cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The pH-dependent membrane association of procathepsin L is mediated by a 9-residue sequence within the propeptide.

The lysosomal proprotease procathepsin L binds to mouse fibroblast microsomal membranes at pH 5, but mature active cathepsin L does not (McIntyre, G.F., and Erickson, A. H. (1991) J. Biol. Chem. 266, 15438-15445). This binding is not dependent on N-linked carbohydrate as procathepsin L synthesized in cells treated with tunicamycin still shows pH-dependent membrane association. These results suggest that the propeptide (Thr18-Lys113) of the cysteine protease mediates its pH-dependent membrane association. Synthetic peptides containing either 24 or 9 residues from the N-terminal portion of the mouse procathepsin L propeptide inhibited the binding of mouse procathepsin L to microsomal membranes at pH 5. In contrast, the pH-dependent membrane association was not inhibited either by a scrambled version of the 24-residue peptide, in which 3 adjacent residues likely to be positively charged at pH 5 were dispersed, or by a second control peptide containing the 11 N-terminal residues from mature mouse cathepsin L. The 24-residue peptide chemically coupled to horseradish peroxidase bound to microsomes at pH 5, but not at pH 7. On ligand blots, the same conjugate bound specifically to a 43-kDa integral membrane protein, identifying the microsomal protein that mediates the proenzyme binding. The 9-residue propeptide sequence that inhibits the membrane association of procathepsin L at pH 5 resembles the vacuolar sorting sequences in the propeptides of yeast proteinase A and carboxypeptidase Y. This suggests that the membrane association of procathepsin L may play a role in the transport of the proenzyme to lysosomes, the vacuolar equivalent in mammalian cells.
SNS Warm Linac Commissioning Results

The Spallation Neutron Source accelerator systems will deliver a 1.0 GeV, 1.4 MW proton beam to a liquid mercury target for neutron scattering research. The staged beam commissioning of the accelerator complex is proceeding as component installation progresses. The Front End, Drift Tube Linac and three of the four Coupled-Cavity Linac modules have been commissioned with beam at ORNL. Results and status of the beam commissioning program are presented.
Coordinate representation of the two-spinon wave function and spinon interaction in the Haldane-Shastry model

By deriving and studying the coordinate representation for the two-spinon wavefunction, we show that spinon excitations in the Haldane-Shastry model interact. The interaction is given by a short-range attraction and causes a resonant enhancement in the two-spinon wavefunction at short separations between the spinons. We express the spin susceptibility for a finite lattice in terms of the resonant enhancement, given by the two-spinon wavefunction at zero separation. In the thermodynamic limit, the spinon attraction turns into the square-root divergence in the dynamical spin susceptibility.
A New Approach to the Valuation of Interest Rate Derivatives: Arrow-Debreu Prices Implicit in the Term Structure of Interest Rates

In a complete, arbitrage-free securities market, the value of a discount bond is modeled in terms of the pricing kernel and the transition density function of the spot interest rate process. The prices of discount bonds are taken from the current term structure of interest rates, and the transition density function is estimated from historical term structure data, using both parametric and nonparametric techniques. The pricing kernel and associated prices of Arrow-Debreu securities are then determined. The resulting Arrow-Debreu prices have two merits: they are consistent with the current term structure of interest rates, and therefore arbitrage-free, and, in addition, they embody the observed historical behavior of the term structure.
Differential line-shifts

In the beginning of this review, I paraphrase three statements from Paul W. Merrill (1960). (1) In the spectra of long-period variables, absorption lines of neutral metals show a shortward displacement increasing algebraically with excitation potential, probably due to atoms moving outward in the star’s upper atmosphere with an expansion velocity of the order of 20 km s -1 . (2) About 6 weeks after maximum light emission components appear within the broad absorption at H and K of Ca II, but displaced about -100 km s -1 . A similar, but less extreme, behaviour is known for classical cepheids. (3) In quasi-constant red giants, the resonance lines of Ca II, Ca I, and SR II show circumstellar components displaced shortward relative to the normal stellar photospheric lines by a velocity which is correlated with the spectral type, typically -8 km s -1 for M6 II to -25 km s -1 for class M0 III.
Observational Constraints on Angular Momentum Transfer During Gravitational Collapse

A simple calculation of the expected spectral signatures of model protostellar accretion flows suggests how the rotation curve of the accretion disk may be deduced from radio frequency molecular line observations. We compare synthetic observations with actual data to derive rotation curves, braking torques, and minimum magnetic field energies required to effect the braking
Nonlinear adaptive control of robot manipulators

The mathematical model of a robot manipulator is described by a set of ordinary, coupled nonlinear differential equations. Present theory is insufficient to obtain the exact solution of the equations to control the manipulator. The complexity of the problem is reduced by proposing a model reference system where the Coriolis terms are ignored and where the system of nonlinear differential equations is almost decoupled by a careful selection of input torques. It is shown that the proposed control scheme for the model reference system is stable about a known equilibrium point. A simulation study is presented for a two-link rotary manipulator where a model system and control scheme are developed. The simulation results indicate that the solution is stable around a predetermined equilibrium point and that the addition of Coriolis terms in the nonlinear differential equation does not change the overall stability of the system. >
March 1843: The Most Abnormal Month Ever?

Weather observations taken four times daily across the present-day central and eastern United States permit a detailed reconstruction of monthly climate and daily weather during March 1843. Based on normalized departures of temperatures from the historic monthly mean, March 1843 may be regarded as the most anomalous month in recorded history for the central and eastern United States. In places, the average temperature for the month was more than 25°F (14°C) below normal, and the expected return frequency for such an anomaly is thousands of years. Using the detailed observations and recent analogs, the daily weather maps for March 1843 can be reconstructed. They show a storm track displaced well to the south of its normal position, with occasional snowstorms bringing winter weather to the Deep South, the Mid-Atlantic States, and New England. The extended severe winter weather caused hardship throughout the area.
Seasonal Variations of Saltation Activity on A High Plains Saline Playa: Yellow Lake, Texas

The Southern High Plains region of West Texas and eastern New Mexico is often described as a flat elevated tableland. Spaced across this vast and otherwise featureless plain are 21 large closed basins containing approximately 40 irregularly shaped saline playas. Yellow Lake, located on the Yellow House Ranch northwest of Lubbock, Texas, is among the largest of the High Plains saline playas. This paper represents the first report of a 4-yr. study of saltation activity at Yellow Lake. From December 30, 1998, to January 1, 2003, a fast-response piezoelectric saltation sensor was used to collect a continuous record of aeolian activity at a point on the playa surface. Since saltation activity is often associated with dust emissions, the saltation record also provides information regarding seasonal patterns of dust emissions from the Yellow House Basin. Results suggest that blowing events can occur at any time of the year when conditions are favorable; however, the necessary conditions are rarely satisfied. As ...
Simulating and rendering wet hair

Simulating hair dynamics is one of the most challenging tasks in computer animation due to its complexity and required realism. The huge amount of hair make the computation and rendering very cumbersome, especially when influenced by visual effect elements such as water and fire. In this paper we propose a physically-based model to capture the characteristics of wet hair. Hair and fur in our system can interact with water particles and change the parameters such as weight and stiffness for physics simulation. A fast cohesion process is then applied to wet hair at each time step to achieve realistic clumping effects. We also introduces a shading model that produces convincing appearance for wet hair.
Effect of hydrostatic pressure on halothane-induced depression of mitochondrial respiration

Anesthetized animals are awakened when subjected to increased atmospheric pressure. Whether all phenomena associated with the anesthetic state are similarly reversed is not known. Since the anesthetic halothane produces a dose-related reversible depression of rat liver mitochondrial respiration, the effect of 51 atmospheres of pressure on the drug's action was evaluated. It is concluded that application of pressure does not antagonize the inhibition produced by this anesthetic.
Longitudinal Gompertzian analysis of prostate cancer mortality in the U.S., 1962-1987: a method of demonstrating relative environmental, genetic and competitive influences upon mortality.

Abstract Age-specific mortality rates for prostate cancer (PC) in the United States from 1962 to 1987 were subjected to longitudinal Gompertzian analysis. Age-specific PC mortality rate distributions between age 55 and 85 years were determined by a variable competitive factor and a common intersect point. The intersect point for PC occurred at age 61.5 years and mortality rate 27.9 per 100 000 and reflects genetic and environmental influences upon mortality. Between 1962 and 1987, non-age-standardized annual crude PC mortality rates increased 41.6%. Longitudinal Gompertzian analysis suggests that rising PC mortality rates in the United States are the natural consequence of competitive deterministic mortality dynamics. Moreover, longitudinal Gompertzian analysis is a method that demonstrates the relative contribution of environmental, genetic and competitive influences upon disease specific mortality.
In Vitro Biosynthesis of Iron-Molybdenum Cofactor and Maturation of the nif-encoded Apodinitrogenase EFFECT OF SUBSTITUTION FOR NifH WITH SITE-SPECIFICALLY ALTERED FORMS OF NifH

NifH has three different roles in the nitrogenase enzyme system. Apart from serving as the physiological electron donor to dinitrogenase, NifH is involved in iron-molybdenum cofactor (FeMo-co) biosynthesis and in maturation of the FeMo-co-deficient form of apodinitrogenase to a FeMo-co-activable form (apodinitrogenase maturation). The exact roles of NifH in these processes are not well understood. In the present study, the features of NifH required for the aforementioned processes have been investigated by the use of site-specifically altered forms of the enzyme. The ability of six altered forms of NifH inactive in substrate reduction (K15R, D39N, D43N, L127Delta, D129E, and F135Y) to function in in vitro FeMo-co synthesis and apodinitrogenase maturation reactions was investigated. We report that the ability of NifH to bind and not hydrolyze MgATP is required for it to function in these processes. We also present evidence that the ability of NifH to function in these processes is not dictated by the properties known to be required for its function in electron transfer to dinitrogenase. Evidence toward the existence of separate, overlapping sites on NifH for each of its functions (substrate reduction, FeMo-co biosynthesis, and apodinitrogenase maturation) is presented.
Testosterone and Men’s Stress Responses to Gender Threats

Given findings suggesting that basal testosterone (T) is a biological marker of dominance striving that buffers people against stress, we examined the role of basal T in men’s stress responses (cortisol reactivity) following a private, noncompetitive gender status threat. One-hundred twenty-eight men recruited from a university in the Southeast provided saliva samples both before and 15 minutes after receiving feedback that either threatened or affirmed their gender status. Gender threatening feedback elicited heightened cortisol reactivity among men who were low, but not high, in basal T (interaction f 2 .03). This suggests that men high in T may be buffered from the immediate psychophysiological effects of manhood threats. Discussion considers how these findings add to the literature on basal T and reactions to status threats.
Effects of random outcomes on choice behavior.

Summary.-Decision-making researchers have shown that making optimal decisions is aided by the detection of information salient to the task. When the task involves random events, humans tend to perceive these events as contingent. In this study, outcomes were grouped together with choices to identify some of the conditions under which random events are correctly perceived. Of the two groups (ns =40) only one was provided information regarding the relationship between choice and outcome. This provision did not improve the detection of the relationship between random events any more than direct contact with the underlying contingencies. Findings are discussed in terms of experiential contact with and sensitivity to underlying contingency. A fundamental aspect of decision-making is correctly identifying the relations between one's choices and their outcomes. To predict an event correctly, one must first perceive the relationship between the antecedent of the event and the event itself. Also, correct detection of the relation between the event and its consequence wd facilitate choice for the event (if the unfolding of the event is under one's control). Previous studies (Lander, 1997; Kimbrough, Wright, & Shea, 2001) have shown that it is possible to improve the saliency of such relationships so they are better perceived. Such improvements in saliency and subsequently in detection make decisions more optimal (Lander, 1997). In a series of studies (Kudadjie-Gyamfi & Rachlin, 1996, 2002) choices and outcomes were grouped in triads per trial, i.e., groups of three choices and consequent outcomes, with an intertrial interval of 30 sec. Participants in this condition made more optimal choices than participants in control groups in which choices and outcomes were not grouped. Grouping the choices and outcomes into triads had the effect of imposing a pattern on choice behavior; this significantly improved the saliency of the dependent relationship between choice and outcome. An important question based on these findings is whether individuals detect the random relationship between unrelated events when the events are presented in triads as mentioned above. Previous research has shown
Estrogen receptor status in inflammatory breast carcinoma

Sixteen women with a clinical diagnosis of inflammatory breast carcinoma had estrogen receptor analysis performed. Eleven of 16 were premenopausal. Median age of all patients was 46 years. All patients had estrogen receptor (ER) assay by either dextran charcoal method or by sucrose gradient method. Five patients were ER + ( greater than or equal to 10 fmol/mg cytosol protein) and 11 were ER -, with almost no binding at all. Response to therapy for metastatic disease using either hormones or chemotherapy was disappointing.
Electrical properties of resistive ribbon

In resistive ribbon thermal transfer printing, a printhead consisting of an array of electrodes passes current into a thin ribbon to generate heat for transferring ink to paper. The ribbon is made of a polymeric material containing carbon black so as to be conducting, and has aluminum deposited on one side of the ribbon for a base contact. In this paper, the electrical conduction processes within the ribbon are discussed. Current-voltage measurements have been made with electrodes of various types in order to separate effects due to contact resistance, aluminum/resistive ribbon interfacial resistance, and bulk conduction in the resistive ribbon. Measurements have been made over a range of frequency and temperature to determine the basic conduction mechanisms. A model of conduction is presented that is in qualitative agreement with the data.
Optimal foraging: Field tests of diet choice and habitat switching

Synopsis. The application of optimal foraging theory to questions of predator behavior, and evidence bearing on the utility of this construct, are reviewed. Experimental tests of simple models predicting prey choice are examined with particular reference to the sizeselection of prey by fish. Laboratory estimates of model parameters are then used to predict prey choice in the field and data from several field tests are presented which corroborate these predictions. When parameters are habitat specific this permits predic? tions of net return from foraging in different habitats and consequendy predictions of habitat use and switching. Field data gathered to test these predictions demonstrate that fish feed in the richer habitats and switch habitats when the profitability of one drops below that of another. Examples are provided showing how these models can then be used to relate behavioral and morphological differences between species and questions at higher levels such as the nature of species interactions and community structure. It is suggested that this may be one of the more useful applications of optimal foraging theory. Finally, some of the criticisms of the theory and important questions requiring further study are discussed.
Effect of growth hormone therapy on Taiwanese children with growth hormone deficiency

Background/Purpose Human growth hormone (GH) has been successfully used in children with GH deficiency (GHD). However, there are few published data on the effect of GH in Taiwanese children with GHD. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study to identify factors influencing the effect of GH therapy on ethnic Chinese children with GHD in Taiwan. Idiopathic GHD can be classified into isolated GHD (IGHD) and multiple pituitary hormone deficiency (MPHD). The study looked at the effect of GH on the auxological, biochemical, and imaging parameters of 51 patients (13 girls and 38 boys) in three different diagnostic groups: MPHD ( n = 12), IGHD ( n = 8), and transient GHD (TGHD; n = 31). TGHD is defined as a GH peak >10 μg/L in re-evaluation by two GH stimulation tests approximately 6 months after discontinuation of GH therapy. Results The height velocity for first-year GH therapy was 7.61 ± 1.46, 8.14 ± 1.92, and 9.99 ± 2.75 cm/y in the TGHD, IGHD, and MPHD groups, respectively. After post hoc comparison, the MPHD group had a significantly accelerated height velocity in the first year compared to the TGHD group. Correlation analysis showed that a change in height standard deviation score (SDS) in the first year had a significant negative correlation with the following variables: peak GH ( r = −0.52, p r = −0.49, p r = −0.49, p r = −0.51, p r = −0.35, p = 0.022), height SDS ( r = −0.60, p r = −0.46, p = 0.001), and Ht-TH SDS ( r = −0.50, p = 0.001). After using multiple linear regression, the pretreatment GH peak value was found to be significantly associated with height increments after 1 year of GH treatment ( B = −0.07, p = 0.014). Conclusion The administration of GH to children with GHD results in a pronounced acceleration in linear growth during the first year of treatment, especially in those with MPHD. The diagnosis of GHD requires comprehensive auxological, biochemical, and brain magnetic resonance imaging assessment. We also suggest that patients with GHD, specifically IGHD, must undergo a re-evaluation of GH secretion after completion of GH therapy.
RECONSTRUCTING THE TREE OF LIFE: TAXONOMY AND SYSTEMATICS OF SPECIES RICH TAXA1

Those not involved in evolutionary biology are often surprised that we are far from answering two fundamental questions concerning biological diversity—how many species are there? and how are these species related evolutionarily? The recent edited volume by Hodkinson and Parnell, Reconstructing the tree of life: taxonomy and systematics of species rich groups, overviews some of the many challenges involved in addressing these basic questions, with a special emphasis on the need “to tackle its species-rich groups.” There are good reasons, they argue, for basing an entire book on species-rich taxa—large genera constitute a “large portion of the diversity we seek to describe.” For example, more than 50 seed plant genera have > 500 species each; 20 have over 1000 each (Ronsted et al., p. 130). Yet, systematists tend to steer clear of many species-rich groups—particularly at the generic level. Such genera are too complex to break into “bite-sized” pieces; too much to give Ph.D. students (at least ones we like) as a discrete four to five year project; too risky to take on before we have tenure. The chapters in this volume are divided into three general areas: (1) Introduction and general context, (2) Reconstructing and using the tree of life, (3) Overview of species-rich groups (case studies). I overview some of the major topics covered in this volume and discuss several broader issues involving species-rich
Perceptions of the Religion—Health Connection Among African Americans in the Southeastern United States: Sex, Age, and Urban/Rural Differences:

Extensive literature reviews suggest that religiousness is positively associated with health. Much less understood is the particular nature of the religion-health connection. Religion and the church play a central role in the lives of many African Americans. This study used a mixed-methods approach to examine perceptions of the religion-health connection among African Americans in urban and rural areas. Four hundred participants were randomly selected and interviewed by telephone, answering open-ended questions about their perceptions of the role of religiousness in their health. Data were analyzed using an open-coding technique. Codes were arranged into families involving the role of a higher power, health behavior, physical factors, social support, mental health, and contextual factors in determining physical health, as well as the potential negative role of religiousness. Quantitative analysis revealed the stronger presence of themes among women, older participants, and those in rural counties. Applications for theory and health promotion are discussed.
Oogenesis in Fundulus heteroclitus IV. Yolk‐vesicle formation

Yolk vesicles first appear within the oocyte of Fundulus heteroclitus in association with elaborate smooth endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi elements. Cytochemistry indicates the yolk vesicles contain an acidic glycoconjugate. [3H]Glucose is used to examine the synthesis and accumulation of yolk vesicles in studies performed both in vivo and in vitro, since it is selectively incorporated into nascent yolk vesicles. The endogenous synthesis of yolk-vesicle glycoconjugate is documented by autoradiography, gel electrophoresis, and fluorography. A large (> 200 kDa) glycoconjugate has been identified, which is thought to reside in yolk vesicles. Incorporation studies done in vitro substantiate that this putative yolk-vesicle material is synthesized by the oocyte itself and that synthesis occurs not only during the so-called yolk-vesicle stage, but also throughout vitellogenesis and early maturation. The view is thus adopted that various synthetic and physiological events are sequentially initiated and subsequently remain active throughout oocyte growth.
On the imaginary optical potential

Abstract The imaginary part of the nuclear optical potential for nucleons is investigated in a semi-quantitative way. For simplicity, harmonic oscillator wave functions have been used to perform calculations for O16 and Ca40. Results indicate that surface absorption is quite important for incident energies up to about 60 MeV.
Solving large-scale mixed-integer programs with fixed charge variables

We consider large-scale mixed-integer programming problems containing fixed charge variables. In practice such problems are frequently approached by using commercial mathematical programming systems. Depending on the formulation, size and structure of the problem this approach may or may not be successful. We describe algorithms for preprocessing and optimization of such problems and discuss the design of an experimental software system based on MPSX/370. Numerical results for solving some large real life problems are also presented.
Formalizing sensing actions—a transition function based approach

Abstract In presence of incomplete information about the world we need to distinguish between the state of the world and the state of the agent's knowledge about the world. In such a case the agent may need to have at its disposal sensing actions that change its state of knowledge about the world and may need to construct more general plans consisting of sensing actions and conditional statements to achieve its goal. In this paper we first develop a high-level action description language that allows specification of sensing actions and their effects in its domain description and allows queries with conditional plans. We give provably correct translations of domain description in our language to axioms in first-order logic, and relate our formulation to several earlier formulations in the literature. We then analyze the state space of our formulation and develop several sound approximations that have much smaller state spaces. Finally we define regression of knowledge formulas over conditional plans.
Diffusion-controlled growth or collapse of moving and stationary fluid spheres

Abstract The problem of diffusion-controlled growth or collapse of a bubble or droplet that is moving relative to a surrounding fluid is solved by means of a similarity transformation previously proposed by Ruckenstein. The cases of low Reynolds number flow ( Re Re
A critique of factor analytic approaches to the study of credibility

Reservations are offered about three aspects of factor‐analytic studies of credibility: (I) scale selection and factor naming procedures; (2) statistical procedures; and (3) their conceptualization of credibility. Scales have seldom been selected by a pre‐sample of subjects, semantic differential scales have been used almost exclusively, and similar names have been applied to factors which contain different scales. Certain credibility factor structures have been used as if they were generalizable far beyond the raters, sources, and factoring procedures which generated them. Credibility ought to be conceptualized as a process involving (a) source‐message characteristics, (b) inferred attributes, (c) source functions in specific topic‐situations, (d) criteria for source acceptability, and (e) receiver responses.
Optimization of chrome dry etch in Tetra II using asymmetrically loaded patterns

Asymmetrically loaded patterns have been used to develop and optimize the chrome etch process on the TetraO II, the next -generation tool offered by Etec Systems. These asymmetrically loaded patterns offer unique challenges to the dry etch process by concentrating much of the chrome load in one section of the mask (usually one quadrant) while leaving the rest of the mask uniformly loaded. Numerical analysis of both the final chrome and the point-by-point etch contribution has been implemented to allow accurate interpretation of etch results.
Modeling Indoor Particle Deposition from Turbulent Flow onto Smooth Surfaces

Abstract Particle deposition to indoor surfaces is frequently modeled by assuming that indoor air flow is homogeneously and isotropically turbulent. Existing formulations of such models, based on the seminal work of Corner and Pendlebury (1951, Proc. Phys. Soc. Lond. B 64, 645), lack a thorough physical foundation. We apply the results of recent studies of near-surface turbulence to produce an analogous model for particle deposition onto indoor surfaces that remains practical to use yet has a stronger physical basis. The model accounts for the effects of Brownian and turbulent diffusion and gravitational settling. It predicts deposition to smooth surfaces as a function of particle size and density. The only required input parameters are enclosure geometry and friction velocity. Model equations are presented for enclosures with vertical and horizontal surfaces, and for spherical cavities. The model helps account for a previously unexplained experimental observation regarding the functional dependence of deposition velocity on particle size. Model predictions agree well with recently published experimental data for a spherical cavity (Cheng, Y. S., Aerosol Sci. Technol. 27, 131–146, (1997)).
Heat shock proteins as vaccine adjuvants in infections and cancer

In addition to maintaining cell homeostasis under physiological and stress conditions, some heat shock proteins (HSPs) are potent inducers of immunity and have been harnessed as vaccine adjuvants targeted to cancers and infections. HSPs are a group of ubiquitous intracellular molecules that function as molecular chaperones in numerous processes, such as protein folding and transport, and are induced under stress conditions, such as fever and radiation. Certain HSPs are potent inducers of innate and antigen-specific immunity. They activate dendritic cells partly through toll-like receptors, activate natural killer cells, increase presentation of antigens to effector cells and augment T-cell and humoral immune responses against their associated antigens. Their roles in priming multiple host defense pathways are being exploited in vaccine development for cancer and infectious diseases.
3D Numerical Simulation of Turbulent Buoyant Flow and Heat Transport in a Curved Open Channel

A three-dimensional buoyancy-extended version of k–e turbulence model was developed for simulating the turbulent flow and heat transport in a curved open channel. The density-induced buoyant force was included in the model, and the influence of temperature stratification on flow field was considered. The flow and temperature fields were simulated simultaneously. The model was validated by comparison with laboratory measurements, and the simulated fields were generally in good agreement with experimental data. A comparison of velocity fields in thermal and isothermal flow in curved open channel is presented and the effects of channel curvature and buoyant force on the velocity fields are also discussed.
Genetic deletion of 5-lipoxygenase increases tumor-infiltrating macrophages in Apc(Δ468) mice.

The role of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) in colon cancer is unknown. Tumor-infiltrating macrophages, neutrophils, and mast cells have been shown to play important roles in colon tumorigenesis and are dependent on 5-LO for function. Utilizing the APCΔ468 polyposis model, we performed 5-LO gene knockouts and evaluated the subsequent changes in macrophage, neutrophil, and mast cell density at the tumor site. The proliferative and degranulation capacities of 5-LO-deficient mast cells were also measured, quantifying thymidine incorporation and β-hexosaminidase release, respectively. APCΔ468/5LO−/− mice displayed increased tumor-infiltrating macrophages and decreased neutrophils at the polyp site. In vitro, mast cells deficient for 5-LO proliferated at a diminished rate while mast cell degranulation was unchanged. We provide evidence suggesting that 5-LO deficiency has differential effects on the infiltration of macrophages and neutrophils in adenomatous polyps, increasing and decreasing infiltration of these cells, respectively. Our observations are consistent with a protective role for tumor-infiltrating macrophages in the initiation of polyp formation. The mechanisms through which 5-LO deficiency negatively affects these cells are under investigation. These results provide evidence that 5-LO plays an important role in tumorigenesis and further indicate that 5-LO-selective inhibitors can be investigated as potential therapeutic agents for colorectal polyposis and cancer.
Eddy-Current Coil Interaction With A Perfectly Conducting Wedge of Arbitrary Angle

In this article, a closed-form expression for the impedance of a tangential eddy-current coil in the presence of an infinite conducting wedge of arbitrary angle is derived. The truncated eigenfunction expansion (TREE) solution given here is valid in the quasi-static frequency regime. The theory was validated via comparison to an independent analytical expression for the impedance change of a horizontal coil over a conducting half-space due to Burke. We present results for three geometries: a conducting quarter-space, a conducting wedge of angle 225 degrees, and a semi-infinite conducting sheet. Our theory predicts a measurable change in the tangent coil reactance in the presence of all three geometries.
Configurational Constancy: I. The Effects of Changes in the Intrinsic Elements

(1955). Configurational Constancy: I. The Effects of Changes in the Intrinsic Elements. The Journal of General Psychology: Vol. 53, No. 2, pp. 265-280.
The zinc finger proteins ZXDA and ZXDC form a complex that binds CIITA and regulates MHC II gene transcription

The transcription of major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC II) genes depends critically upon the activity of the class II trans-activator (CIITA) protein. We previously described a novel CIITA-binding protein named zinc finger X-linked duplicated family member C (ZXDC) that contributes to the activity of CIITA and the transcription of MHC II genes. Here, we examined the contribution of a closely related family member of ZXDC, the ZXDA protein, to MHC II gene transcription. ZXDA has a domain organization similar to ZXDC, containing ten zinc fingers and a transcriptional activation domain. Knockdown and overexpression of ZXDA demonstrated its importance in the transcriptional activation of MHC II genes. We found that ZXDA and ZXDC can self-associate, and also form a complex with each other. The regions of the two proteins that contain zinc fingers mediate these interactions. Importantly, we found that the ZXDA-ZXDC complex interacts with CIITA, rather than either protein alone. Given our additional finding that ZXDC is present at MHC II promoters in HeLa cells, prior to and after treatment with IFN-γ, it appears that ZXDA and ZXDC form an important regulatory complex for MHC II gene transcription.
Stratified waveguide grating coupler for normal fiber incidence.

We propose a new stratified waveguide grating coupler (SWGC) to couple light from a fiber at normal incidence into a planar waveguide. SWGCs are designed to operate in the strong coupling regime without intermediate optics between the fiber and the waveguide. Two-dimensional finite-difference time-domain simulation in conjunction with microgenetic algorithm optimization shows that ?72% coupling efficiency is possible for fiber (core size of 8.3??m and ?=0.36%) to slab waveguide (1.2-?m core and ?=3.1%) coupling. We show that the phase-matching and Bragg conditions are simultaneously satisfied through the fundamental leaky mode.
Tracking graphics state for networked rendering

As networks get faster, it becomes more feasible to render large data sets remotely. For example, it is useful to run large scientific simulations on remote compute servers but visualize the results of those simulations on one or more local displays. The WireGL project at Stanford is researching new techniques for rendering over a network. For many applications, we can render remotely over a gigabit network to a tiled display with little or no performance loss over running locally. One of the elements of WireGL that makes this performance possible is our ability to track the graphics state of a running application.In this paper, we will describe our techniques for tracking state, as well as efficient algorithms for computing the difference between two graphics contexts. This fast differencing operation allows WireGL to transmit less state data over the network by updating server state lazily. It also allows our system to context switch between multiple graphics applications several million times per second without flushing the hardware accelerator. This results in substantial performance gains when sharing a remote display between multiple clients.
Fragmentation and Recombination of Molecules during Laser Vaporization of Cryogenic Films

Laser vaporization of cryogenically condensed films of ICl and Cl2 is studied by investigating the beams of neutral atoms and molecules formed with high translational kinetic energies. The fragments resulting from the vaporization process of these molecules are examined and compared to the fragmentation patterns of molecules studied previously, XeF2 and NO. It is found that ICl shows a large amount of fragmentation and recombination during vaporization, which forms Cl2 and I2. This is also true for XeF2 and may be true for Cl2, but does not occur for NO. The degree of recombination is affected by the thickness of the cryogenic film being ablated and depends on the bond energy of the molecule with respect to the photon energy.
Immunoassays at a quartz-liquid interface: Theory, instrumentation and preliminary application to the fluorescent immunoassay of human immunoglobulin G

The theoretical basis and instrumental requirements of an optical detection technique for monitoring antibody-antigen reactions at a quartz-liquid interface are described. The antibody is covalently immobilized on the optical surface of a planar, fused-quartz waveguide and reacted with antigen solution. A light beam is internally reflected within the waveguide and penetrates into the solution only a fraction of the wavelength of the incident light. This is the evanescent wave which interacts optically with the growing number of antigen-antibody complexes but minimally with the bulk solution. A two-site immunofluorescent assay for human IgG measurement is described using fluorescein as the label. The assay detection limit is approximately 0.8 micrograms/ml and individual fluorescence measurements are completed within 10 min. It is expected that this evanescent wave immunoassay should have wide applicability in both routine and research fields.
The role of rapid PACU parathyroid hormone in reducing post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia.

Abstract Objectives Post-thyroidectomy parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels have been used to predict hypocalcemia. The goal of this study was to determine whether selective supplementation for post anesthesia care unit (PACU) PTH Study Design Controlled cohort study of thyroidectomy patients, with chart review. Setting Chart review of total or completion thyroidectomy patients in an academic setting. Subjects and Methods The control group consisted of 124 subjects. The selective supplementation group consisted of 169 subjects with routine PACU PTH testing. The routine supplementation group consisted of 155 subjects with immediate postoperative calcium and vitamin D supplementation. The control group received supplementation for hypocalcemia (calcium 10 mg/dL. Results Mean serum calcium was lower and the rate of hypocalcemia was higher in the control group than the selective PACU PTH group on POD1 (8.2 vs 8.6 mg/dL, P Conclusion Routine PTH testing and supplementation for patients with hypoparathyroidism reduced the proportion of patients experiencing hypocalcemia. However, supplementation for intraoperative PTH
The STING pathway and the T cell-inflamed tumor microenvironment

A major subset of patients with advanced solid tumors show a spontaneous T cell-inflamed tumor microenvironment, which has prognostic import and is associated with clinical response to immunotherapies. As such, understanding the mechanisms governing the generation of spontaneous T cell responses in only a subset of patients is critical for advancing immunotherapeutic approaches further. Here, we discuss the characteristics of T cell-inflamed versus non-inflamed tumors, including a type I interferon (IFN) signature associated with T cell priming against tumor antigens. We review recent findings that have pointed towards the STING (stimulator of interferon genes) pathway of cytosolic DNA sensing as an important innate immune sensing mechanism driving type I IFN production in the tumor context. Knowledge of this pathway is guiding the further development of novel immunotherapeutic strategies.
EST analysis of cDNA libraries from the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria (Cordyceps) bassiana. II. Fungal cells sporulating on chitin and producing oosporein.

In the accompanying paper [ Cho, E.-M., Liu, L., Farmerie, W. & Keyhani, N. O. (2006) . Microbiology 152, 2843–2854], the analysis of expressed sequence tag (EST) libraries derived from homogeneous single-cell populations of aerial conidia, in vitro blastospores and submerged conidia of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria (Cordyceps) bassiana has been reported. Here an extended EST analysis is presented of complex cell mixtures derived from fungal cells sporulating on chitin or grown under culture conditions inducing the production of the B. bassiana secondary metabolite, oosporein. Fungal material used for the construction of the libraries included germinating conidia and blastospores, mycelia, as well as cells in various developmental stages. Approximately 2500 5′ end sequences were determined from random sequencing of clones from each library, and were clustered into 277 contigs with 1069 singlets, and 306 contigs with 1064 singlets, for the chitin and oosporein libraries, respectively. Almost half (45–50 %) of the sequences in each library displayed either no significant similarity (e value >10−4) or similarity to hypothetical proteins found in the NCBI database. Approximately 20–25 % of the sequences in each library could be annotated by gene ontology terms. A comparative analysis between the two libraries, as well as the libraries in the accompanying paper, is presented. A set of 4360 clustered and unique sequences was characterized. The data are indicative of a highly plastic gene expression repertoire being available to B. bassiana for growth during different environmental and developmental conditions, and provides a dataset for gene discovery and genome annotation.
The influence of the mass matrix on the dispersive nature of the semi-discrete, second-order wave equation

Abstract The application of discrete solution methods to the second-order wave equation can yield a dispersive representation of the non-dispersive wave propagation problem resulting in a phase speed that depends, not only upon the wavelength of the signal being propagated, but also upon the direction of propagation. In this work, the dependence of the dispersive errors on the wave propagation direction, mesh aspect ratio and wave number is investigated with the goal of understanding and hopefully reducing the phase and group errors associated with the two-dimensional bilinear finite element. An analysis of the dispersive effects associated with the consistent, row—sum lumped and higher-order mass matrices has led to a reduced-coupling ‘penta-diagonal’ mass matrix that yields improved phase and group errors with respect to wavelength and propagation direction. The influence of row—sum lumping the finite element mass matrix is demonstrated to always introduce lagging phase and group error, while a linear combination of the lumped and consistent mass matrices, i.e. a higher-order mass matrix, is shown to improve the dispersion characteristics of both the reduced and full-integration element. Using a 2.5% phase error metric, the higher-order mass matrix can reduce the mesh resolution requirements relative to the lumped mass matrix by nearly a factor of two in one dimension; a factor of 4 in two dimensions. Similarly, the reduced-coupling mass matrix can reduce the grid requirements by a factor of approximately four relative to the lumped mass matrix; a factor of 16 in two dimensions. Although the reduced-coupling mass matrix requires additional storage relative to the lumped mass, the factor of 16 reduction in grid requirements promises tremendous overall savings for computing a fixed wavelength spectrum, or alternatively for resolving shorter wavelengths with a fixed grid resolution.
A self‐evaluation maintenance approach to school behavior

According to a recent self‐evaluation maintenance model, three variables — one's relative level of performance in school, the relevance of school to one's self‐definition, and the psychological closeness of comparison to others in the classroom — act in concert to affect self‐evaluation. By assuming that individuals behave so as to maximize self‐evaluation, knowledge of any two variables can be used to make predictions regarding behavior on the third. These predictions are spelled out for relevance, performance, and closeness. Associated with each prediction is a selective review of the literature and some implications for educators.
Younger Age Is an Independent Predictor for Poor Survival in Patients with Signet Ring Prostate Carcinoma

Objective. The aim of this study was to examine the epidemiology, natural history, treatment pattern, and predictors of long-term survival of signet ring prostate carcinoma (SRPC) patients based on the analysis of the national Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Methods & Results. Between 1980 and 2004, a total of 93 patients with pathologically confirmed SRPC were identified. The mean age was 70 ± 11 years old. 82.8% of the patients had poorly or undifferentiated histology grade. 13.9% patients presented with metastatic disease. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year cancer-specific survival rates were 94.6%, 89.6%, and 83.8%, respectively. Using multivariate Cox proportional hazard model, younger age (40–50 versus age >70 yrs, P = .01), advanced tumor stage (distant versus local/regional, P = .02), and earlier diagnosis year (before 1995 versus after 1995, P = .01) were predictors of worse cancer specific survival. Conclusions. Despite more aggressive cancer therapy, younger SRPC patients had a worse cancer specific survival. This information could be useful when counseling these patients and emphasizes the need for new strategies and molecular-based therapeutic approaches for younger patients with SRPC.
PbTe/Te superlattice structures with enhanced thermoelectric figures of merit

The thermoelectric properties of PbTe/Te superlattice structures grown by molecular beam epitaxy have been investigated. The in-plane Seebeck coefficient, Hall coefficient, and electrical resistivity have been measured at 300K. The data show that a significant enhancement of the in-plane Seebeck coefficient, thermoelectric power factor and figure of merit has been achieved.
Effects of intestinal electrical stimulation on postprandial small-bowel motility and transit in dogs.

Abstract Background Intestinal electrical stimulation (IES) with long pulses has been reported to inhibit motility as well as accelerate transit of continuous infusion. However, it is unknown whether there is a correlation between the IES-induced alterations in motility and transit and whether there is a difference in transit during IES between continuous infusion and bolus infusion. Methods The study was performed in 2 postprandial sessions (control and stimulation) in dogs with 2 pairs of serosal electrodes and 2 intestinal cannulas. Intestinal motility and transit with and without IES were measured by manometry and phenol red, respectively. Results IES significantly decreased intestinal motility and increased transit time. There was a significant correlation between motility index and transit during IES. Conclusions IES inhibits both intestinal bolus motility and transit. There is correlation between motility and transit during IES.