cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Direct mate choice for simultaneous acoustic and visual courtship displays in the damselfish, Dascyllus albisella (Pomacentridae)

Acoustic signals are well established as key components of mate selection in terrestrial species, but not in aquatic species. It has long been known that damselfish (Pomacentridae) use a combined visual and acoustic display in their courtship.. This study examined several male qualities including individual size, courtship vigor, territory size and complexity, as well as components of the acoustic call including dominant frequency, pulse characteristics and repetition rate. The objective was to determine which male traits were correlated with mating success. Observations made over ten reproductive cycles revealed that female mate choices were not random and that male mating success was correlated with courtship rate (a simultaneous visual and acoustic cue) and the number of neighboring females, but not with male morphological traits, territory quality, or acoustic call structure. These results suggest that females choose mates based on a condition-dependent trait (courtship rate) that advertises quality of paternal care, which supports good parent models of sexual selection, thereby demonstrating the importance of the combined acoustic/visual display for sexual selection in fishes
Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 signaling to mitochondria in necrotic cell death requires RIP1/TRAF2-mediated JNK1 activation.

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) hyperactivation-induced necrosis has been implicated in several pathophysiological conditions. Although mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis-inducing factor translocation from the mitochondria to the nucleus have been suggested to play very important roles in PARP-1-mediated cell death, the signaling events downstream of PARP-1 activation in initiating mitochondria dysfunction are not clear. Here we used the DNA alkylating agent N-methyl-N′-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine, a potent PARP-1 activator, to study PARP-1 activation-mediated cell death. We found, based on genetic knockouts and pharmacological inhibition, that c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), especially JNK1, but not the other groups of mitogen-activated protein kinase, is required for PARP-1-induced mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis-inducing factor translocation, and subsequent cell death. We reveal that receptor-interacting protein 1 (RIP1) and tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 2 (TRAF2), are upstream of JNK in PARP-1 hyperactivated cells, because PARP-1-induced JNK activation was attenuated in RIP1-/- and TRAF2-/- mouse embryonic fibroblast cells. Consistently, knockouts of RIP1 and TRAF2 caused a resistance to PARP-1-induced cell death. Therefore, our study uncovers that RIP1, TRAF2, and JNK comprise a pathway to mediate the signaling from PARP-1 overactivation to mitochondrial dysfunction.
How safe is spinal anesthesia in present day practice

Spinal analgesia may be considered as safe as any method of pain relief, provided meticulous care is observed, common sense is exercised, and the technique is reserved for patients who want it, surgeons who desire it, and anesthetists who can perform it intelligently.
Development of mini-cyclones as the size-selective inlet of miniature particle detectors

Abstract The recent development of miniature particle detectors stems from the demanding need to monitor/measure particles, especially nanoparticles, at the personal level for epidemiological studies or studies investigating the interaction among genes and environmental factors, including particulates. Light scattering and electrical mobility techniques have been implemented in these mini-devices for monitoring submicron particles. The presence of large particles in the sampling stream, however, affects the performance of these mini-detectors. Prototype mini-cyclones were thus developed as a size selective inlet for mini-particle detectors. In this study two “quarter-sized” mini-cyclones were designed to remove particles larger than 1.0 and 0.3 μm at a flow rate of 0.3 lpm, and their performance was experimentally evaluated. The performance of prototypes was also compared with that of existing personal sampling cyclones. Further, empirical models to estimate the performance of the prototype mini-cyclones (i.e., the 50% cutoff particle size and pressure drop) were also established. The developed linear regression model can thus serve as the tool for the future design of mini-cyclones with the similar size and configuration.
Superficial burn from application of v+pad to obtain hemostasis in an infant.

Several methods exist for achieving hemostasis at the arterial puncture site after an endovascular procedure. Methods include manual compression, arterial closure devices, and, most recently, hemostatic patches or pads. Arterial closure devices and hemostatic patches or pads are beneficial in that they allow for earlier ambulation and decrease time to hemostasis [1]. However, there are possible complications from their use, including bleeding, hematoma, pseudoaneurysm, arteriovenous fistulas, or local vascular thrombosis. Aside from rash, there have been no previously reported dermatological complications from the use of a hemostatic pad. We present a case in which an infant developed a superficial chemical burn after application of a V?Pad (Angiotech, Gainsville, FL). Case Report
Mos mediates the mitotic activation of p42 MAPK in Xenopus egg extracts.

Abstract The ERK1/ERK2 MAP kinases (MAPKs) are transiently activated during mitosis, and MAPK activation has been implicated in the spindle assembly checkpoint and in establishing the timing of an unperturbed mitosis [1–4]. The MAPK activator MEK1 is required for mitotic activation of p42 MAPK in Xenopus egg extracts; however, the identity of the kinase that activates MEK1 is unknown. Here we have partially purified a Cdc2-cyclin B-induced MEK-activating protein kinase from mitotic Xenopus egg extracts and identified it as the Mos protooncoprotein, a MAP kinase kinase kinase present at low levels in mitotic egg extracts, early embryos, and somatic cells. Immunodepletion of Mos from interphase egg extracts was found to abolish Δ90 cyclin B-Cdc2-stimulated p42 MAPK activation. In contrast, immunodepletion of Raf-1 and B-Raf, two other MEK-activating kinases present in Xenopus egg extracts, had little effect on cyclin-stimulated p42 MAPK activation. Immunodepletion of Mos also abolished the transient activation of p42 MAPK in cycling egg extracts. Taken together, these data demonstrate that Mos is responsible for the mitotic activation of the p42 MAPK pathway in Xenopus egg extracts.
A Cloud Chamber Study of the Compton Effect

An experiment is described which is designed to test the photon theory of scattering in the energy region between 0.5 and 2.6 MEV. A small pencil of radiation from a thorium source is shot through a cloud chamber. A celluloid scatterer 0.8 mm thick is placed in the beam at the center of the chamber. Two thin lead sheets are placed parallel to, and on each side of, the primary beam, to absorb the scattered photons. A magnetic field is applied to determine the energies of the electrons. From the energy and direction of an electron ejected from the scatterer, the direction of the scattered photon expected from theory can be calculated, and is independent of any assumption about the energy of the primary photon. Out of 10,000 photographs taken, 300 electron-photon combinations were found. The angular and energy relations of these seem to indicate that the photon theory of scattering is valid. It is shown experimentally that the scattering of the electrons in the celluloid is of the right order of magnitude to account, at least in part, for the observed deviations of the results from theory.
Study Of Possible Solarization - Related Impurities In CaF2 And Other Fluorides

CaF2, MgF2 and SrF2 representative samples were obtained from three commercial single crystal sources. After repolishing their surfaces, all samples were subjected to spectographic quantitative chemical analysis, uv-visible and infrared transmission spectrophotometry, and infrared reflection spectrophotometry. A correlation of optical properties observed and trace impurities or dopants found by chemical analysis was observed, and details are presented.
Biochemical Characterization of the Human RAD51 Protein III. MODULATION OF DNA BINDING BY ADENOSINE NUCLEOTIDES

Adenosine nucleotides affect the ability of RecA·single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) nucleoprotein filaments to cooperatively assume and maintain an extended structure that facilitates DNA pairing during recombination. Here we have determined that ADP and ATP/ATPγS affect the DNA binding and aggregation properties of the human RecA homolog human RAD51 protein (hRAD51). These studies have revealed significant differences between hRAD51 and RecA. In the presence of ATPγS, RecA forms a stable complex with ssDNA, while the hRAD51 ssDNA complex is destabilized. Conversely, in the presence of ADP and ATP, the RecA ssDNA complex is unstable, while the hRAD51 ssDNA complex is stabilized. We identified two hRAD51·ssDNA binding forms by gel shift analysis, which were distinct from a well defined RecA·ssDNA binding form. The available evidence suggests that a low molecular weight hRAD51·ssDNA binding form (hRAD51·ssDNAlow) correlates with active ADP and ATP processing. A high molecular weight hRAD51·ssDNA aggregate (hRAD51·ssDNAhigh) appears to correlate with a form that fails to process ADP and ATP. Our data are consistent with the notion that hRAD51 is unable to appropriately coordinate ssDNA binding with adenosine nucleotide processing. These observations suggest that other factors may assist hRAD51 in order to mirror RecA recombinational function.
All-PCB transmission line with low loss and dispersion up to Ka band

A novel approach for constructing a low-cost transmission line by stacking machined printed circuit boards (PCBs) is proposed. The line mimics the fully enclosed rectangular coaxial line with over 75% air and, therefore, demonstrates a low-loss and low-dispersion performance. The approach is employed to design and fabricate a transmission line operating up to the Ka band with only 0.15 dB/cm maximum measured insertion loss at 40 GHz. This study demonstrates the suitability of the stacked PCBs for realization of wideband 3D transmission lines for centimeter-wave and millimeter-wave applications with much lower cost than the available microfabrication processes.
Fructose diphosphate aldolase of spinach leaf: primary structure around the substrate-binding site.

Abstract The active site of spinach aldolase was labeled by reduction of the Schiff-base intermediate formed with radioactive dihydroxyacetone phosphate and a pentapeptide containing the radioactive β-glyceryllysine residue was isolated from proteolytic digests. This peptide has the sequence: Leu-Leu-βLys-Pro-Ser. This sequence differs from that of the corresponding peptide in vertebrate muscle and liver aldolases only in the serine residue, which replaces the asparagine residue present in other aldolases. Information was also sought pertaining to the intracellular distribution of this aldolase. Two chromatographic forms of aldolase were detected. The major form was was present in both the cell sap and in chloroplasts, while the minor component was present almost entirely in the former.
Venus lightning: An update

The evidence for Venus lightning comes from three distinct sources: the Venera 11-14 landers, the Venera 9 orbiter and the Pioneer Venus orbiter. The largest data set and the one being analyzed most thoroughly at present comes the VLF electric field experiment on PVO spacecraft. Recent results show that the Poynting flux out of the atmosphere is consistent with that expected from a terrestrial sized source of lightning or possibly one much greater. Estimates of the flash rate from the statistics of impulsive signals also points to a source that is stronger than the terrestrial source. Ongoing studies of the polarization of the signals and their properties relative to their direction of propagation as well as a recalibration of the Pioneer Venus star sensor promise to provide continuing information on this phenomenon.
Selection of Ribosomal Mutants by Antibiotic Suppression in Yeast

Wild-type Saccharomyces cerevisiae is highly resistant to streptomycin. A histidine auxotroph was found which could grow without histidine in the presence of high concentrations of streptomycin. Selection for derivatives of this strain which could be suppressed by much lower concentrations of streptomycin yielded streptomycin-sensitive mutants which are cold-sensitive and have altered ribosomal profiles.
Derepression with decreased expression of the G6PD locus on the inactive X chromosome in normal human cells

Studies of a unique clone of skin fibroblasts from a normal 46 XX female reveal that the G6PD locus on the inactive X chromosome has been derepressed. The reactivation event occurs spontaneously, and is associated with normal karyotype, including the presence of a late-replicating X chromosome. Analysis of mouse-human hybrids with the relevant chromosome provides evidence that the derepressed locus is on the inactive X, and that reactivation is not extensive (the PGK locus is not derepressed). Nor is any general change in DNA methylation of this chromosome detectable with Hpa II and an X-specific DNA probe. Studies of the glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase phenotype in these heterozygous cells indicate that the reactivated X produces only half the enzyme subunits as are produced by the active X. Although this dosage difference may be related to the mutational event responsible for derepression of the locus, these observations along with other evidence suggest that loci on the inactive X, when expressed, have less activity than corresponding loci on the active X.
Neonatal Androgen Affects Copulatory Behavior in the Female Musk Shrew

The role of neonatal testosterone in the development of copulatory behavior was examined in an insectivore, the musk shrew (Suncus murinus). Female musk shrews were treated with testosterone propionate (TP) for the first 5 days of life and then tested in adulthood for either female or male-like copulatory behavior. Early TP had a masculinizing effect; neonatally treated animals mounted a stimulus female more frequently, and with shorter latencies, in response to adult testosterone treatment than did control females. Neonatally androgenized females also showed deficits in female sexual behavior; few received ejaculations from stud males. This difference was likely caused by increased aggression exhibited by the neonatally TP-treated females toward males. In turn, female aggression decreased efficiency of male partners' intromission attempts. Early TP treatments also caused structural abnormalities in the ovaries, but did not effect their capacity to ovulate in response to either gonadotropin-releasing hormone or human chorionic gonadotropin injection. In sum, exposure to TP during development augmented display of male-like behavior in females and had subtle deleterious effects on expression of feminine behavior.
The effects of acute total asphyxia and metabolic acidosis on cerebrospinal fluid bicarbonate regulation in newborn puppies.

The Effects of Acute Total Asphyxia and Metabolic Acidosis on Cerebrospinal Fluid Bicarbonate Regulation in Newborn Puppies
A user-supplied concrete material model for ADINA

Abstract ADINA's capability in providing the user with the option to construct his/her own material model is employed to add a simple concrete material model. The simplicity of the model arises from the assumption of a uniaxial state of stress and it can be used for nonlinear analysis of members under primarily flexural and/or axial load. The effectiveness of the model under monotonic, as well as cyclic loading, is shown through analyses of three test problems.
Kinetic Flux-Vector Splitting for the Navier-Stokes Equations

Before a hybrid scheme can be developed combining the direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method and a Navier?Stokes (NS) representation, one must have access to compatible kinetic-split fluxes from the NS portion of the hybrid scheme. The kinetic theory basis is given for the development of the required fluxes from the Chapman?Enskog velocity distribution function for a simple gas; and these are then extended to a polyatomic gas by use of the Eucken approximation. The derived fluxes are then used to implement boundary conditions at solid surfaces that are based on concepts associated with kinetic theory and the DSMC method. This approach is shown to lead to temperature slip and velocity slip as a natural outcome of the new formulation, a requirement for use in the near-continuum regime where DSMC and NS must be joined. Several different flows, for which solid boundaries are not present, are computed using the derived fluxes, together with a second-order finite-volume scheme, and the results are shown to agree well with several established numerical schemes for the NS equations.
Effect of ovariectomy on the local residual ridge remodeling.

Abstract Statement of problem. Osteoporosis and edentulism are two disease processes that affect a large group of elderly people in the United States (24 and 25 million, respectively). These two diseases are independent of each other; however, they have several pathologic symptoms in common, such as reduction in bone mass. Purpose. The purpose of this study was to determine whether estrogen deficiency or its replacement therapy have any effect on the phenomenon of residual ridge remodeling. Material and methods. Three animal groups were formed that consisted of six female Sprague-Dawley rats each. The two groups had ovariectomy and received either a vehicle solution or a daily dose (1.5 μg/day) of 17β-estradiol delivered through osmotic pumps. The control group underwent sham surgery and received a vehicle solution. Animals were pair fed throughout the experiment. Unilateral molar extraction was performed in the maxilla, which produced a suitable site for examination of histologic characteristics and molecular biologic analyses. At the 4-week postextraction period the bone remodeling activity was noted at the surface of the residual ridge in the control group. Results. The ovariectomized group showed increased bone resorption activity, whereas the surface of the residual ridge alveolar bone of the ovariectomized and estrogen-treated group was covered by a layer of hyaline tissue. Poly(A)+ ribonucleic acid samples were isolated from the remodeling residual ridge tissues. Expression of α2(I), α1(II), α1(IX), and α1(X) collagens were examined by ribonucleic acid transfer dot blots. Compared with the control group, ovariectomized animals showed a reduction in bone formation with decreased expressions of type I and II collagens. In contrast, the estrogen-treatment group showed decreased formation of type I collagen with a much increased expression of type II collagen. Further examination of type II collagen formation on the ovariectomized and estrogen-treated group by means of in situ hybridization revealed the notable labeling by the type IIA collagen probe, which was associated with the surface tissue of the residual ridge alveolar bone. Conclusion. These findings suggest that estrogen deficiency and its replacement therapy seem to affect the activity of residual ridge bone remodeling at the molecular level. (J Prosthet Dent 1997;77:435-43.)
Effect of the halide counterion in the ROMP of exo-benzyl-[2-(3,5-dioxo-10-oxa-4-aza tricyclo[5.2.1.02,6] dec -8 -en-4 -yl)ethyl]dimethyl ammonium bromide/chloride

We describe results relating to the effect of halide counterion in the ROMP of a permanently cationic exo-7-oxanorbornene derivative. Statistical copolymerizations of exo-benzyl-[2-(3,5-dioxo-10-oxa-4-aza-tricyclo[5.2.1.0 2,6 ]dec-8-en-4-yl)ethyr]dimethyl ammonium bromide/chloride were conducted at different molar ratios and the polymerizations evaluated with respect to their kinetic features, as well as their molecular mass profiles, as a function of conversion, and the ability to produce materials with narrow molecular mass distributions. The polymerization characteristics are rationalized in terms of the in situ formation of the mixed Grubbs' derivative RuClBr(PCy 3 ) 2 CHPh and/or the dibromo analog RuBr 2 (PCy 3 ) 2 CHPh.
Peter Andrews: Owls, Caves and Fossils. Predation, Preservation, and Accumulation of small Mammal Bones in Caves, with an Analysis of the Pleistocene Cave Faunas from Westbury-Sub-Mendip, Somerset, UK

(1992). Peter Andrews: Owls, Caves and Fossils. Predation, Preservation, and Accumulation of small Mammal Bones in Caves, with an Analysis of the Pleistocene Cave Faunas from Westbury-Sub-Mendip, Somerset, UK. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology: Vol. 12, No. 1, pp. 126-127.
EGF receptor ligands

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor ligands. The mammalian ligands that bind the EGF receptor (EGFR [HER1, Erb-B1]) include EGF, transforming growth factor-α (TGFα), heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF), amphiregulin (AR), betacellulin (BTC), epiregulin (EPR), and epigen [1–4,24]. Each of the mature peptide growth factors is characterized by a consensus sequence consisting of six spatially conserved cysteine residues (CX7 CX4–5 CX10–13 CXCX8 C) that form three intramolecular disulfide bonds. In addition to binding EGFR, HB-EGF, BTC, and EPR are reported to also bind HER4. Mature HB-EGF and AR also contain an amino-terminal heparin-binding domain (HBD). All ligands are made as type I transmembrane proteins that are inserted into the plasma membrane and then cleaved by cell surface proteases to release mature growth factor that binds EGFR. The rapid local capture of TGFα by the EGFR has fundamental biological importance and is a phenomenon that is critical in diverse biological processes such as vulva development in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) and hair follicle organization in mammals. Rapid consumption of TGFα by EGFR also appears to be important in mammalian hair follicle development. If this signaling is disrupted, as in the case of TGFα and EGFR null mice, the hair follicle is disorganized, resulting in an overt phenotype of wavy whiskers and lack of proper coat development.
Corrosion performance of conventional (ASTM A615) and low-alloy (ASTM A706) reinforcing bars embedded in concrete and exposed to chloride environments

Conventional reinforcing steel is used in the majority of reinforced concrete structures. In general, steel reinforcement meeting ASTM A615 specifications has been the predominant reinforcement used for these structures. Low-alloy reinforcing steel (ASTM A706) was developed and is being marketed to improve ductility and weldability deficiencies associated with the ASTM A615 reinforcement. Several State Highway Agencies have adopted the use of these low-alloy reinforcing steels. Limited research has been performed on the corrosion characteristics of the steel reinforcement meeting ASTM A706 specifications. This paper presents results from a laboratory study on the critical chloride threshold, macrocell corrosion rates, and mass loss testing for ASTM A706 and ASTM A615 reinforcing steels embedded in concrete and exposed to chloride solution. Results from this study indicate that ASTM A706 reinforcing steel exhibits lower critical chloride threshold levels and higher corrosion rates than ASTM A615 reinforcing steel when embedded in cementitious materials.
A secure ECC-based RFID authentication scheme integrated with ID-verifier transfer protocol

Abstract IoT (Internet of Things) is a type of network where ICT (Information and Communication Technology) links any physical objects to the internet to perform information exchange. Owing to the congenital advantages RFID is expected to play a key role as enabling identification technology in IoT. At the same time, its integration with sensing technologies brings wide applicability in many productive sectors. On the other hand, security appears to be one of the most challenging areas about designing the RFID system. The problems of authentication and privacy are fundamental to RFID security. It is well known that elliptic curve cryptosystem (ECC) based algorithms would be best choice among PKC algorithms due to their small key sizes and efficient computations. In this paper, we proposed a secure ECC-based RFID authentication scheme integrated with ID-verifier transfer protocol. The proposed scheme can achieve mutual authentication and satisfy the essential requirements of RFID system. Performance evolution and function comparison demonstrate that the proposed scheme is well suited for RFID tags with the scarceness of resources.
The Technology of Transition: Sexpartite to Quadripartite Vaulting in High Gothic Architecture

With few exceptions, prior to the year 1200, square-planned vaults of sexpartite figuration were used in the high bays of larger Gothic churches. After 1200, in the original construction of all High Gothic churches, only rectangular-planned, quadripartite vaults were used. Previous explanations for this phenomenon have focused primarily on the stylistic implications of the change in vault configuration, while others have pointed to certain constructional differences. Yet none of these adequately explain the sudden shift. This paper, based on an analysis of the structural forces developed during high vault construction, offers a new theory that clearly points to the reason for the obsolescence of the sexpartite systems for the later buildings.
Time to Foster a Rational Approach to Preventing Cardiovascular Morbid Events

Efforts to prevent atherosclerotic morbid events have focused primarily on risk factor prevention and intervention. These approaches, based on the statistical association of risk factors with events, have dominated clinical practice in the last generation. Because the cardiovascular abnormalities eventuating in morbid events are detectable in the arteries and heart before the development of symptomatic disease, recent efforts have focused on identifying the presence of these abnormalities as a more sensitive and specific guide to the need for therapy. Advances in noninvasive techniques for studying the vasculature and the left ventricle now provide the opportunity to use early disease rather than risk factors as the tool for clinical decision making. A disease scoring system has been developed using 10 tests of vascular and cardiac function and structure. More extensive data to confirm the sensitivity and specificity of this scoring system and to demonstrate its utility in tracking the response to therapy are needed to justify widespread application in clinical practice.
The migration of interstitial H in diamond and its pairing with substitutional B and N. Molecular orbital theory

We present results of atom superposition and electron delocalization molecular orbital (ASED-MO) calculations of interactions of interstitial H with substitutional B and N in diamond. Nearest-neighbor and next-nearest-neighbor C atoms were relaxed in geometry depending on the cluster size, XC34H36 or XC70H60, respectively, where X = B or N and the H atoms saturate the surface dangling radical orbitals of the models. A small Jahn-Teller distortion occurs for interstitial B, a shallow acceptor which, in the B− state, sits in a tetrahedral lattice site. For interstitial N distortions are large, with a long C-N distance which stabilizes a ŝ∗ orbital that would otherwise be in the conduction band. This orbital has one electron in it and has its greatest amplitude on C; the bonding counterpart has its greatest amplitude on N and is similar to the N lone-pair orbital in amines. The calculations indicate that N is a deep donor and N+ relaxes to the tetrahedral lattice site. Interstitial H is a mid-band-gap donor and is possibly also an acceptor with a high 1.9 eV calculated activation energy barrier to migration. Interstitial H+ is expected to be very mobile, with a migration barrier of 0.1 eV. H− is predicted to be relatively immobile with an activation barrier for migration of 2.5 eV. The mobility of bond-inserted H around B in BH pairs should be high, with a calculated activation energy of 0.13 eV, but for N the comparable process has an activation energy of 2.50 eV. In NH pairs the interstitial H has formed a bond with the radical orbital on the C, so donation would be from the lone-pair orbital on N, which lies deep in the band gap; hence, the donor property is passivated.
Theory of defect complexes at semiconductor surfaces

Abstract We report calculations of deep levels associated with defect complexes at semiconductor surfaces. For the antistructure defect (As Ga , Ga As ) at the (110) surface of GaAs, the results are qualitatively the same as the sum of those for the individual antisite defects As Ga and Ga As — a donor level and two acceptor levels within the band gap.
Categorizing Behavior and Stimulus Boundness

Su7nrnary.-Individ~al differences in stimulus boundness were hypothesized to underlie number of cctegories formed on object sort and similarity berween category labels and charccteristics of objects in categories. Experimental sorting instructions accentuated and attenuated, respectively, rhe effects of stimulus boundness. Free sort was used ro designate Ss as high or low categorizers. Significant main effects were found for experimental instructions and categorizing tendencies, confirming the main hypothesis and the reliability of categorizing behavior. The relationship between similarity of category labeb and number of categories, although confirming the prediction, suggests the presence of a curvilinear relationship, decreasing in strength toward the lower range of srimu
The Excretion of Tritiated Digoxin in Normal Human Volunteers Before and After Unilateral Nephrectomy

Six normal human volunteers as renal transplant donors were given 3H-digoxin before and again after unilateral nephrectomy. The serum digoxin concentration was modestly increased following nephrectomy, the serum digoxin half-time was slightly prolonged, and total digoxin excretion for the group was reduced by only 6.4% during a 7-day study. Four of the six patients studied before and after unilateral nephrectomy exhibited no important reduction in digoxin excretion after nephrectomy; two patients excreted only 66% and 64% as much of the administered dose of digoxin as they had excreted compared to the control study. The removal of one kidney from an individual whose remaining kidney is normal does not usually cause significant reduction in the excretion of tritiated digoxin, and one may conclude that in such instances nephrectomy should not in itself prompt a change in digoxin dosage provided the remaining kidney achieves its expected increased functional capacity. The adequacy of renal function determine...
Chenodeoxycholic acid synthesis in the hamster: A metabolic pathway via 3β, 7α-dihydroxy-5-cholen-24-oic acid

The quantitative significance of the metabolism of 3 beta, 7 alpha-dihydroxy-5-cholen-24-oic acid to chenodeoxycholic acid was evaluated in the hamster. A precursor-product relationship was established in this species by the finding that intravenous administration to an animal previously given cholesterol-4-14C caused a significant reduction in the specific activity of chenodeoxycholic acid. Administration of 12.9 mumole of the precursor was followed by a 10-fold increase in chenodeoxycholic acid excretion although the predominant excretory pathway was via biliary excretion as a monosulfate. The data indicate that synthesis of bile acid from cholesterol via the intermediate 3 beta, 7 alpha-dihydroxy-5-cholen-24-oic acid can be a quantitatively important pathway.
Breaking up isn't easy: myosin V and its cargoes need Dma1 ubiquitin ligase's help.

In this issue of Developmental Cell, Yau et al. (2014) report that degradation of cargo adapters releases yeast vacuoles and peroxisomes from myosin V (Myo2) and terminates organelle transport from the mother cell to the bud.
Walsh diagram for zinc difluoride

Abstract An ab initio self-consistent-field study of the electronic structure of ZnF 2 has been carried out using an extended basis set. The resulting Walsh diagram and molecular orbitals are discussed, and several calculated molecular properties reported.
A Probabilistic Model and Software Tool for Evaluating the Long-Term Performance of Landfill Covers

Abstract A probabilistic model and software tool has been developed to assist in the selection, design, and monitoring of long-term covers for contaminated subsurface sites. The software platform contains multiple modules that can be used to simulate relevant features, events, and processes that include water flux through the cover, source-term release, vadose-zone transport, saturated-zone transport, gas transport, and exposure pathways. The component models are integrated into a probabilistic total-system performance-assessment model within a drag-and-drop software platform. Uncertainty and sensitivity analyses can be conducted that yield the following primary benefits: (1) quantification of uncertainty in the simulated performance metrics; (2) identification of parameters most important to performance; and (3) comparison of alternative designs to optimize cost and performance. A case study has been performed using the Monticello Mill Tailings Site in Utah to illustrate the important features and benefits of the modeling approach and software.
Triplet States and Electronic Relaxation in Photoexcited Graphene Quantum Dots

Electronic relaxation in photoexcited graphenes is central to their photoreactivity and their optoelectrical applications such as photodetectors and solar cells. Herein we report on the first ensemble studies of electronic energy relaxation pathways in colloidal graphene quantum dots with uniform size. We show that the photoexcited graphene quantum dots have a significant probability of relaxing into triplet states and emit both phosphorescence and fluorescence at room temperature, with relative intensities depending on the excitation energy. Because of the long lifetime and reactivity of triplet electronic states, our results could have significant implications for applications of graphenes.
Inclusive charged hadron and K0 production in two-photon interactions

The analogous process to quark pair production in e{sup +} e{sup {minus}} annihilation is the hard-scattering quark exchange process in {gamma}{gamma} interactions. This hard-scattering process is expected to dominate the cross section at high transverse momenta of the produced quarks. Experimentally, one has looked for this process in two-jet as well as inclusive particle production and has found a relatively low PT onset of hard scattering in {gamma}{gamma} interactions. This report examines the issue in more detail (high statistics) for charged particle inclusive production and checks if the heavier flavors display a similar behavior in inclusive K{sup 0} production.
Patterns of Convergence and Divergence Among Industrialized Nations: 1960 - 1988

Increased communication, trade and travel between countries act to bring them together in many respects. The present study examines similarities in macro-environmental characteristics of eighteen industrialized nations over a twenty-eight-year period. Contrary to the initial research proposition, countries were found to be diverging, especially in the latter part of the time period. In spite of the increased communications, travel and trade between countries, physical distance remains an important determinant of macro-environmental similarity. Two measures of national culture, Power Distance and Individualism, were found to be related to change in macro-environmental factors.
Non-U.S. Human Space Transportation Failures

Non-U.S. human space transportation history from 1961 through 2007 is reviewed. Past and present non-U.S. human space programs and human space launch vehicles and spacecraft are briefly discussed. Category and chronological list of non-U.S. human space missions are presented. The emphasis of the study is on the investigation of mission failures and major anomalies encountered in non-U.S. human space transportation history. Failures and major anomalies by part, root cause, element, function, domain, and component are analyzed. Failure outcome, failure mode, time of failure, and mission reliability relevant to flight safety analysis are examined. Findings and failure mitigation strategy are summarized.
Profiles of cognitive performance associated with reading disability in temporal lobe epilepsy

92 patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) were classified into reading deficient (RD; N = 41) and non-reading deficient (no-RD; N = 51) groups. A cutoff of 80 was used to further classify patients as having low average or better (AVG: IQ > 79) or below average (LOW: 69 < IQ < 80) intellectual ability. Differences between RD-AVG and no-RD-AVG patients in profiles of performance on cognitive tests were specific to verbal and non-verbal memory and verbal abilities, but not visuoconstructional and executive abilities. RD-LOW patients exhibited globally reduced abilities. Profiles of performance on cognitive tests were sensitive to side of seizure onset in the no-RD AVG group, but not the RD-AVG or RD-LOW groups. These data suggest that a group of patients with TLE and reduced academic achievement exhibit cognitive deficits suggestive of a language learning disability, and that cognitive tests are less sensitive to side of seizure onset in this group.
The Strength of Liquid Bridges Between Dissimilar Materials

Abstract The strength of the liquid bridge between a sphere and a plate of dissimilar materials was studied. An equation was derived using the surface energy approach. For small amounts of liquid, the force of adhesion f was f=2πRy(cosθ1 + cosθ2 where R is the sphere radius, y is the surface tension, and θ2 , θ2 the contact angles. In the derivationn, major simplications about the meniscus shape were possible. The equation was experimentally tested with water, ethyl alcohol, aniline and iodobenzene using factorial combinations with different solids. Force of adhesion measurements were carried out using a tensile testing machine at controlled loading rates. Excellent agreement was obtained in the experimental and predicted adhesion values. The McFarlane-Tabor equation was identified as correct only for small amounts of liquids and similarly wet solids.
A linear algorithm for computing automorphic equivalence classes: the numerical signatures approach

Abstract An efficient method for computing role (automorphic) equivalences in large networks is described. Numerical signatures (real numbers) are generated for each node. Role-identical nodes share common numerical signatures. The decomposition of the node set into classes by reference to the numerical signatures helps determine the automorphic equivalence classes of a network. The technique is applicable to symmetric and directed networks, and to graphs with multiple link types. The algorithm is linear with respect to the number of links in the network. Its theoretical foundation exploits properties of transcendental numbers.
Effects of a Very-Low-Carbohydrate Diet with Nutritional Supplementation in Overweight Individuals

PURPOSE: Obesity-related illness is the second-leading preventable cause of death in the United States. As the prevalence of obesity increases, many Americans are turning to very-low-carbohydrate diets to lose weight despite little scientific information regarding efficacy and safety. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the body mass and metabolic effects of a very-low-carbohydrate diet and nutritional supplementation in healthy, overweight individuals. METHODS: Fifty-one overweight (BMI > 25 kg/m2), otherwise healthy individuals (normal history, physical exam and basic laboratory tests) were recruited into this six-month, single-arm, prospective clinical trial. The intervention included dietary counseling based on a popular very-low-carbohydrate (ketone-producing) diet book, group meetings (every other week for 3 months, then monthly for 3 months), daily nutritional supplementation (consisting of vitamins, minerals and oils) and an exercise recommendation. Dietary adherence was monitored by urinary ketone measurement. RESULTS: Forty-one of 51 subjects (80%) attended visits through 16 weeks. This efficacy analysis is based on data from these 41 individuals through 16 weeks. The mean age was 43.7 years (SD = 8.9); 76% were female; 76% were Caucasian, 22% were African-American. At baseline, the mean weight was 87.0 kg (SD = 11.1), BMI was 31.4 kg/m2 (SD = 2.8, range: 25.8 to 39.7 kg/m2), total cholesterol was 214.5 mg/dl (SD = 34.9), LDL was 134.4 mg/dl (SD = 30.4), HDL was 52.5 mg/dl (SD = 13.5), triglycerides were 129.9 mg/dl (SD = 61.9) and total cholesterol/HDL ratio was 4.3 (SD = 1.3). All subjects lost weight after 16 weeks (range: 2.7 to 17.0 kg). Mean weight decreased by 9.7 kg (SD = 3.4, p < 0.001 by paired t-test); mean BMI decreased by 3.5 kg/m2 (SD = 1.2, range: 1.1 to 6.2 kg/m2, p < 0.001). The amount of weight loss positively correlated with level of urinary ketones (p = 0.003). After 16 weeks, there were significant changes in mean total cholesterol of −11.8 mg/dl (p = 0.03), triglycerides of −52.1 mg/dl (p < 0.001), HDL of +4.7 mg/dl (p = 0.006) and total cholesterol/HDL ratio of −0.7 (p < 0.001). There was no statistically significant change in mean LDL. There were no significant changes over 16 weeks in mean serum uric acid (5.1 to 5.2 mg/dl) or creatinine (0.86 to 0.85 mg/dl), but mean BUN increased from 12.7 to 15.9 mg/dl (p < 0.001). There were no clinically significant adverse effects of the diet. CONCLUSION: In this study of healthy, overweight individuals, a very-low-carbohydrate diet with nutritional supplementation led to weight loss of 0.6 kg per week. This dietary approach was efficacious for weight loss while significantly improving total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL and total cholesterol/HDL ratio.
Duplex Doppler Ultrasound Examination of the Portal Venous System: An Emerging Novel Technique for the Estimation of Portal Vein Pressure

Purpose Measurement of portal venous pressure in patients with portal hypertension is important to assess efficacy of beta blockers in patients with esophageal varices. Currently, the gold standard for measurement of portal venous pressure is the estimation of hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG). Being an invasive technique, serial measurements of HVPG are not feasible in clinical practice. In this respect, duplex Doppler ultrasound (DDUS) examination is an upcoming non-invasive technique for the estimation of portal venous and splanchnic hemodynamics. The aim of the present review is to analyze the current literature focusing on how the two techniques compare to each other in terms of assessing the portal pressure and assessing pitfalls in the current technique.
Dynamic expression of two thrombospondins during axolotl limb regeneration

The molecular processes underlying regeneration remain largely unknown. Several potential factors have been elucidated by focusing on the regenerative function of genes originally identified in a developmental context. A complementary approach is to consider the roles of factors involved in wound healing. Here we focus on the Thrombospondins, a family of secreted extracellular matrix proteins that have been implicated in skin wound healing in mammals. We show that a subset of Thrombospondins are expressed at distinct times and in particular cell types during axolotl limb regeneration. Our studies have revealed the axolotl orthologs of thrombospondin-1 (tsp-1) and thrombospondin-4 (tsp-4) are highly upregulated during limb regeneration in patterns both distinct and similar to larval limb development. Our data suggest that thrombospondins may be key regulators of limb regeneration in axolotl, while their activation appears to be relegated solely to wound healing in vertebrates that have lost the ability to regenerate limbs.
Analysis of conductor-backed coplanar waveguide

The transmission properties of a coplanar waveguide printed on conductor-backed substrates are analysed using the spectral-domain technique. For a fixed substrate thickness, the characteristic impedance and the phase constant may be varied independently by simply adjusting the widths of the centre strip and the slots in the transmission line.
Seasonal and interannual variation of bacterial production in lowland rivers of the Orinoco basin

SUMMARY 1. We examined the influence of hydrologic seasonality on temporal variation of planktonic bacterial production (BP) in relatively undisturbed lowland rivers of the middle Orinoco basin, Venezuela. We sampled two clearwater and two blackwater rivers over 2 years for dissolved organic carbon (DOC), chlorophyll, phosphorus and bacterial abundance to determine their relationship to temporal variation in BP. 2. Dissolved organic carbon concentration was greater in blackwater (543–664 lM) than in clearwater rivers (184–240 lM), and was generally higher during periods of rising and high water compared with low water. Chlorophyll concentration peaked (3 l gL )1 ) during the first year of study when discharge was lowest, particularly in blackwater rivers. Soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) was very low in the study rivers (<3.8 l gL )1 ) and concentration increased during low water. 3. Average BP was higher in clearwater (0.20–0.26 l gCL )1 h )1 ) than in blackwater rivers (0.14–0.17 l gCL )1 h )1 ), although mean bacterial abundance was similar among rivers (0.6–0.8 · 10 6 cells mL )1 ). 4. Periods of higher chlorophyll a concentration (low water) or flushing of terrestrial organic material (rising water) were accompanied by higher BP, while low BP was observed during the period of high water.
Category-level contributions to the alphanumeric category effect in visual search

Do letter and digit recognition depend on the same or different cognitive mechanisms? Letters are detected more quickly among digits than among letters; likewise, digit search is facilitated when distractors are letters, as opposed to digits. This effect suggests that different mechanisms underlie recognition of these two categories. There are, however, systematic physical differences between letters and digits that might account for the effect. We used target and distractor stimuli that facilitated within-category search when inverted, and category identity was, thereby, attenuated. However, in conditions of upright search, in which category identity was more salient, between-category search was more efficient for the same stimuli. These findings suggest that letter and digit recognition are, at least to a degree, functionally independent.
Architecting Health Management into Software Component Assemblies: Lessons Learned from the ARINC-653 Component Mode

Complex real-time software systems require an active fault management capability. While testing, verification and validation schemes and their constant evolution help improve the dependability of these systems, an active fault management strategy is essential to potentially mitigate the unacceptable behaviors at run-time. In our work we have applied the experience gained from the field of Systems Health Management towards component-based software systems. The software components interact via well-defined concurrency patterns and are executed on a real-time component framework built upon ARINC-653 platform services. In this paper, we present the lessons learned in architecting and applying a two-level health management strategy to assemblies of software components.
Reducing Logistics Costs at General Motors

Automobile and truck production at General Motors involves shipping a broad variety of materials, parts, and components from 20,000 supplier plants to over 160 GM plants. To help reduce logistics costs at GM, the decision tool TRANSPART was developed. In its initial application for GM's Delco Electronics Division, TRANSPART identified a 26 percent logistics cost savings opportunity ($2.9 million per year). Today, TRANSPART II—a commercial version of the tool—is being used in more than 40 GM plants.