cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Structure of a Bud6/Actin Complex Reveals a Novel WH2-like Actin Monomer Recruitment Motif.

Summary In budding yeast, the actin-binding protein Bud6 cooperates with formins Bni1 and Bnr1 to catalyze the assembly of actin filaments. The nucleation-enhancing activity of Bud6 requires both a "core" domain that binds to the formin and a "flank" domain that binds monomeric actin. Here, we describe the structure of the Bud6 flank domain in complex with actin. Two helices in Bud6 flank interact with actin; one binds in a groove at the barbed end of the actin monomer in a manner closely resembling the helix of WH2 domains, a motif found in many actin nucleation factors. The second helix rises along the face of actin. Mutational analysis verifies the importance of these Bud6-actin contacts for nucleation-enhancing activity. The Bud6 binding site on actin overlaps with that of the formin FH2 domain and is also incompatible with inter-subunit contacts in F-actin, suggesting that Bud6 interacts only transiently with actin monomers during filament nucleation.
Molecular cloning and expression of Pgp-1. The mouse homolog of the human H-CAM (Hermes) lymphocyte homing receptor

Mouse phagocytic glycoprotein-1 (Pgp-1; Ly-24) is a 95-kDa glycoprotein of unknown function that has served as an important T cell/leukocyte differentiation marker. Recent work has suggested that it may be related to a human 85- to 95-kDa glycoprotein (termed variously the Hermes Ag/lymphocyte homing receptor, ECMRIII, P80, and CD44) that is involved in lymphocyte binding to high endothelial venules in the process of lymphocyte homing, and has been implicated in other cell adhesion events. The widespread expression of this molecular class in diverse organ systems suggests a broad role in cellular adhesion, and has led to the unifying designation homing-cellular adhesion molecule (H-CAM). By using human H-CAM cDNA probes, we have isolated a full-length cDNA for the mouse homolog. Comparison of the human and mouse sequences reveals that an N-terminal domain homologous to cartilage proteoglycan core and link proteins, as well as the C-terminal transmembrane and cytoplasmic sequences, are highly conserved (89% and 86% identity, respectively). In contrast, a proximal extracellular domain thought to serve as a target for O-glycosylation and chondroitin sulfate attachment has undergone substantial divergence (only 42% identity). Transient expression of the cDNA in CHO cells followed by immunologic staining confirms that this mouse H-CAM cDNA encodes Pgp-1.1, one of two known Pgp-1 alloantigens.
Beam-based BPM alignment

An operational, beam-based, null-measurement, control room procedure designed to steer the closed orbit through the effective (no steer) center of every quadrupole is described. Performance of the procedure is simulated using UAL (Unified Accelerator Libraries). Matching SNS hardware availability, quadrupole strengths are assumed to be trimmable, but only in families, not individually. The accuracy of the procedure is unaffected by geometric and/or electrical misalignment of BPM's (beam position monitors) but calibration of their misalignments is a byproduct of the procedure. Some of the many possible failure mechanisms have been modeled, and have been found not to invalidate the procedure.
Influence of a 21-Gene Recurrence Score Assay on Chemotherapy Delivery in Breast Cancer.

Abstract Background We performed an analysis to determine the relative contribution of the Oncotype DX (ODX) recurrence score (RS) results in adjuvant therapy delivery compared with traditional pathologic factors. Methods and Materials We performed a retrospective review of women with stage I-IIIA breast cancer treated at the Yale Comprehensive Cancer Center from 2006 to 2012 with available ODX results. We constructed separate logistic models with the clinicopathologic factors alone and also integrating RS and compared these models using the likelihood ratio test and c-statistic to determine whether integration of the RS will result in better prediction of chemotherapy (CTx) delivery. Results We identified 431 women with a median age of 58 years. The RS was low ( 30) in 56%, 37%, and 7%, respectively. CTx was delivered to 30% of the patients. Age, differentiation, lymphovascular invasion, and progesterone receptor (PR) positivity P P P = .74 and P = .06, respectively). The integration of the RS resulted in improved model fit and precision, indicated by the likelihood ratio test (ΔG2, 100.782; df = 2; P Conclusion Gene expression profiling appears to account for a substantial amount of variability in CTx delivery in current practice. Further work is needed to ensure appropriate test usage and cost-effectiveness.
Drinking motives and alcohol intervention for patients with HIV

Background For individuals with HIV, heavy drinking can interfere with medication adherence and impair liver function. Yet, many individuals with HIV drink heavily. A recent alcohol intervention trial [1] indicated that motivational interviewing (MI) enhanced with HealthCall (consisting of selfmonitoring and discussion of drinking data collected through self-monitoring) was effective at reducing drinking in HIV patients. Also using this data, Elliott et al. [2,3] showed that patients’ drinking motives at baseline were associated with both past-year and end-of-treatment drinking. However, it remains unknown: (a) whether motivational interventions also decreased drinking motives, and (b) whether the predictive validity of motives extended to end-of-study (i.e., 12-months post-baseline).
Gas selection and flow optimization for A 1 kHz trigatron spark gap

This paper discusses the design of a gas flow system for a 1 kHz repetition rate trigatron based spark gap. The system requires a flow rate high enough to clear the gas from the gap in under 1 ms while also maintaining the required operating pressure. The gap is a trigatron based design with an alumina insulated tungsten trigger pin. A 20 kV positive polarity pulse, with a 20 ns risetime, is applied to trigger the main gap which is charged to −40 kV. A brass guard ring is employed to shield the walls of the containment structure from contaminants in order to achieve a longer operational lifetime. Dry air and Nitrogen gasses are tested at various pressures and flow rates. Design considerations, such as inlet and outlet sizing and gap geometry, are taken into account to ensure a high air flow is achieved between the electrodes.
The melting curve of helium from 4 to 25 K

Abstract New data for the melting curve of He4 for temperatures between 4 and 25 K agree with earlier results by Mills and Grilly and by Crawford and Daniels, but disagree with the relationship given by Glassford and Smith [CRYOGENICS 6 (1966) 193] who carried out equation of state studies on fluid and solid He4. The reasons for the disagreement are not clear, but can be interpreted in terms of temperature scale inaccuracies which could have influenced all of their results.
Testing for nonrandom shape similarity between sister cells using automated shape comparison

Several reports in the biological literature have indicated that when a living cell divides, the two daughter cells have a tendency to be mirror images of each other in terms of their overall cell shape. This phenomenon would be consistent with inheritance of spatial organization from mother cell to daughters. However the published data rely on a small number of examples that were visually chosen, raising potential concerns about inadvertent selection bias. We propose to revisit this issue using automated quantitative shape comparison methods which would have no contribution from the observer and which would allow statistical testing of similarity in large numbers of cells. In this report we describe a first order approach to the problem using rigid curve matching. Using test images, we compare a pointwise correspondence based distance metric with a chamfer matching strategy and find that the latter provides better correspondence and smaller distances between aligned curves, especially when we allow nonrigid deformation of the outlines in addition to rotation.
Cactus Alkaloids XV: β-Phenethylamine Derivatives from Coryphantha macromeris var. runyonii

Eleven β-phenethylamine derivatives were isolated and identified from fresh-frozen specimens of Coryphantha macromeris var. runyonii (Br. and R.) L. Benson. Isolations were accomplished using preparative TLC, and identifications were based on chromato-graphic properties, IR and NMR spectra, and comparisons with authentic materials. The data provide initial documentation for: the occurrence of N-formylnormacromerine in nature; the first recorded detection of metanephrine and N-methylmetanephrine in the plant kingdom; the first occurrence of synephrine and N-methyltyramine in this cactus; confirmation of earlier GLC-mass spectral data on the presence of N-methyl-4-methoxy-β-phenethyl-amine, N-methyl-3,4-dimethoxy-β-phenethylamine, tyramine, and hordenine in the plant; and verification of previous reports on the isolation of macromerine and normacromerine.
Formal specification of fault-tolerance and its relation to computer security

International Workshop on Software Specification and Design 1989 (ACM SIGSOFT Engineering Notes, Volume 14, Number 3) The techniques of formal verification are one means for gaining greater assurance of the correctness of software. These techniques require precise specification of the properties to be assured. This paper formulates precise specifications corresponding to the intuitive notions of “fault tolerance” and of “graceful degradation”. An analogy is constructed between these fault-tolerance specifications and a particular class of specifications for computer security. On the basis of this analogy, it is argued that formal verification of fault tolerance will face some of the same problems, and benefit from some of the same solutions, as verification
Partnering With Industry on Mechanical Engineering Capstone Projects

The purpose of a Capstone course is to present the students with an engineering problem that needs to be solved. The students work in teams and are expected to document and research each step of the process. The idea is to mimic, as much possible, the situation encountered by engineers in the field. While industry sponsored projects are preferred, suggestions from students are also welcomed. The Mechanical Engineering (ME) and Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) Department at Eastern Washington University has traditionally pursued industry sponsored projects by reaching out to the local businesses and through the department Industrial Advisory Committee. While the ME degree is a relatively new addition, the MET degree has been offered for many years. With the addition of the ME program, change came to the Capstone course. Emphasis is placed more on research and not on production. The goal now is to create one prototype instead of fifteen while focusing heavily on the research part. This change has an effect on the dynamics of the course and presents additional challenges, especially with industry sponsored projects. These changes are relevant to both the MET and ME Capstone courses. This paper highlights these challenges for four projects done in the spring of 2012 and proposes efficient ways of addressing them. One of these projects was very successful, two were moderately successful, and one was not particularly so. Recommendations for teachers and students on the best ways to approach such a project are also highlighted.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Current practice patterns for oral chemotherapy: results of a national survey.

Purpose/objectives To describe current nursing practices in the United States regarding care and safety of patients taking oral chemotherapy. Design This three-phase study consisted of development, validation, and implementation of a national online survey. Setting Survey of oncology nurses in outpatient settings. Sample 577 oncology nurses. Methods Surveys were emailed to 5,000 members of the Oncology Nursing Society. The survey included 17 forced-choice items and one free-text item. Descriptive statistics and content analysis were obtained. Main research variables Patient care practices, nursing resources, and barriers to medication adherence. Findings Fifty-one percent of the respondents worked in practices that had developed specific policies, procedures, and resources for patients on oral chemotherapy. Barriers to treatment adherence included cost (81%) and adverse effects (72%). Practices with specific policies differed in clinical and statistical significance from practices without policies on almost every survey item. Free-text responses revealed that many practices have erratic procedures and inadequate interdisciplinary communication. Conclusions Systematic reliable policies and procedures for patient education, documentation, and interdisciplinary communication are urgently needed. Implications for nursing Nurses should provide education and repeated teaching to improve patient safety, adherence to the medication, and self-monitoring for adverse effects.
More pieces of the platelet activation puzzle slide into place.

Platelets are normally activated at sites of vascular injury by a combination of collagen exposure, local thrombin generation, and the release of ADP from damaged cells and other activated platelets. Drugs targeting ADP receptors have proved to be clinically useful in settings where platelet activation contributes to arterial thrombosis. However, until the past few years, relatively little was known about the mechanisms by which platelets respond to ADP. Indirect evidence suggested that 1 or more G proteins and G protein–coupled receptors were involved, but none of the receptors known to respond to adenine nucleotides appeared to have the necessary pharmacological profile. In vitro, ADP causes platelets to change shape (undergo cytoskeletal reorganization), secrete their storage granules, expose binding sites for fibrinogen on the αIIbβ3 integrin, and aggregate. These events all require an increase in cytosolic Ca2+ concentration and are facilitated by the ability of ADP to inhibit cAMP formation by adenylyl cyclase (1, 2).
Fourier transform infrared transmission microspectroscopy of photonic crystal structures

The detailed microscopic characterization of photonic crystal (PC) structures is challenging due to their small sizes. Generally, only the gross macroscopic behavior can be determined. This leaves in question the performance at the basic structure level. The single-incident-angle plane-wave transmittances of one-dimensional photonic crystal (PC) structures are extracted from multiple-incident-angle, focused-beam measurements. In the experimental apparatus, an infrared beam is focused by a reflecting microscope objective to produce an incident beam. This beam can be modeled as multiple, variable-intensity plane waves incident on the PC structure. The transmittance of the structure in response to a multiple-incident-angle composite beam is measured. The composite beam measurement is repeated at various incident angle orientations with respect to the sample normal so that, at each angular orientation, the included set of single-angle plane-wave components is unique. A set of measurements recorded over a range of angular orientations results in an underspecified matrix algebra problem. Regularization techniques can be applied to the problem to extract the single-angle plane-wave response of the structure from the composite measurements. Experimental results show very good agreement between the measured and theoretical single-angle plane-wave transmittances.
Fine structure of the tip of chemosensitive hairs in two blow flies and the stable fly.

Licht- und elektronenmikroskopische Studien der chemorezeptiven Spitze von Geschmackshaaren wurden bei den FliegenPhormia regina, Calliphora vicina undStomoxys calcitrans durchgefuhrt. Die Geschmackshaare dieser Fliegen ahneln sich strukturell bis auf einen ausgepragten Offnungs- und Schliessmechanismus, der fur die Geschmackshaare vonStomoxys calcitrans lichtmikroskopisch nicht nachgewiesen werden konnte. Die Resultate werden hinsichtlich der Lokalisation der chemosensiblen Membran diskutiert.
COMMUNICATION: Equivalence of Naylor-Backer Equation and Weller-Steiner Equation in Barrier Separation

Abstract Separation of gases or vapors by barriers (both porous and nonporous membranes) results from the preferential permeation of the light component out of a gaseous mixture. Calculations of enrichment in a single stage were first presented by Weller and Steiner (1) for nonporous membranes. Also, similar calculations were reported by Naylor and Backer (2) for a porous membrane. However, these results can be applied interchangeably to porous and nonporous membranes if a proper separation factor is used. The mathematical forms of these two approaches appear to be entirely different. Therefore, the aim of the present paper is to show that Eq. (15) in Weller and Steiner's paper (1) reduces to Eq. (24) of Naylor and Backer's paper (2) when the pressure of the undiffused stream becomes zero. These equations permit one to calculate the concentration of the diffused stream when the concentration of the undiffused stream, the separation factor, and the “cut” are known quantities. Both equations are derived bas...
Micromechanics Modeling of the Nonlinear Behavior of Electrostrictive Multiphase Composites

The micromechanics modeling of the nonlinear behavior of the electrostrictive multiphase composites is developed using an incremental formulation based on the variational asymptotic method for unit cell homogenization (VAMUCH), a recently developed micromechanics modeling scheme. The microstructure of composites is assumed to be periodic. Taking advantage of the small size of the microstructure, we formulate a variational statement of energy change of the unit cell through an asymptotic analysis of the functional by invoking only two essential assumptions within the concept of micromechanics. Finally, the expression of the effective instantaneous tangential electromechanical matrix of the composites are established. Several numerical examples will be used to demonstrate the capability of the present theory.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
THE ORGANIZATIONAL CAREER OF GANG STATISTICS: The Politics of Policing Gangs

This article examines the way in which the construction of a “gang” problem and the resulting “gang statistics” in a particular community, referred to as Bigcity, are related to the local political...
Identification of superficial zone articular chondrocyte stem/progenitor cells

Identification of progenitor/stem cell populations that differentiate specifically towards superficial zone articular chondrocytes is an unmet challenge for cartilage tissue engineering. Using fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis we found a characteristic pattern of "side population" (SP) stem cells identified by the Hoechst 33342 dye. We established micromass cultures from this population of cells and tested their chondrogeneic potential. Control (untreated) cultures were minimally stained for Alcian blue - a marker of chondrogenesis. However, with BMP-7 treatment, Alcian blue staining was increased. Superficial zone protein - a specific marker for articular cartilage superficial zone chondrocytes - increased with BMP-7 and/or TGF-beta1 treatment in SP micromass cultures. Our results demonstrate the presence of stem/progenitor cells in the SP fraction isolated from the surface zone of bovine cartilage and have the ability to specifically differentiate towards the superficial zone articular chondrocyte.
Radiation and nitric oxide formation in turbulent non-premixed jet flames

Radiative heat transfer has a significant effect on nitric oxide (NO) formation in turbulent non-premixed flames. Consequently, predictive models of turbulent non-premixed flames must include an accurate radiation submodel. To investigate the importance of radiation submodels in modeling NO formation, multiscalar measurements of temperature and species were coupled with radiation measurements in a series of turbulent non-premixed jet flames. A range of fuel mixtures were considered including H 2 , H 2 /He, CO/H 2 /N 2 , CH 4 /H 2 /N 2 , and partially premixed CH 4 /air. This group of flames represents a range of complexity with regard to NO formation and is currently the subject of multiple modeling efforts. Measurements of radiant fraction, temperature, and NO mass fraction have been compared with previously obtained modeling results for the H 2 , H 2 /He, and CH 4 /air flames. The results show that an emission-only radiation submodel is adequate for modeling the hydrogen flames but not the CH 4 /air flames. In one CH 4 /air flame, the emission-only computations overpredict the radiant heat loss by a factor of 2.5. A comparison of adiabatic and radiative computations shows that the inclusion of radiative losses can reduce the predicted peak NO levels by as much as 57%. An accurate radiation submodel for hydrocarbon flames must account for radiative absorption. Spectrally resolved radiation calculations show that absorption by CO 2 near 4.3 μm is primarily responsible for the increased optical density of the hydrocarbon flames. The series of turbulent jet flames considered here contains a range of CO 2 levels and provide a basis for developing a realistic radiation model that incorporates absorption by CO 2 .
Conservation in the mechanism of Nedd8 activation by the human AppBp1-Uba3 heterodimer.

Abstract Human Nedd8-activating enzyme AppBp1-Uba3 was purified to apparent homogeneity from erythrocytes. In the presence of [2,8-3H]ATP and 125I-Nedd8, heterodimer rapidly forms a stable stoichiometric ternary complex composed of tightly bound Nedd8 [3H]adenylate and Uba3-125I-Nedd8 thiol ester. Isotope exchange kinetics show that the heterodimer follows a pseudo-ordered mechanism with ATP the leading and Nedd8 the trailing substrate. Human AppBp1-Uba3 follows hyperbolic kinetics for HsUbc12 transthiolation with 125I-Nedd8 (kcat = 3.5 ± 0.2 s–1), yielding Km values for ATP (103 ± 12 μm), 125I-Nedd8 (0.95 ± 0.18 μm), and HsUbc12 (43 ± 13 nm) similar to those for ubiquitin activation by Uba1. Wild type 125I-ubiquitin fails to support AppBp1-Uba3 catalyzed activation or HsUbc12 transthiolation. However, modest inhibition of 125I-Nedd8 ternary complex formation by unlabeled ubiquitin suggests a Kd > 300 μm for ubiquitin. Alanine 72 of Nedd8 is a critical specificity determinant for AppBp1-Uba3 binding because 125I-UbR72L undergoes heterodimer-catalyzed hyperbolic HsUbc12 transthiolation and yields Km = 20 ± 9 μm and kcat = 0.9 ± 0.3 s–1. These observations demonstrate remarkable conservation in the mechanism of AppBp1-Uba3 that mirrors its sequence conservation with the Uba1 ubiquitin-activating enzyme.
Maintenance on a ketogenic diet: voluntary exercise, adiposity and neuroendocrine effects.

Background: Adherence to low-carbohydrate, ketogenic diets (KDs) has been associated with greater weight loss in the short-term than low-fat, calorie-restricted diets. However, consumption of KDs may result in decreased voluntary exercise and thus render long-term weight loss and maintenance of weight loss difficult. Methods: Rats were maintained on either a non-ketogenic chow (CH) diet or a low-carbohydrate, KD for 6 weeks. Half of each dietary group was sedentary, whereas the other half was given access to a running wheel. Running wheel activity (total distance and meters per minute), plasma leptin and insulin, adiposity, and hypothalamic mRNA for neuropeptide Y and proopiomelanocortin (POMC) were measured to assess activity-related effects in animals maintained on KD. Results: With access to a running wheel, rats on KD engaged in similar levels of voluntary activity as CH rats and both dietary groups decreased caloric intake. Caloric intake increased over time such that it was significantly greater than sedentary controls after 1 month of access to the wheels, however body weight remained decreased. Sedentary rats maintained on KD had increased adiposity and plasma leptin levels and decreased hypothalamic POMC mRNA, as compared to sedentary CH rats. KD rats with access to a running wheel had similar levels of adiposity and plasma leptin levels as CH rats with access to running wheels, but significantly increased POMC mRNA in the arcuate. Conclusion: We demonstrate that maintenance on KD does not inhibit voluntary activity in a running wheel. Furthermore, prevention of KD-related increased adiposity and plasma leptin, as measured in sedentary KD rats, significantly increases levels of the anorexigenic neuropeptide POMC mRNA.
Uncertainties in coupling constant unification.

The status of coupling constant unification in the standard model and its supersymmetric extension are discussed. Uncertainties associated with the input coupling constants, ${\mathit{m}}_{\mathit{t}}$, threshold corrections at the low and high scales, and possible nonrenormalizable operators are parametrized and estimated. A simple parametrization of a general supersymmetric new particle spectrum is given. It is shown that an effective scale ${\mathit{M}}_{\mathrm{SUSY}}$ can be defined, but for a realistic spectrum it may differ considerably from the typical new particle masses. The implications of the lower (higher) values of ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\alpha}}}_{\mathit{s}}$(${\mathit{M}}_{\mathit{Z}}$) suggested by low-energy (Z-pole) experiments are discussed.
Histamine receptors as potential therapeutic targets to treat anxiety and depression

Increasing evidence supports a role for histamine in anxiety and depression. In most studies, histamine and stimulation of the histamine H1 receptor (H1R) or blockade of the histamine H2 receptor (H2R) increase measures of anxiety. In contrast, in most studies histamine reduces depression-like activity, which might be related to effects of histamine on waking. These effects of histamine on anxiety and depression make histamine receptor ligands attractive therapeutic targets. As most studies assessing the potential of histamine receptor ligands on depression did not exclude potential effects of these ligands on locomotor activity, more studies are warranted to determine the exact role of histamine receptor subtypes in depression. The effects of histamine-mediated signaling on anxiety and depression should also be considered in assessments of the potential of histamine H3 receptor (H3R) ligands for conditions characterized by cognitive impairments as well as noncognitive behavioral impairments. Drug Dev. Res. 65:126–132, 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A Multi-Emitter Localization Comparison of 3D Superresolution Imaging Modalities

Single-molecule localization-based superresolution imaging is complicated by emission from multiple emitters overlapping at the detector. The potential for overlapping emitters is even greater for 3D imaging than for 2D imaging due to the large effective ‘volume’ of the 3D point spread function (PSF). Overlapping emission can be accounted for in the estimation model, recovering the ability to localize the emitters, but with the caveat that the localization precision has a dependence on the amount of overlap from other emitters. It is interesting to consider if a particular 3D imaging modality has a significant advantage in facilitating the position estimation of overlapping emitters. We compare variants of two commonly used and easily implemented imaging modalities for 3D single-molecule imaging: astigmatic imaging; dual focal plane imaging; and the combination of the two approaches− dual focal plane with astigmatism.We quantify the ability for a particular 3D modality to facilitate estimation with overlapping emitters using the Cramer-Rao lower bound (CRLB). The CRLB is used to calculate the theoretical best localization precision under a multi-emitter estimation model. We investigate the performance of these 3D modalities under a wide range of conditions including various distributions of collected photons per frame, background counts, pixel sizes, and camera read-out noise values.
Atomistic, microstructural and micromagnetic aspects of the multiscale modeling of hysteretic phenomena in hard magnets

Abstract We formulate a technique which combines the first-principles, micromagnetic and microstructural calculations and allows us to study the nature of hysteretic phenomena in hard magnets. Two distinct sources of coercivity in polytwinned CoPt-type magnets, domain wall pinning at antiphase boundaries and splitting at twin boundaries, are illustrated for a realistic microstructure. Methodology of multiscale modeling of hysteretic phenomena in nanoscale magnets is discussed.
Identification of a new chicken alpha-globin structural gene by complementary DNA cloning.

THE identification of a new chicken α-globin gene is reported here. Nucleotide sequence analysis of clone pHb1003 shows it to code for an α-subunit with an amino acid sequence different from those normally observed in the adult (the αA and αD). Characterisation of a second clone, pHb1010, carrying the same novel sequence, suggests that this mRNA sequence was present in substantial quantity after very young (2–3-week-old) chickens were treated with phenylhydrazine. The results are therefore similar to those reported previously for sheep and goats, where treatment with phenylhydrazine results in the turn-on of a new stress globin gene. As the ease of obtaining nucleated erythrocytes from avian systems facilitates many types of biochemical studies, we believe that this finding may provide an especially useful system in which to study the molecular events involved in globin gene switching.
Acquisition and transfer of attention allocation strategies in a multiple-task work environment.

OBJECTIVE: Payoff effects on strategy development and change were assessed in a synthetic work environment, SYNWORK1. BACKGROUND: Many work settings require several tasks to be performed concurrently. It is important to know how the strategies used in performing the respective tasks vary with payoffs. METHOD: Sixty students performed four tasks in SYNWORK1, for which points are received for correct responses and lost for incorrect responses. Individual-task payoffs were varied between participants and were changed after 8 and 12 sessions to examine the effects of a previous strategy on development of a new strategy. RESULTS: Participants were sensitive to initial payoffs and modified their strategies when payoffs changed. However, residual effects of prior payoffs were evident. CONCLUSION: Payoffs for multiple-task environments need to be explicit, and practice should be provided for strategy development. When payoffs change, strategies adopted reflect current and previous payoffs. APPLICATION: The findings can be applied to the design of payoff schedules for multiple-task environments. Language: en
Depression is associated with low plasma Aβ42 independently of cardiovascular disease in the homebound elderly

Background Depression often precedes the onset of Alzheimer's disease (AD) before the appearance of cognitive symptoms. Plasma Amyloid-β peptide 42 (Aβ42) declines before and soon after the onset of AD, yet the relationship between plasma Aβ42 and depression is unclear. Methods We used 515 homebound elders aged 60 and older in a population-based, cross-sectional study to investigate associations between plasma Aβ levels and depression with and without cardiovascular co-morbidities. Depression was evaluated by using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression (CES-D) scale. Plasma Aβ40 and Aβ42 were measured. Results The elderly with depression had lower plasma Aβ42 (median: 15.3 vs. 18.9, p = 0.008) than those without depression. The CES-D score was inversely associated with plasma Aβ42 (p = 0.001) in subjects with no cardiovascular disease (CVD); however, in the presence of CVD, this association did not exist. Low plasma Aβ42 (OR = 0.41, p = 0.007) and the presence of CVD (OR = 1.84, p = 0.005) were independently associated with depression after adjusting for the confounders of age, stroke and apolipoprotein E4. Conclusions Depressive symptoms are associated with low plasma Aβ42 independently of CVD. Prospective studies are needed to determine whether depression associated with low plasma Aβ42 is a separate depression subtype that could predict the onset of AD. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Use of energy analysis for assessing environmental impacts due to transportation

Abstract This paper reports on a study to develop an energy analysis applications manual for environmental benefit/cost analysis of transportation actions. The manual is intended for state and local transportation agency analysts. The analysis procedure evaluates environmental impacts in energy terms. With energy as a common denominator of impact costs or benefits, the severities of different kinds of impacts are compared and the aggregate severity of a group of impacts is evaluated. A technique for evaluating the economic effects of environmental impacts is also suggested. The energy analysis procedure is briefly illustrated by means of a case study. The research findings indicate that the energy analysis procedure may supplement traditional methods of environmental impact assessment by providing: (i) comprehensive quantifications of individual kinds of impacts or the aggregate environmental impact of a transportation action: (ii) quantitative comparisons of the significance of different kinds of environmental impacts, even enabling comparison of government-regulated impacts with non-regulated ones and of any one category of impact with the aggregate environmental impact; and (iii) a basis for determining dollar values of environmental impacts.
'Sobre Las Olas': A Mexican Genesis in Borderlands Jazz and the Legacy for Ethnic Studies

AbstractIn 1884 the Mexican government sent a national military band to the Cotton Exposition in New Orleans. When the Fair ended in 1885, several of these musicians remained in the city. By the 1890s, many of New Orleans' and Texas' most promising Black jazz and blues artists were acquiring musical instruction from Mexicano musicians. The evidence presented in this article recalls the centuries-long parallels and meeting points between Black and Mexicano histories of subjugation and resilience, of political suppression and cultural expression, and of the inevitable exchanges that occur through migration and culture among marginalized communities. I argue that the presence of Mexico and Mexicans in the jazz and blues history of the borderlands inspires a reconsideration of relational identities and cultural productions that lie outside the bounds of traditional racial and historical discourses.
On the buoyancy-induced flow arising from a heated hemisphere

Abstract An experimental study of the natural convection flow over heated hemispheres has been carried out. The boundary-layer flow adjacent to the heated surface and the buoyant flow shed above it were studied in detail. Both the upright and inverted hemisphere configurations were considered to determine the effect on the resulting flow for the two characteristic orientations. Of major interest was the way in which the heated fluid adjacent to the surface rises from it and develops into a buoyant plume above the body. Detailed measurements of the velocity and temperature fields in regions close to the top of the hemisphere were made. The measured plume flow is compared with the axisymmetric plume which would rise above a point heat source. Local and average heat-transfer rates were determined. Our measurements in the boundary region upstream of the trailing end of the hemisphere also enable us to consider further the concept of “separation” in natural convection in greater detail than heretofore. It is found that the upright hemisphere generates higher velocities and a thicker boundary region than does the inverted orientation. The average heat-transfer rate is also greater. Plume flow was also measured above an inclined hemisphere. The effect of an extended insulator base under the upright hemisphere was determined Two surface boundary conditions, uniform temperature and uniform heat flux, were studied and hemispheres of two sizes were used. Our measurements are found to be in reasonable general agreement with existing theoretical and experimental results for spheres. These results clarify many fundamental questions concerning the nature of separation in natural convection and the effect of buoyancy force orientation and of surface geometry on flow over curved surfaces. The collection of the shed boundary region fluid into a buoyant plume is an interesting and varied process.
Diffusion of Strontium from Desensitizing Agents into Human Dentin as Determined by Energy-Dispersive Analysis

Strontium-containing desensitizing agents were applied to one set of tooth surfaces and were burnished onto another set of diametric surfaces. Concentration of strontium at dentin depth was determined by X-radiation dispersive analysis. Burnishing produced deeper strontium penetration. Fick's Second Law provided an estimate of relative effective time for equal strontium distributions by the two methods.
642 HEPATIC NA, K-ATPASE DEVELOPMENT IN THE RAT: IMPLICATIONS FOR “PHYSIOLOGIC CHOLESTASIS”

Na, K-ATPase (NKA) is an important enzyme for the hepatic uptake of bile acids, a process thought to be immature in neonatal liver i.e. “physiologic cholestasis”. The development of NKA activity was studied in Sprague-Dawley rats: fetal 18-20 d, newborn 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, and 14 d, and adult. NKA activity was measured in both a crude homogenate (CH) and a plasma membrane (PM) fraction, using a system containing phosphoenolpyruvate and pyruvate kinase to prevent product inhibition by ADP (Alcoholism 8:390, Am J Phys 238:E38). NKA activity in the PM fraction per gram liver was comparable to that of the CH. A similar, but less striking pattern was seen when activity was expressed per mg protein. Hepatic NKA activity shows a developmental pattern which has not reached adult levels by 14 d. The “physiologic cholestasis” of the human neonate may be due in part to insufficient Na, K-ATPase activity.
Crossed molecular beam study of electronic energy transfer: Hg(63P2) + NO(X2Π) → NO(A2Σ) + Hg(61S0)☆

Abstract Near resonant electronic energy transfer in the reaction Hg(6 3 P 2 ) + NO(X 2 Π) → NO(A 2 Σ) + Hg(6 1 S 0 ) has been investigated in a thermal energy crossed beam experiment. The most probable rotational state in the product, NO(A 2 Σ), exceeds that of the reactant, NO(X 2 Π), by ≈ 3 rotational levels for molecular beam temperature in the range 100–400 K. The rate constant for this reaction is (1.07 ± 0.1) × 10 −11 cm 3 /s molecule for an NO(X 2 Π) beam at 300 K.
Chronic central leptin treatment increases protein intake in rats.

Leptin reduces body fat selectively, sparing body protein. Accordingly, during chronic leptin administration, food intake is suppressed and body weight is reduced until body fat is depleted. Body weight then stabilizes at this fatless level while food intake increases to normal caloric levels, presumably in defense of lean body mass. This study evaluates food intake and macronutrient selection during this “fatless” phase of leptin treatment. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were maintained on standard pelleted rodent chow and injected daily with leptin (2.5 μg/3 μl, lateral ventricle) or vehicle solution (3 μl aCSF) until body weight reached a nadir and food intake returned to normal levels. Injections were then continued for 13 days, during which rats self-selected their daily diet from separate sources of carbohydrate (corn meal), protein (casein plus 0.6% methionine), and fat (corn oil). Despite similar caloric intakes on self-selection days 3–13, macronutrient choice differed profoundly in leptin and control rats. Leptin rats ate significantly more protein beginning on day 3, with intakes stabilizing between 45 and 55% of daily kcal. Controls preferred carbohydrate, eating almost no protein until day 10, then gradually increasing protein intake to about 20% of total kcals. Fat intake was stable at approximately 20% of total kcal in both groups. Sustained leptin-induced suppression of body fat stores may increase the utilization of protein for maintenance of energy homeostasis, promoting protein appetite. This protein appetite may contribute to the restoration (or derepression) of food intake that eventually occurs during chronic leptin treatment.
Tensile behavior of Pb-Sn solder/Cu joints

Solders of nominal 95Pb-5Sn and 60Sn-40Pb were used to join Cu plates. The effect of ternary additions of In, Ag, Sb, and Bi to the near-eutectic solder were also investigated. Bulk solder and interfacial joint microstructures were characterized for each solder alloy. The solder joints were strained to failure in tension; joint strength and failure mode were determined. 95Pb-5Sn/Cu and 60Sn-40Pb/Cu specimens were tested both as-processed and after reflow. 95Pb-5Sn/Cu as-processed and reflow specimens failed in tension in a ductile mode. Voids initiated at β-Sn precipitates in the as-processed specimens and at the Cu3Sn intermetallic in the reflow specimens. 60Sn-40Pb/Cu failed transgranularly through the Cu6Sn5 intermetallic in both the as-processed and reflow conditions. The joint tensile strength of the reflow specimens was approximately half that of the as-processed specimens for both the high-Pb and near-eutectic alloys. The Cu6Sn{5} intermetallic dominated the tensile failure mode of the near-eutectic solder/Cu joints. The fracture path of the near-eutectic alloys with ternary additions depended on the presence of Cu6Sn5 rods in the solder within the Cu plates. Specimens with ternary additions of In and Ag contained only interfacial intermetallics and exhibited interfacial failure at the Cu6Sn5. Joints manufactured with ternary additions of Sb and Bi contained rods of Cu6Sn5 within the solder. Tensile failure of the Sb and Bi specimens occurred through the solder at the Cu6Sn5 rods.
Characterization of an acoustic actuation mechanism for robotic propulsion in low Reynolds number environments

With the end goal of medical applications such as non-invasive surgery and targeted drug delivery, an acoustically driven resonant structure is proposed for microrobotic propulsion. At the proposed scale, the low Reynolds number environment requires non-reciprocal motion from the robotic structure for propulsion; thus, a “flapper” with multiple, flexible joints, has been designed to produce excitation modes that involve the necessary flagella-like bending for non-reciprocal motion. The key design aspect of the flapper structure involves a very thin joint that allows bending in one (vertical) direction, but not the opposing direction. This allows for the second mass and joint to bend in a manner similar to a dolphin’s “kick” at the bottom of their stroke, resulting in forward thrust. A 130 mm x 50 mm x 0.2 mm prototype of a swimming robot that utilizes the flapper was fabricated out of acrylic using a laser cutter. The robot was tested in water and in a water-glycerine solution designed to mimic microscale fluid conditions. The robot exhibited forward propulsion when excited by an underwater speaker at its resonance mode, with velocities up to 2.5 mm/s. The robot also displayed frequency selectivity, leading to the possibility of exploring a steering mechanism with alternatively tuned flappers. Additional tests were conducted with a robot at a reduced size scale.
Event-related desynchronization (ERD) in the alpha frequency during development of implicit and explicit learning

To understand the role of the motor cortex in implicit and explicit learning, we studied alpha event-related desynchronization (ERD) while 13 right-handed individuals performed a variation of the serial reaction time task (SRTT). EEG signals were recorded simultaneously from 29 scalp locations and the ERD was computed. During data collection, all subjects developed implicit knowledge, demonstrated by shortening of the response time, and explicit knowledge of the test sequence. The average ERD maps of all 13 subjects demonstrated that during the initial learning, there was a decline in alpha band power that was maximal over the contralateral central region. The ERD reached a transient peak amplitude at a point when the subjects attained full explicit knowledge, and diminished subsequently. The transient peak in ERD was highly significant at C3. These electrophysiologic findings support previous studies which have demonstrated that motor activity changes as behavior changes over the course of learning.
Film from Mixtures of Natural and Synthetic Rubber Latex. Physical Properties

Abstract When tested in a single standardized procedure for cast latex films, the type of synthetic-rubber latex employed in latex blends containing 70 per cent or more natural-rubber latex had little effect on the stress-strain properties of the mixture. Cold-rubber latexes imparted higher stress-strain values to blends with natural rubber than did the corresponding hot-rubber latexes. The improvement was particularly noted on comparison of tensile product values. Low-conversion synthetic polymers produced higher stress-strain properties than high-conversion polymers in blends with natural rubber, even though their tensile strengths in 100 per cent synthetic stocks were approximately equal. Optimum physical properties were obtained by use of blends with synthetic polymers of medium Mooney viscosity. It is believed that the appearance of an optimum Mooney viscosity is tied in with the necessity of having quite high molecular weight on the one hand, and, on the other, the ability of the particles to knit w...
Surgical education in the United States 2010: developing intellectual, technical and human values

Traditional surgical education consisted of a residency lasting 5 years during which the effort was placed on two elements: obtaining information about diseases, and developing technical abilities by observation from the professor and by operating on patients. Over the last decade there has been a significant change in this paradigm. The need for change comes from several sources. First, the society started to concentrate in the quality of care, including safety. This requires the creation of ‘‘systems’’ and the need to train residents to work on those systems. It also requires that some technical training be obtained before working directly with patients. Second, patients started to demand that their own values be at the center of decision making—which requires special skills on the part of surgeons to understand and to be able to communicate. Third, we saw a revolution in technology and the pace at which the currently developed knowledge has reached a historic height. Therefore, acquiring information is now secondary to learning how to look for new information. Lastly, there has been substantial change in learning technologies with the realization of the principles of adult learning. In other words, we have moved (educationally speaking) from a system where the professor is viewed at the ‘‘center of the learning universe’’, using authority that emanates from his/her knowledge, to a system in which the learner is placed at the center with the professor acting as a ‘‘coach’’ that provides the necessary tools for the learner to seek the truth. We have moved to a system in which practice and learning are done prior to working with patients and where dexterity, and technical abilities are determined objectively and thresholds of performance have been established. Indeed, modern training in surgery today could be defined as the ‘‘production of a competent professional who displays cognitive, technical and personal skills required to meet the needs of society’’.