cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neural membrane field effects in a cytoskeleton corral: Microdomain regulation of impulse propagation

This article proposes that electrostatic interaction between transiently polarized neural-membrane ethenes and charged residues of an unfolded ion-channel protein regulate channel closing and electrical signaling in neurons. Field effects are confined by a cytoskeleton corral that gates movement of membrane lipids from one corralled region to another. Cytoskeleton gating permits stepwise changes in the concentration of unsaturated lipids and thereby modulates ion-channel activity. The system is hypothesized to operate at axonal branch points where impulse conduction has a low safety factor. Throughout the discussion the A-current delayed-rectifier potassium channel is used as an example. Implications of the model for molecular networks are briefly discussed. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2004
Assessing and addressing safe food handling knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of college undergraduates.

ABSTRACT: The authors determined the food safety knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of undergraduates (n = 1122) on an urban college campus using a previously piloted survey tool. Data obtained found that while students reported high levels of confidence in their ability to engage in safe food handling practices, their knowledge and self-reported behaviors indicated that they were not actually engaging in safe food handling practices. Students were particularly lacking knowledge with respect to proper temperatures for cooking, reheating, and refrigerating foods. The data were further analyzed to determine differences in food safety knowledge and practices between populations of different demographics within the students. Differences were found between male and female students, Caucasian and Asian students, and students who had worked in food service compared with those who had not. A final aspect of this study evaluated the effectiveness of a social marketing campaign to increase awareness of safe food handling practices among college undergraduates. A cross-sectional, quasi-experimental, pre- and posttest design was used. Following the baseline knowledge survey described previously, a social marketing campaign developed for young adults was implemented on the campus over a 4-wk period that included promotional events and incentives. Postcampaign survey results indicated increases in food safety knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors, particularly with respect to appropriate temperatures for cooking and refrigeration and found that e-mails and posters may be effective ways to communicate food safety messages to this population.
DiR: a resource-efficient framework for achieving reliable connectivity

Differentiated Reliability (DiR) is a concept that was recently introduced by the authors. The DiR concept can be applied to provide multiple reliability degrees (or classes) at the same network layer, using a desired protection scheme, e.g., dedicated path protection switching. According to the DiR concept, each connection is guaranteed a minimum reliability degree, or equivalently a maximum downtime ratio, that is chosen by the client. The reliability degree chosen for a given connection is thus determined by the application requirements, independently by the actual network topology, design constraints, robustness of the network components, and span of the connection. In this paper, two protection schemes are used to provide DiR in a WDM network with arbitrary topology: the path protection scheme and the partial path protection scheme. With either scheme, differentiation of reliability is successfully achieved. It is noted that the latter scheme is 10% more resource efficient than the former scheme in providing the desired reliability level. The former scheme is however less complex to manage than the latter.
The effect of pyrogen on the in vivo metabolism and initial kinetics of chloroquine in rats.

The possible contribution of hepatic metabolism impairment, caused by pyrogen, to the increased toxicity and altered pharmacokinetics of chloroquine in rats was investigated. The ratio of unchanged chloroquine (CQ) to total quinolines (TQ) was determined in the 24-h urine collection, the plasma and the liver. Pretreatment with massive doses of E. coli lipopolysaccharide pyrogen did not produce any significant change in the ratio of CQ/TQ in the urine, liver or plasma between control and pyrogen-treated rats. This finding occurred in spite of a pronounced initial behavioural effect of the pyrogen on the rats. The ratio of CQ/TQ was also preserved in the 7th day 24-h urine collection from a control and a pyrogentreated rat although the total urinary excretion of TQ had decreased by about 99·5% of the first 24-h collection. Analysis of the pharmacokinetic parameters from plasma levels in the first 24 h showed significant alterations in the apparent volume of distribution (AVD), the half-life (T 1/2) and the rate of decay constant (K) of the drug in pyrogen-treated rats. These findings were interpreted to indicate that chloroquine metabolism in vivo, which occurs mainly via a dealkylation process, may not be readily deranged by pyrogen. The changes in the pharmacokinetic parameters are discussed in relation to the known haemodynamic changes that occur in the febrile state.
Interactions between λ Int molecules bound to sites in the region of strand exchange are required for efficient Holliday junction resolution

λ Site-specific recombination proceeds via two sequential single-strand exchanges that first generate and then resolve a Holliday recombination intermediate. The resolution of artificial Holliday junctions (χ-forms) is well suited to studying the mechanisms involved in reciprocal strand exchange because the linear products of this reaction are stable and easily quantitated. To study the interactions between Int molecules bound at the sites of strand exchange, artificial Holliday junctions containing only the seven base-pair overlap region and the four core-type Int binding sites were used as a model system. In vitro resolution of these structures yields products of both top- and bottom-strand exchange. An abortive product resulting from simultaneous cleavage of the top and bottom strands also occurs at low frequency. Inactivation of one of the four Int binding sites by multiple base substitutions does not significantly affect the efficiency of resolution but has a dramatic effect on the directionality, i.e. the choice of top- or bottom-strand exchange. When any two of the four core-type sites are similarly inactivated, strand exchange is very inefficient and the amount of aberrant cleavage is somewhat greater than for the Holliday junction with four intact Int binding sites. Analysis of the resolution products of Holliday junctions with various combinations of defective Int binding sites leads to the following conclusions: (1) three functional core-type Int binding sites are necessary and sufficient for a strand exchange; (2) the Int molecules that are partners in a strand exchange interact with Int bound to a “cross-core” site that is not directly involved in carrying out the reaction; (3) Int molecules bound to the core-type sites interact in a way that reduces the occurrence of abortive double-strand cleavage events.
Nanostructured polymer gels

A brief review of our recent work on polymer gel opals is given in memory of late Professor Tanaka. The central idea is to first synthesize monodisperse polymer gel nanoparticles, then self-assemble them into a 3D network, and eventually covalently bond them. The covalent bonding contributes to the structural stability, while self-assembly provides them with crystal structures that diffract light, resulting in colors. N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPA) gel has been used as a model system for this study. The nanostructured NIPA gel, which contain up to 97 wt% water, displays a striking iridescence like precious opal but are soft and flexible like gelatin.
The use of radioisotope combined with isosulfan blue dye is not superior to radioisotope alone for the identification of sentinel lymph nodes in patients with breast cancer

Background Isosulfan Blue dye (BD) allergic drug reactions (ADR) occur in up to 2% of patients undergoing SLN biopsy (SLNB). We sought to determine if BD enhances the performance of SLNB such that this risk is justified. Methods A retrospective review of 392 breast cancer patients undergoing SLNB between 8/99 and 8/04 was performed; 208 patients had radioisotope (ISO) alone, 167 had ISO+BD. Total SLN and positive SLN in each group were compared. We examined the ISO+BD group for concordance and the presence of blue only nodes. The effect of tumor location, injection site, angiolymphatic invasion, Her2/neu expression, and the presence of a noninvasive component were studied. Chi-square, linear regression, Fisher t tests, and ANOVA were performed. Results SLN were identified in 94% of ISO and 96% of ISO+BD patients. The mean number SLN from the ISO group was 2.01, 1.93 for ISO+BD; 27% of ISO and 21% of ISO+BD patients had positive nodes. These differences were not significant. No difference for tumor location, injection site, angiolymphatic invasion, Her2/neu expression, or the presence of a noninvasive component was found. Conclusion The addition of BD to ISO in patients with invasive breast cancer does not significantly enhance the performance of SLNB.
Marital sexuality and the psychological health of professional men

A longitudinal study of married professional men explored the relation of adolescent and adult psychological health to marital sexual frequency, frustration, pleasure, and compatibility as well as the effects of sexual relations upon maturing. Psychological health was measured by seven adolescent and ten adult measures, including the MMPI, Rorschach, self- and judge-ratings, and questionnaires. Adolescent mental health did not predict any measure of adult sexual activity. Adult psychological health did not predict frequency of marital coital relations or degree of sexual frustration very consistently. It was associated more clearly with sexual pleasure and very consistently with marital sexual compatibility. Sexual relations did not contribute much to the men's maturing during adulthood; when they did, their principal effects were to further the integration and stabilization of the men's self-concepts.
Amikacin therapy of severe infections produced by gram negative bacilli resistant to gentamicin

Amikacin is a new aminoglycoside antibiotic related chemically to kanamycin. It has broad spectrum activity against most gram-negative bacilli. The most important advantage of this aminoglycoside is its activity against gram-negative bacilli which are resistant to gentamicin. Amikacin was given to 22 cancer patients with 24 serious infections produced by gram-negative bacilli resistant to gentamicin and 13 (54 per cent) were cured. Response to amikacin was related to the patients's neutrophil count at the time of infection; neutropenic patients having a lower response rate (30 per cent vs 71 per cent). Side effects included nephrotoxicity (12 per cent) and audiotoxicity (5 per cent). Amikacin is an effective new antibiotic for patients with severe infections produced by gram-negative bacilli resistant to gentamicin.
The fine structure of the capsid of reovirus type 3.

Abstract The fine structure of the outer capsid of reovirus type 3 was studied by negative contrast electron microscopy and enhancement of image detail by rotational analysis. The capsid was found to be composed of large morphological units, or capsomeres, measuring 18 nm in diameter. Hexagonal units are composed of six separate wedgeshaped subunits which are in turn made up of three smaller subunits. The architecture of the capsid appears to be that of a T = 3 morphology with a probable 32 morphological units which themselves have the more complex symmetry of a T = 9 icosadeltahedron. A prominent feature of the architecture of the capsid was found to be a sharing of subunits, an apparently unique feature of viruses in the Reoviridae virus family.
Explicit design space

This paper examines the need for explicit representations of the design space, in response to Woodbury and Burrow. Specifically, their proposal for a particular search strategy, by means of which one can reuse past experiences explicitly represented by previously traversed paths, is examined. This is done by exploring issues with respect to design search and representation in general, while relating these to specific issues raised by Woodbury and Burrow. The paper concludes by suggesting that their arguments essentially point to devising an appropriate “programming language” for design.
Crystallization of amorphous Ni35Zr65 and Fe40Ni40P14B6 under proton irradiation

Abstract Two amorphous alloys, Ni 35 Zr 65 and Fe 40 Ni 40 P 14 B 6 , were irradiated using 400 keV protons at several temperatures below the crystallization temperature, T x , to peak doses in the neighborhood of 3.5 to 4.5 dpa. Irradiation at 250°C resulted in the crystallization of both alloys, which were examined by transmission electron microscopy of samples electrolytically polished to various distances from the irradiated surface to study the effect of dose. Samples masked from the proton beam remained amorphous during irradiation. In the Ni 35 Zr 65 alloy crystallization of the equilibrium phases propagated throughout the entire sample, while the in the Fe 40 Ni 40 P 14 B 6 alloy crystallization was observed only in those parts of the samples lying within the proton range. Neither alloy crystallized during irradiation at 100°C. In both these alloys the amorphous phase is therefore evidently stable at irradiation temperatures below approximately 0.6 T x . An examination of the literature on irradiation damage of binary alloys and intermetallic compounds suggests that there is a tendency for initially amorphous alloys to remain amorphous at irradiation temperatures, T irr T L , where T L (≈ T x ) is the “melting” temperature (either a eutectic, peritectic or congruent melting temperature). Also, these same alloys, even when they are initially crystalline, transform to the amorphous state during irradiation at T T L . Some other crystalline alloys have also been shown to transform to the amorphous state at T irr T L even though they have never been prepared in this condition by rapid quenching techniques. The temperature 0.3 T L appears to be a lower limit, however, since the crystalline to amorphous transformation occurs in many of these alloys at temperatures greater than 0.3 T L . It is suggested, by analogy with results on void formation in irradiated metals, that this low temperature limit is related to the low mobility of vacancies in these materials, although the mechanism of crystallization, or conversely amorphization, is not fully understood.
Russian Public Opinion on Human Rights and the War in Chechnya

Two specialists on Russian society and politics analyze how Russians view human rights and the conflict in Chechnya, as well as factors shaping views on these issues within Russia, based on a survey conducted in October 2001. The authors discuss how their results diverge from the findings of other studies of Russian public opinion on issues relating to democracy, consider several explanations for the patterns they observe, and propose some appropriate policy measures.
Assessment of reproductive behavior and hormonal cycles in geriatric western Lowland gorillas

The population of western lowland gorillas in North American zoos is aging and, as is the case with the aging human population, may have unique physical and social needs. We have documented previously that 25% of aging females (5/22) ceased to show reproductive cycles entirely, and could be defined as menopausal. Approximately 32% of females showed somewhat irregular cycling patterns. We review our hormonal and behavioral findings on reproductive aging in gorillas; describe the range of cycling patterns that we see and how we interpret these; and discuss the implications of these findings for captive management and husbandry of aging gorillas. We monitored fecal hormone metabolites (progestogens) in 30 gorillas and collected simultaneous behavioral data to evaluate the relationship between cyclicity and sexual behavior. We identified and described several discrete patterns of irregular cycling. These included extreme variability of cycle length, cyclic patterns with unusually low progestogen peak concentrations that possibly may not support luteal activity, and large variability in maximum progestogen peak height among cycles. All of these changes are consistent with age-related hormonal changes observed in humans and may be signs of changes in fertility as well. Behaviorally, nearly all cycling females exhibited signs of estrus. Affiliative behavior between male silverbacks and estrous females was observed in the control females, but not the geriatric females. These findings suggest that pre-menopausal females are exhibiting signs of perimenopause. As is the case in humans, such changes in hormone patterns may occur years before the onset of menopause. As enhancements in nutrition, husbandry, and veterinary medicine have led to increased longevity in our zoo populations of apes, it has become imperative that we investigate and better understand associated physiological and behavioral changes in geriatric animals to ensure appropriate management of this increasing demographic sub-population. Zoo Biol 0:1–23, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Assessing multi-year changes in modeled and observed urban NOX concentrations from a dynamic model evaluation perspective

Abstract An investigation of the concentrations of nitrogen oxides (NO X ) from an air quality model and observations at monitoring sites was performed to assess the changes in NO X levels attributable to changes in mobile emissions. This evaluation effort focused on weekday morning rush hours since urban NO X concentrations are strongly influenced by the significant loading of emissions associated with heavy commuter traffic. On-road vehicle NO X emissions generated by the MOBILE6 model revealed a steady decline with an overall decrease of 25% for 2002–2006. In this study, a dynamic model evaluation was undertaken that entails an assessment of the predicted concentration response of the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model due to changes in NO X emissions as well as to meteorological variability spanning 3-month summer periods over five consecutive years (2002–2006) against observed concentration changes at NO X monitoring sites located primarily in urban areas of the eastern United States. Both modeled and observed hourly NO X concentrations exhibited maximum values that coincided with the morning peak NO X emissions. The notable results, based on 3-h average (6–9 AM local time) NO X concentrations, derived between the 50th and 95th percentiles of cumulative concentration distributions, revealed that modeled changes at these elevated NO X levels generally tracked the year-to-year variations in the observed concentration changes. When summer 2002 values were used as a reference, both modeled and observed results also showed definitive decreases in weekday morning urban NO X concentrations over this multi-year period, which can be primarily attributed to the reductions in mobile source emissions. Whereas observed NO X concentrations have declined by about 25% over this period consistent with the decline in the modeled mobile emission sector, modeled NO X concentration changes were close to the decreases exhibited in all (mobile + other sectors) surface NO X emissions whose overall decline was about 15% over this multi-year period.
Moderation of ingestive behaviour of beef ca le by grazing‐induced changes in lucerne swards†

Intensive grazing of pastures may cause drastic and rapid changes in swards which have major effects on ingestive behaviour and diet. Twelve adult Angus cows (Bos Taurus), mean live weight of 482±19 kg, were allowed to graze on swards of lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) that were not grazed (TO), or had been grazed previously for 1 h (T1), or 2 h (T2) in a balanced changeover design. Herbage dry ma er (DM) masses (>5 cm) were 2611, 1895 and 1441 kg ha−1; leaf fractions were 0-48, 0-29 and 0-14; and herbage DM allowances per animal were 10·6, 7·9 and 6·0 kg h−1 for TO, T1 and T2, respectively. During a 1 h measured grazing session that followed an overnight fast, cows ingested 2-93, 1·71 and 0·66 kg DM h−1 with herbage DM intakes per bite of 1·6, 0·9 and 0·4 g for T0, T1. and T2, respectively. Rates of biting did not respond to sward treatment and averaged 30 bites min−1. Intake of leaf DM was estimated at 98, 70 and 6% of total DM intake for the same treatment sequence. Utilization of herbage allowance was 0·29, 0·23 and 0·12, for TO, T1 and T2, respectively. Metabolzable energy (ME) intake per animal was 30, 17 and 5 MJ h−1 and ME intake per bite was 16, 9 and 3 KJ for TO, T1 and T2, respectively. Data show that grazing-induced differences in sward characteristics moderate both ingestive behaviour and diet.
Nitrite: A Physiological Store of Nitric Oxide and Modulator of Mitochondrial Function.

Nitrite, long considered a biologically inert metabolite of nitric oxide (NO) oxidation, is now accepted as a physiological storage pool of NO that can be reduced to bioactive NO in hypoxic conditions to mediate a spectrum of physiological responses in blood and tissue. This graphical review will provide a broad overview of the role of nitrite in physiology, focusing on its formation and reduction to NO as well as its regulation of the mitochondrion—an emerging subcellular target for its biological actions in tissues.
Mechanisms of summertime precipitation variability in the Bolivian Altiplano: present and future

Water availability is a major constraint to rural agriculture in the Bolivian Altiplano. The ability of medium and high-resolution CMIP3 models to simulate observed relationships between interannual Altiplano summer precipitation anomalies and large-scale patterns of precipitation, 200-hPa winds and 200-hPa geopotential height is examined. Altiplano precipitation anomalies are known to be related to upper-level wind anomalies, with westerly (easterly) anomalies associated with deficit (excess) rainfall. A majority of models are able to simulate an easterly/wet-westerly/dry relationship in response to changes in the zonal flow produced by fluctuations in tropical tropospheric temperatures that affect the meridional temperature gradient, consistent with observations. The 21st century evolution of these relationships under conditions of greenhouse warming is also examined. Results indicate that wet anomalies will continue to require moisture transport from the east. However, expected changes in mean circulation (e.g. tropical tropospheric warming) will likely influence precipitation variability. Models that better simulate Altiplano precipitation variability project an increase in 200-hPa westerly winds by 2050–2099, which are not favourable for precipitation in the Altiplano. The reduced frequency of summertime upper-level easterly wind anomalies may explain projections for less frequent summertime rainfall. Models that better simulate Altiplano precipitation variability project reduced summertime precipitation, consistent with projections for more frequent westerly wind anomalies. Summertime soil moisture reductions are expected from about 2020 onward due to reductions in summer rainfall, increases in the runoff ratio, higher evapotranspiration rates, and reduced precipitation frequency. These findings are consistent with expected large-scale changes in atmospheric circulation, providing confidence in the projections. These results have serious implications for water resources and food security in the Altiplano, but will require further testing with improved, higher-resolution models. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Roger Bannister's American Image

Roger Bannister's image as the ultimate amateur athlete began to take shape in the US press well before his 3:59.4 mile at Iffley Road. In 1950s America, as the boundaries of amateur athletics became difficult to define and a climate of conformity prevailed, Bannister's image in the press developed in close juxtaposition with the image of Wes Santee, the American contender for the first four-minute mile. As recent American accounts of the four-minute mile expand their focus to include his fellow contenders, Bannister's US image is changing.
The isolation and identification of cholesterol 5α, 6α-epoxide from liver of hairless mice

Abstract 1. 1. Cholesterol 5α, 6α-epoxide was isolated from liver of hairless mice. 2. 2. Mass spectroscopy of the parent compound, radio-gas-liquid chromatography of the acetate ester derivative, and gas-liquid-chromatography of the trimethysilyl ether derivative were used in identification. 3. 3. Approximately 80 ng of the epoxide were present per g of liver. 4. 4. The physiological parameters of liver could be influenced by the presence of this natural constituent.
Sagittal synostosis--its clinical significance and the results of three different methods of craniectomy.

From 1973 to 1986, 50 infants with sagittal synostosis have been operated by three different methods of craniectomy (linear craniectomy and extended craniectomies, as proposed by Schut and Epstein et al.). Preoperatively, the mean cephalic index was 67±4, 35.5% had clinical findings as cerebral palsy, psychomotor retardation and/or neurological signs, and intraoperatively the epidural pressure was more than 200 mm H2O in 60% (recorded in the last 20 patients). The mean follow-up time was 4.7 (1–10.6) years. Postoperatively, only 14.5% had minor clinical signs, which were mostly not in relation to the former scaphocephaly. Half of the patients with increased ICP had clinical signs preoperatively, and none of the 20 patients had distinct findings postoperatively. Out of the 20 children operated on by linear craniectomy or by Schut's method up to 1980, two-thirds had no school problems and one-third some school problems; one-third had occasionally headaches and one-quarter ametropia. Concerning the aesthetic results, Epstein's method and, somewhat less Schut's method, were superior to linear craniectomy, as verified by craniometry and by the tracings of the outlines of the neurocranium 0.4–0.7 and 1.6–2.0 years postoperatively: mean cephalic indices 73±5 (normal in one-fourth), 74±7 (normal in half) and 79±4 (normal in nearly all patients). Epstein's method is superior to the other two methods because it renders it possible to increase the breadth the greatest during the period of greatest postnatal brain growth. In addition to the effect on the neurocranium, the extended craniectomies add to normalization of the base of the skull (in contrast to the natural history of scaphocephaly). In the long run, the results obtained remain the same. The disadvantage of residual skull defects (approximately 11% of the patients with extended craniectomies) can be avoided by performing surgery prior to 4–6 months of age or by preserving the removed bone in a deep-freeze for a limited time.
Phase transitions and structural parameters of HIQ-40 liquid crystalline co-polyester

Abstract We describe the impact of thermal treatment on the structure and phase transitions of the liquid crystalline aromatic co-polyester, HIQ-40, comprising 40 mol% p-hydroxybenzoic acid (H), 30 mol% isophthalic acid (I), and 30 mol% p-hydroquinone (Q). Simultaneous, real-time wide and small angle X-ray scattering (WAXS, SAXS), differential scanning calorimetry, and optical ellipsometry were used to study initially isotropic, amorphous films of HIQ-40. Films were annealed above the glass transition temperature, Tg, at temperatures, Ta, from 130 to 290 °C. Depending upon Ta, thermal treatment results in formation of regions of nematic order and/or crystalline order in a disordered matrix. As Ta increases, molecular mobility in the amorphous phase increases resulting in a reduction in Tg. Two or three endothermic events are seen in all samples by thermal analysis. The lowest temperature endotherm is associated with melting of crystals formed either at Ta or during the thermal scan. The two higher temperature endotherm features result from transformation of crystal melt-to-nematic, and formation of more mobile nematic domains from constrained liquid, respectively, and are relatively insensitive to Ta. A strong Bragg scattering peak is seen for T a ° C corresponding to formation of two-phase structure comprising crystals and disordered phase. At higher temperatures, very strong scattered intensity in the SAXS pattern re-emerges, even after all WAXS crystal reflections have disappeared. Results suggest that a two-phase structure, of ordered nematic domains co-existing with less ordered regions, may be forming continuously above the crystal melting point.
cAMP-regulated trafficking of epitope-tagged CFTR

cAMP-regulated trafficking of epitope-tagged CFTR. The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is a phosphorylation-activated chloride channel responsible for cAMP-induced Cl secretion across the apical membranes of epithelial cells. To optimize its detection in membrane localization studies, we tagged CFTR with epitope sequences at the carboxy terminus or in the fourth external loop. The function of six different tagged-CFTRs was tested in two different physiological assays. CFTRs containing the M2 epitope responded to cAMP, whereas cells expressing CFTR with the hemagglutinin HA tag showed little or no cAMP response. Using CFTR tagged in the fourth external loop, we demonstrate that cAMP activation using forskolin results in an increase in CFTR in the plasma membrane of HeLa cells. Forskolin inhibited CFTR endocytosis, and this contributes to the increase in cell surface CFTR expression. Our results indicate that regulation of cell surface CFTR contributes to the increase in plasma membrane Cl conductance evoked by cAMP stimulation.
Effect of spin-orbit interaction on the magnetic susceptibility of Bloch electrons

Abstract The effect of spin-orbit interaction on the magnetic susceptibility of Bloch electrons has not been fully understood causing some confusion in the literature. We have derived an expression for the magnetic susceptibility of Bloch electrons in which the effect of spin-orbit interaction is clearly shown. We discuss this effect in detail.
Improving the Wettability of Deep-Groove Polypropylene Fibers by Photografting

This paper presented photografting as a surface modification method to provide permanent wettability improvement to deep-groove polypropylene (PP) fibers. We also evaluated their wettability by testing the dynamic contact angle (DCA) on single fibers and characterized the wicking performance of fiber bundles when polyacrylamide (PAAm) and polyacrylic acid (PAA) were grafted onto the fibers. In this study, the increase in monomer concentration was found more effective than longer UV exposure time in creating higher graft density on deep-groove PP fibers. Acrylic acid (AA) monomers penetrated into the fiber and polymerized inside, but acrylamide (AAm) did not. Fiber dimension changed slightly upon grafting of PAAm, and enlarged significantly after grafting with PAA. DCA results show that the advancing water contact angle on single fibers decreased from 100 to 55° by grafting of PAAm and PAA, and spontaneous wicking of water was observed after surface modification. The wicking amount of the vertically placed...
Advantages of Al-free InGaAsP/GaAs lasers for WDM applications

ABSTRACT We examine severn! Critical issues related to lasers diodes with wavelength 2 7504000 im for WDMApplications. Particular attention was given to the Vertical CaVity Surface Emitting Laser (VCSEL) andDistributed FeedBack Laser (DFB) which are the most central components for the optical interconnect or local-area network, or for pumping the Er or Pr doped optical fiber. Regrowth control, stability and reliability at high power and high temperature operation as well as the optimal design are the most Criticalissues for the devices. Aluminum-free InGaAsP/GaAs is proposed as an alternative to A1GaAS/GaAs forthe WDM applications. Perspectives are presented on how those problems especially, reliability andregrowth issues for WDM application can be eased by this material system. 1. INTRODUCTION The GaAs-based lasers emerge as an integral component in Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM)optical interconnects as the GaAs-based high4requency optoelectronic IC technology has evolved into fullmaturity. In conjunction with mature GaAs electronics technology, number of ultrafast optoelectronictransmitter-receiver sets for WDM optical interconnects have been proposed. GaAS-baSed lasers are
The Effects of Narrative Perspectives and Gender Similarity to a Victim on Sympathy and Support for Aid to People in Need

An online experiment was conducted among a convenience sample of college students (N = 219) to explore the effects of narrative perspectives (first-person vs. third-person) and gender similarity to a victim on sympathy and support for aid to people in need. To be specific, the study examined the influence of telling a story of an abused woman from a first-person perspective as opposed to a third-person perspective on participants’ sympathetic reactions and their support for aid to abused women while considering the moderating role of gender similarity between the victim and participants. The results of structural equation modeling showed the anticipated positive effects of gender similarity to the victim on sympathy and support for the aid. Gender similarity to the victim also interacted with narrative perspectives to influence support for the aid through affecting sympathy aroused for the victim. Specifically, telling the victim’s experience from first-person as opposed to third-person perspectives had little impact on sympathy and the support among female participants but increased sympathy and, therefore, the support among male participants. These findings shed light on how media portrayals of human suffering can increase aid to people in need. More importantly, they suggest how to call forth help via the media from people who are not normally inclined to support aid to those in need.
Calcifying obstructive pancreatitis: a study of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm associated with pancreatic calcification

Abstract Background & Aims: We have observed intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) associated with pancreatic calcification. The aim of this study is to describe the profile of IPMN associated with calcification and gain insights into the pathogenesis of calcification in IPMN. Methods: We identified 10 patients with IPMN with pancreatic calcification, of whom 7 underwent pancreatic resection. We reviewed demographic data, history of previous pancreatitis, and radiological and histological features of these patients. Results: In patients with IPMN with calcification (mean age, 65 ± 12 yr; 50% men), a diagnosis of chronic calcifying pancreatitis was entertained in 5 of 10 patients; 2 patients had undergone previous endoscopic therapy for stone removal. There was no previous history of pancreatitis in 9 of 10 patients. Radiologically, calcifications were seen diffusely throughout the gland in 8 of 10 patients and interpreted as chronic calcific pancreatitis. Although 1 of the 7 patients who underwent resection had diffuse IPMN throughout the gland, 6 patients had IPMN confined to the head or uncinate process (mean size, 2.75 cm; range, 1.1–5 cm). Histologically, 6 of 7 IPMNs were adenomas, and 1 patient had invasive cancer. No patient had intratumoral calcification. All 7 patients had calcification within the main pancreatic duct and/or side branches, often within inspissated mucus. Conclusions: IPMN associated with pancreatic calcification can lead to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment for chronic calcifying pancreatitis. In the absence of intratumoral calcification or a previous history of long-standing chronic pancreatitis, calcification in IPMN likely represents a unique and hitherto unrecognized form of calcifying obstructive pancreatitis caused by prolonged partial obstruction of the pancreatic duct.
Scientific paradigms and ethical problems in epidemiologic research.

Abstract In previous eras of medical history, when major changes were proposed in customary scientific paradigms, the perceived threats to the status quo led to profound intellectual discomforts. Rational discussion of the proposed changes was sometimes replaced by passionate accusations about ethical behavior. A similar situation may arise in epidemiology today, as fundamental problems are noted in paradigmatic scientific methods, and as the available epidemiologic evidence is used not only in public policy controversies, but particularly in adversarial legal conflicts. When the basic scientific quality of epidemiologic evidence and methods is questioned, defenders of the status quo may respond by castigating the dissenters as fools or heretics, or by insinuating that they have been bribed with consultation honoraria. Since progress in any scientific field requires that problems be suitably recognized and solved, the current disputes about epidemiologic methods should be debated as issues in science, not as transgressions in ethics.
Differential response of Porphyromonas gingivalis to varying levels and duration of hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress.

Porphyromonas gingivalis, an anaerobic oral pathogen implicated in adult periodontitis, can exist in an environment of oxidative stress. To evaluate its adaptation to this environment, we have assessed the response of P. gingivalis W83 to varying levels and durations of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced stress. When P. gingivalis was initially exposed to a subinhibitory concentration of H2O2 (0.1 mM), an adaptive response to higher concentrations could be induced. Transcriptome analysis demonstrated that oxidative stress can modulate several functional classes of genes depending on the severity and duration of the exposure. A 10 min exposure to H2O2 revealed increased expression of genes involved in DNA damage and repair, while after 15 min, genes involved in protein fate, protein folding and stabilization were upregulated. Approximately 9 and 2.8 % of the P. gingivalis genome displayed altered expression in response to H2O2 exposure at 10 and 15 min, respectively. Substantially more genes were upregulated (109 at 10 min; 47 at 15 min) than downregulated (76 at 10 min; 11 at 15 min) by twofold or higher in response to H2O2 exposure. The majority of these modulated genes were hypothetical or of unknown function. One of those genes (pg1372) with DNA-binding properties that was upregulated during prolonged oxidative stress was inactivated by allelic exchange mutagenesis. The isogenic mutant P. gingivalis FLL363 (pg1372 : : ermF) showed increased sensitivity to H2O2 compared with the parent strain. Collectively, our data indicate the adaptive ability of P. gingivalis to oxidative stress and further underscore the complex nature of its resistance strategy under those conditions.
Leading Technology-Based Project Teams

Abstract:The results of a field study of technology-based projects identify specific barriers and drivers to effective team performance. The article provides insight into the organizational environment and managerial leadership conducive to high project performance in technology-oriented team environments. The results suggest that many of the performance criteria have their locus outside of the project organization; yet managerial leadership, at both the project level and senior management level, has significant impact on the team environment that ultimately affects team and project performance. In addition to managing the technical aspects of the project, team leaders must pay particular attention to the people side, managing relations across the entire work process, including support functions, suppliers, sponsors, and partners. An engineering manager can use this article to gain additional perspective into the processes of teamwork, and to glean ideas for enhancing project team performance in technolog...
Upscaling carbon fluxes from towers to the regional scale: Influence of parameter variability and land cover representation on regional flux estimates

[1] Quantifying the current carbon cycle of terrestrial ecosystems requires that we translate spatially sparse measurements into consistent, gridded flux estimates at the regional scale. This is particularly challenging in heterogeneous regions such as the northern forests of the United States. We use a network of 17 eddy covariance flux towers deployed across the Upper Midwest region of northern Wisconsin and Michigan and upscale flux observations from towers to the regional scale. This region is densely instrumented and provides a unique test bed for regional upscaling. We develop a simple Diagnostic Carbon Flux Model (DCFM) and use flux observations and a data assimilation approach to estimate the model parameters. We then use the optimized model to produce gridded flux estimates across the region. We find that model parameters vary not only across plant functional types (PFT) but also within a given PFT. Our results show that the parameter estimates from a single site are not representative of the parameter values of a given PFT; cross-site (or joint) optimization using observations from multiple sites encompassing a range of site and climate conditions considerably improves the representativeness and robustness of parameter estimates. Parameter variability within a PFT can result in substantial variability in regional flux estimates. We also find that land cover representation including land cover heterogeneity and the spatial resolution and accuracy of land cover maps can lead to considerable uncertainty in regional flux estimates. In heterogeneous, complex regions, detailed and accurate land cover maps are essential for accurate estimation of regional fluxes.
Calmodulin Oxidation and Methionine to Glutamine Substitutions Reveal Methionine Residues Critical for Functional Interaction with Ryanodine Receptor-1

Calmodulin (CaM) binds to the skeletal muscle ryanodine receptor Ca2+ release channel (RyR1) with high affinity, and it may act as a Ca2+-sensing subunit of the channel. Apo-CaM increases RyR1 channel activity, but Ca2+-CaM is inhibitory. Here we examine the functional effects of CaM oxidation on RyR1 regulation by both apo-CaM and Ca2+-CaM, as assessed via determinations of [3H]ryanodine and [35S]CaM binding to skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles. Oxidation of all nine CaM Met residues abolished functional interactions of CaM with RyR1. Incomplete CaM oxidation, affecting 5–8 Met residues, increased the CaM concentration required to modulate RyR1, having a greater effect on the apo-CaM species. Mutating individual CaM Met residues to Gln demonstrated that Met-109 was required for apo-CaM activation of RyR1 but not for Ca2+-CaM inhibition of the channel. Furthermore, substitution of Gln for Met-124 increased the apo- and Ca2+-CaM concentrations required to regulate RyR1. These results thus identify Met residues critical for the productive association of CaM with RyR1 channels and suggest that oxidation of CaM may contribute to altered regulation of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release during oxidative stress.
Directional features in online handwriting recognition

The selection of valuable features is crucial in pattern recognition. In this paper we deal with the issue that part of features originate from directional instead of common linear data. Both for directional and linear data a theory for a statistical modeling exists. However, none of these theories gives an integrated solution to problems, where linear and directional variables are to be combined in a single, multivariate probability density function. We describe a general approach for a unified statistical modeling, given the constraint that variances of the circular variables are small. The method is practically evaluated in the context of our online handwriting recognition system frog on hand and the so-called tangent slope angle feature. Recognition results are compared with two alternative modeling approaches. The proposed solution gives significant improvements in recognition accuracy, computational speed and memory requirements.
The motion of kelp blades and the surface renewal model

We consider how the flapping of kelp blades may enhance the flux of nutrients to a blade, by stripping away the diffusive sub-layer and renewing the fluid at the blade surface. The surface renewal model explains the degree of flux enhancement observed in previous studies under different flow and flapping conditions. We measured the motion of real kelp blades of Laminaria saccharina, Macrocystis pyrifera, and Nereocystis luetkeana under unidirectional current in a laboratory flume. Observed flapping frequencies coupled with the renewal model, suggest that the flapping of blades in the field has the potential to significantly enhance flux to the blade surface at low current speed, but has little effect on flux at high current speeds.
The limited effects of testimony on political persuasion

The procedure of witness testimony and cross-examination under oath, which is institutionalized in the court system and in Congress, may increase the credibility of political messages by strengthening perceived incentives for truth-telling. In this paper, I test the hypothesis that testimony can increase the persuasiveness of empirical claims in realistic political settings. However, results from a large number of experiments, including numerous national survey experiments, indicate that describing statements as being made in congressional or court testimony rarely generates significant change in respondents’ beliefs or attitudes—a result that is robust to numerous experimental design variations.
High Energy Density Physics and Exotic Acceleration Concepts

The reported results and discussions in the Working Group on High Energy Density Physics and Exotic Acceleration Concepts are summarized. The working group focused largely on laser‐generated proton and ion beams from solid targets, but also considered laser vacuum acceleration results, active media accelerator proposals, ferroelectric‐based accelerator technology advances and beam conditioning concepts for free electron lasers. The charge to the working group was to develop a laser‐based proton injector exceeding current capabilities in at least one important parameter.
Stream and groundwater interactions affect streambed water fluxes

Just beneath the sediment surface of a streambed is the hyporheic zone, where stream water and groundwater mix. The hyporheic zone is a hot spot for chemical and biological processes. How water moves into and out of the hyporheic zone is an important factor controlling the biogeochemistry and biology of the stream ecosystem.