cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Amino acid sequence of a phosphorylation site in skeletal muscle glycogen synthetase.

Abstract Rabbit skeletal muscle glycogen synthetase was phosphorylated by incubation with [γ-32P]ATP, Mg++ and cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit from the same source. One of the major phosphorylation site peptides was isolated following brief tryptic-hydrolysis, and shown to have the sequence
The role of Aktionsart in the acquisition of Russian aspect

In contrast to what is often assumed in universalist approaches to language acquisition, this paper demonstrates that the acquisition of aspect in at least one language, namely in Russian, is not based on an innate primitive category. The results of a comprehension experiment run with Russian preschool children (age 2-6 years) show that Russian aspect is not acquired in a single step, but rather develops as a slow process. This development is further shown to depend on differences in the intrinsic temporal semantics ('Aktionsart') of the verb. Morphological properties of the verb, by contrast, do not seem to play a significant role in the acquisition process. Thus, aspect acquisition relies on an increasing competence in lexical differentiation of Aktionsarten rather than on a direct linking of conceptual primitives with morphological markers. A very early and prominent role is played by verbs with telic Aktionsart. In line with what has been shown for the acquisition of tense in several languages, the telic Aktionsart might have a bootstrapping effect in the acquisition of aspect, too.
An age-based cohort model for estimating the spawning mortality of semelparous cephalopods with an application to per-recruit calculations for the northern shortfin squid, Illex illecebrosus

Abstract Semelparity is a common life history characteristic of squids and other cephalopod species, yet most cephalopod stock assessment models assume a constant natural mortality rate that does not account for post-spawning mortality. Since older individuals are more likely to spawn, natural mortality is likely to increase with age. We provide a method of estimating the spawning mortality rate of adult semelparous cephalopods, using Illex illecebrosus as an example. The model estimates the rates of maturation and spawning mortality as a continuous function of age for an unfished cohort of females. Model estimates of natural mortality were much higher than those typically assumed for semelparous cephalopod stocks under a constant natural mortality rate (0.02–0.06 week−1). Maturation and spawning mortality rates from the model were incorporated into per-recruit models designed to account for the semelparous life history of cephalopods to illustrate the effects of these parameters on biological reference point estimates. Biological reference point estimates were fairly insensitive to the assumed level of non-spawning natural mortality. However, neglecting to account for ageing error in natural mortality rate estimates resulted in a substantial underestimation of reference points. The model produces biologically plausible results and should be applicable to a wide range of semelparous cephalopod stocks.
TRANSFORMATION OF THE NUCLEUS IN MARCHANTIA SPERMATIDS: MORPHOGENESIS

A B S T R A C T It is proposed that elongation of the nucleus in spermatids of Marchantia results from interaction between its membranous envelope and microtubules of the spermatid's cytoskeleton. The nucleus may be drawn out in two directions along microtubules until forces attracting the nucleus to them are balanced by forces resisting envelope distortion. Condensation of nuclear chromatin into fibrils of uniform diameter and probable shaping of the nucleus by blebbing of its envelope occur together before elongation is complete. The nucleus becomes crescent shaped and it is prolonged distally into a chromatin-free diverticulum. In accord with their distribution along the axis of the nucleus, chromatin fibrils are compacted together forming a cone-like rod of chromatin which narrows anteriorly and extends distally to the tip of the preexisting diverticulum. Elongation and shaping of the nucleus influence the distribution of its chromatin and thus its ultimate morphology. Coiling of the nucleus is related to a reduction of spermatid cytoplasm during maturation. IN CHAROPHYTE algae and in most archegoniate plants transformation of spermatids into motile sperm entails elongation and coiling of the nucleus as well as condensation and compaction of its chromation. During early development spermatids produce a cytoskeleton comprised of a band of parallel, cross-linked microtubules (Carothers and Kreitner, 1967). Nuclei fail to elongate and coil in the absence of the microtubules (Turner, 1970; Myles and Hepler, 1974), although condensation of nuclear chromatin may proceed uninterrupted. The cytoskeleton is thought to be a supporting framework for nuclear
Deep-level transient spectroscopy (DLTS) of CdS/CuIn1−xGaxSe2-based solar cells prepared from electroplated and auto-plated precursors, and by physical vapor deposition

Abstract We fabricated high-efficiency thin-film CuIn 1− x Ga x Se 2 -based solar cells from solution-based electroplated, auto-plated precursors and by physical vapor deposition. The devices were characterized by deep-level transient spectroscopy (DLTS). DLTS recorded a new electron trap level in addition to two hole (majority-carrier) trap levels and one electron (minority-carrier) trap level for low-efficiency devices. We believe that the additional electron trap level is an effective recombination center, which leads to the poor performance of the device.
Design flow for robust license plate localization

Locating the vehicle license plate is a key step in any license plate recognition system. In order to build an efficient real time license plate detection system, important issues like existence of another text block in an image, sensitivity to license plate dimensions and adaptability of algorithm to license plate located anywhere in the image, need to be addressed. In this paper, we propose an algorithm to ensure success in these practical situations. It uses Mexican hat operator for edge detection and Euler number of a binary image for identifying the region of interest. A thorough testing of algorithm is performed on a database with varying test cases in terms of illumination and plate size. The results for license plate detection are encouraging with success rate of 94–99 %.
Selecting and evaluating trade shows

Abstract Many marketing managers who are in a position of influence over their company's trade shows policies find it difficult to choose among the multiplying numbers of options. Furthermore, many are still searching for ways to set goals and assess performance in the chosen trade shows. Some assess sales and number of contacts generated in a given show. Others do not even attempt to quantitatively measure performance, and rely on perceptions instead. This article suggests a model for classifying trade shows that takes into account the types of exhibitors and visitors to the show as well as its geographic emphasis. The article then distinguishes between sales- and nonsales-oriented goals. Finally, two models integrating sales and nonsales goals and buyers decision-making stages are presented and discussed. It is hoped that these three models will improve managerial decision making.
A 2.4GHz 2Mb/s versatile PLL-based transmitter using digital pre-emphasis and auto calibration in 0.18µm CMOS for WPAN

A fully integrated 2.4GHz 2Mb/s transmitter which is part of a highly integrated WPAN RF transceiver SoC using a 0.18µm RFCMOS 1P6M process is presented. The transmitter uses a ΔΣ fractional-N PLL architecture. It transmits 2Mb/s GFSK and GMSK modulated signals and is compliant with the IEEE802.15.4 and Bluetooth 1.2 standards. The transmitter consumes 18mA at 3dBm output power and occupies 1.1mm2. The transmitter does not use any quantisation noise cancellation techniques leading to 60% die area and 50% power consumption savings compared to [1,2], yet meets the FCC emission regulations in restricted bands with 12dB margin. It uses a novel calibration system that maintains a worst-case RMS phase error of 8.4° for 2Mb/s GMSK in the presence of ±50% variation in the PLL closed-loop bandwidth (CLBW). The calibration system consumes 0.4mA for a period of 66µs, which is significantly less power-consuming than a recently reported scheme [3].
Vagal stimulation for reciprocal coupling between glottic and upper esophageal sphincter activities in the canine.

Glottic adduction couples with relaxation of the tonically contracted upper esophageal sphincter (UES) to constitute the end point of pharyngeal swallowing. Together with deglutitive laryngeal elevation, this reciprocal relationship contributes to protecting the lungs from aspiration. Degrees of uncoordination between glottic and upper esophageal sphincters can be seen under diverse circumstances of neurologic damage such as stroke, gastroesophageal reflux, and in the growing elderly population presenting with weaker musculature. We hypothesized that reciprocal coupling between glottic closure and UES relaxation may be artificially reestablished through vagal stimulation if the appropriate neural centers and their leading pathways remain capable of exciting a critical number of motor units. Orderly recruitment of the vagus nerve was produced in three dogs with a circuit superimposing 600-Hz, 3800–0-μA blocking over 10–70-Hz, 0–2300-μA stimulating currents. Amplitudes of motor unit or compound muscle action potentials were recorded from the thyroarytenoideus and cricopharyngeus via surface electromyographic electrodes. Stimulation was accompanied by a drop in UES intraluminal pressure. The reciprocal relationship between the two muscles could be time locked within certain stimulus parameters. We submit that electronic coupling between the glottic and UESs may show promise in preventing aspiration under selected circumstances.
Coproduction and Communities Implications for Local Administrators

While coproduction has been the topic of a growing number of scholarly articles, this literature has neglected the relationship between coproduction and community. The concept of coproduction is ro...
Priming, Replication, and the Hardest Science

Concerns have been raised recently about the replicability of behavioral priming effects, and calls have been issued to identify priming methodologies with effects that can be obtained in any context and with any population. I argue that such expectations are misguided and inconsistent with evolutionary understandings of the brain as a computational organ. Rather, we should expect priming effects to be highly sensitive to variations in experimental features and subject populations. Such variation does not make priming effects frivolous or capricious but instead can be predicted a priori. However, absent theories specifying the precise contingencies that lead to such variation, failures to replicate another researcher's findings will necessarily be ambiguous with respect to the inferences that can be made. Priming research is not yet at the stage where such theories exist, and therefore failures are uninformative at the current time. Ultimately, priming researchers themselves must provide direct replications of their own effects; researchers have been deficient in meeting this responsibility and have contributed to the current state of confusion. The recommendations issued in this article reflect concerns both with the practice of priming researchers and with the inappropriate expectations of researchers who have failed to replicate others' priming effects.
Spatiotemporal chaos in nonintegrable three-wave interactions

Abstract The nonliear three-wave interaction is ubiquitous, having many physical manifestations. The conservative equations are integrable by inverse scattering transforms and can possess soliton solutions. Two nonintegrable three-wave models were numerically simulated. Spatiotemporal chaos, where coherent structures evolve and interact chaotically, was observed in the long time, large system limit. Correlation functions were measured. The behaviour was analysed by using perturbation theory around the inverse scattering transform solutions of the nonperturbed integrable equations. Saturation amplitudes, correlation times and lengths were estimated.
Effect of EEG electrode number on epileptic source localization in pediatric patients.

Abstract Objective To investigate the relationship between EEG source localization and the number of scalp EEG recording channels. Methods 128 EEG channel recordings of 5 pediatric patients with medically intractable partial epilepsy were used to perform source localization of interictal spikes. The results were compared with surgical resection and intracranial recordings. Various electrode configurations were tested and a series of computer simulations based on a realistic head boundary element model were also performed in order to further validate the clinical findings. Results The improvement seen in source localization substantially decreases as the number of electrodes increases. This finding was evaluated using the surgical resection, intracranial recordings and computer simulation. It was also shown in the simulation that increasing the electrode numbers could remedy the localization error of deep sources. A plateauing effect was seen in deep and superficial sources with further increasing the electrode number. Conclusion The source localization is improved when electrode numbers increase, but the absolute improvement in accuracy decreases with increasing electrode number. Significance Increasing the electrode number helps decrease localization error and thus can more ably assist the physician to better plan for surgical procedures.
Spitzer Science Operations: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

We review the Spitzer Space Telescope Science Center operations teams and processes and their interfaces with other Project elements -- what we planned early in the development of the science center, what we had at a launch and what we have now and why. We also explore the checks and balances behind building an organizational structure that supports constructive airing of conflicts and a timely resolution that balances the inputs and provides for very efficient on-orbit operations. For example, what organizational roles are involved in reviewing observing schedules, what constituency do they represent and who has authority to approve or disapprove the schedule.
Quantitative Studies and the American Revolution

THE USE of computers to assist research in the history of American society represents a major theme in the history writing of the 1960s and 70s. A small cadre of practitioners praising the computer in the 1950s has since grown to an awesome movement) On a scale unimaginable to earlier generations of historians mountains of data can now be centrally collected, processed, and organized by the computer working together with photoduplication and microfilm. A movement that began as a highly specialized and esoteric endeavor by a few renegades has since been absorbed into the mainstream of historical study. Yet at the same time that the computer has established itself in the historians' methodological toolbox, it has not penetrated all areas and periods of American history equally. An examination of early "state of the art" summaries of quantitative research clearly indicates that the computer was utilized initially in the areas of urban history, nineteenthcentury political behavior, nineteenth-century social history and, of course, econometrics. 2 One area that remained conspicuously aloof from computer-assisted research was the American Revolutionary era, roughly 1740 to 1780. The computer's lateness in attacking that problem and its eventual emergence as a satisfactory tool sometime around 1970 should suggest some of the implications of recent quantitative research for understanding this major step in our national history. To comprehend why the computer was a relative latecomer to studies of the Revolution it is necessary to grasp something of the intellectual context of history writing since the 1950s. The particular intellectual context or conceptual framework historians
Monte Carlo analysis of a hyperthermal silicon deposition process

Deposition of epitaxial silicon thin films through the seeding of silicon hydride molecules in a supersonic beam of light carrier gas is modeled using the direct simulation Monte Carlo technique. In this process, a hyperthermal collimated beam is formed by rapid expansion through a nozzle orifice and then refined through a skimmer. The fundamental characteristics of the process are evaluated quantitatively through a gas dynamics approach. General features of the internal supersonic flows are described. Detailed information is provided by the simulations on the beam properties, such as beam intensity, incident kinetic energy and angle as the precursor molecules impact the substrate surface. The thin film growth rates are quantified and film uniformity is discussed. Good agreement is achieved on the comparisons with measurements of the film growth rate and the quadrupole mass spectrometric measurements of the beam intensity. A wide range of geometric and physical parameter space is examined numerically. The...
Effects of Strain Rate on Dynamic Strain Aging of SA508-III Steel

The dynamic strain aging (DSA) behavior of SA508-III steel was evaluated through tensile tests with different strain rates from 10-4 to 10-1s-1 at 350°C. The OM, SEM and TEM were carried out to observe the microstructures and fracture morphologies of the steel. The results show that the serrated flows appear in the stress-strain curves when the strain rate is between 10-3~10-2s-1, indicating that DSA occurs. Under the strain rate range, the tensile strength increases and the elongation and the reduction of area decrease. However, the fracture surface of the steel after tensile tests is still ductile. DSA in SA508-III steel at the strain rates from10-3 to 10-2s-1 is mainly caused by the interaction between the internal solute atoms and dislocations, which leads to the dislocations multiplication and the formation of sub-grain boundaries and dislocation cell structure.
Spiritual conflicts associated with praying about cancer.

A secondary analysis of data from a study designed to describe how persons use prayer to cope with cancer is presented in this paper to illuminate the spiritual conflicts that can be experienced among persons with cancer. Employing phenomenological methods, 30 persons from various phases of the cancer experience and religious backgrounds, were interviewed in depth about why, when, and how they prayed, as well as what they prayed about and the outcomes they expected. The secondary analysis revealed that many of these informants had hesitancies about petitionary prayers for particular things, a cure, or for themselves. They also indicated questions about theodicy and the meaning of having cancer, the nature of God, and acknowledged 'unanswered' prayer. Several described an inner conflict about releasing control to God. A few referred to bargaining with God, and a few doubted their personal spirituality and worth, if they were praying correctly, and if prayer was efficacious.
“Running Down the Up Escalator”: A Revisionist Perspective on Decentralization and Deconcentration in the United States, 1970-2000:

This article proposes that decentralization and deconcentration in the United States be measured by tracking the proportion of people or jobs in fixed categories of places across census years, using metropolitan areas designated in each year rather than the fixed-year standard employed in studies that measure growth or migration rates. Measured this way, there was continuous centralization to metropolitan areas from 1970 to 2000 as well as a marked preference for very large metropolitan areas after 1980. This period of rapid economic transformation has generated theoretical explanationsnot only of decentralization,but also of recentralization(e.g., in the 1980s). Most of these explanations rely on fundamental shifts in society’s preferences for metropolitan or nonmetropolitan settings. The data suggest that decentralizing behavior, like the “nonmetro turnaround” of the 1970s, can instead be explained as an attempt to maintain the status quo. The essence of this behavior is captured in the phrase “running ...
Determination of microbial phosphorus Kp factors in a spodosol: influence of extractant, water potential, and soil horizon

Abstract The acidic, sandy soils in the southeastern US are phosphorus (P) limited for forest production and are commonly fertilized with P. There is no P retention capacity in the A horizon. However, microbial biomass may immobilize and retain P fertilizer before it is leached below seedling rooting depth making P fertilization more efficient. An accurate estimation of microbial P is dependent on measuring the K p factor in the fumigation–extraction method. The overall purpose of this study was to examine the fumigation–extraction method for microbial P in acidic, forested, sandy soils. The three objective were: to determine which extractant was the most useful extracting microbial P by comparing the standard basic extractant, 0.5 M NaHCO 3 at pH 8.5, against several acidic and oxalate extractants; to evaluate whether soil water potential influenced the K p factor; and to test whether the K p factor differed by soil horizon within the profile of a representative Flatwoods Spodosol. Three millimolar oxalate was determined to be the preferred extractant due to its efficient removal of microbial P and ease of analysis. The K p factor was dependent on soil water potential and horizon. The range in K p at different water potentials using 3 mM oxalate was from 0.31 to 0.67 in the A horizon, 0.48 to 0.91 in the E horizon, and 0.22 to 0.45 in Bh horizon. The highest K p factors tended to be at water potentials near saturation and under the driest condition. Differences in K p were attributed to the influence that water potential and soil horizon had on microbial assemblages and diversity. Using a literature value of K p , instead of measuring K p directly, caused an overestimate of −7 to 63% in the A horizon, 63–160% in the E horizon and 7–32% in the Bh horizon. The best estimate of microbial P required that K p be evaluated for specific soil conditions.
Frontogenesis by Horizontal Wind Deformation Fields

Abstract Bergeron first suggested that atmospheric frontogenesis is caused by horizontal wind deformation fields acting on pre-existing horizontal temperature gradients. A three-dimensional time-dependent mathematical model of the atmosphere which incorporates this process through the initial conditions and boundary conditions is formulated. Dissipative processes are neglected and the equations are approximated by assuming that the Richardson number is initially large. The resulting equations are then solved analytically. The solution shows, under certain conditions, fronts developing with properties similar to many atmospheric fronts, thereby giving support to Bergeron's hypothesis.
Multidisciplinary management of expanding bilateral neck hematomas in a patient with Hemophilia A with high-titer inhibitor

There are multiple modalities by which trauma occurs to the neck. One of these includes minor suction trauma which usually results in a superficial bruising of the skin. While this usually self-resolves, patients with hemophilia are at higher risk for the development of bleeding from such trauma. Hematomas of the head and neck in patients with hemophilia have seldom been reported. We report a unique case of expanding bilateral neck hematomas secondary to suction trauma in a patient with Hemophilia A with high-titer inhibitor and highlight the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in the management of this complex patient.
Morphogenesis of the murine node and notochordal plate.

Development of the node and formation of the notochordal plate in gestational day 7-9 mice (Theiler stages 10-14) has been documented principally with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and cell fate analyses utilizing DiI and/or CFSE as a cell label. With SEM, cells composing these two populations are initially identifiable at stage 10 at the ventral midline of the rostral half of the embryo. They can be recognized by their relatively small ventral surface area, as compared to that of the peripherally adjacent prospective gut endodermal cells, and by the presence on the ventral side of each cell of a prominent single, central cilium, which is lacking on endodermal cells. At stage 10, the node is located at the apex of the cup-shaped embryo. It represents the rostral end of the primitive streak (although its structure differs from that of the rest of the streak), and it consists of a localized two-layered area (i.e., epiblast and the most caudal aspect of the notochordal plate). By stage 11, the notochordal plate constitutes a relatively broad, circular area (at the level of the node) that tapers rostrally into a narrower midline strip (beneath the future floor plate of the neural tube). The tip of the notochordal plate terminates rostrally at the much broader prechordal plate, which underlies the future forebrain level of the neuraxis. The prechordal plate cells, like the ventral node and notochordal plate cells, each have a relatively small ventral surface area and displays a single central cilium on their ventral surface. The most caudal aspect of the notochordal plate remains morphologically distinct on the dorsal, midline surface of the open gut through stage 13; the more rostral levels progressively fold off from the roof of the gut to form the definitive notochord. Videomicroscopy reveals that the cilia extending from the ventral surfaces of the cells of node and of the prechordal and notochordal plates are motile. The potential significance of this motile behavior remains unknown. Labeling studies, which marked cells in both the dorsal and ventral layers of the node, reveal that the stage-10 node contributes cells to the notochordal plate and overlying midline ectodermal cells of the neural plate, the future floor plate of the neural tube.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
2D SIMULATION AND OPTIMIZATION OF THE VOLUME H- ION SOURCE EXTRACTION SYSTEM FOR THE SPALLATION NEUTRON SOURCE ACCELERATOR

Abstract The low-energy beam transport system (LEBT) for the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) is required to transport 35 mA of a 65 keV H − ion beam from the ion source to the RFQ accelerator entrance with a normalized rms emittance of less than 0.15 π mm mrad. A radio frequency driven, magnetically filtered multicusp ion source is under development at LBNL. The H − beam extraction from this ion source is being simulated utilizing the 2D-computer code IGUN [Rev. Sci. Instr. 63 (1992) 2756]. An H − ion extraction model is discussed. Computational results are presented for the H − ion beam emittance of a single aperture two electrode extraction system and for the tuning range of the low-energy beam transport system.
Templated agarose scaffolds for the support of motor axon regeneration into sites of complete spinal cord transection

Bioengineered scaffolds have the potential to support and guide injured axons after spinal cord injury, contributing to neural repair. In previous studies we have reported that templated agarose scaffolds can be fabricated into precise linear arrays and implanted into the partially injured spinal cord, organizing growth and enhancing the distance over which local spinal cord axons and ascending sensory axons extend into a lesion site. However, most human injuries are severe, sparing only thin rims of spinal cord tissue in the margins of a lesion site. Accordingly, in the present study we examined whether template agarose scaffolds seeded with bone marrow stromal cells secreting Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) would support regeneration into severe, complete spinal cord transection sites. Moreover, we tested responses of motor axon populations originating from the brainstem. We find that templated agarose scaffolds support motor axon regeneration into a severe spinal cord injury model and organize axons into fascicles of highly linear configuration. BDNF significantly enhances axonal growth. Collectively, these findings support the feasibility of scaffold implantation for enhancing central regeneration after even severe central nervous system injury.
Immunologic alterations in a murine model of hemorrhagic shock

ObjectiveTo study multiple immune parameters in mice subjected to severe hemorrhage without fluid resuscitation.Study DesignControlled animal study. Anesthetized, female mice were hemorrhaged by tail bleeding. Immune parameters (spleen T-cell proliferation and activation, intracellular calcium flux,
Weeding atypical glandular cell look-alikes from the true atypical lesions in liquid-based Pap tests: A review

The purpose of this review is to identify features that separate atypical glandular cells (AGC) associated with glandular neoplasia from its mimickers, both benign and neoplastic. We reviewed cases of AGC diagnosed on liquid-based Pap tests (LBP) for which corresponding histological follow-up was available. A review of the literature for similar studies in LBP tests was also conducted. We find that certain benign mimics can be reliably separated from AGC, but recommend caution in attempting to increase specificity at the risk of losing sensitivity. Although accounting for only a small percentage of diagnoses AGC require a thorough clinical evaluation, including colposcopy. Most cases are ultimately found to be benign. When evaluating smears suspicious for AGC, it is important to examine the subtle features which make truly atypical cells discernible from their numerous benign mimickers.
An automatic sequential precipitation sampler

Abstract An automatic sequential precipitation sampler was designed and constructed at Brookhaven National Laboratory to collect precipitation samples for chemical analysis. The sampler is designed to collect both wet and frozen precipitation and to exclude dry fallout between precipitation events. The sampler consists of a large box containing a turntable holding 30 sampling bottles. Precipitation enters through a funnel on the top of the box. Between periods of precipitation, the funnel is closed by a movable cover which is activated by a rain sensor when precipitation starts. Sample bottles are changed automatically and periodically from the time the cover opens. Times of cover opening and closing and of bottle changing are recorded on an event recorder. The sampler has operated successfully since June 1976.
Effect of Cysteine on the Molecular Weight Distribution and the Disulfide Cross-Link of Wheat Flour Proteins in Extrudates

The changes in solubility, molecular size, and free sulfhydryl and disulfide contents of wheat proteins as affected by additions of cysteine during wheat flour extrusion processing were investigated. An increase in the concentration of added cysteine resulted in increases in the solubility and sulfhydryl and disulfide contents of wheat proteins in the wheat flour extrudates. The addition of cysteine as a reducing agent resulted in a decrease in the molecular size and therefore an increase in the solubility of the cross-linked wheat proteins by weakening the extensive disulfide-mediated cross-linking of wheat proteins during extrusion processing. The oxidation of two SH groups into an S−S bond between the protein and the added cysteine resulted in an increase in the disulfide content of the wheat proteins. The interchange between an SH group of an added cysteine and an S−S bond of a protein resulted in an increase in SH content in wheat proteins. A schematic pathway to illustrate the mechanism of all these...
Cross-sectional and case-controlled analyses of the association between smoking and early menopause

To examine potential confounders and dose-response data for the association between smoking and menopause, we used both a cross-sectional and case-controlled approach. In total, 10,606 middle-aged women residing in eastern Massachusetts were surveyed about their age at menopause and smoking history; 344 women (cases) with natural menopause prior to age 47 and 344 age-matched women (controls) who were still menstruating or who had a menopause after age 46 were selected for further study. Risk for menopause was assessed by Kaplan-Meier, Cox proportional hazards, or logistic regression models. From cross-sectional data on 8657 women aged 45-54, the hazards odds ratio for a natural menopause among women who ever smoked compared to non-smokers was 1.31 (95% C.L. 1.21-1.42) and among women who had accumulated 30 or more pack-years was 1.87 (95% C.L. 1.67-2.04) after adjustment for parity and weight. An additional potential confounder from the case-controlled study was lower educational attainment, and after adjustment for this variable, significant trends persisted for risk of early menopause associated with age began smoking (P = 0.03), years of smoking (P = 0.01) and pack-years of smoking (P = 0.03). This study demonstrates an association between smoking and early menopause in both cross-sectional and case-controlled data that is not confounded by parity, weight, socio-economic status, or nutritional variables.
Aggressive rejected children: Implications for school psychologists

By a sociometric rating procedure, 32 third-grade and 32 firth-grade boys were classified as peer-rejected. Standardized teacher ratings were completed for all rejected children in order to identify those children who also exhibited clinically significant levels of aggression. A significant portion of the rejected sample at each grade were rated as highly aggressive (t score≥65). Among third graders, however, 69% of the rejected group were classified as aggressive, but only 41% of the fifth graders were similarly classified. The aggressive rejected groups at both grade levels were also rated as exhibiting lower achievement motivation and higher levels of hostile withdrawal than their nonaggressive rejected counterparts. At the fifth-grade level, nonaggressive rejected children were rated as more anxious than aggressive children. Implications for both the identification and treatment of these children are discussed.
Quantum efficiency model driven design for wide band gap gallium phosphide solar cells

The wide band gap of GaP (2.26eV) makes it a very good candidate for the top junction solar cell in a multi-junction solar cell system. A wide band gap solar cell can increase the efficiency of the system by absorbing and converting the high energy photons more efficiently. Quantum efficiency (QE) is a powerful tool in analyzing the solar cell's performance by identifying the recombination from different regions of a solar cell. In this work, a QE model has been developed in curve fitting the measured QE curve to further analyze the solar cell and improve the solar cell design. With the continuous improved designs based on the QE analysis results, the best reported efficiency of a GaP solar cell has been achieved. This solar cell has an open circuit voltage (Voc) of 1.55V, short circuit current density (Jsc) of 1.97mA/cm2, fill factor (FF) of 79.4% and efficiency of 2.42% compared to the previous best reported efficiency of 1.17%.
A transcription blocker isolated from a designed repeat protein combinatorial library by in vivo functional screen

A transcription blocker isolated from a designed repeat protein combinatorial library by in vivo functional screen
Concise Route to the Chiral Pyrrolidine Core of Selective Inhibitors of Neuronal Nitric Oxide

2-(((3R,4R)-4-(Allyloxy)-1-benzylpyrrolidin-3-yl)methyl)-6-(2,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrrol-1-yl)-4-methylpyridine (2), a key intermediate for the preparation of novel neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) inhibitors, is synthesized using diisopropyl (R)-(+)-malate as the starting material. The key steps involve a Frater-Seebach diastereoselective alkylation and a fast intramolecular cyclization.
The Jupitor icy moons orbiter project: The scientific rationale

The Jupiter Icy Moons Orbiter (JIMO) is proposed by NASA as the next step in the exploration of the Jovian system following the successful Galileo project. JIMO would use nuclear-electric propulsion to deliver a highly capable scientific payload to Jupiter and go into orbit around Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto, and to conduct investigations of the Jovian system. In early 2003, a NASA Science Definition Team (SDT) was appointed to develop the scientific rationale and priorities for JIMO. The SDT, co-chaired by T. Johnson and R. Greeley, consisted of 38 scientists representing the broad scientific potential afforded by JIMO.This article summarizes the principal findings of the SDT.
Beyond Sieverts' law: A comprehensive microkinetic model of hydrogen permeation in dense metal membranes

Abstract There is much ongoing research on developing dense metal membranes based on palladium and its alloys for producing high purity hydrogen, e.g., for fuel cells. Such membranes are almost exclusively permeable to hydrogen in a feed gas mixture via the following steps: ( s 1 ) dissociative adsorption on the surface; ( s 2 ) sub-surface dissolution; ( s 3 ) diffusion of interstitial hydrogen atoms within the bulk metal matrix; ( s 4 ) evolution from the bulk metal to its permeate side surface; and finally, ( s 5 ) associative desorption of hydrogen. The flux is commonly described by the so-called “Sieverts' law,” which expresses the flux as a membrane permeance times the difference in square root of hydrogen pressure on the feed side and that on the permeate side. It is derived by assuming that diffusion (step s 3 ) is controlling, and hydrogen concentration in metal is low, which strictly limits its applicability to relatively high temperatures, thick membranes, and low hydrogen pressures. We describe a comprehensive microkinetic model that includes all five steps, and is shown to be suitable for Pd over a broad range of conditions. It also describes non-ideal hydrogen solution due to phase-transition in Pd, which explains the sharp peak at intermediate temperatures in hydrogen flux observed experimentally, but not so far explained theoretically. The model includes effect of metal surface roughness, not commonly considered so far. Use of an electrical analogy and comparison of step resistances allows a reduction to a three-step (adsorption, diffusion, and desorption control) model that also adequately describes hydrogen permeation over a broad range of conditions.
The oxidation of sulfur dioxide to sulfate aerosols in the plume of a coal-fired power plant

Abstract Instrumented aircraft have been used to determine the rate of oxidation of sulfur dioxide to sulfate aerosols within the dispersing plume of a coal-fired power plant. Measurements have been made in the stack and from 10 to 105 km downwind of a 2600-MW power plant. Sampling experiments were conducted during the winter of 1975–1976 and in the fall of 1976. Average temperatures and relative humidities varied from −5 to 17°C and 22 to 71% respectively. Data were also collected on sulfate production at night. An average of 1.1% and a maximum of 4.3% of the plume sulfur was in the form of sulfate. Most of the atmospheric oxidation that was observed appeared to occur in the immediate vicinity of the power plant. The average oxidation rate, beyond 10km, was found to be 0.2% h −1 . Analyses of individual particles showed that the sulfur found in plume particles is usually associated with submicron fly ash particles.
MCP-1/CCL2 protects cardiac myocytes from hypoxia-induced apoptosis by a Gαi-independent pathway

Abstract Chemokines, in addition to their chemotactic properties, act upon resident cells within a tissue and mediate other cellular functions. In a previous study, we demonstrated that CCL2 protects cultured mouse neonatal cardiac myocytes from hypoxia-induced cell death. Leukocyte chemotaxis has been shown to contribute to ischemic injury. While the chemoattractant properties of CCL2 have been established, the protective effects of this chemokine suggest a novel role for CCL2 in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury. The present study examined the cellular signaling pathways that promote this protection. Treatment of cardiac myocyte cultures with CCL2 protected them from hypoxia-induced apoptosis. This protection was not mediated through the activation of Gαi signaling that mediates monocyte chemotaxis. Inhibition of the ERK1/2 signaling pathway abrogated CCL2 protection. Caspase 3 activation and JNK/SAPK phosphorylation were decreased in hypoxic myocytes co-treated with CCL2 as compared to hypoxia only-treated cultures. Expression of the Bcl-2 family proteins, Bcl-xL and Bag-1, was increased in CCL2-treated myocytes subjected to hypoxia. There was also downregulation of Bax protein levels as a result of CCL2 co-treatment. These data suggest that CCL2 cytoprotection and chemotaxis may occur through distinct signaling mechanisms.
TNF‐α inhibitor etanercept and hematologic malignancies: Report of a case and review of the literature

We report here a 57-year-old man treated with etanercept for 6 months for psoriasis who developed myelodysplasia with acute myeloid leukemia. Leukemia cells had distinct karyotype associated with poor prognosis. The patient did not respond to cytosine arabinoside 100 mg/m(2) continuous infusion over 7 days with daunorubicin 45 mg/m(2) daily for 3 days. He also did not respond to salvage induction therapy with gemtuzumab (6 mg/m(2) on day 1 and 4 mg/m(2) on day 8) and intravenous continuous infusion cytosine arabinoside 200 mg/m(2). We review other cases of lymphoma and leukemia associated with tumor necrosis factor inhibitors and suggest mechanisms by which inhibition of the TNF-alpha family may predispose to cancer. We also suggest that all patients being considered for TNF-alpha treatment be screened for hematologic malignancies or premalignancies with blood counts and bone marrow aspirates/biopsies if indicated.
Cardiovascular Effects of Microinjection of Dynorphin-A(1-8) Into the Hippocampus in Conscious, Spontaneously Hypertensive and Normotensive Wistar-Kyoto Rats

The possibility that the dynorphinergic system in the hippocampal formation (HF) may be implicated in the central regulation of peripheral circulatory activity was examined in chronically catheterized and conscious spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and their normotensive control Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats. The ipsilateral microinjection of dynorphin-A(1–8) (DA1–8) at a dose of 10 nmol into the dorsal region of HF, where injection of control saline failed to affect peripheral cardiovascular activities, lowered mean blood pressure (MBP) by 19.2±1.2 mmHg in WKY and 25.9±3.2 mmHg in SHR. However, no significant alteration of heart rate (HR) was found in either WKY or SHR following the drug administration. The depressor response to intra-HF DA1–8 was dose-related (0.05 to 50.0 nmol) in the two strains of rats. Intra-HF injection of the kappa opioid receptor antagonist nor-binaltorphimine at a dose of 2 nmol, which by itself produced only minimal fluctuations of basal MBP and HR, markedly reversed subsequent r...
Susceptibility of Intermountain Douglas-Fir to Rhabdocline Needle Cast When Grown in the Pacific Northwest

Abstract Douglas-fir are traditionally grown as Christmas trees in the Pacific Northwest (PNW). Intermountain (IM) provenances of Douglas-fir are less likely to be injured after harvest by exposure...
Late Adolescents' Experiences With and Attitudes Toward Videogames1

A total of 229 late adolescents (a large majority 15 to 19 years of age) completed a questionnaire that assesses a broad range of videogame-relevant experiences, preferences, and attitudes. Videogame playing was found to be a more popular, and a more highly regarded, activity among males than females. Gender differences were also found in participants' ratings of their motivations for playing videogames, their evaluations of particular characteristics of videogames, and their selection of their “most favorite” videogame. The differences between frequent and infrequent videogame players appeared to be limited to differences in the extent to which videogame playing is pursued and evaluated as a positive leisure activity, rather than reflecting broad differences in interest or personality. Some relations were found between participants' self-reported personality characteristics (i.e., self-esteem, empathy, conscientiousness, and introversion) and their attitudes toward videogames.
Line strengths and widths in the HCl fundamental band

Abstract Through the application of a method which varies simultaneously the optical density and the foreign gas broadening, the strengths and widths of the first eight lines of the P -branch of the HCl fundamental vibration-rotation band have been obtained with a single absorption cell. The value of the band strength obtained therefrom is 150 ± 5 cm −2 atmos −1 at 300° K. After a smoothing of the individual line strengths in accordance with the theoretical distribution, measurements have been made of the line widths for both self broadening and nitrogen broadening. Optical collision diameters have been computed for both self and foreign gas broadening.
To Change Place: Aztec Ceremonial Landscapes

To Change Place: Aztec Ceremonial Landscapes. David Carrasco (editor). Niwot, CO: University of Colorado Press, 1991. 288 pp., photos, maps, illustrations, $29.95 (cloth). ISBN 0–87081–194–0.
Synthesis, characterization, and coating applications of chlorinated hydroxyrubber

Chlorinated hydroxyrubber has been synthesized via the chlorination of hydroxylated liquid natural rubber. The formulation examples and coatings properties of two-component chlorinated hydroxyrubber polyurethane coatings are described. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Conformational transitions in the membrane scaffold protein of phospholipid bilayer nanodiscs

Phospholipid bilayer nanodiscs are model membrane systems that provide an environment where membrane proteins are highly stable and monodisperse without the use of detergents or liposomes. Nanodiscs consist of a discoidal phospholipid bilayer encircled by two copies of an amphipathic alpha helical membrane scaffold protein, which is modeled from apolipoprotein A-1. Hydrogen exchange mass spectrometry was used to probe the structure and dynamics of the scaffold protein in the presence and absence of lipid. On nanodisc self-assembly, the entire scaffold protein gained significant protection from exchange, consistent with a large, protein-wide, structural rearrangement. This protection was short-lived and the scaffold protein was highly deuterated within 2 h. Several regions of the scaffold protein, in both the lipid-free and lipid-associated states, displayed EX1 unfolding kinetics. The rapid deuteration of the scaffold protein and the presence of correlated unfolding events both indicate that nanodiscs are dynamic rather than rigid bodies in solution. This work provides a catalog of the expected scaffold protein peptic peptides in a nanodisc-hydrogen exchange mass spectrometry experiment and their deuterium uptake signatures, data that can be used as a benchmark to verify correct assembly and nanodisc structure. Such reference data will be useful control data for all hydrogen exchange mass spectrometry experiments involving nanodiscs in which transmembrane or lipid-associated proteins are the primary molecule(s) of interest.