cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nonrandom distribution of intramolecular contacts in native single-domain proteins

The interplay of short- and long-range interactions in protein structure and folding is poorly understood. This study focuses on the distribution of intramolecular contacts across different regions of the polypeptide chain in soluble single-domain proteins. We show that while the average number of intramolecular interactions per residue is similar across all regions of the sequence, the interaction counterparts are distributed nonrandomly. Two types of proteins are observed. The first class comprises structures that have the majority of their intramolecular contacts linking amino acids within the same region of the sequence (i.e., N-/C-terminal or intermediate portion of the chain). A second smaller class includes proteins that have extensive contacts between the N and C termini. Such extensive interactions involve primarily distal beta-strands and are detected via the NCR parameter, a descriptor of the number of contacts with interaction counterparts in specific regions of the sequence. In summary, the majority of single-domain proteins (first class) is dominated by short-range interactions between contiguous elements of secondary structure and has only sparse contacts among the N and C termini. This finding defies the common assumption that the chain termini, often spatially close in folded proteins, have to participate in a large number of mutual interactions. Finally, our results suggest that the C-terminal region of Class 2 proteins may be particularly effective at promoting folding upon completion of protein biosynthesis in the cell.
Regenerative amplification of picosecond pulses in Nd:YLF: gain narrowing and gain saturation

The effects of gain narrowing and gain saturation in the regenerative amplification of frequency-chirped picosecond pulses are examined by using a Nd:YLF-based laser system.
Nephrotoxicity of CdCl2 and Cd-metallothionein in cultured rat kidney proximal tubules and LLC-PK1 cells.

Abstract Nephrotoxicity is the major adverse effect produced by chronic exposure to cadmium (Cd). This injury is thought to be caused by the Cd-metallothionein complex (CdMT). In intact animals, CdMT is more efficiently taken up by the proximal tubules than CdCl2 and results in more renal damage. However, the mechanism(s) by which CdMT produces renal injury is not yet understood completely. Therefore, we used cultured renal proximal tubular cells to study the nephrotoxicity of CdMT and CdCl2. Rat kidney proximal tubules were isolated by collagenase perfusion, followed by percoll isopycnic centrifugation. 14C-α-methylglucose uptake and lactate dehydrogenase leakage were used as indices of nephrotoxicity. Surprisingly, CdMT was less toxic than CdCl2 to the cultured rat proximal tubule cells, as well as to cultured LLC-PK1 cells (a pig kidney proximal tubular cell line). Consistent with these observations on nephrotoxicity, 109CdMT uptake into these cultured renal cells was much less than that of 109CdCl2. Transwell cultures of LLC-PK1 cells were also used to examine the toxicity and uptake of CdCl2 and CdMT following basolateral and apical exposure. Uptake of both CdCl2 and CdMT from basolateral exposure was higher than that from apical exposure. Again, more 109CdCl2 was taken up and more cytotoxicity was observed in the CdCl2- than CdMT-exposed cells. In summary, CdCl2 is more toxic than CdMT to cultured rat kidney proximal tubules as well as LLC-PK1 cells. This is in contradiction to the greater in vivo nephrotoxic effects of CdMT than CdCl2. Therefore, cultured renal cells do not appear to be an appropriate model to study the nephrotoxicity of CdMT; transport of CdMT into proximal tubular cells in vivo does not appear to be maintained in vitro.
Redox sensitive cysteine residues in calbindin D28k are structurally and functionally important.

Human calbindin D-28k is a Ca2+ binding protein that has been implicated in the protection of cells against apoptosis. In this study, the structural and functional significance of the five cysteine residues present in this protein have been investigated through a series of cystein e-to-serine mutations. The mutants were studied under relevant physiological redox potentials in which conformational changes were monitored using ANS binding. Urea-induced denaturations, as monitored by intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence, were also carried out to compare their relative stability. It was shown that the two N-terminal cysteine residues undergo a redox-driven structural change consistent with disulfide bond formation. The other cysteine residues are not by themselves sufficient at inducing structural change, but they accentuate the disulfide-dependent conformational change in a redox-dependent manner. Mass spectrometry data show that the three C-terminal cysteine residues can be modified by glutathione. Furthermore, under oxidizing conditions, the data display additional species consistent with the conversion of cysteine thiols to sulfenic acids and disulfides to disulfide-S-monoxides. The biological function of calbindin D-28k appears to be tied to the redox state of the cysteine residues. The two N-terminal cysteine residues are required for activation of myo-inositol monophosphatase, and enzyme activation is enhanced under conditions in which these residues are oxidized. Last, oxidized calbindin D-28k binds Ca2+ with lower affinity than does the reduced protein. (Less)
Information-Processing Architectures in Multidimensional Classification: A Validation Test of the Systems Factorial Technology

A growing methodology, known as the systems factorial technology (SFT), is being developed to diagnose the types of information-processing architectures (serial, parallel, or coactive) and stopping rules (exhaustive or self-terminating) that operate in tasks of multidimensional perception. Whereas most previous applications of SFT have been in domains of simple detection and visual–memory search, this research extends the applications to foundational issues in multidimensional classification. Experiments are conducted in which subjects are required to classify objects into a conjunctive-rule category structure. In one case the stimuli vary along highly separable dimensions, whereas in another case they vary along integral dimensions. For the separable-dimension stimuli, the SFT methodology revealed a serial or parallel architecture with an exhaustive stopping rule. By contrast, for the integral-dimension stimuli, the SFT methodology provided clear evidence of coactivation. The research provides a validation of the SFT in the domain of classification and adds to the list of converging operations for distinguishing between separable-dimension and integral-dimension interactions.
A multidimensional approach to overcoming challenges in leading community college math tutoring success

ABSTRACTThe United States lags behind many countries in mathematics proficiency. Quite often, students after graduating from high school are not prepared to enter college and are required to take remedial courses before taking credit-bearing math courses. This is particularly true at two-year institutions such as LaGuardia Community College, which provides the opportunity for students from a diverse background to attend college and earn a degree. Our college has created numerous initiatives to support the least prepared students. Our Mathematics Learning Center offers support for courses ranging from remedial mathematics through calculus and differential equations. In recent semesters, the mathematics department decided to dedicate a select group of faculty members to identify new ways of improving services at the center. In this paper, we argue for the need to give faculty a central role in assessing and devising appropriate policies for running a tutoring center. We discuss several challenges and soluti...
Bone marrow stromal cells as a genetic platform for systemic delivery of therapeutic proteins in vivo: human factor IX model.

Background Hemophilia B is an X-linked bleeding disorder that results from a deficiency in functional coagulation factor IX (hFIX). In patients lacking FIX, the intrinsic coagulation pathway is disrupted leading to a lifelong, debilitating and sometimes fatal disease. Methods We have developed an ex vivo gene therapy system using genetically modified bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) as a platform for sustained delivery of therapeutic proteins into the general circulation. This model exploits the ability of BMSCs to form localized ectopic ossicles when transplanted in vivo. BMSCs were transduced with MFG-hFIX, a retroviral construct directing the expression of hFIX. The biological activity of hFIX expressed by these cells was assessed in vitro and in vivo. Results Transduced cells produced biologically active hFIX in vitro with a specific activity of 90% and expressed hFIX at levels of ∼497 ng/106 cells/24 h and 322 ng/106 cells/24 h for human and porcine cells, respectively. The secretion of hFIX was confirmed by Western blot analysis of the conditioned medium using a hFIX-specific antibody. Transduced BMSCs (8 × 106 cells per animal) were transplanted within scaffolds into subcutaneous sites in immunocompromised mice. At 1 week post-implantation, serum samples contained hFIX at levels greater than 25 ng/ml. Circulating levels of hFIX gradually decreased to 11.5 ng/ml at 1 month post-implantation and declined to a stable level at 6.1 ng/ml at 4 months. Conclusions These findings demonstrate that genetically modified BMSCs can continuously secrete biologically active hFIX from self-contained ectopic ossicles in vivo, and thus represent a novel delivery system for releasing therapeutic proteins into the circulation. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Motivations of program partners for environmental sustainability and persistence of benefits

AbstractIt is becoming more common for sustainability-related engineering classes to engage in various forms of service and project learning activities that provide assistance to partners. However, few efforts have examined the relationship between the types of partners and the motivations for implementation of the sustainability recommendations to provide a larger context to students. The partners in pollution prevention program at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln completed an analysis of past partners and found that those in the manufacturing sector were more likely to provide direct financial savings justifications for pollution prevention and sustainability implementation, whereas the public institutions and other businesses were more likely to also cite social factors. An analysis of implemented recommendations found that there was a wide variation in implementation rates and the frequency with which benefits persisted beyond one year for different categories of implemented recommendations. For exa...
Enhanced ductility in coarse-grained Al-Mg alloys

Enhanced ductilities, i.e., values of tensile ductility exceeding those normally expected in metallic alloys, have been observed at warm temperatures in coarse-grained Al-Mg alloys which exhibit viscous-glide controlled creep. Numerous tests have been conducted in order to quantify this phenomenon over wide ranges of temperature and magnesium concentration. The contributions of strain-rate sensitivity and strain hardening have been analyzed in relation to the observed tensile ductilities. It is shown that an analysis based only on flow instability in tension cannot be used to predict failure in a unique manner.
Phylogenetic implications of the effects of anthelmintics on acanthocephalan potentials.

Abstract Acanthocephala have traditionally been thought to be more closely aligned with Cestoda. However, some recent morphological evidence would indicate similarities to nematodes. We have utilized bodywall preparations of Acanthocephala to examine the effects of anthelmintic compounds on spontaneous potential generation. Several parameters derived from our measurements indicate that three of these anthelmintics have pronounced effects on acanthocephalan potentials. We conclude that with respect to the bodywall neuro-muscular system, Acanthocephala are not only morphologically but functionally similar to nematodes such as Ascaris suum
Internal material damping of polymer matrix composites under off-axis loading

The objective of this paper is to determine theoretically the material damping of short fibre-reinforced polymer matrix composites. The major damping mechanism in such composites is the viscoelastic behaviour of the polymer matrix. The analysis was carried out by developing a finite-element program which is capable of evaluating the stress and strain distribution of short fibre composites under axial loading (see Fig. 1a). Using the concept of balance of force we can express the modulusE x along the loading direction as a function of the mechanical properties of the fibre and matrix materials, fibre aspect ratio,l/d, loading angle,θ, and fibre volume fraction,V f. Then we apply the elastic-viscoelastic correspondence principle to replace all the mechanical properties of the composite, fibre and matrix materials such asE x,E f,E m,G m, by the corresponding complex moduli such asE x ′ +iE x ″ , andE f ′ +iE f ″ . After separation of the real and imaginary parts, we can expressE ' x/t' andE x t" as functions of the fibre aspect ratio,l/d, loading angle,θ, stiffness ratio,E f/E m, fibre volume fraction,V f, and damping properties of the fibre and matrix materials such asη f andη m. Numerical results of the composite storage modulus,E x ′ , loss modulus,E x ″ , and loss factor (damping),η C, are plotted as functions of parameters such asl/d,θ,V f, and are discussed in terms of variations ofl/d,θ, andE f/E m, in detail. It is observed that for a given composite, there exist optimum values ofl/d andθ at whichE x ″ andη c are maximized. The results of this paper can be used to optimize the performance of composite structures.
Depositional Facies, Textural Characteristics, and Reservoir Properties of Dolomites in Frobisher-Alida Interval in Southwest North Dakota

The Mississippian Frobisher-Alida interval is an upward-shoaling cycle that began with open-marine sedimentation and culminated with the deposition of a widespread sabkha-salina evaporite. This cycle is the most prolific oil-producing interval in the North Dakota portion of the Williston basin. Most Frobisher-Alida production in the southern Williston basin is from dolomite reservoirs. The six major facies defined in this paper are lithologic suites that represent sediments and precipitates deposited in similar environments. Dolomite formed as a replacement of muddy sediments deposited in three facies: II, IV, and V. Facies II sediments consisted primarily of muds deposited in offshore lagoons. Facies IV sediments were composed of burrowed muds deposited in a restricted-marine environment in front of a barrier bar and island complex. Fossiliferous muds, which formed in an open-marine environment, were the dominant sediments deposited in facies V. The original sediment textures strongly influenced the textures and distribution of replacement dolomite. Some dolomite zones display relatively uniform textural and petrophysical properties over large portions of southwest North Dakota. Porous dolomite zones with larger average crystal sizes display better producing characteristics than zones with smaller average crystal sizes. The average crystal size in Frobisher-Alida dolomites ranges from about 8 to 44 µm. Most large Frobisher-Alida dolomite reservoirs in southwest North Dakota occur in combination structural-stratigraphic-hydrodynamic traps. Stratigraphic traps in dolomites are found where facies changes occur or where an updip decrease in the dolomitization intensity formed lower permeability rocks. A regional hydrodynamic gradient aids stratigraphic trapping in many dolomite zones that would not trap oil under hydrostatic conditions.
GamOpt: a tool for visualization and optimization of gamuts

This paper describes GamOpt, a tool for visualization and optimization of color gamuts. In GamOpt, a gamut may be viewed on a computer display, manipulated interactively, or optimized based on constraints. A gamut may be visualized for geometric and color intuition. Gamut points specified in L*a*b* color space may be plotted in projected 3-space. The display may be interactively manipulated to obtain insight about distribution patterns. The gamut may also be color coded in a variety of ways. Multiple gamuts may be visualized at the same time using color or geometrical cues to differentiate them. Two optimization schemes are provided, interactive and analytical. In interactive optimization, a gamut may be modified either interactively or by arbitrary user-defined functions, changing the shape and orientation of the gamut. The analytic optimization approach is based on defining numerical metrics for the goodness of gamuts. The gamut is transformed analytically to optimize these metrics. Using algebraic and neural techniques, we have implemented algorithms to estimate the transfer function between input parameters such as pigment concentrations and the L*a*b* coordinates they generate in a palette. We can then generate the values of the input parameters required to produce an optimized gamut.
Multiplexed Amino Acid Array Utilizing Bioluminescent Escherichia coli Auxotrophs

We describe a novel multiplex "amino acid array" for simultaneously quantifying different amino acids based on the rapid growth of amino acid auxotrophic E. coli. First, we constructed genetically engineered amino acid auxotrophs of E. coli containing a bioluminescence reporter gene, yielding concomitant luminescence as a response to cell growth, and then immobilized the reporter cells within individual agarose of respective wells in a 96-well plate serving as a mimic of a biochip. Using the amino acid array, we were able to determine quantitatively the concentrations of 16 amino acids in biological fluid by simply measuring bioluminescent signals from the immobilized cells within 4 h without pre- and post-treatment. The clinical utility of this method was verified by quantifying different amino acids in dried blood spot specimens from clinical samples for the diagnosis of metabolic diseases of newborn babies. This method serves as a convenient route to the rapid and simultaneous analysis of multiple amino acids from complex biological fluids and represents a new analytical paradigm that can replace conventional, yet laborious methods currently in use.
Polymerase chain reaction amplification of single-stranded DNA containing a base analog, 2-chloroadenine

Abstract By utilization of polymerase chain reaction techniques, single-stranded DNA of defined length and sequence containing a purine analog, 2-chloroadenine, in place of adenine was synthesized. This was accomplished by a combination of standard polymerase chain amplification reactions with Thermus aquaticus DNA polymerase in the presence of four normal deoxynucleoside triphosphates, M13 duplex DNA as template, and two primers to generate double-stranded DNA 118 bases in length. An asymmetric polymerase chain reaction, which produced an excess of single-stranded 98-base DNA, was then conducted with 2-chloro-2′-deoxyadenosine 5′-triphosphate in place of dATP and with only one primer that annealed internal to the original two primers. Standard polymerase chain reaction techniques alone conducted in the presence of the analog as the fourth nucleotide did not produce duplex DNA that was modified within both strands. This asymmetric technique allows the incorporation of an altered nucleotide at specific sites into large quantities of single-stranded DNA without using chemical phosphoramidite synthesis procedures and circumvents the apparent inability of DNA polymerase to synthesize fully substituted double-stranded DNA during standard amplification reactions. The described method will permit the study of the effects of modified bases in template DNA on a variety of protein-DNA interactions and enzymes.
Astrocyte elevated gene-1 activates cell survival pathways through PI3K-Akt signaling

Astrocyte elevated gene-1 (AEG-1) displays oncogenic properties. Its expression is elevated in diverse neoplastic states and it cooperates with Ha-ras to promote cellular transformation. Overexpression of AEG-1 augments invasion and anchorage-independent growth of transformed cells, while AEG-1 siRNA inhibits Ha-ras-mediated colony formation, supporting a potential functional role in tumorigenesis. Additionally, oncogenic Ha-ras induces AEG-1 expression through the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-Akt signaling pathway. In the present study, we investigated whether AEG-1 could induce serum-independent cell growth, another property of oncogenes. Overexpression of AEG-1 inhibited serum starvation-induced apoptosis through activation of PI3K-Akt signaling, one of the effector pathways induced by activated Ras. AEG-1 also affected the phosphorylation state of Akt substrates that are implicated in apoptosis suppression, including glycogen synthase kinase 3β, c-Myc, murine double minute 2, p53, p21/mda-6 and Bad. Additionally, AEG-1 blocked the activity of serum starvation-induced caspases. Taken together, these observations provide evidence that AEG-1 is an oncogene cooperating with Ha-ras as well as functioning as a downstream target gene of Ha-ras and may perform a central role in Ha-ras-mediated carcinogenesis. Activation of survival pathways may be one mechanism by which AEG-1 exerts its oncogenic properties.
Similarity relations and fuzzy orderings

The notion of ''similarity'' as defined in this paper is essentially a generalization of the notion of equivalence. In the same vein, a fuzzy ordering is a generalization of the concept of ordering. For example, the relation x @? y (x is much larger than y) is a fuzzy linear ordering in the set of real numbers. More concretely, a similarity relation, S, is a fuzzy relation which is reflexive, symmetric, and transitive. Thus, let x, y be elements of a set X and @m"s(x,y) denote the grade of membership of the ordered pair (x,y) in S. Then S is a similarity relation in X if and only if, for all x, y, z in X, @m"s(x,x) = 1 (reflexivity), @m"s(x,y) = @m"s(y,x) (symmetry), and @m"s(x,z) >= @? (@m"s(x,y) A @m"s(y,z)) (transitivity), where @? and A denote max and min, respectively. ^y A fuzzy ordering is a fuzzy relation which is transitive. In particular, a fuzzy partial ordering, P, is a fuzzy ordering which is reflexive and antisymmetric, that is, (@m"P(x,y) > 0 and x y) @? @m"P(y,x) = 0. A fuzzy linear ordering is a fuzzy partial ordering in which x y @? @m"s(x,y) > 0 or @m"s(y,x) > 0. A fuzzy preordering is a fuzzy ordering which is reflexive. A fuzzy weak ordering is a fuzzy preordering in which x y @? @m"s(x,y) > 0 or @m"s(y,x) > 0. Various properties of similarity relations and fuzzy orderings are investigated and, as an illustration, an extended version of Szpilrajn's theorem is proved.
Investigation of stress concentration factor—stress intensity factor interaction for flaws in filleted rods

Abstract To predict the fatigue life of machine parts which contain flaws in regions of stress concentration, the engineer needs to treat a series of crack sizes and/or shapes quickly and economically. In this paper the stress intensity factor distributions for circular surface flaws in the roots of fillets in rods loaded by remote tension are presented and examined The examination reveals insight into the interaction of cracks with other stress concentrating discontinuities, and based on this it is suggested that weight function methods used in conjunction with known crack solutions may provide needed, efficient stress intensity factor prediction methods for such three-dimensional geometries.
Adducin Is an In Vivo Substrate for Protein Kinase C: Phosphorylation in the MARCKS-related Domain Inhibits Activity in Promoting Spectrin–Actin Complexes and Occurs in Many Cells, Including Dendritic Spines of Neurons

Adducin is a heteromeric protein with subunits containing a COOH-terminal myristoylated alanine-rich C kinase substrate (MARCKS)-related domain that caps and preferentially recruits spectrin to the fast-growing ends of actin filaments. The basic MARCKS-related domain, present in α, β, and γ adducin subunits, binds calmodulin and contains the major phosphorylation site for protein kinase C (PKC). This report presents the first evidence that phosphorylation of the MARCKS-related domain modifies in vitro and in vivo activities of adducin involving actin and spectrin, and we demonstrate that adducin is a prominent in vivo substrate for PKC or other phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-activated kinases in multiple cell types, including neurons. PKC phosphorylation of native and recombinant adducin inhibited actin capping measured using pyrene-actin polymerization and abolished activity of adducin in recruiting spectrin to ends and sides of actin filaments. A polyclonal antibody specific to the phosphorylated state of the RTPS-serine, which is the major PKC phosphorylation site in the MARCKS-related domain, was used to evaluate phosphorylation of adducin in cells. Reactivity with phosphoadducin antibody in immunoblots increased twofold in rat hippocampal slices, eight- to ninefold in human embryonal kidney (HEK 293) cells, threefold in MDCK cells, and greater than 10-fold in human erythrocytes after treatments with PMA, but not with forskolin. Thus, the RTPS-serine of adducin is an in vivo phosphorylation site for PKC or other PMA-activated kinases but not for cAMP-dependent protein kinase in a variety of cell types. Physiological consequences of the two PKC phosphorylation sites in the MARCKS-related domain were investigated by stably transfecting MDCK cells with either wild-type or PKC-unphosphorylatable S716A/S726A mutant α adducin. The mutant α adducin was no longer concentrated at the cell membrane at sites of cell–cell contact, and instead it was distributed as a cytoplasmic punctate pattern. Moreover, the cells expressing the mutant α adducin exhibited increased levels of cytoplasmic spectrin, which was colocalized with the mutant α adducin in a punctate pattern. Immunofluorescence with the phosphoadducin-specific antibody revealed the RTPS-serine phosphorylation of adducin in postsynaptic areas in the developing rat hippocampus. High levels of the phosphoadducin were detected in the dendritic spines of cultured hippocampal neurons. Spectrin also was a component of dendritic spines, although at distinct sites from the ones containing phosphoadducin. These data demonstrate that adducin is a significant in vivo substrate for PKC or other PMA-activated kinases in a variety of cells, and that phosphorylation of adducin occurs in dendritic spines that are believed to respond to external signals by changes in morphology and reorganization of cytoskeletal structures.
Increased interdigestive pancreatic trypsin secretion in alcoholic pancreatic disease

Previous studies have suggested that chronic alcohol consumption in man is associated with an increased secretion of pancreatic enzymes. Precise quantitation of the output of protein and trypsin in the interdigestive state has not been possible because of large variations and small volume of pancreatic juice. We utilized a multilumen, markerperfused duodenal catheter to simultaneously monitor intraluminal pressures and collect mixed duodenal juice at the ligament of Treitz in five groups of patients: normal volunteers (group I), alcoholics without pancreatitis (group II), alcoholics who had recovered from acute pancreatitis (group III), alcoholics with chronic pancreatitis (group IV), and nonalcoholics who had recovered from acute pancreatitis secondary to biliary tract disease (group V). The output of trypsin and protein during 30 min of phase II and 60 min of CCK-OP 40 ng/kg/hr was determined in each group. The output of trypsin during phase II was 1.3±1.2 and 3.0±2.5 mg/kg/hr in groups II and III, respectively, compared to 0±0.1 in group IV (normal=0.6±0.5). The outputs in group V were similar to normals. The output of protein during the interdigestive state was 15.7±13.7 mg/min in group III, compared to 4.5±3.6 in normals (group I). The duodenal contraction rate was 4.6±3.0 and 3.3±2.7 contractions/min in groups III and II, respectively (significantly greater than the normal rate of 2.2±1.5). The pancreatic response to CCK-OP 40 ng/kg/hr was similar in all groups except group IV which had a decreased output of trypsin and protein (0.1±0.2 mg/kg/hr and 2.2±0.9 mg/min compared to group I: 3.4 mg/kg/hr and 7.7±1.9 mg/min). In summary, alcoholics and alcoholics who had recovered from acute pancreatitis were found to have a greater output of trypsin and a greater phase II duodenal contraction rate in the interdigestive state.
Opium Alkaloids XIV: Biosynthesis of Aporphines—detection of Orientaline in Opium Poppy

Orientaline was detected in the opium poppy by an isotope dilution method based on its biosynthesis from norlaudanosoline. Administration of labeled orientaline revealed that this alkaloid was not a precursor of isoboldine, and the experimental results provided no evidence for a pathway involving norprotosinomenine. No conclusion was possible relative to the origin of magnoflorine in the opium poppy.
Integration of Sub-Wavelength Nanofluidics With Photonic Crystals

"Optofluidics" represents the marriage of optics, optoelectronics and nanophotonics with fluidics. Such integration represents a new approach for dynamic manipulation of optical properties at length scales both greater than and smaller than the wavelength of light with applications ranging from reconfigurable photonic circuits to fluidically adaptable optics to high sensitivity bio-detection currently under development. The capabilities in terms of fluidic control, mixing, miniaturization and optical property tuning afforded by micro-, nano-fluidics combined with soft lithography based fabrication provides an ideal platform upon which to build such devices. Here we present our technique for integrating soft lithography based nanofluidics with e-beam lithography defined silicon-on-insulator photonic crystals. We demonstrate nanofluidic addressability of single, sub-wavelength, defects within the planar photonic crystal and the dynamic tuning of the guided mode. In this paper we focus on the fabrication, integration and experimental details of this work.
The Impact of a Job Redesign Intervention on Salespersons' Observed Performance Behaviors A Field Experiment

A field experimental design was used to analyze the effects of a job redesign intervention on a large department store's salespersons' functional and dysfunctional performance behaviors. Both the f...
Speculative excesses in inital pricing of IPOS in the secondary market

This paper examines the pricing of Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) in the secondary market on the first day of aftermarket trading. The focus of this study is on shifts in average returns over time, and does not necessarily address the cross‐sectional implications of a risk/return relation. The focus of the study is to examine the reasonableness of first day trading prices of IPOs. Initial returns of IPOs, issued during the period, January 1, 1999 to June 30, 2000, reached as much as 800 per cent, and the average initial return for the study sample was of 76 per cent. An important question is whether the high initial returns, observed during this time period, are appropriate for the level of risk associated with these new issues. Related to this question is the pricing of these securities by investment bankers (i.e. the offer price) and the pricing of the securities in aftermarket trading (i.e the secondary market). The results of this study indicate the presence of speculative excesses in the initial pricing of IPOs in aftermarket trading during 1999 and part of 2000. Further there is no indication that IPOs are excessively underpriced by investment bankers during the study period, January 1, 1997 through June 30, 2000. The results of this study may be useful to investors in making decisions about purchasing new public securities in the secondary market.
Live longer sans the AT1A receptor.

Excessive activation of the AT1A receptor (AT1AR) by angiotensin II (Ang II) is implicated in the age-related development of hypertension, diabetes, and kidney disease. AT1AR-deficient mice live longer and have lower levels of oxidative stress than wild-type mice (Benigni et al., 2009), suggesting a role for AT1AR signaling in the aging process.
Arithmetic applied mathematics

Abstract In this paper it will be shown how modern digital computers allow one to develop fundamental areas in applied mathematics by use only of arithmetic. Attention will be directed primarily to theoretical Newtonian mechanics and to theoretical special relativistic mechanics, two of the most substantial areas in applied mathematical study. Using only arithmetic, we will establish all the usual conservation laws in exactly the same form in which they appear in continuous mechanics. In addition, new, viable nonlinear models of complex physical phenomena will emerge and related computations will be described.
Systemic factors underlying legislative responses to woman suffrage and the equal rights amendment

Abstract This article uses a variety of quantitative data in the comparative analysis of slate legislative responses to woman suffrage and the equal rights amendment. Despite the fifty years separating their adoptions, the correlates of passage for each measure were quite similar. A model of policy innovation on women's equity issues was then tested by using legislative actions on the ERA alone. Findings indicate that decisions on the ERA in the states are related to: political culture, the state's history of policy making on similar issues, and contemporary political and socioeconomic environments. Finally, a comparison of the political and intellectual antecedents of the two amendments suggests reasons for differences in the speed of their adoption in the states.
Balancing the Cosmic Energy Budget: The Cosmic X-ray Background, Blazars, and the Compton Thick Active Galactic Nucleus Fraction

At energies 2 keV, active galactic nuclei (AGNs) are the source of the cosmic X-ray background (CXB). For AGN population synthesis models to replicate the peak region of the CXB (~30 keV), a highly obscured and therefore nearly invisible class of AGN, known as Compton thick (CT) AGN, must be assumed to contribute nearly a third of the CXB. In order to constrain the CT fraction of AGNs and the CT number density we consider several hard X-ray AGN luminosity functions and the contribution of blazars to the CXB. Following the unified scheme, the radio AGN luminosity function is relativistically beamed to create a radio blazar luminosity function. An average blazar spectral energy density model is created to transform radio luminosity to X-ray luminosity. We find the blazar contribution to the CXB to be 12% in the 0.5-2 keV band, 7.4% in the 2-10 keV band, 8.9% in the 15-55 keV band, and 100% in the MeV region. When blazars are included in CXB synthesis models, CT AGNs are predicted to be roughly one-third of obscured AGNs, in contrast to the prediction of one half if blazars are not considered. Our model implies a BL Lac X-ray duty cycle of ~13%, consistent with the concept of intermittent jet activity in low power radio galaxies.
Properties of vitamin E-deficient erythrocytes following peroxidant injury.

Summary: Several membrane properties of vitamin E-deficient and normal erythrocytes were studied after incubation of these cells with hydrogen peroxide. Measurements of mean corpuscular volume, cation permeability, membrane Na+, K+ ATPase activity, red cell filterability through 5 μ millipore filters, and membrane protein pattern on sodium dodecyle sulfate-gel electrophoresis revealed marked alterations before lysis. Vitamin E sufficient cells were unaffected by a similar incubation with hydrogen peroxide. We speculate that the changes in membrane function, which follow peroxidant injury, contribute to the shortened red cell survival in the vitamin E deficient state.
A prospective crossover trial of direct current electrotherapy in symptomatic hemorrhoidal disease

Many new modalities have been developed to treat symptomatic hemorrhoidal disease. In order to determine whether direct current electrotherapy therapy is effective, a prospective, crossover study was done. Sixteen patients referred for treatment of symptomatic hemorrhoids underwent a 16-week treatment protocol. Patients were randomized to receive either medical therapy with a sham therapy, or medical therapy with active direct current electrotherapy at 4-week intervals. All patients were instructed in medical therapy including sitz baths, hydrocortisone suppositories, topical preparations, and a high fiber diet with an educational booklet. Patients who did not respond to initial therapy were crossed over at 8 weeks, receiving alternate therapy twice. Improvement in symptoms, or lack thereof, was not statistically different between the two treatment groups. Comparisons of the internal sphincter pressure, external sphincter pressure, maximum squeeze pressure, and rectal sensitivity to balloon insufflation (volume) were not statistically different before, during, or after any treatment modality (p=0.46, 0.60, 0.33). The size and grade of hemorrhoids on entry into the study had no bearing on the outcome. In a prospective crossover trial, no difference could be found between standard medical therapy and direct current electrotherapy in the treatment of symptomatic-hemorrhoidal disease.
Degradation of Cytochrome Oxidase Subunits in Mutants of Yeast Lacking Cytochrome c and Suppression of the Degradation by Mutation of yme1

We have confirmed by spectral analysis that cytochrome oxidase is not present in strains of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae having a primary deficiency in cytochrome c, and we have demonstrated by immunological procedures that such strains lack the mitochondrially encoded subunits I, II, and III of cytochrome oxidase. Furthermore, pulse-chase experiments demonstrated that subunit II is rapidly degraded in vivo. This degradation can be at least partially suppressed by disruption of the nuclear gene YME1, which encodes a putative ATP-Zn(2+)-dependent protease. We suggest that the cytochrome oxidase subunits are not properly assembled in the absence of cytochrome c, and that Yme1 and possibly other proteases degrade the unassembled mitochondrial-encoded subunits of cytochrome oxidase.
Copper site blocking of hydrogen chemisorption on ruthenium

Abstract The effects on hydrogen chemisorption of adding copper to a Ru(0001) surface have been studied. These results show that for two distinctly different preparation procedures, copper attenuates hydrogen chemisorption on ruthenium via a simple site blocking mechanism. The results and conclusions of this study are consistent with the observed effects of Cu on a Ru catalyst for altering hydrogenolysis and methanation activity.
Topography and collateralization of the dopaminergic projections to motor and lateral prefrontal cortex in owl monkeys

The sources and histochemical characteristics of dopaminergic projections to motor and premotor areas of cortex were investigated in owl monkeys in which information from related studies was used to subdivide cortex into motor fields. Brainstem projections to frontal cortex were identified by injections of different fluorescent dyes in the primary motor cortex (M1) and the supplementary motor area (SMA), first identified by microstimulation. Injections were also placed in dorsal premotor cortex and lateral prefrontal cortex. The distribution of retrogradely labeled neurons was related to the location of tyrosine hydroxylase immunolabeled neurons on the same or alternate brain sections to identify the dopamine (DA) neurons. All DA cortically projecting neurons were located in the A8-A10 complex, largely in its dorsal components, including the parabrachial pigmented n. of the ventral tegmental area (VTA), pars gamma of the substantia nigra compacta, and the dorsal part of the retrorubral area (A8). Fewer cells were in the midline groups of VTA (n. linearis rostralis and caudalis) and in the n. paranigralis. DA neurons projecting to M1, SMA, and prefrontal cortex were largely intermixed, and some of these neurons were double or triple labeled by the fluorescent dyes, indicating collateralization to two or three fields; DA cells projecting to M1 were more numerous than to the other locations. The dorsal components of the A8-A10 complex from which arose the DA mesocortical projection were also characterized by the presence of calbindin-immunoreactive neurons and by a dense neurotensin and noradrenergic terminal innervation. Compared to rodents or felines, the DA neurons projecting to the lateral frontal lobe of primates appear to be shifted dorsally and laterally in the nigral complex. The topographic overlap, partial collateralization, and common histochemical characteristics of the DA mesocortical neurons projecting to different fields of the lateral frontal lobe suggest that some degree of functional unity exists within this projection.
Measurement of very high resistivities using electrooptic crystals.

Resistances of devices or samples of material can be measured accurately by placing the sample between conducting plates attached to an electrooptic crystal. The plates are then charged, and the voltage-induced birefringence in the crystal is monitored optically. In this way very small conduction currents in the sample can be monitored without introducing an additional current path between the electrodes. Resistances up to 1016 Ω have been measured using LiNbO3 as the electrooptic crystal.
The structure of α-keratin

Abstract A model for the structural arrangements of the protein chains in α-keratin has been proposed on the basis of the diffraction pattern of porcupine quill tips. The model implies that the protein chains are basically of the α-helix configuration but are supercoiled and packed in five concentric layers. The supercoiling in the different layers makes one turn in 198 A along the axis of the tonofilament. The number of chains in the different layers are 3, 7, 10, 16, and 19. This arrangement that is based on the diffraction pattern gives a diameter of the tonofilament that is in agreement with electron microscopic data.
Coffee worker's asthma: A clinical appraisal using the radioallergosorbent test

Abstract Eight coffee workers with job-related respiratory symptoms were studied with water-soluble green coffee bean (GCB), castor bean (CaB), and factory dust (FD) antigens. Six workers described occupationally related asthma, rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and urticaria or pruritis and demonstrated positive wheal and flare skin tests with GCB and FD antigens. Serum radioallergosorbent test (RAST) indices ranged from 3 to 15 for GCB and 28 to 60 for CaB specificities. The other 2 coffee workers, who denied allergic symptoms, and 8 atopic and sex-matched control subjects demonstrated negative skin tests and RAST indices
Gallstone Disease in Patients with Severe Short Bowel Syndrome Dependent on Parenteral Nutrition

An increased incidence of gallbladder disease is seen in patients receiving long-term parenteral nutrition (PN). Stasis is thought to play a key role in the development of gallbladder sludge and gallstone formation. The highest incidence of gallbladder disease, by previous reports, is seen in patients with terminal ileal disease or resection. Since PN-dependent patients with severe short bowel syndrome secondary to mesenteric vascular accident have both gallbladder stasis and massive small bowel resection, a retrospective study was undertaken to evaluate the incidence of symptomatic gallbladder disease in this group. Of 11 patients followed over 9 years, five met the inclusion criteria of less than 60 cm of bowel remaining, receiving PN for longer than 6 months and the initial presence of a gallbladder. All five patients developed symptomatic gallbladder disease manifested by cholecystitis or pancreatitis. Factors contributing to gallbladder stasis included poor oral intake and use of anticholinergic and analgesic drugs. Gastric hypersecretion indirectly contributed to decreased oral intake as a means to minimize stool output. As these patients often require several laparotomies during the initial hospitalization, consideration should be given to performing prophylactic cholecystectomy, especially when the potential mortality and morbidity of emergent cholecystectomy done for symptomatic gallbladder disease is taken into account.
Effects of Pretreatment with Antibiotics on Survival Following Mesenteric Arterial Occlusion in Rats

Summary and ConclusionsShock induced in rats by temporary occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery after pretreatment with various antibiotics and induction of resistance by drum training and by repeated administration of bacterial endotoxin was studied. Terramycin, Neomycin or Gantrisin given orally for 6 days clearly protected rats, whereas those treated with Aureomycin or Chloromycetin were not protected. Adaptation to drum trauma did not circumvent the lethal effects of bowel occlusion. Tolerance to bacterial endotoxins was only moderately effective against occlusion shock.It was concluded that the protective action afforded by certain antibiotics was probably due to their local action in preventing pathological changes in the intestinal tract and not to prevention of a systemic bacteremia.
Development of a bioartificial new intestinal segment using an acellular matrix scaffold

Intestinal rehabilitation for short-bowel syndrome is an integral part of modern intestinal transplant programmes. The mortality of patients with short-bowel syndrome is most significant in individuals with a residual small bowel of <50 cm, as shown by a 5-year survival rate of 57%.1 Total parenteral nutrition and intestinal transplantation are options to extend life but are still plagued by serious complications and, in the case of transplantation, immunosuppression. As an alternative, several bowel elongation procedures have been described,2–4 but have had limited clinical success and new techniques are warranted. The minimum length of bowel required to allow sufficient absorption of nutrients has not been confirmed.1,5 Elongation of even a few centimetres may allow these patients to receive nutritional rehabilitation and become independent from total parenteral nutrition, and possibly avoid transplantation. We hypothesised that an acellular dermal matrix …
A first linkage map of pecan cultivars based on RAPD and AFLP markers

We report here the first genetic linkage maps of pecan [Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch], using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers. Independent maps were constructed for the cultivars ‘Pawnee’ and ‘Elliot’ using the double pseudo-testcross mapping strategy and 120 F1 seedlings from a full-sib family. A total of 477 markers, including 217 RAPD, 258 AFLP, and two morphological markers were used in linkage analysis. The ‘Pawnee’ linkage map has 218 markers, comprising 176 testcross and 42 intercross markers placed in 16 major and 13 minor (doublets and triplets) linkage groups. The ‘Pawnee’ linkage map covered 2,227 cM with an average map distance of 12.7 cM between adjacent markers. The ‘Elliot’ linkage map has 174 markers comprising 150 testcross and 22 intercross markers placed in 17 major and nine minor linkage groups. The ‘Elliot’ map covered 1,698 cM with an average map distance of 11.2 cM between adjacent markers. Segregation ratios for dichogamy type and stigma color were not significantly different from 1:1, suggesting that both traits are controlled by single loci with protogyny and green stigmas dominant to protandry and red stigmas. These loci were tightly linked (1.9 cM) and were placed in ‘Elliot’ linkage group 16. These linkage maps are an important first step towards the detection of genes controlling horticulturally important traits such as nut size, nut maturity date, kernel quality, and disease resistance.