cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Regulation der Genexpression durch DNA-bindende Proteine

Regulatorproteine wie der λ-Repressor und das Cro-Protein gehen eine enge Bindung mit spezifischen, 15–20 Basenpaare langen DNA-Sequenzen ein. Jedes der Proteine mus seine Operator Bindungsstelle unter den etwa 5 Mio. Basenpaaren der DNA eines Bakteriums herausfinden. Wie dieses Kunststuck vollbracht wird, zeigt uns das folgende Kapitel, das sich mit den Strukturen der Proteine beschaftigt. Wir werden sehen, das ein einfaches Prinzip dahintersteht: Die Struktur des Proteins ist komplementar zur DNA-Struktur; wenn die DNA-Sequenz stimmt, passen Protein und DNA zusammen wie Schlussel und Schlos. Schlieslich werden wirsehen, das ein Regulatorprotein durch seine DNA-Bindung die Genexpression negativ wie auch positiv regulieren kann.
Root Growth and Development

The first visible developmental activity during germination of most seeds is the growth of the embryonic root, or the radicle, which splits the seed coats and emerges outside. The continued growth of the root depends on the formation of cells at its apical meristem and a wave of expansion, elongation, and differentiation of the newly formed cells toward the base. The interrelations between these cellular activities may be easily recognized in a longitudinal section of the root because successive regions where the activities predominate tend to be stratified along the length of the root. Thus, the apical meristem where the cells divide and expand merges into a region of cell elongation, and beyond this is a region of cell differentiation where epidermal cells begin to produce root hairs. Unlike the shoot apical meristem, the root apical meristem is bipolar in nature, and to a great extent, the activity of this meristem defines its unusual functions. As the meristem cuts off cells both distally and proximally, the distal derivatives form a root cap that protects the meristem and aids the root in its drive into the soil. The proximal cells elongate and differentiate into mature tissues of the root.
Variations in SUV values with reconstruction algorithms

2100 Objectives We compared the mean and maximum standard uptake values (SUVs) measured from PET images reconstructed with FBP, and OSEM, with and without point spread function (PSF) modeling, using both phantom and patient data. Methods A 14 cm inner diameter (ID) cylindrical phantom with 7 fillable spherical inserts (ID 0.5-3.1 cm) was scanned using a 64 slice PET/CT scanner. A circular 2D region of interest (ROI) was drawn manually at the center of each sphere in the transaxial slice on the coregistered CT image. Activity was measured using a dose calibrator to calculate true SUV values (2.57/1.03 sphere/background). Three patient PET/CT scans with well-delineated lung tumors were reconstructed. ROIs were drawn based on a clinical protocol which selects the voxels exceed 50% of the maximum SUV in each tumor. Results Differences between FBP and OSEM were small for all measurements. PSF-OSEM had higher SUV values related to the resolution recovery and the edge artifacts, that enhance the image values near the sharp edges in the image. The maximum SUV from phantom PSF-OSEM image may over-estimate the value (up to 9%, measured with the 1.5 cm ID sphere). For patient data, the PSF-OSEM SUVs were considerably higher (10-20%) than FBP and OSEM. The relative differences of mean SUVs between PSF-OSEM and FBP were larger for patient data than the phantom data, probably as a result of the different ROI sizes with each reconstruction algorithm. Conclusions Mean and maximum SUV measured from FBP and OSEM images were similar, while PSF-OSEM values were significantly higher. Based on this data, for tumors between 1-3 cm in diameter, using the maximum SUV may overestimate the SUV value with PSF-OSEM
Pathogens' adaptation to the human host.

Diarrheal diseases are still one of the biggest global health burdens. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), diarrhea ranks as the ninth cause of death worldwide, being the fourth among children. One of the most prevalent diarrheagenic pathogens is enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) (1). ETEC’s classic virulence mechanisms include expression of adhesins, mostly fimbriae that are hair-like structures, and toxins. The mechanism of action of ETEC’s toxins and adhesins has been extensively elucidated (2). ETEC encodes two types of toxins, heat-labile toxin (LT) and heat-stable toxin (ST), and numerous colonization factors, referred to as colonization factor antigens (CFA)s (2) (Fig. 1). The prototypical ETEC strain utilized in many laboratories is H10407, which harbors LT, two STs (ST1 and ST2), and CFA1 (3). Although several environmental cues (including bicarbonate, pH, bile, osmolality, and glucose) have been reported to regulate ETEC virulence gene expression (4), oxygen tension, which is a major feature of the gastrointestinal tract (GI), has not been examined in the context of ETEC pathogenesis. As described in PNAS, Crofts et al. (5) conducted a controlled human infection study with strain H10407 and performed RNA sequencing from the stools of these volunteers to probe the patterns of ETEC gene expression … [↵][1]1Email: vanessa.sperandio{at}utsouthwestern.edu. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1
Association of Head and Neck Cancer With Mental Health Disorders in a Large Insurance Claims Database.

Importance Although a few studies have shown that mental health disorders (MHDs) are strongly associated with the 5-year survival and recurrence rates in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC), none have been replicated in a large-scale study. Objective To describe the prevalence of MHDs in patients with HNC and the potential associations with survival and recurrence using a large insurance claims database. Design, Setting, and Participants This retrospective cohort study assessed data queried from the MarketScan database from January 1, 2005, through December 31, 2014, for 52 641 patients with a diagnosis of HNC. To exclude patients with a preexisting HNC diagnosis or those with incomplete data, patients were included if they were in the database for at least 12 months before the index diagnosis and continuously enrolled. Data were analyzed from February 20, 2017, through January 22, 2019. Main Outcomes and Measures To compare the frequency of MHDs before and after diagnosis of HNC, χ2tests for independence were used. Adjusted adds ratios (aORs) were obtained using multivariable logistic regression by comparing the prevalence of MHDs in patients with oral cavity cancer and those with other cancer sites in the head and neck. Results Among the 52 641 patients included in the analysis (mean [SD] age, 51.31 [9.79] years), men (58.5%), patients aged 55 to 64 years (46.6%), and those from the South (40.3%) were most commonly affected by HNC. Oral cavity cancers (40.4%) were the most common type, followed by cancers of the oropharynx (19.2%) and larynx (15.5%). Of the various cancer sites, the OR for MHD prevalence was significantly increased in patients with cancers of the trachea compared with the oral cavity (2.11; 95% CI, 1.87-2.38). The prevalence of MHDs in patients with HNC increased to 29.9% compared with 20.6% before the cancer diagnosis. Specifically, women (adjusted OR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.49-1.67) and patients with a history of tobacco use (adjusted OR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.34-1.50) and alcohol use (adjusted OR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.38-1.76) had significantly higher odds of MHDs after the diagnosis of HNC. Conclusions and Relevance Although the baseline MHD prevalence of 20.6% before the cancer diagnosis was close to the national average (17.9% according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health), results of this study showed that it increased to 29.9% after the cancer diagnosis. Women and patients with a history of tobacco and alcohol use were most susceptible to being diagnosed with an MHD. There is an association between patients with HNC and an increased prevalence of MHDs after treatment compared with the general population.
Upper Extremity Morel-Lavallée Lesion in a Collegiate Football Player: A Case Report

A 20-year-old male collegiate football athlete reported a remarkably swollen elbow after direct contact with the ground. Initial radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging were negative for a fract...
Drugs: Illicit Use and Prevention

Illicit drug use spans multiple risk behaviors, from the consumption of substances that are clearly prohibited by law (e.g., heroin, methamphetamine), to the misuse or use of prescription drugs that have a designated medical purpose. In this article, we will discuss the epidemiology of illicit drug use, including definitional issues that are unique to the substance use field, as well as preventative techniques that have been established to combat the varying types of illicit drug use.
The impact of Epstein-Barr virus status on primary CNS lymphoma survival.

e13528Background: Primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL) incidence is increasing among the elderly and immunocompromised. Especially for these vulnerable populations, a deeper understanding of the prognostic...
A Digital Low-Dropout Regulator With Autotuned PID Compensator and Dynamic Gain Control for Improved Transient Performance Under Process Variations and Aging

This article demonstrates all-digital tuning and dynamic control of feedback compensator in digital low drop out regulators to enhance the transient performance under process and passive variations, aging, and load changes. The measured results from a 130-nm CMOS test-chip shows 2.1× improvement in transient performance under process variations and 30% improvement for aging-induced degradations. We demonstrate 55-ns setting time for a 5 to 45 mA load step in 100 ps, with 97.8% peak current efficiency.
Cooling Detroit: A Socio-spatial Analysis of Equity in Green Roofs as an Urban Heat Island Mitigation Strategy

Abstract Multiple studies have quantified the ecosystem services of green infrastructure for both public and environmental health. This study evaluates and compares accessibility of low-income and marginalized communities to the cooling benefits of green roofs in Detroit, MI in the context of the urban heat island effect and the City’s current heat relief system of dedicated cooling centers. Regions of the city were evaluated for their vulnerability to the urban heat island effect, which can be alleviated by green roofs due to raised surface albedo and evaporative cooling. Spatial data regarding land surface temperature, income, and race were used to locate where green roof ecosystem services are most needed and how communities within these regions are categorized demographically. Existing green roof efforts were mapped to determine whether siting has occurred where ecosystem services are most needed and how socioeconomic factors might be related to the locations of urban heat island-mitigating green infrastructure. Analysis of the spatial data in this study revealed most low-income residents are within walking distance from cooling centers, but not included in the Detroit Future City Urban Green Neighborhoods, while green roofs specifically were in the affluent part of Detroit's urban core, where the population is predominantly white. The methodology employed here can be applied to evaluate urban greening plans in other cities.
Making a Diagnosis of Common Variable Immunodeficiency: A Review.

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is a condition that inhibits the function of the immune system, making those with the condition more susceptible to infection from external pathogens, including bacteria and, less often, viruses. The immune disorder is marked by low immunoglobulin levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgA as well as IgM in some patients. These immune abnormalities typically result in recurrent sinopulmonary infections and can result in serious complications such as pneumonia and chronic lung disease. Other manifestations include poor vaccine response and defective antibodies in a patient’s immune system. The disorder affects approximately one in 25,000 to one in 50,000 individuals worldwide, with the condition varying across different populations. While the underlying mechanism of disease activity remains poorly understood, only 10% of cases are known to have an underlying genetic link and approximately 25% of patients also have an autoimmune disorder. CVID commonly presents in individuals in their twenties or thirties but can present at any time between childhood through adulthood, with mortality dependent on the severity of illness and frequency of recurrent infections. Potential life-threatening consequences of CVID include malignancies, enteropathy, and autoimmune manifestations. Treatment can help alleviate symptoms and prevent continued recurrent infections and serious complications. However, the lack of awareness among primary care physicians (PCPs) makes the condition difficult to diagnose and manage. In this review article, we will provide insight into the clinical manifestations as well as the diagnosis and management of CVID. This will provide clinical practitioners with tools to recognize the disease earlier on to improve patient outcomes and prevent serious complications. We will also afford a better understanding of genetic components tied to CVID and new research efforts.
A receptor-binding radiopharmaceutical for imaging of traumatic brain injury in a rodent model: [99mTc]Tc-tilmanocept

Abstract Introduction Blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption and subsequent neuro-inflammation occur following traumatic brain injury (TBI), resulting in a spectrum of human nervous system disorders. [99mTc]Tc-tilmanocept is a receptor-binding radiopharmaceutical FDA-approved for sentinel lymph node mapping. We hypothesize that after an intravenous (i.v.) injection, [99mTc]Tc-tilmanocept, will traverse a disrupted BBB and bind to CD206-bearing microglial cells. Methods Age-matched mice were divided into three groups: 5-days post TBI (n = 4), and 5-days post sham (n = 4), and naive controls (n = 4). IRDye800CW-labeled [99mTc]Tc-tilmanocept (0.15 nmol per gram body weight) and FITC-labeled bovine serum albumin (FITC-BSA) were injected (i.v.) into each mouse. Mice were imaged with a high-resolution gamma camera for 45 min. Immediately after imaging, the brains were perfused with fixative, excised, imaged with a fluorescence scanner, assayed for radioactivity, and prepared for histology. Results In vivo nuclear imaging, ex vivo fluorescence imaging, ex vivo gamma well counting, and histo-microscopy demonstrated enhanced tilmanocept uptake in the TBI region. The normalized [99mTc]Tc-tilmanocept uptake value from nuclear imaging and the maximum pixel intensity from fluorescence imaging of the TBI group (1.12 ± 0.12 and 2288 ± 278 a.u., respectively) were significantly (P Conclusion [99mTc]Tc-tilmanocept traverses disrupted blood-brain barrier and localizes within the injured region. Advances in knowledge and implications for patient care [99mTc]Tc-tilmanocept could serve as an imaging biomarker for TBI-associated neuroinflammation and any disease process that involves a disruption of the blood-brain barrier.
Real-time measurement of the NO2 concentration in ambient air using a multi-mode diode laser and cavity enhanced multiple line integrated absorption spectroscopy

We report on the measurement of the NO 2 concentration in ambient air using a highly sensitive trace gas detector based on a simplified design that uses a multi-mode diode laser and cavity enhanced multiple line integrated absorption spectroscopy. The broad frequency range of the laser covers a large number of absorption lines of NO 2 and excites a large number of cavity modes. The off-axis cavity arrangement reduces the detector’s susceptibility to vibration. The detector was calibrated using known concentrations of NO 2 in zero air and used to measure the concentration of NO 2 in ambient air in our laboratory. A sensitivity of 75 ppt was achieved.
Environmental Hazards and Local Investment: A Half-Century of Evidence from Abandoned Oil and Gas Wells

Influential studies that generally cover a few years find that environmental hazards reduce property values and welfare. Over decades, however, hazards may further harm neighborhoods by discouraging investment. This paper exploits the quasi-random assignment of oil and gas wells that were and were not properly decommissioned (plugged) in a county in Western Pennsylvania. Over half a century, the two acres around unplugged wells had roughly half as much building as the area around plugged wells. Evidence suggests this reduction stems from disincentives to invest and not from poorer households sorting to properties near unplugged wells.
Businesspeople: Academics need your help to make business research relevant

Abstract In the last two decades, industry-university collaborations (IUCs) in research and development in the hard sciences have become increasingly more successful and common. In contrast, successful IUCs in softer social sciences, such as business, remain relatively uncommon. But business research requires an even higher degree of collaboration than research in the hard sciences if its results are to be relevant to businesspeople. Fortunately, business academics are becoming more and more interested in collaborating with businesspeople. The purpose of this article is to motivate businesspeople to collaborate as well. We do this by showing the businessperson the historical origins of business research’s irrelevance, by describing the benefits the business world could receive from collaborative research, by showing why collaboration is especially needed in social sciences such as business, and by showing why academics cannot do relevant business research without practitioners’ help. Specifically, we will show that the businessperson’s help is needed to ensure that their priorities are met, to formulate the right research questions, to provide relevant data, and to contribute their problem-solving inventiveness.
The Trafficking in Persons Report: Recommendations for Uganda

The United States Department of State's Annual Trafficking in Persons Report has revolutionized the fight against the "scourge" of human trafficking. Nations around the globe continue to make significant strides in prosecuting traffickers, protecting victims, and preventing human trafficking. Uganda is one of those nations. Currently ranked "Tier 2," Uganda is poised to become the next tier 1 nation and the only African nation to achieve that honor. With the development of a partnership with the Human Trafficking Institute, a well-functioning justice system, and key personnel in various offices, Uganda is just a a few key changes away from breaking into Tier 1 status. While the 2018 Trafficking in Persons Report praised Uganda for various efforts it is taking to combat human trafficking, more needs to be done. This Paper identifies the Report's key recommendations and then elaborates on how Uganda can implement them. Most pressingly, Uganda must increase prosecution efforts, particularly against government officials; create a formal mechanism to identify victims and provide funding for their care; authorize an official entity to lead anti-trafficking efforts; increase training for embassy staff and all front-line officials; increase and improve regulation of recruitment agencies; and accede to the 2000 UN TIP Protocol.
Free African American Whalers

Identifies, in summary, the history if free and formerly enslaved African Americans who became whaling seamen in the northwest territory.
Scholarly maturation and other factors supporting publishing productivity in educational scholarship for clinical faculty.

Abstract Introduction In order to advance curricula and faculty career progression, it would be helpful to increase publishing success and productivity in educational scholarship. The objective of this study was to describe the key factors and strategies that contribute to publishing success and productivity in the publication of educational scholarship by clinical pharmacy faculty. Methods Participants were identified from 2007 to 2016 PubMed and Science Direct publication records or by having received the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy Emerging Teaching Scholars Award. Participants were required to have an active clinical practice and not have administrative positions or doctor of philosophy training. Qualitative data were gathered through dyadic and individual interviews and analyzed to identify core factors contributing to publishing success and productivity. Results Nine clinical pharmacy faculty participated in dyadic or individual interviews, including seven associate professors and two professors. Participants' teaching and learning publications covered two to 13 topic areas, and participants had 20 to 70 unique co-authors. Five core factors and 17 strategies were identified as supporting publishing success and productivity in educational scholarship. The five factors included inputs/assets, the team, the project, the process, and scholarly maturation. Conclusions Participants' responses confirm some conceptions, while also disputing common misconceptions that may discourage clinical faculty from pursuing educational scholarship. Fundamental research skill development is required in educational scholarship as in other scholarly areas. In addition, the roles of team building, receiving and providing mentorship, and the development of small significant networks merit further investigation as assets to productivity.
Spin-orbit-coupled exciton-polariton condensates in lead halide perovskites.

Spin-orbit coupling (SOC) is responsible for a range of spintronic and topological processes in condensed matter. Here, we show photonic analogs of SOCs in exciton-polaritons and their condensates ...
Brother Can You Spare a Dime? Peer Effects in Charitable Solicitation

While the effects of peers on charitable giving have been of considerable interest to social scientists, there is little empirical evidence on the magnitude of these effects. A correlation between giving or volunteering by one’s peers and one’s own giving can be driven by self-selection into groups, common shocks that inspire both the solicitor to ask and the individual to give, or social influence. Using data from a university, this paper analyzes whether alumni are more likely to give and give larger amounts when they are solicited by someone with whom they have social ties. Freshman year roommate assignments and the structure of the university’s giving campaigns are used to overcome problems of selection and common shocks. Social ties play a strong causal role in the decision to donate and the average gift size. Additionally, a solicitor’s request is much more effective if he or she shares characteristics, such as race, with the alumnus being solicited.
Nonlinear Attenuation Effects Outside the Zone of Macroscopic Failure

Laboratory evidence unambiguously shows that the mechanical response of rock of low confining pressure is nonlinear, meaning that attenuation is strain-amplitude-dependent, for strains between {approximately}10{sup {minus}6} and those sufficient to cause permanent damage, 10{sup {minus}3} to 10{sup {minus}2}. We compare the magnitude to nonlinear attenuation for soils, microscopically cracked granite, and macroscopically fractured granite. A compilation of data for attenuation in soils from the civil engineering literature documents the strong nonlinear response in these materials over the strain range 10{sup {minus}6} to 10{sup {minus}3}. Nonlinear soil response would be most important in near surface layers. We show direct evidence that fatigue microcracking resulting from high-frequency and ultrasonic measurement techniques may lead to systematic overestimates of nonlinear attenuation. New data for attenuation due to sliding on a single macrofracture in granite shows that large attenuation (up to Q{sup {minus}1} = 0.1) can occur at strains of 5 {times} 10{sup {minus}4} at low normal stress. Measurable nonlinear response attributable to the fracture persists to strains near 10{sup {minus}6} and to normal stresses corresponding to overburden pressures at typical burial depths for underground explosions. 32 refs., 6 figs.
The Expanding Role of Applications in the Development and Validation of CFD at NASA

This chapter focuses on the recent escalation in application of CFD to manned and unmanned flight projects at NASA and the need to often apply these methods to problems for which little or no previous validation data directly applies. The chapter discusses the evolution of NASA’s CFD development from a strict “Develop, Validate, Apply” strategy to sometimes allowing for a “Develop, Apply, Validate” approach. The risks of this approach and some of its unforeseen benefits are discussed and tied to specific operational examples. There are distinct advantages for the CFD developer that is able to operate in this paradigm, and recommendations are provided for those inclined and willing to work in this environment.
Eddy Current Nondestructive Evaluation

The sections in this article are 1 Mathematical Model 2 Eddy Current Techniques 3 Forward Problem Modeling 4 Eddy Current Inverse Problem 5 Model-Based Methods 6 Signal-Classification Methods 7 Pulsed Eddy Current Signal Processing
Stimulatory activity of serum on prolactin production by human decidua

Abstract Fetal calf serum (FCS) enhances the synthesis and secretion of prolactin (PRL) by explants of human decidua incubated in Gey's balanced salt solution. In order to further characterize the factors involved in the prolactin-stimulating activity (PSA) of serum, decidua was incubated in Gey's buffer alone and in buffer containing either FCS, bovine serum albumin (BSA), or human serum (HS). When buffer was supplemented with varying concentrations of FCS, a dose-related PSA was apparent between 0.1% and 10%. The PSA of FCS was not altered by either heating (85°C for 30 minutes), boiling, or dialysis. The protein fraction of FCS, precipitated with trichloroacetic acid, redissolved in dilute NaOH, and dialyzed against Dulbecco's phosphate buffer, demonstrated PSA comparable to that of whole serum. A similar concentration of BSA added to Gey's buffer did not stimulate the production of PRL by decidua. The PSA of human serum obtained from euprolactinemic men and women was not different from that of FCS. These data indicate that FCS and HS contain a substance(s) (1) which stimulates the secretion of PRL by human decidua, (2) which is very stable, being resistant to dialysis, boiling, and denaturation by trichloroacetic acid, (3) and which is most likely a large polypeptide with a molecular weight greater than 12,000 or a smaller moiety tightly bound to a protein.
Trusty Trout, Humble Trout, Old Trout: A Curious Kettle

Old trout‘ as a disparaging and dismissive term for an elderly woman is still with us, although used with a degree of archness, an affectation of the linguistic practices of an earlier time. 1 But the true, trusty, and humble trouts of earlier centuries, close friends and confidants, are a now extinct species. OED presents these as figurative uses of the ichthyonym trout, the common designation of Salmo fario. No explanation of how such extended meanings may have developed is offered. 2
Platelet size does not correlate with platelet age

The relationship between platelet size and in vivo aging was investigated in the baboon using size-dependent platelet subpopulations separated by counterflow centrifugation. The separation characteristics, size, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, and dense-body content of the baboon platelet subpopulations were similar to those previously observed in studies of human platelets. Three independent labeling techniques were used: (1) in vivo labeling with 75Se-methionine, (2) in vitro labeling with 51Cr, and (3) in vivo labeling with 14C-serotonin. Maximal incorporation of all three labels showed a close correlation between the mean platelet volume (MPV) of each fraction and the platelet radioactivity. The onset of incorporation and rate of accumulation of 75Se-methionine were comparable in all fractions when corrected for differences in volume, suggesting that platelet size heterogeneity was present from the time of release of the platelets from the bone marrow. Survival studies using 51Cr and 14C-serotonin showed no translocation of the label from one fraction to another in the circulation over time. In vivo survival values for the three radionuclides showed a slight but significant correlation between the lifespan and the MPV of the fractions. The data suggest that large platelets were not younger platelets, but rather platelets with a longer life-span. Platelet size heterogeneity is the result of production factors in the bone marrow and not maturation in the circulation.
Simple predictions of maximum transport rate in unsaturated soil and rock

[1] In contrast with the extreme variability expected for water and contaminant fluxes in the unsaturated zone, evidence from 64 field tests of preferential flow indicates that the maximum transport speed Vmax, adjusted for episodicity of infiltration, deviates little from a geometric mean of 13 m/d. A model based on constant-speed travel during infiltration pulses of actual or estimated duration can predict Vmax with approximate order-of-magnitude accuracy, irrespective of medium or travel distance, thereby facilitating such problems as the prediction of worst-case contaminant traveltimes. The lesser variability suggests that preferential flow is subject to rate-limiting mechanisms analogous to those that impose a terminal velocity on objects in free fall and to rate-compensating mechanisms analogous to Le Chatlier's principle. A critical feature allowing such mechanisms to dominate may be the presence of interfacial boundaries confined by neither solid material nor capillary forces.
Patch dynamics of soil biotic feedbacks in the Sonoran Desert

Abstract Soil fertility in arid ecosystems is spatially and temporally heterogeneous, due primarily to biotic feedbacks from perennial plants. While the “island of fertility” effect is well-established, little is known about the influence of plant functional characteristics on soil nutrients, or changes in nutrient levels following mortality or microsite succession. To assess these patterns, we studied a functionally diverse Sonoran Desert ecosystem in which all microsite state transitions were determined. The woody species ( Ambrosia deltoidea , Larrea tridentata , Parkinsonia microphylla ) significantly enhanced soil organic matter, nitrogen and phosphorous levels (referred to generally as fertility) to varying degrees. Effect sizes differed significantly among species but were surprisingly similar. However, following mortality, fertility remained constant beneath Ambrosia and increased significantly beneath decaying Parkinsonia , contrary to expected declines. These results suggest that nutrients are recycled within a microsite, resulting in similar pool sizes beneath live plants across species, regardless of morphological or phonological differences. Microsites occupied by cacti exhibited no differences from bare soil, indicating that cacti may erase islands of fertility. However, nitrate and phosphate levels spiked following mortality of the large cactus, Carnegiea gigantea . In general, fertility effects were correlated with morphological characteristics that should be applicable across most arid systems.
A protein homologous to the 27,000 dalton liver gap junction protein is present in a wide variety of species and tissues

The species and tissue specificities of gap junction polypeptides were investigated with antibodies raised against the 27,000 dalton rat liver gap junction protein. Cross-reacting 27,000 dalton polypeptides were detected in liver from mammalian, fish, and avian species by immunoreplica analyses and were localized to punctate regions of the plasma membrane by indirect immunofluorescence. They were also found in homogenates of other rat tissues, including pancreas, heart, brain, kidney, stomach, and adrenal gland, but not in lens fiber material. Localization of antibody binding in pancreas was similar to that of liver, while in heart ventricle the immunofluorescence pattern was consistent with binding to the intercalated disc. These findings indicate that homologous gap junction polypeptides may be widely distributed among vertebrate tissues.
Understanding Behaviour from the Ground Up: Constructing Robots to Reveal Simple Mechanisms Underlying Complex Behaviour

Imagine two little creatures, bugs perhaps, that are attracted by a light source. When each is far from the source, they race toward the light. However, they differ considerably in their personalities. The first bug approaches the light straight on, slowing, coming to a rest and staying close to the light. The second bug exhibits more erratic behaviour, moving away and then back to the light. Sometimes, for no obvious reason, this second bug abandons the light for some distant glimmer. If these bugs were males and the lights were potential mates, one might characterize the two behaviour patterns as reflecting true love (or monogamy) versus promiscuity. These words – love, promiscuity – are the kinds of words that people commonly use when trying to explain behaviour; however, love and promiscuity are not necessary elements for these action patterns. The two bugs and their behaviours are easily generated with components available at a hobby shop – light sensors that drive motors that drive wheels. They were drawn from Braitenberg’s (1984) mini-classic, Vehicles: Experiments in synthetic psychology. The sensorimotor connections needed to create the two behavioural patterns are illustrated in Figure 1. Notice that ‘love’ and ‘promiscuity’ are not components of this mechanistic explanation.
Studies of Sulfate Utilization by Algae 9. Fractionation of a Cell-free System from Chlorella into Two Activities Necessary for the Reduction of Adenosine 3′-Phosphate 5′-Phosphosulfate to Acid-Volatile Radioactivity

Further properties of the enzymatic system obtained from Chlorella pyrenoidosa (Emerson strain 3) which reduces adenosine 3'-phosphate 5'-phosphosulfate-(35)S to acid-volatile radioactivity, when fortified with Mg(2+) and 2, 3-dimercaptopropan-1-ol as reductant, are described. Optimal concentrations of adenosine 3'-phosphate 5'-phosphosulfate-(35)S and Mg(2+) and the pH optimum have been determined. 2,3-Dimercaptopropan-1-ol can be replaced by dithiothreitol, mercaptoethanol, reduced glutathione, cysteine, and cysteamine. Treatment of the crude extracts with ammonium sulfate and alumina C-gamma gel yields two fractions, designated "S" and "A," which must be recombined to obtain acid-volatile radioactivity. Further fractionation of fraction S by ammonium sulfate gradient elution and diethylaminoethyl cellulose chromatography yields approximately a 50-fold increase in specific activity compared to that found in the crude extract. This material appears to contain an active component with a molecular weight estimated by agarose gel chromatography of about 330,000.
Primary schooling in West Bengal

With his Nobel Prize award money, Amartya Sen set up the Pratichi Trust which carries out research, advocacy and experimental projects in basic education, primary health care, and women’s development in West Bengal and Bangladesh. Professor Sen himself took active interest in this work—helping set the agenda, looking at the evidence from research, and engaging in advocacy. The present article is based on Sen’s introduction to a Pratichi study of primary education in West Bengal, released in December 2009, which compares the results of surveys conducted at an interval of almost a decade. Sen’s significant findings and insightful observations and recommendations have relevance much beyond West Bengal.
Electrostatic-Enhanced Atomization for Spray Drying of Milk.

Abstract An embedded-electrode, two-fluid, electrostatic-induction spray-charging nozzle was used to atomize and charge spray droplets in a pilot-scale spray-drying unit. A dielectric barrier made out of Teflon® (PTFE) was installed within the spray-dryer to impede deposition of charged droplets onto the walls of the spray-dryer. Concentrated whole milk (500 g/kg solids) was atomized with induction electrode potentials of 0, 300, 600, 750, and 900 V and atomizing air pressures of 140, 280 and 410 kPa. Charging increased the volume median particle diameter of the dried milk. No significant differences in moisture contents or vacuole volumes of the dried powder were found. Atomizing air pressures had a significant (α = 0·05) effect on apparent particle density, true particle density, volume median diameter and solubility index. There was a significant effect of charging voltage on the solubility index. Particle size analysis and scanning electron microscopy revealed that 140 kPa was insufficient for complete atomization.
''What's it Worth to Me?" Three interpretive studies of the relative roles of task-oriented and reflexive processes in separate versus joint value construction

Abstract Explanations for differences in preference reversals between separate and joint evaluations of options are generally based on the assumption that individuals rely on task-given attribute information in their value construction. However, decision-makers also draw on personally-salient, reflexive experiences not explicitly mentioned in the experimental task as inputs, which heretofore have not been investigated systematically. Further, interpretive approaches that might reveal such experiences generally have not been applied in the analysis of value judgments. Therefore, we study value construction processes in three types of preference reversal problems using written protocols. Our results demonstrate that task-based explanations for preference reversals are inversely weakened relative to the problems’ complexity, while reflexive, experiential thoughts are increased. As such, the current approach provides new insight into the preference construction process and indicates some alternative reflexive factors and reference points that influence choice. The results also highlight that for any particular choice problem there exist distinct segments of decision-makers who differ in their value construction processes.
Revisiting the photodissociation dynamics of the phenyl radical.

We have reinvestigated the photodissociation dynamics of the phenyl radical at 248 nm and 193 nm via photofragment translational spectroscopy under a variety of experimental conditions aimed at reducing the nascent internal energy of the phenyl radical and eliminating signal from contaminants. Under these optimized conditions, slower translational energy (P(ET)) distributions for H-atom loss were seen at both wavelengths than in previously reported work. At 193 nm, the branching ratio for C2H2 loss vs. H-atom loss was found to be 0.2 ± 0.1, a significantly lower value than was obtained previously in our laboratory. The new branching ratio agrees with calculated Rice-Ramsperger-Kassel-Marcus rate constants, suggesting that the photodissociation of the phenyl radical at 193 nm can be treated using statistical models. The effects of experimental conditions on the P(ET) distributions and product branching ratios are discussed.
Determination of part-per-milliard concentrations of mercury by atomic- fluorescence flame spectrometry.

Abstract A method is reported for the determination of mercury in the range 0.002–1 μg ml . Mercury is extracted by dithizone from aqueous solutions into chloroform or isobutyl methyl ketone, the organic solution is aspirated into a hydrogen-oxygen name, and the intensity of atomic-fluorescence of mercury is measured. The method should be particularly useful for the determination of mercury in urine and for the determination of organic-bound mercury without prior decomposition.
Impact of adaptive voltage scaling on aging-aware signoff

Transistor aging due to bias temperature instability (BTI) is a major reliability concern in sub-32nm technology. Aging decreases performance of digital circuits over the entire IC lifetime. To compensate for aging, designs now typically apply adaptive voltage scaling (AVS) to mitigate performance degradation by elevating supply voltage. Varying the supply voltage of a circuit using AVS also causes the BTI degradation to vary over lifetime. This presents a new challenge for margin reduction in conventional signoff methodology, which characterizes timing libraries based on transistor models with pre-calculated BTI degradations for a given IC lifetime. Many works have separately addressed predictive models of BTI and the analysis of AVS, but there is no published work that considers BTI-aware signoff that accounts for the use of AVS during IC lifetime. This motivates us to study how the presence of AVS should affect aging-aware signoff. In this paper, we first simulate and analyze circuit performance degradation due to BTI in the presence of AVS. Based on our observations, we propose a rule-of-thumb for chip designers to characterize an aging-derated standard-cell timing library that accounts for the impact of AVS. According to our experimental results, this aging-aware signoff approach avoids both overestimation and underestimation of aging -- either of which results in power or area penalty -- in AVS enabled systems.
Spectral Analysis of R-lines and Vibronic Sidebands in the Emission Spectrum of Ruby Using Genetic Algorithms:

The advancement in spectral analysis methods for the emission spectrum of ruby has been driven by the characterization of R-line peak shifts with stress in order to establish piezospectroscopic relationships. These relationships form the basis for the development of photo-stimulated luminescence spectroscopy (PSLS) as a nondestructive method to determine the integrity of the thermally grown oxide (TGO) layer on jet engine turbine blades. Besides the measurement technique, the accuracy of PSLS in stress measurements is influenced by the spectral analysis methodology, which is the focus of this paper. Gradient-based algorithms have been used widely in the methods developed thus far. The approach of using genetic algorithms in the spectral analysis of R-lines and vibronic bands is presented here for the first time and validated with the well-known piezospectroscopic coefficients of the R-lines. The implementation of this method has led to significant new results in the quantification of peak shifts with uniaxial stress in the vibronic bands of the spectrum. The use of genetic algorithms is instrumental in the deconvolution and fitting of the numerous peaks in these bands. Fitting statistics, such as the fitness function and number of function evaluations, were used to assess the effectiveness of the procedures used in this method.
Semi-quantitative profile of regioisomeric monohydroxydiphenylmethane metabolites in rat urine, faeces and bile

1. Urine and faeces, and two-hour bile samples from adult male rats dosed with [14C]diphenylmethane were analysed for benzhydrol and 2- and 4-hydroxydiphenyl-methane by silica gel GF t.l.c. and 14C-determination. 2. Mean values of 48.4% and 17.7% of the administered 14C were present in 24 h urine and faeces, respectively. Benzhydrol and 2- and 4-hydroxydiphenylmethane comprised 3.7%, 0.3% and 4.8% respectively of the 14C isolated from urine and 3.1%, 0.8%, and 4.8% respectively of the 14C isolated from faeces. 3. Bile samples (2h) contained 3.2% of the administered radioactivity. After treatment with beta-glucuronidase/aryl sulphatase, 71.9% of the recovered biliary radioactivity was identified as benzhydrol (37.5%) and 4-hydroxydiphenylmethane (34.4%).
A method for digitized flow-volume curves and expiratory resistance measurements using standard ventilatory equipment

Pulmonary resistance may be assessed in ventilated patients by analysis of passive expiratory pressure and flow properties of the respiratory system. Such measurements are generally complex and require specialized equipment. To facilitate expiratory airway mechanics measurements, we have developed a method for automatically recording and analyzing expiratory pressure flow curves in mechanically ventilated patients using standard ventilatory equipment and a personal computer. Simultaneous digital pressure, flow, and volume recordings are obtained with this system during exhalation. These values allow continuous calculation of ventilator circuitry and total system resistance, which could be used for assessing expiratory airway resistance in intubated patients. The accuracy of these methods was tested by comparison to standard analog recorder pressure-flow methods using two lung models as well as by testing in normal volunteers ventilated through a mouthpiece. In all situations (flows, pressures, and volumes) there was excellent correlation between data generated from the automatic digital method and standard analog methods (all r values > .9, slopes 0.9 to 1.02, P < .001, flow bias −0.02 L/min, flow precision 0.08 L/min, volume bias 0.008 L, volume precision 0.027 L). Expiratory resistance (using expiratory time-constant cord methods) also correlated well between automatic digital and standard analog analyses (r = .9, slope 0.98, P < .001). We found that expiratory flow limb resistances (airway, tubing, filters, and valves) were substantial (range, 5.5 to 14.0 cm H2O/L/s) and are varied throughout the expiratory cycle. Therefore, measurement of expiratory-flow limb resistance is necessary for accurate clinical assessment of pulmonary resistance for any system analyzing expiratory flow mechanics in ventilated patients. We conclude that this simple and convenient method allows automatic and accurate construction of pulmonary expiratory flow properties and may enable measurement of passive expiratory resistance. Rapid and accurate measurements of expiratory lung mechanics may be possible at the bedside of ventilated patients using standard ventilatory equipment with these methods.
Collisional excitation of interstellar formaldehyde

Previous calculations for rates of excitation of ortho-H2CO by collisions with He have been extended to higher rotational levels and kinetic temperatures to 80 K. Rates for para-H2CO have also been computed. Pressure-broadening widths for several spectral lines have been obtained from these calculations and are found to agree with recent data within the experimental uncertainty of 10%. Excitation of formaldehyde by collisions with H2 molecules is also discussed.
Vaccinia virus temperature-sensitive mutants in the A28 gene produce non-infectious virions that bind to cells but are defective in entry

Abstract The vaccinia virus temperature-sensitive mutations Cts6 and Cts9 were mapped by marker rescue and DNA sequencing to the A28 gene. Cts6 and Cts9 contain an identical 2-bp deletion truncating the A28 protein and removing the fourth conserved cysteine near the C-terminus. Cts9 mutant virions produced at 40 °C were non-infectious and unable to cause cytopathic effect. However, the mutant A28 protein localized to purified mature virions (MV) at 31 °C and 40 °C. MV of Cts9 produced at 40 °C bound to cells but did not enter cells. Low pH treatment of Cts9-infected cells at 18 h p.i. failed to produce fusion from within at 40 °C, but gave fusion at 31 °C. Adsorption of Cts9 mutant virions to cells followed by low pH treatment showed a defect in fusion from without. The Cts9 phenotype suggests that the A28 protein is involved in both virus entry and cell–cell fusion, and supports the linkage between the two processes.
Neural network-based simulation metamodels for predicting probability distributions

Simulation is an important tool for supporting decision-making under uncertainty, particularly when the system under consideration is too complex to evaluate analytically. The amount of time required to generate large numbers of simulation replications can be prohibitive, however, necessitating the use of a simulation metamodel in order to describe the behavior of the system under new conditions. The purpose of this study is to examine the use of neural network metamodels for representing output distributions from a stochastic simulation model. A series of tests on a well-known simulation problem demonstrate the ability of the neural networks to capture the behavior of the underlying systems and to represent the inherent uncertainty with a reasonable degree of accuracy.