cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization of the chicken interleukin-1β converting enzyme (caspase-1) cDNA and expression of caspase-1 mRNA in the hen

Abstract We have cloned and sequenced a chicken homolog to the mammalian interleukin-1 β (IL-1 β )-converting enzyme (caspase-1) cDNA and have evaluated caspase-1 mRNA expression in various tissues from the domestic hen, including ovarian follicle granulosa and theca layers. The deduced amino acid (aa) sequence of chicken caspase-1 is 44.9% identical to human caspase-1, and contains an active site pentapeptide that is characteristic of the caspase family of cysteine proteases. Of interest, however, is that the putative chicken caspase-1 cDNA is predicted to encode a comparatively short (19 aa) N-terminal prodomain, as well as two Cys residues within the active pentapeptide (QC 162 C 163 RG) as compared to the QACRG pentapeptide found in the mammalian caspase-1 sequence. While the chicken caspase-1 mRNA transcript is widely expressed among different tissues, levels are particularly high in the bursa of Fabricius and comparatively low in ovarian follicles at all stages of development. Finally, treatment of granulosa cells with IL-1 β , the primary if not sole product of caspase-1 activity, fails to either promote apoptotic cell death or enhance viability in granulosa cells. Considering the relatively low levels of caspase-1 mRNA expression in ovarian follicle tissues plus the inability of IL-1 β to alter granulosa cell viability, in vitro, it is concluded that caspase-1 is not an integral part of the apoptotic pathway in granulosa cells. However, the pattern of mRNA expression is consistent with a requirement for caspase-1 mediated IL-1 β production in chicken immune tissues.
CD44 Deficiency Improves Healing Tendon Mechanics and Increases Matrix and Cytokine Expression in a Mouse Patellar Tendon Injury Model

CD44 plays an important role in inflammation and healing. Previous studies investigated its role in inflammatory diseases and skin wounds; however, the role of CD44 in tendon healing is unknown. Therefore, we investigated the effect of CD44 in the healing of the patellar tendon in a knockout mouse model. We hypothesized that in comparison to wild-type counterparts, CD44 knockout mice would have decreased material parameters, increased organization, decreased expression of proinflammatory cytokines, and increased expression of matrix components during healing. These hypotheses were tested through an in vivo surgical model and mechanical, organizational, and gene expression analyses. Material strength and tissue organization were significantly improved in the CD44 knockout mouse. This could be attributed to increased expression of cytokines and matrix components that are also elevated in regenerative healing. Our study showed that the absence of CD44 in a mouse patellar tendon injury creates an environment that is conducive to regenerative healing through altered gene expression, resulting in superior material properties and reduced cross-sectional area. Therefore, limiting the role of CD44 may improve healing parameters in adult tendon injury.
Developmental neurotoxicity following neonatal exposure to 3,3′-iminodipropionitrile in the rat

Adult exposure to the neurotoxicant 3,3'-iminodipropionitrile (IDPN), induces a hyperkinetic syndrome consisting of spontaneous head movements, abnormal circling, backward locomotion, and sensory disruption. We report here the behavioral effects of developmental exposure to IDPN in the rat. Animals were exposed (IP) to either saline, 75, 150, or 300 mg/kg/day on postnatal days (PND) 5-7. Animals were tested for: Figure-8 maze activity (PND 13-60); olfactory discrimination learning (PND 18 & 24); T-maze alternation and position discrimination learning (PND 25 & 26); acoustic startle response (PND 23, 61, & 62); passive avoidance (PND 70). To better define the dose response, a separate group of animals was exposed to either saline or 225 mg/kg/day (PND 5-7) and tested in the activity, T-maze, and startle paradigms. Animals exposed to 225 mg/kg/day and 300 mg/kg/day had decreased weight gain and lethality was 25% in the latter group. Signs of the IDPN syndrome, evident in the 225 and 300 mg/kg/day groups, persisted throughout the course of the study. IDPN exposed animals (300 mg/kg/day) were hyperactive on PND 17-60, failing to develop habituation in the Figure-eight maze until PND 60. The acoustic startle response was depressed for the 225 and 300 mg/kg/day groups on PND 23 only. Auditory thresholds were elevated for a high-frequency (40 kHz) but not a low-frequency tone (5 kHz) for the 225 and 300 mg/kg/day groups, indicating a hearing loss. IDPN treatment also disrupted performance of olfactory discrimination learning and produced cognitive deficits in T-maze learning in infants (300 mg/kg/day). That cognitive deficits also appeared in adulthood (PND 70) was demonstrated by learning deficits in a passive avoidance task at 150 and 300 mg/kg/day. IDPN (300 mg/kg/day) also caused a decrease in the wet weight of the whole brain (8%) and the cerebellum (12%) but not the hippocampus. These data demonstrate that short-term, neonatal exposure to IDPN in the rat produced persistent alterations in sensory, motor, and cognitive aspects of nervous system function.
Cold‐crystallization kinetics of syndiotactic polystyrene

The kinetics of the isothermal and nonisothermal cold crystallization of syndiotactic polystyrene (s-PS) were characterized with differential scanning calorimetry. A Johnson–Mehl–Avrami analysis of the isothermal experiments indicated that the cold crystallization of s-PS at a constant temperature followed a diffusion-controlled growth mode with a decreasing nucleation rate. Furthermore, the slow nucleation rate was the controlling step of the entire kinetic process. For nonisothermal cold-crystallization kinetics, we used a simple model based on a combination of the well-known Avrami and Ozawa models. The analysis revealed that, unlike for melt crystallization, the Avrami and Ozawa exponents were not equal. The activation energies for the isothermal and nonisothermal cold crystallizations of s-PS were 792.0 and 148.62 kJ mol−1, respectively, indicating that the smaller motion units in cold crystallization had a weaker temperature dependence than those in melt crystallization. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 89: 3464–3470, 2003
Religious Coping, Spirituality, and Hypersexual Behavior Among College Students

Empirical investigations of hypersexuality among college students are limited, yet, the uniqueness of the college setting warrants further examination of the issue. Two constructs to explore in relation to collegiate hypersexual behavior are religion and spirituality, as researchers have linked both to compulsive sexual behavior. We administered a 1-time, paper survey to undergraduate students at a large, public University in the southwest. Analysis of the 235 completed surveys (58% male, 42% female) indicated that 11.1% of students in the total sample (16.2% males) were hypersexual. Further, a hierarchical multiple regression analysis revealed that lower levels of Purpose/Meaning (i.e., spirituality) and higher levels of Negative Religious Coping significantly predicted hypersexual behavior. Specifically, religious coping and spirituality accounted for 11% of the variance in collegiate hypersexuality beyond demographic variables. We provide recommendations for counselors and suggestions for future research.
A mechanistic basis for high strain rate superplasticity of aluminum based metal matrix composites

Abstract Aluminum based metal matrix composites exhibit superplasticity at unusually fast strain rates (0.01 to 100 s −1 ). An analysis of these data suggests the presence of a superplastic anomaly, characterized by high values of the strain rate sensitivity, and by flow stresses that depend on the grain size, even though the nominal deformation mechanism lies in the power law creep regime. The anomaly is explained in terms of stochastic events of rapid grain boundary sliding. These events are nucleated by stress-induced grain boundary migration which, by reducing the amplitude of the boundary shape, accelerate the rate of diffusion-accommodated sliding. An equation for the strain rate where such supercritical sliding events are expected is derived. This equation has the same form as the classical equation for diffusional creep except that it is multiplied by an acceleration factor of magnitude 80–380. In this way relationships between stress, strain rate, temperature, and grain size that quantitatively describe the onset of the anomaly are obtained.
Nature of phosphate substrate as a major determinant of mineral type formed in matrix vesicle-mediated in vitro mineralization: An FTIR imaging study

Membrane-bound extracellular matrix vesicles play an important role in the de novo initiation and propagation of calcium-phosphate mineral formation in calcifying cartilage, bone, dentin, and in pathologic calcification. Characterization of the phase, composition, crystal size, and perfection provides valuable insight into the mechanism of the mineral deposition. In the present study, Fourier transform infrared imaging spectroscopy (FT-IRIS) was used to characterize the mineral phase generated during MV-mediated in vitro mineralization. FT-IRIS studies revealed that the mineral phase associated with MVs calcified in the presence of AMP and beta-GP was always found to be crystalline hydroxyapatite while with ATP only a small amount of immature mineral, most likely an amorphous or poorly crystalline hydroxyapatite, was observed. Low concentrations of pyrophosphate (PPi) (< or = 0.01 mM) showed apatitic mineral while high concentrations showed immature calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD). The implications of these findings are that (a) hydrolysis of AMP or beta-GP, monophosphoester substrates of MV-5' AMPase (substrate: AMP) and TNAP (substrates: AMP, beta-GP), yields orthophosphate (Pi) which leads to the formation of mature crystalline, apatite mineral, while the hydrolysis of ATP, substrate for MV-TNAP or ATPase or NPP1, inhibits the formation of mature hydroxyapatite, and (b) pyrophosphate (PPi) has a bimodal effect on mineralization, i.e., at low PPi concentrations, alkaline phosphatase activity of matrix vesicles is able to hydrolyze PPi to orthophosphate and thus facilitates the formation of basic calcium phosphate mineral which subsequently transforms into apatitic mineral. We hypothesize that, at high PPi concentrations, PPi by itself or Pi released by partial PPi hydrolysis could act as inhibitors of alkaline phosphatase activity, thereby preventing complete hydrolysis of PPi to Pi, and thus resulting in the accumulation of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate. Therefore, in order for physiological mineralization to proceed, a balance is required between levels of Pi and PPi.
SU-GG-J-24: Additional Skin Entrance Dose Delivered with Radiographic Image Guidance System in Cyber Knife Robotic Treatment Delivery

Purpose: To independently report the additional radiationdose from the image guidance and tracking part of the treatment delivery of Cyber Knife system. Method and Materials: The entrance dose on the skin and dose at 1cm depth in a specially designed phantom using calibrated diagnostic dosemeasurement equipment was measured. Using a Barracuda MPD probe placed perpendicularly to the beam measureddose from one exposure from one of the X‐ray source and was converted to pair of images to account for both X‐ray sources. The doses were measured for varying potential (kV) and beam current (mA) representing common clinical situations. Dose estimation from exposures was determined on the basis of the average number of treatment nodes and the number of exposures per treatment in setup, treatment and realignment for non‐lung and lung targets. A rough estimate of the number of exposures for a course of 5 treatments for a non lung target is 150–280 while for a lung target or a moving target is 515–925. Results: Using a fixed imaging technique of 250mA, exposure time of 100 ms and kV varying from 100–125, we obtained a range of 0.51–0.68 mGy for an image pair on skin and 0.38–0.51 mGy at 1cm depth. Using the estimated number of image pairs, this translates to an additional therapy skindose of approximately 11–15cGy for non lung targets and 37–49 cGy for lung target, where as corresponding dose at 1 cm depth is 8–11 cGy for non lung and 27–37cGy for lung targets respectively. The doses were computed for varying beam currents and exposure times. Conclusion: It is recommended that the dose from imaging devices in CyberKnife radiation treatments should be closely monitored and be accounted in the total delivered dose such that a unified approach is maintained for clinical trial outcome analysis.
Celebrity on the front line: Ross Kemp in Afghanistan (Sky Television, 2008)

Of the various television documentaries dealing with British military operations in Helmand Province, among the most successful have been those fronted by TV actor Ross Kemp. This article examines the development, airing and reception of the first of these, Ross Kemp in Afghanistan. The aims of the filmmakers and the needs of the Ministry of Defence and British Army are examined, along with Kemp’s time as an embedded reporter with 1 Royal Anglians in 2007, and the responses of critics, soldiers and the viewing public to resulting the series, in an effort to discern why it worked for all concerned.
Evidence for a strong surface-plasmon resonance on ErAs nanoparticles in GaAs.

Room-temperature attenuation measurements are made between $\ensuremath{\lambda}=0.8$ and $10.0\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{\ensuremath{\mu}}\mathrm{m}$ on three GaAs epitaxial samples containing layers of ErAs nanoparticles. An asymmetric attenuation peak is observed around $2.5\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{\ensuremath{\mu}}\mathrm{m}$ that increases in strength with ErAs density, and is modeled well by a Maxwell-Garnett formulation and semiclassical transport theory. The nanoparticles are assigned a distribution function of oblate spheroids having a minimum volume corresponding to a 1.0-nm sphere. This is consistent with the self-organizing tendency of ErAs in GaAs, and explains the sharp attenuation peak as a spherical-particle surface-plasmon (i.e., Fr\"ohlich) resonance.
Harmonization, But Not Homogenization: The Case for Cuban Autonomy in Globalizing Economic Reforms

Since 1959, Cuba has been an anomaly in the Western Hemisphere. From its fierce isolationism to its steadfast commitment to communism and Fidel Castro, the Cuban model shunned many modern conventions and developments of the increasingly globalized world. However, in the last decade, subtle shifts in Cuban governance and control led some scholars to question if and how Cuba could participate in the modern, global economy. President Raul Castro answered the speculation in late 2010 with an announcement regarding Cuban economic modernization and, again, in 2011, as significant economic reforms were implemented. All of these changes beg the ultimate question: Can Cuba engage and interact with the global economy and remain a Marxist-Leninist philosophy, or is an irreversible, fundamental homogenization required? This Note argues that, based on the basic principles of globalization, it is possible for Cuba to enter the globalized economy and to harmonize, rather than homogenize, their economic policies with those of other countries while retaining its Marxist-Leninist philosophy. Globalization unavoidably and transformatively requires all global actors to harmonize their policies but does not require homogenization or uniformity.
The Inner Solar Corona during June 1959

STUDY of the solar occultation of the Taurus A radio source has yielded new information concerning the structure of the solar corona at large distances1; however, the interpretation of the observations is somewhat hampered by lack of knowledge of the electron densities prevailing in the corona at the time of the occultation. Although observations made with the K-coronameter2 at Climax, Colorado, do not extend out to the region of occultation, the measurements in Table 1 should give some indication of the conditions existing in the corona at the time of the recent passage.
A Dancer Caught Midstep: The Structure of ATP-Bound Hsp70

Hsp70 ATP binding induces substrate release, but the transiency of this state has inhibited its characterization. In this issue, Kityk et al. determine the Hsp70 ∗ ATP structure utilizing engineered disulfide bonds, providing insights into the workings of this essential molecular machine.
An adaptive framework for 3D graphics over networks

Abstract Access to and transmission of 3D models over networks becomes increasingly popular. However, the performance and quality of access to remote 3D models strongly depends on system load conditions and the capabilities of the various system components, such as clients, servers, and interconnect. The network graphics framework (NGF) integrates various transmission methods for downloading 3D models in a client–server environment. The NGF automatically selects the optimal transmission method for a given pair of client and server, taking into account characteristics of the model to be transmitted, critical environment conditions, user preferences and the capabilities of the client and the server. The NGF aims to provide constant quality of service across different clients and under varying environment conditions.
Fate and transport of oil in sediment laden marine waters

Abstract Spilled oil when present in sediment-enriched waters, is known to interact with sediments. Oil droplets form aggregates with sediments due to collision and dissolved oil partitions (absorption and adsorption) into sediments due to capillarity and surfactant ions. This may change the fate and transport of both oil and sediments. Interaction with sediments acts as a natural oil removal process. This has been recognized as a crucial component in developing oil spill countermeasures. However, no comprehensive models are currently available to describe the process. This paper presents a novel numerical model developed to simulate oil-sediment interaction and transport in near-shore waters. The present model simulates, oil and sediment transport, oil-sediment aggregate (OSA) formation, oil partitioning into sediments, and sediment aggregation. The critical information provided by the model such as the fraction of oil removed due to sediment interaction would be useful in developing oil spill countermeasures. The model results are compared with the limited data from laboratory experiments and show a good agreement. Scenario simulations showed that up to 65% of released oil may be removed from the water column as OSAs. They further showed that when oil droplets and sediment particles are smaller (less than 0.1 mm), the amount of OSAs formed is higher. According to the scenario simulations, the amount of oil partitioned into sediments is 4–5 orders of magnitude smaller than the amount of OSAs formed.
Daily Flight Activity of the Rugose Spiraling Whitefly (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae)

Summary The flight activity of the rugose spiraling whitefly (Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin; Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) peaked in the morning after dawn. There were significantly more whiteflies captured on sticky traps on the east side than on the west side of the plants between 6:00–10:00, which showed that this whitefly was strongly and positively phototactic during that time of the day. This whitefly displayed a second but smaller peak of flight activity in the evening near dusk.
Elucidating the ensemble of functionally-relevant transitions in protein systems with a robotics-inspired method.

Many proteins tune their biological function by transitioning between different functional states, effectively acting as dynamic molecular machines. Detailed structural characterization of transition trajectories is central to understanding the relationship between protein dynamics and function. Computational approaches that build on the Molecular Dynamics framework are in principle able to model transition trajectories at great detail but also at considerable computational cost. Methods that delay consideration of dynamics and focus instead on elucidating energetically-credible conformational paths connecting two functionally-relevant structures provide a complementary approach. Effective sampling-based path planning methods originating in robotics have been recently proposed to produce conformational paths. These methods largely model short peptides or address large proteins by simplifying conformational space. We propose a robotics-inspired method that connects two given structures of a protein by sampling conformational paths. The method focuses on small- to medium-size proteins, efficiently modeling structural deformations through the use of the molecular fragment replacement technique. In particular, the method grows a tree in conformational space rooted at the start structure, steering the tree to a goal region defined around the goal structure. We investigate various bias schemes over a progress coordinate for balance between coverage of conformational space and progress towards the goal. A geometric projection layer promotes path diversity. A reactive temperature scheme allows sampling of rare paths that cross energy barriers. Experiments are conducted on small- to medium-size proteins of length up to 214 amino acids and with multiple known functionally-relevant states, some of which are more than 13A apart of each-other. Analysis reveals that the method effectively obtains conformational paths connecting structural states that are significantly different. A detailed analysis on the depth and breadth of the tree suggests that a soft global bias over the progress coordinate enhances sampling and results in higher path diversity. The explicit geometric projection layer that biases the exploration away from over-sampled regions further increases coverage, often improving proximity to the goal by forcing the exploration to find new paths. The reactive temperature scheme is shown effective in increasing path diversity, particularly in difficult structural transitions with known high-energy barriers.
Who's Caring for the Caregiver?

With the advancements in medical technology, individuals are living longer with multiple chronic illnesses. This translates to aging adults providing care to loved ones as informal caregivers. When caregiving extends into years and even decades, the caregiver can suffer from caregiver syndrome. Identifying those suffering from this condition is the necessary first step to providing them the care they require to live more fulfilling lives.
Rapid placement of bicaval dual-lumen catheter in a swine model of venovenous ECMO.

ABSTRACTBackground: Venovenous (VV) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) applied through a single site with a bicaval dual-lumen (BCDL) catheter is a growing method of treatment of acute respiratory failure, thus animal models for research purposes are needed. We describe a rapid technique for the placement of the BCDL catheter for single-site VV ECMO in swine. Design: Prior to the application of single-site VV ECMO model with common crossbred piglets, BCDL catheters were placed using anatomical landmarks. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) with color Doppler was used to determine catheter placement. Final determination of catheter placement was confirmed by necropsy. Arterial blood gas and hemodynamic parameters were recorded at baseline and then hourly. The values are mean ± SD. Results: Using anatomical landmarks by positioning the BCDL catheter tip approximately 6.5 cm distal to the tip of the manubrium, cannulation was easily accomplished in five piglets with no positional adjustments of the ...
A Further Analysis of the Nutrition of Paramecium.

SUMMARY. A medium is described for the axenic culture of Paramecium multimicronucleatum which is chemically defined except for one constituent—a nondialyzable fraction (NDF) of an exhaustively dialyzed yeast extract. Using this medium it has been possible to demonstrate an absolute requirement for stigmasterol and the following B-vitamins: folic acid, riboflavin, thiamine and pantothenic acid. There was evidence that nicotinamide and pyridoxal are also required for continued growth of the organisms. The nitrogen requirements could be met with any of the following: proteose peptone, purified casein, crystalline ovalbumin, or a mixture of amino acids. A carbon source, in addition to that supplied by the NDF or the amino acids, was essential. Sodium acetate and sodium pyruvate would satisfy this requirement.
Maintaining and Strengthening a Shaky Regime with Mnemonic Work: Inventing a Chinese National Day from 1949 Through 1987 in Taiwan

This paper investigates the invention of a Chinese National Day from 1949 through 1987 in Taiwan to illuminate the significance of mnemonic work in nation-building. The 1949 Retreat after the Chinese Civil War resulted in a serious legitimacy crisis for the government of the Republic of China; thus, (re)inventing the National Day became an important mission to maintain and even strengthen this shaky regime. While the role of the standardized commemorative narrative in influencing people's collective memory is granted, this article emphasizes the aspect of embodied memory in nation-remembering. I point out that the official Chinese nationalism constructed its National Day as “inevitably” bustling, memorialized, accepted, heroic, familial-ized, blessed, and pivotal-ized to shape the impression of a sacred and memorable day. This paper—while essentially consistent with Billig's argument of banal nationalism—suggests that national identity is accumulated by many symbolically encoded elements found in daily life; it goes further to argue that banal nationalism needs the “hot” nationalism found in special occasions to encode, refresh, and redefine the symbolic meaning of entities. That is, the oscillations between sacred and profane are needed to guarantee that patriotic emotions can be continually created and maintained.
Woodland expansion’s influence on belowground carbon and nitrogen in the Great Basin U.S.

Vegetation changes associated with climate shifts and anthropogenic disturbance can have major impacts on biogeochemical cycling and soils. Much of the Great Basin, U.S. is currently dominated by sagebrush (Artemisia tridentate (Rydb.) Boivin) ecosystems. Sagebrush ecosystems are increasingly influenced by pinyon (Pinus monophylla Torr. & Frem and Pinus edulis Engelm.) and juniper (Juniperus osteosperma Torr. and Juniperus occidentalis Hook.) expansion. Some scientists and policy makers believe that increasing woodland cover in the intermountain western U.S. offers the possibility of increased organic carbon (OC) storage on the landscape; however, little is currently known about the distribution of OC on these landscapes, or the role that nitrogen (N) plays in OC retention. We quantified the relationship between tree cover, belowground OC, and total below ground N in expansion woodlands at 13 sites in Utah, Oregon, Idaho, California, and Nevada, USA. One hundred and twenty nine soil cores were taken using a mechanically driven diamond tipped core drill to a depth of 90 cm. Soil, coarse fragments, and coarse roots were analyzed for OC and total N. Woodland expansion influenced the vertical distribution of root OC by increasing 15e30 cm root OC by 2.6 Mg ha �1 and root N by 0.04 Mgha �1 . Root OC
Biological effects of excimer laser radiation

Excimer laser radiation at 193 nm (ArF) and 308 nm (XeCl) is being used for medical applications. Because ultraviolet radiation is absorbed by DNA and causes cell killing, mutagenesis, and carcinogenesis, the effects of 193- and 308-nm excimer laser radiation on biological material have been studied. Radiation at 193 nm causes less cell killing than conventional 254 nm germicidal light per incident photon. Radiation at 193 nm showed very low potential for causing mutation because proteins absorb strongly at 193 nm, thereby reducing the photon flux reaching the nuclear DNA. In addition, the quantum yield of a cytotoxic and mutagenic photoproduct of DNA is lower for 193 nm than for 254 nm. Radiation at 308 nm is cytotoxic and mutagenic. Results of in vitro assays indicate that the relative ability of excimer laser radiation to cause DNA damage decreases in the order 248 nm>308 nm>193 nm. >
A novel nerve growth factor-responsive element in the stromelysin-1 (transin) gene that is necessary and sufficient for gene expression in PC12 cells

Stromelysin-1 (ST-1) is an extracellular matrix metalloproteinase whose expression is transcriptionally regulated by nerve growth factor (NGF) in the PC12 rat pheochromocytoma cell line. In this paper, we define sequences in the proximal ST-1 promoter that contain a novel NGF-responsive element(s). We show that this cis-acting promoter element can bind nuclear proteins from both untreated and NGF-treated PC12 cells in a specific and saturable manner and is sufficient to confer NGF-inducibility to a heterologous promoter. At least a portion of this NGF-responsive element lies within a 12-base pair region between positions -241 and -229 of the ST-1 promoter and bears no sequence homology to other known transcriptional elements. In contrast to what has been reported for fibroblasts, an AP1 site centered around position -68 does not seem to be involved in the growth factor regulation of ST-1 in PC12 cells. These results suggest that the NGF regulation of ST-1 gene expression involves different promoter elements, and possibly different transcription factors, from that described for ST-1 induction by other growth factors.
The Principle of Sufficient Reason and the Uncaused Beginning of the Universe

Des philosophes theistes comme Thomas D. Sullivan ont adapte les arguments cosmologiques bases sur le Principe de raison suffisante (PRS) pour les ajuster a la cosmologie contemporaine du Big Bang Leur these centrale est que uisque le Big Bang n'a pas pu avoir une cause physique et puisque tout a une cause, le Big Bang a du avoir une cause non physique ou surnaturelle. Des philosophes non theistes qui acceptent la cosmologie standard du Big Bang ont remis en question la verite de PRS, en soutenant que certains evenements (comme une singularite) peuvent se produire sans aucune cause. Quentin Smith a defendu l'idee que PRS n'est pas du tout evident par lui-meme et qu'il y a en fait de bonnes raisons de supposer que des choses comme des singularites peuvent se produire sans cause. Thomas D. Sullivan a replique a l'argument de Smith voulant que PRS ne soit pas evident par lui-meme, et il afourni en outre une pretendue preuve de PRS. Je soutiens dans cet article que PRS, en realite, n'est pas evident par soi-meme et que l'argument de Sullivan en faveur du contraire repose sur un malentendu quant a ce que nous entendons generalement pas «evident par lui-meme». J'essaie egalement de montrer que la preuve de PRS fournie par Sullivan souffre de nombreuses difficultes. Si j'ai raison sur tout cela le PRS nest pas evident par lui-meme et nous ne disposons d'aucun argument en safaveur. Il n'en decoule pas que PRS soit faux, mais il en decoule que nous sommes justifies de ne pas etre convaincus par les arguments en faveur de l'existence de Dieu qui prennent PRS pour premisse.
A Theoretical Model of Type I Collagen Proteolysis by Matrix Metalloproteinase (MMP) 2 and Membrane Type 1 MMP in the Presence of Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase 2

One well documented family of enzymes responsible for the proteolytic processes that occur in the extracellular matrix is the soluble and membrane-associated matrix metalloproteinases. Here we present the first theoretical model of the biochemical network describing the proteolysis of collagen I by matrix metalloproteinases 2 (MMP2) and membrane type 1 matrix metalloproteinases (MT1-MMP) in the presence of the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 2 (TIMP2) in a bulk, cell-free, well stirred environment. The model can serve as a tool for describing quantitatively the activation of the MMP2 proenzyme (pro-MMP2), the ectodomain shedding of MT1-MMP, and the collagenolysis arising from both of the enzymes. We show that pro-MMP2 activation, a process that involves a trimer formation of the proenzyme with TIMP2 and MT1-MMP, is suppressed at high inhibitor levels and paradoxically attains maximum only at intermediate TIMP2 concentrations. We also calculate the conditions for which pro-MMP2 activation is maximal. Furthermore we demonstrate that the ectodomain shedding of MT1-MMP can serve as a mechanism controlling the MT1-MMP availability and therefore the pro-MMP2 activation. Finally the proteolytic synergism of MMP2 and MT1-MMP is introduced and described quantitatively. The model provides us a tool to determine the conditions under which the synergism is optimized. Our approach is the first step toward a more complete description of the proteolytic processes that occur in the extracellular matrix and include a wider spectrum of enzymes and substrates as well as naturally occurring or artificial inhibitors.
Hyperexpression of cyclooxygenase 2 in the lupus immune system and effect of cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitor diet therapy in a murine model of systemic lupus erythematosus

Objective To investigate the role of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) in the functioning of different cell types involved in the lupus autoimmune response, and to examine the therapeutic effect of COX-2 inhibitors in mice prone to spontaneously develop systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods Lupus-prone (SWR × NZB)F1 mice were fed with a diet containing different doses of the COX-2–specific inhibitor celecoxib or the nonspecific inhibitor aspirin, or a combination of both, and the effects of the therapy on autoantibody production, development of lupus nephritis, and mortality were determined. Expression of COX-2 by different cells of the lupus immune system and the effect of COX-2 inhibitors on the function of these cells in vitro and in vivo were assessed. Results The immune cells of mice with SLE spontaneously hyperexpressed COX-2, and COX-2 inhibitors could cause cell apoptosis. Treatment with COX-2 inhibitors resulted in decreased autoantibody production and inhibition of the T cell response to the major lupus autoantigen, nucleosome, and its presentation by antigen-presenting cells. Surprisingly, a significant increase in survival occurred only in mice receiving intermittent therapy with the lowest dose of celecoxib (500 parts per million), approximating <100 mg of celecoxib/day in humans. A continuous diet, but not intermittent feeding, with the combination of celecoxib and aspirin delayed development of nephritis temporarily, but failed to prolong survival. Indeed, treatment with aspirin alone increased mortality. Conclusion The contributions of the major players in the pathogenic autoimmune response, namely, T cells, B cells, dendritic cells, and macrophages that are abnormally hyperactive in lupus, depend on the increased expression and activity of COX-2, similar to inflammatory cells in target organs. Intermittent pulse therapy with low doses of select COX-2 inhibitors would be of value in the treatment of lupus.
Multitechnology neural network accelerator

The authors describe an architecture, suitable for standardization, which has the ability to be scaled well above teraflops in performance. The nature of this architecture is the combined ability to support multiple technologies such that analog and digital computing nodes can function in parallel. It features transparent nearest neighbor connectivity allowing for better than gigabaud communication rates between nodes, and modular software development allowing for system upgrades that are transparent to application writers. An example system which is being proposed for recycling of materials is discussed. It is shown how various nodes are integrated together to address a sensor fusion problem. Sample code segments are provided, illustrating how an application writer would utilize the system. The enclosure technology capable of housing the system is introduced. >
Optical emission from an accelerated compact toroid

This article presents magnetic probe data, interferometry data, and framing camera images of the optical emission from an accelerating compact toroid. The optical emission measured in these experiments includes a bright emission spot near the center of the inner electrode as the compact toroid leaves the accelerator. This bright emission spot is interpreted as a radial compression of plasma trailing behind a compact toroid as the compact toroid leaves its inner electrode.
THE MULTIPLICATIVE NOISE COMPONENTS OF ISOMETRIC FORCE FLUCTUATIONS

The experiment tested the relative contribution of additive and multiplicative noise components in isometric force fluctuations. We implemented the Hilbert–Huang transform to analyze variability in the steady state region of isometric force time series generated by participants in three adult age categories: (1) young (20–24 yrs); (2) old (60–69 yrs); and older-old (75–90 yrs). Each participant generated isometric force output in response to constant target force levels (5–40% maximum voluntary contraction). The empirical mode decomposition component of the Hilbert–Huang transform was applied to each isometric force time series resulting in a set of intrinsic mode functions (IMFS). The amplitude modulation envelopes of the IMFS obtained from the modulus of the Hilbert transform were random sequences. These random sequences were the source of the multiplicative noise. Analyses showed significant age group differences in the multiplicative noise structure of the force output. The results provide preliminary evidence that multiplicative noise dominates additive noise in isometric force output and can discriminate among the force fluctuations of healthy adult participants of different ages.
Correlates of quality of life in ALS: Lessons from the minocycline study

Improving quality of life (QoL) is a major goal in ALS palliative care. Previous studies performed on the general ALS population showed no relationship between QoL and disease progression. ALS subjects participating in clinical trials may differ from those in the general ALS population. We explored the relationship between QoL and disease progression in 412 subjects enrolled in a minocycline trial. We examined correlations between Single Item McGill Quality of Life Scale (MQoL-SIS) score and disease duration, ALS Functional Rating Scale Revised (ALSFRS-R) score, FVC, and survival rate. We also analyzed how NIV and PEG affect QoL. Within subjects, MQoL-SIS scores correlated with ALSFRS-R and FVC (p<0.001). MQoL-SIS declined over time (p<0.001) and correlated with the decline of ALSFRS-R (p<0.001). MQoL-SIS tended to improve after initiation of NIV (p=0.07). There was a significant reduction in the rate of MQoL-SIS decline (p<0.001) after initiation of PEG. Subjects with slower QoL decline survived seven months longer than those with faster QoL decline (p<0.01). Our study demonstrated that QoL does decline with advancing ALS in subjects who participated in a minocycline trial, that the slope of QoL predicts survival, and that both NIV and PEG have beneficial impacts on QoL.
BLACK AND WHITE FARM OPERATORS IN THE SOUTH DURING THE GREAT DEPRESSION

ABSTRACT During the Great Depression, many dislocated workers became farm operators. Building on classic studies of economic distress in the South in the 1930s, I examine this reaction to joblessness, focusing on racial differences in the upper and lower parts of the region. I address the question, “Did southern blacks become farm operators to seek shelter from stagnant labor markets?” An answer is needed because, in spite of reports that blacks in the South tended to leave farming in those places where jobs were most scarce, a noted scholar of the era has argued persuasively that displaced blacks in the region were absorbed into the agriculture sector. A multivariate analysis of Census data from 1930–1935 finds no evidence that jobless black southerners, similar to their white counterparts, became farm operators in response to labor market distress. I conclude that these results provide a more complete account of farming during the Great Depression and underscore the importance of studying the racial and...
Are Students Left Behind? The Distributional Effects of the No Child Left Behind Act

Abstract The No Child Left Behind Act imposes sanctions on schools if the fraction of students demonstrating proficiency on a high-stakes test falls below a statewide pass rate. While the motivation behind this system is improved public school performance, it also provides incentives for schools to focus educational resources on the marginal student rather than those on the tails of the ability distribution. Using statewide, student-level panel data, students on the tails of the ability distribution, especially high-ability students, are demonstrated to score below expectations if their school is in danger from No Child Left Behind sanctions.
A Uniform Control for Tracking and Point Stabilization of Differential Drive Robots Subject to Hard Input Constraints

This paper develops a unified framework for point stabilization and tracking control of differential drive robots under hard input constraints. The proposed control strategy is based on the recently introduced Pointwise Angle Minimization method and addresses the steering problem by studying a robot’s achievable directions of motion considering the constraints imposed on it. To illustrate the strength of the proposed framework, a new control problem which combines the posture stabilization and tracking control is studied. The problem of interest is steering a constrained-input mobile robot from an initial point towards a final point on a desired trajectory while regulating the robot’s heading such that the control convergence is guaranteed within the admissible input space. Inspired by the geometry of sliding mode control, this paper proposes a new control strategy for this problem. The stability of the closed loop system under the proposed steering scheme is proved by Lyapunov analysis for the shortest path trajectory and generalization to the case of arbitrarily chosen desired trajectory has been proposed. Finally, effectiveness of the discussed control strategies are illustrated by several simulation results.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Polyextremophiles and the Constraints for Terrestrial Habitability

Life on Earth occupies a multidimensional niche space that has yet to be fully described. The niche space of terrestrial life is knowable, and thus, it guides the search for hypothesized life. Since terrestrial life is constrained by its organic carbon foundation and requirement for water as a solvent, extremes in such environmental parameters as temperature, pH, and pressure will determine the geographic range in which life can survive. Most previous studies have focused on individual environmental variables, but in fact, each niche space occupies all parameters. Thus, to not only understand the limits of life on Earth but also use these constraints as a framework for the identification of potential abodes for life elsewhere necessitates an analysis of multiple environmental parameters simultaneously. After searching the published literature, we have compiled data about mechanisms of survival at individual and multiple extremes in order to model the niche space for terrestrial life. Published data are incomplete and inconsistent for a full analysis of all extremes and their polyextremophilic combinations, so after describing the breadth of the field, we focus on the two best-documented parameters, temperature and pH, to create a two-dimensional niche space model for future analysis. We conclude by pointing out that synthetic biology has the ability to expand the limits for life on Earth and thus increase the chances of overlap between terrestrial and potential extraterrestrial biota.
Test of time reversal invariance in 57 Fe

An experiment has been performed to test time reversal invariance by observing the angular distribution of the linear polarization of the mixed $E2$ and $M1$ 122 keV $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ rays in $^{57}\mathrm{Fe}$ emitted from oriented $^{57}\mathrm{Co}$ nuclei. Nuclear orientation was achieved with a high magnetic field (the 288 kG hyperfine field of $^{57}\mathrm{Co}$ in an iron lattice) and a low temperature (16.5 to 18 mK obtained with a $^{3}\mathrm{He}$-$^{4}\mathrm{He}$ dilution refrigerator). If time reversal invariance is violated, a term in the angular distribution of the form $(\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{J}}\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{k}}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{E})(\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{J}}\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{k}})(\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{J}}\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{E})sin\ensuremath{\eta}$ would be present, where the vectors $\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{k}}$ and $\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{E}$ describe the propagation and linear polarization of the $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ ray, respectively, and $\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{J}}$ is the nuclear orientation vector. The quantity $\ensuremath{\eta}$ is the phase angle between the $E2$ and $M1$ matrix elements of the $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ transition. In our experiment the linear polarization was measured with a Compton polarimeter using an aluminum scatterer and NaI(Tl) detectors. From the observed asymmetry of $A=(\ensuremath{-}0.35\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.78)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}5}$, a value of $sin\ensuremath{\eta}=(\ensuremath{-}3.1\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}6.5)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$ was obtained. This result is consistent with time reversal invariance. Possible small contributions to the phase angle from atomic and nuclear final state effects are discussed.
Social Movements and Social Inequality: Toward a More Balanced Assessment of the Relationship

The orienting premise of this chapter is that almost all social movements, conservative and reactionary as well as progressive movements, are oriented, in one fashion or another, toward combating, constructing, or sustaining actual or perceived systems of inequality. Whatever their aims or goals, the grievances and motivations that mobilize individuals to engage in collective action on the basis of inequalities are never mechanistically derived from existing social conditions. Perceptions of inequality are much more widespread than the mobilizing grievances that prod individuals to engage in ameliorative collective action. Because of this, collective actors must engage in various forms of meaning and identity work, and the generation of incentives for action, in order for social movement mobilization to become possible. These social-psychological processes, which the chapter elaborates, help to account for perceptions of various social arrangements as unequal and unjust, and spur social movement mobilization as a means of corrective action.