishing the cytoarchitecture of the organ of Corti and for hearing.
Disease Models for Event Prediction

A rich field of infectious disease modeling has emerged and advanced our understanding of population- and individual-level disease transmission dynamics. One of the primary goals of this research was to characterize the viability of biosurveillance models to provide operationally relevant information to decision makers. We searched commercial and government databases and harvested Google search results for eligible models utilizing terms/phrases provided by public health analysts relating to biosurveillance, remote sensing, risk assessments, spatial epidemiology, and ecological niche-modeling. The vast majority of models studied were verified or validated.
Optimal sampling theory: An overview of its application to pharmacokinetic studies in infants and children.

Sick neonates, infants, and children often require drug therapy to ameliorate or cure disease. The success of drug therapy is directly dependent on administration of the optimal dose at the ideal dosing interval.1,,2 Determination of the optimal dose and dosing interval for a therapeutic agent requires a fundamental understanding of the complex interplay between a drug's pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics.1Unfortunately, pediatric practitioners often are confronted with the challenge of selecting a medication and defining a dose and dose interval without a clear understanding of the drug's pharmacokinetic and/or pharmacodynamic profiles or interactions. Our lack of understanding of these important, drug-specific pharmacologic characteristics places patients at tremendous risk for both suboptimal therapeutic results and serious untoward effects. Fortunately, over the past decade, we have witnessed great strides in our acceptance of performing pharmacokinetic studies in ill infants and children and the application of these data to the design of age-specific dosing regimens.3,,4 Nevertheless, unique challenges and limitations remain that complicate the performance of detailed, critical pharmacokinetic assessments of drugs in sick infants and children. The purpose of this article is to address some of the more important variables that influence the design and successful execution of pharmacokinetic evaluations in pediatric patients. The determination of a drug's pharmacokinetic profile involves a detailed, critical assessment of the processes of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. As noted above, a fundamental knowledge of each of these processes is required for the design of an optimal dosing regimen for the treatment of specific disorders. Each of these processes must be integrated with patient-specific factors that influence directly a drug's disposition in the body. The more important clinical variables that influence a drug's disposition in the body are shown in Table 1. Of the variables outlined in Table …
The proteome of dissimilatory metal-reducing microorganism Geobacter sulfurreducens under various growth conditions

The proteome of Geobacter sulfurreducens, a model for the Geobacter species that predominate in many Fe(III)-reducing subsurface environments, was characterized with ultra high-pressure liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry using accurate mass and time (AMT) tags as well as with more traditional two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2-D PAGE). Cells were grown under six different growth conditions in order to enhance the potential that a wide range of genes would be expressed. The AMT tag approach was able to identify a much greater number of proteins than could be detected with the 2-D PAGE approach. With the AMT approach over 3,000 gene products were identified, representing about 90% of the total predicted gene products in the genome. A high proportion of predicted proteins in most protein role categories were detected; the highest number of proteins was identified in the hypothetical protein role category. Furthermore, 91 c-type cytochromes of 111 predicted genes in the G. sulfurreducens genome were identified. Differences in the abundance of cytochromes and other proteins under different growth conditions provided information for future functional analysis of these proteins. These results demonstrate that a high percentage of the predicted proteins in the G. sulfurreducens genome are produced and that the AMT tag approach provides a rapid method for comparing differential expression of proteins under different growth conditions in this organism.
Novel optical thresholder based on second harmonic generation in long periodically poled lithium niobate for ultrashort pulse optical code division multiple-access

We report a novel yet practical optical thresholding scheme for ultrashort pulse CDMA using second harmonic generation in a long PPLN crystal, with a demonstrated contrast ratio of /spl sim/30 dB and the potential for low power operation.
A Model for the Evolution of Biological Specificity: a Cross-Reacting DNA-Binding Protein Causes Plasmid Incompatibility

Few biological systems permit rigorous testing of how changes in DNA sequence give rise to adaptive phenotypes. In this study, we sought a simplified experimental system with a detailed understanding of the genotype-to-phenotype relationship that could be altered by environmental perturbations. We focused on plasmid fitness, i.e., the ability of plasmids to be stably maintained in a bacterial population, which is dictated by the plasmid's replication and segregation machinery. Although plasmid replication depends on host proteins, the type II plasmid partitioning (Par) machinery is entirely plasmid encoded and relies solely on three components: parC, a centromere-like DNA sequence, ParR, a DNA-binding protein that interacts with parC, and ParM, which forms actin-like filaments that push two plasmids away from each other at cell division. Interactions between the Par operons of two related plasmids can cause incompatibility and the reduced transmission of one or both plasmids. We have identified segregation-dependent plasmid incompatibility between the highly divergent Par operons of plasmids pB171 and pCP301. Genetic and biochemical studies revealed that the incompatibility is due to the functional promiscuity of the DNA-binding protein ParRpB171, which interacts with both parC DNA sequences to direct plasmid segregation, indicating that the lack of DNA binding specificity is detrimental to plasmid fitness in this environment. This study therefore successfully utilized plasmid segregation to dissect the molecular interactions between genotype, phenotype, and fitness.
Search and selection in the money market fund industry

This paper develops a dynamic, stochastic growth system for money market fund families and tests how search behavior within this system affects fund family exit. The outcome of search behavior is measured as the time-varying parameters of the growth system, estimated by the Kalman filter. The results provide no evidence that the continuously updated coefficients influence the risk of failure. However, the cumulative amount of search generally affects exit positively, consistent with Hannan and Freeman's (1984) structural inertia theory. Founding conditions and money market fund performance are also important predictors of money market fund failure. These findings are discussed in the light of Bowman's (1963) theory of managerial coefficients and its applicability to simple industries like money market funds. The implications for future empirical studies on evolutionary growth systems are also discussed.
Making Stuff at Princeton University

The Princeton Center for Complex Materials (PCCM) joined the PBS NOVA/MRS Making Stuff coalition and created a program to inspire middle school students and their teachers about materials science during exciting large programs at Princeton University and multiple pre and post events. As a National Science Foundation funded Materials Research Science and Engineering Center, it is part of PCCM’s mission to inspire and educate school children, teachers and the public about STEM and materials science. Research shows that it is critical to excite students at a young age and maintain that excitement, and without that these, students are two to three times less likely to have any interest in science and engineering and pursue science careers as adults. The Making Stuff TV series offered a great teachable moment in materials science for students and teachers alike. The four episodes, Stronger, Smaller, Smarter and Cleaner aired in January and February, 2011. Our complementary education program helped promote the viewership of the Making Stuff series in the region, and the NOVA episodes helped us by priming the teachers and students to learn more about materials science research conducted at Princeton University. The Making Stuff coalition events we conducted were designed to have the maximum positive impact on students’ attitudes towards science and scientists, in general, and materials scientists and engineers, specifically. Each and every student had an opportunity to interact with dozens of scientists and engineers, in the lab, at table demonstrations and lecture presentations. As an ongoing MRSEC education and outreach program we have developed many successful educational partnerships to increase our impact. Plus, through years of successful education programs and the participation of our materials scientists and engineers, we have cultivated great trust in the schools and local community. The schools eagerly joined as partners in the program to bring their students to the event. Teachers from those partner schools actively participated in associated professional development programs conducted by education staff and PCCM professors before and after the big event. Included were presentations by MRSEC members and the partners from Princeton Institute for the Science and Technology of Materials (PRISM), Princeton University’s chemistry department, DOE funded centers PP-SOC and PPPL, Liberty Science Center, Franklin Institute, our PBS partner NJN and our many school district partners.
Story, archetype and healing

In this article, three of Dr. English's stories are presented with commentary. Parallels are drawn between story and archetype and then between archetype and therapy. The common element in story and therapy is the archetype. It is through the transformative archetypal energy that change and healing takes place. Archetype contains the numen of transformation for healing whether it be contained in story, or in the lives of our clients, or within our own lives. It matters not whether archetype is enlivened via story or the story of own our lives, the impetus and strength to heal and change is enlivened. It is the archetype that brings the healing.
Essentiality of Vitamin D3 and its Metabolites in Poultry Nutrition: A Review

Vitamin D (cholecalciferol) is one of the most important dietary factors responsible for normal growth, egg production, shell quality and reproduction in fowls. Unlike other vitamins, 7-dehydrochol...