cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Trusting and Non-Trusting: Comparing Benefits, Cost and Risk

The Article deals with trusting (reasonable belief in facts and promises) focusing mainly on business and finance relationships. A simple and familiar method is used for evaluating net benefits from trusting, by listing benefits (reduced verification and monitoring costs), cost (establishing relationships, lost opportunities) and risk of trusting relationships, covering both individuals and systems. The article outlines the strategies for reducing the costs and risks from trusting (markets and self-protections mechanisms), highlighting the cost and risk reduction by impersonal trusting in institutions (financial intermediaries and the financial system). Such impersonal trusting, however, must be strongly backed by law and law enforcement, and shape market norms. The Article expresses great concern at recent legal literature that preaches contract as the overall legal model subsuming fiduciary law, intercorporate relationships, and relationship to investors in business trusts and clients of other money managers. The Article compares the contract model (individualism, self-protection, minimal government interference and "on your guard" attitude of non-trusting) to fiduciary and statutory regulation models (dependence, reliance and greater trusting). The article suggests that in the current environment, where trusting in the financial system and emerging electronic commerce is crucial, the time has come to put contract where it should belong and balance it well against a trusting legal models.
Modeling the Dynamics of Ensemble-Averaged Linear Disturbances in Homogeneous Shear Flow

In order to expand the predictive capability of single-point turbulence closure models to account for the early-stage transition regime, a methodology for the formulation and calibration of model equations for the ensemble-averaged disturbance kinetic energy and energy dissipation rate is presented. The calibration is based on homogeneous shear flow where disturbances can be described by rapid distortion theory (RDT). The relationship between RDT and linear stability theory is exploited in order to obtain a closed set of modeled equations. The linear disturbance equations are solved directly so that the numerical simulation yields a database from which the closure coefficients in the ensemble-averaged disturbance equations can be determined.
The same gamma-secretase accounts for the multiple intramembrane cleavages of APP.

It has been hypothesized that different C-terminus of β-amyloid peptide (Aβ) may be generated by different γ-secretase activities. Recently, we have identified a new ζ-cleavage site at Aβ46, leading to an important finding that the C-terminus of Aβ is produced by a series of sequential cleavages. This finding prompted us to examine the effects of the known γ-secretase inhibitors on different steps of the γ-secretase-mediated sequential cleavages and specifically their effects on the formation and turnover of the intermediate Aβ46. Our results demonstrate that some of the known inhibitors, such as L-685,458 and III-31C as well as inhibitors IV and V, inhibit the formation of secreted Aβ40/42 by inhibiting the formation of the intermediate Aβ46. However, most of the other inhibitors show no inhibitory effect on the formation of the intermediate Aβ46, but rather inhibit the turnover of Aβ46, resulting in its accumulation. In addition, the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) ibuprofen and sulindac sulfide have no effect on the formation and turnover of Aβ46, but rather modulate the ratio of secreted Aβ at a step after the formation of Aβ40 and Aβ42. Thus, our data strongly suggest that the multi-sequential intramembrane cleavages of amyloid precursor protein C (APP) are likely catalyzed by the same γ-secretase.
The Application of Evolutionary Computation to Selected Problems in Molecular Biology

Molecular biologists are currently faced with an array of computationally complex optimization problems. Over the past six years, evolutionary computation has been demonstrated to be useful for some of these problems, in particular RNA and protein structure prediction. This survey will focus on applications of evolutionary programming and genetic algorithms. Future applications of evolutionary computation in the medical and molecular sciences are suggested. The problems faced in computer-aided molecular design represent a challenging new testing ground for algorithms incorporating the evolutionary process.
Finite lattice model for molecular aggregation equilibria. Boolean statistics, analytical approximations, and the macroscopic limit

Molecular processes, ranging from hydrophobic aggregation and protein binding to mesoscopic self-assembly, are typically driven by a delicate balance of energetic and entropic non-covalent interactions. Here, we focus on a broad class of such processes in which multiple ligands bind to a central solute molecule as a result of solute–ligand (direct) and/or ligand–ligand (cooperative) interaction energies. Previously, we described a weighted random mixing (WRM) mean-field model for such processes and compared the resulting adsorption isotherms and aggregate size distributions with exact finite lattice (FL) predictions, for lattices with up to n = 20 binding sites. Here, we compare FL predictions obtained using both Bethe–Guggenheim (BG) and WRM approximations, and find that the latter two approximations are complementary, as they are each most accurate in different aggregation regimes. Moreover, we describe a computationally efficient method for exhaustively counting nearest neighbors in FL configurations, thus making it feasible to obtain FL predictions for systems with up n = 48 binding sites, whose properties approach the thermodynamic (infinite lattice) limit. We further illustrate the applicability of our results by comparing lattice model and molecular dynamics simulation predictions pertaining to the aggregation of methane around neopentane.
27.12 MHz isolated high voltage gain multi-level resonant DC-DC converter

This paper demonstrates a high efficiency, high power density, and fast transient response dc-dc converter design capable of providing a high-voltage isolated output from a low-voltage input. Specifically, we demonstrate two 100 W, 2000 Vdc proof of concept prototype dc-dc converters operating at a switching frequency of 27.12 MHz with input voltages of 40 V and 100 V respectively. Capacitive isolation provides an efficient means of allowing for multiple rectified outputs to be combined serially without exceeding semi-conductor device limits. Further, it can provide a more efficient means of impedance matching at frequencies of 10s of MHz than traditional methods such as passive matching networks or transformers by the reduction of or elimination of those stages altogether.
Design issues for UHF OTA-C filter realizations

Design considerations for ultra-high frequency OTA-C filters are discussed. The effects of the OTA non-idealities on the precision of high-Q filters are accounted for. The parasitic capacitors produce center frequency deviations, and the finite OTA output resistance reduces the Q-factor while the parasitic poles introduce Q-enhancement. In this paper it is shown that the non-dominant pole effects are the most critical ones, hence the use of single-stage OTA's is a must. The effects of the parasitic capacitors on the filter's linearity are considered as well. Simulated results for a 2/sup nd/ order 500 MHz high-Q bandpass filter using a 0.35 /spl mu/m technology are reported.
Is Activated Clotting Time an Accurate Measure of Heparinization for Neonates Receiving ECMO? † 999

Is Activated Clotting Time an Accurate Measure of Heparinization for Neonates Receiving ECMO? † 999
Inferior vena cava filter placement in the gynecologic oncology patient: A 15-year institutional experience.

Abstract Objective Venous thrombosis is a frequent complication of gynecologic cancer. Data regarding the use of inferior vena cava (IVC) filters in this population is limited. The aim of this study was to review our experience with gynecologic oncology patients who received an IVC filter, specifically to evaluate indications for filter placement and survival outcomes. Methods This was a retrospective, single-institution study of patients who had an IVC filter placed after a histologically confirmed gynecologic malignancy. Patients were identified from a prospectively collected interventional radiology (IR) database. Clinicopathologic characteristics, procedure details, and outcome data were obtained from outpatient and inpatient medical records. Survival after IVC filter placement was analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier product limit method and compared by log-rank test. Results A total of 128 patients were identified and 103 were found to be eligible for analysis. Most patients had ovarian cancer (52%), followed by cervical cancer (25%) and endometrial cancer (21%). Two-thirds had advanced stage disease (III/IV). The procedure complication rate was 2%. Median survival after IVC filter placement was 7.8months (95% CI, 4.1–13.6). The most common indication for IVC filter placement was contraindication to anticoagulation secondary to hemorrhage (44%), followed by perioperative indications (30%) and failed anticoagulation (14%). There was no difference in survival by IVC filter placement indication ( p =0.18). The majority of the IVC filters placed were permanent (90.5%) and in an infrarenal position (95.8%). There was no difference in survival according to specific thromboembolic event (DVT vs. PE vs. both). Patients able to receive anticoagulation after IVC filter placement had improved survival (HR 0.45, 95%CI 0.45–0.27, p =0.003). Conclusions We present the largest series of gynecologic oncology patients treated with IVC filters. Long-term survival after IVC filter placement is uncommon. Patients who receive anticoagulation after IVC filter placement have an improved survival over those who do not receive anticoagulation; this difference in survival may be secondary to worsening disease causing contraindications to anticoagulation.
Malicious Website Detection: Effectiveness and Efficiency Issues

Malicious websites, when visited by an unsuspecting victim infect her machine to steal invaluable information, redirect her to malicious targets or compromise her system to mount future attacks. While the existing approaches have promising prospects in detecting malicious websites, there are still open issues in effectively and efficiently addressing: filtering of web pages from the wild, coverage of wide range of malicious characteristics to capture the big picture, continuous evolution of web page features, systematic combination of features, semantic implications of feature values on characterizing web pages, ease and cost of flexibility and scalability of analysis and detection techniques with respect to inevitable changes to the threat landscape. In this position paper, we highlight our ongoing efforts towards effective and efficient analysis and detection of malicious websites with a particular emphasis on broader feature space and attack-payloads, flexibility of techniques with changes in malicious characteristics and web pages and above all real-life usability of techniques in defending users against malicious websites.
Preparation of enzyme-in-polymer composites with high activity and stability

Flash devolatilization was applied to incorporate an enzyme into a polymer matrix, which created a novel and highly active biocatalytic composite suitable for use in both aqueous and organic media. Enzymes were codissolved in toluene with commercial, high-molecular-weight polymers, and the solvent was then rapidly removed by injecting the mixture into a vacuum chamber. Subsequent cross-linking of the enzyme with glutaraldehyde resulted in stable entrapped enzyme within the polymeric matrices. For example, a composite of α-chymotrypsin and low-density polyethylene showed no significant loss of enzymatic activity in aqueous buffer over a period of one month. The normalized activity of this biocatalytic material in organic solvents was 3–13 times higher than that of native α-chymotrypsin lyophilized from aqueous buffer. Washing the composite material with aqueous buffer increased the activity in isooctane an additional ten fold. The composites of α-chymotrypsin and polyethylene demonstrated the feasibility of obtaining active and stable biocatalytic materials via the application of compositional quenching to a biological system.
PULMONARY MINERALIZATION IN FOUR DOGS WITH CUSHING'S SYNDROME

The clinical and imaging features of four dogs with Cushing's syndrome and pulmonary mineralization are reviewed. Three dogs presented with a primary complaint of respiratory distress/dyspnea. Three dogs had pituitary dependent Cushing's syndrome, while the remaining one dog had iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome. Each dog had clinical features typical for Cushing's syndrome. Two of the dogs were euthanized due to progressive hypoxemia. In each dog, the serum calcium, phosphorous, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine were normal. A generalized increase in unstructured interstitial pulmonary opacity with diffuse mineralization was noted on thoracic radiographs of all dogs. In one dog, an ill-defined nodular interstitial pattern of mineralization was present. Delayed bone phase scintigraphy using 99mTechnetium methylene diphosphonate documented generalized pulmonary uptake in two dogs. 99mTechnetium labeled microaggregated albumin lung perfusion scans were normal in these two dogs. 99mTc-MDP scintigraphy can provide useful information in diagnosing pulmonary mineralization in Cushingoid dogs.
Salinity Effects on Photosynthesis, Carbon Allocation, and Nitrogen Assimilation in the Red Alga, Gelidium coulteri.

The long-term effects of altered salinities on the physiology of the intertidal red alga Gelidium coulteri Harv. were assessed. Plants were transfered from 30 grams per liter salinity to media with salinities from 0 to 50 grams per liter. Growth rate, agar, photosynthesis, respiration, and various metabolites were quantified after 5 days and 5 weeks adaptation. After 5 days, growth rates were lower for plants at all altered salinities. Growth rates recovered from these values with 5 weeks adaptation, except for salinities of 10 grams per liter and below, where tissues bleached and died. Photosynthetic O2 evolution was lower than control values at both higher and lower salinities after 5 days and did not change over time. Carbon fixation at the altered salinities was unchanged after 5 days, but decreased below 25 grams per liter and above 40 grams per liter after 5 weeks. Respiration increased at lower salinities. Phycobili-protein and chlorophyll were lower for all altered salinities after 5 days. These decreases continued at lower salinities, then were stable after 5 weeks. Chlorophyll recovered over time at higher salinities. Decreases in protein at lower salinities were quantitatively attributable to phycobili-protein loss. Total N levels and C:N ratios were nearly constant across all salinities tested. Carbon flow into glutamate and aspartate decreased with both decreasing and increasing salinities. Glycine, serine, and glycolate levels increased with both increasing and decreasing salinity, indicating a stimulation of photorespiration. The cell wall component agar increased with decreasing salinity, although biosynthesis was inhibited at both higher and lower salinities. The storage compound floridoside increased with increasing salinity. The evidence suggests stress responses to altered salinities that directly affected photosynthesis, respiration, and nitrogen assimilation and indirectly affected photosynthate flow. At low salinities, respiration and photorespiration exceeded photosynthesis with lethal results. At higher salinities, although photosynthesis was inhibited, respiration was low and carbon fixation adequate to offset increased photorespiration.
Landscape scale linkages in critical zone evolution

Abstract The character of the critical zone reflects the effects of weathering and erosion over time. Weathering processes push a weathering front into fresh rock and continually modify material within the critical zone, generating saprolite and soils, while erosion processes mobilize regolith and remove mass. These processes respond to climate, but also to boundary conditions that may be set by processes occurring elsewhere. We use the Boulder Creek Critical Zone Observatory (BcCZO) to illustrate landscape scale linkages driving critical zone evolution through feedbacks that work both upstream and downstream. We focus on: (1) downstream transfer of sediment and water; and (2) changes in river base-level. The essential point is that regions are linked by transfers of mass and by boundary conditions set by external processes. These linkages result in lags in evolution of critical zone profiles in distant parts of watersheds to drivers such as climate and erosion. Thus, history influences the character of the critical zone.
Salmonella enterica serovar Choleraesuis infection of the porcine jejunal Peyer's patch rapidly induces IL-1β and IL-8 expression

Salmonella enterica serovar Choleraesuis is an enteric pathogen of swine, producing septicemia, enterocolitis, pneumonia, and hepatitis. The initial molecular events at the site of Salmonella infection are hypothesized to be critical in the initiation of innate and adaptive immune responses; however, the acute immune response elicited by porcine intestinal tissues is not well understood. To address this need, we employed explants of jejunal Peyer's patch (JPP) mucosa from pigs to examine Salmonella-induced immune responses under controlled conditions as well as to overcome limitations of whole animal approaches. JPP explants mounted in Ussing chambers maintained normal histological structure for 2 h and stable short-circuit current and electrical conductance for 2.5 h. After ex vivo luminal exposure to Salmonella serovar Choleraesuis, JPP responded with an increase in mRNA expression of IL-1beta and IL-8, but not TNFalpha. Increased IL-1beta and IL-8 expression were dependent on efficient Salmonella adhesion and internalization, whereas mutant Salmonella did not induce inflammatory cytokine expression. Commensal enteric bacteria, present in some experiments, also did not induce inflammatory cytokine expression. These findings indicate that Salmonella uptake by Peyer's patch is important in the induction of an innate response involving expression of IL-1beta and IL-8, and that ex vivo intestinal immune tissue explants provide an intact tissue model that will facilitate investigation of mucosal immunity in swine.
The Method of Manufactured Universes for validating uncertainty quantification methods

Abstract The Method of Manufactured Universes is presented as a validation framework for uncertainty quantification (UQ) methodologies and as a tool for exploring the effects of statistical and modeling assumptions embedded in these methods. The framework calls for a manufactured reality from which “experimental” data are created (possibly with experimental error), an imperfect model (with uncertain inputs) from which simulation results are created (possibly with numerical error), the application of a system for quantifying uncertainties in model predictions, and an assessment of how accurately those uncertainties are quantified. The application presented in this paper manufactures a particle-transport “universe”, models it using diffusion theory with uncertain material parameters, and applies both Gaussian process and Bayesian MARS algorithms to make quantitative predictions about new “experiments” within the manufactured reality. The results of this preliminary study indicate that, even in a simple problem, the improper application of a specific UQ method or unrealized effects of a modeling assumption may produce inaccurate predictions. We conclude that the validation framework presented in this paper is a powerful and flexible tool for the investigation and understanding of UQ methodologies.
Effects of trifluoperazine upon the calcium-dependent ciliary arrest response of freshwater mussel gill lateral cells

Calmodulin (CaM) isolated from freshwater mussel gill has been shown to be present in fractions derived solely from epithelial cells of whole gill tissue. This CaM has been used to activate bovine brain phosphodiesterase (PDE) and the dose dependence of trifluoperazine-dihydrochloride (TFP)-mediated inhibition of activation has been investigated. The dose-response curve yields an apparent K1 of 20 μM and suggests that at low concentration (up to 40 μM) TFP inhibits PDE activity in the presence of Ca2+, not by direct action on the enzyme, but by a shunt that negates the effect of mussel gill CaM. To determine whether CaM is physiologically significant for ciliary activity in the mussel gill, the effect of TFP upon the Ca2+-dependent ciliary arrest response of the lateral (L) cells of the gill has been examined. Detergent-treated permeabilized epithelial L cell models are scored for ciliary activity after transfer to reactivation solutions that vary in their free Ca2+ and TFP content. At 10−5 M free Ca2+ (pCa 5), maximum recovery from arrest is observed for TFP concentrations in the range of 25 to 30 μM. TFP-mediated recovery from arrest is never complete, suggesting that in the presence of sufficient Ca2+ the drug irreversibly damages a certain fraction of axonemes. At pCa 7 the cilia reactivate and 25–30.
Modeling of plasma formation in rarefied hypersonic entry flows

When vehicles re-enter the earth’s atmosphere from space, the hypersonic conditions are sucien tly energetic to generate ionizing reactions. The production of a thin plasma layer around a hypersonic vehicle can block radio waves sent to and from the vehicle leading to communications blackout. For earth entry from orbit, the maximum energy involved in molecular collisions requires only associative ionization of air{species to be considered. In the present study, the modeling of such reactions is considered in detail using the direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method. For typical earth entry conditions, with a velocity near 8 km/s, it is shown that the average ionizing reaction probabilities are small. Special numerical techniques must therefore be used in the DSMC technique in order to numerically resolve these reactions. Additional simulation problems arise from the relatively small mass of the electrons in comparison to the other atoms and molecules in these o w elds. Articially increasing the electron mass greatly increases computational eciency , and the viability of this approach is investigated. Simulation results are presented for conditions corresponding to the RAM-C II hypersonic igh t experiment that gathered measurements of electron number density. It is demonstrated that simulation results for electron number density in this energy regime are relatively insensitive to the mass of the electrons. Direct comparison of DSMC results with the RAM-C II measurements for electron number density show excellent agreement.
Genomic signatures of breast cancer metastasis

Despite significant advances in the treatment of primary cancer, the ability to predict the metastatic behavior of a patient’s cancer, as well as to detect and eradicate such recurrences, remain major clinical challenges in oncology. While many potential molecular biomarkers have been identified and tested previously, none have greatly improved the accuracy of specimen evaluation over routine histopathological criteria and they predict individual outcomes poorly. However, the recent introduction of high-throughput microarray technology has opened new avenues in genomic investigation of cancer, and through application in tissue-based studies and appropriate animal models, has facilitated the identification of gene expression signatures that are associated with the lethal progression of breast cancer. The use of these approaches has the potential to greatly impact our knowledge of tumor biology, to provide efficient biomarkers, and enable development towards customized prognostication and therapies for the individual.
Exercise catecholamine concentrations inhibit acetylcholine release in airways

Summary We determined the effects of exercise induced concentrations of epinephrine (E) and norepinephrine (NE) on acetylcholine (ACh) release and smooth muscle contraction. To determine ACh release, trachealis strip bundles were suspended in 2 ml tissue baths in the presence of neostigmine (10−6M), guanethidine (10−5M) and atropine (10−7M), and stimulated by electrical field stimulation (EFS; 20 V, 0.5 ms, 0.5 Hz, for 15 min). EFS-induced ACh release was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrochemical detection. Concentration responses to E and NE (10−8 to 10−5M) were determined. In time-control tissues, ACh release averaged 8.2 ± 0.9 pmol/g/min. Epinephrine caused significant inhibition of ACh release at concentrations of 10−7M or greater and NE at 10−6M or greater. E- and NE-induced inhibition of ACh release was attenuated by the α2-adrenoceptor antagonist idazoxan (10−6 M) but not by the α2-antagonist prazosin (10−6M) nor the β-antagonist propranolol (10−6M). We determined if E and NE had inhibitory actions on smooth muscle by examining their effect on the ACh concentration-response curve of trachealis. E (10−6M) inhibited contraction only at 10−7M ACh, i.e. when muscle tension was low. NE had no effect. Exercise induced concentrations of E inhibit cholinergically mediated bronchospasm primarily by α2-mediated prejunctional inhibition of ACh release and, to a lesser degree, by a post junctional effect on airway smooth muscle. NE only inhibits ACh release but not significantly at the concentrations achieved during exercise.
A Reciprocal Relationship between the Urinary Excretion of Magnesium and Phosphorus in Wether Lambs

IN a series of investigations1 into the cause and prevention of ovine phosphatic urinary calculi, a reciprocal relationship between the urinary excretion of phosphorus and magnesium was observed in wether lambs. Also, lambs which developed visible uroliths in the bladder or kidney excreted more phosphorus and less magnesium than did the non-affected animals.
Harmon Craig (1926–2003)

Harmon Craig, one of the great pioneers of isotope geochemistry died on 14 March after suffering a massive heart attack at his home in La Jolla, California. He was one day shy of his 77th birthday. Through an academic career of more than fifty years, Craig—or simply “Harmon,” as he was known throughout the world of geochemistry—made a remarkable number of fundamental and far-reaching contributions in a wide range of important areas concerned with the chemical and physical processes by which the solid Earth, the oceans, the atmosphere, and the solar system interact. While his research was broad in scope, it was also characterized by a strong emphasis on meticulous field and laboratory work, and on original and insightful interpretations of the resulting observations.
Performance criteria used in fire safety design

Abstract In many countries around the world, building codes are shifting from prescriptive- to performance-based for technical, economic, and social reasons. This move is made possible by progress in fire safety technologies, including the development of engineering tools that are required to implement performance codes. The development of performance-based codes follows a transparent, hierarchical structure in which there are usually three levels of objectives. The top level objectives usually state the functional requirements and the lowest level the performance criteria. Usually, one middle level exists, however, more levels can be used in this hierarchical structure depending on the complexity of the requirements. The success of performance-based codes depends on the ability to establish performance criteria that will be verifiable and enforceable. The performance criteria should be such that designers can easily demonstrate, using engineering tools, that their designs meet them and that the code authority can enforce them. This paper presents the performance criteria that are currently used by fire protection engineers in designing fire safety systems in buildings. These include deterministic and probabilistic design criteria as well as safety factors. The deterministic criteria relate mainly to life safety levels, fire growth and spread levels, fire exposure and structural performance. The probabilistic criteria focus on the incident severity and incident likelihood. Finally, the inclusion of safety factors permits a conservative design and allows for a smaller margin of error due to uncertainty in the models and the input data.
Reduction and identification for hybrid dynamical models of terrestrial locomotion

The study of terrestrial locomotion has compelling applications ranging from design of legged robots to development of novel prosthetic devices. From a first-principles perspective, the dynamics of legged locomotion seem overwhelmingly complex as nonlinear rigid body dynamics couple to a granular substrate through viscoelastic limbs. However, a surfeit of empirical data demonstrates that animals use a small fraction of their available degrees-of-freedom during locomotion on regular terrain, suggesting that a reduced-order model can accurately describe the dynamical variation observed during steady-state locomotion. Exploiting this emergent phenomena has the potential to dramatically simplify design and control of micro-scale legged robots. We propose a paradigm for studying dynamic terrestrial locomotion using empirically-validated reduced{order models.
Electric Welding of Pipe Lines

This paper outlines the process of manufacture of steel pipe from flat rolled steel plates by automatic metallic arc welding. Data are given showing the physical and chemical analysis of the plate, the weld, and the welding wire, as well as the speed of welding and electrode and power consumption.
Magnetothermopower of (TMTSF)2ClO4 and a new high-field phase.

We report the temperature and magnetic-field dependence of the thermopower of (TMTSF${)}_{2}$${\mathrm{ClO}}_{4}$ through the entire range of magnetic-field-induced spin-density-wave (FISDW) transitions. The activated behavior of the thermopower in the extremely stable FISDW state that resembles the 1/3 fractional quantized Hall effect provides strong evidence for a collective ground state. At high magnetic field above 25 T, we find a new phase with a true energy gap at the Fermi level.
Cationic Cell-Penetrating Peptide Binds to Planar Lipid Bilayers Containing Negatively Charged Lipids but does not Induce Conductive Pores

Using a cation-selective gramicidin A channel as a sensor of the membrane surface charge, we studied interactions of oligoarginine peptide R9C, a prototype cationic cell-penetrating peptide (CPP), with planar lipid membranes. We have found that R9C sorption to the membrane depends strongly on its lipid composition from virtually nonexistent for membranes made of uncharged lipids to very pronounced for membranes containing negatively charged lipids, with charge overcompensation at R9C concentrations exceeding 1 μM. The sorption was reversible as it was removed by addition of polyanionic dextran sulfate to the membrane bathing solution. No membrane poration activity of R9C (as would be manifested by increased bilayer conductance) was detected in the charged or neutral membranes, including those with asymmetric negative/neutral and negative/positive lipid leaflets. We conclude that interaction of R9C with planar lipid bilayers does not involve pore formation in all studied lipid combinations up to 20 μM peptide concentration. However, R9C induces leakage of negatively charged but not neutral liposomes in a process that involves lipid mixing between liposomes. Our findings suggest that direct traversing of CPPs through the uncharged outer leaflet of the plasma membrane bilayer is unlikely and that permeabilization necessarily involves both anionic lipids and CPP-dependent fusion between opposing membranes.
Prostatectomía robótica atérmica: perspectiva del ayudante quirúrgico

Robotic radical prostatectomy is fast getting popular as an alternative to the open and laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. Planning for port placement and the assistant's role are the two crucial yardsticks for the success of this procedure. Ideal port placement for radical robotic prostatectomy is not only crucial for the surgeon at the console but also for the patient side assistant. A better assistance could enhance the functional outcome of the procedure and at the same time could increase the comfort level of the surgeon at the console. This article describes the role of an assistant in robotic radical prostatectomy.
Introduction to the Special Issue on the Applications of Ferroelectrics

This special issue of the Transactions is a compilation of the most important papers presented at the 17th IEEE International Symposium on Applications of Ferroelectrics (ISAF). This was a joint meeting with the Electronics Division of the American Ceramics Society that was held at the Eldorado Hotel and Spa in Santa Fe, New Mexico, from February 24?27, 2008. The meeting was host to over 300 conference attendees and over 250 technical presentations. Presentations covered a wide range of technical topics, including processing, advanced characterization, theory and modeling of ferroelectrics, FERAM devices, capacitors, piezoelectrics, ultrasonics, multiferroics, and energy harvesting materials and devices.
Hands-on demonstrations and teaching tools for optics and adaptive optics

Demonstrations suitable for use in classrooms at the secondary, college, and graduate level and for museums and science centers were developed. Demonstrations show image formation, ray tracing, vision color sensitivity, and a Shack-Hartmann sensor. This paper shows these demonstrations, and how they can be used to promote understanding of optics principles in many applicable areas.
Hemolytic transfusion reaction due to anti-A.

A hemolytic transfusion reaction in an A2B patient due to anti-A1 is described. Anti-A1 was first detected simultaneously with the removal of transfused A1 red blood cells. The antibody in the serum was shown to be of both the IgM and IgG class, but only IgG was demonstrated on and eluted from sensitized, transfused red blood cells. 51Cr survival studies of A1 red blood cells demonstrated the hemolytic capability of this antibody on two occasions.
A modification of the mathematical theory of chromosomal rearrangements

In the mathematical theory of chromosomal rearrangements as developed by Gatcheside, Haldane and Lea the probability that allr radiation-induced breaks either rcstitute of interchange is taken to beqr, withq a constant between 0 and 1. In the present paperit is shown that this is not the right formula, and a correct formula is developed to take its place. The result is given by equation (5). It is shown with an example that ifq is inter mediate between 0 and 1, the new formula gives significantly different numerical results for the survival probability of the cell.
Invariant feature matching in parameter space with application to line features

This paper examines the combination of the Hough transform with geometric hashing as a technique for object recognition. Geometric hashing is a technique for fast indexing into object-model databases by creating multiple invariant indices from model features; yet its description applies to objects that are modeled by point sets. Extracting points locally from image data is a noise sensitive process, and the analysis of geometric hashing on point sets shown that it is very sensitive to noise. The use of the Hough transform as a first layer for extracting features imposes constraints on the image data, and in domains in which the constraints are appropriate, there is a significant reduction in noise effects on geometric hashing. The use of arbitrary primitive features in geometric hashing schemes also has other advantages. As a concrete example, experiments are performed with objects modeled by lines. The output of the line-Hough transform on intensity images is used to directly encode invariant geometric properties of shapes. points in Hough space that have high counts are combined to yield invariant geometric indices. Objects containing lines are modeled as a collection of points in dual space, and invariant indices in dual space are found by computing invariant dual space transformations. The combination of the Hough transform and geometric hashing is shown by experiments to be noise resistant and suitable for cluttered environments.
Diabetes Impairs the Neuroprotective Properties of Retinal Alpha-crystallins

PURPOSE α-Crystallins are small heat shock proteins that regulate cellular damage and cell survival. Expression of the proteins of the crystallin superfamily in the retina and their role in neuronal cell survival were investigated in two animal models of diabetes and retinal neurons in culture. METHODS Crystallin expression was assessed in streptozotocin-induced and Ins2(Akita) diabetic mice using iTRAQ methodology and validated using immunoblotting. Protein-protein interactions, solubility properties, and subcellular localization of αA- and αB-crystallins were further analyzed in vivo and in a retinal neuronal cell model using immunoprecipitation and fractionation METHODS Survival of retinal neurons to metabolic stress after overexpression and knock-down of α-crystallins was used to measure their neuroprotective properties. RESULTS All 10 of the crystallins identified in retinal lysates from both models of type 1 diabetes were strongly upregulated, coinciding with increased retinal cell death and expression of proapoptotic proteins Bax and Bcl-Xs. Diabetes strongly reduces the chaperone function of α-crystallins by reducing their solubility and disrupting the normal interaction of α-crystallins with Bax. The same properties disrupted by diabetes were confirmed to be critical for the neuroprotective effect of the overexpression of α-crystallins in retinal neurons in culture. CONCLUSIONS Both chemically and genetically induced diabetic models are characterized by upregulation of α-, β-, and γ-crystallins in the retina. Despite being overexpressed, the molecular properties of α-crystallins are disrupted by diabetes and contribute to the loss of neuroprotective function. Identification and prevention of these alterations could lead to the emergence of new therapies for diabetic retinopathy.
Patterns of skeletal representation and hominid subsistence activities at Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania, and Koobi Fora, Kenya

Proportions of skeletal elements from diverse taxa at some of the earliest Plio-Pleistocene archaeological sites at Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania, and Koobi Fora, Kenya, provide a useful basis for inferring aspects of the subsistence behavior of ancient hominids. Provided that non-hominid agents affecting the accumulation, modification, and preservation of bones at the sites, including transport and gnawing by carnivores, flowing water, trampling by large animals, and differential burial, can be identified and factored out, skeletal patterning referable to hominid behavior can measure the timing of access to carcasses and the degree of transport of parts of carcasses away from death sites of prey animals to other favored localities. Skeletal patterning at the major sites at Olduvai and Koobi Fora that have been called living floors, home bases, or central place foraging sites, including FLKN levels 1–2, FLK Zinjanthropus, and several smaller sites, indicates hominid access to and transport of predominantly meat and marrow yielding limb elements of the carcasses of prey animals. Along with more direct evidence of hominid involvement with carcasses, in the form of artifact-induced cut marks and fractures on meat- and marrow-rich bones, these findings indicate that some ancient hominids obtained carcasses of prey animals soon after the animals died and transported selected parts yielding quantities of meat and marrow to favored localities for further processing and consumption.
The measurement and dimensionality of brand associations

The purpose of the research reported here was to test empirically a conceptualization of brand associations that consists of three dimensions: brand image, brand attitude and perceived quality. A better understanding of brand associations is needed to facilitate further theoretical development and practical measurement of the construct. Three studies were conducted to: test a protocol for developing product category specific measures of brand image; investigate the dimensionality of the brand associations construct; and explore whether the degree of dimensionality of brand associations varies depending upon a brand’s familiarity. Findings confirm the efficacy of the brand image protocol and indicate that brand associations differ across brands and product categories. The latter finding supports the conclusion that brand associations for different products should be measured using different items. As predicted, dimensionality of brand associations was found to be influenced by brand familiarity.
The role of capsular distention in adhesive capsulitis.

Abstract Vad VB, Sakalkale D, Warren RF. The role of capsular distention in adhesive capsulitis. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2003;84:1290–2. Objective: To explore the efficacy of capsular distension in the treatment of adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder joint. Design: Prospective study. Setting: Musculoskeletal clinic. Participants: Twenty-two patients (18 women, 4 men; mean age, 41.3y; range, 29–54y) with adhesive capsulitis of shoulder joint. Nineteen patients had Hannafin stage II and 3 patients had Hannafin stage III adhesive capsulitis. All patients had continuous pain and significant range of motion (ROM) limitations of the shoulder joint despite a minimum of 3 months of physical therapy (PT). Intervention: Capsular distension with saline under fluoroscopic control, followed by a PT program. Main Outcome Measures: L'Insalata Shoulder Rating Questionnaire (LSRQ) score and Hannafin ROM assessment protocol. Results: In the 19 patients with stage II adhesive capsulitis, the mean LSRQ score and range of abduction improved from predistention values of 49.8° and 87.2° to postdistension mean values of 88.1° and 117.6° at minimum of 1 year postdistention, respectively ( P P >.05). Conclusions: The treatment modality should be individualized on the basis of the stage of the adhesive capsulitis, and the distension procedure should be reserved for patients in stage II who do not progress despite participating in a PT program.
Charge-exchange reactions on 91Zr

Abstract The 91 Zr(τ, t) 91 Nb(IAS) reaction and subsequent proton decay were studied at 24.5 MeV bombarding energy. Singles and coincidence decay proton spectra were measured, giving yields in agreement with the yield computed from the triton angular distribution. The singles (τ, tp) proton spectrum from 24.5 MeV helion bombardment is compared to the singles (p, np) proton spectrum from a 27 MeV proton bombardment. These spectra contain significant structure in the distribution of “background” protons (usually assumed structureless).
Oxidation of N-hydroxyguanidine by nitric oxide and the possible generation of vasoactive species

It has been reported previously that the N-hydroxyguanidine function of N-hydroxy-L-arginine can react with nitric oxide (NO) to generate other species that can act as potent vasodilators with different biological lifetimes than NO. The identities of these species have yet to be determined. Therefore, we have studied the reaction between NO and N-hydroxyguanidine and determined that N-hydroxyguanidine is capable of reducing NO to yield nitrous oxide (N2O) and possibly other nitroso species. It is likely that at least some of the N2O formation in these reactions is due to the initial generation of nitroxyl (HNO). Since HNO has been shown to be a potent vasorelaxant, it is possible that some of the non-NO-mediated biological activity alluded to in previous studies was due to HNO and that other nitroso-species generated in the reaction may also contribute to the overall pharmacological activity by release of either NO or HNO.
Live imaging of chronic inflammation caused by mutation of zebrafish Hai1

The hallmark of chronic inflammation is the infiltration and persistence of leukocytes within inflamed tissue. Here, we describe the first zebrafish chronic inflammation mutant identified in an insertional mutagenesis screen for mutants that exhibit abnormal tissue distribution of neutrophils. We identified a mutant line with an insertion in the Hepatocyte growth factor activator inhibitor 1 gene (hai1; also known as Spint1) that showed accumulation of neutrophils in the fin. The mutant embryos exhibited inflammation in areas of epidermal hyperproliferation that was rescued by knock-down of the type II transmembrane serine protease Matriptase 1 (also known as St14), suggesting a novel role for Hai1-Matriptase 1 pathway in regulating inflammation. Using time-lapse microscopy of mutant embryos that express GFP from a neutrophil-specific promoter, we found that individual neutrophils in inflamed tissue displayed random motility characterized by periods of pausing alternating with periods of motility. During periods of persistent movement the cells were highly polarized, while the pausing modes were characterized by a loss of cell polarity. In contrast to responses to acute injury, neutrophils did not exhibit clear retrograde chemotaxis or resolution of inflammation in the mutant. These findings illustrate the utility of zebrafish as a new model system to study chronic inflammation and to visualize immune responses with high resolution in vivo.
The Chiral Phase Transition at Strong Coupling

Abstract The transition to a chirally symmetric phase in lattice QCD is investigatedwith Susskind fermions. In the limit of large coupling and small temperature, the partition function is found to be that of an antiferromagnetic Ising model. The phase transition of the Ising model corresponds to chiral symmetry restoration. It occurs near zero temperature, well below the deconfining transition. The effects of introducing quarks in higher representations and approaching weaker couplings are discussed.
Wisconsin Card Sorting Test Performance as a Measure of Frontal Lobe Damage

We examined the sensitivity and specificity of the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) as a measure of frontal lobe damage in 91 subjects with stable focal brain lesions. Anatomical information about the location and extent of brain damage was obtained from MR and CT transparencies. No significant differences in WCST performance were found between subjects with frontal vs. nonfrontal damage. Some subjects with extensive frontal lobe damage performed well on the WCST, and some subjects with damage outside of the frontal lobes failed. The optimal cutoff scores for discriminating frontal from nonfrontal subjects correctly classified only 62% of the subjects. Further analysis of WCST performances associated with damage to various subregions of the frontal lobes also failed to reveal any reliable relationships. These findings indicate that performance on the WCST cannot be interpreted in isolation as an index of frontal lobe damage.
Neutron tori and the origin of r-process elements

It is shown here that if an accretion disk gets hotter than a few MeV, nuclei in the infalling matter are dissociated into their constituent neutrons and protons. Neutrons released by dissociation of matter falling at high accretion rates into a black hole or neutron star accumulate in a dense 'neutron torus'. The occurrence of the classical rapid or r-process nucleosynthesis in such a torus is investigated.