cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Collisional Simulations of Neptune's Ring Arcs

Abstract The currently accepted model for Neptune arc confinement relies on the radial and azimuthal confining perturbations due to the nearby satellite, Galatea. This model calls for arc particle orbits exhibiting a negative eccentricity gradient and crossing at quadrature, a configuration that paradoxically leads to collisions energetic enough to disrupt arc confinement. We confirm with numerical collisional N -body simulations that the confinement mechanism relying on a 42:43 corotation–inclination resonance and a 42:43 outer Lindblad resonance with Galatea is indeed capable of confining a large population of 10-m-size and bigger particles over short time scales. Moreover, we find that an 84:86 outer vertical resonance, also due to Galatea, falling within 20 m of the arcs' radial position, effectively reduces the collision frequency and relative collisional velocities and consequently stabilizes the arcs over long time scales against the disruptive effects of collisions.
THE PHYTOTOXIC EFFECTS OF D.D.T., B.H.C., PARATHION AND TOXAPHENE ON TOBACCO

No phytotoxic effect was seen following a pre-sowing spray of tobacco seed-beds with 27 lb./acre technical D.D.T. or after an application of the same material at 75.6 lb./acre to 3-week-old tobacco seedlings. A pre-sowing application of parathion (diethyl paranitrophenyl thiophosphate) (2 % dust) at 1–8 lb. parathion per acre had no harmful effect. Used on 3-week-old tobacco seedlings at the excessive rate of 22.7 lb./acre it caused serious stunting and many deaths. Toxaphene (chlorinated camphene: empirical formula C10H10Cl8), applied as a 25 % wettable powder in a pre-sowing spray at 6-4 lb. toxaphene per acre, did not injure tobacco seedlings. No residual phytotoxic effects appeared in beds re-sown 4 months after being treated with parathion or toxaphene at the pre-sowing doses given above. Benzene hexachloride, applied before sowing at doses above 1.6 lb. technical B.H.C. per acre, suppressed root development in newly germinated tobacco seedlings. B.H.C. dusts used on n-day-old seedlings at 2–25 lb. technical B.H.C. per acre caused temporary distortion and stunting. Up to 11 lb./acre these symptoms were transitory: at 37.5 lb./acre many plants were killed and the remainder severely stunted. Resistance to these phytotoxic effects increased with age of plant, but 3-week-old tobacco seedlings showed considerable mortality after the application of 75.6 lb./acre of technical B.H.C. Beds re-sown 4 months after the application of 6-4 and 12.8 lb. respectively of technical B.H.C. per acre showed no phytotoxic effect, but, as tobacco seed is sown on the soil surface, the effect of the B.H.C. may have been merely masked, and it is not safe to assume that there was no residual effect. The actual persistence of B.H.C. in the soil was not determined. The possible mechanism of action of the B.H.C. effect is discussed.
Inhibitors of protein disulfide isomerase suppress apoptosis induced by misfolded proteins

A hallmark of many neurodegenerative diseases is accumulation of misfolded proteins within neurons, leading to cellular dysfunction and cell death. Although several mechanisms have been proposed to link protein misfolding to cellular toxicity, the connection remains enigmatic. Here, we report a cell death pathway involving protein disulfide isomerase (PDI), a protein chaperone that catalyzes isomerization, reduction and oxidation of disulfides. Through a small molecule screening approach, we discovered five structurally distinct compounds that prevent apoptosis induced by mutant huntingtin protein. Using modified Huisgen cycloaddition chemistry, we then identified PDI as the molecular target of these small molecules. Expression of polyglutamine-expanded huntingtin exon 1 in PC12 cells caused PDI to accumulate at mitochondrial-associated ER membranes and trigger apoptotic cell death via mitochondrial outer-membrane permeabilization. Inhibiting PDI in rat brain cells suppressed the toxicity of mutant huntingtin exon 1 and Aβ peptides processed from the amyloid precursor protein. This pro-apoptotic function of PDI represents a new mechanism linking protein misfolding and apoptotic cell death.
INHIBITION OF RIPENING AND INDOLE-3-ACETIC ACID OXIDASE OF BANANA FRUIT BY p-2,4-CHLOROPHENOXY-ISOBUTYRIC ACID

p-2,4-dichloro-phenoxy-isobutyric acid (p-CPIB) was observed to repress the ripening of green banana fruit after injection into the peel-pulp juncture at concentrations ranging from 10−5 to 10−3M. Application of 10−2M p-CPIB resulted in rapid necrosis at the site of injection and accelerated ripening at distal areas of the banana. Repression of ripening occurred regardless of whether fruit were gassed with exogenous ethylene. Indole-3-acetic acid oxidase isolated from the pulp of banana fruit was inhibited by concentrations of p-CPIB which repressed ripening. In addition, injection of indole 3-acetic acid and 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid into the peel-pulp juncture delayed ripening for up to 15 days at 10−3M. It is suggested the p-CPIB affected ripening in banana fruit by blocking the oxidative metabolism of endogenous auxins
Spectrum diagnostics. The necessity for detailed non-LTE modeling of X-ray emission from dense plasmas..

Except in the simplest of physical situations, broadband spectrum formation in dense optically thick plasmas is the result of a highly complex set of nonlinear phenomena. At NRL, we are developing models to investigate a number of the theoretical issues related to the interpretation of time integrated X-ray spectra. Many of the individual features of these spectra can be understood qualitatively and modeled quantitatively (see Ref. 3). However, a number of questions concerning the self-consistency of theoretical treatments of an entire spectrum remain. A few of these questions will be examined and discussed in this talk within the context of imploding plasmas. Spectrum formation at high ion densities will be described using an argon K-shell model containing atomic structure up to n = 10 in both hydrogen and helium-like ionization stages as well as lower excited states in the lithium-like system. Lyman series emission is computed along with three prominent satellite lines of the H- and He-Lα lines and He 1s2−1s2p3P intercombination line. Local Stark profiles are also computed and used for Lα, Lβ, and Lγ lines of both the hydrogen and helium-like series. For the higher lying lines, which are strongly overlapped at high densities, collisional width estimates for Voigt profiles are used. The overlap of satellite, intercombination, and Lα resonance lines, on the other hand, occurs as the result of overlapping Stark and Voigt profiles. The influence of these different line profile assumptions on spectrum formation at high density will be discussed in terms of the problems of self-consistently inferring plasma conditions during emission, such as temperature, density, and plasma ionization state. These are usually inhomogeneous in both space and time. However, some recent progress at NRL enables us to theoretically address these problems. We will discuss them within the context of post-processing the temperature and density profiles that are predicted by hydrodynamics calculations of imploded, Argon/DT filled, glass microballoons.
Divalent cation dependent phosphorylation of proteins in squid giant axon.

In vitro and in situ (after intracellular infusion) incubation of axoplasm from the squid giant axon with [γ-32P]ATP produces a phosphorylation of primarily two proteins (of mol.wt.200,000 and 400,000). The phosphorylation of these proteins is stimulated by Mg2+, inhibited by Ca2+, and unaffected by 10−7 to 10−5M cyclic nucleotides. The 200kdalton and > 400 kdalton phosphorylated peaks appear to be neurofilament proteins, and phosphorylation of these peaks in situ is decreased by electrical stimulation of the axon.
The Henmon‐Nelson and Slosson tests as predictors of WAIS‐R IQ

Previous research has indicated that the Slosson Intelligence Test and the Henmon-Nelson Test of Mental Ability are better estimators of WAIS IQ scores than most other brief intellectual measures. In the present study we compared the abilities of the most recent editions of the two tests to estimate WAIS-R scaled scores and IQs (N = 90). The Henmon-Nelson's validity coefficients were higher than their counterparts for the Slosson, but the Slosson had a higher ceiling and a lower floor, which suggests that it is more valuable with particularly dull and especially bright subjects. Both the Slosson IQs and Henmon-Nelson standard scores had higher means and more variability than WAIS-R Full Scale IQs. The data suggested that the most accurate WAIS-R approximations can be achieved by converting Slosson or Henmon-Nelson scores to WAIS-R scaled score estimates and translating the latter to WAIS-R IQs by using Wechsler's age-corrected tables.
Altered gonadal steroidogenesis in critical illness: is treatment with anabolic steroids indicated?

The physiology of the reproductive system changes dramatically with the onset of major illness. The serum testosterone concentrations fall to pre-pubertal levels secondary to a decreased secretion of gonadotropins and a decreased Leydig cell response to luteinizing hormone. At the same time, the serum oestrogen concentration rises as the result of an increased rate of peripheral aromatization. The clinical consequences of these marked changes are not yet well understood. One line of evidence argues for the administration of anabolic steroids (derivatives of testosterone) to critically ill patients to improve their catabolic state. Another line of evidence in animal models suggests that testosterone may suppress the immune system and myocardial function in critical illness. No clinical trials of oestrogen administration to critically ill patients have been reported, although two animal studies suggest that oestrogen may have a positive effect on survival. This chapter reviews changes in the physiology of the reproductive system in major illness as well as current evidence regarding the clinical effects of androgens and oestrogens in critical illness and their potential therapeutic roles.
Specific integrin subunits in bovine oocytes, including novel sequences for Alpha 6 and Beta 3 subunits

Integrins facilitate attachment of cells to the extra-cellular matrix, often binding the arginine-glycine-aspartic acid tri-peptide motif, thus facilitating cell migration, mediating cell-cell adhesion, linking the extracellular matrix (ECM) with cytoskeletal elements, and acting as signaling molecules. Adhesion activates signaling mechanisms that regulate integrin function, cytoskeletal assembly, cell behavior, and protein synthesis. Immunofluorescence was used to determine the presence of integrin alpha and beta subunits on the surface of bovine oocytes using a panel of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) specific for alphaL, alphaM, alphaX, alphaV, alpha2, alpha4, alpha6, beta1, beta2, and beta3 antigens, with multiple antibodies for each subunit. Confocal microscopy indicated the presence of alphaV, alpha6, alpha4, alpha2, ss1, and ss3 integrin subunits on the plasma membrane of bovine oocytes. The presence of these subunits was verified by RT-PCR analysis using primers designed based on known gene sequences of bovine integrin subunits, or by using sequence information using bovine expressed sequence tags (EST) compared with known human and murine integrin subunit gene sequence information. Previously unpublished sequence information for bovine alpha6 and beta3 integrins was determined. The presence of these integrin subunits on the bovine oocyte vitelline membrane supports the hypothesis that sperm-oocyte interactions in the bovine are mediated by integrins.
Remark on Algorithm 752

The triangulation-based scatterd-data fitting package SRFPACK was updated for (a) compatibility with a revised interface to the triangulation package TRIPACK, (b) the elimination of potential errors in the treatment of tension factors and in the extrapoltion procedure, and (c) the addition of a more accurate local gradient-estimation procedure and a simple but portable contour-plotting capability.
β-sheet Topology Prediction with High Precision and Recall for β and Mixed α/β Proteins

The prediction of the correct -sheet topology for pure and mixed proteins is a critical intermediate step toward the three dimensional protein structure prediction. The predicted beta sheet topology provides distance constraints between sequentially separated residues, which reduces the three dimensional search space for a protein structure prediction algorithm. Here, we present a novel mixed integer linear optimization based framework for the prediction of -sheet topology in and mixed proteins. The objective is to maximize the total strand-to-strand contact potential of the protein. A large number of physical constraints are applied to provide biologically meaningful topology results. The formulation permits the creation of a rank-ordered list of preferred -sheet arrangements. Finally, the generated topologies are re-ranked using a fully atomistic approach involving torsion angle dynamics and clustering. For a large, non-redundant data set of 2102 and mixed proteins with at least 3 strands taken from the PDB, the proposed approach provides the top 5 solutions with average precision and recall greater than 78%. Consistent results are obtained in the -sheet topology prediction for blind targets provided during the CASP8 and CASP9 experiments, as well as for actual and predicted secondary structures. The -sheet topology prediction algorithm, BeST, is available to the scientific community at http://selene.princeton.edu/BeST/.
A diffuse interface model for microstructural evolution in elastically stressed solids

Abstract We present a diffuse interface (DI) model for capturing microstructure formed during the coarsening of a two dimensional, elastically stressed binary alloy. The DI model is based on a generalized Cahn–Hilliard free energy; evolution occurs to lower the free energy. Using a matched asymptotic expansion, we show that the DI model converges to a well-studied sharp interface system as the thickness of the diffuse interface approaches zero. Numerical simulations confirm this equivalence. We develop pseudo-spectral numerical methods to solve the DI system and we carefully investigate the dependence of results on numerical parameters. The DI model is used to follow microstructural evolution through topological transitions such as particle merging and vanishing. We show that in isotropic media, elastic inhomogeneity may lead to interesting topology changes such as a reversal of the roles of the precipitate and matrix phases.
The thermoluminescence of meteorites: A brief 2010 perspective

Early work on meteorite thermoluminescence, influenced by pottery dating and dosimetry applications, demonstrated a relationship between natural thermoluminescence and (1) the orbital perihelion of a meteorite and (2) the terrestrial age (time since fall) of a meteorite. For 14 years natural TL measurements were routinely made on newly recovered Antarctic meteorites to help identify unusual thermal and radiation histories, and to sort them by terrestrial age and perihelion. Two examples of the value of such data are presented, an Antarctic meteorite that underwent a major orbit change prior to fall and the collection mechanics of meteorites at the Lewis Cliff collection site. A second major area of focus for meteorite TL, that has no non-meteorite heritage, is the use of their induced TL to provide an extraordinarily sensitive and quantitative means of exploring metamorphic intensity and palaeothermometry. While especially valuable for unequilibrated ordinary chondrites, these types of measurement have proved useful with virtually every major class of meteorite, asteroidal and planetary. The challenge now is to extend the technique to small particles, micrometeorites, interplanetary dust particles, and cometary particles.
Measurement of the Activity of Polyuronic Acid C-5 Epimerases☆

Abstract A relatively simple assay procedure for measuring the reactions catalyzed by polyuronic acid C-5 epimerases has been developed. Action of C-5 epimerases inverts the C-6 carboxyl group of polyuronic acids converting β-linked residues into α-linked residues or vice versa. The assay takes advantage of the greater susceptibility of the acid hydrolysis of α-glycosidic linkages than β-glycosidic linkages. The method involves the partial acid hydrolysis of the polyuronic acid before and after reaction with the C-5 epimerase. The greater or lesser amounts of uronic acid released (solubilized) before and after reaction of the C-5 epimerase are a measure of the amount of α- or β-glycosidic linkages that are formed and a measure of the amount of catalysis by the enzyme.
Multichannel Autoregressive Data Models

Autoregressive (AR) data models are implied in many analytical procedures used in the description and interpretation of geophysical measurements. Predictive deconvolution, prediction filtering, and spectral estimation based upon the maximum entropy and maximum likelihood criteria are among those procedures which imply AR models. Predictive deconvolution as a method for determining a seismic reflection series or for targetting an anomaly in profile potential field data has been broadly applied. Maximum entropy spectral analysis has been found particularly useful in searching for the presence of harmonics in short segments of geophysical data. We describe a new recursive procedure for estimating, directly from a data set, the matrix coefficients representing a multichannel or ?-vector stationary time series. An AR data model which considers all possible inter-relationships between the component channels is obtained. In several examples, multichannel geophysical data sets are modeled for deconvolution and maximum entropy multispectral analysis.
Reaction of allyltin reagents with perfluoroalkyl nitriles

Abstract N -Organostannyl ketimines produced via the title reaction generally undergo rearrangement to the corresponding fluoroalkyl enamines, I. However, reaction with tryallyltin fluoride affords the doubly allylated amine derivatives II.
Multiple determinants of parenting: Predicting individual differences in maternal parenting behavior with toddlers.

SYNOPSIS Objective. A comprehensive understanding of individual differences in maternal parenting behaviors cannot be realized without consideration of multiple determinants of parenting within the same study. The goal of the present study was to examine the association of 3 categories of determinants of parenting (i.e., parent personality, contextual sources of stress and support, and child effects) to individual differences in maternal parenting behaviors. Design. Supportive and controlling parenting and child social responsiveness were observed during 2 free-play sessions when toddlers (N = 140) were 30 to 36 months old. Mothers completed questionnaires measuring personality and contextual sources of stress and support. Results. More maternal supportive behaviors were predicted by higher levels of child social responsiveness. More maternal control was associated with lower socioeconomic status, more work outside of the home, more extraversion, and more neuroticism. Conclusions. Because the determinants...
Posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysms associated with posterior fossa arteriovenous malformation: Report of five cases and literature review

Abstract BACKGROUND The association of posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) aneurysms with posterior fossa arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is uncommon. Over the past 3 years, five patients with this condition were treated at this institution. A review of the clinical history of these and other reported cases has illuminated common threads in the presentation, treatment, and outcome of these lesions. METHODS The findings of 27 patients (5 from our institution and 22 from the medical literature) with PICA aneurysms associated with AVMs were reviewed. RESULTS Eighty-four percent of individuals presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH); 89% of these episodes resulted from aneurysm rupture documented by either intraoperative inspection or autopsy. All aneurysms were located on a feeding artery to the AVM, and 81% originated from distal portions of PICA. The majority of patients presented with Hunt & Hess grade I SAH; all patients who presented with hemorrhage were treated surgically. Surgical strategy was directed both to secure the aneurysm and to resect the AVM during the course of a single procedure. Although four individuals either died on admission or in the perioperative period, overall outcome was excellent or good in 82% of patients. CONCLUSIONS PICA aneurysms associated with AVMs most often involve the distal segments of the artery. Patients usually present with SAH secondary to aneurysmal rupture. Surgical clipping of the aneurysm and excision of the AVM is possible in a single procedure with minimal morbidity. Overall prognosis is favorable in 80% of the cases.
Testing whether survival function is harmonic new better than used in expectation

Statistical procedures to test that a life distribution is exponential against the alternative that it is harmonic new better than used in expectation (HNBUE) are considered.
The transcriptional regulator RfaH stimulates RNA chain synthesis after recruitment to elongation complexes by the exposed nontemplate DNA strand.

Abstract The transcriptional regulatory protein RfaH controls expression of several operons that encode extracytoplasmic components in bacteria. Regulation by RfaH occurs during transcript elongation and depends on a 5′-proximal, transcribed nucleic acid sequence called ops that induces transcriptional pausing in vitro and in vivo. We report that RfaH recognizes RNA polymerase transcribing RfaH-regulated operons by interacting with the ops sequence in the exposed nontemplate DNA strand of ops -paused transcription complexes. Although RfaH delays escape from the ops pause, once escape occurs, RfaH enhances elongation by suppressing pausing and ρ-dependent termination without apparent involvement of other accessory proteins. This activity predicts a cumulative antitermination model for RfaH's regulation of ops -containing operons in vivo.
Evaluation of criteria used in the identification of actinomyces bovis with particular reference to the catalase reaction.

The identification of smooth typeActinomyces bovis is an extremely difficult one to make. By a well selected set of criteria, including the catalase test, it is generally possible to make an unquestionable identification.
Molecularly Asymmetric Triblock Copolymers as a Single-Molecule Route to Ordered Bidisperse Polymer Brushes

The conditions signaling the formation of bidisperse brushes in ordered block copolymers are investigated as an A2 block is progressively grown onto an A1B diblock copolymer to form a series of molecularly asymmetric, isomorphic A1BA2 triblock copolymers. Small-angle scattering and self-consistent field theory confirm that the microphase-ordered period decreases when the A2 block is short relative to the A1 block, but then increases as A1+A2 bidisperse brushes develop. The mechanical properties systematically follow the spatial distribution of the A2 block.
The relationship between caregivers' post-traumatic stress disorder and their asthma health beliefs in an ethnic minority inner-city sample.

Objective. Caregivers’ asthma health beliefs can impact healthcare decisions. This study aimed to determine whether caregivers with a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) had asthma illness representations less aligned with the professional model of asthma management and whether their children had worse asthma control. Methods. Participants were 120 children with asthma (age M = 9.25 ± 1.37) and their caregivers recruited from the Bronx, NY, USA. Participants were Puerto Rican (n = 55), African-American (n = 30), Afro-Caribbean (n = 22), and Mexican (n = 13). Caregivers completed: a psychiatric interview to determine diagnosis of PTSD, anxiety and depressive disorders; the Asthma Illness Representation Scale (AIRS) to assess beliefs about their children’s asthma; and the childhood asthma control test (C-ACT). Results. One in five caregivers had PTSD, and these caregivers had lower total AIRS scores, lower scores on the AIRS Emotional Aspects of Medication Use subscale, and the AIRS Nature of...
Constructing accurate beliefs in spoken dialog systems

We propose a novel approach for constructing more accurate beliefs over concept values in spoken dialog systems by integrating information across multiple turns in the conversation. In particular, we focus our attention on updating the confidence score of the top hypothesis for a concept, in light of subsequent user responses to system confirmation actions. Our data-driven approach bridges previous work in confidence annotation and correction detection, providing a unified framework for belief updating. The approach significantly outperforms heuristic rules currently used in most spoken dialog systems
New Quantitative Measurements of IC Stress Introduced by Plastic Packages

New strain gauge test bars have been designed forming individual and bridge structures for silicon integrated circuits. They are used to quantitatively measure internal stress introduced in IC bars during packaging. The results show that unexpectedly high levels of stress are introduced as a function of plastic material selection as well as mold and cure temperatures of the materials. The stress can be reduced, and process control can be tightened by appropriate choice of packaging conditions. The importance for IC reliability and electrical performance is discussed.
Contributions from the Neuropsychology of Language and Memory to the Development of Cognitive Theory

The development of cognitive theory can benefit from the study of patients with neuropsychological disorders in several ways. The study of such cases often brings to light unanticipated findings that force a reconsideration of current theories and may serve to bring together theories from seemingly disparate fields. Computational modeling efforts can be improved through an attempt to model the marked dissociations in function that are found for patients. The study of patients for whom one cognitive mechanism is disrupted can reveal the operation of the remaining mechanisms in a more direct fashion than is possible with normal subjects. The approach of studying the role of a preserved mechanism in isolation can be applied to both children and adults with neuropsychological disorders to determine if the role of this mechanism changes with development. Overall, the study of individuals with disorders of language and memory provides an important source of evidence for developing and constraining cognitive theory.
Treatment of intravenous drug users with AIDS: the role of methadone maintenance.

†Preparation of this manuscript was supported in part by Center Grant No. MH 42459 from the National Institute of Mental Health and the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
Myofibroblast differentiation and enhanced TGF-B signaling in cystic fibrosis lung disease

Rationale TGF-β, a mediator of pulmonary fibrosis, is a genetic modifier of CF respiratory deterioration. The mechanistic relationship between TGF-β signaling and CF lung disease has not been determined. Objective To investigate myofibroblast differentiation in CF lung tissue as a novel pathway by which TGF-β signaling may contribute to pulmonary decline, airway remodeling and tissue fibrosis. Methods Lung samples from CF and non-CF subjects were analyzed morphometrically for total TGF-β1, TGF-β signaling (Smad2 phosphorylation), myofibroblast differentiation (α-smooth muscle actin), and collagen deposition (Masson trichrome stain). Results TGF-β signaling and fibrosis are markedly increased in CF (p<0.01), and the presence of myofibroblasts is four-fold higher in CF vs. normal lung tissue (p<0.005). In lung tissue with prominent TGF-β signaling, both myofibroblast differentiation and tissue fibrosis are significantly augmented (p<0.005). Conclusions These studies establish for the first time that a pathogenic mechanism described previously in pulmonary fibrosis is also prominent in cystic fibrosis lung disease. The presence of TGF-β dependent signaling in areas of prominent myofibroblast proliferation and fibrosis in CF suggests that strategies under development for other pro-fibrotic lung conditions may also be evaluated for use in CF.
Enhanced apoptosis under low serum conditions in human glioblastoma cells by connexin 43 (Cx43)

Connexin 43 (Cx43), a structural component of gap junctions, is believed to function as a tumor suppressor gene. Previously, we showed that expression of Cx43 suppresses cell proliferation and tumorigenicity of human glioblastoma cells [Huang et al., Cancer Res 58:5089-5096, 1998] and enhances apoptosis in response to chemotherapeutic agents [Huang et al., Int J Cancer 92:130-138, 2001]. In the present study, we demonstrated that expression of Cx43 in human glioblastoma cells potentiated an apoptotic program under low-serum conditions. The Cx43-mediated effect was coupled with a decreased expression of the specific apoptosis-inhibitor bcl-2. Overexpression of bcl-2 in Cx43-transfected cells conferred resistance to apoptosis induced under low-serum conditions, suggesting that the Cx43-mediated apoptosis under low-serum conditions is regulated, in part, through the downregulation of bcl-2 expression. Furthermore, application of the phosphatidylinositol-3'-OH kinase inhibitor LY294002 specifically induced apoptosis in Cx43-transfected cells. Our results demonstrate a new role of Cx43 in the mediation of apoptosis under low serum conditions.
Enhancement of Heat Transfer With Pool and Spray Impingement Boiling on Microporous and Nanowire Surface Coatings

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is leading a national effort to develop next-generation cooling technologies for hybrid vehicle electronics, as part of the Advanced Power Electronics and Electrical Machines program area in the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Vehicle Technologies Program. The overarching goal is to reduce the size, weight, and cost of power electronic modules that convert direct current from the batteries to alternating current for the motor, and vice versa. Aggressive thermal management techniques help in achieving the goals of increased power density and reduced weight and volume, while keeping the chip temperatures within acceptable limits. The viability of aggressive cooling schemes such as spray and jet impingement in conjunction with enhanced surfaces is being explored as part of the program. In this work, we present results from a series of experiments with pool and spray boiling on enhanced surfaces, such as a microporous layer of copper and copper nanowires, using HFE-7100 as the working fluid. Spray impingement on the microporous coated surface showed an enhancement of 100%–300% in the heat transfer coefficient at a given wall superheat with respect to spray impingement on a plain surface under similar operating conditions. The critical heat flux also increased by 7%–20%, depending on the flow rates. Heat transfer coefficients obtained on the nanowire-grown surface are considerably better than those obtained on the plain surface, although the enhancement is lower than those obtained on the microporous surface. The critical heat flux is also considerably lower for the nanowire surface than for the plain surface.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Three-Color FRET expands the ability to quantify the interactions of several proteins involved in actin filament nucleation.

With traditional 2-color Forster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) microscopy, valuable quantitative analyses can be conducted. Correlations of donor (D), acceptor (A) and their ratios (D:A) with energy transfer efficiency (E%) or distance (r) allows measurement of changes between control and experimental samples; also, clustered vs. random assembly of cellular components can be differentiated. Essentially, only the above three parameters D, A and D:A vs. E% are the basis for these deductions. 3-color FRET uses the same basic parameters, but exponentially expands the opportunities to quantify interrelationships among 3 cellular components. We investigated a number of questions based on the results of a triple combination (F1-F2-F3) of TFP-NWASP/Venus-IQGAP1/mCherry-Actin - all involved in the nucleation of actin - to apply the extensive analysis assay possible with 3-color FRET. How do changing N-WASP or IQGAP1 fluorescence levels affect actin fluorescence? What is the effect on E% of NWASP-actin by IQGAP1 or E% of IQGAP1-actin by N-WASP? These and other questions are explored in the context of all proteins of interest being in FRET distance vs. any two in the absence of the third. 4 cases are compared based on bleed-through corrected FRET: (1) all 3 interact, (2) only F1-F3 and F2-F3 [not F1-F2], (3) only F1-F2 and F2-F3 interact [not F1-F3], (4) only F1-F2 and F1-F3 interact [not F2-F3]. Other than describing the methodology in detail, several biologically relevant results are presented showing how E% (i.e. distance), fluorescence levels and ratios are affected in each of the cases. These correlations can only be observed in a 3-fluorophore combination. 3-color FRET will greatly expand the investigative range of quantitative analysis for the life-science researcher.
Surgical Options for Obesity

Several bariatric procedures are available that have excellent long-term weight loss results and are backed by several large clinical trials. Purely restrictive procedures like VBG have fallen out of favor because of inadequate long-term weight loss. Gastric bypass and the BPD are well-studied and show significant resolution of obesity-related comorbidities. Long-term nutritional consequences are seen more commonly after malabsorptive procedures like the BPD than after hybrid malabsorptive-restrictive procedures like the gastric bypass. Because compliance and long-term nutritional follow-up are mandatory after any bariatric procedure, purely malabsorptive procedures should be reserved for super obese patients who are at risk for inadequate long-term weight loss. Furthermore, minimally invasive techniques have evolved and essentially have eliminated the high incidence of postoperative wound complications and incisional hernias frequently seen after open gastric bypass. Until the development ofa similarly successful procedure, gastric bypass will continue to be the gold standard bariatric procedure with its concurrent sustained weight loss benefits and resolution of comorbidities.
Building structure into engineered tissues

We describe the importance of structural organization on tissue function with emphasis on scaffold design. We give examples of how structure influences the properties of native tissues and describe strategies that attempt to recapitulate such structures through scaffold engineering. Finally, we discuss future challenges and suggest potential avenues for materials scientists and engineers to contribute to the field of tissue engineering.
Rate estimation in a biexponential uptake-Washout Poisson Process.

Abstract The derivation of a method for estimating the washout rate in an uptake-washout process from tracer-kinetic data is described. The uptake-washout process has a biexponential model, and the data collected is assumed to be Poisson. The bias and relative standard deviation of the estimator are compared to those of the maximum likelihood estimator for selected test cases. The washout-rate estimator has the characteristics that it is computationally efficient and that it performs well for small data values, which necessarily contain large amounts of error. Estimators for the remaining three parameters of the model are derived although no tests were made of their performance.
Chronology and petrogenesis of the lunar highlands alkali suite: Cumulates from KREEP basalt crystallization

Abstract Alkalic rocks from the highlands of the Moon, though relatively minor in volume, yield important information in understanding the later development of the lunar crust. However, until recently little information has been available on the crystallization ages of samples from this diverse suite of rocks. Previous workers suggested a link between pristine KREEP basalts and lunar quartz monzodiorites and granites. Through mineral and chemical modelling of all known pristine highlands alkali suite (HAS) rocks, and radiogenic isotopic analyses of rather large HAS clasts from the Apollo 14 landing site, we explore further this potential link. Two clasts of alkalic affinity from the western highlands of the Moon have been analyzed for their neodymium and strontium isotopic compositions. An alkali anorthosite (14304,267) yields a Sm Nd mineral isochron of 4108 ± 53 Ma (MSWD = 0.06) and an eNd(T) of −1.0 ± 0.2. Two splits of the same alkali norite clast (14304,270 and 14304,272) yield similar eNd values when calculated for this age. Rb Sr systematics for alkali anorthosite 14304,267 scatter about a line which yields an “age” of 4336 ± 81 Ma. However, the large mean square of weighted deviates (MSWD) for this line (12.3) indicates that the age is suspect and that Rb Sr sytematics may have been disturbed. The Sm Nd age for 14304,267, in conjunction with U Pb zircon ages for two other highlands alkali suite (HAS) rocks from the Apollo 14 landing site and one from the Apollo 16 landing site indicate production of HAS rocks over an extended time period spanning at least 300 million years from 4.34 to 4.02 Ga. Since the last dregs of the lunar magma ocean (LMO) likely crystallized prior to 4.3 Ma, all rocks from this alkalic period cannot represent direct remnants of the late LMO and may include material resulting from the remelting of evolved portions of the Moon by upward-moving basaltic melts from the deep lunar interior. These “contaminated” melts may be represented by pristine KREEP basalts from the Apollo 15 landing site. These KREEP basalt melts could have crystallized within the crust to form cumulate gabbros, norites, anorthosites, monzodiorites, and possibly granites, with the proportion of trapped KREEPy residual liquid determining the large-ion lithophile element enrichment of the rock. Generally, the proportion of trapped KREEPy liquid is small (2–15%). The broad age range for the lunar HAS indicates that parental KREEP basalt magmatism was not a unique event, but was an important process possibly repeated several times throughout the first 600 to 700 million years of lunar history.
Electronic structure of small copper oxide clusters: From Cu 2 O to Cu 2 O 4

We study the electronic structure of copper oxide clusters, ${\mathrm{Cu}}_{2}$${\mathrm{O}}_{\mathit{x}}$ (x=1\char21{}4), using anion photoelectron spectroscopy and density-functional calculations. The experiment is used to successfully guide a computational search for the cluster geometries. The predicted electron affinities at the obtained cluster structures reproduce exactly the trend observed experimentally. The definitive determination of the cluster structures enables a detailed analysis of the chemical bonding and electronic structure involving Cu atoms in different oxidation states exhibited by these clusters. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
Transmission of Newcastle Disease Virus by Insects: Detection in Wild Fannia Spp. (Diptera: Muscidae)

Field collections of insects in the vicinity of poultry flocks infected with the virus of exotic viscerotropic, velogenic Newcastle disease (VVND) were made in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties, southern California. Virus was isolated from 3 pools of Fannia canicularis (L.) and 1 of F. femoralis (Stein). Another pool of F. canicularis contained a mesogenic ND virus, and 1 pool of Musca domestica L. larvae had VVND virus. Newcastle disease virus was not isolated from 117 pools of M. domestica adults nor from 19 pools of Muscina stabulans (Fallen) tested. None of the other insect species collected showed evidence of the presence of Newcastle disease virus.
Motion compensation for ASTOR long range SAR

The United Kingdom Ministry of Defence is conducting a long range synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology demonstrator programme (TDP) in support of their airborne stand-off radar programme. A major goal is to develop a high-resolution airborne SAR with both strip map and spotlight modes. To attain the image quality objectives of the project, it is essential that very accurate motion compensation be applied to the radar returns to reduce image degradation, caused by spurious antenna phase center motion, to acceptable levels. The SAR motion compensation system (SARMC) includes a master inertial navigation system located near the center of mass of the host aircraft and a slaved strapdown inertial measurement unit mounted on the back of the radar antenna, as well as Doppler velocity and barometric and radar altimeters. The performance of the SARMC has been evaluated both by analysis and computer simulation. These evaluations accounted for all major system error sources, including errors associated with sensors, transfer alignment, and computation, with the system operating in an environment of moderate atmospheric turbulence. Results from these evaluations are presented. >
Constraints on three-neutrino mixing from atmospheric and reactor data.

Observations of atmospheric neutrinos are usually analyzed using the simplifying approximation that either {nu}{sub {mu}}{leftrightarrow}{nu}{sub {tau}} or {nu}{sub {ital e}}{leftrightarrow}{nu}{sub {mu}} two-flavor mixing is relevant. Here we instead consider the data using the simplifying approximation that only one neutrino mass scale is relevant. This approximation is the minimal three-flavor notation that includes the two relevant two-flavor approximations. The constraints in the parameter space orthogonal to the usual, two-flavor analyses are studied.
Nickel Silicide Structures on Single-Crystal Silicon Membranes

Nickel structures have been deposited on large (300 µm diameter), thin (1400 to 3000A) single crystal (111) silicon membranes. On annealing, the nickel-silicon reaction generates strain which can be partially accommodated through buckling of the membrane, a mode of strain relief not available on bulk wafers. Examples of such buckling are presented in this paper. Features of the silicide structures observed include thin epitaxial Ni2Si that grows on clean surfaces during deposition, vertical and lateral growth of NiSi2 into the membrane from nickel dots, and the absence of interfacial dislocations between NiSi2 and silicon, probably due to the stress relief.
An instrument for simultaneous acquisition of fluorescence spectra and fluorescence lifetimes from single cells.

— An instrument is described that has the capability of acquiring both the spectrum and lifetime(s) of fluorescent species dispersed in biological cells. It operates at the single cell (or organelle) level and the spectral and temporal data collection can be performed simultaneously. A synchronously pumped, mode-locked dye laser provides the excitation light, time-correlated single-photon counting is used for lifetime measurements, and a diode array spectrograph is used for spectral work. Spatial resolution of sub-micrometer is obtained using a fluorescence microscope. The temporal resolution is better than 300 ps and wavelength resolution is less than 1 nm per channel. The instrument has been used for observing the spectral and temporal characteristics of hematoporphyrin in mouse myeloma cells.
Factors underlying individual differences in the color matches of normal observers.

We have used a factor analysis of the Stiles–Burch [ Opt. Acta6, 1 ( 1959)] 10° field color matches to examine the basis of individual differences in the color matches made by observers with normal color vision. The differences in the matches are primarily due to interobserver variations in the macular-pigment density [with a standard deviation (σ) of 0.12 at 460 nm]; the lens-pigment density (σ = 0.18 at 400 nm); the spectral position of the long-wavelength-sensitive (σ = 50.3 cm−1), medium-wavelength sensitive (σ = 31.9 cm−1), and short-wavelength-sensitive (σ = 45.3 cm−1) photopigments; the covarying densities of the three photopigments (σ = 0.045); and the degree of rod intrusion. Variations in the different factors appear to be uncorrelated. Comparable estimates of the sources and range of interobserver differences in color matching were obtained from a similar analysis of the Stiles–Burch 2° color matches [ Opt. Acta2, 168 ( 1955)].
Human bone marrow stromal cells are efficiently transduced by vesicular stomatitis virus-pseudotyped retrovectors without affecting subsequent osteoblastic differentiation.

Abstract This study tested the transduction efficiency of human bone marrow stromal cells (hBMSCs) with vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV)-pseudotyped retrovectors and their subsequent osteogenic differentiation in vitro. Two different retrovectors encoding β-galactosidase (β-gal) or enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) as marker genes were examined for transduction of hBMSCs. hBMSCs were obtained from bone marrow filtrates of normal donors (aged 5–35 years), cultured in α-minimal essential medium (α-MEM) containing 10% fetal calf serum and infected with retrovectors soon after the adherent cells started to form individual colonies. Transduced hBMSCs were observed to express eGFP protein 4–7 days after infection in primary cultures, and the majority of hBMSCs were eGFP-positive. hBMSCs were also stained for β-gal in the secondary cultures and virtually all hBMSCs expressed β-gal activity. Transduced hBMSCs were examined for their osteogenic potential. These cells were found to express markers of osteogenic differentiation, including alkaline phosphatase, type I collagen, bone sialoprotein, decorin, and osteocalcin, as strongly as uninfected control cells. Mineralization was also induced by dexamethasone in transduced cells as well as control cells. These results demonstrate that hBMSCs are highly susceptible to infection with VSV-pseudotyped retrovectors with the majority of cultured cells expressing the viral transgenes without antibiotic selection. Transduced cells retain their osteogenic potential in vitro. hBMSCs are a promising cellular vehicle for systemic human gene therapy and VSV-pseudotyped retrovectors should be effective for their in vitro transduction prior to cellular engraftment.
Considering all starting points for simultaneous multithreading simulation

Commercial processors have support for simultaneous multithreading (SMT), yet little work has been done to provide representative simulation results for SMT. Given a workload, current simulation techniques typically run one combination of those programs from a specific starting offset, or just run one combination of samples across the benchmarks. We have found that the architecture behavior and overall throughput seen can vary drastically based upon the starting points of the different benchmarks. Therefore, to completely evaluate the effect of an SMT architecture optimization on a workload, one would need to simulate many or all of the program combinations from different starting offsets. But exhaustively running all program combinations from many starting offsets is infeasible - even running single programs to completion is often infeasible with modern benchmarks. In this paper we propose an SMT simulation methodology that estimates the average performance over all possible starting points when running multiple programs concurrently on an SMT processor. This is based on our prior co-phase matrix phase analysis and simulation infrastructure. This approach samples all of the unique phase combinations for a set of benchmarks to be run together. Once these phase combinations are sampled, our approach uses these samples, along with a trace of the phase behavior for each program, to provide a CPI estimate of all starting points. This all starting point CPI estimate is precisely calculated in just minutes.