cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Binding of insulin to the external surface of liposomes: Effect of surface curvature, temperature, and lipid composition

Abstract The binding of insulin to the external surface of phosphatidylcholine liposomes as a function of the temperature, the surface curvature, and the composition of lipids was studied. The amount of the saturated binding of insulin to liposomes was assessed by gel-filtration chromatography. The binding of insulin to small unilamellar vesicles was highly dependent upon the temperature, favoring low temperatures. As the temperature increased, there was a distinct temperature range where the binding of insulin to small unilamellar vesicles decreased. The temperature ranges for dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) and dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) small unilamellar vesicles were found to be 10–20°C and 21–37°C, respectively. These temperature ranges were quite different from the reported ranges of the gel → liquid crystalline phase transition temperatures ( T c ) for DMPC or DPPC small unilamellar vesicles. In contrast to other proteins, the amount of insulin bound to DMPC and DPPC small unilamellar vesicles was negligible at or above the upper limit of the above temperature ranges, and increased steadily to 6–7 μmol of insulin per mmol of phospholipid as the temperature decreased to or below the lower limit of these temperature ranges. On the other hand, the binding of insulin to the large multilamellar liposomes cannot be detected at all temperatures tested. The affinity of insulin to neutral phosphatidylcholine small unilamellar vesicles appeared to be related to the surface curvature of the liposomes, favoring the liposomes with a high surface curvature. Furthermore, the amount of insulin bound to small unilamellar vesicles decreased as the content of the cholesterol increased. The presence of 10% molar fraction of phosphatidic acid did not appear to affect the binding of insulin to small unilamellar vesicles. However, the presence of 5% molar fraction of stearylamine in DPPC small unilamellar vesicles increased the amount of bound insulin as well as the extent of aggregation of liposomes. The results of the present study suggest that the interstitial regions of the acyl chains of phospholipids between the faceted planes of small unilamellar vesicles below T c may be responsible for the hydrophobic interaction of insulin and small unilamellar vesicles. The tight binding of insulin to certain small unilamellar liposomes could lead to an overestimation of the true amount of insulin encapsulated in liposomes, if care is not taken to eliminate the bound insulin during the procedure of encapsulating insulin in liposomes.
ON THE EARLY DANGERS OF BEING TOO POLITICAL AN ECONOMIST: THOROLD ROGERS AND THE 1868 ELECTION TO THE DRUMMOND PROFESSORSHIP

ECoNoMIsTs have long since come to terms with the notion that their value judgements have no scientific status. But acceptance of this fact has not produced a retreat into strictly positive analysis; rather, it appears to have coincided with the emergence of the economist-adviser, whose role enjoys increasing public and professional recognition and who frankly avers that 'value judgements are an inescapable, obligatory, and desirable part of the life of an economic adviser'.2 It was not always so. Throughout the nineteenth century, when their discipline was struggling to achieve recognition as something more than a branch of lay morality, yet when they could display few of the trappings of esoteric inquiry, economists advocated a rather strict division of labour. From Nassau Senior and J. S. Mill down they argued that their function was to analyse the consequences of alternative courses of action. It was the prerogative of the politician to choose an 'appropriate' course. This distinction of functions certainly did not preclude a man from performing both, but it was incumbent upon him to make quite clear at all times in which of the two guises he was appearing.3 This two hats rule did not allay the fears and suspicions of those who thought they could discern in the gathering cohort of economists the forces of radicalism and irreligion.4 Nor was it proof against a determined
Liquid or solid on liquid in Leidenfrost film boiling

Film-boiling heat transfer between two liquids at different temperatures has been under extensive investigation recently in consideration of propellant-spillage accidents [1]. If liquid propellants spill accidently during test-stand or launching operations, a catastrophic explosion resulting from the detonation of the fuel and oxidizer is possible. In particular, a number of experiments [1] have been performed involving the mixing of small kerosene spheres in liquid oxygen. When small kerosene spheres are dispersed in a matrix of liquid oxygen, the sensible heat of the kerosene spheres vaporizes the liquid oxygen, thereby forming a film of oxygen vapor around the sphere. In film boiling, the vaporization rates are one or more orders of magnitude less than those of peak-nucleate boiling. In nucleate boiling, extreme turbulence and mixing will occur because of the large amount of vapor sporadically generated at the interface. On the other hand, film boiling is a relatively quiescent phenomenon, and as such can have a significant damping effect on the explosive potential of the mixture. The encapsulation of the liquid sphere (as it freezes), as shown herein, can also provide significant damping.
Effects of acetylcholine and atropine on plasticity of central auditory neurons caused by conditioning in bats.

In the big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus), conditioning with acoustic stimuli followed by electric leg-stimulation causes shifts in frequency-tuning curves and best frequencies (hereafter BF shifts) ...
Modeling downstream petroleum supply chain: The importance of multi-mode transportation to strategic planning

This paper proposes a deterministic mixed integer linear programming (MILP) model for downstream petroleum supply chain (PSC) network to determine the optimal distribution center (DC) locations, capacities, transportation modes, and transfer volumes. The model minimizes multi-echelon multi-product cost along the refineries, distribution centers, transportation modes and demand nodes. The relationship between strategic planning and multimodal transportation is further elucidated. A case study was considered with real data from the U.S. petroleum industry and transportation networks within Geographic Information System (GIS). A scenario analysis is also conducted to demonstrate the impact of key parameters on PSC decisions and total cost.
Schmandt Receives 2013 Keiiti Aki Young Scientist Award: Response

I appreciate Karen's generous words, and I am sincerely honored to receive this year's Aki Award. I would like to acknowledge that my research has been enabled by excellent mentors and colleagues and by a unique community of scientists. I was particularly lucky to wander into Gene Humphrey's office as a first-year graduate student with a curiosity about western U.S. tectonics and seismology. Gene always matched my energy and enthusiasm and allowed me to find my path. Later, as a postdoc, I benefited from a similarly flexible and supportive environment in the Seismo Lab at Caltech. I also feel fortunate to be part of the seismology community. It is a special community that will strive to collect a world-class data set, such as the EarthScope seismic data, and then openly put those data in the hands of any eager scientist. This unselfish and open-minded perspective is a great motivation for me, and I expect it is for many young scientists. I am excited for the future as a member of the seismology community.
Automated lung segmentation in X-ray computed tomography: development and evaluation of a heuristic threshold-based scheme.

Abstract Rationale and Objectives. To develop and evaluate a reliable, fully-automated lung segmentation scheme for application in X-ray computed tomography. Materials and Methods. The automated scheme was heuristically developed using a slice-based, pixel-value threshold and two sets of classification rules. Features used in the rules include size, circularity, and location. The segmentation scheme operates slice-by-slice and performs three key operations: (1) image preprocessing to remove background pixels, (2) computation and application of a pixel-value threshold to identify lung tissue, and (3) refinement of the initial segmented regions to prune incorrectly detected airways and separate fused right and left lungs. Results. The performance of the automated segmentation scheme was evaluated using 101 computed tomography cases (91 thick slice, 10 thin slice scans). The 91 thick cases were pre- and post-surgery from 50 patients and were not independent. The automated scheme successfully segmented 94.0% of the 2,969 thick slice images and 97.6% of the 1,161 thin slice images. The mean difference of the total lung volumes calculated by the automated scheme and functional residual capacity plus 60% inspiratory capacity was −24.7 ± 508.1 mL. The mean differences of the total lung volumes calculated by the automated scheme and an established, commonly used semi-automated scheme were 95.2 ± 52.5 mL and −27.7 ± 66.9 mL for the thick and thin slice cases, respectively. Conclusion. This simple, fully-automated lung segmentation scheme provides an objective tool to facilitate lung segmentation from computed tomography scans.
Solubility of natural gases in aqueous salt solutions—II: Nitrogen in aqueous NaCl, CaCl2, Na2SO4 and MgSO4 at room temperatures and at pressures below 1000 psia

Abstract The solubility of nitrogen in brine at room temperatures and at pressures below 1000 psia was determined in an effort to understand better the processes controlling intrastratal fluid flow. Solubilities were measured in water, aqueous NaCl, CaCl 2 , Na 2 SO 4 and MgSO 4 solutions by the pressure decline method. The results for water are in satisfactory agreement with those of other investigators. Previously published solubilities for salt solutions are limited to NaCl at low pressure, and are considerably smaller than those found in the present study. The data were used to estimate the invariant liquid compositions for the quaternary system N 2 -H 2 O-NaCl-CaCl 2 at 30°C and a representative pressure of 500 psia, from which the liquidus surfaces in the tetrahedral phase model may be constructed.
Origin of clay minerals in a Mid-Atlantic Ridge sediment

Abstract The coarse and fine-grained mineral fractions of a Mid-Atlantic Ridge sediment (22°N) have been separated and analyzed for Fe and rare-earth elements (REE). Despite changes in Fe abundance, all the chlorites have REE distributions consistent with a derivation from ridge greenstones. The REE distribution of the fine-grained montmorillonite is similar to that of shales, yet differs markedly from that of a coarse locally derived iron-rich montmorillonite. A continental origin for the fine-grained montmorillonite is implied.
The State of American Federalism, 2001–2002: Resilience in Response to Crisis

The past year has been one of repeated shocks to government and the larger society. Terrorist attacks in New York City and Washington, D. C., the burst of the dot.com bubble in the stock market, a wave of corporate scandals, and a slowdown in the economy posed severe problems for officials of all governments in the federal system. The combined effects of the war on terrorism and the economic turmoil forced federal policymakers to create new agencies and to enact new policies. State and local governments also responded to the multiple shocks with a variety of initiatives, often independent of Washington. Instead of a move toward centralization that might have been predicted as a consequence of the serious shocks, all elements of the American federal system demonstrated a capacity and energy to marshal resources in a time of urgency. Copyright 2002, Oxford University Press.
Save Me from Myself: College Students' Fears of Losing Control and Acting Violently.

Violent behavior on college campuses has been a long-standing problem that has received increased attention due to recent shootings. At present, the factors that predict college students' violent behavior are not well understood. To increase knowledge in this area, two studies were conducted that examined the prevalence and predictors of college students' fears of committing violent behavior. Data from a single university indicated that less than 2% of the general student body possessed strong fears of acting violently and more than 80% of students had no such fears. Among clients at the university counseling center, 7% expressed strong fears of acting violently whereas 71% of clients had no such fears. Similar prevalence rates were found in a sample of 27,616 clients from 66 university counseling centers. Predictors of fears of acting violently included low academic motivation, suicidal ideation, irritable feelings, fears of having a panic attack in public, having harmed another person previously, having...
Balancing cancer treatment efficacy with the risk of cardiotoxicity and strategies for cardioprotection in adults

Abstract The long-term survival and overall prognosis of patients affected by malignancies has dramatically improved in the last several decades, primarily as a result of improvements in early detection of certain cancers and to advances of pharmacological cancer treatments. Unfortunately, the cardiovascular system is likely to be substantially affected by anticancer therapies. The clinical implications of cardiotoxicity are particularly relevant in those cancer patients in whom onset of cardiac dysfunction, even asymptomatic, seriously limits their subsequent therapeutic opportunities and negatively impacts their functional status. Hence, it is important to consider the balance of potential cardiac damage with ultimately cancer control. In addition to traditional cardiovascular disease risk factors, an integrated approach using serum cardiac biomarkers for early detection may help identify those patients at higher risk for cardiac adverse events. These biomarkers may enhance identification of those who could benefit from early preventive therapy or be utilized to help optimize cardioprotective therapy. Asymptomatic heart disease is common in patients being treated for cancer, and early identification and management of common cardiovascular disorders is of paramount importance. However, appropriate supporting clinical trial evidence for such an approach is still lacking, and established guidelines for the most appropriate method of the detection of cardiac dysfunction during cancer treatment is yet to be defined. Open and effective communication between various providers (oncologists, cardiologists, and primary care) as essential members of a care team is a crucial process for the best patient outcomes. Cardio-oncology, as a movement and clinical need, has made significant advances, but much work remains to be done.
Organic mental disorder associated with prolonged competitive stress

Abstract Investigating human response to a prolonged competitive stress situation the authors studied five participants in the 1049 mile Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. In contrast to prepare findings, mental status examinations within 6 hours of race finish showed an OMD in all subjects. Cognitive impairment, psychomotor retardation, and reports of perceptual disturbances were prominent. The racers' survival and mastery of the extreme stress situation despite their ODM were emphasized. Strategies and responses used by the racers were reviewed. The remarkable outcome suggested the importance of goal direction and self-reliance in efforts to maximize functioning of patients with ongoing OMD.
Alternative Assessment Techniques

The ability to use alternative assessment techniques makes it possible for the special educator to assume the dual role of teacher/examiner.
Examining How Residential College Environments Inspire the Life of the Mind

Residential colleges in large, public research universities purport to create a small liberal arts environment with the resources of a major university, but little empirical attention has been paid to their claims of effectiveness. This study examined one facet of the liberal arts ideal, the development of lifelong learners. Hierarchical Linear Modeling was utilized to examine student characteristics, residential college environments, and cross-level interactions. Findings illustrate that students’ motivations, coupled with an ethos of academic challenge and faculty/student interaction in their residential college environment, were associated with developing lifelong learners. Findings and implications are discussed in the context of existing research.
Quantum Gravity and World Topology

The path integral of quantum gravity probes space-times with nontrivial topology and induces chiral symmetry breaking via an anomaly proportional to ${\ensuremath{\epsilon}}^{\ensuremath{\mu}\ensuremath{\nu}\ensuremath{\rho}\ensuremath{\sigma}}R^{\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{\ensuremath{\beta}\ensuremath{\mu}\ensuremath{\nu}}R^{\ensuremath{\beta}}_{\ensuremath{\alpha}\ensuremath{\rho}\ensuremath{\sigma}}$ in the divergence of the axial fermion number current. The corresponding classical instanton solution of Einstein's equations with cosmological term is found. The Euler-Poincar\'e characteristic and ordinary instanton number are also discussed.
Saccharomyces cerevisiae RAI1 (YGL246c) is homologous to human DOM3Z and encodes a protein that binds the nuclear exoribonuclease Rat1p.

The RAT1 gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae encodes a 5′→3′ exoribonuclease which plays an essential role in yeast RNA degradation and/or processing in the nucleus. We have cloned a previously uncharacterized gene (YGL246c) that we refer to as RAI1 (Rat1p interacting protein 1). RAI1 is homologous to Caenorhabditis elegans DOM-3 and human DOM3Z. Deletion of RAI1 confers a growth defect which can be complemented by an additional copy of RAT1 on a centromeric vector or by directing Xrn1p, the cytoplasmic homolog of Rat1p, to the nucleus through the addition of a nuclear targeting sequence. Deletion of RAI1 is synthetically lethal with the rat1-1ts mutation and shows genetic interaction with a deletion of SKI2 but not XRN1. Polysome analysis of an rai1 deletion mutant indicated a defect in 60S biogenesis which was nearly fully reversed by high-copy RAT1. Northern blot analysis of rRNAs revealed that rai1 is required for normal 5.8S processing. In the absence of RAI1, 5.8SL was the predominant form of 5.8S and there was an accumulation of 3′-extended forms but not 5′-extended species of 5.8S. In addition, a 27S pre-rRNA species accumulated in the rai1 mutant. Thus, deletion of RAI1 affects both 5′ and 3′ processing reactions of 5.8S rRNA. Consistent with the in vivo data suggesting that RAI1 enhances RAT1 function, purified Rai1p stabilized the in vitro exoribonuclease activity of Rat1p.
The potential value of mosses for stormwater management in urban environments

Plant-based stormwater management systems such as green roofs are typically composed exclusively of vascular plants. Yet, mosses have several desirable properties that could warrant their more widespread use in green roof applications. In natural systems mosses are important primary colonizers of bare ground, and their establishment improves water storage and provides numerous soil benefits including carbon and nitrogen sequestration. Additionally, mosses often facilitate the establishment and survival of vascular plants at otherwise environmentally harsh or stressful sites. Despite their potential value, few studies have investigated the functional performance of mosses on green roofs. In this study we evaluated the establishment success and potential stormwater performance of three candidate moss species. We also directly compared the runoff and thermal characteristics of replicate moss covered green roofs to vascular planted and bare roofs. Candidate mosses had high water holding capacities, storing 8–10 times their weight in water compared to only 1.3 times for typical green roof medium. Mock-up roof sections composed of mosses and medium had delayed and reduced runoff flows relative to medium only sections, although the magnitude of these effects varied with moss species. In field trials all three mosses survived a harsh rooftop environment with limited summer irrigation, although lateral growth after one year was minimal. Green roofs planted solely with Racomitrium canescens had between 12–24% higher stormwater retention than vascular or medium only roofs. Moss cover also ameliorated temperature fluctuations on green roofs. Hourly heating rates were buffered to a similar degree (less than half that of surface temperatures) 5 cm below the surface of both moss covered and medium only roofs. In contrast, cooling under the surface of the moss roof was nearly 6 times faster than under the medium only roof. These results demonstrate the potential for mosses to be valuable components of green roofs, either in combination with vascular plants or planted exclusively.
Intraperitoneal Bladder Rupture After Normal Vaginal Delivery

To our knowledge we report the first case of bladder perforation in a patient with no history of pelvic surgery or delivery. The patient presented 3 days post partum with renal failure and ascites. Paracentesis and cystography confirmed urinary ascites and bladder rupture. After open bladder repair convalescence was uneventful. The literature on intraperitoneal bladder rupture and urinary ascites is reviewed. Injuries to the genitourinary organs are common complications of vaginal delivery. With improvement in obstetrical care and judicious use of cesarean section such complications have been decreasing. Most injuries are easily detected at delivery and repairs are performed immediately. We report on a patient who presented 3 days post partum with urinary ascites due to bladder perforation during vaginal delivery. We discuss the evaluation of postpartum urinary ascites and current management of bladder perforation.
Design, synthesis, and characterization of a sterically encumbered dioxo molybdenum (VI) core

Abstract Dioxo-MoVI complexes of general formula Tp∗MoO2(p-SC6H4Dn) (6a–6c) (where Tp∗ = hydrotris(3,5-dimethyl-pyrazol-1-yl)borate and Dn = dendritic unit) have been synthesized and characterized by spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. 1H NMR spectra of the metal complexes indicate that the Cs local symmetry about the metal core does not change by the incorporation of dendritic functionality at the thiophenolato ring. Electrochemical data show a ∼20 mV change in the redox potential in the complexes with dendritic ligands suggesting a very small perturbation in the redox orbital, which is also supported by small changes in the electronic spectra. The peak-to peak separation (ΔEp) increases from 125 mV in 6(a) to 240 mV in 6(c), suggesting sluggish electron transfer in molecules with larger dendritic ligands.
Toward user-defined element types and architectural styles

When considering the design of an architectural description language (ADL) to be used as part of a software developer’s daily practice, two goals merit attention. First, the language should support the easy definition of new element types and architectural styles. Second, it should play a central role in system construction. A proposed adl, called UniCon-2, addresses these goals with its flexible type system, its duty construct, and its extensible compiler architecture based on ole. Such an adl provides a good starting point for exploring the architectural description of families of systems and flexible componentry.
Renal Papillary Necrosis: Relapsing Form Associated With Alcoholism

Described is a patient with recurrent renal papillary necrosis and chronic alcoholism as a possible precipitating factor. The case also demonstrates excellent recovery of renal function, despite considerable scarring of the parenchyma secondary to repeated episodes of sloughing of the papillae.
A Solvent-Free Coarse-Grained Model for Quantitative POPC Bilayer Simulations

We presented an implicit solvent CG model in a bottom-up scheme for simulations of 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC) bilayer membranes. The usage of implicit solvent enables membrane simulations on large length- and time-scale at modest computational expense. Despite an improved computational efficiency, the model preserves chemical specificity and quantitative accuracy in comparison with top-down solvent-free CG bilayer models. In the CG model, each of the CG sites was associated with the center-of-mass of a specific group of atoms in the all-atom representation of POPC. The bonded and non-bonded interaction parameters together with the effective cohesive interactions mimicking the hydrophobic effect were systematically derived by matching radial distribution functions, density and pressure profiles of the bilayer, and self-assembly of lipids in all-atom simulations of POPC phospholipids. The CG model is especially useful for studies of large-scale phenomena in membranes which require a detailed description of chemical specificity, e.g. membrane patches interacting with movable and transformable membrane proteins/peptides.
Investigating the specific interactions between carbonic anhydrase and a sulfonamide inhibitor by single-molecule force spectroscopy.

In this communication, we report on the interaction landscape of an active site-specific enzyme−inhibitor complex by single-molecule force spectroscopy. Electrostatic immobilization was employed to orient a carbonic anhydrase enzyme on a positively charged surface so its active site is pointing upward. This approach to immobilization effectively increases the number of specific interactions measured between the zinc ion of the active site on carbonic anhydrase and a sulfonamide inhibitor tethered to an atomic force microscope (AFM) probe. Further, it reduces the time required for data collection and thereby minimizes the possible mechanical damage to the probe and contamination of the enzyme surface. The rupture force measured at various loading rates is interpreted in terms of a single energy barrier for the carbonic anhydrase enzyme−sulfonamide inhibitor complex from which the kinetic and thermodynamic parameters were estimated on the basis of microscopic models and were compared to the Bell−Evans model...
Improved membrane electrode using plant tissue as biocatalyst

Abstract A newly developed pyruvate selective membrane electrode using plant tissue as biocatalyst is described. Comparison studies of electrodes which employ corn kernel portions as biocatalyst with similar electrodes based on isolated enzyme show that the former achieve longer lifetimes and enhanced activities with no loss of selectivity. This improvement is attributed to stabilization of the biocatalytic activity by the plant tissue matrix.
Recent earthquake prediction research in the U.S.A.

Abstract The United States has no national program in earthquake prediction, prevention or control, but there is considerable interest in these topics, and scientists at a number of university and government laboratories are conducting research that relates directly or indirectly to them. Much of the U.S. observational effort is focused on California and the San Andreas fault, and substantial progress has recently been made in understanding how movements occur along this fault. The results may not be readily applicable to regions of other types, however. The tectonics of the Alaskan peninsula and the Aleutian Arc are dissimilar to those of California, and observations are far less complete in the former areas. Some important themes in U.S. research in this kind of seismology are: 1. (1) The new level of understanding of the earthquake mechanism, particularly along the San Andreas fault, that has resulted from a variety of new observations and concepts but especially from the realization of the importance of fault creep i.e., slow slippage without accompanying large earthquakes. 2. (2) The possible importance of the role of water, or some other interstitial fluid, in the earthquake phenomenon. 3. (3) The bearing of the current concepts of global tectonics — continental drift, sea-floor spreading, transform faults, underthrusting of the lithosphere at island arcs — on the earthquake mechanism and on earthquake prediction. 4. (4) The strength of multidisciplinary attack using information not only from seismology but also from geodesy, geomagnetism, field geology, tectonics, and laboratory studies; the value of carrying out some such measurements on widely different scales as, for example, in geodesy where the distances over which strain measurements are made run from a fraction of a centimeter to many tens of kilometers. 5. (5) The development of new techniques for observing various geophysical or geological parameters.
CHOP/GADD153 Gene Expression Response to Cellular Stresses Inhibited by Prior Exposure to Ultraviolet Light Wavelength Band C (UVC) INHIBITORY SEQUENCE MEDIATING THE UVC RESPONSE LOCALIZED TO EXON 1

CHOP/GADD153 is both an activating and repressing transcription factor that is markedly induced in response to a variety of cellular stresses. The CHOP/GADD153 gene was originally cloned because of its inducibility by ultraviolet light wavelength band C (UVC) and has since been found to be activated in response to many different cellular stresses. Some of the recent studies have questioned the UVC responsiveness of the CHOP gene. Contradiction in our own data led us to reexamine the UVC effects on CHOP expression. UVC is capable of strongly activating the mouse CHOP promoter in stably transfected NIH 3T3 cells but has only a modest and transient effect on the level of the CHOP messenger RNA. In addition to its positive effect on CHOP promoter activity, we show that UVC negatively affects CHOP mRNA and protein expression. Pretreatment of NIH 3T3 cells with UVC markedly attenuates the subsequent induction of CHOP mRNA by the cellular stress activators methylmethane sulfate, tunicamycin, glucose deprivation, and methionine deprivation for as long as at least 16 h. This inhibitory effect of UVC on CHOP expression in response to stress is independent of the presence or absence of p53 and does not involve mRNA degradation as opposed to the UVC effect that inhibits p21 expression seen only in the absence of p53. The target of the inhibitory effect of UVC on CHOP expression is located in the first exon of the gene, a 5′-untranslated region that is unusually conserved between different species. These findings suggest that an unknown function encoded by the 5′-untranslated region somehow modifies the response of CHOP gene transcription to UVC.
Introduction: EU and US Responses to the Financial Crisis

The financial crisis has generated contrasting policy responses to the financial crisis in the EU and US, the significance of which is discussed by the contributors to this Debate. In the US, the regulatory response involves a partial reversal (although too limited for its critics) of deregulation in the 1980s–1990s. In the EU, the transformation of a banking crisis into a sovereign debt crisis has led to a major shift in political and economic management, including a reinforcement of regulatory capacity and a potentially substantial shift towards ‘economic government’ in the eurozone.
True 3-D scanned voxel displays using single or multiple light sources

Abstract— Conventional stereoscopic displays require viewers to unnaturally keep eye accommodation fixed at one focal distance while they dynamically change vergence to view objects at different distances. This forced decoupling of reflexively linked processes fatigues eyes, causes discomfort, compromises image quality, and may lead to pathologies in developing visual systems. Volumetric displays can overcome this conflict, but only for small objects placed within a limited range of viewing distances and accommodation levels, and cannot render occlusion cues correctly. Our multi-planar True 3-D displays generate accommodation cues that match vergence and stereoscopic retinal disparity demands and can display images and objects at viewing distances throughout the full range of human accommodation (from 6.25 cm to infinity), better mimicking natural vision and minimizing eye fatigue.
Coprostanol as sewage tracer in McMurdo Sound, Antarctica

Abstract Sediment cores from the vicinity of sewage outfalls off McMurdo Station as well as surface grab samples from different locations in the McMurdo Sound, Antarctica were analysed for coprostanol (5β-cholestan-3β-ol) and epicoprostanol (5β-cholestan-3α-ol) to assess the degree of sewage addition to the Sound. Sediment samples close to the point source contain as much as 3 mg g−1 dry sediment of coprostanol, whereas samples farther from the source, for example from New Harbour and Granite Harbour, contain only trace levels to 40 ng g−1. Coprostanol in the sediments of latter locations most likely originates from seals rather than from sewage outfalls. It appears that sewage particles are very quickly incorporated into the sediment layers close to the discharge point in the eastern Sound. However, significant levels (930 ng g−1) of fecal sterols were detected in Cape Armitage surface sediments, indicating that the sewage plume could also have reached the seawater intake station, situated in between the outfall and Cape Armitage sampling site. These results suggest the need for a sound environmental monitoring and assessment of the existing wastewater practices in the region.
USE OF ALCOHOLS AS COSOLVENTS IN ENZYME-FACILITATED TRANSPORT OF ORGANIC ACIDS THROUGH A LIQUID MEMBRANE

Abstract Further applications and developments were studied for the use of enzyme-facilitated liquid membranes (EFLM). The use of ethanol as a cosolvent in the aqueous phase of the EFLM enhanced the facilitated transport of phenyl-acetic acid by more than 13 times relative to the case where water with low butanol concentrations was used, and more than 1000-fold relative to non-facilitated transport in the butanol/water system. This transport enhancement is proposed to result from a favorable shift in the equilibrium between phenylacetic acid and its ester (ethyl phenylacetate) which is the species transported across the liquid membrane. The enhancement goes through a maximum with increasing ethanol content that is proposed to result from the observed denaturing of the enzyme at high ethanol concentrations. A simple model is proposed which qualitatively describes the observed enhancement by ethanol blends.
The Diagnostic Utility of Cerebrospinal Fluid Creatine Kinase Activity in the Horse

We evaluated creatine kinase (CK) activity in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of 128 horses with various neurological disorders. No association was found between CSF CK activity and CSF red blood cell count, CSF nucleated cell count, CSF total protein concentration, or serum CK activity. The sensitivity and specificity of CSF CK activity as a diagnostic test for protozoal myelitis in horses (61% and 56%, respectively) was higher than for cervical stenotic myelopathy, degenerative myelopathy, or motor neuron disease, but was considered to be inadequate to be of use diagnostically. Contamination of CSF with whole blood, hemolyzed red blood cells, or serum did not substantially contribute to increases in CSF CK activity. Addition of epidural fat or dura to CSF significantly increased CSF CK activity in all cases. We suggest that the use of CSF CK activity as a diagnostic indicator of neurological disease in the horse in unreliable, and that CSF CK activity may be falsely increased by contamination of CSF with epidural fat or dura during CSF collection.
Dynamics of Short Laser Pulses Propagating in Plasma Channels

We present an extension of the paraxial wave equation, taking finite-pulse-length effects into account. A pair of coupled envelope-power equations having finite pulse length as well as nonlinear focusing effects is derived and analyzed in a plasma channel. In plasma channels, pulses can undergo an envelope modulation which is damped in the front and initially grows in the back of the pulse. Finite-pulse-length effects also significantly increase the nonlinear focusing. {copyright} {ital 1999} {ital The American Physical Society }
Mechanism of Dimethylsulfoxide Protection Against Acetaminophen Hepatotoxicit

(1989). Mechanism of Dimethylsulfoxide Protection Against Acetaminophen Hepatotoxicit. Drug Metabolism Reviews: Vol. 20, No. 2-4, pp. 261-269.
Enhanced allograft survival induced by posttransplant donor spleen cell infusion occurs via a mechanism that is distinct from the mechanism of enhancement by donor bone marrow.

BACKGROUND Our previous studies have shown that the ability of donor bone marrow to augment skin graft survival in antithymocyte serum (ATS)-treated recipients is dependent on the presence of functional CD95-ligand (Fas-ligand) molecules on donor cells. Because donor spleen cells can augment graft survival to a similar degree in the same model, we investigated whether the donor spleen cell effect was also dependent on the presence of CD95-ligand on donor cells and CD95 on recipient cells. METHODS Mutant mice bearing defects in the expression of CD95 (lpr mutation) and CD95-ligand (gld mutation) were used as recipients and cell donors, respectively. Recipients were injected with rabbit ATS on days -1 and +2, and then were injected with 5x10(7) spleen cells on day +7. Skin graft survival was compared and correlated with the use of mutant mice as recipients and cell donors. RESULTS The combination of ATS and infusions of wild-type [median survival (MST)=44 days, P=0.0004] and gld (mutant CD95-ligand, MST=37 days, P=0.02) donor spleen cells enhanced C3H graft survival, compared with (C57BL/6 x A)F1 recipients treated with ATS alone (MST=27 days). Furthermore, C57BL/6 lpr (CD95-deficient) strain recipients treated with ATS and donor spleen cells demonstrated enhanced B10.D2(R107) strain skin graft survival (MST=44 days, P=0.003), compared with C57BL/6 lpr recipients treated with ATS alone (MST=31 days). Wild-type C57BL/6 recipients treated in the same manner also exhibited an extension of graft survival (MST=64 days) versus controls treated with ATS alone (MST=31 days). CONCLUSION The data demonstrate that the ability of donor spleen cells to augment allograft survival is not dependent on the CD95/CD95-ligand pathway; therefore the deletion of allospecific cells by donor spleen cells may be induced via a pathway other than deletion by donor bone marrow cells.
Fatigue crack propagation behavior of underfill materials in microelectronic packaging

Cracks formed in underfill materials under loading are often observed to continue their propagation into traces in the substrate, which causes electrical failures in microelectronic devices. Hence, a fracture mechanics-based technique was used to characterize the fatigue crack propagation behavior of six different underfill materials under two different environmental conditions, i.e., ambient and 85°C/85% relative humidity (RH). Under the ambient condition, there was a well-defined threshold in each material studied, and the fatigue crack growth rate was found to have a power-law dependence on stress intensity range. However, under the 85°C/85% RH condition, near-threshold instability was observed. The crack growth rate at the near threshold region was found to oscillate from low to high after a period of time during cycling. The near-threshold instability is believed to be the result of interaction between the crack tip and moisture.
Performance Criticism of the Hebrew Bible

Performance criticism is a critical methodology that is based upon the premise that select portions of the Hebrew Bible (and Christian New Testament as well) are literary variations of originally oral compositions that were read or recited before live audiences. Those readings and recitations were performative in nature and understanding the performative dynamics at work in the material, being read or recited, can yield fresh insights into the meaning of the material. Performance criticism applies concepts commonly used in performative studies to the Hebrew Bible in an effort to better understand the conventions and structures enabling communication.
Multivariate Specifications of Raw Materials: Application to Aluminum Reduction Cells

Abstract A metallurgical process generally processes some raw materials or ores into concentrates or primary metals using different technologies. However, the quality of the incoming raw materials has an effect on the process performance. Hence, engineers have to apply different set points in order to account or compensate for raw material quality variations. This is frequently performed using a set of univariate specifications. In this paper, a methodology to build multivariate specifications is presented and illustrated using a case study from an aluminum reduction smelter.
Mitogen-activated protein kinase cascades and regulation of gene expression

Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are a group of serine/threonine specific, proline directed, protein kinases which are activated by a wide spectrum of extracellular stimuli. MAPK activation is achieved through kinase cascades, which include a MAPK kinase (MAPKK or MEK) and a MAPKK/MEK kinase (MAPKKK/MEKK). These cascades serve as information relays, connecting cell-surface receptors to specific transcription factors and other regulatory proteins, thus allowing extracellular signals to regulate the expression of specific genes. Genetic and biochemical analyses have revealed many tiers in the regulation of the activities of MAPKs, as well as different routes that lead to the activation of an individual MAPK. An emerging topic of great interest is the basis for specificity in the activation of individual MAPKs and their ability to recognize their substrates.
Purification of hyperthermophilic archaeal amylolytic enzyme (MJA1) using thermoseparating aqueous two-phase systems.

Purification of a recombinant, thermostable α-amylase (MJA1) from the hyperthermophile, Methanococcus jannaschii, was investigated in the ethylene oxide–propylene oxide random copolymer (PEO–PPO)/(NH4)2SO4, and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)/(NH4)2SO4 aqueous two-phase systems. MJA1 partitioned in the top polymer-rich phase, while the remainder of proteins partitioned in the bottom salt-rich phase. It was found that enzyme recovery of up to 90% with a purification factor of 3.31 was achieved using a single aqueous two-phase extraction step. In addition, the partition behavior of pure amyloglucosidase in polymer/salt aqueous two-phase systems was also evaluated. All of the studied enzymes partitioned unevenly in these polymer/salt systems. This work is the first reported application of thermoseparating polymer aqueous two-phase systems for the purification of extremophile enzymes.
A new in situ procedure for measuring the dielectric properties of low permittivity materials

A novel in situ procedure for measuring the dielectric properties of materials with low complex permittivity has been developed. The dielectric probe is basically an open-ended coaxial line with an extended center conductor immersed in the material under test. The measurement technique utilizes a rigorous expression for the input impedance of the monopole probe and a complex zero-finding routine to determine the dielectric parameters of the material under test. Results of the uncertainty analysis are presented, together with experimental results for lossless and lossy low-permittivity materials. The complex permittivity results were within ±5% of the data available in the literature.
On the exactness of classical transition state theory for collinear collisions

Abstract We have applied Pechukas and McLafferty's test for the exactness of classical transition state theory (TST) to the collinear subsurface of Porter and Karplus' H 3 hypersurface and have determined that TST is exact to at least 0.059281 eV above the saddle point energy.
Food Acquisition, Availability, and Allocation in Urban Alaska

Food acquisition practices and related attitudes of urban Alaskan consumers as affected by setting and resource availability and allocation were examined. Pri mary food purchasers (N = 400) were surveyed by telephone. Frequency re sponse was tabulated, and relationships were delineated using chi-square anal ysis. Responses were compared to a national profile where appropriate. Urban Alaskans, like consumers in the contiguous 48 states, expected a nutritious, safe, and abundant food supply of high quality. These consumers were most dissatis fied with the quality of available fresh products, particularly produce. Convenient supermarkets were the major channel through which food was obtained, al though large numbers of urban Alaskans participated in subsistence activities. Smaller numbers frequented alternative vendors. Urban Alaskans were more aware of food processing and food safety problems than were their national counterparts. Despite this awareness, concerns existed about nutrition, health, and the food supply. Dissemination of nutrition information through newspapers will reach the largest segment of Alaskan primary food purchasers.
An Inpatient Child Passenger Safety Program

Background. Our institution implemented an Inpatient Child Passenger Safety (CPS) program for hospitalized children to improve knowledge and compliance with the Massachusetts CPS law, requiring children less than 8 years old or 57 inches tall to be secured in a car seat when in a motor vehicle. Methods. After the Inpatient CPS Program was piloted on 3 units in 2009, the program was expanded to all inpatient units in 2010. A computerized nursing assessment tool identifies children in need of a CPS consult for education and/or car seat. Results. With the expanded Inpatient CPS Program, 3650 children have been assessed, 598 consults initiated, and 325 families have received CPS education. Car seats were distributed to 419 children; specialty car seats were loaned to 134 families. Conclusions. With a multidisciplinary approach, we implemented an Inpatient CPS Program for hospitalized children providing CPS education and car seats to families in need.
A comparative study on a singular perturbation problem with two singular boundary points

A singularly perturbed second-order differential equation with two singular boundary points will be investigated. The work will present a comparative study between the WKB-boundary layer analysis and the uniform approximations about the singular points. The exponential precision asymptotics are essential for this study. The matching concept will be applied in each type of analysis where dominant and recessive terms are matched independently.
NORPLAN: Non-functional Requirements Planning for agile processes

Agile software development and project management methodologies, such as Scrum and Extreme Programming, have become very popular in quickly delivering quality Functional Requirements (FRs). However, agile project management methodologies have not adequately captured planning and prioritization activities for crosscutting concerns and non-functional requirements in agile practices. This research proposes project management and requirements quality metrics that would be used to design a risk-driven algorithm to prioritize and plan an improved requirements implementation sequence that is suitable for agile software development methodologies. Unlike the overly simplistic business value prioritization scheme used in methodologies such as Scrum, Non-functional Requirements Planning (NORPLAN) proposes two additional prioritization schemes, namely, Riskiest-Requirements-First and Riskiest-Requirements-Last for improved yet more agile planning for release and sprint cycles using a risk-driven approach. The approach is validated through visual simulation and a case study.