cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Photocontrol of the polypeptide composition ofEuglena : Analysis by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis.

Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis resolved total cellular protein fromEuglena gracilis Klebs var.bacillaris Cori into 650 polypeptides detectable by silver staining. Exposure of dark-grown restingEuglena to light for 72 h increased the relative amounts of 79 polypeptides and decreased the relative amounts of 72 polypeptides. Four polypeptides whose level increased upon light exposure were undetectable in the bleached mutant W3BUL. Since W3BUL has lost most if not all of its chloroplast genome, these polypeptides may be coded by the chloroplast genome. Although the majority of the polypeptides studied appear to be coded by the nuclear or mitochondrial genomes, seven polypeptides which were present in W3BUL were not detectable in another chloroplast-DNA-deficient, bleached mutant, W10BSmL. It appears that a number of nonchloroplast genes are no longer expressed in this mutant. Exposure of dark-grown resting cells of the bleached mutant, W3BUL, to light increased the relative amounts of 12 polypeptides and decreased the relative amounts of 14 polypeptides. Since W3BUL lacks detectable protochlorophyll(ide), the chloroplast photoreceptor, the levels of these polypeptides are regulated by light acting through a nonchloroplast photoreceptor. Exposure of cells to light had no detectable effect on the relative amounts of those polypeptides which were present in W10BSmL, even though W10BSmL has a nonchloroplast photoreceptor. EitherEuglena contains multiple nonchloroplast photoreceptors, some of which are absent from W10BSmL, or the nonchloroplast photoreceptor present in W10BSmL is uncoupled from some of the events normally controlled by that photoreceptor.
Life-Cycle-based Solid Waste Management. I: Model Development

This paper describes an integrated solid waste management (ISWM) model to assist in identifying alternative SWM strategies that meet cost, energy, and environmental emissions objectives. An SWM system consisting of over 40 unit processes for collection, transfer, separation, treatment (e.g., combustion, composting), and disposal of waste as well as remanufacturing facilities for processing recycled material is defined. Waste is categorized into 48 items and their generation rates are defined for three types of sectors: single-family dwelling, multifamily dwelling, and commercial. The mass flow of each item through all possible combinations of unit processes is represented in a linear programming model using a unique modeling approach. Cost, energy consumption, and environmental emissions associated with waste processing at each unit process are computed in a set of specially implemented unit process models. A life-cycle approach is used to compute energy consumption and emissions of CO, fossil- and biomas...
Robot-assisted isolation of the pulmonary veins with microwave energy

Background Ablation of the left atrium to isolate the pulmonary veins has been shown to interrupt electrical foci that may induce atrial fibrillation. This study evaluated the feasibility of performing a minimally invasive left atrial isolation on a beating heart using the da Vinci Robotic Surgical System and a flexible microwave probe (Flex 10 by AFx, Inc., Fremont, CA, USA), and the reliability of exit block pacing to confirm transmurality of the lesions created. Methods On six canines, the Flex 10 probe was passed around the left atrium posterior to the superior vena cava, through the transverse sinus, and back through the oblique sinus via a right-chest-only approach using the da Vinci Robotic Surgical System. Prior to ablation, pacing outside the atrial cuff was confirmed. Ablation was then carried out on the beating heart and repeated (as needed) until electrical isolation was demonstrated by exit block pacing. Probe position was confirmed at the completion of the procedure via sternotomy. Analysis included acute histologic and gross examination of the targeted area. Results There was no significant difference (p = 0.110) in procedure time, although it decreased 39.6% from the first three cases to the last three cases. Electrical evidence of electrical left atrial isolation was achieved in all subjects. Acute histologic examination confirmed transmurality inconsistently. Additionally, in two animals, the Flex 10 probe was found to be anterior to the left atrial appendage. All animals survived the procedure. Conclusion A minimally invasive left atrial isolation procedure using monopolar microwave energy with the da Vinci Robotic Surgical System is simple and feasible. However, despite creating an electrical block, transmurality was not demonstrated consistently and further confirmation of catheter positioning is necessary during a right-chest-only approach.
Repeated treatment with antidepressants differentially alters 5-HT1A agonist-stimulated [35S]GTPγS binding in rat brain regions

Electrophysiological studies have led to the proposal that the neurobiological mechanism(s) underlying drug therapy of anxiety and depression involve(s) regionally specific adaptations in 5-HT(1A) receptor sensitivity. Depending on the drug utilized, a decrease in sensitivity of inhibitory somatodendritic autoreceptors, an increase in sensitivity of postsynaptic receptors, or both alterations, occur after several weeks of treatment. This hypothesis was tested using N,N-dipropyl-5-carboxamidotryptamine-stimulated guanosine-5'-O-(3-thio)triphosphate ([(35)S]GTPgammaS) binding assessed by autoradiography. Rats were treated for 21 days with one of four different anxiolytic/antidepressant drugs (in mg/kg): fluoxetine (10), imipramine (10), clorgyline (1), ipsapirone (2 x 20) or saline. Three brain regions rich in 5-HT(1A) receptors were examined: the dorsal raphe (somatodendritic), the dorsal hippocampus (postsynaptic) and the lateral septum (postsynaptic). Only imipramine (+17%) and fluoxetine (+54%) significantly increased agonist-stimulated binding in the dorsal hippocampus; all drugs except imipramine significantly decreased binding in the dorsal raphe (-19 to -41%). These results generally support the concept of a net enhancement of hippocampal 5-HT neurotransmission via one or more 5-HT receptor subtypes. The most consistent effect, however, was a significant decrease in stimulated [(35)S]GTPgammaS binding in the lateral septum after all four treatments (-14 to -23%), suggesting that this may be a heretofore unrecognized common outcome of antidepressant treatment deserving further study.
Experimental satellite trajectory analysis using decision-based robust design

The techniques for quality engineering can be used efficiently to evaluate the predicted performance of systems with a small number of simulations; this is especially important in the early stages of design of systems and parameter design when analysis methods are time consuming or expensive. Currently, the NASA Johnson Space Center employs Monte Carlo simulations to analyze trajectories of space vehicles. Accurate estimates of the system performance deviations due to parameter noise are obtained by a large number of simulations. This method is computationally expensive, especially if it is necessary to compare different designs. We introduce a method that is a variation of the robust design techniques proposed by Taguchi and can be applied to the trajectory analysis and the design improvement of a deorbiting satellite, the Life Sat vehicle. For the trajectory analysis, Monte Carlo simulations are replaced with an efficient simulation technique based on orthogonal arrays. We demonstrate that the two methods produce equivalent results; however, the decision-based robust design proposed here considerably reduces computational time for efficient design improvement. This would allow us to minimize variation in system performance from the designer-specified target values while concurrently maximizing the achievement of other design goals.
Measurement of state and trait anxiety in elderly mental health clients

Anxiety in elderly persons is frequently discussed but rarely measured. Difficulties in measuring state and trait anxiety with mental health clients aged 55 and older using the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) led the authors to validate the use of the simpler, children's form of their scale. Four types of validity data were found: (1) the childrens' form was highly correlated with the adult form, (2) both scales were significantly correlated with objective ratings of anxiety made by staff, (3) the STAI measures were not correlated with behavioral ratings other than anxiety (discriminant validity), (4) the residential clients were significantly higher in A-trait than the day clients. The nonresidential clients were not more anxious than college students. Discussion emphasizes the necessity of distinguishing between and measuring both state and trait anxiety in order to understand anxiety in the elderly.
Spin label orientation at the active site of α-chymotrypsin in single crystals

Abstract Single crystals of monoclinic α-chymotrypsin have been spin labeled as the acyl-chymotrypsin intermediate that is formed in the hydrolysis of the substrate (I), (DL)-3-carboxy 2,2,5,5,-tetramethyl pyrrolidine-N-oxyl-p-nitrophenyl ester. The paramagnetic resonance spectra show that each paramagnetic acyl group is held rigidly at the active site in a single unique orientation relative to its host enzyme molecule.
Efficient Spare Allocation in Reconfigurable Arrays

The issue of yield degradation due to physical failures in large memory and processor arrays is of significant importance to semiconductor manufacturers. One method of increasing the yield for iterated arrays of memory cells or processing elements is by incorporating spare rows and columns in the die or wafer which can be programmed into the array. This paper addresses the issue of computer-aided design approaches to optimal reconfiguration of such arrays. The paper presents the first formal analysis of the problem. The complexity of optimal reconfiguration is shown to be NP-complete for rectangular arrays utilizing spare rows and columns. In contrast to previously proposed exhaustive search and greedy algorithms, this paper develops a heuristic branch and bound approach based on the complexity analysis, which allows for flexible and highly efficient reconfiguration. Initial screening is performed by a bipartite graph matching algorithm.
Cyclosporine Inhibits a Direct Interaction between Cyclophilins and Hepatitis C NS5A

Background: Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection is a leading indication for liver transplantation. HCV infection reoccurs almost universally post transplant, decreasing both graft longevity and patient survival. The immunosuppressant, cyclosporine A (CsA) has potent anti-HCV activity towards both HCV replicons and the genotype 2a cell culture infectious virus. Previously, we isolated mutations in the 1bN replicon with less sensitivity to CsA that mapped to both NS5A and NS5B regions of the virus. Mutations in NS5A alone conferred decreased CsA susceptibility regardless of NS5B mutations. Methodology/Principal Findings: We examined the mechanisms by which NS5A mutations contribute to CsA resistance and if they are strain dependent. Using in vitro mutagenesis, the amino acid position 321 mutation of NS5A was restored to the wild-type tyrosine residue conferring partial CsA susceptibility on the mutant replicon. The 321 mutation also alters CsA susceptibility of the JFH cell culture virus. Additionally, we demonstrated a novel CsA-sensitive interaction between NS5A and both cyclophilin A and B. Both the mutant NS5A and wild type NS5A bind cyclophilin in vitro. The NS5A: cyclophilin interaction requires both the NS5A region identified by the resistance mutants and cyclophilin catalytic residues. In cell culture, NS5A from CsA resistant mutant has an enhanced interaction with cyclophilin B. Additionally; NS5B facilitates a stronger binding of mutant NS5A to endogenous cyclophilin B than wild-type in cell culture. Conclusions/Significance: Collectively, this data suggests direct interactions between cyclophilins and NS5A are critical to understand for optimal use of cyclophilin inhibitors in anti-HCV therapy.
Characterization of edg-2, a human homologue of theXenopus maternal transcript G10 from endothelial cells

We have isolated by polymerase chain reaction-amplified subtractive hybridization technique, several cDNA clones that are induced by phorbol myristic acetate in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). One such clone, termed edg-2, was sequenced and was found to encode a human homologue of a Xenopus maternal transcript G10. The deduced amino acid sequence of edg-2 contains a putative nuclear translocation sequence, an N-terminal acidic domain and a cysteine-rich C-terminal domain containing a putative Zinc-finger structure. The structure of edg-2 polypeptide suggests that it may be a nuclear regulator of transcription. The edg-2 mRNA was expressed ubiquitously in cell lines of epithelial and mesenchymal lineages. In addition, the edg-2 polypeptide sequence is highly conserved in evolution and is expressed by lower organisms such as yeast and C. elegans, suggesting that it may be an important regulator of general nuclear function.
The ageing phenome : Caloric restriction and hormones promote neural cell survival, growth, and de-differentiation

The phenome represents the observable properties of an organism that have developed under the continued influences of both genome and environmental factors. Phenotypic properties are expressed through the functions of cells, organs and body systems that operate optimally, close to equilibrium. In complex organisms, maintenance of the equilibrium is achieved by the interplay of several regulatory mechanisms. In the elderly, dynamic instability may lead to progressive loss of normal function, failure of adaptation and increased pathology. Extensive research (reported elsewhere in this journal) has demonstrated that genetic manipulations of endocrine signaling in flies, worms and mice increase longevity. Another effective strategy for prolonging the lifespan is caloric restriction: in data presented here, the persistence of estrogen-sensitive cells in the hypothalamus of caloric restricted 22-month-old female mice, may explain the persistence of reproductive function at an age, when reproductive function has long ceased in ad libitum fed controls. Still another strategy utilizes the effects of epidermal growth factor (EGF) to promote in vitro proliferation of neuroglia, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. Their subsequent de-differentiation generates immature precursor cells potentially capable of differentiating into neuroblasts and neurons. These and other examples suggest that, in terms of functional outcomes, "the genome proposes but the phenome disposes".
Zero dimensionality and monotone normality

Abstract A proof is given that every separable, compact, monotonically normal space X is the continuous image of a zero dimensional one which shows that X is the continuous image of a linearly ordered one.
Fiber-Optic Microsphere-Based Arrays for Multiplexed Biological Warfare Agent Detection

We report a multiplexed high-density DNA array capable of rapid, sensitive, and reliable identification of potential biological warfare agents. An optical fiber bundle containing 6000 individual 3.1-mum-diameter fibers was chemically etched to yield microwells and used as the substrate for the array. Eighteen different 50-mer single-stranded DNA probes were covalently attached to 3.1-mum microspheres. Probe sequences were designed for Bacillus anthracis, Yersinia pestis, Francisella tularensis, Brucella melitensis, Clostridium botulinum, Vaccinia virus, and one biological warfare agent (BWA) simulant, Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki. The microspheres were distributed into the microwells to form a randomized multiplexed high-density DNA array. A detection limit of 10 fM in a 50-microL sample volume was achieved within 30 min of hybridization for B. anthracis, Y. pestis, Vaccinia virus, and B. thuringiensis kurstaki. We used both specific responses of probes upon hybridization to complementary targets as well as response patterns of the multiplexed array to identify BWAs with high accuracy. We demonstrated the application of this multiplexed high-density DNA array for parallel identification of target BWAs in spiked sewage samples after PCR amplification. The array's miniaturized feature size, fabrication flexibility, reusability, and high reproducibility may enable this array platform to be integrated into a highly sensitive, specific, and reliable portable instrument for in situ BWA detection.
Coping with the Gulf war: Subculture differences among ischemic heart disease patients in Israel

Abstract The purpose of this study was to assess short term effects of the Gulf war on ischemic heart disease patients of different ethnic origin. Three dimensions of patients' reactions to the war situation were studied: psychological, physical and behavioral. The study first focused on changes in patients' responses on these dimensions over three stages of the war, differentiated according to degree of threat. Second, differences stemming from ethnic origin were examined among patients who live in the same geographical region, use the same health services and were exposed to the same threatening life event. One hundred ischemic heart disease patients were interviewed while waiting in outpatient hospital clinics for a regular examination at the end of the war. The results of intrapersonal comparisons showed that the intensity of responses, as expected, increased significantly on the three dimensions from the week before the war started to the first week of the war, which was the most stressful period for Israelis. During the last week of the war, however, when stress was significantly reduced, the expected change was found primarily with regard to psychologic responses. That is, worries were significantly reduced, but no significant reduction in frequency of anginal pain and in drug consumption followed, indicating differences in the adjustment process on the psychologic and physical levels. Subcultural differences were found in the studied responses: Patients of Asian or North African countries of origin reported having more frequent anginal pains, and consuming more drugs than patients from Western countries. The increase in physical symptoms indicates that a stressful event has immediate harmful physical effects on chronically ill people, which might increase in the long run. This supports the life events theory. The severity of these aversive responses varies among the different ethnic groups, probably due to cultural differences in learned coping patterns. Such findings have important practical applications for identifying groups or individuals at risk, and for planning preventive intervention programs for periods of social crisis.
Production of L-Phenylalanine by a Mutant of Brevibacterium lactofermentum 2256

Excellent L-phenylalanine producers were screened from among tyrosine, methionine doubly auxotrophic and antimetabolite resistant mutants derived from a L-glutamic acid-producing bacterium; Brevibacterium lactofermentum 2256. A selected mutant, Brevibacterium lactofermentum No. 123, produced 21.7mg/ml of L-phenylalanine in 72 hr when 13% glucose was supplied as a carbon source. The accumulation of L-phenylalanine by strain No. 123 became 5.17-fold higher than that by parental strain No. 808. This yield was the highest among those so far reported. The addition of fumaric acid to the culture medium promoted the L-phenylalanine production. Accumulation of other amino acids in the culture broth was negligible compared with that of the main product, L-phenylalanine.
Impedance measurement approach for small antennas without direct cable attachment

An indirect impedance measurement approach that does not require direct cable attachment using a two-port network is designed and numerically evaluated. Using a monopole as an interrogating antenna, the impedance of a small spherical helix dipole over a ground plane is retrieved. The accuracy and sources of error are discussed.
Multi-stage Ediacaran ocean oxidation and its impact on evolutionary radiation

High-resolution paired carbon (δ^(13)C_(carb) and δ^(13)C_(org)) and sulfur (δ^(34)S_(SO4) and δ^(34)S_(pyrite)) isotope records of the Ediacaran strata of the Huqf Supergroup, Sultanate of Oman record a three-stage oxidation of the Ediacaran ocean. Following the Marinoan glaciation, stage I oxidation lasts from ∼635 to 610 million years ago (Myr) and records an increase in marine sulfate concentrations above ∼200 μM, likely due to a rise in atmospheric oxygen. Stage II oxidation, from ∼575 to 550 Myr, coincides with the Shuram excursion, ɑ > 13‰ negative excursion in δ^(13)C_(carb)Burns and Matter, 1993 created by the oxidation of a large reservoir of deep ocean dissolved organic carbon (DOC). The onset of stage II oxidation coincides with the evolution of acanthomorph acritarchs in Australia and China Grey, 2005, and the appearance of the first Ediacaran metazoa, Charnia-type segmented fronds Narbonne, 2005, while the first motile macroscopic metazoa (e.g., Kimberella) appear at ∼555 Myr Narbonne, 2005 as the Shuram excursion draws to a close. Stage III oxidation, from ∼550 to 547 Myr, is marked by presence of sulfur disproportionating metabolisms and the onset of co-variation in δ^(13)C_(carb) and δ^(13)C_(org), which is absent in older strata. Coincident with the onset of stage III oxidation, we see the evolution of macroscopic multicellular algae Xiao, 2004, an increase in the diversity of the acanthomorph acritarchs Burns and Matter, 1993, and the appearance of the weakly calcifying metazoa Cloudina and Namacalathus Narbonne, 2005. Following stage III oxidation, there is a period of quiescence characterized by little perturbation in the carbon cycle and an absence of significant evolutionary events. At ∼542 Myr, anoxia at the Ediacaran–Cambrian boundary causes the extinction of many Ediacaran organisms, setting the stage for the Cambrian radiation.
UNUSUAL SCALING OBSERVATIONS IN THE QUALITY FACTORS OF CANTILEVERED CARBON NANOTUBE RESONATORS

This work examines the quality factors (Q factors) of resonance associated with the axial and transverse vibrations of single-wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT) resonators through the use of molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. Specifically, the work investigates the effect of device length, diameter, and chirality, as well as temperature, on the resonant frequency and quality factor of these devices, and benchmarks the results of MD simulation against classical theories of energy dissipation. Of note are the facts that the quality factors associated with transverse vibration decrease with increasing device diameter and are largely insensitive to chirality. Additionally, quality factors increase with increasing device length for transverse vibrations, but remain almost constant for axial vibrations. The predicted size dependence of the quality factors associated with axial vibration agrees well with classical theory, if the nanoscale size effect of thermal conductivity is properly accounted for. However, the size dependence of the quality factors associated with transverse vibrations deviates significantly from classical theory.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Shared Experiences and Meanings of Military Nurse Veterans

Objective: To determine the shared perceptions, feelings, and expriences of U.S. military nurse veterans. Design: Phenomenological based on Heideggerian philosophy. Population, Sample, Setting: The population was of military nurse veterans in the U.S.A. from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and Operation Desert Storm. The convenience sample was 22 nurses recruited from local and national veterans' groups who volunteered to be interviewed. Methods: Transcribed interviews with team members producing written interpretations; the team produced consensus about themes. Each interview was summarized and validation from the research team and respondents was sought. Conclusions: Five common themes or shared meanings emerged: reacting personally to the war experience, living in the military, the meaning of nursing in the military, the social context of war, and images and sensations of war. Clinical Implications: A coherent review of wartime nursing.
Incorporating phosphorus cycling into global modeling efforts: a worthwhile, tractable endeavor

324 I. 324 II. 325 III. 326 IV. 327 328 References 328 SUMMARY: Myriad field, laboratory, and modeling studies show that nutrient availability plays a fundamental role in regulating CO2 exchange between the Earth's biosphere and atmosphere, and in determining how carbon pools and fluxes respond to climatic change. Accordingly, global models that incorporate coupled climate-carbon cycle feedbacks made a significant advance with the introduction of a prognostic nitrogen cycle. Here we propose that incorporating phosphorus cycling represents an important next step in coupled climate-carbon cycling model development, particularly for lowland tropical forests where phosphorus availability is often presumed to limit primary production. We highlight challenges to including phosphorus in modeling efforts and provide suggestions for how to move forward.
Binding of Carcinogenic Halogenated Hydrocarbons to Cell Macromolecules

Ethylene dibromide (EDB), a known stomach carcinogen, and ethylene dichloride (EDC), which is carcinogenic to the liver, have been shown in in vitro experiments to bind covalently to stomach and hepatic microsomal proteins and to salmon sperm DNA. The binding of EDB or EDC with proteins was not significant when denatured microsomes were used or when DNA was used in the absence of microsomes. The binding of EDB to these macromolecules was augmented with increasing concentrations of microsomes. SKF-525A, an inhibitor of the microsomal metabolism of various substrates, significantly inhibited the binding of EDB to protein and DNA. These findings suggest that metabolic activation of EDB and EDC is required for their covalent binding to macromolecules. Glutathione and 1-methyl-2-mercaptolmidazole markedly decreased the binding of EDB, which indicated that a reactive electrophilic intermediate(s) of EDB is (are) involved in the binding. The binding of EDC to liver proteins of (C57BL/6 X C3//He)F1 mice, which are susceptible to liver tumor induction by EDC and to DNA, was significantly higher than the corresponding binding for Osborne-Mendel rats, a species not susceptible to liver tumor induction by this compound.
THE NEOPLASTIC POTENTIALITIES OF MOUSE EMBRYO TISSUES : V. THE TUMORS ELICITED WITH METHYLCHOLANTHRENE FROM PULMONARY EPITHELIUM

The lung tissue of mouse embryos of the C strain proliferates to some extent after implantation in adult hosts of the same breed and rapidly differentiates, forming a parenchyma remarkably like the normal. The grafts persist long. When methylcholanthrene dissolved in olive oil has been introduced with them much more growth of them occurs. The carcinogen induces a pronounced metaplasia of the epithelium of the bronchial tree, and the altered cells are often aggressive, multiplying, invading, and largely replacing the parenchyma about them. So closely do they resemble malignant elements in aspect and behavior that it is frequently difficult to tell whether carcinomatous change is not actually present. Genuine tumors soon arise, multiple benign adenomas sometimes appearing within 3 weeks, and indubitable carcinomas a few weeks later. Not a few of the cancers are of transitional cell type, that is to say are expressive of an intermediate stage in the metaplasia. Under the influence of methylcholanthrene the cells lining the alveolar spaces of the graft sometimes undergo metaplasia also, with result in stratified squamous epithelium. It follows that there is reason to doubt the current assumption that all squamous cell carcinomas of the lung necessarily arise from the bronchial tree. The findings, taken with others previously reported, make it difficult to suppose, furthermore, that the generality of lung tumors can be due to neoplastic viruses entering the organism in postnatal life and having no broader scope than those thus far discovered.
Theories of Revolution

In attacking the problem of revolution, as most others of major significance in history, we historians should think twice before we spurn the help offered by our colleagues in the social sciences, who have, as it happens, been particularly active in the last few years in theorizing about the typology, causes, and evolutionary patterns of this particular phenomenon. The purpose of this article is not to advance any new hypothesis, but to provide a summary view and critical examination of the work that has been going on.
A low-power AGC with level-independent phase margin

We describe a 32-/spl mu/W 77dB-dynamic-range power-law-compression VLSI AGC circuit for use in audio applications particularly for hearing aids and cochlear implants. We demonstrate that in spite of the nonlinearities in the circuit, the feedback-loop phase margin is invariant with input level. This ensures that robust performance at one level guarantees robust performance at any level.
Elovl5 regulates the mTORC2-Akt-FOXO1 pathway by controlling hepatic cis-vaccenic acid synthesis in diet-induced obese mice

Elevated hepatic expression of fatty acid elongase-5 (Elovl5) induces FoxO1 phosphorylation, lowers FoxO1 nuclear content, and suppresses expression of genes involved in gluconeogenesis (GNG). In this report, we define the molecular and metabolic basis of Elovl5 control of FoxO1 phosphorylation. Adenoviral-mediated (Ad-Elovl5) induction of hepatic Elovl5 in diet-induced obese, glucose-intolerant mice and HepG2 cells increased the phosphorylation of Akt2-S473 [mammalian target of rapamycin complex-2 (mTORC2) site], but not Akt2-T308 (PDK1 site). The Akt2 inhibitor Akti1/2 blocked Elovl5 induction of FoxO1-S256 phosphorylation in HepG2 cells. Elevated Elovl5 activity in liver and HepG2 cells induced rictor mRNA, rictor protein, and rictor-mTOR interaction, whereas rictor knockdown (siRNA) attenuated Elovl5 induction of Akt2-S473 and FoxO1-S256 phosphorylation in HepG2 cells. FA analysis revealed that the abundance of cis-vaccenic acid (18:1,n-7) was increased in livers of obese mice and HepG2 cells following Ad-Elovl5 infection. Treating HepG2 cells with Elovl5 substrates established that palmitoleic acid (16:1,n-7), but not γ-linolenic acid (18:3,n-6), induced rictor protein, Akt-S473, and FoxO1-S256 phosphorylation. Inhibition of FA elongation blocked 16:1,n-7 but not 18:1,n-7 induction of rictor protein and Akt-S473 and FoxO1-S256 phosphorylation. These results establish a novel link between Elovl5-mediated synthesis of 18:1,n-7 and GNG through the control of the mTORC2-Akt-FoxO1 pathway.
Functional demonstration of a compact silicon diffractive sensor for toluene.

A compact silicon diffractive sensor detecting toluene in solution is demonstrated. This sensor is fabricated in silicon-on-insulator and utilizes a standard telecommunications wavelength. In-plane diffraction gratings enable micrometer-scale device sizes and intensity-based (as opposed to spectral-based) detection for increased integrability. Precise grating design enables 2-D sensor arrays without the addition of separate optical splitters. Detection of the relative diffracted and transmitted intensities is independent of attenuation and is thus robust. This proof-of-concept sensor is shown to measure toluene concentrations as low as 100 parts per million, corresponding to a refractive index change of 3×10−4. In addition, a linear sensor array with individual sensor addressability and 2-D array capability is demonstrated. The characteristics of this sensor type make it promising for field-deployable lab-on-a-chip applications.
The impact of the metabotropic glutamate receptor and other gene family interaction networks on autism

Although multiple reports show that defective genetic networks underlie the aetiology of autism, few have translated into pharmacotherapeutic opportunities. Since drugs compete with endogenous small molecules for protein binding, many successful drugs target large gene families with multiple drug binding sites. Here we search for defective gene family interaction networks (GFINs) in 6,742 patients with the ASDs relative to 12,544 neurologically normal controls, to find potentially druggable genetic targets. We find significant enrichment of structural defects (Pr2.40E � 09, 1.8-fold enrichment) in the metabotropic glutamate receptor (GRM) GFIN, previously observed to impact attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and schizophrenia. Also, the MXD-MYC-MAX network of genes, previously implicated in cancer, is significantly enriched (Pr3.83E � 23, 2.5-fold enrichment), as is the calmodulin 1 (CALM1) gene interaction network (Pr4.16E � 04, 14.4-fold enrichment), which regulates voltage-independent calcium-activated action potentials at the neuronal synapse. We find that multiple defective gene family interactions underlie autism, presenting new translational opportunities to explore for therapeutic interventions.
Dissecting the Effect of Morphology on the Rates of Singlet Fission: Insights from Theory

The effect of morphology on singlet fission (SF) efficiency was investigated by using a combination of high-level electronic structure methods and a simple three-state kinetic model. The calculations reproduce the observed differences in SF efficiency in different polymorphs of 1,3-diphenylisobenzofuran (DPBF) and 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (DPH), as well as make predictions about 5,12-diphenyltetracene (DPT). The analysis of different factors contributing to the rates reveals that (i) there is more than one pair of adjacent chromophores that contribute to SF; (ii) not only slip-stacked configurations show efficient fission; and (iii) both electronic couplings and energy differences are responsible for different rates. The model predicts that the difference in SF efficiency in DPBF and DPH polymorphs increases at low temperature. In contrast, temperature dependence of the relative rates in the two DPT forms is predicted to be small. Our model predicts similar rates for the two polymorphs of DPT, althou...
Evaluation of aluminum film properties and microstructure for replacement metal gate application at 28nm technology node

The fundamental film properties and microstructures of the different aluminum (Al) metal layers are evaluated to fabricate a replacement metal gate (RMG) device for the high-k metal gate (HKMG) application at 28nm node. A PVD Al fill-in metal deposition process, called one step hot Al (HAL), was found the resistivity increases with increasing the thickness of the Ti wetting layer. The higher pinhole density with the preferred (111) crystal orientation in the HAL layers indicate the film properties with lower reflectivity, higher resistivity and lower removal rate of the Al chemical mechanical polishing (AlCMP). In contrast, the other PVD Al deposition approach, called two steps cold hot Al (CHAL), was identified to possess lower resistivity and higher reflectivity without pinhole structures than the HAL. The smaller grain sizes with the preferred (220) orientation in the CHAL could effectively prevent the formation of pinhole and enhance the removal rate of the AlCMP. The non-uniform with crystallized TiAl3 phase detected in the bottom of the as-deposited HAL and CHAL films could obviously impact the removal rate of the AlCMP. An optimized CHAL fill-in metal deposition process with a larger than 40A Ti wetting layer are needed to simultaneously meet the process requirements of the Al gapfill and AlCMP planarization for achieving a reliable RMG structures.
Reproductive allocation in female wolf and nursery-web spiders

We collected data on maternal mass, clutch mass (reproductive effort), number of offspring, and mean offspring mass from 28 species of Lycosidae (wolf spiders) and five species of Pisauridae (nursery-web spiders) found in Mississippi, USA. Our primary goal was to test for a trade-off between offspring number and offspring size (mass) among wolf and nursery-web spiders, which are sister families. The regression of reproductive effort on maternal mass was highly significant and explained 94% of the variation in reproductive effort among species and 96% of the variation among genera. The slope of the regression line between maternal mass and total offspring mass was not significantly different from one, suggesting that spiders used a constant proportion of their total energy budget for reproduction regardless of size. Partial correlation and principal components analyses demonstrated a clear trade-off between offspring size and number. Species with large offspring (relative to adult size) produced fewer offspring than expected. Lycosids produced small numbers of large offspring relative to pisaurids, and smaller species of both families are more constrained in the evolution of the offspring size:number continuum than larger ones.
The Relative Sensitivities of Taste and Smell in Smokers and Non-Smokers

(1962). The Relative Sensitivities of Taste and Smell in Smokers and Non-Smokers. The Journal of General Psychology: Vol. 66, No. 2, pp. 315-320.
PLCε, PKD1, and SSH1L Transduce RhoA Signaling to Protect Mitochondria from Oxidative Stress in the Heart

Activation of the small guanosine triphosphatase RhoA can promote cell survival in cultured cardiomyocytes and in the heart. We showed that the circulating lysophospholipid sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), a G protein (heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide-binding protein)-coupled receptor (GPCR) agonist, signaled through RhoA and phospholipase Ce (PLCe) to increase the phosphorylation and activation of protein kinase D1 (PKD1). Genetic deletion of either PKD1 or its upstream regulator PLCe inhibited S1P-mediated cardioprotection against ischemia/reperfusion injury. Cardioprotection involved PKD1-mediated phosphorylation and inhibition of the cofilin phosphatase Slingshot 1L (SSH1L). Cofilin 2 translocates to mitochondria in response to oxidative stress or ischemia/reperfusion injury, and both S1P pretreatment and SSH1L knockdown attenuated translocation of cofilin 2 to mitochondria. Cofilin 2 associates with the proapoptotic protein Bax, and the mitochondrial translocation of Bax in response to oxidative stress was also attenuated by S1P treatment in isolated hearts or by knockdown of SSH1L or cofilin 2 in cardiomyocytes. Furthermore, SSH1L knockdown, like S1P treatment, increased cardiomyocyte survival and preserved mitochondrial integrity after oxidative stress. These findings reveal a pathway initiated by GPCR agonist-induced RhoA activation, in which PLCe signals to PKD1-mediated phosphorylation of cytoskeletal proteins to prevent the mitochondrial translocation and proapoptotic function of cofilin 2 and Bax and thereby promote cell survival.
ON GUAIACOL SOLUTIONS II. THE DISTRIBUTION OF SODIUM AND POTASSIUM GUAIACOLATES BETWEEN GUAIACOL AND WATER

1. Measurements are reported on the distribution of sodium and potassium guaiacolates between guaiacol and water at 25°C. 2. The variation of the partition coefficients with the concentration is explained with the aid of the Debye-Huckel interionic attraction theory and the assumption that the salts are strong electrolytes in water and weak electrolytes in guaiacol. 3. The dissociation constants of sodium and potassium guaiacolates in guaiacol previously computed from electrical conductivity determinations are shown to be in agreement with the corresponding values obtained from the distribution measurements. 4. From theoretical considerations an equation is derived with which it is possible to predict the magnitude of the limiting partition coefficients from the dielectric constants of the solvents, the size of the solute ions, and the temperature.
Waiting for Wolves in Japan: An Anthropological Study of People–Wildlife Relations

Waiting for Wolves in Japan: An Anthropological Study of People–Wildlife Relations. John Knight. New York: Oxford University Press, 2005. 296 pp.
Resonant frequencies of stacked circular microstrip antennas

Using a dyadic Green's function formulation, a rigorous analysis of the two-disk stacked microstrip antenna is performed. Using the vector Hankel transform, the mixed boundary value problem is reduced to a set of coupled vector integral equations. Employing Galerkin's method in the spectral domain, the complex resonant frequencies are calculated as a function of the layered parameters and the ratio of the radii of the two disks. For each mode, the stacked microstrip antenna has dual resonant frequencies associated with the constitutive resonant cavities of the structure. >
Effect of reperfusion on myocardial infarct, and the accuracy of estimating infarct size from serum creatine phosphokinase in the dog

This study was designed to determine the effect of coronary reperfusion on (1) myocardial infarct size and (2) the accuracy of previously reported methods for estimation of infarct size from serum creatine phosphokinase (CPK) values. Thirty mongrel dogs, chronically prepared, were studied in the awake state, and were divided into four groups according to the period of left circumflex coronary artery (LCCA) occlusion. Group 1: permanent occlusion (24 h) in nine dogs; group 2: 45 min occlusion (eight dogs); group 3: 1 h occlusion (five dogs); and group 4: 3 h occlusion (eight dogs). Serial blood samples were drawn for 24 h following the beginning of occlusion and were used to determine total and isoenzyme levels of CPK, and lactic dehydrogenase isoenzymes. All dogs were sacrificed 24 h after the beginning of occlusion and were anatomically examined. The extent of anatomical myocardial infarction was determined and compared with the extent of myocardial infarction as estimated from serial serum CPK values. Total serum CPK increased significantly in all groups and was associated with the appearance of CPK-MB isoenzyme and an increase in LDH1.2 (LDH1>LDH2) in most dogs. Total serum CPK increased within an hour after reperfusion and the mean values in groups 2, 3, and 4 were significantly higher (P <0.05) than serum CPK values in group 1 in the period from 110 min to 4 h after occlusion. These data demonstrate that reperfusion after 45 min to 3 h of coronary occlusion results in an earlier appearance of total serum CPK. The anatomical infarction in group 1 averaged 28±3% (SEM) of the total heart and was significantly larger than infarct size in all groups with reperfusion. In contrast, estimated infarction calculated from total CPK in group 1 was not significantly different from the reperfused groups. Although there was correlation between estimated and anatomical infarction, the data in each group showed that anatomical infarct size could not be accurately estimated from total serum CPK.
LA-MAC: A Load Adaptive MAC Protocol for MANETs

The performance of prevalent MAC protocols in MANETs relies on the level of contention in networks. While contention-based MAC protocols such as CSMA suffer from inefficiency under high contention, slot-based MAC protocols such as TDMA perform in the opposite way. In this paper, we propose a hybrid protocol to which we refer as Load-Adaptive MAC (LA-MAC) protocol for MANETs. By adaptively switching its running mode between CSMA and TDMA, LAMAC achieves high channel utilization under both high and low contention. We report our implementation of LA-MAC on a MANET testbed formed by a collection of Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) Universal Software Radio Peripheral (USRP) software defined radio nodes. We program the PHY layer of USRP nodes using GNU Radio and integrate LA-MAC with the PHY layer implementation of USRP. Through experimental studies, we demonstrate the performance improvements of LAMAC relative to CSMA and TDMA.
The role of magma in the development of the Afro-Arabian Rift System

Abstract The initiation of the Afro-Arabian Rift System on three nearly straight segments occurred shortly after massive amounts of basalt poured out of the triple junction of those segments in Afar. The synchroneity of magmatism and rifting may reflect the fact that normal continental lithosphere is too strong to rift without magmatic dyke intrusions and the straightness of rifts reflects a localized source for the magma feeding those dykes. Simple relations are derived for the minimum extensional force needed for lithosphere cutting dyke intrusions as functions of the density structure and thickness of the lithosphere. As long as the density contrast between continental crust and magma is small compared to the density contrast between the mantle and magma, then the force needed to rift scales with the square of the thickness of the mantle lithosphere. Thus, continental regions with normal-thickness lithosphere may rift when reasonable levels of extensional force and sufficient magma are available. Very thick mantle lithosphere may not rift at levels of force that are likely to arise on Earth. Two main sections of the Afro-Arabian Rift System, the Red Sea and the Ethiopian Rift, appear to have developed as magma-assisted rifts in normal continental lithosphere. The northern and southern ends of the system are bounded by regions of very thick mantle lithosphere where dykes could not open. In the south, the Tanzanian Craton, with normal-thickness crust and a very deep lithospheric root, was also not split by the rift. In the north, the rift opened along a nearly straight line from the centre of the flood basalt province 2000 km to the edge of the Mediterranean Sea. The old oceanic lithosphere of this margin may be no thicker than the adjacent continental lithosphere of Egypt, but the thinner oceanic crust means that Mediterranean lithosphere may be too thick and dense to rift magmatically. The role of magma in the third branch, the Gulf of Aden, is not so clear given the lack of syn-rift dykes.
A Human View of Economics

THERE ARE A PLETHORA of books designed to explain, analyze, and evaluate principles and problems of elementary economics. Many appear to have been stamped from the same mold as their material, organization, and syntax are highly standardized. Perhaps this is to be expected. In any event it is refreshing to discover a book on basic economics that is lucidly written, provocative, and informative. Professor Mundell's Man and Economics1 is such a book.
Accent Detection in Handwriting Based on Writing Styles

Accent in handwriting can be defined as the influence of a writer's native script on his/her writing style in another script. In this paper, we approach the problem of detecting the existence of accents in handwriting. We approach this problem using two sets of writers, those who can write only in English, and the other set being multilingual writers who can also write in English. We learn the writing styles that are predominant in each set and use it as features in classification. Latent Dirichlet Allocation is used to learn the distribution over writing styles. Experimental results suggest the existence of accents in handwriting.
Airstream regions of north Africa and the mediterranean

Abstract Mean monthly surface wind streamline charts for the North Africa-Mediterranean region are extracted from a previously prepared Northern Hemisphere set. These charts define mean airstream sources and mean confluences or “fronts.” Composite charts of airstream duration and seasonally stationary confluence positions are then extracted from the monthly streamline charts. The seasonality, duration and mean boundaries of the airstreams and their properties define a pattern of genetic climatic regions. This pattern derived entirely from climatic data is found to match the biotic pattern quite well.