cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Feedback inhibition of calcineurin and Ras by a dual inhibitory protein Carabin

Feedback regulation of adaptive immunity is a fundamental mechanism for controlling the overall output of different signal transduction pathways, including that mediated by the T-cell antigen receptor (TCR)1. Calcineurin2,3,4 and Ras5,6,7 are known to have essential functions during T-cell activation. However, how the calcineurin signalling pathway is terminated in the process is still largely unknown. Although several endogenous inhibitors of calcineurin have been reported8,9,10,11,12,13, none fulfils the criteria of a feedback inhibitor, as their expression is not responsive to TCR signalling. Here we identify an endogenous inhibitor of calcineurin, named Carabin, which also inhibits the Ras signalling pathway through its intrinsic Ras GTPase-activating protein (GAP) activity. Expression of Carabin is upregulated on TCR signalling in a manner that is sensitive to inhibitors of calcineurin, indicating that Carabin constitutes part of a negative regulatory loop for the intracellular TCR signalling pathway. Knockdown of Carabin by short interfering RNA led to a significant enhancement of interleukin-2 production by antigen-specific T cells in vitro and in vivo. Thus, Carabin is a negative feedback inhibitor of the calcineurin signalling pathway that also mediates crosstalk between calcineurin and Ras.
Escalation and the diffusion of responsibility: A commercial lending experiment

Abstract Prior research investigating the commitment to a failing course of action (escalation) has identified several influences that can exacerbate or mitigate these decision biases (Brockner, 1992). Commercial lending provides an example of a situation in which the competing influences of personal identification with a project and blame for failure exist. Fifty commercial loan officers were assigned to one of two conditions: sole responsibility for granting a loan or responsibility to recommend to a loan committee (diffused responsibility). After making an initial loan decision or recommendation, loan officers were given a follow-up request for an additional loan. The request constituted an escalation decision, because the borrower's financial condition had seriously deteriorated since the loan was made initially. The results are consistent with the prediction that escalation is most likely where personal identification with the initial project decision is high and the likelihood of blame for project failure is low because of the diffusion of responsibility.
Evidence that pancreatic lipase is responsible for the hydrolysis of cutin, a biopolyester present in mammalian diet, and the role of bile salt and colipase in this hydrolysis☆

Abstract The enzyme, which catalyzes hydrolysis of cutin, an insoluble biopolyester of hydroxy and epoxy fatty acids, was purified from porcine pancreas. With three different purification methods, previously used for the purification of pancreatic lipase, it is shown that cutin hydrolase is pancreatic lipase. This enzyme released oligomers and all types of monomers from the polymer with a pH optimum around 7.5. Taurodeoxycholate inhibited cutin hydrolysis by lipase and colipase reversed this inhibition. Evidence is presented which suggests that bile salt stabilizes the enzyme at the surface of the insoluble substrate and that the interaction of the polymer surface with the lipase-colipase-bile salt system is similar to that previously observed with triglycerides. Diethyl-p-nitrophenyl phosphate inhibited cutin hydrolysis by lipase but the hydrolysis was insensitive to diisopropyl fluorophosphate.
Molecular Basis of Differential B-Pentamer Stability of Shiga Toxins 1 and 2

Escherichia coli strain O157:H7 is a major cause of food poisoning that can result in severe diarrhea and, in some cases, renal failure. The pathogenesis of E. coli O157:H7 is in large part due to the production of Shiga toxin (Stx), an AB{sub 5} toxin that consists of a ribosomal RNA-cleaving A-subunit surrounded by a pentamer of receptor-binding B subunits. There are two major isoforms, Stx1 and Stx2, which differ dramatically in potency despite having 57% sequence identity. Animal studies and epidemiological studies show Stx2 is associated with more severe disease. Although the molecular basis of this difference is unknown, data suggest it is associated with the B-subunit. Mass spectrometry studies have suggested differential B-pentamer stability between Stx1 and Stx2. We have examined the relative stability of the B-pentamers in solution. Analytical ultracentrifugation using purified B-subunits demonstrates that Stx2B, the more deadly isoform, shows decreased pentamer stability compared to Stx1B (EC{sub 50} = 2.3 {micro}M vs. EC{sub 50} = 0.043 {micro}M for Stx1B). X-ray crystal structures of Stx1B and Stx2B identified a glutamine in Stx2 (versus leucine in Stx1) within the otherwise strongly hydrophobic interface between B-subunits. Interchanging these residues switches the stability phenotype of the B-pentamers of Stx1 andmore » Stx2, as demonstrated by analytical ultracentrifugation and circular dichroism. These studies demonstrate a profound difference in stability of the B-pentamers in Stx1 and Stx2, illustrate the mechanistic basis for this differential stability, and provide novel reagents to test the basis for differential pathogenicity of these toxins.« less
The Zurich Association for Economic History

The Zurich Association for study in Economic History was founded in 1950 by various trade associations, businessmen, and historians. At the time, Swiss postwar prosperity stimulated considerable discussion of the distribution of wealth and many responsible groups felt further government interference in this matter was probable but unwelcome. Founders of the Association hoped to "regain territory for the idea of private enterprise," by giving an historical dimension to economic affairs.
The location of the chemoreceptor controlling growth hormone secretion during hypoglycemia in primates.

Monkeys were prepared with multiple, chronically implanted intracranial cannulae. Such animals when sedated with phencyclidine were found to have persistently low basal plasma growth hormone (GH) concentrations and to secrete GH and cortisol in response to insulininduced hypoglycemia and iv administered 2– deoxy—D—glucose (2DG). Microinjections of 2DG were made into many hypothalamic sites in these animals. Injections into most of the hypothalamus, including the ventro—medial nucleus, and into the third ventricle were without effect upon GH output. Unilateral microinjections of 2DG into the lateral hypothalamic area alongside the mid—part of the ventro—medial nucleus were invariably followed by a sustained rise in plasma GH comparable in magnitude and duration to that provoked by hypoglycemia. It is inferred that the chemoreceptors which control the GH secretory response to hypoglycemia are located in this area. (Endocrinology 91: 217, 197
New curve‐fitting method for analysis of flood‐records

The new curve-fitting technique described provides a direct and simple method for statistical analysis of the upper portion of the true frequency-series of flood-rises on any stream. The method is based only on the assumption that if the frequency-behavior of floods follows some uniform law it should be possible to express this law mathematically. Since a curve drawn by eye is sufficiently accurate for.determining magnitudes whose frequencies are less than the length of the record, the primary reason for deriving a mathematical expression of behavior is to enable extrapolation of the curve in order to determine the magnitude of very infrequent floods.
Non-radiative processes of benzaldehyde vapour: excitation energy dependence of the phosphorescence quantum yield in the presence of a foreign gas

Abstract The phosphorescence quantum yield of benzaldehyde vapour has been measured as a function of excitation energy and pressure (1–300 Torr) of nitrogen as a foreign gas. It is shown that the yield varies greatly as the excitation energy is varied from S0→S2 to S0→S3, indicating that benzaldehyde excited into S3 decays by a non-radiative process which is different from that taken by the molecule excited into S2.
Teaching critical questions about argumentation through the revising process: effects of strategy instruction on college students’ argumentative essays

The effects of self-regulated strategy development revising instruction for college students that targeted the use of argumentation schemes and critical questions were assessed in three conditions. In the first condition, students were taught to revise their essays by asking and answering critical questions about the argument from consequences and argument from example schemes while writing about controversial topics. In the second condition, students were taught to revise their essays by using argumentation schemes to justify their standpoint, but did not learn the critical questions. In the third condition, students received no instruction about either the argumentation schemes or the critical questions. Compared to students in the contrasting conditions, those who were taught to ask and answer critical questions wrote essays that were of higher quality, and included more counterarguments, alternative standpoints, and rebuttals. These findings indicate that strategy instruction that includes critical standards for argumentation increases college students’ sensitivity to alternative perspectives.
Bleomycin pharmacology in relation to adverse effects and renal function in cervical cancer patients

Clinical toxicity is related to bleomycin pharmacology and renal function in patients with advanced squamous carcinoma of the cervix. Adverse effects were more frequent in patients with severe renal impairment than in patients with adequate renal function. Pharmacokinetic data were obtained in four patients. This information suggests treatment guidelines for the use of bleomycin in patients with renal failure that may reduce the risk of excessive adverse effects. Bleomycin dose reduction of 75% and administration not more often than every 3 days may permit the use of this drug in patients with creatinine clearances of less than 25 ml/min in whom alternative chemotherapy with cis-platinum is not possible.
Vertical Integration of Production Agriculture Into Value-Added Niche Markets: The Case of Wheat Montana Farms & Bakery

This case considers the complex decision making required to vertically integrate forward from the production of raw agricultural commodities into value-added niche markets. Wheat Montana Farms & Bakery evolved from a traditional wheat-production farm business. Wheat Montana's initial experience with vertically integrated niche marketing involved the production of differentiated specialty wheats. Eventually, the company entered the specialty-flour, bakery-products, and food-service industries. Future success hinges critically upon decisions regarding growth, human resource and risk management, market expansion, and land and machinery acquisitions.
A coherent architecture for a temporal object data base management system

Abstract The last decade has witnessed the emergence of practical general-purpose data base management systems (DBMS) as “state of the art” technology. In consequence, these systems are now widely used in a variety of application environments. However, many such systems were designed to capture current data, i.e., a snapshot of reality, but are insufficient for those applications in which past or future data are also required. Even so, there has been little effort to design temporal DBMS, and currently there are no prominent commercial temporal DBMS. This article identifies, explores, and provides an approach to designing a coherent architecture for a temporal object DBMS (TODBMS). It specifically involves the design, development, and implementation of TODBMS. We introduce the basic features of our system and provide an overview of the functionalities supported. In addition, we identify the major components of TODBMS and define the types of services each component should offer, as well as common abstractions and interfaces for these components. Application environments include management and geographic information systems, data base visualization, and robotics.
Design and Implementation of Energy System Based on Smart Grid

Tianjin eco-city is made an example to introduce the design and implement of energy system based on smart grid. This system implemented the acquisition and testing of energy information of the residents of the smart community, buildings and large customer. This system provided user energy using strategy, energy using assistant decision-making and other technologies through analyzing users data, diagnostic analysis of the level of user energy efficiency, and ultimately implemented the using and extension of energy saving technology in the end-user.
Monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis: definitions and natural history

The diagnostic term monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (MBL) is used to characterise individuals with a circulating population of clonal B-cells, a total B-cell count of or = 5 x 10(9)/L) was selected largely based on tradition and technological advances and it is unknown whether the natural history of 'clinical MBL' differs from that of patients with Rai stage 0 CLL. Since, a diagnosis of 'leukemia' may lead to profound psychologic distress for patients, we believe the diagnosis of CLL should be based on an individual's risk of developing symptoms, requiring chemotherapeutic treatment and/or dying of disease. Additional studies are needed to determine whether the clinical outcome of patients with MBL differs from that of patients with Rai stage 0 CLL and to identify what B-cell threshold optimally distinguishes between these conditions.
Cell culture and infection system for hepatitis C virus

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection causes chronic liver disease and is a worldwide health problem. Despite ever-increasing demand for knowledge on viral replication and pathogenesis, detailed analysis has been hampered by a lack of efficient viral culture systems. We isolated HCV genotype 2a strain JFH-1 from a patient with fulminant hepatitis. This strain replicates efficiently in Huh7 cells. Efficient replication and secretion of recombinant viral particles can be obtained in cell culture by transfection of in vitro-transcribed full-length JFH-1 RNA into Huh7 cells. JFH-1 virus generated in cell culture is infectious for both naive Huh7 cells and chimpanzees. The efficiency of viral production and infectivity of generated virus is substantially improved with permissive cell lines. This protocol describes how to use this system, which provides a powerful tool for studying viral life cycle and for the construction of antiviral strategies and the development of effective vaccines. Viral particles can be obtained in 12 days with this protocol.
Laws of Biology, Laws of Nature: Problems and (Dis)Solutions

This article serves as an introduction to the laws-of-biology debate. After introducing the main issues in an introductory section, arguments for and against laws of biology are canvassed in Section 2. In Section 3, the debate is placed in wider epistemological context by engaging a group of scholars who have shifted the focus away from the question of whether there are laws of biology and toward offering good accounts of explanation(s) in the biological sciences. Section 4 introduces two relatively new pieces of science – metabolic scaling theory and ecological stoichiometry – that have not been topics of much discussion by philosophers but are relevant because they have at least some of the hallmarks of laws of nature. Section 5 concludes by pointing out that discovering laws of biology, if any there be, will not necessarily answer the questions raised by the debate in the first place: we will still want to know how biology compares to other sciences, how to characterize its systems and processes, and whether accounts in terms of laws always usually constitute adequate explanations in various sciences.
Personality and alcohol-related outcomes among mandated college students: descriptive norms, injunctive norms, and college-related alcohol beliefs as mediators.

The present study examined three alcohol-perception variables (descriptive norms, injunctive norms, and college-related alcohol beliefs) as mediators of the predictive effects of four personality traits (impulsivity, sensation seeking, anxiety sensitivity, and hopelessness) on alcohol use and alcohol-related consequences in a sample of mandated college students (n = 875). Our findings replicated several findings of a previous study of incoming freshman college students (Hustad et al., in press) in that impulsivity and hopelessness had direct effects on alcohol-related problems, sensation seeking and impulsivity had indirect effects on alcohol-related outcomes via college-related alcohol beliefs, and college-related alcohol beliefs predicted both alcohol use and alcohol-related problems. We discuss the implications of our findings for global college student interventions as well as personality-targeted interventions.
Early Enteral Nutrition in Surgical Patients

There is increasing evidence that delivery of nutrients via the gastrointestinal tract reduces the septic morbidity in severely injured patients. This article reviews the most current data and also reviews the importance of the gut-associated lymphoid tissue as an important factor in maintaining the host defenses.
SUBSONIC FLUTTER OF PANELS ON CONTINUOUS ELASTIC FOUNDATIONS

The subsonic aeroelastic stability of a two-dimensional panel resting on a continuous elastic foundation was investigated. Tests were conducted experimentally on a 104- X 24- X 0.018-in. rectangular aluminum panel in a low-speed wind tunnel. Definite flutter of a traveling-wavetype was observed. Films and oscillograph records were taken. Theoretically, a finite-panel, two-mode, standing-wave analysis was shown to give essentially the same behavior as the infinite-panel, traveling-wave analysis of Miles for this panel. Although a mild, divergence-type instability exists for these panels, the principal instability was shown to be of a traveling-wave, flutter-type. Comparison of experiment and theory showed good agreement in flutter speed and wavelength but poor agreement in wave speed and frequency at flutter. This discrepancy was attributed to limitations in the test set-up as well as to the general difficulty of predicting the wave speed and frequency as accurately as the flutter speed. The present investigation should be of interest in problems of hydroelastici ty, axially symmetric cylinders, and inflatable structures at low speeds, as well as to panels lying on springy elastic materials*
Immunohistochemical localization of PACAP in the ovine digestive system

The localization of immunoreactive PACAP (PACAP-IR) in the entire length of the sheep gastrointestinal tract and the pancreas was studied by an immunohistochemical method. PACAP-IR-containing nerve fibers innervated the longitudinal smooth muscle layer of the mucosa in the esophagus, stomach, and small and large intestines, the muscular layer of the stomach and intestine, Brunner's gland of the duodenum, and the walls of small arteries. PACAP-IR fibers also innervated the exocrine acini, islets of Langerhans, and the small arteries in the connective tissue septa of the pancreas. These findings suggest a regulatory role of PACAP in the digestive system.
Roll pressure modeling of multipass warm rolling of carbon steel

For various reasons, ferrous warm rolling has been considered in the last 15 years to be a potentially valuable manufacturing process. However, no systematic approach has been undertaken to assess intrinsic manufacturability as indicated by such parameters as roll separating force and energy or power consumption. The purpose of this investigation is to characterize experimentally the effect of various process variables on the contact areacompensated roll separating force (separating pressure). AISISAE 1015 and 1059 steel billets were warm rolled at temperatures ranging between 300 °C and 700 °C with various thickness reductions per pass up to a short transverse strain of about — 1 at a strain rate of 10 s− 1. Two approaches were used to model in predictive fashion the influence of important warm rolling variables on the separating pressure. The first approach entailed the use of a least squares regression method to produce an empirical equation for the separating pressure. A second approach utilized a semiempirical warm working flow stress equation along with the theoretical slab method and a roll flattening concept. Good agreement was found between the experimental and the predicted roll pressures.
Population Levels of Psychological Stress, Herpesvirus Reactivation and HIV

Nearly 40,000 Americans are newly infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) each year. Recently, studies have demonstrated associations between group-level characteristics and the prevalence and incidence of HIV/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted diseases. Two mechanisms previously posited to explain these associations are neighborhood effects on risk behaviors and social or institutional policies. In this paper, we hypothesize that adversity at the population level, such as neighborhood poverty, also influences HIV risk through stress-mediated aberrations in immunological susceptibility by reviewing existing data examining each of these pathways. In particular, we review the evidence showing that: (1) Neighborhood ecologic stressors influence neighborhood- and individual-levels of mental health, psychosocial stress, and HIV/AIDS risk, (2) Individual-level psychosocial stressors influence progression from HIV to AIDS through stress-related hormonal changes, and (3) Individual-level psychosocial stressors influence HIV acquisition via stress-related reactivation of latent herpesviruses, specifically EBV and HSV-2. Our review indicates that further studies are needed to examine the joint pathways linking neighborhood-level sources of psychosocial stress, stress-related reactivation of HSV-2 and EBV, and increased acquisition rates of HIV. We suggest using a multi-level framework for targeting HIV prevention efforts that address not only behavioral risk factors, but structural, political, and institutional factors associated with neighborhood disadvantage, levels of psychosocial stress, and prevention or treatment of HSV-2 and EBV.
Multiple indicators, partially ordered sets, and linear extensions: Multi-criterion ranking and prioritization

This paper is concerned with the question of ranking a finite collection of objects when a suite of indicator values is available for each member of the collection. The objects can be represented as a cloud of points in indicator space, but the different indicators (coordinate axes) typically convey different comparative messages and there is no unique way to rank the objects while taking all indicators into account. A conventional solution is to assign a composite numerical score to each object by combining the indicator information in some fashion. Consciously or otherwise, every such composite involves judgments (often arbitrary or controversial) about tradeoffs or substitutability among indicators. Rather than trying to combine indicators, we take the view that the relative positions in indicator space determine only a partial ordering and that a given pair of objects may not be inherently comparable. Working with Hasse diagrams of the partial order, we study the collection of all rankings that are compatible with the partial order (linear extensions). In this way, an interval of possible ranks is assigned to each object. The intervals can be very wide, however. Noting that ranks near the ends of each interval are usually infrequent under linear extensions, a probability distribution is obtained over the interval of possible ranks. This distribution, called the rank-frequency distribution, turns out to be unimodal (in fact, log-concave) and represents the degree of ambiguity involved in attempting to assign a rank to the corresponding object. Stochastic ordering of probability distributions imposes a partial order on the collection of rank-frequency distributions. This collection of distributions is in one-to-one correspondence with the original collection of objects and the induced ordering on these objects is called the cumulative rank-frequency (CRF) ordering; it extends the original partial order. Although the CRF ordering need not be linear, it can be iterated to yield a fixed point of the CRF operator. We hypothesize that the fixed points of the CRF operator are exactly the linear orderings. The CRF operator treats each linear extension as an equal “voter” in determining the CRF ranking. It is possible to generalize to a weighted CRF operator by giving linear extensions differential weights either on mathematical grounds (e.g., number of jumps) or empirical grounds (e.g., indicator concordance). Explicit enumeration of all possible linear extensions is computationally impractical unless the number of objects is quite small. In such cases, the rank-frequencies can be estimated using discrete Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods.
Role of solar wind turbulence in the coupling of the solar wind to the Earth's magnetosphere

[1] The correlation between the amplitude of the MHD turbulence in the upstream solar wind and the amplitude of the Earth's geomagnetic activity indices AE, AU, AL, Kp, ap, Dst, and PCI is explored. The amplitude of the MHD turbulence is determined by the fluctuation amplitude of the solar wind magnetic field. This “turbulence effect” in solar wind/magnetosphere coupling is more easily discerned when the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) is northward, but the effect is also present when the IMF is southward. The magnitude of the effect is the same for northward and southward IMF, accounting for about 150 nT of the variability of the AE index. Tests are performed that conclude (1) that the turbulence effect is not caused by the turbulence amplitude acting as a proxy for ∣B∣ in the solar wind and (2) that reversals of the IMF from northward to southward in the turbulent fluctuations is not the cause of the correlations. An expression is derived for the total viscous-shear force on the surface of the magnetosphere; improved solar wind/magnetosphere correlations result when this expression is used. With insight from fluid-flow experiments, the turbulence effect is interpreted as an enhanced viscous coupling of the solar wind flow to the Earth's magnetosphere caused by an eddy viscosity that is controlled by the amplitude of MHD turbulence in the upstream solar wind: more upstream turbulence means more momentum transfer from the magnetosheath into the magnetosphere, resulting in more stirring of the magnetosphere, which produces enhanced geomagnetic activity indices.
Inhibitory Effects by the Hypophysis of Rats Following Injections of Pregnant Mare Serum Hormone.

ConclusionIt appears that the hypophysis under the influence of estrin, whether supplied by injections or by overstimulated ovaries, actually inhibits possibly through the intermediary of some other endocrine gland the action of gonadotropic hormone.
Early Growth Response-1 (EGR-1) and Nuclear Factor of Activated T Cells (NFAT) Cooperate to Mediate CD40L Expression in Megakaryocytes and Platelets

Increasing evidence implicates circulating platelets as mediators of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases via the expression and release of CD40L, an important modulator of inflammation and adaptive immune responses traditionally associated with activated T cells. Emerging evidence suggests that platelet CD40L is dynamically regulated in several chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases and may mediate progression and secondary pathology associated with those disease states. The present study identifies NFATc2 as a key transcriptional modulator of CD40L expression in megakaryocytes and inflammatory activity of platelets. Furthermore, the current data show that EGR-1, a member of the early growth response family of zinc finger transcription factors, modulates NFATc2-dependent regulation of CD40L expression in megakaryocytes. Our novel demonstration that in vivo biochemical or genetic inhibition of NFATc2 activity in megakaryocyte diminishes platelet CD40L implicates the NFATc2/EGR-1 axis as a key regulatory pathway of inflammatory and immunomodulatory activity in platelets and represents a target for the development of therapeutics for the potential treatment of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
Effects of 1988 Fires on Aquatic Systems of Yellowstone National Park

Collections and measurements were made in September-October 1988 at 18 burn and four unburned reference sites (Table 1) and in March 1989 at 12 of the burn and one of the unburned sites under support from the National Science Foundation and the US Fish and Wildlife Service. These are being processed and analyzed as part of the present project. In addition, the original 22 burn and reference streams were examined again during August 1989 for comparison with conditions found just after the fire. With a few minor exceptions (e.g., the recording thermometers at a few sites were broken or missing) all of the information specified in our research proposal for September-October 1988 and August 1989 was obtained. Adverse weather conditions or "bear closures" prevented the assessment of all 22 sites in March but the data from the 12 sites that were sampled for invertebrates, periphyton, and organic matter appear to be sufficient to strongly suggest that changes in food quality due to the fire had an adverse effect on the benthic invertebrate community as we had hypothesized (see below).
Type II Cepheid Candidates. IV. Objects from the Northern Sky Variability Survey

We have obtained VR photometry of 447 Cepheid variable star candidates with declinations north of –14°30', most of which were identified using the Northern Sky Variability Survey (NSVS) data archive. Periods and other photometric properties were derived from the combination of our data with the NSVS data. Atmospheric parameters were determined for 81 of these stars from low-resolution spectra. The identification of type II Cepheids based on the data presented in all four papers in this series is discussed. On the basis of spectra, 30 type II Cepheids were identified while 53 variables were identified as cool, main sequence stars and 283 as red giants following the definitions in Paper III. An additional 30 type II Cepheids were identified on the basis of light curves. The present classifications are compared with those from the Machine-learned All Sky Automated Survey Classification Catalog for 174 stars in common.
SCATTERING OF ELASTIC WAVES BY SMALL INHOMOGENEITIES

Rayleigh scattering theory is extended to determine the perturbation on an arbitrarily prescribed elastic wave field produced by small inhomogeneities in an otherwise homogeneous, isotropic medium. The general result is applied to the specific problems of the scattering of both plane P- and S-waves. It is found that a change in compressibility acts at a distance as a simple source and a change in density as a dipole, as in the acoustical problem, while a change in shear modulus contributes both simple‐source and quadrapole fields.
System-optimal dynamic traffic assignment with and without queue spillback: Its path-based formulation and solution via approximate path marginal cost

The knowledge of path marginal cost (PMC) is central to system-optimal dynamic traffic assignment (SO-DTA) problems. In this paper, we propose a method to approximate PMC in general networks when traffic dynamics are modeled by either the point-queue or the kinematic wave traffic flow model. This study examines in detail the flow interactions between downstream and upstream bottleneck links, and shows that the changes in cumulative flows on all the network links caused by an arbitrary flow perturbation can be computed. This offers a way to approximate PMC, which is incorporated in the solution of the least marginal cost problem, a central component of the path-based SO-DTA problem. The approximation scheme allows us to solve path-based SO-DTA problems for general networks with and without queue spillback and/or departure time choices. Numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method, and the results show that the SO state produces considerably lower total network cost, shorter congestion duration, and smaller travel delay on bottleneck links than those of produced by the user-optimal state, particularly when the departure time choice is considered.
Origin of disconformity dedolomite in the martin formation (Late Devonian, Northern Arizona)

Abstract Calcitized dolomite (dedolomite) occurs along a prominent disconformity in the Upper Martin Dolomite of north-central Arizona. Petrography, stable isotopes and field associations were used in an effort to constrain the origin and timing of the dedolomite. 18 O/ 16 O and 13 C/ 12 C ratios of the dedolomite show significant depletions relative to unaltered dolomite above and below the disconformity. This depletion trend and dedolomitization are interpreted to have resulted from (a) subaerial exposure and an influx of 18 O-depleted meteoric water or, (b) descending groundwater from paleoaquifers in the Lower Pennsylvanian. Sedimentary features consistent with a subaerial exposure include detrital-filled desiccation cracks and an accumulation of iron-rich residual clays. Features suggestive of dedolomitization by paleogroundwater include calcite-replaced evaporite nodules and the great volume of water inferred to have been associated with extensive continental, Lower Pennsylvanian karstification of overlying (younger) carbonate units.
Applying efficient implicit nongeometric constraints in alchemical free energy simulations

Several strategies have been developed for satisfying bond lengths, angle, and other geometric constraints in molecular dynamics simulations. Advanced variations of alchemical free energy perturbation simulations, however, also require nongeometric constraints. In our recently developed multisite λ-dynamics simulation method, the conventional λ parameters that are associated with the progress variables in alchemical transformations are treated as dynamic variables and are constrained such that: 0 ≤ λ(i) ≤ 1 and Σ(i = 1)(N) λ(i) = 1. Here, we present four functional forms of λ that implicitly satisfy these nongeometric constraints, whose values and forces are facile to compute and that yield stable simulations using a 2 fs integration timestep. Using model systems, we present the sampling characteristics of these functional forms and demonstrate the enhanced sampling profiles and improved convergence rates that are achieved by the functional form: λ(i) = e(c sinθ(i))/Σ(j = 1)(N) e(c sinθ(j)) that oscillates between λ(i) = 0 and λ(i) = 1 and has relatively steep transitions between these endpoints.
Periodic orbits, spectral oscillations, scaling, and vacuum energy: beyond HaMiDeW

Abstract Oscillations in eigenvalue density are associated with closed orbits of the corresponding classical (or geometrical optics) system. Although invisible in the heat-kernel expansion, these features determine the nonlocal parts of propagators, including the Casimir energy. I review some classic work, discuss the connection with vacuum energy, and show that when the coupling constant is varied with the energy, the periodic-orbit theory for generic quantum systems regains the clarity and simplicity that it always had for the wave equation in a cavity.
Using reinforcement to strengthen users' secure behaviors

Users have a strong tendency toward dismissing security dialogs unthinkingly. Prior research has shown that users' responses to security dialogs become significantly more thoughtful when dialogs are polymorphic, and that further improvements can be obtained when dialogs are also audited and auditors penalize users who give unreasonable responses. We contribute an Operant Conditioning model that fits these observations, and, inspired by the model, propose Security Reinforcing Applications (SRAs). SRAs seek to reward users' secure behavior, instead of penalizing insecure behavior. User studies show that SRAs improve users' secure behaviors and that behaviors strengthened in this way do not extinguish after a period of several weeks in which users do not interact with SRAs. Moreover, inspired by Social Learning theory, we propose Vicarious Security Reinforcement (VSR). A user study shows that VSR accelerates SRA benefits.
Detection and measurement by high-performance liquid chromatography of malondialdehyde crosslinks in DNA

Malondialdehyde, which is generated by lipid peroxidation, can form DNA-protein and/or interstrand DNA crosslinks. The biological consequences of inaccurate repair of these crosslinks may be severe. The expected levels of crosslinking of DNA in vivo are low, and an extremely sensitive method must be used for their detection and measurement. Because both types of crosslinks may contain cytosine, the cytosine residues of DNA were labeled in vitro with 125I. The iodinated DNA was treated with Penicillium nuclease P1 at pH 6 and with alkaline phosphatase at pH 9, and the nucleosidic compounds were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. The optimum conditions for measurement of the crosslinks on Ultrasphere ODS or Zorbax ODS columns were 50 mM ammonium phosphate buffer, pH 7, that contained 2% methanol and 5 mM tetra-t-butylammonium phosphate. Both DNA-protein and interstrand DNA crosslinks were measurable simultaneously. The method was quantitative, reproducible, and able to detect crosslinked adducts at subpicomole levels, so that as few as two crosslinks per 10(6) base pairs were detectable.
Purification and properties of rat adrenal phenylethanolamine-N-methyl transferase.

Abstract A procedure has been developed for the purification of phenylethanolamine- N methyl transferase (PNMT) (EC 2.1.1) from adrenal glands of rats. Ninety percent of the enzyme activity was in the 105,000 g supernatant fraction. After chromatography on Sephadex G-150 and DEAE-cellulose, the PNMT showed two molecular species but the same specific activity on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The final product was enriched nearly 100-fold. The methylation reaction is linear with increasing enzyme concentration, and the enzyme pH optimum was 8.0. The enzyme is relatively stable at 40 °C, but activity is partially destroyed by incubation at 60 °C. Several substrates were tested: octopamine, norepinephrine, tyramine, phenylethanolamine. Greatest affinity was for octopamine. All these substrates and the methyl group donor, S -adenosylmethionine, were inhibitory at high concentrations. Preincubation of the enzyme with norepinephrine accelerated the initial rate of the methylation reaction, while preincubation with S -adenosylmethionine had no such effect. A specific antibody against this purified enzyme was prepared. This antibody inhibited the enzyme activity and also precipitated it. Various immunological studies using this antibody are described.
ELECTRON SPIN RESONANCE AND ELECTRON SPIN ECHO MODULATION SPECTROSCOPIC STUDIES OF CHROMIUM ION LOCATION AND ADSORBATE INTERACTIONS IN CALCINED CRAPSO -11

The local environment of the chromium ion in calcined CrAPSO-11, which may involve framework sites, is compared with the Cr ion environment in solid-state ion-exchanged (S)Cr−SAPO-11 which involves ion exchange into nonframework sites at high temperature. Powder X-ray diffraction confirms that CrAPSO-11 has the SAPO-11 framework and is highly crystalline. The 27Al and 29Si magic-angle-spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectra are similar to those of corresponding SAPO-11 showing only one type of tetrahedral atom. As-synthesized CrAPSO-11 shows an ESR spectrum assignable to Cr(III), but on calcination this converts to Cr(V). (S)Cr−SAPO-11 forms Cr(V) directly since solid-state ion exchange occurs at high temperature. The UV−vis spectrum of calcined, hydrated CrAPSO-11 is assigned to Cr(V), and after dehydration the coordination for Cr(V) seems consistent with tetrahedral as expected for a framework site. Electron spin resonance (ESR) of calcined, hydrated CrAPSO-11 shows Cr(V) which is consistent with sq...
Seismic-reflection imaging of Tertiary faulting and related post-Eocene deformation 20 km north of Memphis, Tennessee

Abstract Other than the Crittenden County fault zone (CCFZ), little is known about the seismic hazard from earthquake faults within 50 km of Memphis, Tennessee, a city that contains a large inventory of older buildings that are vulnerable to moderate and strong earthquake ground shaking. To address this lack of knowledge about faulting near Memphis, we acquired a 4.5 km long Mini-Sosie seismic-reflection profile across the boundary between the loess-covered bluffs and modern Mississippi River flood plain in Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park north of Memphis. We imaged a previously unknown reverse/thrust fault that displaces Paleozoic and Cretaceous rocks and upwarps Tertiary deposits on the floodplain portion of the profile about 25 km north of downtown Memphis. The Paleozoic and Cretaceous rocks are vertically faulted about 70 and 40 m, respectively, in an up-to-the-west sense of displacement. The fault displacement apparently terminates in the basal portion of the Paleocene section and causes only an upwarping of the overlying deposits. The overlying Paleocene and Eocene deposits, which are probably the youngest deposits imaged, are upwarped about 50–60 m with the same sense of displacement as the underlying older units. The sense of displacement, amplitude, and appearance of the fault in the seismic data are very similar to that observed in the seismic reflection images of the CCFZ 15 km west of this profile. Although we have imaged this new fault in only one location, its proximity to Memphis and similarities to the CCFZ, leads us to speculate that it may be a parallel structure to the CCFZ and thus warrants further study.
Effect of processing variables on lipid stability in smoked Great Lakes whitefish.

Lipid stability of smoked Great Lakes whitefish was affected by salt level, presence of nitrite, and the type (wood vs liquid) and level of smoking used during processing. The addition of salt significantly (p<0.01) increased the levels of oxidation. However, of the salt containing samples, the 4% salt (water-phase) were the least oxidized. Wood smoke exhibited significantly (p<0.01) greater antioxidant activity than any of the levels of liquid smoke tested. The addition of nitrite to smoked whitefish significantly (p<0.01) reduced the level of oxidation, and did not result in the formation of N-nitroso compounds.
Deletion analysis of the polyadenylation signal of a pea ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase small-subunit gene.

The polyadenylation signal of a pea gene for the small subunit of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (rbcS) has been analyzed by deletion mutagenesis and Ti plasmid-mediated gene transfer. Sequences between 6 and 137 bases upstream from the normal polyadenylation sites in this gene (bases −6 to −137) are required for functioning of these sites. In addition, bases −111 to −235 can affect 3′ end formation by altering the pattern of 3′ termini seen in various transcription units. Sequences between 37 and 95 bases upstream from a cryptic polyadenylation site in this gene [A. G. Hunt, DNA 7: 329–336 (1988)] are necessary for mRNA 3′ end formation at this site. At least two different parts of the 3′ region of this rbcS gene can serve as a downstream element for polyadenylation at the normal poly(A) addition sites in this gene. Our studies indicate that: 1. the upstream sequences required for polyadenylation in plants are different from those defined in mammalian RNA polymerase II transcription units; 2. sequences 100 or more bases upstream and downstream from poly(A) addition sites in this gene can affect poly(A) addition site choice; and 3. there are apparently redundant downstream elements for polyadenylation in this gene.
On the value of economic-demographic forecasts to local government.

Both the relative cost and accuracy of alternative forecasting techniques should be considered by local decision makers. The contention of this paper is that estimates of the benefits of increased accuracy from more expensive economic-demographic forecasting models are necessary prior to making a rational choice over how much to spend on model construction. A case study using western North Dakota coal development and its economic-demographic impacts is used to illustrate a method for evaluating these benefits in the public sector.
Superconductivity in Inhomogeneous Hubbard Models

We present a controlled perturbative approach to the low temperature phase diagram of highly inhomogeneous Hubbard models in the limit of small coupling, t ′ , between clusters. We apply this to the dimerized and checkerboard models. The dimerized model is found to behave like a doped semiconductor, with a Fermi-liquid groundstate with parameters (e.g. the effective mass) which are smooth functions of the Hubbard interaction, U. By contrast, the checkerboard model has a nodeless d-wave superconducting state (preformed pair condensate, d-BEC) for 0 Uc = 4.58.
CAPSICUM AND CAPSAICIN - A REVIEW : CASE REPORT OF THE USE OF HOT PEPPERS IN CHILD ABUSE

Capsaicin, the active principle of hot peppers of the genus Capsicum, exhibits broad bioactivity. It targets neuronal structures which contain substance P, clinically seen as gastrointestinal and dermatologic irritation, bronchospasm and fibrinolysis. As a research tool, capsaicin profoundly alters neurologic anatomy and function. We review the toxicity of capsaicin and comment briefly on the use of hot peppers in child abuse.
Human spot 14 glucose and thyroid hormone response: characterization and thyroid hormone response element identification.

Spot 14 is a 17-kDa protein expressed in lipogenic tissues and is postulated to play a role in thyroid hormone stimulation of lipogenesis. To further our understanding of Spot 14 regulation in humans, our laboratory recently cloned the human Spot 14 gene. The gene is highly homologous to the rat Spot 14 ortholog and located on a chromosomal region implicated in human obesity. Because our understanding of Spot 14 transcriptional regulation is derived from rat promoter studies, we assessed the thyroid hormone responsivity of the human Spot 14 promoter. These studies revealed a significantly greater thyroid hormone response for the human promoter, compared with the rat. Deletional studies of the human Spot 14 promoter reveal a 774-bp region at approximately position −2700, which is both necessary and sufficient for the thyroid hormone response. EMSAs with subfragments from this region identify a 146-bp DNA fragment capable of binding a TRβ1-retinoid X receptor heterodimer. Site-directed mutagenesis confirmed...
The Solid Earth: An Introduction to Global Geophysics

The most difficult aspect of teaching an introductory geophysics course is deciding how to best combine the necessary mathematics and theory with their applications to the Earth. Some texts present a classical approach emphasizing the mathematics (especially potential theory), which often gives little insight into its application to understanding the Earth. Others offer good descriptions of the applications but lack adequate explanations of the basic principles, causing students to acquire an insufficient background for future research. Choosing between the two types of texts is made more difficult because many students in a geophysics class are not geophysics majors and feel uncomfortable even with first year calculus.