cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Determinants of the relative reduction potentials of type-1 copper sites in proteins.

The relative Cu2+/Cu+ reduction potentials of six type-1 copper sites (cucumber stellacyanin, P. aeruginosa azurin, poplar plastocyanin, C. cinereus laccase, T. ferrooxidans rusticyanin, and human ceruloplasmin), which lie in a reduction potential range from 260 mV to over 1000 mV, have been studied by quantum mechanical calculations. The range and relative orderings of the reduction potentials are reproduced very well compared to experimental values. The study suggests that the main structural determinants of the relative reduction potentials of the blue copper sites are located within 6 A of the Cu atoms. Further analysis suggests that the reduction potential differences of type-1 copper sites are caused by axial ligand interactions, hydrogen bonding to the SCys, and protein constraint on the inner sphere ligand orientations. The low reduction potential of cucumber stellacyanin is due mainly to a glutamine ligand at the axial position, rather than a methionine or a hydrophobic residue as in the other pr...
Interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) modulates migration and matrix metalloproteinase function in dermal fibroblasts from IL‐6KO mice

Summary Background Interleukin-6-deficient (IL-6KO) mice display significantly delayed cutaneous wound healing characterized by decreased re-epithelialization, granulation tissue and wound closure. Dermal fibroblasts are one of the principal cell types found in granulation tissue and mediate numerous processes during healing. Objectives To investigate the effects that IL-6 might have on granulation tissue formation and fibroblast motility. As fibroblast motility is associated with matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity, the expression of MMP-2 and the tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 and -2 were assessed. Methods Punch biopsies (4 mm) were performed in the skin of IL-6KO and C57BL/6 mice. The expression of MMP-2, TIMP-1 and -2 in wound tissue was monitored over time. Cellular infiltration and granulation tissue formation was monitored by subcutaneous implantation of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) sponges. A free-floating collagen lattice model was also used to investigate the direct effects of IL-6 treatment on isolated IL-6KO fibroblasts. The expression of MMP-2, and the inhibitors TIMP-1 and -2, were assessed via real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results IL-6KO wounds showed impaired granulation tissue formation 5 days postwounding and fewer fibroblasts had populated the PVA matrices 7 days after implantation in IL-6KO mice compared with wild-type C57BL/6. The mRNA and protein expression of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 mRNA was increased in IL-6KO mice compared with wild-type mice beyond 1 day postwounding, while the expression of TIMP-1 mRNA was transiently higher in IL-6KO only 3 days postwounding. Treatment of collagen lattices with various concentrations of rmIL-6 again showed a dose-response decrease in mRNA and protein expression of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 protein expression, compared with saline control, while TIMP-1 did not appear to be significantly modulated. Conclusions These results indicate that IL-6 influences the function of fibroblasts in wounds, and one mechanism of this regulation may be through the modulation of MMP-2 and TIMP proteins.
How do Facebookers Use Friendlists

Facebook friend lists are used to classify friends into groups and assist users in controlling access to their information. In this paper, we study the effectiveness of Facebook friend lists from two aspects: Friend Management and Policy Patterns by examining how users build friend lists and to what extent they use them in their policy templates. We have collected real Facebook profile information and photo privacy policies of 222 participants, through their consent in our Facebook survey application posted on Mechanical Turk. Our data analysis shows that users' customized friend lists are less frequently created and have fewer overlaps as compared to Facebook created friend lists. Also, users do not place all of their friends into lists. Moreover, friends in more than one friend lists have higher values of node betweenness and outgoing to incoming edge ratio values among all the friends of a particular user. Last but not the least, friend list and user based exceptions are less frequently used in policies as compared to allowing all friends, friends of friends and everyone to view photos.
Detection and quantification of alternative splice sites in Arabidopsis genes AtDCL2 and AtPTB2 with highly sensitive surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and gold nanoprobes.

Alternative splicing (AS) increases the size of the transcriptome and proteome to enhance the physiological capacity of cells. We demonstrate surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) in combination with a DNA hybridization analytical platform to identify and quantify AS genes in plants. AS in AtDCL2 and AtPTB2 were investigated using non-fluorescent Raman probes using a ‘sandwich assay’. Utilizing Raman probes conjugated to gold nanoparticles we demonstrate the recognition of RNA sequences specific to AtDCL2 and AtPTB2 splice junction variants with detection sensitivity of up to 0.1 fM.
Application of Enhanced Vacuum Filtration to Dewatering of Fine Coal Refuse

Abstract It is difficult to reduce the moisture content of fine coal refuse to a satisfactory level because of the high mineral content and the large capillary forces associated with small particle sizes. An experimental investigation of important operating variables on dewatering of fine coal refuse is reported. The cake permeability, cake formation time and final moisture content are used to measure the efficiency of moisture removal. Factors that were studied are the addition of coarse particles, level of vacuum, pH and the use of coagulants, flocculants and surfactants as additives. Addition of a flocculant was the most effective single means of improving dewatering and the permeability could be increased by more than an order of magnitude and the moisture content lowered by as much as 0.05 kg water/kg dry cake. It was found that the ionic nature and molecular weight of the flocculant, the flocculant dosage, the mixing time and the mixing intensity must be carefully studied to obtain optimal performance.
Cimetidine does not change the effect of Tyr-MIF-1 (Tyr-Pro-Leu-Gly-NH2) on the opiate form of footshock-induced analgesia.

Abstract It has been demonstrated that cimetidine blocks the effect of naloxone of footshock-induced analgesia. To study the effect of cimetidine on the antiopiate properties of an endogenous peptide Tyr-MIF-1, the opiate form of intermittent footshock-induced analgesia was elicited in the rat. The nociceptive responses were determined using the hot-plate test (52.5 °C). Intraperitoneal pretreatment with cimetidine (100 mg/kg) or chlorpheniramine maleate (20 mg/kg) did not affect the footshock-induced analgesia, and did not change the antagonizing effect of Tyr-MIF-1 (0.2 mg/kg) on this model of antinociception. It is concluded that cimetidine and chlorpheniramine maleate do not change the antagonizing effect of Tyr-MIF-1 on the opiate form of intermittent footshock-induced analgesia.
Effect of angiogenesis inhibition by Id loss and the contribution of bone-marrow-derived endothelial cells in spontaneous murine tumors

Abstract Angiogenic defects in Id mutant mice inhibit the growth of tumor xenografts, providing a genetic model for antiangiogenic stress. Our work tests the consequences of such stress on progression of more physiological Pten +/− tumors. While tumor growth occurs despite impaired angiogenesis, disruption of vasculature by Id loss causes tumor cells to experience hypoxia and necrosis, the extent of which is tumor dependent. We show that bone-marrow-derived endothelial precursors contribute functionally to neovasculature of some but not all Pten +/− tumors, partially rescuing Id mutant phenotype. We demonstrate that loss of Id1 in tumor endothelial cells results in downregulation of several proangiogenic genes, including α 6 and β 4 integrins, matrix metalloprotease-2 , and fibroblast growth factor receptor-1 . Inhibition of these factors phenocopies loss of Id in in vivo angiogenesis assays.
Parameter estimation using polynomial chaos and maximum likelihood

When modelling biological processes, there are always errors, uncertainties and variations present. In this paper, we consider the coefficients in the mathematical model to be random variables, whose distribution and moments are unknown a priori, and need to be determined by comparison with experimental data. A stochastic spectral representation of the parameters and the solution stochastic process is used, based on polynomial chaoses. The polynomial chaos representation generates a system of equations of the same type as the original model. The inverse problem of finding the parameters is reduced to establishing the best-fit values of the random variables that represent them, and this is done using maximum likelihood estimation. In particular, in modelling biofilm growth, there are variations, measurement errors and uncertainties in the processes. The biofilm growth model is given by a parabolic differential equation, so the polynomial chaos formulation generates a system of partial differential equation...
Ovarian Cancer in a Man

Abstract A 72-year-old man presented with left testicular swelling of 2 months' duration. Microscopic examination of tissue from left orchiectomy showed an intratesticular serous papillary cystic tumor with borderline malignancy felt to be histologically identical to the commonly encountered borderline papillary serous tumor of the ovary.
STUDIES ON AMPHIBIAN YOLK : 2. The Isolation of Yolk Platelets from the Eggs of Rana pipiens

Previous methods which employed simple sucrose or salt solutions to isolate yolk platelets have failed to preserve their superficial layer, and the preparations obtained generally exhibit some contamination when observed with the light or electron microscope. When yolk platelets are suspended in a sucrose-polyvinylpyrrolidinone medium, however, they remain relatively intact and their superficial layer is not lost to the medium. A method, which takes advantage of this fact, is described for the isolation of frog (Rana pipiens) yolk platelets which are free from nuclear contamination and practically free from cytoplasmic contamination. After such platelets are treated with distilled water, the superficial layer is no longer seen and a new dense and granular matrix is frequently found surrounding the crystalline main body. The significance of this and other observations concerning the effects of calcium and ethylenediamine tetraacetate are discussed.
Population assessment of the red snapper from the southeastern United States

Abstract Changes in the age structure and population size of red snapper, Lutjanus campechanus , from North Carolina through the Florida Keys were examined using records of landings and size frequencies of fish from commercial, recreational, and headboat fisheries from 1986 to 1995. Population size in numbers at age was estimated for each year by applying separable virtual population analysis (SVPA) to the landings in numbers at age. SVPA was used to estimate annual, age-specific fishing mortality ( F ) for four levels of natural mortality ( M =0.15, 0.20, 0.25, and 0.30). Although landings of red snapper for the three fisheries have declined, minimum fish size regulations have also resulted in an increase in the mean size of red snapper landed. Age at entry and age at full recruitment were age-1 for 1986–1991, compared with age-2 and age-6, respectively, for 1992–1995. Levels of mortality from fishing ( F ) ranged from 0.31 to 0.69 for the entire period. Spawning potential ratio (SPR) increased from 0.09 to 0.24 ( M =0.25) from 1986 to 1995. The SPR level could be improved with a decrease in F , or an increase in age at entry to the fisheries. The latter could be enhanced now if fishermen, particularly recreational fishermen, comply with minimum size regulations.
Neural regions essential for reading and spelling of words and pseudowords

Objective To identify dysfunctional brain regions critical for impaired reading/spelling of words/pseudowords by evaluating acute stroke patients on lexical tests and magnetic resonance imaging, before recovery or reorganization of structure–function relationships. Methods A series of 106 consenting patients were administered oral reading and spelling tests within 24 hours of left supratentorial stroke onset. Patients underwent diffusion- and perfusion-weighted magnetic resonance examination the same day to identify regions of hypoperfusion/infarct of 16 Brodmann areas. Results Simultaneous logistic regression analysis demonstrated that dysfunction of left Brodmann areas 40 (supramarginal gyrus) and 37 (posterior-inferior temporal/fusiform gyrus) best predicted impairment in reading words (odds ratio [OR], 6.20 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.54–24.96] and 2.71 [95% CI, 0.87–8.45], respectively), reading pseudowords (OR, 39.65 [95% CI 3.9–400.78] and 4.41 [95% CI, 1.1–17.51], respectively), spelling words (OR, 14.11 [95% CI 1.37–144.93] and 7.41 [95% CI, 1.48–37.24], respectively), and spelling pseudowords (OR, 4.84 [95% CI, 0.73–32.13] and 7.74 [95% CI, 1.56–38.51], respectively). Whole-brain voxel-wise analyses demonstrated voxel clusters within these regions that were most strongly associated with task deficits. Interpretation Results indicate that a shared network of regions including parts of left Brodmann areas 37 and 40 is necessary for reading and spelling of words and pseudowords. Further studies may define the precise roles of these brain regions in language. Identification of any neural regions specific to one of these tasks or one type of stimuli will require study of more patients with selective deficits. Ann Neurol 2007
Determination of the Sensitivity of Heat Transfer Systems Using Global Sensitivity and Gaussian Processes

A critical aspect of the design of systems or experiments is a sensitivity analysis to determine the effects of the different variables. This is usually done by representing the response by a Taylor series and evaluating the first-order derivatives at a nominal operating point. When there is uncertainty about the operating point, the common approach is the construction of a response surface and Monte Carlo sampling based on the probability distribution of these uncertain variables. Because of the expense of Monte Carlo sampling, it is important to restrict the analysis to those variables to which the response is most sensitive. Identification of the most sensitive parameters can be conveniently done using Global sensitivity, which both defines the most critical variables and also quantifies the effects of interacting variables. This also can be a computationally expensive process and, for complex models, is generally prohibitively expensive. A solution is the use of Gaussian processes that allows one to create a response surface using easy-to-evaluate functions. This paper describes the use of these ideas for a heat transfer problem.
Power and Cognitive Accuracy in Local Emergency Management Networks

Using network power bases and cognitive accuracy concepts, this study examines two local emergency management network changes. The authors review five power bases—structural-based, resource-based, actor-based, cognitive-based, and political-based power—to explore the perceived power of network actors. Three research propositions are proposed with respect to the relationship between the network power bases and the cognitive accuracy of network participants. The authors find that political-based power is strongly correlated with perceived power. The article concludes with future research questions and directions for advancing current scholarship on emergency management networks.
Collaboration with Diverse Partners: How Older Women Adapt their Speech

In this study, we investigate the ability and motivation of older women to adapt their speaking style to the receptive and conversational needs of their partner during dyadic interactions. Older women (M = 68 years) performed a series of collaborative tasks varying in cognitive difficulty with a female college student and a woman with mild mental retardation. These tasks included (a) a 3-minute getting acquainted task, (b) menu planning, (c) collaborative block design, and (d) finding 20 things in common. Particularly through their use of questions, commands, and self-disclosures, these older women were shown to adapt their collaborative style across different partner and task situations. In contrast, the content of self-disclosures made by the older women was similar across partner type.
Comments and reflections on "Pathologists and patients: can we talk?".

In an earlier article, Gutmann (1) examined the perception of pathologists as portrayed in newspaper articles, and came to the conclusion that medical examiners and Dr. Jack Kevorkian at that time had solidified our image in the realm of death. Who has not gone to a non-medical social gathering and had to confront the questions, "What do you do for a living?" For a living, well I am a pathologist. The conversation may wither or terminate abruptly to pursue some other topic. As some measure that our image remains in the shadows is the headline to an article in the New York Times, "Art or Ghoulishness? Autopsy is TV spectacle in Britain" (2). The story related the late night televising of an autopsy performed by Dr. Gunther von Hagens before a paying audience who gathered together in a "former brewery." For some balance, an accompanying editorial in the same issue pointed out that this type of notoriety is unlikely to improve the already plummeting autopsy votes for an "essential" procedure (3).
Increased symptoms in female IBS patients with dysmenorrhea and PMS

Women with irritable bowel syndrome often report premenstrual distress syndrome and dysmenorrhea. A descriptive, four-group comparison design was used to compare the symptoms and psychological distress levels of women with irritable bowel syndrome (age 18-45 years) with and without dysmenorrhea and premenstrual distress syndrome. Data from three studies on women with irritable bowel syndrome (n = 226) collected between 1995 and 2004 were combined. Of these, 38 had self-reported irritable bowel syndrome with dysmenorrhea and premenstrual distress syndrome, 59 had irritable bowel syndrome with premenstrual distress syndrome, 15 had irritable bowel syndrome and dysmenorrhea, and the remaining 114 had irritable bowel syndrome only. Participants completed the Symptom Checklist-90 Revised and a symptom diary. Pain symptoms and computed scales of anxiety, depression, anger, and cognitive difficulties were compared during the luteal phase, menses phase, and for the change from luteal to menses phases. Premenstrual distress syndrome and dysmenorrhea had a strong impact on uterine cramping at menses, and a weaker effect on other pain symptoms at both luteal and menses phases. Premenstrual distress syndrome was associated with higher depression, anger, and cognitive problems at both luteal and menses phases; however, it was not associated with a greater increase from luteal to menses phases for any symptoms other than uterine cramping. The multiple symptoms reported by women with both irritable bowel syndrome and premenstrual distress syndrome suggest that this group may be particularly challenging to treat and may require a multicomponent (e.g., education, diet, relaxation, cognitive restructuring) approach.
Electric fences - their hazards, types, regulations, and safe application

The approved electric fence is a safe, effective, and economical aid to modern farming. Homemade electric fence controllers are responsible for the continuing electrocution of both human beings and . animals. The use of such controllers should be prohibited by law. The interests of public safety demand that specific enforceable legislation covering electric fence controllers be enacted in each of the various states of this country. Need exists for uniformity in the various electric fence safety codes. With the exception of the continuous type of electric fence, it is doubtful if the differences in the present codes can be justified on the basis of safety. Although compromise in output limitations is necessary, it is essential that the maximum allowable output not be reduced materially, as any substantial reduction in effectiveness might jeopardize the value of electric fencing.
The Invisible Conflicts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

(2006). The Invisible Conflicts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) Journal of Ethnicity in Criminal Justice: Vol. 4, No. 1-2, pp. 129-143.
Stability of catalytic wires

Abstract This work investigates the stability aspects of a chemical reaction occurring on a catalytic wire. The conditions for the existence of non-unique steady states and for asymptotic stability have been derived. An experimental study of the oxidation of butane and carbon monoxide on a platinum wire demonstrated the occurrence of several of the pathological trends predicted by the model. The effect of changes in the mass velocity and reactant concentrations on the behaviour of the system has been determined.
Why migrant smuggling pays

Drawing on empirical research in Afghanistan and Pakistan, this article ‘follows the money’ for 50 migrants smuggled to the UK, to cast light on the financing of smuggling. The means used to raise the money to pay smugglers ranged from drawing on savings to selling property, land and jewellery. Payments were made to a third-party, who did not release the payment to the smuggler until migrants had arrived in their destination - effectively a ‘money-back guarantee’ on smuggling. Smugglers disbursed about half of their fee to forgers, procurers of passports, airport officials and other intermediaries required to facilitate smuggling. Most migrants quickly found work in their destination and started remitting soon after their arrival. On average remittances were at a sufficient level to repay the initial outlay on smugglers’ fees after two years, and thereafter remittances on average more than doubled household incomes at home. In this case study, smuggling therefore paid for the range of intermediaries involved in facilitating it, for migrants themselves, and for migrants’ households at home.
Human Physical Aggression as a Function of Diazepam

The effects of diazepam on the aggressive behavior of male and female subjects were investigated using the Taylor competitive reaction time paradigm. The results indicated that subjects given diazepam responded more aggressively than subjects given a placebo. The aggression-enhancing effect of diazepam occurred for both male and female competitors. Male subjects were observed to be more aggressive than females. The possibility that depressants as a class of drug increase an individual's aggressive behavior is discussed.
Glass-ceramic-copper microwave encapsulations and mountings

Methods of preparing microwave encapsulations for gallium-arsenide diodes, using a glass-ceramic-copper combination, have been developed. These encapsulations are not only cheaper than alumina- or beryllia-based ones, but the glass ceramic used has the additional advantage of more favourable microwave properties and permits a considerably greater flexibility of design of components and encapsulations than was previously available. Selected patterns can be produced in the dielectric, over large or small areas, to the tolerances compatible with integrated-circuit technologies. This opens up new possibilities and many applications over a wide range of frequencies.
A constant shear stress core flow model of the bidirectional vortex

In this paper, we discuss the merits of two models for the swirl velocity in the core of a confined bidirectional vortex. The first is piecewise, Rankine-like, based on a combinedvortex representation. It stems from the notion that a uniform shear stress distribution may be assumed in the inner vortex region of a cyclone, especially at high Reynolds numbers. Thereafter, direct integration of the shear stress enables us to retrieve an expression for the swirl velocity that overcomes the inviscid singularity at the centreline. The second model consists of a modified asymptotic solution to the problem obtained directly from the Navier–Stokes equations. Both solutions we present transition smoothly to the outer, free-vortex approximation at some intermediate position in the chamber. This position is deduced from available experimental data to the extent of providing an accurate swirl velocity distribution throughout the chamber. By scaling the constant shear radius to the core layer thickness, the constant of proportionality is readily calculated using the method of least squares. Interestingly, the constant of proportionality is found to be invariant at several vortex Reynolds numbers, thus helping to achieve closure. The combined-vortex representation is validated against a large body of experimental measurements and through comparisons to a laminar core model that is enhanced through the use of an eddy viscosity. Other heuristic schemes are discussed and the two most suitable models to capture realistic flow behaviour at high vortex Reynolds numbers are identified. Our two models are first derived analytically and then anchored on the available experimental measurements.
Timecourse and corticosterone sensitivity of the brain, pituitary, and serum interleukin-1β protein response to acute stress

Activation of peripheral immune cells leads to increases of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) mRNA, immunoreactivity, and protein levels in brain and pituitary. Furthermore, IL-1beta in brain plays a role in mediating many of the behavioral, physiological, and endocrine adjustments induced by immune activation. A similarity between the consequences of immune activation and exposure to stressors has often been noted, but the potential relationship between stress and brain IL-1beta has received very little attention. A prior report indicated that exposure to inescapable tailshocks (IS) raised levels of brain IL-1beta protein 2 h after IS, but only in adrenalectomized (and basal corticosterone replaced) subjects. The studies reported here explore this issue in more detail. A more careful examination revealed that IL-1beta protein levels in hypothalamus were elevated by IS in intact subjects, although adrenalectomy, ADX (with basal corticosterone replacement) exaggerated this effect. IL-1beta protein increases were already present immediately after the stress session, both in the hypothalamus and in other brain regions in adrenalectomized subjects, and no longer present 24 h later. Furthermore, IS elevated levels of IL-1beta protein in the pituitary, and did so in both intact and adrenalectomized subjects. IS also produced increased blood levels of IL-1beta, but only in adrenalectomized subjects. Finally, the administration of corticosterone in an amount that led to blood levels in adrenalectomized subjects that match those produced by IS, inhibited the IS-induced rise in IL-1beta in hypothalamus and pituitary, but not in other brain regions or blood.
Regional Difference in Susceptibility to Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Neurotoxicity in the Rat Brain: Role of Microglia

Inflammation in the brain has been increasingly associated with the development of a number of neurological diseases. The hallmark of neuroinflammation is the activation of microglia, the resident brain immune cells. Injection of bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS) into the hippocampus, cortex, or substantia nigra of adult rats produced neurodegeneration only in the substantia nigra. Although LPS appeared to impact upon mesencephalic neurons in general, an extensive loss of dopaminergic neurons was observed. Analysis of the abundance of microglia revealed that the substantia nigra had the highest density of microglia. When mixed neuron–glia cultures derived from the rat hippocampus, cortex, or mesencephalon were treated with LPS, mesencephalic cultures became sensitive to LPS at a concentration as low as 10 ng/ml and responded in a dose-dependent manner with the production of inflammatory factors and a loss of dopaminergic and other neurons. In contrast, hippocampal or cortical cultures remained insensitive to LPS treatment at concentrations as high as 10 μg/ml. Consistent with in vivo observations, mesencephalic cultures had fourfold to eightfold more microglia than cultures from other regions. The positive correlation between abundance of microglia and sensitivity to LPS-induced neurotoxicity was further supported by the observation that supplementation with enriched microglia derived from mesencephalon or cortex rendered LPS-insensitive cortical neuron–glia cultures sensitive to LPS-induced neurotoxicity. These data indicate that the region-specific differential susceptibility of neurons to LPS is attributable to differences in the number of microglia present within the system and may reflect levels of inflammation-related factors produced by these cells.
Partial migration to seasonally-unstable habitat facilitates biological invasions in a predator-dominated system

Although partial migration, a phenomenon in which some individuals in a population conduct seasonal migrations while others remain resident, is common among animals, its importance in facilitating biological invasions has not been demonstrated. To illustrate how partial migration might facilitate invasions in spatially complex habitats, we developed an individual-based model of common carp Cyprinus carpio in systems of lakes and winterkill-prone marshes in the Upper Mississippi River Basin (UMRB). Our model predicted that common carp are unable to become invasive in lakes of the UMRB unless they conduct partial migrations into winterkill-prone marshes in which recruitment rates are high in the absence of native predators that forage on carp eggs and larvae. Despite low dispersal rates of juveniles and higher mortality rates of migrants, partial migration was adaptive across a wide range of migration rates and winterkill frequencies. Partial migration rates as low as 10% and winterkill occurrence as infrequent as once in 20 years were sufficient to cause invasiveness because of carp’s reproductive potential and longevity. Consistent with the results of our model, empirical data showed that lake connectivity to winterkill-prone marshes was an important driver of carp abundance within the study region. Our results demonstrate that biological invasions may be driven by a small, migratory contingent of a population that exploits more beneficial reproductive habitats. Partial migration is a common phenomenon among migratory animals in which some individuals in a population
KARBALĀ' MADE IMMEDIATE: THE MARTYR AS MODEL IN IM?M? SH?'SM

Le martyr (shahid) est celui qui est mort en accomplissant la Guerre Sainte (jihād). Cette notion de jihād contient une tonalite spirituelle en reference a la volonte de perfectionnement moral et religieux de l'homme qui est fondamentale. L'ethos shiite s'est formee a partir de la figure d'Husayn ibn Ali sur le champ de bataille de Karbalā alors qu'il affrontait une force numeriquement superieure a la sienne. Sa piete et celle de ses compagnons devait s'achever dans la mort
The Impact of Service System Design and Flow Experience on Customer Satisfaction in Online Financial Services

Prior research examines customer satisfaction in retailing and e-commerce settings, yet online financial services have received little research attention. To understand customer satisfaction with t...
Tutorial on use of VHDL for description of digital systems

A tutorial view of VHDL (VHSIC hardware description language), the IEEE standard for hardware description, is presented. The use of the language for bottom-up system design is emphasized. The tutorial describes simple components and uses these descriptions in a complete system design. Elaborating upon the language constructs, the system design example exhibits the use of VHDL as a design tool for the description of hardware. The application of VHDL in state machine design is expanded upon in the design of a controller. In finalizing the system design, the data unit and control unit are connected to form an eight bit serial multiplier. >
Predicting Cation Ratios in Corn from Saline Solution Composition

Suarez, D. L. and Grieve, C. M. 1988. Predicting cation ratios in corn from saline solution composition.—J. exp. Bot. 39: 605-612. The response of Zea mays (L.) cv. Pioneer 3906 to nutrient cultures that varied in Na/Ca ratios was studied at 5 different salinity levels; 0, —01, -0-2, -0-3 and -0-4 MPa. Principles of ion exchange theory were used to relate the cation composition (Ca, Mg and Na) in the shoots to activity ratios in the root media. The data are expressed using the Gapon convention where the selectivity coefficient is related to the equivalent fraction of the exchange ions. Plots of the cation ratios of Ca/Na, Ca/Mg and Mg/Na can be represented by a single line regardless of salinity level. This information supports the concept derived from physiological studies that the uptake of Ca, Mg and Na by salt-stressed plants is passive. The data suggest that the ratios of these cations in corn shoots can be predicted for various salinities from solution composition of the root media and shoot ion concentrations at a single salinity level.
A hierarchical multiuser diversity (HMD) transmission scheme

Deep shadowing and "hot-spots" are two challenging issues in wireless networks. Aiming to resolve these issues, we take a cross-layer design approach and devise a hierarchical multiuser diversity (HMD) transmission scheme, in which a user can choose to communicate with the base station either directly or using multiple hops via relay stations. Using a throughput-based criterion, we develop a direct/relay link construction algorithm. We then explore opportunistic scheduling under performance-based fairness constraints, for both direct links and relay links; a key goal is to achieve multiuser diversity in both tiers. Our results show that the HMD scheme can combat shadowing and "hot-spots" effectively in the sense that the total system throughput is increased significantly while the throughput requirements of the users are met.
Nuclear Fuel Cycle: Environmental Impact

Every energy source has environmental impacts—positive and negative. Nuclear power is a carbon-free source of energy that can reduce CO2 emissions by displacing the use of fossil fuels. The present level of carbon displacement is approximately 0.5 gigatonnes of carbon per year (GtC/year), compared to the nearly 8 GtC/year emitted by the use of fossil fuels. However, there are three major negative environmental impacts of nuclear power: catastrophic accidents, nuclear weapons, and nuclear waste. The last two, weapons and waste, are directly tied to the type of nuclear fuel cycle (Figure 4 in the main nuclear article by Raj et al. in this issue). The different fuel cycles refect different strategies for the utilization of fssile nuclides, mainly 235U and 239Pu, and these different strategies have important implications for nuclear waste management and nuclear weapons proliferation.
Surgical management of adult onset age-related distance esotropia.

PURPOSE To study the effects of bilateral medial rectus recession for the management of adult onset age-related distance esotropia. METHODS Ten patients with adult onset age-related distance esotropia measuring 14 prism diopters or greater underwent bilateral medial rectus recession to eliminate the need for prism glasses. RESULTS In all but one case, the diplopia completely resolved postoperatively, with a median residual deviation of 1 prism diopter esophoria for distance and 2 prism diopters exophoria at near. CONCLUSION Bilateral medial rectus recession is a useful technique for the management of adult onset age-related distance esotropia.
Parallel autonomous optimization of demand response with renewable distributed generators

We propose a framework for demand response in smart grids that integrate renewable distributed generators (DGs). In this framework, some users have DGs and can generate part of their electricity. They can also sell extra generation to the utility company. The goal is to optimize the load schedule of users to minimize the utility company's cost and user payments. We employ parallel autonomous optimization, where each user requires only knowledge of the aggregated load of other users instead of the load profiles of individual users, and can execute distributed optimization simultaneously. We performed numerical examples to validate our algorithm. The results show that our method can significantly lower peak hour load and reduce the costs to users and the utility. Since the autonomous user optimizations are executed in parallel, our method also dramatically decreases the computation time, management complexity, and communication costs.
Optical coherence tomography: challenge and opportunity

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an imaging modality based on coherence-domain optical technology. OCT takes advantage of the short coherence length of broadband light sources to perform micrometer-scale, cross-sectional imaging of biological tissue. OCT is analogous to ultrasound imaging except that it uses light rather than sound. The high spatial resolution of OCT enables noninvasive in vivo "optical biopsy" and provides immediate and localized diagnostic information. The first in vivo endoscopic OCT images in animals and humans were reported in 1997. Since then, a number of clinical applications for endoscopic OCT imaging of respiratory, urogenital, and gastrointestinal tracts have been reported by several groups. This presentation will review the principle of time domain and Fourier domain OCT and the current state-of-the-art OCT technology.
HANABA TARANU is a GATA transcription factor that regulates shoot apical meristem and flower development in Arabidopsis

We have isolated a new mutant, hanaba taranu (han), which affects both flower and shoot apical meristem (SAM) development in Arabidopsis thaliana. Mutants have fused sepals and reduced organ numbers in all four whorls, especially in the 2nd (petal) and 3rd (stamen) whorls. han meristems can become flatter or smaller than in the wild type. HAN encodes a GATA-3–like transcription factor with a single zinc finger domain. HAN is transcribed at the boundaries between the meristem and its newly initiated organ primordia and at the boundaries between different floral whorls. It is also expressed in vascular tissues, developing ovules and stamens, and in the embryo. han interacts strongly with clavata (clv) mutations (clv1, clv2, and clv3), resulting in highly fasciated SAMs, and we find that WUS expression is altered in han mutants from early embryogenesis. In addition, HAN is ectopically expressed both in clv1 and clv3 mutants. We propose that HAN is normally required for establishing organ boundaries in shoots and flowers and for controlling the number and position of WUS-expressing cells. Ectopic HAN expression causes growth retardation, aberrant cell division patterns, and loss of meristem activity, suggesting that HAN is involved in controlling cell proliferation and differentiation.
Use of hollow fiber membrane filtration for the removal of DMSO from platelet concentrates

It has been hypothesized that, in addition to freezing injury, some damage to platelets may result from the cell packing that occurs during removal of the cryoprotectant. This study examined DMSO removal by fluid exchange across hollow-fiber (HF) filters as an alternative to centrifugation. The DMSO solution with or without cell suspension was passed once through the filter. The optimum exchange during unloading of DMSO was determined by varying the flow rates in the external and internal compartments of the HF filter. Initially, buffered solutions of a 5% DMSO solution in the absence of platelets were pumped into the fibers and exchanged against PBS. The residual DMSO was determined by osmometry. The exchange of DMSO across the membrane was flow dependent and also influenced by the chemical nature of the HF fibers. No protocol using a reasonable rate flow through the fibers removed more than 95% of the DMSO in a single pass. The optimum protocol was achieved with polysynthane fibers with an internal flow rate of approximately 20 mi/min and an external flow rate of 100 ml/min. Subsequently, frozen/thawed platelet concentrates in DMSO were washed using centrifugation and compared to the HF filtration method. Platelet quality was assayed by flow cytometry, cell count, morphology and osmotic stress test. Both filtration and centrifugal washing techniques resulted in comparable morphological scores and numbers of discoid cells. When agents reducing platelet activation were added, platelet quality was improved after washing by either technique. The lower platelet osmotic response with HF filtration than with centrifugation while using activation inhibitors was attributed to the remaining amount of the inhibitors. All other parameters tested were similar. The expression of CD62P was equivalent with both techniques, and centrifugation did not activate platelets more than filtration contrary to what was originally anticipated. In conclusion, platelet quality was comparable after washing by either technique but hollow fiber filtration does remove cryoprotectant more rapidly than does centrifugation.
The Clouds Roll By

Technology changes have driven us first away from centralized computer services and now back toward centralization. Security and reliability are likely to improve as expertise is also centralized and fewer demands are placed on the relatively inexperienced individual users.
A search for the mosaic block structure in polyethylene single crystals

A diffraction contrast study with the aid of an image intensifier was undertaken to obtain direct evidence for the existence of a mosaic block structure in polyethylene single crystals grown by self seeding under isothermal conditions. Dark-field microscopy indicates that the crystals do not contain a mosaic block structure. High-resolution electron diffraction confirms that the crystal is coherent (i.e., mosaic block-free) over regions of several thousands of Angstroms. It is concluded that a mosaic structure on the scale of ∼300 A does not exist in polyethylene single crystals grown under carefully controlled conditions from dilute solutions. Possible reasons for previous results that indicate the presence of a ∼300 A mosaic block structure are discussed.
The Practical Utility of an Economic Analysis of Calcineurin Withdrawal following Renal Transplantation

Economic models can be powerful tools for understanding cost-utility, effectiveness, and informing decision-making processes in health care. Limited health care resources necessitate objective evaluations and the identification of potential efficiencies of medical interventions. At base, economic
Supporting distributed search in virtual worlds

As three-dimensional (3D) environments become both more prevalent and more fragmented, the need for a data crawler and distributed search service will continue to grow. By increasing the visibility of content across virtual world servers in order to better collect and integrate the 3D data, we can also improve the efficiency and accuracy of crawling and searching by avoiding both the crawling of unchanged regions and the downloading unmodified objects that already exist in our collection. This helps to lower bandwidth usage during content collection and indexing, and for a fixed amount of bandwidth, maximizes the freshness of the collection. This paper presents a new services paradigm for virtual world crawler interaction that is co-operative and exploits information about 3D objects in the virtual world. By analyzing redundant information crawled from virtual worlds, our approach decreased the amount of data collected by crawlers, kept search engine collections up to date, and provided an efficient mechanism for collecting and searching information from multiple virtual worlds.
Ito Chuta and the narrative structure of Chinese architectural history

This article examines the intellectual and political environment that gave rise to the basic narrative structure in the writing of Chinese architectural history during the formative stage of the discipline through the career and works of the Japanese architectural scholar Ito Chuta (1867–1954). The author argues that the heavy emphasis on pre-Tang history in the early literature on Chinese architecture was a result of the power shift in late-nineteenth to early-twentieth-century East Asia, namely, the decline of China and the rise of Japan. By analysing the textual and visual information in Ito's major scholarly works, this article reveals the political agenda behind the methodological discrepancy between Shina kenchikushi and Shina kenchiku soshoku: the former is more historical and the latter is more anthropological, which echoes the cultural contradictions in Japanese colonialism, and shows how Ito's scholarships on Horyuji helped to identify such a shift in the mantle of East Asian tradition from anci...
Developing novel peptide inhibitors to chromosomal cohesion using mRNA display for nanodrug delivery in breast cancer therapy

Several specific molecular networks mediate the cellular proliferation of tumorigenic cells. One signaling pathway of interest is the transition from metaphase to anaphase which is dependent on cleavage of the cohesin protein complex by separase, an endopeptidase. A normal transition allows the protein complex to form, sister chromatid cleavage and the onset of anaphase. However, failure to properly assemble or maintain the integrity of this complex results in the premature separation of chromatids (PCS), mitotic arrest and apoptosis in cultured cells. This research effort will focus on the identification of cohesin Rad21, a proapoptotic protein that is over-expressed in breast cancer cells, mimcs for the induction of apoptosis in the cohesin-disrupted tumors. Using mRNA display, Rad21 mimetopes will be selected to bind a SMC-1 target in the formation of standard cohesin complex assembly. The pool of isolated peptides will be further characterized for their specificity, induction of PCS, mitotic arrest and apoptosis both in vitro and in vivo . Finally, peptides will be conjugated to a RAFT-peptide scaffold drug delivery system to exclusively target rapidly proliferating breast tumor cells. The potential advantages provide an area of promising therapeutics for antitumor effects when coupled with chemotherapy at the point of early detection.
Update on pharmaceutical trials in acute spinal cord injury.

AbstractObjective: To review the major pharmacological trials in acute spinal cord injury (SCI) that have been conducted over the past 25 years.Methods: Review article.Results: The publication of the firstNational Acute Spinal Cord lnjury (NASCIS) trial in 1 9 84 ushered in the era of pharmacological tri als of therapies intended to improve neurologic outcome in acute SC I. Subsequent trials of methylprednisolone sodium succinate (MPSS) and GM-1 have added to the evidence basis that informs the current management practices for acute SCI.Conclusion: The last 50 years have seen a conceptual shift from the pessimism of the past to a cautious optimism that the meager prognosis for neurologic recovery in acute SCI will yield to the progress of medical science. Major advances in the understanding of primary and secondary injury mechanisms have led to the preclinical study of many promising pharmacological therapies, all with the goal of improving neurologic outcome. A few of these drugs have stood the test of a...