cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Distinct roles of nuclear basket proteins in directing the passage of mRNA through the nuclear pore

The in vivo characterization of the exact copy number and the specific function of each composite protein within the nuclear pore complex (NPC) remains both desirable and challenging. Through the implementation of live-cell high-speed super-resolution single-molecule microscopy, we first quantified the native copies of nuclear basket (BSK) proteins (Nup153, Nup50, and Tpr) prior to knocking them down in a highly specific manner via an auxin-inducible degron strategy. Second, we determined the specific roles that BSK proteins play in the nuclear export kinetics of model messenger RNA (mRNA) substrates. Finally, the three-dimensional (3D) nuclear export routes of these mRNA substrates through native NPCs in the absence of specific BSK proteins were obtained and further validated via postlocalization computational simulations. We found that these BSK proteins possess the stoichiometric ratio of 1:1:1 and play distinct roles in the nuclear export of mRNAs within live cells. The absence of Tpr from the NPC predominantly reduces the probability of nuclear mRNAs entering the NPC for export. Complete depletion of Nup153 and Nup50 results in an mRNA nuclear export efficiency decrease of approximately four folds. mRNAs can gain their maximum successful export efficiency as the copy number of Nup153 increased from zero to only half the full complement natively within the NPC. Lastly, the absence of Tpr or Nup153 seems to alter the 3D export routes of mRNAs as they pass through the NPC. However, the removal of Nup50 alone has almost no impact upon mRNA export route and kinetics.
Controlled amplifier modelocked Er/sup 3+/ fibre ring laser

An erbium-doped fibre ring has been actively modelocked with an InGaAsP semiconductor amplifier employed as a modulator. Pulses having durations < 4 ps and peak powers of ~2 W have been generated at a repetition frequency of 612 MHz by this new technique of controlled-amplifier modelocking (CAM).
A constant resistance analysis and control of cascaded buck and boost converter for wireless EV chargers

This paper presents a new constant resistance control technique for a cascaded buck and boost converter, which is suitable for wireless energy transfer pickup systems in variable load applications such as battery or ultra-capacitor charging. In order to achieve high efficiency, an impedance matching network is commonly used in the contactless energy transfer systems especially for low coupling coefficient circuits. The proposed control technique avoids a divergence of the designed impedance matching system considering the load variation. This is important to secure high wireless energy transfer efficiency under voltage and current changes at the load terminals. The transfer function of the converter is presented with theoretical calculations describing the small-signal model. The system model is used to control the resistance in the cascaded buck and boost converter for electric vehicle (EV) charging applications in a 2 kW prototype.
Stable indirect adaptive control using fuzzy systems and neural networks

Fuzzy controllers have stirred a great deal of excitement in some circles since they allow for the simple inclusion of heuristic knowledge about how to control a plant rather than requiring exact mathematical models. This can sometimes lead to good controller designs in a very short period of time. In situations where heuristics do not provide enough information to specify all the parameters of the fuzzy controller a priori, researchers have introduced adaptive schemes that use data gathered during the on-line operation of the controller, and special adaptation heuristics, to automatically learn these parameters (see e.g. [1] – [12] or the References therein). To date, stability conditions have not been provided for any of the approaches in [1] – [12], but Langari and Tomizuka [13] and others have developed stability conditions for (non-adaptive) fuzzy controllers and recently several innovative stable adaptive fuzzy control schemes have been introduced [14] – [17]. Moreover, closely related neural control approaches have been studied [18] – [23]. In this article, we seek to introduce an adaptive fuzzy or neural control approach which is guaranteed to operate properly under less restrictive assumptions and for more general continuous-time nonlinear systems.
Enlarging the Scope of Cell‐Penetrating Prenylated Peptides to Include Farnesylated ‘CAAX’ Box Sequences and Diverse Cell Types

Protein prenylation is a posttranslational modification that is present in a large number of proteins; it has been proposed to be responsible for membrane association and protein–protein interactions, which contribute to its role in signal transduction pathways. Research has been aimed at inhibiting prenylation with farnesyltransferase inhibitors based on the finding that the farnesylated protein Ras is implicated in 30% of human cancers. Despite numerous studies on the enzymology of prenylation in vitro, many questions remain about the process of prenylation as it occurs in living cells. Here we describe the preparation of a series of farnesylated peptides that contain sequences recognized by protein farnesyltransferase. Using a combination of flow cytometry and confocal microscopy, we show that these peptides enter a variety of different cell types. A related peptide where the farnesyl group has been replaced by a disulfide-linked decyl group is also shown to be able to efficiently enter cells. These results highlight the applicability of these peptides as a platform for further study of protein prenylation and subsequent processing in live cells.
Extended version of an S-band RF gun

A 4.5 MeV RF gun has been in operation at UCLA as a part of a 20 MeV linac. To improve the photoelectron beam parameters without changing the major characteristics of the driving laser and RF systems, a revised and extended version of the present RF gun has been investigated. The new gun consists of 6 full cells terminated at either end by one half cell each. The gun operates in /spl pi/-mode at 2.856 GHz. Accelerating fields and mode structures have been studied, and based on this, particle dynamics has been simulated. An aluminum prototype has been built for cold tests. Description of the gun is presented along with initial computational and experimental results. >
Closed Primaries and Party Support in Congress

Nominating procedures in the American states rely on three types of primary elections: closed, open, and blanket. These systems vary with regard to the extent partisanship is injected into the process. The data show that members of Congress with the highest levels of party support in the House of Representatives are elected in states using closed primaries. However, this relationship between partisanship in office and use of the closed primary appears to result from the common determination of these two variables by regional differences and traditional patterns of interparty competition at the state level. In other words, the state systems that value partisanship the most will likely have closed primaries and elect representatives more likely to support their party.
Towards reducing "functional only" fails for the UltraSPARC/sup TM/ microprocessors

A description of test coverage on the UltraSPARC family of devices is presented. Techniques developed with the intent to reduce "functional only" failures are discussed along with the resulting impact to the manufacturing process.
Land Use Diversification in the Elite Residential Sector of Quito, Ecuador*

It is generally assumed that older mansions in the elite residential sector of Latin American cities filter down to the middle classes once their residents migrate to modern suburban homes. Five land use maps compiled between 1975 and 1999 show that the elite residential sector of Quito (Mariscal Sucre) experienced a much more complex fate. Diffusion of nonresidential land uses from the city center and its associated spine transformed the residential neighborhood into a vibrant upper-scale business district. Sophisticated businesses subsequently moved on to modern suburban facilities, but Mariscal Sucre became a major hub for business, nocturnal entertainment, and tourism. Diversification of land use in Mariscal Sucre confirms the Crowley hypothesis of complexity in Latin American urban land use patterns (Crowley 1995).
Specific amino acid substitutions are not required for transformation by v-myb of avian myeloblastosis virus.

Abstract The protein product of the v-myb oncogene of avian myeloblastosis virus, p48v-myb, differs structurally in several ways from its normal cellular homolog, p75c-myb. We demonstrated that the 11 specific amino acid substitutions found in two independent molecular clones of this virus were not required for the transformation of myeloblasts by v-myb.
Internal strain evolution during heating of Ti-6Al-4V/SCS-6 composite

The characteristics of the residual stresses and their effects on the properties in continuous SiC fiber reinforced Ti-6Al-4V matrix composites (TMCs) have been extensively studied. However, to date, few experimental studies (e.g. Ti-14Al-21Nb/SCS-6) have characterized the thermal residual strain in TMCs at elevated temperatures. Therefore, the authors investigated the evolution of the thermal residual strain during heating of Ti-6Al-4V/35vol% SiC composite. In this study the authors used in situ high temperature neutron diffraction to measure strains: (1) in the matrix ({alpha} and {beta} phases) and in the fiber, (2) for several lattice reflections in each phase and (3) from both axial and the transverse directions. One distinguishing feature is the wide temperature range (from room temperature up to 1,170K) over which the study was performed. Although the proposed application temperature is typically less than 800K, TMCs are subject to higher temperatures during fabrication and may experience high temperature excursions while in service. Therefore, the authors extended the study to the high temperature regime where the matrix starts to undergo a phase transformation between {alpha}{minus} and {beta}{minus}Ti. Measurements from this regime (800{approximately}1,170K) provide insights on; (1) the inelastic relaxation of the residual strains through matrix yielding and creep, (2) the effectmore » of the phase transformation on the residual strains and (3) the effect of the presence of SiC on the matrix phase evolution.« less
Normalization of Androgen and Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin Levels after Treatment of Hyperprolactinemia

Twenty-eight women with amenorrhea, galac-torrhea and hyperprolactinemia without hirsutism were studied before and after bromocriptine therapy for 2 months. Compared to 15 euprolactinemic controls, hyperprolactinemic women had elevated levels of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and andro-stenedione and lower levels of total testosterone (T), androst-5-ene-3β,17β-diol (Adiol), and 17β-estradiol (P < 0.05). Unbound T and unbound Adiol were significantly elevated, while sex hormone-binding globulin binding capacity was decreased (P < 0.05) and corticosteroid-binding globulin binding capacity was normal. After treatment with bromocriptine, dehydroepiandros-terone sulfate and androstenedione decreased to control levels, as did unbound Adiol, while 17β-estradiol and sex hormone-binding globulin binding capacity levels increased significantly (P < 0.05). Five hyperprolactinemic women underwent ACTH stimulation tests before and after treatment, and the results were compared to those of seven controls. Steroid ratio...
The evidence linking maternal nutrition and prematurity.

Maternal nutrition may be one of the most important under-evaluated factors contributing to the contemporary rise in prematurity in the United States and other industrialized nations around the world. Slowed fetal growth has been repeatedly shown to be associated with pre-term birth, in both singleton and twin pregnancies. Antecedents of impaired fetal growth include a wide variety of factors, including intergenerational effects, biological and social factors related to race and ethnicity, maternal pregravid weight and gestational weight gain, and iron and mineral status. An assessment of maternal nutritional status, including anthropometric factors, is an integral component of effective prenatal care, and may facilitate a reduction in prematurity.
From the small to the large: learnings from the deployment of serendipitous family stories / storyplace.me

Research in the large is quite different from the more traditional small-scale field studies conducted in Ubicomp over the past decade. Large scale studies are not just small scale ones with a larger n, they allow researchers to answer fundamentally different questions about use and adoption and enable the studying of systems in real and messy social networks and situations. However, conducting large-scale research often requires large-scale resources. We present the evolution of the Serendipitous Family Stories system into StoryPlace.me and discuss how large-scale research required 5x more time and effort to prepare a system for a field trial.
A 10-kDa structural protein of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus encoded by ORF2b.

The major structural proteins of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) are derived from ORFs 5, 6, and 7. Western blots of sucrose gradient-purified virions and PRRSV-infected MARC-145 cells, probed with immune pig serum, showed the presence of an additional 10-kDa protein. Nucleotide sequence analysis of North American PRRSV isolate SDSU-23983 revealed a small ORF within ORF2, named ORF2b, which, when translated, produced a 73-amino-acid nonglycosylated protein. Recombinant 2b protein expressed by a baculovirus clone, AcVR2, comigrated with the 10-kDa virus-associated protein. The loss of 10-kDa protein immunoreactivity after absorption of immune sera with lysates from AcVR2-infected insect cells demonstrated that the 2b and 10-kDa proteins are immunologically similar. Immunoblots were also used for the detection of anti-2b activity in serum samples from experimentally infected adult pigs. Antibodies against PRRSV were apparent by 14 days postinfection, followed by anti-2b activity and serum neutralizing activity. The putative ORF2b start codon is only 6 nucleotides downstream of the adenine of the ORF2a start codon. The expression of ORF2a and 2b as enhanced green fluorescent fusion proteins showed that both proteins were translated; however, the ORF2b was preferentially expressed. These results suggest that the 2b protein is virion associated and the principal product of ORF2.
Fuzzy primary representations of fuzzy ideals

Abstract Let R be a commutative ring with identity, and let A be a fuzzy ideal of R . Then A is said to have a fuzzy primary representation if A is the intersection of a finite number of fuzzy primary ideals. We show that every fuzzy ideal A of R such that A (0) = 1 has a fuzzy primary representation if and only if R is artinian. We show that uniqueness properties for reduced primary representations of ideals (in the usual sense) carry over to fuzzy ideals.
Chemostatic modes of the ocean-atmosphere-sediment system through Phanerozoic time

The essential state of the Phanerozoic ocean-atmosphere system with respect to major lithophile and organic components can be bounded by sedimentary observational data and relatively few model assumptions. The model assumptions are in turn sufficient to constrain and compute the remaining fluxes that result in a comprehensive model describing atmospheric and oceanic evolutionary history over the past 500 m.y. that is in accord with the sedimentary observational data. Two central themes emerge. First, there is a strong coupling of the state of various reservoirs throughout the entire system imposed mainly by negative physical, chemical and biological feedbacks. Second, there is a significant overprint of ‘physical’ processes, such as weathering, by biologically-mediated processes and ecosystem evolution. Ultimately, the Phanerozoic is characterized by two modes of seawater major-ion chemistry, pH and carbonate saturation state, and atmospheric CO2. Importantly, the transition between these two modes may result from the previous state of the system whose impacts lag by tens of millions of years. Thus, the instantaneous state of the system at any given point in time may reflect in part the ‘memory’ ofa previous period when fluxes and processes were not in balance. The modern-day problem of ocean acidification mainly reflects the fact that human activities of fossil fuel burning and land use changes are resulting in geologically rapid releases of CO2 to the atmosphere and its absorption by the surface ocean and does not reflect the longer term processes and feedbacks that led to the acidic oceans of the past.
In utero identification and therapy of congenital heart block.

To determine the feasibility and effectiveness of prenatal therapy of congenital heart block (CHB), information was sought regarding the timing of identification of CHB in 72 pregnancies and the outcome of those pregnancies in which the mothers were administered corticosteroids. Mailed questionnaires with telephone follow-up, data from primary physicians and chart review were utilized. In 38 (53%) of affected pregnancies CHB was identified between 16 and 24 weeks of gestation, in 17 (24%) between 25 and 30 weeks of gestation, in 8 (11%) between 31 and 37 weeks, and in 5 (7%) between 38 and 40 weeks. In four pregnancies the timing was unknown. Five women were taking prednisone for disease activity prior to the discovery of CHB and in six other women prednisone therapy was initiated at or about the time CHB was identified. In 19 pregnancies, women were given fluorinated steroids (available to the fetus in an active form) as attempted therapy after the discovery of CHB. Of these, one fetus with second degree...
Analysis of heurisitc search models

A model containing multiple optimal solutions and nonoptimal solutions is constructed to study the performance of A* heuristic search algorithm. To obtain estimates of the average performance of the algorithm, a domain independent A* search space is constructed treating the heuristic function, branching factor and number of successful children of a node as random variables. These results are compared to the worst case performance of the models developed by Pohl and Gaschnig. The parameters of the model are defined to simulate the 15 puzzle search space. The results of the 15 puzzle searches are compared with the simulation to determine the effects of the assumptions on the structure of the graph and the heuristic functions.
Increased Filamentous Growth of Candida albicans in Simulated Microgravity

Knowledge of simulated microgravity (SMG)-induced changes in the pathogenicity of microorganisms is important for success of long-term spaceflight. In a previous study using the high aspect ratio vessel bioreactor, we showed that the yeast species Saccharomyces cerevisiae underwent a significant phenotypic response when grown in modeled microgravity, which was reflected in the analysis of gene expression profiles. In this study, we establish that Candida albicans responds to SMG in a similar fashion, demonstrating that there is a conserved response among yeast to this environmental stress. We also report that the growth of C. albicans in SMG results in a morphogenic switch that is consistent with enhanced pathogenicity. Specifically, we observed an increase in filamentous forms of the organism and accompanying changes in the expression of two genes associated with the yeast-hyphal transition. The morphological response may have significant implications for astronauts’ safety, as the fungal pathogen may become more virulent during spaceflight.
The Use of Active Ionic Polymers in Dynamic Skin Friction Measurements

A class of wall shear stress sensors has been developed. The potential of ionic polymer membrane transducers for measuring skin friction in liquid flows is demonstrated. Ionic polymer transducers are thin polymer membranes that exhibit high sensitivity to mechanical strain, and have been shown to demonstrate sensitivities two orders of magnitude higher in charge-sensing mode than piezoelectric polymers such as PVDF. Thus, they are as sensitive to mechanical strain as piezoelectric ceramics (i.e. PZT) but have the high compliance and durability of a polymer. The application of active ionic polymers in delivering easy to implement, accurate, dynamic measurements of skin friction in harsh environments promises significant advantages over current technologies. In particular, a robust technique for measuring wall shear stress is needed to assess the effectiveness of new friction-reducing techniques, including the use of lubricants and micro-bubble injection within the viscous sublayer. Conventional technologies have been unable to provide sufficiently accurate measurements over a large range of fluid velocity fluctuation scales. Moreover, their implementation can be complicated in the case of non-flush mounting sensors, and their applicability is often limited to forgiving environments. An initial feasibility test was designed with the objective of replicating classic theoretical and experimental skin friction coefficient results for a sharp edge flat plate boundary layer. An ionic polymer and a piezoelectric film (PVDF) were evaluated for Reynolds numbers ranging from the laminar flow regime to fully turbulent flow. The PVDF sensor displayed no discernable response to wall shear. The ionic polymer sensor, however, showed significant response to wall shear and strong correlation with the Reynolds number. In addition, a Stokes oscillating plate apparatus was designed for calibration and testing of the ionic polymer sensor.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Unifying Role of Radial Electric Field Shear in the Confinement Trends of TFTR Supershot Plasmas

A model is presented to explain the favorable ion thermal confinement trends of supershot plasmas in the Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor (TFTR). Turbulence suppression by radial electric field shear is important to reproduce the measured temperatures. Supershot confinement scalings are reproduced in more than sixty discharges, including favorable core power scaling and variation with isotopic mass, density peakedness, edge recycling, and toroidal rotation. The results connect the transitionless supershot regime with improved confinement regimes which are attained through sharp confinement transitions in the core or edge.
Plasma natriuretic factor(S) in patients with intracranial disease, renal salt wasting and hyperuricosuria

To test our hypothesis that a circulating factor(s) may be causing the renal salt and urate wasting in patients (pts) with intracranial diseases, we exposed rats to the plasma of these patients and studied sodium and lithium transport. We selected 21 neurosurgical pts, 13 of whom had increased fractional excretion (FE) of urate, and 14 age and sex-matched controls. Plasma from pts and controls were injected IP (0.5 mL) and infused, 0.2 ml prime and 1.8 mL at 0.01 mL/min, to Sprague Dawley rats anesthetized with Inactin. Renal transport of sodium (Na), lithium (Li) and potassium (K) was determined. There were higher mean +/- SEM for FENa, 0.59 +/- 0.07% vs 0.29 +/- 0.05%, P < 0.01, FELi, 36.6 +/- 1.9% vs 24.0 +/- 1.6%, P < 0.001 and K excretion rates, 1.69 +/- 0.13 vs 1.31 +/- 0.09 mumol/min, p < 0.02, in rats infused with plasma of pts as compared to controls, respectively. FENa decreased with increasing dilution of plasma of 2 pts with ICD. There was no difference in mean weight of rats, blood pressure, urine flow rate or insulin clearance between pts and controls. These data suggest that pts with ICD have a plasma factor(s) which decreases net Na, Li and K reabsorption.
Revision of the Genus Bironella (Diptera: Culicidae)

Eight species in 3 subgenera are treated. One new species, Bironella simmondsi , is described and a new subgenus, Neobironella , is proposed. Bi. brugi Soesilo & van Slooten is synonymized with Bi. papuae (Swellengrebel & Swellengrebel de Graaf). Lectotype and paralectotypes of Bi. travestita (Brug) are designated. The larva of a species in subgenus Neobironella is illustrated and described, but not named, because adults and pupae are unknown.
Gordon Tullock: Entrepreneur of public choice

When Gordon Tullock first encountered James M. Buchanan, in 1957 as an initial step in his transition from the bureaucracy of the U.S. Department of State to the Ivy League atmosphere of the University of Virginia, he carried with him "a voluminous manuscript on bureaucracy that he had tried, unsuccessfully, to publish" (Buchanan, 1987a: 11). Although eight years would pass before that manuscript eventually would be published, three years after publication of The Calculus of Consent (1962), Tullock's pioneering instincts already had directed him to the as-yet uncharted path of public choice, already had alerted him to the ubiquitous presence of homo economicus in the marketplace of politics. Buchanan quickly recognized the potential importance of combining Tullock's insight with his own Wicksellian notion of the importance of consent in political process as the basis for a radical research program trespassing across the traditional boundaries of economics and politics. Ignoring Tullock's lack of formal training in economics, Buchanan installed him in The Thomas Jefferson Center for Studies in Political Economy and thereby provided that crucially important initial support absent which many a potential entrepreneur has failed to fulfill his talent. Steadfast in this judgment and firm in his resolve, Buchanan later was to gamble his own career, together with the future of the Virginia School of Political Economy, in a 1968 "exodus from Charlottesville" as the left-leaning, ideologically activist bureaucracy of Thomas Jefferson's academy thrice denied Tullock a well-earned promotion to full professor (Breit, 1986). Buchanan's judgment was sound, and the Virginia School reemerged unscathed and fortified, as Buchanan and his protege regrouped in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains to carry the baton of the Virginia public choice research
Rat adipose tissue cAMP-dependent protein kinase: a unique form of type II.

Abstract The rat adipose tissue cAMP-dependent protein kinase type II holoenzyme and regulatory (R) subunit were compared with type II from bovine heart and several other species and tissues. Adipose tissue type II was similar to the bovine heart type II by several criteria ( S 20,w = 7.0, site 1 and site 2 dissociation rates for [ 3 H]cAMP, rapid autophosphorylation and lack of MgATP inhibition of [ 3 H]cAMP binding). However, some of its physical characteristics were similar to type I. The apparent molecular weight determined by SDS gel electrophoresis of the homogeneous adipose tissue R subunit was 51 000 daltons compared to 49000 for type I and 53000–58000 for other type II R subunits. The adipose tissue holoenzyme eluted from DEAE-cellulose at an intermediate position between type I and bovine heart type II. The adipose tissue and bovine heart holoenzymes differed in several properties including Stokes radius (5.2 nm vs. 6.0 nm), calculated molecular weight (157000 vs. 181000 daltons) and frictional ratio (1.47 vs. 1.60). After autophosphorylation the adipose tissue R subunit, like type IIB forms from other species and tissues, did not shift to a higher apparenl molecular weight on SDS gel electrophoresis like bovine heart type IIR subunit (a type IIA form). Even though the adipose tissue enzyme was quite similar to other type II forms in the kinetics of cAMP action, the cAMP binding sites could be shown lo be differenl from them by the use of cAMP analogs. cAMP analogs modified at the N 6 position of the adenine ring, such as N 6 -benzoyl cAMP, had higher apparent K a values for protein kinase activation for the adipose tissue enzyme than for the bovine and several other heart isozymes. cAMP analogs modified at the 8 carbon of the adenine ring showed positive cooperativity of activation for the adipose tissue enzyme but not for the bovine heart holoenzyme. The adipose lissue isozyme is the first type II form described to have a distinct kinetic characteristic.
The Platelet-activating Factor Receptor Protects Epidermal Cells from Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) α and TNF-related Apoptosis-inducing Ligand-induced Apoptosis through an NF-κB-dependent Process

A number of chemical mediators can induce human keratinocytes and epidermal-derived carcinomas to undergo apoptosis, or programmed cell death. Recent evidence suggests pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-1 beta or transforming growth factor alpha, protects carcinomas from numerous pro-apoptotic stimuli. Platelet-activating factor (1-alkyl-2-acetyl-3-glycerophosphocholine; PAF) is a lipid mediator with pro-inflammatory effects on numerous cell types. Although PAF can be metabolized to other bioactive lipids, the majority of PAF effects occur through activation of a G protein-coupled receptor. Using a model system created by retroviral transduction of the PAF receptor (PAF-R) into the PAF-R-negative human epidermal cell line KB and the PAF-R-expressing keratinocyte cell line HaCaT, we now demonstrate that activation of the epidermal PAF-R results in protection from apoptosis induced by tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha or TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand. The PAF-mediated protection was inhibited by PAF-R antagonists, and protection did not occur in PAF-R-negative KB cells. Additionally, we show protection from TNFalpha- or TRAIL-induced apoptosis by PAF-R activation is dependent on the transcription factor nuclear factor (NF)-kappa B, because PAF-R activation-induced NF-kappa B and epidermal cells transduced with a super-repressor form of inhibitor kappa B were not protected by the PAF-R. These studies provide a mechanism whereby the epidermal PAF-R, and possibly other G protein-coupled receptors, can exert anti-apoptotic effects through an NF-kappa B-dependent process.
Solution to constraints for n = 0 supergravity

Abstract We solve the constraints for the form of N = 1 Poincaresupergravity with local chiral invariance.
Evaluating the impact of behavioral interventions that target physical activity: issues of generalizability and public health.

Abstract Background. Few research-based programs have been translated into mainstream practice and little information is known regarding the public health impact of physical activity interventions. We postulated that the lack of translation and impact information might be the result of two primary reasons. First, the goal of physical activity promotion research in the exercise psychology domain has been to determine the effect of an intervention with a focus on strong internal validity while the goals of translation and public health have received little attention. Second, there is no clear criterion for evaluating the translatability or public health impact of physical activity promotion interventions. Purpose. To outline a methodology of evaluation to further the ability of researchers to determine the potential for translation and eventually the public health impact of physical activity interventions. Method : We provided a review of the research phases for the development of physical activity promotion programs (i.e., efficacy trials, effectiveness trials, and demonstration studies) and examined the applicability of the RE-AIM framework [ Glasgow, Vogt, & Boles (1999). American Journal of Public Health , 89, 1322–1327 ] to evaluate the potential translatability and public health impact of physical activity interventions. Results and Conclusions . A number recommendations were provided and it was concluded that the RE-AIM framework can be used to determine the: (a) potential for efficacy trials to translate well in effectiveness trials, (b) degree to which effectiveness trials are implemented and may be translated to demonstration studies, and (c) public health impact of demonstration studies.
The effect of sex on avian plasma cholinesterase enzyme activity: a potential source of variation in an avian biomarker endpoint.

Accurate identification of contaminant exposure to nontarget organisms involves understanding sources of variation associated with contaminant specific biomarkers. Cholinesterase (ChE) enzyme activity is the biochemical endpoint most often used to assess organism exposure to organophosphorus (OP) pesticides. A potential source of variation for this biomarker is sex, however, a generalized pattern of sex as a source of variation for avian ChE levels remains equivocal. In this study, sex-dependent variation in plasma ChE activity was examined in breeding northern cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis) from reference populations free of OP pesticide exposure. Male (n = 32) total ChE activity (1.745 ± 0.541) was greater than female (n = 26) total ChE activity (1.480 ± 0.576) (p = 0.015). Likewise, benchmarks based on reference means and used for exposure identification (e.g., 20% reduction and the diagnostic threshold) were higher in males than females. With females having a 15.2% lower ChE activity than males, a substantial source of error exists for exposure assessment since some researchers consider a 20% inhibition as evidence of exposure. A second objective was to survey published literature to examine the extent that studies have accounted or controlled for the potential effect of sex on ChE activity. More studies (56.3%) pooled data for male and female ChE activity than studies that statistically tested for an effect (20.3%) or tested hypotheses using a single sex (23.4%) (p < 0.0001; n = 64). Based on these findings, it is suggested that the effect of sex be considered in future studies using the ChE biomarker for identification of passerine exposure to OP pesticides, particularly if examining plasma sources of ChE in actively breeding passerines.
A Generalization of the Upper Bound Method With Particular Reference to the Problem of a Ploughing Indenter

An algorithm based on a combination of the upper bound method and finite element representation has been developed. The algorithm is applied to the problem of a rigid indenter ploughing through a rigid/perfectly-plastic material
Structure and properties of lanthanide halides.

Lanthanum and cerium bromides and chlorides form isomorphous alloy systems with the UCl3 type structure. These scintillating alloys exhibit high luminosity and proportional response, making them the first scintillators comparable to room temperature semiconductors for gamma spectroscopy; Ce(III) activated lanthanum bromide has recently enabled scintillating gamma ray spectrometers with < 3% FWHM energy resolutions at 662 keV. However brittle fracture of these materials impedes development of large volume crystals. Low fracture stress and perfect cleavage along prismatic planes cause material cracking during and after crystal growth. These and other properties pose challenges for material production and post processing; therefore, understanding mechanical behavior is key to fabricating large single crystals, and engineering of robust detectors and systems. Recent progress on basic structure and properties of the lanthanide halides is reported here, including thermomechanical and thermogravimetric analyses, hygroscopicity, yield strength, and fracture toughness. Observations including reversible hydrate formation under atmospheric pressure, loss of stoichiometry at high temperature, anisotropic thermal expansion, reactivity towards common crucible materials, and crack initiation and propagation under applied loads are reported. The fundamental physical and chemical properties of this system introduce challenges for material processing, scale-up, and detector fabrication. Analysis of the symmetry and crystal structure of this system suggests possible mechanisms for deformation and crack initiation under stress. The low c/a ratio and low symmetry relative to traditional scintillators indicate limited and highly anisotropic plasticity cause redistribution of residual process stress to cleavage planes, initiating fracture. This proposed failure mechanism and its implications for scale up to large diameter crystal growth are also discussed.
Very Long Baseline Neutrino Oscillation Experiments for Precise Measurements of Mixing Parameters and CP Violating Effects

Recent exciting results have shown that neutrinos oscillate between their weak eigenstates and thus must not only be massive but their mass and flavor eigenstates do no coincide. This has opened a whole new area of experimental physics where one strives to precisely measure the mixing parameters, search for potential CP symmetry violation in the lepton sector and understand secondary effects, such as how the oscillations are affected when the neutrinos pass through matter. It is possible to measure all of the oscillation parameters in a single experiment by employing a 1-MW wide-band neutrino super-beam, a very long baseline of ∼2500 km and a 500-kton massive far detector.
Reconstructing Meaning Through Occupation After the Death of a Family Member: Accommodation, Assimilation, and Continuing Bonds

Reactions to death have been studied extensively from psychological, behavioral, and physiological perspectives. Occupational adaptation to loss has received scant attention. Qualitative research was undertaken to identify and describe occupational responses in bereavement. The constant comparative approach was used to analyze and interpret the occupational responses. Adaptive strategies of occupational accommodation and assimilation were used after the death of a family member. Desire to sustain bonds with the deceased motivated specific occupational engagements. These occupational responses served to reconstruct meaning after the death of a family member. These findings contribute to understanding adaptation after death by adding an occupational perspective to previous theories. Occupational therapists' abilities to support clients after loss can be enhanced through appreciation of occupational accommodation and assimilation and the role of continuing occupational bonds after the death of a loved one.
One dataset, many conclusions: BOLD variability's complicated relationships with age and motion artifacts.

In recent years, the variability of the blood-oxygen level dependent (BOLD) signal has received attention as an informative measure in its own right. At the same time, there has been growing concern regarding the impact of motion in fMRI, particularly in the domain of resting state studies. Here, we demonstrate that, not only does motion (among other confounds) exert an influence on the results of a BOLD variability analysis of task-related fMRI data—but, that the exact method used to deal with this influence has at least as large an effect as the motion itself. This sensitivity to relatively minor methodological changes is particularly concerning as studies begin to take on a more applied bent, and the risk of mischaracterizing the relationship between BOLD variability and various individual difference variables (for instance, disease progression) acquires real-world relevance.
Two overlooked species of Guzmania (Bromeliaceae) of the species-complex Massangea from Central America

Two new speciesGuzmania herrerae andG. scandens, that have been mistakenly identified asG. dissitiflora are described and illustrated. All three taxa belong to a natural complex of species that corresponds to the formerly recognized segregate genusMassangea E. Morren. However, without additional morphological and molecular evidence we believe it is premature to recognize this species complex as a genus separate fromGuzmania.
Interconversion of the multiple forms of dihydrofolate reductase from amethopterin-resistant Lactobacillus casei☆

Abstract Dihydrofolate reductase from amethopterin-resistant Lactobacillus casei can be separated into two principal forms (I and II) by electrophoresis on polyacrylamide or by chromatography on ion-exchangers. Form (II) (the component that migrates more rapidly toward the positive electrode during electrophoresis at pH 8.5) contains approximately 1 mole of TPNH per mole of protein (MW = 15,000), as judged by spectral characteristics (absorbance maxima at 274 and 340 mμ and fluorescence maximum at 445 mμ) of the intact protein and by analysis (thin-layer chromatography and coenzymatic activity with yeast glutathione reductase) of the nucleotide released by heat denaturation of the protein. Treatment of (II) with 7,8-dihydrofolate results in oxidation of the bound TPNH, release of the resultant TPN, and creation of form (I). (II) can be resynthesized by incubation of (I) with TPNH at neutral pH.
A laboratory and clinical investigation of certain resin restorative and cementing materials: Part I. In vitro tests on adhesive characteristics

T HE ADHESIVE CHARACTERISTICS of dental restorative and cementing materials have been the subject of several investigations’ Work by Berkson* with zinc phosphate cement indicated that adhesion between this type of material and tooth structure, in the true chemical sense of the term, does not exist. Any retentive characteristics could be attributed to the bonding of irregular surfaces rather than a molecular attraction between unlike molecules.‘-” In recent years, the advent of resinous materials for restorations and for the cementation of inlays, crowns, etc., has stimulated further research in this area. Many claims have been made for the adhesive characteristics of some of these products. Certainly adhesion to tooth structure would be a most desirable feature. It would tend to minimize the practical effect of contraction during polymerization and would reduce any tendency for marginal leakage from temperature change or stress on the restoration. There is no established test for adhesion, and various experimental techniques have been used. Fiasconaro’ studied adaptation by measuring the resistance to air pressure. Christie” ha s measured adhesion of filling resins to a number of substances, while Stuben’ and Bartram’ described methods for measuring adhesion between a filling material and tooth structure. A report by Swartz and Phillips” has described a method for measuring adhesive characteristics of cementing materials and some data presented indicated greater adhesive properties for resin cements than zinc phosphate cements on a prepared dry dentin surface. However, &he deleterious effects of exposing resin cements or zinc phosphate to moisture were shown. Rose’ and Wileman,” using somewhat different test methods, corroborated .these observations. Tt is apparent from the published research that many of the resin materials which have been tested do possess greater adhesive characteristics than zinc phos-
On symmetry properties of parabolic equations in bounded domains

Abstract We study symmetry properties of nonnegative bounded solutions of fully nonlinear parabolic equations on bounded domains with Dirichlet boundary conditions. We propose sufficient conditions on the equation and domain, which guarantee asymptotic symmetry of solutions.
Small-Angle X-Ray Scattering Study of Microand Macro-Phase Separations in Blends of Block Copolymer with Homopolymer

Abstract : The order-disorder phase transition behavior exhibited by blends of a styrene-butadiene diblock copolymer *76% styrene) with a polystyrene of various molecular weight (from 2,200 to 50,000) is studied by means of small-angle X-ray scattering. With a polystyrene of a relatively short chain length the blend, on lowering the temperature, undergoes a microphase separation, and the scattering curve shows a peak at a finite scattering angle. With a polystyrene of relatively long chain length, the scattered intensity curve shows additional low angle component with intensity increasing rapidly as q approaches 0, and this is interpreted in terms o the microphase separation accompanying the transition from the disordered to ordered phase.
Photochemistry of nitrogen in the Martian atmosphere

Models are developed for the photochemistry of a CO_2-H_2O-N_2 atmosphere on Mars and estimates are given for the concentrations of N, NO, NO_2, NO_3, N_2O_5, HNO_2, HNO_3, and N_2O as a function of altitude. Nitric oxide is the most abundant form of odd nitrogen, present with a mixing ratio relative to CO_2 of order 10^(−8). Deposition rates for nitrite and nitrate minerals could be as large as 3× 10^5 N equivalent atoms cm^(−2) sec^(−1) under present conditions and may have been higher in the past.
NIRMOS: a wide-field near-infrared spectrograph for the Giant Magellan Telescope

NIRMOS (Near-Infrared Multiple Object Spectrograph) is a 0.9 to 2.5 μm imager/spectrograph concept proposed for the Giant Magellan Telescope 1 (GMT). Near-infrared observations will play a central role in the ELT era, allowing us to trace the birth and evolution of galaxies through the era of peak star formation. NIRMOS' large field of view, 6.5′ by 6.5′, will be unique among imaging spectrographs developed for ELTs. NIRMOS will operate in Las Campanas' superb natural seeing and is also designed to take advantage of GMT's ground-layer adaptive optics system. We describe NIRMOS' high-performance optical and mechanical design.
Recent advance in segmented thin-foil x-ray optics

The segmented approach in the design of grazing incidence X-ray optics has been utilized in constructing conical foil mirrors for several missions such as BBXRT, ASCA, as well as the failed mission Astro-E. The advantages include lightweight construction, a large collecting area, and broadband response in the X-ray band. A key weakness, which places these mirrors increasingly at a disadvantage with regard to other high throughput mirrors, e.g., those used for XMM, is a spatial resolution considerably worse than limits imposed by the geometry. Our first major breakthrough in addressing this problem was the introduction of surface replication, a technique which transfers the smooth surface of glass mandrels onto conical aluminum foil segments via a thin epoxy buffer layer. More recently we have made a concerted effort to evaluate the remaining spatial error, still well above that expected from the approximate geometry. We investigated the major error terms that include the curvature error of the reflectors along the axial direction, roundness error along the circumference of reflectors, and positioning error of the reflectors in the supporting structure. This effort leads to an improved overall angular resolution for such quadrant-segmented systems. Positioning error is reduced by reduction in the distortion of the two-stage telescope housings with new reflector alignment and mounting techniques. We report the current status in the improvement of angular resolution in the segmented foil optics and our understanding of remaining errors.
Frequency response of liquid-phase adsorption on polymeric adsorbents

Abstract A frequency response technique is applied to the study of mass transfer in liquid-phase adsorption on polymeric adsorbents. The technique uses an imposed sinusoidal temperature cycle to elicit an adsorbate concentration response in a stirred vessel. Mass transfer parameters (intraparticle diffusivities and film coefficient) are obtained from the steady periodic concentration response by matching experimental phase angle lag and amplitude ratio to model predictions. The technique is applied to the adsorption of the amino acids phenylalanine and tryptophan from aqueous solution onto two commercial polymeric adsorbents with varying pore size. In all cases, the technique yields results that are consistent with the behavior observed in isothermal batch uptake experiments with a finite concentration step. However, the frequency response technique is found to provide the advantage of yielding mass transfer parameters for near equilibrium conditions and of detecting deviations from Fickian diffusion behavior, such as the presence of surface barriers.