cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On a theorem of Erdös and Szekeres

Abstract In this note we generalize a theorem of Erdos and Szekeres, which states that every sequence of real numbers of length n 2 + 1 has a monotone subsequence of length n + 1, for points in certain metric spaces ( R k , d ), where d is a Minkowski metric. Three theorems are proved concerning preassigned numbers of points which must lie on the same geodesic of the space, the last of which characterizes the class of Minkowski spaces under discussion.
SELF-CONSISTENT MEAN-FIELD THEORY OF ASYMMETRIC FIRST-ORDER STRUCTURAL PHASE TRANSITIONS

The paper presents a self-consistent mean-field theory for a lattice-dynamical model that exhibits a first-order structural phase transition. In this model the phase transition is produced because the high-energy structure has lower vibrational frequencies than those of the low-energy structure. This mechanism produces higher entropy in the higher-energy structure and thereby drives a phase transition. These structure-dependent frequencies are produced by anharmonicity in the interparticle interaction. The approximate theory of the transition given here reduces the exact coupled equations of motion to a single mean-field equation by replacing coupling terms between neighbors with appropriate averages. This step produces an effective potential that is used to calculate self-consistently the averages that appear in it. Thermodynamic properties calculated by this method show that the system has a first-order phase transition for sufficiently large strength of the interparticle anharmonicity. Further properties of the system obtained by this method include a discontinuous change in the shape of the average displacement and free-energy vs temperature relations as a function of the anharmonicity strength. This feature may be related to the hysteresis seen in previously performed computer simulations on the model. The effective potential also determines the displacement probability distribution function. For the parameter values studied here this distribution has a single maximum with only small asymmetry about this maximum. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
On the growth of meromorphic solutions of linear differential equations having arbitrary entire coefficients

We investigate the class of linear ordinary differential equations having arbitrary entire functions as coefficients. In our main results, we obtain estimates for the growth of meromorphic solutions of such equations.
Sources of error in estimation of laryngeal airway resistance in persons with spasmodic dysphonia

Estimation of laryngeal airway resistance is a noninvasive method that has proven useful in the study of people with normal and some types of disordered voices. We were interested in examining more...
Canthaxanthin pigment does not maintain color in carmine bee-eaters

Carmine bee-eaters (Merops nubicus) in captivity lost feather color when fed diets supplemented with canthaxanthin (23 mg/kg dry matter), a pigment and concentration known to maintain adequate color in numerous other bird species. Supplementation of whole insects with natural mixed carotenoids including α- and β-carotene, zeaxanthin, cryptoxanthin, and lutein resulted in a quantifiable change in feather color in this species. Positive identification of feather pigments and elucidation of metabolic pathways of color production in bee-eaters remain to be completed; initial data suggest α-carotene or derivatives as primary pigments or precursors in this species. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The regular continuous image of a minimal regular space is not necessarily minimal regular

Herrlich has shown that the regular continuous image of a regular-closed space is regular-closed. In this paper, an example is given to show that Herrlich's result cannot be extended to a corresponding result for minimal regular spaces. Also, a modification of this example shows that a continuous function from a minimal regular space onto a regular space is not necessarily a closed function. In the subsequent discussion, all regular spaces and compact spaces are assumed to be Hausdorff. Two of the fundamental properties of compact spaces are that the Hausdorff continuous image of a compact space is compact and its consequence that any continuous function from a compact space to a Hausdorff space is closed. Herrlich has shown [41 that the regular continuous image of a regular-closed space is regular-closed. In the following, we give an example of a minimal regular space whose regular continuous image is not minimal regular. We also give an example which shows that a continuous function from a minimal regular (and hence regular-closed) space to a regular space is not necessarily closed. Definition [3]. A regular filter-base on a topological space is an open filter-base Yf such that for each U E Yf there exists V E Yf such that V C U. [2] and [3] contain standard working characterizations of regular-closed spaces and minimal regular spaces in terms of regular filter-bases. Example 1. This is an example of a minimal regular space whose regular continuous image is not minimal regular. Let (Z, r) be the noncompact minimal regular space constructed in [2] and let (T, a) be the subspace of (Z, r) given by T = lp U U lZkIk E N1. In [4] it is shown that (T, a) is regular-closed, but not minimal regular since the filter-base 9 = IG C T|G E(a, p E G, TG is compact I is a regular filter-base on T with a unique adherent Presented to the Society, January 23, 1975; received by the editors June 12, 1974. AMS (MOS) subject classifications (1970). Primary 54D25; Secondary 54D30.
From chips to dust: The MEMS shatter secure chip

This paper presents the implementation of a transience mechanism for silicon microchips via low-temperature postprocessing steps that transform almost any electronic, optical or MEMS substrate chips into transient ones. Transience is achieved without any hazardous or explosive materials. Triggered chip transience is achieved by the incorporation of a distributed, thermally-activated expanding material on the chip backside. When heated at 160°C the expanding material produces massive chip cleavage mechanically shattering the chip into a heap of silicon dust.
High-mobility bottom-contact n-channel organic transistors and their use in complementary ring oscillators

The electrical characteristics of bottom-contact organic field-effect transistors fabricated with the air-stable n-type semiconductor N,N′-bis(n-octyl)-dicyanoperylene-3,4:9,10-bis(dicarboximide) (PDI-8CN2) are described. The mobility, threshold voltage, subthreshold swing, and Ion∕Ioff ratio(VDS=40V, VG=0∼40V) are 0.14cm2∕Vs, 1.6V, 2.0V/decade, and 1.2×103, respectively. The effect of electrode/dielectric surface treatment on these devices is also examined, with a combination of 1-octadecanethiol and hexamethyldisilazane. Organic complementary five-stage ring oscillators were fabricated using pentacene and PDI-8CN2, and operated at an oscillation frequency of 34kHz and a propagation delay per stage of 3μs.
Privacy and security in biomedical applications of wireless sensor networks

Wireless sensor network applications in healthcare and biomedical technology have received increasing attention, while associated security and privacy issues remain open areas of consideration. The relevance of this technology to our growing elderly population, as well as our increasingly over-crowded and attention-drained healthcare systems, is promising. However, prior to the emergence of these systems as a ubiquitous technology, healthcare providers and regulatory agencies must determine an acceptable level of security and privacy. This paper will review biomedical applications of wireless sensor networks, identify security and privacy issues to be addressed, and note some of the proposed methods for securing these systems.
Reading disability and the differential ability scales

Abstract This study contrasted the performance on the Differential Abilities Scales (DAS) of a carefully selected sample of reading-disabled children with a matched control group of children from the standardization sample. It was hypothesized that patterns on the DAS might be similar to those found on the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised and on the British Abilities Scales (BAS). The results suggest that reading-disabled children as a group do demonstrate a characteristic profile on the DAS. They score relatively poorly on the achievement tests and on two of the three diagnostic tests, Recall of Digits and Recall of Objects. The one exception to complete profile similarity between the DAS and the BAS was Speed of Information Processing. In the present study, low scores on Speed of Information Processing did not characterize the reading-disabled children as a whole but did characterize a subgroup of reading-disabled children. Clusters of reading-disabled children were generated from the data, and specific profiles of subgroups of children are presented.
Electrostatic force between a conducting sphere and a dielectric sphere

The force between a charged conducting sphere and an uncharged dielectric sphere is computed and given in terms of a force coefficient which depends on the relative geometry of the two spheres and the dielectric constants of the spheres and the medium. In addition, approximate solutions for the force between a charged conducting sphere and a charged dielectric sphere are presented. The application of our computed electrostatic forces to the scavenging of atmospheric aerosol particles by water droplets is discussed.
WAN virtualization: Looking beyond point-to-point circuits

Meshes of point-to-point circuits have been the lingua franca for isolating WAN traffic between distributed sites. This talk describes a flexible switching-service abstraction that enables distributed science collaborations as well as enterprise cloud computing.
Cloning and characterization of the gene encoding translation elongation factor 1α from Aureobasidium pullulans

Abstract The gene (TEF1) encoding translation elongation factor 1α from the dimorphic fungus Aureobasidium pullulans (Ap) strain R106 has been cloned using Candida albicans TEF1 as a heterologous hybridization probe. Electrophoretic molecular karyotype/hybridization analysis of Ap revealed eight chromosomal bands and suggested that TEF1 resides on chromosome VI. Comparison of the genomic DNA sequence with the cDNA sequence of TEF1 verified the presence of three introns, the first one occurring five nucleotides from the start of translation. The deduced amino acid (aa) sequence encoded a protein consisting of 459 aa (49663 Da) possessing high identity to a variety of TEF1 -encoded proteins. A strong codon bias, similar to that observed in highly expressed yeast genes, was evident in A. pullulans TEF1 . The ApTEF1 promoter region showed some sequence similarity to the well-studied TEF1 promoter from Saccharomyces cerevisiae , including a region from -23 to -11. This region exhibited high homology to a promoter upstream activating sequence (UAS) in S. cerevisiae . Such sequences have been shown to be essential promoter elements in genes coding for the highly expressed components of the yeast translation apparatus.
The role of polynucleotides in induced enzyme formation. I.

Abstract It is possible to prepare from gluconate-grown cells of E. coli materials which accelerate the induced formation of gluconokinase in lactate-grown cells. Activity is found in the absence of gluconate, particularly if a source of energy such as adenosine triphosphate is present. The best preparations obtained appear to be mixtures of polynucleotides of pentose type; about a third of the components are dialyzable, and the activity is proportionately distributed. Activity is destroyed by incubation with 1 N NaOH at 37 °C. overnight, but is resistant to exposure to a temperature of 60 °C. for 1 hr. Ribonuclease treatment does not destroy activity, but renders it completely dialyzable. Yeast nucleic acid is active after ribonuclease treatment, as is cytidylic acid; but these compounds are much less active than the bacterial polynucleotide preparations at equivalent concentrations, or in the absence of the inducing substrate, indicating that they probably serve as substrates for the synthesis of specific active poly-nucleotides by the cells.
Testing Challenges for Next-Generation Radios

Once upon a time, radios were simple devices. Mainly using AM or FM modulation with frequency-domain multiple access techniques (a.k.a. channels) it was possible to test and troubleshoot these radios with correspondingly simple test equipment, and with no software at all. Given a known-to-be-broken radio, trained technicians at the I-level or depot level were able to test and troubleshoot using basic test equipment - voltmeters, oscilloscopes, and spectrum analyzers.
Multilevel optimization of surface coal mine truck and shovel fleets

Optimization algorithms are developed to improve the selection of truck and shovel fleets for suface mine operations. These are based on performance estimation models developed by Fluor Utah (1977) and graphical display algorithms and other software within the SEAMPLAN system developed at Montana State University. The advantages and disadvantages of the method are considered.
The Puzzle of Strikes: Class and State Strategies in Postwar Italy

This book is an attempt to explain the temporal movement of postwar Italian strikes: why and when strikes go up or down and what the strategies of the main actors involved are. In many ways, the book is unique in the social sciences. First, it takes an inductive approach. Rather than start with theories and then use available empirical evidence to test the explanatory power of the theories, the book starts with date. Second, the book is based on a variety of empirical evidence: statistical, historical, ethnographic and survey material. Third, the book considers the strategies of all the actors involved: workers, employers, the state and the radical left. Finally, the book does not simply explain the movement of strikes; more broadly, it attempts to show how strikes, in their turn, deeply affect the economic, institutional and political spheres of society.
TU-A-BRB-10: Using Beam Angle Optimization to Improve Treatment Plan Quality of Intensity Modulated Proton Therapy (IMPT) for Prostate Cancer

Purpose: To investigate the impact of optimized beam angle selections on plan quality in intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT) treatment planning for prostate cancer. Methods: In this study, we test a beam angle optimization (BAO) algorithm to find optimized beam numbers and configurations in IMPT treatment planning. Dose distributions on PTV and OARs for all treatment plans with two to four optimized beam angles are compared with ones with two lateral opposed beam angles in current practice. The sensitivity of weighting factors for the optimization objective is also investigated. Results: For three prostate cases, a unique set of two optimized beam angles was obtained for each case. Those optimized angle sets demonstrated advantages compared with the two lateral opposed angles currently used at our facility. Moreover, plans with three optimized beam angles significantly improved rectum sparing compared with two‐beam plans, while optimized four beam angles only achieved minor improvement of plan quality based on optimized three beam angles. Our algorithm then suggests a classic three‐beam configuration based on analyzing the optimal set of three beam angles. In addition, results shown that the proposed BAO algorithm is flexible enough to yield various angle plans based on the treatment planners' preferences for different objectives. Conclusions: This study shows that using optimized beam angles may improve IMPT treatment plan quality compared with current practice. In future research, by testing other cancer sites and incorporating uncertainties into the BAO algorithm, the automatic selection of optimal beam angles for IMPT treatment planning will become possible.
Neuronal growth, atrophy and death in a sexually dimorphic song nucleus in the zebra finch brain

The song control nuclei of the zebra finch brain contain more neurones of larger diameter in the male than in the female. This sexual dimorphism is thought to result from differential growth of neurones in the two sexes. Using neurohistological techniques and radioactive tracers, we have studied the development of several forebrain nuclei involved in the control of song and find that the dimorphism arises from neuronal atrophy and death in the female brain as well as from an increase in cell-body size and afferent terminals from other forebrain nuclei in the male. Although the timing of these events varies from nucleus to nucleus, the sequence is essentially similar in all of them except area X. Here we describe the events in one of these nuclei, the robust nucleus of archistriatum (RA), as an example.
Screening of an Atomic Impurity in Electron Liquid

The orbital electron energies, induced charge densities and the change in the density of states due to a carbon atom embedded in jellium have been calculated self-consistently by using the density functional theory. The utility of this model to study the impurity atoms in a condensed matter or in a high density plasma is indicated.
Unconventional approaches to the prevention of cancer associated thrombosis

A number of strategies are currently under investigation to prevent venous thromboembolic events in cancer cohorts. Based on the efficacy of low molecular weight heparin in the treatment of thrombosis in cancer patients, a number of clinical studies have focused on evaluating the efficacy the low molecular weight heparins in the primary thromboprophylaxis setting. Further refinements in defining which cancer cohorts are at greatest risk of suffering thromboembolic events are under investigation such as clinical-laboratory risk scores and biomarkers such as tissue factor-bearing microparticles. However, alternative approaches to primary thromboprophylaxis beyond standard anticoagulants are also being evaluated in the clinic such anti-platelet agents, statins to reduce circulating tissue factor, and scheduled monitoring for venous thromboembolic events without pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis. In addition, clinical studies are underway to evaluate the antithrombotic efficacy of targeting extracellular protein disulfide isomerase with oral flavonoids (e.g. quercetin and isoquercetin). Emerging data regarding these unconventional approaches in the prevention of thromboembolic events in cancer patients is reviewed.
Increasing biodegradable polymer resin use: The impact on the United States economy

Abstract This article is concerned with the effects of the substitution of cornstarch-based biodegradable polymer resins for petroleum-based plastic materials and resins on the U. S. economy. The analytical approach used in the study consists of a computable general equilibrium model composed of 14 producing sectors, 14 consuming sectors, and 6 household categories classified by income and a government. The results suggest that, for example, for a $1.00 per pound of resin subsidy, the substitution of cornstarch-based biodegradable polymer resins for petroleum-based plastic materials and resins will result in an increase in output by all producing sectors of 0.067% or about $542 million and an expansion in output in the agricultural program crops sector (primarily corn) of about $431 million, a rise in the consumption of goods and services by about 0.003% or $110 million, a rise in total utility by 0.004% or $168 million and a net increase in government expenditures of 0.047% or $369 million.
A note on experiences with a rooming-in arrangement for newborn infants in a small hospital.

Summary A rooming-in arrangement for newborns was employed for a period of two years in a twelve-bed maternity service of a small hospital at Los Alamos, N. Mex. The arrangement is described and the reactions of participants discussed. Favorable impressions were gained of both the desirability and feasibility of the rooming-in arrangement as applied to a small hospital. These impressions stemmed chiefly from the increased confidence with which mothers of first babies left the hospital and the closer participation of pediatrician, obstetrician, and nursing staff in observing and thereby helping to solve many of the problems which, with customary nursery arrangements, are postponed until the mother is at home, and, in a certain sense, alone. In addition, the arrangement provided an unexcelled opportunity for the pediatrician to observe the conduct of the mother with her newborn baby, and this insight contributed to his under-standing and interpretation of subsequent developmental problems.
Playing tag with quantitative proteomics

There is steady need for new proteomic strategies on quantitative measurements that provide essential components for detailing dynamic changes in many cellular functions and processes. Stable isotope labeling is a rapidly evolving field, which can be used either after protein extraction with chemical labeling, or in cell culture with metabolic incorporation. In this review, we explore the most frequently utilized quantitation techniques with particular attention paid to chemical labeling using different isotopic tags, including a recent labeling strategy-soluble polymer-based isotopic labeling (SoPIL)-that achieves efficient labeling in homogeneous conditions. Special care should be devoted to the selection of appropriate quantitation approaches according to the needs of the sample and overall experimental design. We evaluate recent advances in quantitative proteomics using stable isotope labeling and their applications to current insightful biological inquiries.
Cerebral tissue repair and atrophy after embolic stroke in rat: a magnetic resonance imaging study of erythropoietin therapy.

Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocols of T2-, T2*-, diffusion- and susceptibility-weighted imaging (T2WI, T2*WI, DWI, and SWI, respectively) with a 7T system, we tested the hypothesis that treatment of embolic stroke with erythropoietin (EPO) initiated at 24 hr and administered daily for 7 days after stroke onset has benefit in repairing ischemic cerebral tissue. Adult Wistar rats were subjected to embolic stroke by means of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and were randomly assigned to a treatment (n = 11) or a control (n = 11) group. The treated group was given EPO intraperitoneally at a dose of 5,000 IU/kg daily for 7 days starting 24 hr after MCAO. Controls were given an equal volume of saline. MRI was performed at 24 hr and then weekly for 6 weeks. MRI and histological measurements were compared between groups. Serial T2WI demonstrated that expansion of the ipsilateral ventricle was significantly reduced in the EPO-treated rats. The volume ratio of ipsilateral parenchymal tissue relative to the contralateral hemisphere was significantly increased after EPO treatment compared with control animals, indicating that EPO significantly reduces atrophy of the ipsilateral hemisphere, although no significant differences in ischemic lesion volume were observed between the two groups. Angiogenesis and white matter remodeling were significantly increased and occurred earlier in EPO-treated animals than in the controls, as evident from T2*WI and diffusion anisotropy maps, respectively. These data indicate that EPO treatment initiated 24 hr poststroke promotes angiogenesis and axonal remodeling in the ischemic boundary, which may potentially reduce atrophy of the ipsilateral hemisphere. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Synthesis of Biodiesel via Acid Catalysis

Biodiesel is synthesized via the transesterification of lipid feedstocks with low molecular weight alcohols. Currently, alkaline bases are used to catalyze the reaction. These catalysts require anhydrous conditions and feedstocks with low levels of free fatty acids (FFAs). Inexpensive feedstocks containing high levels of FFAs cannot be directly used with the base catalysts currently employed. Strong liquid acid catalysts are less sensitive to FFAs and can simultaneously conduct esterification and transesterification. However, they are slower and necessitate higher reaction temperatures. Nonetheless, acid-catalyzed processes could produce biodiesel from low-cost feedstocks, lowering production costs. Better yet, if solid acid catalysts could replace liquid acids, the corrosion and environmental problems associated with them could be avoided and product purification protocols reduced, significantly simplifying biodiesel production and reducing cost. This article reviews some of the research related to biodi...
Federalism without Adjectives in Spain

Is Spain a federal system? Most experts do not give a straight answer and define the system with adjectives. They tend to underline how it differs from other federations, rather than focusing on what they have in common. This article presents Spain as a fully fledged federation, analyzes the process of political decentralization (1978-2010) to explore the ways it is constitutionally entrenched, and confronts the arguments of its critics. I argue that some of its idiosyncratic institutions are precisely what turn the Estado de las Autonomias into a federal system. A clarification about what makes Spain a federation is needed to prevent future reforms from turning it into what it already is, rather than effectively improving its functioning, and to dissipate the kind of Spanish exceptionalism that makes this case seldom considered in comparative studies.
Income inequality, education expenditures, and growth

Abstract Recent studies have reported a negative association between income inequality and economic growth. If true, what accounts for this finding? What are possible transition mechanisms that might link the two? This paper explores one such mechanism. Income inequality raises expenditures for public education as a fraction of gross domestic product (GDP). Although public education expenditures are positively associated with future economic growth, the contemporaneous effect upon growth is negative. Given this cost upon current growth, these findings may help to explain the lack of a large, positive effect from the growth of human capital upon economic growth as reported in the literature.
Quantum mechanical metastability: When and why?

Abstract We study quantum mechanical metastability with an eye towards false vacuum decay. We point out some technical and conceptual problems with the familiar bounce treatment of this process. We illustrate with simple quantum mechanical examples that the bounce formalism fails to account for the correct boundary conditions. It is also shown, that the bounce approach overestimates the time scales for tunneling of localized packets in typical (slightly) biased double well potentials. We present a thorough WKB analysis with particular attention to semiclassical trajectories corresponding to complex saddle points. We point out that the boundary conditions determine the proper choice of saddle points and the bounce approach fails to account for semiclassical trajectories in many physically relevant cases. We recognize that these saddle points account for the matching conditions of the WKB wave functions beyond the barriers and restore unitarity and reality of eigenvalues for self-adjoint boundary conditions. We provide a novel approach to the semiclassical analysis of out of equilibrium decay in real time in quantum statistical mechanics.
Self-transcendence and mental health in oldest-old adults

Patterns of self-transcendence that older adults report as being important to their emotional well-being are described in this study, and the relationship between self-transcendence and mental health symptomatology in oldest-old adults is investigated. The sample consisted of 55 independent-living older adults, 80 to 97 years old. Methodological trianglulation was used whereby qualitative data together with quantitative findings were examined. Four patterns of self-transcendence, congruent with the investigator's definition, were identified by the participants as being important to their sense of well-being: Generativity, Introjectivity, Temporal Integration, and Body-Transcendence. Results of Pearson correlation analysis and matrix analysis of data supported a relationship between self-transcendence and mental health found in previous research, thus demonstrating the importance of the expansion of self boundaries in older adults.
Herpetofaunal species composition and relative abundance among three New England forest types

Drift fences and pitfall traps captured > 2000 reptiles and amphibians during 2 years; the most common species were wood frog (Rana sylvatica), American toad (Bufo americanus), and redback salamander (Plethodon cinereus). There were differences in species abundances among streamside and upland habitats within three forest cover types: northern hardwoods, red maple, and balsam fir. Among streamside stands, fewer (P < 0.05) individuals were captured in balsam fir. The two hardwood types supported the most species. Generally, more individuals were captured in upland than in streamside habitats. Both diversity (H′) and evenness (J′) were correlated with litter depth, and both were higher in hardwood than in balsam fir stands. Rana sylvatica, B. americanus and P. cinereus were more abundant in hardwood than in balsam-fir stands.
Some characteristic EEG differences between heavy smoker and non-smoker subjects

Abstract The spontaneous EEG recordings of heavy smoker subjects were readily distinguishable from those of non-smoker subjects by minimal content of alpha activity, higher frequency of alpha, and an abundance of rhythmic and synchronous, high amplitude 12 to 25 c/s activity. EEG responses to visual stimuli also differed between the 2 groups. EEG activity and visual responses for average smoker and former heavy smoker subjects were generally intermediate between those of the non-smokers and heavy smokers.
Radiation on reflector augmented collector rows tilted toward the equator

Abstract An analytical method is presented for calculating the enhanced monthly average daily insolation achieved when a plane specular reflector is placed between the top of one collector row and the bottom of the following collector row. The results, when combined with a shading model, allow the estimation of the total insolation on reflector augmented arrays of collector rows.
Twenty-Two Nondirected Kidney Donors: An Update on a Single Center's Experience

At the University of Minnesota, we have defined 'nondirected donation' as organ donation by a volunteer who offered to donate an organ to anyone on the cadaver waiting list. From October 1, 1997, through October 31, 2003, we have had 360 inquiries about nondirected donation, have completed 42 detailed nondirected donor (NDD) evaluations for kidney donation, and have performed 22 NDD transplants. We herein review our program policies and how they have evolved, describe our evaluation and the motivation of our potential donors, summarize the outcome of NDD transplants, and raise issues requiring further attention and study. Our experience continues to support nondirected donation for kidney transplants.
Involvement of 4E-BP phosphorylation in embryonic development of the silkworm, Bombyx mori

Phosphorylation of the translational repressor 4E-binding protein (4E-BP) plays a critical role in regulating the overall translation levels in cells. In the present study, we investigated 4E-BP phosphorylation of Bombyx mori eggs by an immunoblot analysis of a conserved phospho-specific antibody to 4E-BP and demonstrated its role during embryonic development. When HCl treatment was applied to diapause-destined eggs at 20 h after oviposition, a dramatic increase in the phosphorylation of 4E-BP occurred 5 min after treatment with HCl, and high phosphorylation levels were maintained throughout embryonic stage in HCl-treated eggs compared to those in diapause (control) eggs. When HCl treatment was applied to diapause eggs on day 10 after oviposition, no dramatic activation in 4E-BP phosphorylation occurred, indicating stage-specific effects of HCl treatment. In both non-diapause eggs and eggs whose diapause had been terminated by chilling of diapausing eggs at 5°C for 70 days and then were transferred to 25°C, high phosphorylation levels of 4E-BP were also detected. Moreover, 4E-BP phosphorylation dramatically increased when dechorionated eggs were incubated in medium. The addition of rapamycin, a specific inhibitor of mammalian target of rapamycin (TOR) signaling, and LY294002, a phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor, but not the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) kinase (MEK) inhibitor, U0126, dose-dependently inhibited 4E-BP phosphorylation in dechorionated eggs, indicating that PI3K/TOR signaling is an upstream signaling event involved in 4E-BP phosphorylation. Examination of 4E-BP gene expression levels showed no differences between treatments with HCl and water in the first hour after treatment, indicating that changes in phosphorylation of 4E-BP upon HCl treatment are mainly regulated at the post-transcriptional level. In addition, MAPK pathways and glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β phosphorylation were not significantly affected in the first hour after HCl treatment. These results demonstrate that the rapid phosphorylation of 4E-BP is an early signaling event in embryonic development in the eggs whose diapause initiation was prevented by HCl treatment, thus being involved in the embryonic development of B. mori.
Therapeutic Potential of Mood Stabilizers Lithium and Valproic Acid: Beyond Bipolar Disorder

The mood stabilizers lithium and valproic acid (VPA) are traditionally used to treat bipolar disorder (BD), a severe mental illness arising from complex interactions between genes and environment that drive deficits in cellular plasticity and resiliency. The therapeutic potential of these drugs in other central nervous system diseases is also gaining support. This article reviews the various mechanisms of action of lithium and VPA gleaned from cellular and animal models of neurologic, neurodegenerative, and neuropsychiatric disorders. Clinical evidence is included when available to provide a comprehensive perspective of the field and to acknowledge some of the limitations of these treatments. First, the review describes how action at these drugs’ primary targets—glycogen synthase kinase-3 for lithium and histone deacetylases for VPA—induces the transcription and expression of neurotrophic, angiogenic, and neuroprotective proteins. Cell survival signaling cascades, oxidative stress pathways, and protein quality control mechanisms may further underlie lithium and VPA’s beneficial actions. The ability of cotreatment to augment neuroprotection and enhance stem cell homing and migration is also discussed, as are microRNAs as new therapeutic targets. Finally, preclinical findings have shown that the neuroprotective benefits of these agents facilitate anti-inflammation, angiogenesis, neurogenesis, blood-brain barrier integrity, and disease-specific neuroprotection. These mechanisms can be compared with dysregulated disease mechanisms to suggest core cellular and molecular disturbances identifiable by specific risk biomarkers. Future clinical endeavors are warranted to determine the therapeutic potential of lithium and VPA across the spectrum of central nervous system diseases, with particular emphasis on a personalized medicine approach toward treating these disorders.
Penetration of Antibiotics into Fibrin Loci in Vivo. II. Comparison of Nine Antibiotics: Effect of Dose and Degree of Protein Binding

The penetration of sc fibrin clots by nine antibiotics, administered by rapid iv infusion, was studied in an established rabbit model. After an interval (which varied among different agents), concentrations of drug in fibrin loci exceeded those in serum. Pairs of penicillins with low and high degrees of binding to serum proteins were given in sequence to the same animal. The concentrations in fibrin clots of two weakly bound agents were significantly higher than those of two strongly bound ones, although peak concentrations in the serum were similar. These differences in penetration were directly related to the concentration of free (rather than total) antibiotic in the serum. When the effects of protein binding were excluded, the drugs displayed equal facility of passage from the blood into fibrin loci.
Graphical representation of multivariate data using Chernoff faces

Chernoff (1971, Technical Report 71, Department of Statistics, Stan- ford University; 1973, Journal of the American Statistical Association 68: 361- 368) proposed the use of cartoon-like faces to represent points in k dimensions. This article describes a Stata implementation of a face-generating algorithm using the method proposed by Flury (1980, Technical Report 3, Institute of Mathemati- cal Statistics and Actuarial Science, Bern University), Schupbach (1987, Technical Report 25, Institute of Mathematical Statistics and Acturial Science, Bern Univer- sity), and Friendly (1991, http://www.math.yorku.ca/SCS/sasmac/faces.html). I present examples of applying Chernoff faces to data clustering and outlier detec- tion.
Two Isoforms of Geobacter sulfurreducens PilA Have Distinct Roles in Pilus Biogenesis, Cytochrome Localization, Extracellular Electron Transfer, and Biofilm Formation

Type IV pili of Geobacter sulfurreducens are composed of PilA monomers and are essential for long-range extracellular electron transfer to insoluble Fe(III) oxides and graphite anodes. A previous analysis of pilA expression indicated that transcription was initiated at two positions, with two predicted ribosome-binding sites and translation start codons, potentially producing two PilA preprotein isoforms. The present study supports the existence of two functional translation start codons for pilA and identifies two isoforms (short and long) of the PilA preprotein. The short PilA isoform is found predominantly in an intracellular fraction. It seems to stabilize the long isoform and to influence the secretion of several outer-surface c-type cytochromes. The long PilA isoform is required for secretion of PilA to the outer cell surface, a process that requires coexpression of pilA with nine downstream genes. The long isoform was determined to be essential for biofilm formation on certain surfaces, for optimum current production in microbial fuel cells, and for growth on insoluble Fe(III) oxides.
Multimedia features of a dynamically adaptive telemedicine system

A dynamically adaptive multidisciplinary workstation (DAMDW) architecture delivers very good multimedia telemedicine service. The DAMDW is a Unix workstation with software components that operate on various computer architectures. It adapts to the speciality of the physician and to the bandwidth available to the participating health care centers. The network flexibility of the DAMDW makes it usable in an existing telecommunications infrastructure while incorporating advances in computer and communication technology. This feature prevents early obsolescence. The DAMDW utilizes most telecommunications services. This allows multimedia features that improve with increased bandwidth without discarding capital equipment. It also simplifies connectivity to standard local area networks (LANs) in hospitals.
Prior Antimicrobial Therapy and Risk for Hospital-Acquired Candida glabrata and Candida krusei Fungemia: a Case-Case-Control Study

The incidence of infections caused by Candida glabrata and Candida krusei, which are generally more resistant to fluconazole than Candida albicans, is increasing in hospitalized patients. However, the extent to which prior exposure to specific antimicrobial agents increases the risk of subsequent C. glabrata or C. krusei candidemia has not been closely studied. A retrospective case-case-control study was performed at a university hospital. From 1998 to 2003, 60 patients were identified with hospital-acquired non-C. albicans candidemia (C. glabrata or C. krusei; case group 1). For comparison, 68 patients with C. albicans candidemia (case group 2) and a common control group of 121 patients without candidemia were studied. Models were adjusted for demographic and clinical risk factors, and the risk for candidemia associated with exposure to specific antimicrobial agents was assessed. After adjusting for both nonantimicrobial risk factors and receipt of other antimicrobial agents, piperacillin-tazobactam (odds ratio [OR], 4.15; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04 to 16.50) and vancomycin (OR, 6.48; CI, 2.20 to 19.13) were significant risk factors for C. glabrata or C. krusei candidemia. For C. albicans candidemia, no specific antibiotics remained a significant risk after adjusted analysis. Prior fluconazole use was not significantly associated with either C. albicans or non-C. albicans (C. glabrata or C. krusei) candidemia. In this single-center study, exposure to antibacterial agents, specifically vancomycin or piperacillin-tazobactam, but not fluconazole, was associated with subsequent hospital-acquired C. glabrata or C. krusei candidemia. Further studies are needed to prospectively analyze specific antimicrobial risks for nosocomial candidemia across multiple hospital centers.
Highly efficient 980 nm single mode modules with over 0.5 Watt pump power

We present narrow beam divergence InGaAs/AlGaAs 980 nm ridge waveguide laser diodes with over 1 W CW-rollover power. Together with superior power conversion efficiency a maximum fiber-coupled light output power of over 0.5 W has been reached.
“Sprouting” the Couch Potato: Techniques to Increase the Effort Learners Invest in Video‐Based Materials

Although videotapes are a popular instructional medium in the training environment, viewers often adopt a passive stance toward learning from video. Viewers perceptions of video as a passive, “easy” medium may minimize the information they gain from video-based instruction. If instructional designers and trainers want to encourage the “couch potato” to process the content of a video-based lesson in an active manner, they should make sure that their lessons are designed to facilitate this process. This article discusses the relationship of mental effort to achievement, provides recommendations for designing video-based materials to increase the effort learners invest in the instruction, and presents a list of practical techniques for increasing learners' mental effort and achievement that can be incorporated into lessons that include video-based materials.
The chlL (frxC)* gene: phylogenetic distribution in vascular plants and DNA sequence from Polystichum acrostichoides (Pteridophyta) and Synechococcus sp. 7002 ( Cyanobacteria)

We examined chlL ~rxC) gene evolution using several approaches. Sequences from the chloroplast genome of the fern Polystichum acrostichoides and from the cyano- bacterium Synechococcus sp. 7002 were determined and found to be highly conserved. A complete physical map of the fern chloroplast genome and partial maps of other vascular plant taxa show that chlL is located primarily in the small single copy region as in Marchantia polymorpha. A survey of a wide variety of non-angiospermous vascular plant DNAs shows that chlL is widely distributed but has been lost in the pteridophyte Psiloturn and (presumably independently) within the Gnetalean gymnosperms. Most green, chlorophyll-containing organisms have both a light-dependent and a light-independent pathway to chlorophyll (Chl) synthesis, due to the presence of two distinct enzymes for protochlorophyllide (PChlide) reduction. The broad spec- trum of photosynthetic organisms capable of dark PChlide reduction includes the * The namefrxC was originally used to denote a gene encoding a product with probable Fe : S cluster binding activity. This activity was postulated due to the amino acid sequence similarity between this product and the Fe : S-binding nitrogenase iron protein nifH. Fe : S- binding is a property shared by ferredoxins, which are denoted by the prefix "frx". However, this gene does not encode a ferredoxin. It is much larger than any known ferredoxin, it binds its Fe: S cluster between two halves of a homodimer (FuJITA & al. 1989, BURKE & al. 1993 a, c) instead of within a single subunit, and it lacks the pattern of clustered cysteines present in all ferredoxins (MEYER 1988). Therefore, we use the name chIL to recognize the sequence and functional similarities to the bacterial PChlide reductase subunit, bchL. Similar usage has been adopted for this (SuzuKI & BAUER 1992) and other (CHOQUET & al. 1992, BURKE & al. 1993 b) PChlide reductase subunits.
Ecological and evolutionary significance of dispersal by freshwater invertebrates

Traditional expectations for how widely and how often freshwater invertebrates disperse differ from empirical data. Freshwater invertebrates have been characterized as frequent, widespread dispersers, particularly those that are transported passively. Our review finds that this characterization may describe the potential for dispersal in some taxa, but it is not an accurate generalization for actual dispersal rates. High variance among habitats and taxonomic groups is a consistent theme. Advances in population genetics may help resolve these issues, but underlying assumptions should be carefully tested. Further, even unbiased estimates of gene flow may not equate with individual movement, because not all dispersers survive and reproduce. Some freshwater invertebrates may exist in classic Levins metapopulations. However, other species fit into a broader metapopulation definition, where temporal dispersal via diapause is functionally equivalent to spatial dispersal. In the latter case, local extinctions and rescue effects may be rare or absent. Finally, limited dispersal rates in many taxa suggest that theories of freshwater community assembly and structure can be made more robust by integrating dispersal and local processes as joint, contingent regulators. Recent research on freshwater invertebrate dispersal has substantially advanced our basic and applied understanding of freshwaters, as well as evolutionary ecology in general.
Heme–heme communication during the alkaline-induced structural transition in cytochrome c oxidase

Alkaline-induced conformational changes at pH 12.0 in the oxidized as well as the reduced state of cytochrome c oxidase have been systematically studied with time-resolved optical absorption and resonance Raman spectroscopies. In the reduced state, the heme a(3) first converts from the native five-coordinate configuration to a six-coordinate bis-histidine intermediate as a result of the coordination of one of the Cu(B) ligands, H290 or H291, to the heme iron. The coordination state change in the heme a(3) causes the alteration in the microenvironment of the formyl group of the heme a(3) and the disruption of the H-bond between R38 and the formyl group of the heme a. This structural transition, which occurs within 1min following the initiation of the pH jump, is followed by a slower reaction, in which Schiff base linkages are formed between the formyl groups of the two hemes and their nearby amino acid residues, presumably R38 and R302 for the heme a and a(3), respectively. In the oxidized enzyme, a similar Schiff base modification on heme a and a(3) was observed but it is triggered by the coordination of the H290 or H291 to heme a(3) followed by the breakage of the native proximal H378-iron and H376-iron bonds in heme a and a(3), respectively. In both oxidation states, the synchronous formation of the Schiff base linkages in heme a and a(3) relies on the structural communication between the two hemes via the H-bonding network involving R438 and R439 and the propionate groups of the two hemes as well as the helix X housing the two proximal ligands, H378 and H376, of the hemes. The heme-heme communication mechanism revealed in this work may be important in controlling the coupling of the oxygen and redox chemistry in the heme sites to proton pumping during the enzymatic turnover of CcO.