cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Isochorismate synthase is required to synthesize salicylic acid for plant defence

Salicylic acid (SA) mediates plant defences against pathogens, accumulating in both infected and distal leaves in response to pathogen attack. Pathogenesis-related gene expression and the synthesis of defensive compounds associated with both local and systemic acquired resistance (LAR and SAR) in plants require SA. In Arabidopsis, exogenous application of SA suffices to establish SAR, resulting in enhanced resistance to a variety of pathogens. However, despite its importance in plant defence against pathogens, SA biosynthesis is not well defined. Previous work has suggested that plants synthesize SA from phenylalanine; however, SA could still be produced when this pathway was inhibited, and the specific activity of radiolabelled SA in feeding experiments was often lower than expected. Some bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa synthesize SA using isochorismate synthase (ICS) and pyruvate lyase. Here we show, by cloning and characterizing an Arabidopsis defence-related gene (SID2) defined by mutation, that SA is synthesized from chorismate by means of ICS, and that SA made by this pathway is required for LAR and SAR responses.
Elementary strong maps and transversal geometries

Let H->G be a strong map between two combinatorial geometries on the same set X. The rank function, flats, and independent sets of G are characterized in terms of a factorization of E->G into elementary strong maps. When H is the free geometry on X, these results lead to a representation of G as the ''basis intersection'' of a family of transversal geometries (in the sense that B is a basis for G if and only if B is a basis for each of the transversal geometries in the family), and dually, as the basis intersection of a family of principal geometries.
The approach to ovarian dermoids in adolescents and young women.

Background Mature cystic teratomas (MCTs) are the most common ovarian neoplastic lesions found in adolescents. MCTs are usually asymptomatic and are often discovered incidentally on exam or imaging. The recurrence rate of MCTs following cystectomy is 3–4% and incidence of malignant transformation is estimated to be 0.17–2%. Given the accuracy with which MCTs can be diagnosed preoperatively, studies suggest that these lesions can be treated surgically using laparoscopic techniques. The management of MCTs in the adolescent population poses unique challenges given the potential impact on sexual development and fertility.
The power of the ADF test

Abstract The asymptotic distribution of the Dickey-Fuller test is derived under the alternative hypothesis when MA error terms are present in the data. It is found that the asymptotic t statistic is not affected by the distance between the alternative and the null hypothesis and what is relevant is the ratio of the sample size ( T ) to the order of the autoregression ( m ).
Long-wavelength excitations in incommensurate intergrowth compounds with application to Hg/sub 3-delta/AsF/sub 6/

There exists a variety of compounds consisting of two (or more) interpenetrating incommensurate lattices, e.g., ${\mathrm{Hg}}_{3\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\delta}}\mathrm{As}{\mathrm{F}}_{6}$, tetrathiafulvalene iodide (TTF-${\mathrm{I}}_{x}$), Nowotny phases. In such materials one expects new hydrodynamic modes associated with a broken translational symmetry. We examine a continuum model of these excitations which appear as "extra" acoustic modes. We consider the case of ${\mathrm{Hg}}_{3\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\delta}}\mathrm{As}{\mathrm{F}}_{6}$ explicitly and find a set of "generalized" elastic constants which violate conventional rotational symmetry relations in agreement with existing experiments. At high temperatures there are five acoustic modes; at low temperatures there are four in this material. Owing to the liquidlike properties of this material certain modes become purely dissipative in some propagation directions.
Low levels of poliovirus replication in primary human monocytes: possible interactions with lymphocytes.

To investigate the molecular mediators of poliovirus tissue tropism, the correlation between poliovirus replication and poliovirus receptor expression was examined in a primary human tissue system. Earlier work [M. Freistadt, H. Fleit, and E. Wimmer, Virology 195: 798–803 (1993)] showed that the cellular receptor for poliovirus is present in 87% of primary human monocytes and that peripheral blood mononuclear cells support poliovirus replication. In the current work, monocytes, obtained by adherence or by a novel negative selection procedure using specific monoclonal antibodies to lymphocyte surface antigens, supported poliovirus replication. However, total virus yield was low and infectious centers assays revealed that a minority (6%) of monocytes become productively infected. Viral yield from monocytes was lower than from the heterogeneous mononuclear cells; however, when uninfected lymphocytes were added back to infected monocytes, the higher viral yield was restored. The purity of the cells did not significantly affect the number of cells infected. These results suggest that more poliovirus is produced per cell from activated rather than unactivated monocytes. Furthermore, poliovirus replication in monocytes may reflect genuine in vivo replication and comprise a system in which to determine molecular mediators of poliovirus tissue tropism.
Nucleotide sequence of Escherichia coli pabA and its evolutionary relationship to trp(G)D.

We have determined the entire nucleotide sequence of Escherichia coli pabA. A comparison of the nucleotide and amino acid sequences of pabA and trp (G) D reveals extensive homology, guggesting that these two genes arose from a common ancestor. pabA and trp(G) D are 44% homologous at the aminoacid level and 53% homologous at the nucleotide sequence level. The nucleotide sequences can be divided into regions of high homology, in which most nucleotide changes occur in the third position of codons and do not effect the amino acid sequence, and regions which show almost no DNA homology. Divergence in these non-homologous regions appears to have resulted from single-base substitutions as well as the rearrangement of small regions of DNA by inversion, deletion and duplication.
Crystal structure of ScpB from Chlorobium tepidum, a protein involved in chromosome partitioning.

Structural maintenance of chromosome (SMC) proteins are essential in chromosome condensation and interact with non-SMC proteins in eukaryotes and with segregation and condensation proteins (ScpA and ScpB) in prokaryotes. The highly conserved gene in Chlorobium tepidum gi 21646405 encodes ScpB (ScpB_ChTe). The high resolution crystal structure of ScpB_ChTe shows that the monomeric structure consists of two similarly shaped globular domains composed of three helices sided by β-strands [a winged helix-turn-helix (HTH)], a motif observed in the C-terminal domain of Scc1, a functionally related eukaryotic ScpA homolog, as well as in many DNA binding proteins. Proteins 2006. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The design of spin probes for electron magnetic resonance spectroscopy and imaging

The problems that have to be addressed in designing suitable spin probes are manifold. In this article it will be shown that some the properties the probes need to possess are (i) a simple EMR spectrum (in some types of imaging or oximetry a single line is desirable), (ii) sharp lines with no unresolved splittings, to provide maximum sensitivity to detection, (iii) chemical, metabolic and thermal stability, (iv) easy possible synthesis to permit substitution with isotopes, prosthetic groups or groups to control the partition coefficients in lipid/water systems, and (v) electronic anisotropy, if rotational correlation times are to be determined, for example for the measurement of local viscosity.
The exchange traded funds’ pricing deviation: analysis and forecasts

In this paper, we study the pricing deviations of the three most liquid Exchange Traded Funds from the price of the underlying index. We examine Spider, Diamonds, and Cubes and find that their price deviation is predictable and nonzero. Therefore, the pricing deviation can be considered an additional cost of administering an Exchange Traded Fund. The reason for the predictability of the pricing deviation stems from its stationarity. The reasons for the pricing deviation being nonzero are the specific price discovery processes and dividend accumulation and distribution for this asset class. The pricing deviation can be used as a performance metric of Exchange Traded Funds and might motivate arbitrage strategies.
Splenomegaly and hemolytic anemia induced in rats by methylcellulose--an electron microscopic study.

Parenteral administration of methylcellulose causes massive splenomegaly and hemolytic anemia in rats. The red pulp of the spleen is markedly cellular due mainly to: (1) large numbers of voluminous free macrophages containing methylcellulose-induced vacuoles, (2) an increase in the number of plasma cells and (3) stasis of blood evidenced by a large number of erythrocytes and platelets in vessels, sinuses and cords. White pulp changes are usually less marked. Here the major change is the presence of macrophages containing methylcellulose-induced inclusions. The slow circulatory time in the spleen and the increase in macrophages may cause the hemolytic anemia observed in these animals.
Using rationale to drive product line architecture configuration

The process of designing and building a software system requires making many decisions. These decisions, the alternatives considered, and the reasons behind the choices comprise the rationale for the completed system. The driving force behind many, if not most, of these decisions is the need to meet the stakeholder requirements for the system being developed. Software product line approaches allow developers to design and develop families of products that share a common platform of behaviors and infrastructure. These approaches are based on assembling a configuration of a set of common features (commonalities) along with a set of product specific features (variabilities) to form a new product with a low amount of effort. In this context, these variabilities represent a wide variety of potential "design" alternatives. The goal of our research is to bring the end-user into the process of configuring a software product through the use of system level rationale that maps product line features to system requirements. Specifically, in our approach we specify rationale at the level of a feature diagram. Accordingly, we are taking advantage of the natural correlation between alternative features in a feature diagram and the alternative structure used in design rationale. This allows the end-user to indicate which requirements apply to their product and to have that selection generate a set of product features that satisfy those requirements.
Overview of micro-optics: past, present, and future

ABSTRACT Through advances in semiconductor miniaturization technology, microrelief patterns, withcharacteristic dimensions as small as the wavelength of light, can now be mass reproducedto form high-quality and low-cost optical components. In a unique example of technologytransfer, from electronics to optics, this capability is allowing optics designers to createinnovative optical components that promise to solve key problems in optical sensors,optical communication channels, and optical processors.1. INTRODUCTION Many of the current micro structures in optics are based on binary optics technology.This is an inherently diffractive optics technology that uses computer-generated designs ofmicroscopic relief patterns and electronic circuit etching technology to create novel opticaldevices and to provide design freedom and new materials choices for conventionalrefractive optical elements. Over the past ten to twelve years we in the holographic opticscommunity have learned to produce diffractive and mixed refractive-diffractive devices thatare highly efficient and of high enough quality to be used in cameras and in medicalapplications. These devices are fabricated by methods compatible with current lithographicand integrated circuit techniques.In the early seventies, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) ,
Mixing of CO 2 in surficial environments as recorded by the concentration and δ 13 C values of the Fe(CO 3 )OH component in goethite

Measured values of mol fraction (X) and δ13C in the Fe(CO3)OH component of 49 samples of goethite (α-FeOOH) from a wide variety of environments range from 0.0015 to 0.0182 and from −21.7 to +3.3‰, respectively. The distribution of δ13C values appears to be bimodal. δ13C values are > −12‰ for marine hydrothermal goethites and continental goethites crystallized as secondary minerals in host rocks. With the exception of a young soil (DRR), δ13C is < −14‰ for pedogenic/oolitic and bog ore goethites. Values of X and temperature determined for pedogenic goethite can be combined with the modern, global relation between soil respiration (Q) and average annual temperature to estimate diffusion coefficients (DS) for steady-state Fickian diffusion of CO2 in soils. Although there is considerable scatter in the relationship between Q and T, an illustrative calculation for a characteristic depth of 0.20 m, yields calculated values of DS that range from about 0.002 to 0.011 cm2/s among seven goethite-bearing soils. Steady-state diffusive transport of CO2 in soils with one in situ source of CO2 (oxidation of organic matter) yields a soil CO2 mixing equation for two isotopically distinct CO2 components (oxidized organic matter and atmospheric CO2). With pedogenic goethite as a proxy for the soil CO2, the positive slope of this two-component mixing equation can be used for determinations of CO2 pressures in the Earth’s atmosphere. If, however, dissolution of carbonates is concurrent with goethite crystallization, the mixing equation (at z ≫ z∗) becomes three-component with a negative slope that precludes estimates of atmospheric Pco2. An example is the DRR soil in which in situ, low-pH dissolution of relict, marine invertebrate fossils produced a negative mixing slope and goethite δ13C values that range from −14.2 to −4.1‰. These results indicate that only goethites which crystallized in carbonate-free soils (highly leached or formed on initially carbonate-poor rocks) should be used to deduce ancient atmospheric CO2 pressures. Addition of CO2 from dissolution of carbonates also appears to explain the range of δ13C values of most of the secondary continental goethites presumably formed in saturated groundwater systems. However, some of the variation of X and δ13C of the Fe(CO3)OH component in these goethites may be a consequence of variations in ambient pH. This possible dependence on pH seems to be manifested in a suite of goethites pseudomorphed after pyrite in a marine limestone.
Variations in proteolytic activity of serum of animals including man.

SummaryAn euglobulin fraction of serum or plasma from animals and man contains a proteolytic precursor or active enzyme. The activation pattern of this enzyme precursor in man and monkeys is different from that of dogs, guinea pigs and rabbits.
A combined boundary-profile and automated data-reduction and analysis system

A portable boundary-layer meteorological data-acquisition and analysis system is described which employs a small tethered balloon and a programmable calculator. The system is capable of measuring pressure, wet- and dry-bulb temperature, wind speed, and temperature fluctuations as a function of height and time. Other quantities, which can be calculated in terms of these, can also be made available in real time. All quantities, measured and calculated, can be printed, plotted, and stored on magnetic tape in the field, during the data-acquisition phase of an experiment.
Kinetic isotope effects for non‐adiabatic proton transfer in benzophenone—N‐methylacridan contact radical ion pairs

The dynamics of proton transfer within a variety of substituted benzophenones–N-methylacridan contact radical ion pairs in benzene were examined. The correlation of the rate constants for proton transfer with the thermodynamic driving force reveals both normal and inverted regions for proton transfer in benzene. Employing the isotopically labeled compounds N-methyl-d3-acridan and N-methylacridan-9,9-d2, the kinetic deuterium isotope effects were examined. The isotope dependence for the transfer process was examined within the context of the Lee–Hynes model for non-adiabatic proton transfer. The theoretical analysis of the experimental data suggests that the reaction path for proton–deuteron transfer involves tunneling. Conventional transition-state theory with the inclusion of the Bell correction for tunneling in the region of the transition state cannot account for the observed kinetic behavior. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enhanced histologic repair in a central wound in the anterior cruciate ligament with a collagen-platelet-rich plasma scaffold

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) of the knee is an intra-articular ligament that fails to heal after primary repair. The medial collateral ligament (MCL) of the knee is an extra-articular ligament that heals uneventfully in the majority of cases. Why these two ligaments have such different responses to injury remains unclear. In this article, we address two hypotheses: first, that the histologic response to injury is different in intra-articular and extra-articular ligaments, and second, that the response of the intra-articular ligaments can be altered by placing a collagen-platelet-rich plasma (collagen-PRP) hydrogel in the wound site. Wounds were created in extra-articular ligaments (MCL and/or patellar ligament) and an intra-articular ligament (ACL) in canine knees, and the histologic response to injury evaluated at 3 days (n = 3), 7 days (n = 4), 3 weeks (n = 5), and 6 weeks (n = 5). In the 3-week (n = 5) and 6-week (n = 5) animals, bilateral central wounds were made in the ACLs and the wounds in one knee of each animal treated with a collagen-PRP hydrogel while the contralateral side was untreated. Extra-articular ligament wounds had greater filling of the wound site and increased presence in the wound site of fibrinogen, fibronectin, PDGF-A, TGF-beta1, FGF-2, and von Willebrand's factor when compared to intra-articular ligament wounds. Treatment of the intra-articular wound with a collagen-PRP hydrogel resulted in increased filling of the wound site with repair tissue that had similar profiles of growth factor and protein expression to the extra-articular ligament wounds. The use of a collagen-PRP scaffold can ameliorate histologic differences noted between healing extra-articular ligamentous wounds and nonhealing intra-articular ligamentous wounds. This study supports the hypothesis that premature scaffold failure may play a key role in the normally expected failure of the ACL to heal after injury.
Back to the drawing board: A simplified approach to assemblage variability in the Early Palaeolithic

Abstract The archaeological record of the Early Palaeolithic consists mainly of lithic assemblages. Despite many years of intensive research effort, comparatively little is understood of the organization of the early hominid adaptations behind these artefacts. At least one fault seems to lie in some basic assumptions employed in the analysis of these assemblages, particularly in the application of formal tool typologies. An alternative approach is outlined, focussed on the technological variability of complete assemblages rather than just their shaped tool component. The study of broad technological dimensions provides a more useful method for studying lithic assemblage variability, while multivariate statistics, such as the Principal Factor Analysis, can be useful analytical tools at the level of pattern recognition.
Vinylation of methyl α-d-glucopyranoside

Abstract Vinylation of methyl α- d -glucopyranoside ( 1 ) gives a mixture of products that usually contains all of the monovinyl ethers. Reaction conditions that favor increased conversion cause an increase in the proportion of divinyl ethers. Methyl 3- O -vinyl-α- d -glucopyranoside ( 3 ) was found to be isolable by an extraction procedure.
Giant cell myocarditis: a rare cardiovascular manifestation in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus

Giant cell myocarditis (GCM) is a rare form of myocarditis with a median survival of less than one year. It has been reported to occur in patients with various underlying autoimmune diseases; however, no cases of GCM have been described in patients with clear evidence of underlying systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The presentation of GCM may mimic that of lupus myocarditis, including an initial response to immunosuppression. Despite initial clinical similarities, lupus myocarditis and GCM are histologically distinct entities with dramatic differences in prognosis. We report herein a patient with a longstanding history of SLE, who presented acutely with myocarditis, responded well to initial immunosuppression and then subsequently died of progressive heart failure that was found to be due to GCM. Endomyocardial biopsy can help define diagnosis and prognosis of lupus patients presenting with myocarditis, and early referral for cardiac transplantation should be considered in patients diagnosed with GCM.
Pole approximation for nonleptonic and radiative hyperon decays with odd Σ-Λ relative parity

The pole approximation for the non-leptonic decay modes of the hyperon is examined on the basis of odd Σ-Λ relative parity. The same method is applied to the study of the radiative decay modes of the hyperon.
Goal-dependence in (scientific) ontology

Our best sciences are frequently held to be one way, perhaps the optimal way, to learn about the world’s higher-level ontology and structure. I first argue that which scientific theory is “best” depends in part on our goals or purposes. As a result, it is theoretically possible to have two scientific theories of the same domain, where each theory is best for some (scientifically plausible) goal, but where the two theories posit incompatible ontologies. That is, it is possible for us to have goal-dependent pluralism in our scientific ontologies. This ontological pluralism arises simply from our inability to directly know the world’s objects, rather than any particular claims about our cognitive limits, values, or social structures. I then present two case studies in which this possibility actually occurs—one based on simulations and theoretical analyses of constructed causal systems, and one from actual scientific investigations into the proper ontology for ocean regions.
On stationary equilibria of a single-controller stochastic game

We consider a two-person, general-sum, rational-data, undiscounted stochastic game in which one player (player II) controls the transition probabilities. We show that the set of stationary equilibrium points is the union of a finite number of sets such that, every element of each of these sets can be constructed from a finite number of extreme equilibrium strategies for player I and from a finite number of pseudo-extreme equilibrium strategies for player II. These extreme and pseudo-extreme strategies can themselves be constructed by finite (but inefficient) algorithms. Analogous results can also be established in the more straightforward case of discounted single-controller games.
The analysis of scheduling rules in a flexible job shop with non-zero setup costs

This paper evaluates the scheduling of parts in a Flexible Job Shop (FJS) with non-zero setup costs, varying arrival rates and multiple objective functions. The Shortest Processing Time (SPT), Longest Processing Time (LPT), First-in, First-out (FIFO) and Earliest Due Date (EDD) scheduling rules are evaluated with respect to minimising the number of early jobs and optimising the due-date performance while simultaneously approximating Just-in-Time (JIT) inventory levels. We show in this paper that when the setup costs are not zero, depending on which objective is given priority, different machine loading configurations optimise system performance.
SEX OF FIGURE DRAWINGS AND SELF-ESTEEM

This study examined the relationship between sex order of human figure drawing and self-esteem. Undergraduates (N = 440) drew a person and completed the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale. Female subjects (n = 255) drew the opposite sex 39.2% of the time (n = 100), while 185 men drew females first only 6.5% of the time (n = 12). Using median scores derived from the sample, men who drew females first were more likely to have low self-esteem than were the men over-all. Self-esteem judged on the sex of their drawing was not significantly different for women. These findings reinforce the importance of accounting for sex differences in personality assessment and support the hypothesis that drawing of the opposite sex by women may reflect social role rather than psychological conflict.
Reliability of AlGaN-based deep UV LEDs on sapphire

Deep UV LEDs emitting at on 280 nm with powers as high as 1 mW at 20 mA have been reported recently. These devices have mesa size of 100 μm x 100 μm to avoid current crowding due to the high Al-composition of the AlxGa 1-x N buffer layers. Small mesa size results in pump current density of 200 A/cm 2 for a device current of 20 mA. Small area of p-contact also leads to higher operating voltage and higher thermal impedance for the flip-chip packaged device. These factors limit the device lifetime for 50 % power reduction to only a few hundred hours. From temperature and bias dependent power degradation measurements we found the output power to decay with two characteristic time constants indicating two degradation mechanisms. The faster time constant is bias dependent and temperature independent. The slower time constant varies exponentially with junction temperature having the activation energy of 0.27 eV at 200 A/cm 2 pump current density. For the devices with high thermal impedance this degradation mechanism controls the long term power degradation. To increase the device area for better reliability we used the interconnected micro-pixel device design with 10x10 array of 22 μm in diameter pixels. This design allowed for the four-fold increase of the junction area and thereby led to improved reliability performance with the operation life-time for 50 % power reduction of about 1000 hours. In this paper we will present the details of the reliability measurements and use the experimental results to determine possible degradation mechanisms.
Electron-tunneling observation of localized excited states in superconducting manganese-doped lead

We have made electron-tunneling measurements on a dilute, superconducting lead-manganese alloy. A well-defined structure was observed in the ac-conductance--voltage curves, indicating excited states within the BCS energy gap. These states were partially accounted for by Shiba theory when spin-dependent s-, p-, and d-wave scattering were included. The phase shifts used in doing that were the results of band calculations. The experimental data also show the existence of a broad background density of states in the energy gap, which cannot be accounted for by the theory.
Thermal fields during regelation

Abstract Regelation of ice within the soil matrix is a possible mechanism of ice transport during frost-heave. The classical, single-particle, theory of regelation is here extended to transverse, longitudinal, and square infinite arrays of cylindrical particles, for the case, as in soils, where heat-conduction is the rate-governing process. Detailed maps are presented of the steady thermal fields required for steady regelation, independent of the mechanism of melting point perturbation. For space-filling configurations of particles, steady regelation requires an overall macroscopic temperature gradient, associated with a systematic overall gradient of ice pressure. Four distinct heat flow paths are found on the microscopic scale: through the particle; through the ice from hot to cold surfaces of the one particle; through the ice between the hot surface of one particle and the cold surface of its neighbor; through ice alone down the macroscopic temperature gradient. The apparent hydraulic conductivity of the configuration to ice (K) is calculated. It is estimated that, for a soil with porosity 0.5 and with thermal conductivity 1.5 times that of ice, K = 2.7×10 −11 ms −1 . In the course of the work, three approximations inherent in the classical theory are examined, and justified, through study of the energy balance during regelation.
PEPT1 enhances the uptake of gabapentin via trans-stimulation of b0,+ exchange.

Purpose The aims of this study were (1) to determine whether amino acid and dipeptide loading can improve the effective permeability of gabapentin and (2) to characterize the underlying mechanism that is responsible for this interaction.
Single-Event Coupling Soft Errors in Nanoscale CMOS Circuits

There are various sources of single event transient (SET) errors for combinatorial logic circuits. This article discusses effects of various sources of SET errors and presents a comparative analysis in different technology nodes.
Proximity and specificity of planning: A position paper

The results of a recent set of studies have generated some confusion about the parameters of planning. Several findings seem to suggest that relatively proximal and specific planning improves self-regulation, whereas other research seems to favor more distal and less specific planning. The relevant concepts are defined and the literature is reviewed in an attempt to begin resolving these apparent discrepancies. This analysis suggests five conclusions, in the form of potential principles of planning. First, performance feedback is probably necessary for planning to facilitate self-regulation. Second, relatively distal and moderately specific planning may prove effective in some cases because such planning regimens encourage people to pursue their goals by continually and flexibly choosing their activities (engaging in protracted choice). Third, the effectiveness of relatively distal and relatively nonspecific plans can be increased by the process of actively choosing subgoals within those plans. Fourth, highly specific and proximal planning may debilitate self-regulation in many cases because it can severely limit protracted choice. Finally, proximity and specificity of planning are continuous dimensions, the degrees of which are determined, in part, by as yet unspecified characteristics of tasks and populations.
Wireless powering of microchip implants by a cross-slot antenna

Wireless powering enables medical implants to be miniaturized to the micron scale where devices can be injected into the body. We consider the design of the transmitter for a microchip placed 1 cm deep in tissue. We design a cross-slot antenna operating at 2.4 GHz that approximates the current distribution of the optimal transmitter. The performance of the cross-slot antenna is compared to the loop antenna in both simulation and measurement in a liquid phantom. The results show that the cross-slot antenna has better or comparable performance to the loop antenna. The cross-slot antenna can potentially generate circular polarization, which enables the link to be robust to the orientation of the receive coil.
Cardiorespiratory fitness and smoking-related and total cancer mortality in men.

LEE, C. D., and STEVEN N. BLAIR. Cardiorespiratory fitness and smoking-related and total cancer mortality in men. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc., Vol. 34, No. 5, pp. 735–739, 2002.PurposeWe investigated the association between cardiorespiratory fitness and smoking-related, nonsmoking-related, and total can
Numerical modeling of impact-damaged sandwich composites subjected to compression-after-impact loading

Semi-empirical numerical models are developed for predicting the residual strength of impact-damaged sandwich composites comprised of woven fabric carbon epoxy facesheets and Nomex honeycomb cores subjected to compression-after-impact loading. Results from non-destructive inspection and destructive sectioning of damaged sandwich panels are used to establish initial conditions for damage (residual facesheet indentation, core crush dimensions, etc.) in the numerical analyses. Honeycomb core crush test results are used to establish the non-linear constitutive behavior for the Nomex core. The influence of facesheet property degradation on the strain redistribution in damaged sandwich panels is examined. Facesheet strains from material and geometric non-linear finite element analyses correlate relatively well with experimentally determined values. Moreover, numerical predictions of residual strength are consistent with experimental observations. Similar calculations may prove useful in the development of a damage tolerance plan for sandwich composites that accounts for relevant details of damage morphology and provide conservative estimates of residual strength.
General Electric Uses an Integrated Framework for Product Costing, Demand Forecasting, and Capacity Planning of New Photovoltaic Technology Products

General Electric (GE) Energy's nascent solar business has revenues of over $100 million, expects those revenues to grow to over $1 billion in the next three years, and has plans to rapidly grow the business beyond this period. GE Global Research (GEGR), in partnership with GE Energy's solar platform team, is pursuing a number of technological alternatives to bring new low-cost solar products to the market. However, the GE solar business is facing a challenge---making optimal investment decisions to realize its growth objectives in the presence of major uncertainties in technology, costs, demands, and energy policy. We have developed analytical decision support tools with embedded mathematical models to estimate product costs and demands, and to support capacity planning decisions under cost and demand uncertainties. In this paper, we outline our algorithmic approach and system implementation, which help to support strategic decisions at GE.
BIRDS IN A BUSH: FIVE GENES INDICATE EXPLOSIVE EVOLUTION OF AVIAN ORDERS

All recent studies of bird phylogeny have produced poorly resolved relationships among the orders of Neoaves, the lineage that includes most modern birds. This ''bush'' result suggests the possibility of an explosive and potentially unresolvable evolutionary radiation. However, simultaneous radiations of multiple lineages are thought to be rare or nonexistent in nature and difficult to corroborate empirically because lack of phylogenetic resolution can also be caused by analytical artifacts. Here we examine the predictions of the explosive radiation hypothesis for five independent genetic datasets for Neoaves. We propose a methodology for testing for polytomies of evolutionary lineages, perform likelihood-ratio tests to compare trees with zero-length branches to more resolved trees, compare topologies between independent gene trees, and propose a power test for the SOWH test. The evidence of (1) extremely short (in some cases zero-length) branches for interordinal relationships across independent gene trees and (2) to- pological incongruence among gene trees suggests that the bird tree includes essentially simultaneous radiation of multiple lineages. This result explains why a robust phylogeny of birds has not been produced despite much effort on the part of avian systematists.
Building a cognitive radio network testbed

Cognitive radio has been put forward to make efficient use of scarce radio frequency spectrum. A testbed for cognitive radio can not only verify concepts, algorithms, and protocols, but also dig out more practical problems for future research. However, to our best knowledge, an authentic real-time cognitive radio system has never been demonstrated. In order to build a cognitive radio network testbed, four popular commercial off-the-shelf hardware platforms are investigated. Unfortunately, none of them meets our needs. Thus, an architecture of the motherboard and a functional architecture for nodes of cognitive radio network testbeds, as well as an architecture for cognitive radio network testbeds, are proposed. With the proposed architectures, a cognitive radio network testbed is being built at Tennessee Technological University.
Intelligent assessment: Putting emerging biotechnology threats in context

One of the problems with assessing the emerging threats from advances in biotechnology and the life sciences is that there are two competing narratives for understanding biotechnology development: one based on the notion of a biotech revolution and the other based on biotech evolution. The biotech revolution is a dystopian tale in which scientific advances lead to rapid changes in biotechnology, its applications, and its potential threats. The biotech evolution, however, describes slower and more complex trajectories for biotechnology development and threats. These two narratives are based on different assumptions and analytic methods, which lead to fundamentally different conclusions. The US intelligence and policy communities use the biotech revolution story line to make sense of today’s bioweapons threats, but this approach fails to reflect the complex social, economic, scientific, and technical factors that shape biotechnology and life science developments. The author argues that more critical perspec...
Hormone patterns in patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

Measurements of plasma 17-hydroxycorticosteroid concentration and urinary 17-ketosteroid excretion were made in children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia. These results have been compared with blood ACTH titers in the same children. Prior to cortisone therapy endogenous ACTH concentrations and 17-ketosteroid excretion were abnormally high whereas circulating 17-hydroxycorticosteroid concentrations were exceptionally low. During the period of cortisone therapy these values approached normal. Adrenal unresponsiveness to ACTH was evidenced in patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia by their failure to produce elevations of circulating 17-hydroxycorticosteroid concentrations in response to ACTH injection.
Evolution of Proteins and Gene Expression Levels are Coupled in Drosophila and are Independently Associated with mRNA Abundance, Protein Length, and Number of Protein-Protein Interactions

Organismic evolution requires that variation at distinct hierarchical levels and attributes be coherently integrated, often in the face of disparate environmental and genetic pressures. A central part of the evolutionary analysis of biological systems remains to decipher the causal connections between organism-wide (or genome-wide) attributes (e.g., mRNA abundance, protein length, codon bias, recombination rate, genomic position, mutation rate, etc) as well as their role-together with mutation, selection, and genetic drift-in shaping patterns of evolutionary variation in any of the attributes themselves. Here we combine genome-wide evolutionary analysis of protein and gene expression data to highlight fundamental relationships among genomic attributes and their associations with the evolution of both protein sequences and gene expression levels. Our results show that protein divergence is positively coupled with both gene expression polymorphism and divergence. We show moreover that although the number of protein-protein interactions in Drosophila is negatively associated with protein divergence as well as gene expression polymorphism and divergence, protein-protein interactions cannot account for the observed coupling between regulatory and structural evolution. Furthermore, we show that proteins with higher rates of amino acid substitutions tend to have larger sizes and tend to be expressed at lower mRNA abundances, whereas genes with higher levels of gene expression divergence and polymorphism tend to have shorter sizes and tend to be expressed at higher mRNA abundances. Finally, we show that protein length is negatively associated with both number of protein-protein interactions and mRNA abundance and that interacting proteins in Drosophila show similar amounts of divergence. We suggest that protein sequences and gene expression are subjected to similar evolutionary dynamics, possibly because of similarity in the fitness effect (i.e., strength of stabilizing selection) of disruptions in a gene's protein sequence or its mRNA expression. We conclude that, as more and better data accumulate, understanding the causal connections among biological traits and how they are integrated over time to constrain or promote structural and regulatory evolution may finally become possible.
Localization of steroidogenic enzymes in macaque luteal tissue during the menstrual cycle and simulated early pregnancy: Immunohistochemical evidence supporting the two-cell model for estrogen production in the primate corpus luteum

It is hypothesized that the two-cell model for estrogen production by the ovarian follicle is preserved in the primate corpus luteum, but there is little direct evidence to support this theory. To determine the sites of androgen and estrogen synthesis within the primate corpus luteum and to ascertain whether changes in steroid hormone levels are related to steroidogenic enzyme expression, the enzymes converting progesterone to androgen (cytochrome P450 17alpha-hydroxylase/17,20 lyase; P450(c17)) and then to estrogen (aromatase; P450(arom)), as well as P450 side-chain cleavage (P450(scc)) and 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3beta HSD), were detected by immunohistochemistry in macaque luteal tissue throughout the menstrual cycle and simulated early pregnancy. Corpora lutea were collected from rhesus monkeys in the early (Days 2-4 post-LH surge), mid (Days 6-8), mid-late (Days 10-12), and late (Days 14-15) luteal phase and after 1, 3, 6, or 9 days of hCG treatment that began on Day 9 of the luteal phase. Specific cytoplasmic staining for P450(c17), P450(arom), P450(scc), and 3beta HSD was present in luteal cells, but not in the microvasculature, within all luteal tissues examined. P450(c17)-stained luteal cells were located along the vascular tracts and around the periphery of the corpus luteum. Intensely stained luteal cells were associated with blood vessels entering from the outer surface of the corpus luteum, but not with blood vessels returning from the connective tissue centrum. In contrast, P450(arom)-stained luteal cells were distributed throughout the luteal parenchyma. P450(c17) staining intensity was similar at all stages of the luteal phase; however, the number and intensity of P450(arom)-stained cells decreased by late luteal phase. In simulated early pregnancy, cells stained for P450(c17) were present near blood vessels, with some positive cells scattered throughout the corpus luteum. P450(arom) immunostaining was heterogeneous within the corpus luteum; many intensely stained cells were interspersed among others that were only lightly stained. Overall, cellular staining for P450(c17) and P450(arom) remained intense through 9 days of simulated early pregnancy. In contrast, P450(scc) and 3beta HSD immunoreactivity were not located in distinct luteal compartments. These results are consistent with a two-cell model for steroid hormone production in the primate corpus luteum, whereby paraluteal (theca-luteal) cells produce androgen substrate that is converted to estrogens by true (granulosa-) luteal cells. The divergence in enzyme detection as the luteal phase progresses, with P450(c17) labeling high and P450(arom) staining having decreased, suggests a shift in the function of the corpus luteum as it ages. Enzyme localization during chorionic gonadotropin exposure simulating early pregnancy demonstrates the continued capacity of the primate corpus luteum to produce steroid hormones.
A review of band structure and transport mechanisms in elemental amorphous semiconductors

Abstract Although considerable effort has gone into experimental studies of elemental amorphous semiconductors in recent years, four general questions remain only partially answered. Is the amorphous phase well-defined in these materials? Are the gross features of the (crystalline) band structure preserved? What is the nature of the localized (defect) states introduced by the disorder? What is the electron transport mechanism? These questions will be examined in the light of the experimental results, concentrating on amorphous germanium and silicon.
Differential modulation of agonist potency and receptor coupling by mutations of Ser388Tyr and Thr389Pro at the junction of transmembrane domain VI and the third extracellular loop of human M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors

Transmembrane domain VI of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors plays an important role in ligand binding and receptor function. A human M 1 (HM 1 ) mutant receptor, HM 1 (S388Y, T389P), displayed significantly enhanced agonist potency, binding affinity, and G protein coupling. The mutations are located at the top of transmembrane domain VI and about two helical turns above Tyr381 and Asn382, which are important for ligand binding and receptor function. To determine the functional role of individual mutations of Ser388Tyr and Thr389Pro, we created stable A9 L cell lines expressing HM 1 (S388Y) or HM 1 (T389P) receptors. In phosphatidylinositol hydrolysis assays, muscarinic agonists showed greater potency at the HM 1 (S388Y) and HM 1 (S388Y, T389P) mutants compared with the wild-type and HM 1 (T389P) receptors. Acetylcholine demonstrated 105-fold higher potency at HM 1 (S388Y) receptors than at HM 1 (T389P) receptors. Choline (30 μ M, the concentration found in Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium) exhibited 90% stimulation at HM 1 (S388Y) receptors but was inactive at HM 1 (T389P) receptors. In ligand binding experiments, mutation of Ser388Tyr resulted in significantly increased agonist binding affinity. In contrast, mutation of Thr389Pro did not change agonist binding affinity but rendered multiple agonist binding sites, and the high-affinity binding was sensitive to GTP analogs. These results demonstrate that the Ser388Tyr mutation is responsible for enhanced agonist potency and binding affinity, whereas the Thr389Pro mutation alters G protein interactions. The data suggest that Ser388 and Thr389 are potential targets for modulation of agonist binding and G protein coupling.
Addendum to Stankard and Gupta's Note on Lot Size Scheduling

This paper presents a grouping procedure which yields improved solutions to Bomberger's Lot Size Scheduling Problem [1]. The group definition is a generalization of the group definition proposed by Stankard and Gupta [3]. Moreover, the generalization leads to a pseudo dynamic programming procedure which is readily programmable. Computational experience has shown the procedure to be extremely efficient.
Depression vs. paranoia: why are there sex differences in mental illness?

Sex differences in proneness to depression and paranoia are seen as reflecting caricatures of women s and men's stereotypical role in a male-dominated, exploitative society Following its major hypothesis that mental illness arises out of failures in the sociability that is inherent in our species, the paper discusses some of the evidence for sex differences in sociability, and some evidence from studies of sex differences in field dependence which, taken together, suggest a sex difference in proneness to shame and guilt This sex difference in ‘superego” style is a mediating factor in proneness to depression and paranoia