cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Depression and suicidal behavior among delinquent females

Depressive symptomatology and suicidal behavior were evaluated in a multiethnic sample of 48 delinquent females through ratings on self-reports and probation officers' reports. Psychological functioning of the subjects was also evaluated through the Diagnostic Interview for Borderlines, the Rorschach, and the WAIS or WISC-R in order to identify delinquent personality patterns. Four personality patterns were identified: the borderline, the antisocial, the neurotic, and the socialized delinquent personalities. A chi-square analysis of the data demonstrated that level of depression and frequency of suicidal behavior were both significantly related to personality patterns. Level of depression was also significantly related to ethnicity, but not to socioeconomic status. The results have implications for assessment and treatment of delinquent females and also raise issues concerning the interaction of personality, cultural factors, and delinquent behavior which should be addressed in future research with larger, socioculturally diverse samples.
Significance of resistance of herpes simplex virus to acyclovir

The genome of herpes simplex virus codes for several enzymes, including viral thymidine kinase and viral deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) polymerase. When viral resistance develops, it does so by changes in these two enzymes. Three possible mechanisms of viral resistance to acyclovir include (1) selection of viral mutants that make little or no thymidine kinase and do not phosphorylate acyclovir adequately, (2) selection of mutants that can phosphorylate thymidine but cannot phosphorylate acyclovir (i.e., these viruses have thymidine kinases with altered substrate specificity), and (3) selection of viruses that have altered DNA polymerases that replicate viral DNA in the presence of acyclovir triphosphate. Thymidine kinase-deficient virus has been isolated from clinical isolates frequently, but few strains appear to be virulent for animals or humans and only a few seem to have caused clinical disease. Viruses with altered substrate specificity have been reported but viruses with an altered DNA polymerase have not occurred in clinical practice. Antiviral drugs should be used only when necessary to minimize the appearance of resistant strains of virus.
GPCRs regulate the assembly of a multienzyme complex for purine biosynthesis

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) transmit exogenous signals to the nucleus, promoting a myriad of biological responses via multiple signaling pathways in both healthy and cancerous cells. However, little is known about the response of cytosolic metabolic pathways to GPCR-mediated signaling. Here we applied fluorescent live-cell imaging and label-free dynamic mass redistribution assays to study whether purine metabolism is associated with GPCR signaling. Through a library screen of GPCR ligands in conjunction with live-cell imaging of a metabolic multienzyme complex for de novo purine biosynthesis, the purinosome, we demonstrated that the activation of endogenous Gα(i)-coupled receptors correlates with purinosome assembly and disassembly in native HeLa cells. Given the implications of GPCRs in mitogenic signaling and of the purinosome in controlling metabolic flux via de novo purine biosynthesis, we hypothesize that regulation of purinosome assembly and disassembly may be one of the downstream events of mitogenic GPCR signaling in human cancer cells.
Use of epinephrine with local anesthesia in hypertensive patients III. Effect of epinephrine on blood pressure and pulse rate

In the first report,1 it was shown that the systolic, diastolic, mean and pulse pres­ sures of the dental patient in the waiting room are significantly higher than those obtained under basal conditions. In a second report,2 it was demonstrated that only the systolic, mean and pulse pres­ sures of the hypertensive patient in the waiting room could be reduced signifi­ cantly in 45 minutes by the oral adminis­ tration of 1^2 grains of secobarbital. It is the aim of this third report to continue the study of the dental patient as he moves along through the dental expe­ rience by now investigating the effects of the injection of local anesthetic with and without epinephrine. T he question might be raised why lidocaine hydrochloride and epinephrine were used as the local anesthetic solution and vasoconstrictor in this study. It should be recalled that this experiment was set up in such a fashion as to simu­ late the procedure followed in the aver­ age dental practitioner’s office.1 In keep­ ing with this policy, a survey was con­ ducted to learn what the average dental practitioner administers to a patient when local anesthesia is indicated and a vaso­ constrictor desirable. The survey showed that the agents employed in this study are used widely in dental practice. Thus, in order to m aintain the philosophy of the experiment as in the past,1’ 2 it was felt that lidocaine hydrochloride and epi­ nephrine should be used. In this m an­ ner, it was hoped to continue to “relive” the general office procedure and thus to be able to tell the practitioner not what to do but what he has been doing in terms of local anesthesia. In order to appreciate fully the rami­ fications of this problem, it is necessary to understand the effects of lidocaine hy­ drochloride and epinephrine on blood pressure and pulse rate.
A simulation study of target detection using hyperspectral data analysis

Target detection is difficult when the target is concealed or placed under ground or water. To detect and identify concealed objects from a distance, the analysis of the HyperSpectral Imaging (HSI) and Wideband (WB) data is studied. While the HSI analysis may render surface information about objects, the WB data can reveal information about inner layers of the object and its content. Two of the challenging issues with object identification using HSI are (i) computational complexity of the analysis and (ii) signature mismatch. Here, the robust matched filter is emphasized for HSI processing. In addition, the wideband technology is utilized to provide more information about concealed target, and to support spectral processing for object uncovering more effectively. During simulation, electromagnetic waves and propagation areas are modeled. In fact, an object is modeled as different layers with different thicknesses. The existence of a target is estimated by the detection of spectral signatures relating to materials used in the target. In other words, the simultaneous presence of spectral signatures corresponding to the main materials of the target in the hyperspectral data helps detecting the target. The reflected higher frequency signals provide information about exterior layers of both an object and the background; in addition, the reflected lower frequency signals provide information about interior layers of the object. To identify different objects, the simulation is performed using HSI, and WB technology at different frequencies (MHz- GHz) and powers. Based on simulation, the proposed method can be a promising approach to detect targets.
Asymptotic a posteriori finite element bounds for the outputs of noncoercive problems: the Helmholtz and Burgers equations

We describe an a posteriori finite element procedure for the efficient computation of lower and upper estimators for linear-functional outputs of noncoercive linear and semilinear elliptic second-order partial differential equations. Under a relatively weak hypothesis related to the relative magnitude of the L2 and H1 errors of the reconstructed solution, these lower and upper estimators converge to the true output from below and above, respectively, and thus constitute asymptotic bounds. In numerical experiments we find that our hypothesis is satisfied once the finite element triangulation even roughly resolves the structure of the exact solution, and thus, in practice, the bounds prove quite reliable. Numerical results are presented for the one-dimensional Helmholtz equation and for the Burgers equation.
Propagation of polarized light through two- and three-layer anisotropic stacks.

The extended Jones formulation is used to investigate propagation at nonnormal incidence through two- and three-layer systems of birefringent material in which the optic axes of the individual layers are in the plane of the layers. Such systems are equivalent to two optical elements in series—an equivalent retardation plate and a polarization rotator. Analytical solutions are obtained for the equivalent retardation and rotation. The major finding is that, in general, there are two nonnormal incidence directions for which the retardation vanishes; therefore these two directions are optic axes of the composite system. These simple layered systems therefore behave in a manner similar to biaxial crystals. Moreover, the results illustrate the fact that even if the optic axes of individual layers in composite systems are in the plane of the layers, the optic axes of the system are, in general, out of this plane.
ACTH/MSH(4-10) peptide increases postnatal metabolic activity of EDL muscle following early prenatal administration.

Abstract ACTH/MSH(4–10) (10 μg/kg/b.i.d; IP), administered to pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats during gestational days (GD) 3 to 12, significantly increased the metabolic activity of extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscle at postnatal day 14. ACTH/MSH peptide, administered from day of birth to postnatal day 13, had no effect on EDL muscle metabolic activity using the 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride indicator. By postnatal day 30, no differences were seen between the early prenatally treated group and saline controls. These results confirm our previous electrophysiological studies that showed that early prenatal ACTH/MSH(4–10) administration accelerates EDL muscle maturation.
Mechanisms of endothelial cell killing by H2O2 or products of activated neutrophils

Interactions between rat pulmonary artery endothelial cells and hydrogen peroxide or toxic oxygen products from phorbol ester-activated human neutrophils result in endothelial cell killing defined by 51Cr release. It has been shown that this cytotoxic reaction can be blocked by the presence of catalase, iron chelators, or scavengers of the hydroxyl radical. Evidence shows that products from xanthine oxidase of endothelial cells are necessary for the toxic effects of hydrogen peroxide or phorbol ester-activated neutrophils. Addition of xanthine oxidase inhibitors protects against phorbol ester-mediated injury of endothelial cells. Preloading of endothelial cells with superoxide dismutase attenuates injury caused either by hydrogen peroxide or phorbol ester-activated neutrophils. Conversion of xanthine dehydrogenase to xanthine oxidase in endothelial cells occurs during contact of endothelial cells by activated neutrophils. This conversion is not related to oxygen products of neutrophils. Conversion of xanthine dehydrogenase to xanthine oxidase in endothelial cells is also induced by endothelial cell contact with C5a, N'-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP), or tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha). Interaction of hydrogen peroxide with endothelial cells rapidly depletes adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and causes the extracellular appearance of xanthine and hypoxanthine. Agents that protect endothelial cells from the toxic effects of hydrogen peroxide do not prevent falls in cellular ATP caused by hydrogen peroxide, indicating that ATP levels do not necessarily correlate with cytotoxic events. A synergy between hydrogen peroxide and proteases in endothelial cell killing has been demonstrated. TNF alpha causes alterations in endothelial cells, the result of which is increased susceptibility to killing by PMA-activated neutrophils.
Kinetic fluorometric FIA determination of total ascorbic acid, based on use of two serial injection valves

Abstract The kinetic determination of total ascorbic acid with a flow-injection analysis system is described. The sample is loaded into two serial sample injection valves and injected into a carrier system containing mercuric chloride and o-phenylenediamine. The formation of a fluorescent product is monitored. The single-point and double-point kinetic methods are compared by using both peak height and peak area as the analytical signal. A detection limit of 0.1 μ/ml for vitamin C was achieved with a sample throughput rate of 30 per hour.
Two Separate One-Electron Steps in the Reductive Activation of the A Cluster in Subunit β of the ACDS Complex in Methanosarcina thermophila

Acetyl-CoA decarbonylase/synthase (ACDS) is a multienzyme complex found in methanogens and certain other Archaea that carries out the overall synthesis and cleavage of the acetyl C−C and C−S bonds of acetyl-CoA. The reaction is involved both in the autotrophic fixation of carbon and in the process of methanogenesis from acetate, and takes place at a unique active site metal center known as the A cluster, located on the beta subunit of the ACDS complex and composed of a binuclear Ni−Ni site bridged by a cysteine thiolate to an Fe4S4 center. In this work, a high rate of acetyl-CoA synthesis was achieved with the recombinant ACDS beta subunit by use of methylcobinamide as an appropriate mimic of the physiological base-off corrinoid substrate. The redox dependence of acetyl-CoA synthesis exhibited one-electron Nernst behavior, and the effects of pH on the observed midpoint potential indicated that reductive activation of the A cluster also involves protonation. Initial burst kinetic studies indicated the form...
190 EXPRESSION OF GENES ASSOCIATED WITH WINGLESS-RELATED MOUSE MAMMARY TUMOUR VIRUS SIGNALING IN THE PRE-IMPLANTATION BOVINE EMBRYO

Wingless-related mouse mammary tumour virus (WNT) signalling participates in early embryonic development to maintain pluripotency, controls cell–cell communication, and modulates cell polarization and migration. To gain an understanding of the regulation of WNT signalling during embryonic development, expression patterns of a variety of molecules involved in WNT signal transduction were evaluated. Specific genes were DKK1, an endogenous inhibitor of canonical WNT signalling, the WNT co-receptors LRP5 and LRP6, WNT-responsive transcription factors, LEF1 and TCF7, and two repressors of WNT-regulated genes, the bovine orthologue of GROUCHO (LOC505120) and AES. Embryos were produced in vitro from oocytes obtained from ovaries collected at a local abattoir. Following oocyte maturation, fertilization was performed with sperm pooled from three randomly selected bulls; a different pool of bulls was used for each replicate. Groups of 30 matured oocytes or embryos at the 2-cell [28–32 h post-insemination (hpi)], 3–4 cell (44–48 hpi), 5–8 cell (50–55 hpi), 9–16 cell (72–75 hpi), morula (120–123 hpi), and blastocyst (168–171 hpi) stages were collected. The zona pellucida was removed with proteinase, RNA was purified, cDNA synthesised using random hexamer primers and real-time qPCR performed. Data analysed were ΔCT values, which were calculated by subtracting the CT value of the geometric mean of the three housekeeping genes (GAPDH, YWHAZ, and SDHA) from the CT value of the sample. The relative transcript abundance was calculated as the 2ΔCT. Data were analysed by least-squares ANOVA using the Proc GLM procedure of SAS (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA). A total of 5 replicates were analysed for each developmental stage. Results show significant effects of stage of development for each gene that ranged from P = 0.004 for LRP5 to P ≤ 0.0001 for AES, DKK1, LEF, LOC505120, LRP6, and TCF7. In all cases, expression declined as development advanced. Except for AES, lowest expression occurred at the blastocyst stage. Lowest expression for AES was at the morula stage; expression remained low at the blastocyst stage. For two genes, DKK1 and LEF1, there was no detectable expression at the blastocyst stage. The timing of decline in expression varied between genes, first occurring at the 9–16-cell stage (AES, LEF1, and LOC505120) or morula stage (DKK1, LRP5, LRP6, or TCF7). For DKK1, LEF1, and LRP6, there was also a slight increase in expression from the oocyte to two-cell stage. Results suggest that canonical WNT signalling is reduced at the morula and blastocyst stages relative to earlier stages in development. Research was supported by USDA-NIFA 2011-67015-30688.
Bleomycin affects cell wall anchorage of mannoproteins in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Bleomycin induces strand breakage in DNA through disruption of glycosidic linkages. We investigated the ability of bleomycin to damage yeast cell walls, which are composed primarily of carbohydrate. Bleomycin treatment of intact yeast cells facilitated enzymatic conversion of yeasts to spheroplasts. Bleomycin treatment also altered anchorage of mannoproteins to the cell wall matrix in intact cells or isolated cell walls. Cell surface mannoproteins were labelled with 125I, and their solubilization was monitored. Seventeen hour treatments with bleomycin released some of the label directly into treatment supernatants and facilitated extraction of mannoproteins by dithiothreitol and lytic enzymes. Bleomycin treatments as short as 10 min caused changes in extraction of mannoproteins from intact cells. Specifically, cell wall anchorage of several mannoproteins was affected by the drug. There were drug-induced changes in extractability of mannoproteins with apparent molecular weights of 96,000, 80,000, 61,000, 41,000, 31,500, and 21,000 (determined after deglycosylation with endo-N-acetylglucosaminidase H). The similarity of results obtained in the presence and absence of cycloheximide, the appearance of cell wall effects after only 10 min of treatment, and the similarity of effects in intact cells and isolated cell walls are consistent with direct drug-induced damage and inconsistent with a mechanism dependent on expression of bleomycin-damaged genes or other intracellular mediators. The results are consistent with bleomycin-mediated increases in cell wall permeability through disruption of glycosidic cross-linking structures in the cell wall. Images
W-Band Micromachined Vertical Interconnection for Three-Dimensional Microwave ICs

A novel vertical interconnection utilizing finite ground coplanar waveguide (FGCPW) and silicon micromachining has been developed for W-band The measured results indicate insertion loss of only 0.6 dB. This transition uses standard processing techniques and is a compact, 520 ?m width and 520 ?m length, design. With this vertical interconnect, multiple IC layers may be connected to achieve new levels of high density, low loss integration.
Rheological probing of structure and pigment-resin interactions in magnetic paints

Dynamic rheological measurements are used to probe the structure of a model magnetic paint which contains iron oxide magnetic pigment particles, a PVC wetting resin and an organic solvent. As the wetting resin concentration, \(\), increases, the viscoelastic moduli, \(\) and \(\), go through a minimum at \(\) which corresponds to the saturated adsorption of the resin. At \(\) the paint is highly elastic, thixotropic and brittle (\(\) sharply drops, G′′ goes through a strong maximum at high strain), which indicates the existence of a strong flocculated network. At \(\) the moduli increase due to accumulation of free resin. However, at high \(\) the paint becomes less elastic, less brittle and less thixotropic, which indicates that the structure formation in this case is dominated by small aggregates rather than a network.
A framework for utility-based service oriented design in SASSY

The architecture of a software system has a significant impact on its quality of service (QoS) as measured by several performance metrics such as execution time, availability, throughput, and security. This paper presents a framework that is part of a large project called SASSY (Self-Architecting Software Systems), whose goal is to allow domain experts to specify the system requirements using a visual activity-based language. The SASSY framework automatically generates a base architecture that corresponds to the requirements. Then SASSY generates a new architecture, derived from the base architecture, that optimizes a utility function for the entire system. The utility function is a multivariate function of several QoS metrics. The paper shows a complete example and illustrates how SASSY automatically adapts to changes in the environment's QoS features.
Warnings and Instructions: Design Factors for Medical Devices and Systems

The development and widespread use of sophisticated medical devices to help patients has also hurt patients through operator error. Some of this error may be attributable to the quality of the labeling instructions that accompany these devices. Lessons learned from two decades of research on warnings may serve as a guide to development of effective medical device labeling practices. In this article, we highlight some of the issues associated with poor medical device labeling practices, suggest a framework for guiding development of medical device labeling practices based on the communication-human information processing model, and finally, present an example of a medical device for which better labeling and instructions are needed.
Estimating the number of frequent itemsets in a large database

Estimating the number of frequent itemsets for minimal support α in a large dataset is of great interest from both theoretical and practical perspectives. However, finding not only the number of frequent itemsets, but even the number of maximal frequent itemsets, is #P-complete. In this study, we provide a theoretical investigation on the sampling estimator. We discover and prove several fundamental but also rather surprising properties of the sampling estimator. We also propose a novel algorithm to estimate the number of frequent itemsets without using sampling. Our detailed experimental results have shown the accuracy and efficiency of our proposed approach.
Affine diameters of convex bodies—a survey

Abstract This survey covers various topics related to affine diameters of convex bodies in Euclidean space. It describes the known properties of affine diameters and contains a list of existing and new open problems. Also, characterizations of simplices and centrally symmetric convex bodies, as well as a description of a measure of symmetry in terms of affine diameters, are given.
Improved configurations of lightning rods and air terminals

Abstract Franklin invented lightning rods with the hope that they would dissipate thunderstorm electricity and thus prevent lightning from striking. His invention was based on his findings that sharpened metal needles would allow electricity to flow silently through the air, away from highly charged objects. When his rods were used, however, instead of preventing lightning, they were sometimes “struck” and became part of a lightning path to earth. An analysis of the physics involved suggests that: 1. (a) The flow of electricity from sharpened conductors at the earth's surface does not dissipate thunderstorm electricity sufficiently to prevent lightning. 2. (b) The ionization and point discharges around the tip of a sharpened lightning rod limit the strength of the local electric field and reduce the probability of a lightning strike to the rod. The sharpened rod thus acts to protect itself against lightning discharges, but its protection does not extend to other objects in its vicinity. While a sharpened rod does not provide a preferred lightning path to earth, it can be used if no better paths are available. 3. (c) Elevated, blunt rods or horizontal conductors, suitably connected to earth, can provide better lightning paths to earth and therefore, better protection to structures in their vicinity than do sharpened rods. 4. (d) The connections from elevated conductors to earth need to be the most direct possible, with no abrupt changes in direction; impedance discontinuities created in down conductors at sharp bends cause reflections of lightning transients and may produce side flashes to other objects in their vicinity.
Ignorance is bliss.

In an elegant transgenic mouse model, Bolinger and colleagues provide evidence that endothelial cells expressing a nonself minor histocompatibility antigen neither activate nor tolerize CD8+ T cells. Instead, the antigen is ignored by the immune system. The findings are relevant to both graft-versus
Careful usage of pessimistic values is needed in multiple objectives optimization

Attention is drawn to the fact that so-called pessimistic values are not lower bounds for the objective function values on the efficient solution set. Two counterexamples, to stress this point, are presented.
Factor Analysis of Emotionality and Conditioning in Mice

14 measures of “emotional” behavior, 3 of escape and 3 of avoidance conditioning were obtained on 126 offspring of 101 ♂ and C3H ♂ mice. A factor analysis of the data produced 4 factors, labeled “Fear I: freezing,” “Avoidance Conditioning,” “Escape Conditioning,” and “Fear II: non-locomotor variety,” respectively. The conclusions were that: (a) “emotionality” is not a unitary variable; (b) in terms of individual difference variables escape and avoidance conditioning are not related; and (c) several indices of fearfulness are inversely related to rate of avoidance conditioning, but no relationship was observed between escape conditioning and any measures of emotional behavior.
Decidable theories of non-projectable l-groups of continuous functions☆

Abstract We study the class of l -groups of the form C ( X ) with X an essential P -space. Many such l -groups are non-projectable and their elementary theories may often be reduced to that of an associated Boolean algebra with distinguished ideal. In this paper we establish the decidability of the theories of two classes of such l -groups via corresponding results for the associated structures.
Conjoined twins--the Cape Town experience

This paper records our experience in the management of 25 sets of conjoined twins seen over a 32 year period (1964–1996). The twins were classified into 14 complete and symmetrical sets and 11 incomplete or heteropagus. The 14 symmetrical sets included 9 thoracopagus, 2 ischiopagus, I craniopagus and 1 omphalopagus twins. In the incomplete heteropagus group there was I ischiopagus, one twin being anencepahlic, 2 dipygus, 5 parasitic, 2 fetus-in-fetu and I cranial and caudal. The management is detailed case by case. Overall 10 of 14 symmetrical sets underwent attempts at separation with 16 surviving the procedure, but there were 3 late deaths. In the incomplete group 10 of 11 were operated on with 9 survivors. The importance of a multi-disciplinary approach, the extensive investigations required pre-operatively to define areas of organ and bony conjuction, congenital anomalies of each twin and surgical teamwork is emphasized. Specific problems encountered were indentified. In thoracopagus twins the hearts were of paramount importance as conjuction was usually fatal, being associated with major congenital defects. The greater the extent of thoracic cage fusion the greater the chance of associated severe anomaly. Skin expansion to assist coverage of the defects after separation was of great assistance, as was the use of collagen coated vicryl. Evaluation of the liver and pancreatico-biliary systems with isotope excretion scanning was crucial to pre-operative planning. Where there was fusion of the duodenum a single pancreatico-biliary system could be expected and prior strategies for separation and Rouxen-Y enteric drainage of both pancreatic and biliary secretion should be planned. Gastro-oesophageal reflux led to considerable morbidity in both twins of a thoraco-omphalopagus set. In ischiopagus and dipygus conjoined twins bilateral posterior iliac osteotomies were an essential component to anatomic reconstruction of the pelvic ring and wound closure. Also in this group, due to the frequency and extent of shared genital, urinary and ano-rectal structures, long-term morbidity was expected and a component of this might be due to spinal cord tethering, or as in one of our cases, a progressive hydrosyringomyelia. Timing of separation was ideally set at between 5 and 9 months with 6 to 8 weeks of prior tissue expansion but earlier operation was frequently required because of cardio-respiratory problems or organ failure in one twin. In most cases the goal of obtaining separate, independant and intact individuals was achieved.
Modification of an acoustic pinger to transmit temperature data

An acoustic pinger can be modified to transmit two pings per second with the delay time between pings controlled by the temperature of an external thermistor. The precision of the temperature measurements is on the order of 0.1°C. This modification does not interfere with the normal depth indicating function of the pinger and is an inexpensive means of obtaining water temperature data.
Interaction of Doxorubicin with Phospholipid Monolayers

Abstract The energies of interaction of doxorubicin hydrochloride and sodium l,2,4-trihydroxy-9,10-dioxo-3-anthracenesulfonate with dipalmitoylphosphatidylethanolamine and dipalmitoyllecithin monolayers spread at the air-water interface were estimated from the increase in surface pressure with increasing concentrations of the subphase-injected compound. Their orders of magnitude were consistent with those of the energies of interaction of doxorubicin and acridines with doublestranded DNA, which suggests that the same type of van der Waals forces are operative.
Centrocortin cooperates with centrosomin to organize Drosophila embryonic cleavage furrows.

Summary In the Drosophila early embryo, the centrosome coordinates assembly of cleavage furrows [1–3]. Currently, the molecular pathway that links the centrosome and the cortical microfilaments is unknown. In centrosomin ( cnn ) mutants, in which the centriole forms but the centrosome pericentriolar material (PCM) fails to assemble [4, 5], actin microfilaments are not organized into furrows at the syncytial cortex [6]. Although CNN is required for centrosome assembly and function [4, 6, 7], little is known of its molecular activities. Here, we show the novel protein Centrocortin (CEN), which associates with centrosomes and also with cleavage furrows in early embryos, is required for cleavage furrow assembly. CEN binds to CNN within CNN Motif 2 (CM2), a conserved 60 amino acid domain at CNN's C terminus. The cnn B4 allele, which contains a missense mutation at a highly conserved residue within CM2, blocks the binding of CEN and disrupts cleavage furrow assembly. Together, these findings show that the C terminus of CNN coordinates cleavage furrow formation through binding to CEN, thereby providing a molecular link between the centrosome and cleavage furrow assembly.
Disorders of bile formation and biliary transport

A wide range of cholestatic liver diseases result from various primary defects in bile formation. Clinical features include jaundice, pruritus, failure to thrive, fat malabsorption, cholelithiasis, and variably progressive cirrhosis. Accurate diagnosis of these disorders is essential for determination of prognosis and selection of the most appropriate therapies. Severe genetic defects in canalicular bile acid and phospholipid excretion lead to progressive liver disease that often requires liver transplantation. Defects in bile acid biosynthesis and aminophospholipid transport may be responsive to medical or non-transplant surgical approaches.
Retinoids in biological control and cancer

More than 80 years ago, Wolbach and Howe provided the first evidence suggesting a link between alterations within human cells that lead to malignancies and vitamin A deficiencies (Wolbach and Howe 1925 Nutr. Rev. 36: 16-19). Since that time, epidemiological, preclinical and clinical studies have established a causative relationship between vitamin A deficiency and cancer. Laboratory research has provided insight into the intracellular targets, various signaling cascades and physiological effects of the biologically-active natural and synthetic derivatives of vitamin A, known as retinoids. Collectively, this body of research supports the concept of retinoids as chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic agents that can prevent epithelial cell tumorigenesis by directing the cells to either differentiate, growth arrest, or undergo apoptosis, thus preventing or reversing neoplasia. Continued refinement of the retinoid signaling pathway is essential to establishing their use as effective therapeutics for tumor subtypes whose oncogenic intracellular signaling pathways can be blocked or reversed by treatment with retinoids.
Communication models for algorithm design in networked sensor systems

Towards building a systematic methodology of algorithm design for applications of networked sensor systems, we formally define two link-wise communication models, the collision free model (CFM) and the collision aware model (CAM). While CFM provides ease of programming and analysis for high level application functionality, CAM enables more accurate performance analysis and hence more efficient algorithms through cross-layer optimization, at the cost of increased programming and analysis complexity. We use the example of optimizing a probability based broadcasting scheme under CAM to illustrate algorithm optimization. Our analytical results indicate that the optimal broadcast probability for either maximizing the reachability within a given latency constraint or minimizing the latency for a given reachability constraint decreases rapidly with node density.
Partially coherent sources that generate the same far-field spectra as completely incoherent sources

It is shown that one can specify a broad class of three-dimensional, primary, quasi-homogeneous sources, each of which will generate a field whose spectrum throughout the far zone is identical with that produced by a spatially completely incoherent source. Neither the incoherent source nor such an “equivalent” source need be isotropic, and the spectral correlation length of the quasi-homogeneous source can be arbitrarily large, provided that it is much smaller than the linear dimensions of the source.
Estrogen and progesterone levels in nipple aspirate fluid of healthy premenopausal women: relationship to steroid precursors and response proteins.

Background: Concentrations of estrogen and progesterone within the breast could provide a better reflection of breast cancer risk than levels in the circulation. We developed highly sensitive immunoassays for multiple steroid hormones and proteins in the nipple aspirate fluid (NAF), which can be obtained noninvasively with a simple suction device. Previous studies showed that NAF hormone levels are strongly correlated between breasts and within a single breast over time and are predictably related to hormone replacement therapy or use of oral contraceptives. This study evaluates the relationship of NAF estrogen and progesterone levels to those in serum and saliva, the relationship of NAF estradiol to androgenic and estrogenic precursors in NAF, and the relationship of NAF hormone levels to those of response proteins such as cathepsin D and epidermal growth factor (EGF). Methods: Normal premenopausal women collected saliva daily and donated blood and NAF in the midluteal phases of menstrual cycles at intervals of 0, 4, 12, and 15 months. Analytes were measured by immunoassays after solvent fractionation. Log-transformed values were fit to repeated measures analysis of covariance models to ascertain associations between analytes. Results: Small nonsignificant associations were found between NAF and serum or salivary estradiol. However, progesterone in NAF was significantly associated with progesterone in serum and saliva ( R = 0.18 and 0.32, respectively). Within NAF, the estradiol precursors estrone sulfate, androstenedione, and dehydroepiandrosterone were significantly associated with estradiol concentration ( P < 0.06), and a multiprecursor model explained the majority of variance in NAF estradiol (model R 2 = 0.83). Cathepsin D and EGF in NAF could not be predicted from serum or salivary steroid measurements; however, both could be predicted from estradiol and its precursors in NAF (model R 2 = 0.70 and 0.93, respectively). Conclusions: By showing consistent associations between estradiol and its precursors and response proteins, these data provide support for the biological validity of NAF hormone measurements and for the importance of steroid interconversion by aromatase and sulfatase within the breast. The low correlation between estrogen levels in NAF and those in serum or saliva suggests that the degree of association between estrogen or its androgen precursor levels and risk of breast cancer observed in epidemiologic studies using serum estimates might be highly attenuated. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006;15(1):39–44)
Formation of nanoparticles during melt mixing a thermotropic liquid crystalline polyester and sulfonated polystyrene ionomers: Morphology and origin of formation

Abstract The formation of nanoparticles and the mechanism of their formation in a blend of a thermotropic liquid crystalline polyester (LCP) and the zinc salt of a lightly sulfonated polystyrene ionomer (Zn-SPS) were investigated using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy (GC–MS). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) were used to study the morphology of the blends and structure of nanoparticles. The origin of nanoparticle formation appeared to be related to the development of phenyl acetate chain ends on the LCP that arose due to a chemical reaction between the LCP and residual catalytic amounts of zinc acetate and/or acetic acid that were present from the neutralization step in the preparation of the ionomer. Two-dimensional X-ray diffraction patterns for the blends revealed that chain-packing within nanoparticles was different than that of the LCP or the homopolymers prepared from the LCP co-monomers. The crystals formed in the nanoparticles were also stable to much higher temperature (>350 °C) than the parent LCP crystallites that melted at ∼280 °C.
Differences in finger length ratios between self-identified "butch" and "femme" lesbians.

There is indirect evidence that heightened exposure to early androgen may increase the probability that a girl will develop a homosexual orientation in adulthood. One such putative marker of early androgen exposure is the ratio of the length of the index finger (2D) to the ring finger (4D), which is smaller in male humans than in females, and is smaller in lesbians than in heterosexual women. Yet there is also evidence that women may have different sexual orientations at different times in their lives, which suggests that other influences on female sexual orientation, presumably social, are at work as well. We surveyed individuals from a gay pride street fair and found that lesbians who identified themselves as “butch” had a significantly smaller 2D:4D than did those who identified themselves as “femme.” We conclude that increased early androgen exposure plays a role in only some cases of female homosexuality, and that the sexual orientation of “femme” lesbians is unlikely to have been influenced by early androgens.
A Creative Strategy for Sustainable Design Education - A Tribute to Charles and Ray Eames

This paper describes a project that was assigned to senior level Design students in the Department of Design and Computation Arts at Concordia University, Montreal. The objectives were to transmit advanced conceptual and creative skills while bringing students to integrate fundamental sustainable design principles. The challenge suggested was to create a base for the structure of recuperated chairs designed by Charles and Ray Eames in the 1950's. This project stimulated students to deeply engage in the development of high quality designs and creative concepts while encouraging them to understand the importance of preserving the environment and the cultural heritage related to objects that are much too often discarded after the end of their useful life. This project was inspired by Metacycle, a design research that aims to prolong the lifespan of everyday objects (metacycle.ca).
A Differentially Driven Flapping Wing Mechanism for Force Analysis and Trajectory Optimization

Flapping flight has the potential to revolutionize micro air vehicles (MAVs) due to increased aerodynamic performance, improved maneuverability, and hover capabilities. This paper presents the design of a robotic flapping wing mechanism for use in general studies involving flapping flight and laboratory-based experimental optimization of flapping trajectories. The design allows for dynamic adjustment of flapping trajectories in air or liquids with three rotational degrees of freedom on each wing. The design, instrumentation, and control of the mechanism are discussed, and experimental characterization of the mechanism's performance is presented. Preliminary trajectory optimization using a Box-Behnken design approach is used and shows successful parameter optimization. The limitations of the current mechanism are addressed. A survey of flapping mechanisms is presented.
Optical properties of Zn(O,S) thin films deposited by RF sputtering, atomic layer deposition, and chemical bath deposition

Zn(O,S) thin films 27 – 100 nm thick were deposited on glass or Cu(In x Ga 1−x )Se 2 /Molybdenum/glass with RF sputtering, atomic layer deposition, and chemical bath deposition. The complex dielectric functions e of these films were extracted by spectroscopic ellipsometry and transmission analyses. It is found that e varies on a large scale, indicative of significant variations in the films' chemical and physical properties, with the growth methods and deposition parameters. By fitting the e spectra based on the parabolic band approximation, the E 0 critical point energies and broadening parameters were quantified to provide insights on the band gap, defect density, and phase segregation.
Molecular mechanisms in the dramatic enhancement of HIV-1 Tat transduction by cationic liposomes

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) transactivator of transcription (Tat) protein possesses a unique membrane-transduction property. Interestingly, Tat transduction could be dramatically increased 1000-fold based on LTR-transactivation assay when complexed with cationic liposomes (lipo-Tat), compared with Tat alone. Therefore, underlining mechanisms were explored further. Microscopy and flow cytometry showed that this effect was associated with enhanced membrane binding, large particle formation (1–2 μm) and increased intracellular uptake of Tat fluorescent proteins. Using pharmacological assays and immune colocalizations, it was found that lipid raft-dependent endocytosis and macropinocytosis were major pathways involved in lipo-Tat uptake, and actin-filaments played a major role in intracellular trafficking of lipo-Tat to the nucleus. Furthermore, we found that the Tat hydrophobic domain (aa 36–47) mediated formation of two positively charged molecules into lipo-Tat complexes via hydrophobic bonds, based on LTR-transactivation inhibition assay. Thus, the hydrophobic domain may play an important role in Tat protein uptake and be useful for intracellular delivery of biomacromolecules if coupled together with Tat basic peptide, a cell-penetrating peptide.—Li, G.-H., Li, W., Mumper, R. J., Nath, A. Molecular mechanisms in the dramatic enhancement of HIV-1 Tat transduction by cationic liposomes.
Preparation and characterization of Cd1−xFexSe single crystals

Abstract The limit of substitution of iron for cadmium in CdSe was determined by x-ray diffraction of polycrystalline samples to be 11.5 ± 1 mole percent. This degree of substitution of Fe(II) on a tetrahedral site is of interest since Fe(II) usually prefers octahedral coordination. The presence of tetrahedral Fe(II) in this system provides a new class of semimagnetic semiconductors. Single crystals of Cd 1−x Fe x Se were grown by CVT and by a modified Bridgman method. The magnetic susceptibility of crystals grown by both methods displayed field-independent behavior, indicating the absence of any magnetic Fe/Se phase. Measurements of susceptibility as a function of temperature showed Curie-Weiss behavior with net antiferromagnetic interactions. Bridgman-grown crystals have room temperature resistivities at least 10 3 ohm-cm higher than that of the CVT grown crystals (1700 ohm-cm). The iron concentration of Bridgman-grown crystals was homogeneous in a radial direction, but showed 0.5 – 0.8 mole percent change in iron concentration along the length of the boule.
Optimization of fiber-laser coupling with respect to both the coupling efficiency and carrier-to-noise ratio: a novel design

Fiber-coupled laser diodes are indispensable for optical fiber communications. The design of laser-fiber coupling is often guided by maximizing the optical power coupled into fiber, and by relaxing the fiber-laser alignment tolerances. Most of them are susceptible to optical back-reflections from the fiber resulting in not only a reduced coupling efficiency but also an increased optical noise of the signal. The high bit rate transmission through optical fiber is degraded by reflected intensity noise (RIN) due to multiple reflections from refractive index discontinuities. An offset misaligned coupling scheme involving lensed fiber is proposed to reduce reflected intensity noise. The effect of such misalignment on back reflection is studied theoretically. The results show a significant improvement in the reflected intensity noise and carrier to noise ratio (CNR). Such an improvement of RIN and CNR is important for maintaining quality of laser and high-speed data transmission. The results enable one to optimize the design of any laser-fiber coupling with respect to CNR.
What people do when they say they are conserving electricity

Abstract Econometric practitioners must always make the case that existing data may be used to forecast future responses to price changes. In residential electricity markets this means providing assurances that either territories with different prices are similar enough to be used as a guide, or that households are still able to react to price changes with the same conservation measures they have in the past. This article presents the results of a conservation behavior survey conducted both concurrent with and immediately after the last California electricity crisis in 2000–2001. The survey used open-ended questions that provide some assurance that there are still conservation behaviors that may be performed, as well as raw data that may be used to construct new closed-ended questions. The prevalence of conservation behaviors is modeled with a forgetfulness process, necessary when using data from open-ended questions, and implemented with a generalized method of moments (GMM) estimator.
Using multilevel remote sensing and ground data to estimate forest biomass resources in remote regions: a case study in the boreal forests of interior Alaska

The emergence of a new generation of remote sensing and geopositioning technologies, as well as increased capabilities in image processing, computing, and inferential techniques, have enabled the development and implementation of increasingly efficient and cost-effective multilevel sampling designs for forest inventory. In this paper, we (i) describe the conceptual basis of multilevel sampling, (ii) provide a detailed review of several previously implemented multilevel inventory designs, (iii) describe several important technical considerations that can influence the efficiency of a multilevel sampling design, and (iv) demonstrate the application of a modern multilevel sampling approach for estimating the forest biomass resources in a remote area of interior Alaska. This approach utilized a combination of ground plots, lidar strip sampling, satellite imagery (multispectral and radar), and classified land cover information. The variability in the total biomass estimate was assessed using a bootstrapping ap...