cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
gamma-Aminobutyric acid and glycine activate Cl- channels having different characteristics in CNS neurones.

We have studied the properties of Cl− channels in Muller cells of the lamprey brain, which are activated by two putative neurotransmitters, glycine and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Previous studies1,2 have shown that in these cells the two ligands act through different receptors, and it was of interest to determine whether or not the two receptors, in turn, activate separate channels having different properties. We have shown previously3,4 that the channels activated by glycine have large conductances which decrease rapidly as the intracellular Cl− concentration [Cl−]i is increased above normal. We show here that GABA-activated channels have much smaller conductances which are independent of [Cl−]i over the experimental range and also that the response to a saturating application of glycine is not occluded by simultaneous GABA application. These observations indicate that the glycine and GABA receptors are coupled to separate Cl− channels having different characteristics.
THE SOLUBLE SPECIFIC SUBSTANCE OF FRIEDLÄNDER'S BACILLUS : PAPER II. CHEMICAL AND IMMUNOLOGICAL RELATIONSHIPS OF PNEUMOCOCCUS TYPE II AND OF A STRAIN OF FRIEDLÄNDER'S BACILLUS.

The chemical and immunological properties of the soluble specific substances of a strain of Friedlander's bacillus and Pneumococcus Type II are described and correlated, and the serological and antigenic similarity of these biologically unrelated organisms is discussed as an example of heterogenetic specificity among bacteria.
Integrals of powers of loggamma

Properties of the integral of powers of from 0 to are considered. Analytic evaluations for the first two powers are presented. Empirical evidence for the cubic case is discussed
A Hypothesis About the Origin of Biology

It is proposed that processes characteristic of biology today, autocatalysis, selection of molecules for linkage by their electrical shape, and evolution by survival selection were also the processes that initiated biology. A reconnaissance is made of both paradoxes and potential questions. It is argued that the minimal requirement for initiating Darwinian evolution is not a molecule copying process, but a linkage copying process. Survival selection evolution does not require a heterocatalytic polymer and a separate replicase process until there is uncertainty where molecular additions will occur. It is argued that a linkage directing process will be found for a lipid membrane (though this needs to be verified) and may in the right environment result in initial evolution, including initiation of α-helices, the development of a single chirality and NTPs. The system has at this point become sufficiently complex that higher precision copying is needed. However it seems likely that this state is able to generate the first miniature ribozymes and their replicases, and so satisfies the prior requirement. With the proposed requirements, it is likely that the development of polymers was within membranes.
Acknowledging the academic rigor of associate degree nursing education: A grounded theory study of overcoming failure

Academic failure has been described as endemic in nursing education. Every semester, students fail nursing courses and are required to successfully repeat the course before they can progress in the nursing program. This qualitative grounded theory research explored the process of overcoming failure. Strategies to assist nurse educators support at-risk students and recommendations for reevaluating nursing curriculum are discussed.
Video Transmission Over Lossy Wireless Networks: A Cross-Layer Perspective

Video content currently makes up nearly half of the “fixed” Internet traffic and more than a third of the mobile traffic in North America, with most other regions showing similar trends. As mobile data rates continue to increase and more people rely on 802.11 wireless for home and commercial Internet access, the amount of video transmitted over at least one wireless hop will likely continue to increase. In addition, as cameras continue to become smaller and cheaper, the demand for video services in sensor and MANET networks will also increase. In this paper, we examine the state of the art of wireless video communication at each layer of the networking stack. We consider both existing and emerging technologies at each layer of the protocol stack as well as cross-layer designs, and discuss how these solutions can increase the video experience for the end user.
Regulation of ABC transporters at the blood–brain barrier

ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporters at the blood-brain barrier function as ATP-driven xenobiotic efflux pumps and limit delivery of small molecule drugs to the brain. Here I review recent progress in understanding the regulation of the expression and transport activity of these transporters and comment on how this new information might aid in improving drug delivery to the brain.
Effect of self-association and protein binding on the photochemical reactivity of triarylmethanes. Implications of noncovalent interactions on the competition between photosensitization mechanisms type I and type II.

We have explored the photochemical behavior of cationic triarylmethane dye monomers and dimers free in solution and noncovalently bound to bovine serum albumin (BSA) and examined how self-association and the formation of host-guest complexes involving biopolymers and photosensitizers affect the competition between the photosensitization type I and type II mechanisms. Our results have clearly indicated that tri-para -substituted triarylmethane dyes bind efficiently to albumin as monomers and dimers and, interestingly, that the formation of dye aggregates in aqueous solutions is actually assisted by the protein. Protein-assisted dye aggregation takes place under conditions of high biopolymer loading (high [dye]/[protein] ratios), as attested by the appearance of a hypsochromically shifted absorption band (H-band) that overlaps with the spectral shoulder of the respective dye monomer. As predicted by the molecular exciton theory, the intersystem crossing efficiency in H-type dimers is expected to be higher than in the respective dye monomers, and photoinduced electron transfer events are intrinsically favored in dye aggregates as a result of the physical contact between donor and acceptor. We have found that when triarylmethanes are noncovalently bound to BSA their photoreactivity undergoes a remarkable enhancement, and that the photooxidation mechanism type I is particularly favored in the macromolecular environment. A comparative examination of the behavior of triarylmethane dyes with that of methylene blue have shown that in the case of methylene blue the binding phenomenon also favor the type I mechanism.
Conformational distribution and ultrafast base dynamics of leadzyme.

The dynamic nature of ribozymes represents a significant challenge in elucidating their structure−dynamics−function relationship. Here, using femtosecond time-resolved spectroscopy and other biophysical tools, we demonstrate that the active site of leadzyme does not have a unique structure, but rather samples an ensemble of conformations that undergo picosecond structural changes. Various base modifications have a profound context-dependent impact on the catalysis.
Light-scattering studies of fractionated ovine sub-maxillary mucins

Abstract Static and dynamic light-scattering studies of solutions of ovine submaxillary mucin (OSM) glycoproteins, fractionated by exclusion chromatography on Sephacryl S-1000, are reported. These experiments yielded information regarding the structure and conformation of the glycoprotein chain, in the form of weight-average molecular weights, Mw, z-average radius of gyration, Rg,z, and z-average of the inverse hydrodynamic radius, 〈R−1h〉z. The values of 〈R−1h〉zare found to correlate very well with the S-1000 elution volume characteristics for four OSM fractions of different molecular weights. The structural parameters for these OSM fractions are, within experimental error, similar to those deduced for porcine submaxillary mucins (PSM) in earlier studies. The results suggest that, like PSM, the glycoprotein structure of OSM consists of linear chains constructed by covalently linking two or more elementary subunits together via disulfide bonds. In addition, the rigidity of the protein core of OSM is substantially greater than that observed for non-glycosylated-polypeptide random coils. Because 〈R−1h〉z, and hence, elution volume depends only on the molecular weight of the mucin protein core, the Mw calibration obtained for OSM should be applicable to the chromatography of other mucin glycoproteins.
Forebrain striatal-specific expression of mutant huntingtin protein in vivo induces cell-autonomous age-dependent alterations in sensitivity to excitotoxicity and mitochondrial function

HD (Huntington's disease) is characterized by dysfunction and death of striatal MSNs (medium-sized spiny neurons). Excitotoxicity, transcriptional dysregulation and mitochondrial abnormalities are among the mechanisms that are proposed to play roles in HD pathogenesis. To determine the extent of cell-autonomous effects of mhtt (mutant huntingtin) protein on vulnerability to excitotoxic insult in MSNs in vivo, we measured the number of degenerating neurons in response to intrastriatal injection of QA (quinolinic acid) in presymptomatic and symptomatic transgenic (D9-N171-98Q, also known as DE5) mice that express mhtt in MSNs but not in cortex. After QA, the number of degenerating neurons in presymptomatic DE5 mice was not significantly different from the number in WT (wild-type) controls, suggesting the early, increased vulnerability to excitotoxicity demonstrated in other HD mouse models has a largely non-cell-autonomous component. Conversely, symptomatic DE5 mice showed significantly fewer degenerating neurons relative to WT, implying the resistance to excitotoxicity observed at later ages has a primarily cell-autonomous origin. Interestingly, mitochondrial complex II respiration was enhanced in striatum of symptomatic mice, whereas it was reduced in presymptomatic mice, both relative to their age-matched controls. Consistent with the QA data, MSNs from symptomatic mice showed decreased NMDA (N-methyl-d-aspartate) currents compared with age-matched controls, suggesting that in addition to aging, cell-autonomous mechanisms mitigate susceptibility to excitotoxicity in the symptomatic stage. Also, symptomatic DE5 mice did not display some of the electrophysiological alterations present in other HD models, suggesting that blocking the expression of mhtt in cortical neurons may restore corticostriatal function in HD.
Modeling the failure of intermetallic/solder interfaces

Abstract Solder joint integrity is recognized as a key issue in the reliability of flip chip and ball grid arrays in integrated circuit packages. Significant reductions in the solder joint interconnect size results in both the increased volume fraction of brittle intermetallics in the joint and joule heating due to high current density. Previously, the prevalent failure mode in a solder joint was the ductile thermo-mechanical fracture of solder material due to repeated thermal cycling. In addition to this mode of failure the joints were also found to fail by brittle fracture near the solder–intermetallic interface. To predict and reduce the failure of solder joints, a model that incorporates both plastic damage in bulk solder and solder–intermetallic interface failure is timely and useful to the electronics industry. Based on cohesive fracture theory, a 3D finite element model has been developed to predict the interfacial damage of Sn–Ag–Cu eutectic lead-free solder interconnects. Unified creep-plasticity theory is incorporated in the model considering the creep and hysteresis effects in solder bulk. Using the unified creep-plasticity-cohesive finite element model, the intermetallic layer growth effect has been researched for different solders. The failure of solder is a complex, coupled thermo-electric-mechanical problem. To understand better the phenomenon, a thermo-electric finite element analysis has been conducted to predict the electrical concentration and joule heating effects on the failure of Sn–2.5Ag–0.8Cu–0.5Sb solder under different applied current densities. The temperature and current density distribution in a solder joint with a crack that propagates near the interface of the bulk solder and intermetallic layer has been predicted. Pronounced temperature and electrical current concentration are observed near the crack tip. Although the Pb-free solder is usually regarded as having a higher melting temperature compared with traditional Pb–Sn eutectic solder, the concentration of heat at the crack tip caused by joule heating may still melt the solder material under high current density stressing.
The Corticospinal System and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Stroke

During the last decades, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has been used as a noninvasive method to investigate motor cortical reorganization and neuroplasticity in humans after stroke. An increasing number of studies in the field of motor control have used TMS to gain an understanding of the different aspects of stroke cortical physiology and motor recovery. This review addresses the effects of corticospinal tract (CST) lesions in humans and nonhuman primates on the functional organization of the motor system. We review information on the physiological mechanisms by which the CST contributes to normal motor control and to central nervous system reorganization following stroke when the CST is injured as measured using TMS. Insight into these physiological mechanisms has led to the development of scientifically sound interventional proposals in the field of neurorehabilitation.
Hepatitis B infection in ophthalmologists.

Abstract A seroepidemiologic survey of ophthalmologists in Western Pennsylvania was, performed to define the hepatitis B virus (HBV) exposure risk for this subspecialty population. Of 70 participating ophthalmologists, only 5 (7.1 %) had serologic evidence of prior hepatitis (positive hepatitis B surface antibody and antibody to the core antigen of hepatitis B). No participants were found to be HBsAg (hepatitis B surface antigen) positive. The infection rate for ophthalmologists appears lower than that previously described for physicians involved in surgical and nonsurgical medical specialties. However, caution is still recommended since hands and surgical instruments may become contaminated with HBV from the blood and secretions of hepatitis B patients or carriers.
Adaptive enhancement of amino acid uptake and exodus by thymic lymphocytes: influence of pH

Entry of certain free amino acids (alpha aminoisobutyric acid (AIB), alanine and proline), but not of leucine into rat thymic lymphocytes increased progressively when the cells were incubated in amino acid deficient medium. Actinomycin D, cycloheximide, or a high concentration of AIB abolished the time-related increase in AIB accumulation, whereas exposure to a high concentration of leucine had no effect. This phenomenon could not be attributed to a progressive alteration in the nature of the incubation medium nor to reduced transinhibition of AIB uptake. The exodus of AIB also increased with time, but to a smaller degree than AIB entry. Initial rates of AIB entry and exodus increased with increases in the pH of the incubation medium over the range 6.5–8.0. The effects of pH on entry and exodus were time-related, increasing progressively over a 180-minute period. Actinomycin D, cycloheximide, and 5 mM AIB nullified the magnified time related increments in AIB transport caused by prolonged incubation at pH 8.0. The influence of a given pH on transport of AIB decreased rapidly when the cells were transferred to medium of another pH, but this tendency diminished the longer the cells were exposed to the initial pH. pH influenced the entry of alanine and proline in the same fashion as that of AIB, but did not affect leucine entry. These results indicate that thymic lymphocytes exhibit adaptive enhancement in the accumulation of free amino acids that are transported largely by the A or alanine-preferring system, and that the adaptive process involves both entry and exodus. Moreover, alterations in pH modify entry and exodus of these same amino acids, profoundly affect the magnitude of time-released increases, and may induce fundamental changes in the mechanism(s) serving amino acid transport.
False negative breast biopsy for palpable mass

Open breast biopsy is considered to be the most reliable method for the diagnosis of breast cancer in patients with palpable masses. Rarely, after a breast biopsy has been reported to be benign, cancer will be identified at the site of the biopsy. Eight patients were reviewed in whom breast cancer was demonstrated at the site of a previously negative biopsy at intervals ranging between 4 months and 3 years after the original, negative biopsy. Several possible explanations exist to account for this occurrence. The surgeon must be aware that the presence of a mass at the site of prior breast biopsy may be an indication for repeat excision. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Optimization of interfacial bonding to enhance fracture toughness of ceramic matrix reinforced with metallic ribbon

The role of interface on the fracture toughness of ceramic glass reinforced with metallic ribbon was investigated. A strong interfacial bonding strength is essential for load transfer between the matrix and ribbon, and for utilization of the ductility of the reinforcement. However, weak interfacial bonding is considered to be important so that ribbon pull-out can improve the toughness of brittle ceramic matrix composites. The main aim of the present study is to carry out interface design to optimize mechanical properties of brittle ceramic matrix composites reinforced with ductile metallic ribbons.
Computer-mediated communication in collaborative writing

The purpose of this study was to determine if using computers to communicate during group writing tasks is an effective mode of communication. Three-person teams wrote term papers in one of three conditions: face-to-face (FTF), synchronous computer-mediated communication (Netmeeting), or email. The participants were given 6 weeks to complete the task. Product differences showed only that email groups produced shorter rough drafts than FTF groups, indicating the rough draft was not as well thought out in the email groups. Process measures demonstrated that, overall, communication styles that afforded interactivity were utilized effectively in a collaborative writing setting. Furthermore, lack of expressiveness did not appear to deter groupwork. The results suggest that email alone may not be an appropriate setting for writing collaboratively; whereas teams in a synchronous computer-mediated communication setting, such as Netmeeting, should be able to produce quality work satisfactorily.
Leaf-footed bug, Leptoglossus phyllopus (Hemiptera: Coreidae), as a potential vector of sorghum fungal pathogens

Leaf-footed bugs, Leptoglossus phyllopus, were collected from a field containing ergot-infected sorghum plants in Texas, USA. Ergot spores from the external body parts of the insects were germinated on water agar plates to determine viability. Spores from fungal pathogens of sorghum (Alternaria spp., Bipolaris spp., Claviceps africans, Colletotrichum spp., Curvularia spp., Fusarium spp., Trichothecium spp., Aspergillus spp., Rhizopus spp., and smut) were found on the external body parts of leaf-footed bugs from ergot-infested sorghum. Of the fungal spores recovered, leaf-footed bug carried significantly more Claviceps africans spores (4.4×105 spores/ml) because the bugs were collected from an ergot-infested field. The concentration and germination rates of Claviceps africans spores recovered from the external body parts of adult leaf-footed bugs collected on five dates are tabulated. The greatest germination (6.8%) was of spores collected on 17 September. There was no significant difference in the amount of germinated Claviceps africans spores was among the first four collection dates.
Pharmacological and behavioral components of tolerance to LSD and mescaline in rats

Abstract A fixed-ratio schedule of water reinforcement (FR-10) was used to examine the relative contributions of pharmacological and behavioral mechanisms in the development of tolerance to the disruptive effects of LSD and mescaline in the rat. Rats treated daily with LSD or mescaline before operant testing developed tolerance to the impairment of responding, while rats treated daily after each session did not display tolerance when the drugs were administered before testing. These results indicate that behavioral compensatory mechanisms may be involved in the development of tolerance to the disruptive effects of LSD and mescaline on fixed-ratio (FR-10) performance.
The consumption of tobacco, alcohol, and coffee in Caucasian male twins: a multivariate genetic analysis.

Despite the fact that epidemiologic studies demonstrate a consistent covariation between the use of tobacco, alcohol, and coffee, most previous behavioral genetic studies have determined the contribution of genetic and environmental influences as if the consumption of these substances occurred independently of each other. In this study, we used multivariate structural equation modeling to determine the genetic and environmental overlap in the observed correlations between tobacco smoking and alcohol and coffee drinking in 173 monozygotic and 183 dizygotic male twin pairs (M age = 59 years; range = 52–66 years) who participated in a follow-up cardiovascular examination of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's Twin Study. Consistent with hypothesized psychoneurogenetic predispositions for the joint use of these substances, the most parsimonious model fitting these data identified a common genetic latent factor underlying the observed associations between smoking, alcohol, and coffee use in this cohort. This factor, herein called polysubstance use, underscores the role of genetic influence on the clustering of these behaviors in the same individual.
A multi-factor plant layout methodology

Abstract This paper presents a formulation for the plant layout problem, incorporating more than two input factors that may be either qualitative or quantitative in nature. A heuristic is presented which combines a construction and improvement procedure to quickly develop a good layout from the formulation. The output layout from the heuristic may be used directly as the final layout or it may be used as a good starting layout for any other computerized layout improvement procedure. The heuristic is illustrated with a practical example of a large plant with 36 departments.
Spatially-correlated mass spectrometric analysis of microbe–mineral interactions

A new methodology for examining the interactions of microbes with heterogeneous minerals is presented. Imaging laser desorption Fourier transform mass spectrometry was used to examine the colonization patterns of Burkholderia vietnamiensis G4 (previously Burkholderia cepacia G4) on a heterogeneous basalt sample. Depth-profile imaging found that the bacterium preferentially colonized the plagioclase mineral phase within the basalt.
Electrospray sample deposition for matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) and atmospheric pressure MALDI mass spectrometry with attomole detection limits

Electrospray sample deposition was explored for matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization timeof-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOFMS). In this method, nanoliter volumes of matrix/analyte mixture were electrosprayed from a high voltage biased (1‐2kV) fused-silica capillary onto a grounded MALDI plate mounted 100‐500 mm from the capillary outlet. Electrospray deposition with these conditions produced sample spots 200‐300 mm in diameter thus matching the laser spot size. Varying spray voltage and distance resulted in different crystal sizes and volatilization rates for a-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid matrix. Best results were obtained when the sample was deposited as wet droplets as opposed to deposition as dried solid. Under ‘wet-spray’ conditions, 2‐4 mm diameter crystals were formed and detection limits for several neuropeptides were 0.7‐25amol. Samples could be pre-concentrated on the plate by spraying continuously and allowing sample to evaporate in a small spot. Sample volumes as large as 580nL were deposited yielding a detection limit of 35pM for neurotensin 1-11. Electrospray sample deposition yielded similar results when using atmospheric pressure-MALDI coupled with a quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer, except ��
Orientation and crystalline morphology of blow molded polyethylene bottles

A study was carried out of the development of orientation during processing of conventional blow molded bottles made from low density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), and high density polyethylene (HDPE). The level of molecular orientation was found to be relatively low in all of the polyethylene bottles examined; it increased with increasing inflation pressure and decreasing extrusion temperature. Pole figures for the HDPE bottles indicated a slight a-axis orientation toward the circumferential direction of the bottle. The b-axes, which correspond to the lamellar growth direction, tend to be parallel to the bottle thickness direction. A comparison was made of the structure developed in blow molded bottles and blown films. The results for both films and bottles indicate that crystallization during processing involves both an increase in level of molecular orientation and an increased tendency toward biaxiality. Based on pole figures and small angle X-ray scattering patterns, a morphological model for HDPE blow molded bottles is proposed.
Elastic-wave scattering from a solid circular cylinder embedded in an elastic half-space

An analytical solution is presented for the elastic-wave scattering from an infinitely long, solid circular cylinder embedded in an elastic half-space. The solution utilizes the spectral (plane-wave) representation of the fields and accounts for all the multiple interactions between the interface and the buried cylinder. Compressional and shear waves are allowed in both the half-space medium and the cylinder. A buried line-source is used for excitation and several cases are considered to examine the interaction of the incident elastic waves with the buried cylinder. The solution presented here is derived in the frequency-domain but is efficient enough to provide useful time-domain results through Fourier transform techniques. Using an incident Gaussian pulse in the time-domain, simulation results demonstrate the wave components (compressional, shear, Rayleigh) on the surface of the half-space and show the effect of burial depth on the scattered wave displacement. The analytical solution is general and not limited to buried object detection but can be used in other areas, such as non-destructive evaluation of composite materials or dynamical effect studies of composites.
Juvenile transfer and recidivism: a propensity score matching approach

There has been research conducted which focused on the topic of juvenile transfer to adult court. However, less research has been done focusing on the effectiveness of juvenile transfer in reducing recidivism for transferred offenders. Of the research that has been done, most may not have adequately addressed selection bias. The current study investigates the impact of juvenile transfer on subsequent recidivism, using an eight-year follow-up period. The research is based on 308 violent youth legislatively waived to adult court in Pennsylvania. Propensity score matching is used to minimize the impact of selection bias, and sensitivity analysis is performed to determine the effect of hidden bias on the results. The findings indicate that youth processed in juvenile court have a higher recidivism rate than youth processed in adult court. Implications for subsequent research and policy are discussed.
Effect of obstructive sleep apnea diagnosis on health related quality of life

Perceived Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) is impaired in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). To our knowledge, no study has analyzed the effect of OSA diagnosis communication on HRQoL. We evaluated self-perceived HRQoL in patients afferent to our sleep center, in order to examine the effect of the diagnosis disclosure on their HRQoL. Two hundred ninety-seven consecutive outpatients (227 M) (mean age 54.1 ± 11.6 yrs, range 23–80 yrs) were evaluated, before first clinical visit and nocturnal diagnostic examination (Time A), and after diagnosis disclosure (Time B), with two self-reported questionnaires for HRQoL assessment: Psychological General Well-Being Index (PGWBI), consisting of anxiety, depressed mood, positive well-being, self-control, general health, vitality subscales, and 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12), comprising Physical (PCS) and Mental Component Summaries (MCS). Comparison of mean HRQoL scores at Time A with reference values, showed worse scores. Mean PGWBI Total and subscales scores improved at Time B. Similar improvement was observed for SF-12 MCS (p = 0.0148), but nor for SF-12 PCS. At Time B, Anxiety, Depression and Well-being PGWBI subscales became similar to reference values, while the scores in the other PGWBI subscales and SF-12 remained worse. Comparison between males and females showed higher HRQoL values for males at both times. Score changes were independent from age, gender, BMI, AHI, TSat90 and excessive daytime sleepiness. Diagnosis communication improves patients’ HRQoL, regardless of the severity. Changes in HRQoL after diagnosis disclosure may be due to patients’ motivation for medical check and diagnostic expectations.
Elastic full-waveform inversion for earthquake source parameters

SUMMARY 2-D full-waveform inversion of double-couple earthquake sources is implemented. Temporally and spatially extended sources are represented by superposition of doublecouples. The source parameters solved for are the spatial location, origin time, amplitude and orientation of each double-couple. The velocity and density distribution and source time function are assumed to be known a priori but may be arbitrarily complicated. The non-linear inverse problem is solved by iterative linear approximation. The Jacobian matrix elements for source depth and rupture angle are computed by wavefield extrapolation forward in time, while those for origin time and amplitude are computed analytically. A smoothing technique that results in faster convergence and avoids local minima associated with cycle skipping is applied at each iteration. A spatial sampling interval, between discrete sources, of one-quarter wavelength of the dominant shear wave is optimal for inversion if high uniqueness of the result is desired. The presence of a fault is inferred from the spatial continuity of the rupture solution, rather than being imposed a priori. The method is illustrated by successful application to three synthetic source models: a single double-couple, a single extended rupture and a double extended rupture. The resolutions of the source depth and origin time are higher, and their posterior covariances are lower than those of the amplitude and rupture angle at each source point. Source depth, origin time and amplitude are primarily determined by the data; the rupture angle is more strongly influenced by the a priori information.
Cell surface heparan sulfate released by heparanase promotes melanoma cell migration and angiogenesis

Heparan sulfate proteoglycans are essential components of the cell-surface and extracellular matrix which provide structural integrity and act as storage depots for growth factors and chemokines, through their heparan sulfate (HS) side chains. Heparanase is the only mammalian endoglycosidase known that cleaves HS, thus contributing to matrix degradation and cell invasion. The enzyme acts as an endo-β-D-glucuronidase resulting in HS fragments of discrete molecular weight size. Cell-surface HS is known to inhibit or stimulate tumorigenesis depending upon size and composition. We hypothesized that heparanase contributes to melanoma metastasis by generating bioactive HS from the cell-surface to facilitate biological activities of tumor cells as well as tumor microenvironment. We removed cell-surface HS from melanoma (B16B15b) by HPSE treatment and resulting fragments were isolated. Purified cell-surface HS stimulated in vitro B16B15b cell migration but not proliferation, and importantly, enhanced in vivo angiogenesis. Furthermore, melanoma cell-surface HS did not affect in vitro endothelioma cell (b.End3) migration. Our results provide direct evidence that, in addition to remodeling extracellular matrix and releasing growth factors and chemokines, HPSE contributes to aggressive phenotype of melanoma by releasing bioactive cell-surface HS fragments which can stimulate melanoma cell migration in vitro and angiogenesis in vivo.
In vitro selection and characterization of a highly efficient Zn(II)-dependent RNA-cleaving deoxyribozyme

A group of highly efficient Zn(II)-dependent RNA-cleaving deoxyribozymes has been obtained through in vitro selection. They share a common motif with the '8-17' deoxyribozyme isolated under different conditions, including different design of the random pool and metal ion cofactor. We found that this commonly selected motif can efficiently cleave both RNA and DNA/RNA chimeric substrates. It can cleave any substrate containing rNG (where rN is any ribo-nucleotide base and G can be either ribo- or deoxy-ribo-G). The pH profile and reaction products of this deoxyribozyme are similar to those reported for hammerhead ribozyme. This deoxyribozyme has higher activity in the presence of transition metal ions compared to alkaline earth metal ions. At saturating concentrations of Zn(2+), the cleavage rate is 1.35 min(-1)at pH 6.0; based on pH profile this rate is estimated to be at least approximately 30 times faster at pH 7.5, where most assays of Mg(2+)-dependent DNA and RNA enzymes are carried out. This work represents a comprehensive characterization of a nucleic acid-based endonuclease that prefers transition metal ions to alkaline earth metal ions. The results demonstrate that nucleic acid enzymes are capable of binding transition metal ions such as Zn(2+)with high affinity, and the resulting enzymes are more efficient at RNA cleavage than most Mg(2+)-dependent nucleic acid enzymes under similar conditions.
Attaching human fibroblasts secrete a type I procollagen rich in 3-hydroxyproline

Abstract The predominant collagenous protein secreted during the attachment of freshly trypsinized human foreskin fibroblasts was found to be Type I procollagen. Evidence is presented that both the α1 and α2 chains exhibit a 3-hydroxyproline/4-hydroxyproline ratio 4–5 fold higher than that of normal Type I collagen. These findings suggest that caution should be exercised in assigning an observed increase in the 3-hydroxyproline/4-hydroxyproline ratio to the synthesis of a basement membrane type collagen.
Criteria for assessing dynamic collapse of elastoplastic structural systems

SUMMARY Criteria are presented for assessing the propensity for dynamic collapse of elastoplastic structural systems. To detect the onset of dynamic collapse, three key concepts are introduced. First, the equations of motion are linearized and time shifted relative to a reference time in a dynamic process. Second, we study the free vibration of the system after the reference time. Third, we use a modal decomposition of the response. We suggest that dynamic collapse is likely if (1) there exist negative eigenvalues of the Hessian of the total potential energy and (2) the direction of motion is consistent with the loading direction of the elastoplastic material. The direction of motion is determined by using the gradient of total potential energy and the eigenmodes corresponding to the negative eigenvalues. The "delity of the present criteria is demonstrated through numerical examples for which the non-linear equations of motion can be integrated exactly. With the present approach, it becomes apparent that p-delta e!ects, the tangent sti!ness, the internal resistance, and the direction of unloading all play key roles in the dynamic collapse of structures. Copyright ( 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessment of Plasma-Flow Effect on Langmuir Triple-Probe Operation via Kinetic Simulation

A self-consistent steady-state 2-D kinetic plasma solver has been applied to the problem of Langmuir triple-probe plasma diagnostic measurements in a flowing collisionless plasma. The triple-probe response is simulated for ion Mach numbers M = 0 - 5 and probe radii rp = 1 - 90 lambdaD (Debye length). Results indicate that a high probe radius and high ion Mach numbers more closely approximate the ideal thin-sheath triple-probe response. Small probe radii on the order of the Debye length can result in temperature errors of the ideal model greater than 70% for a probe bias of 20 V. An analytical approximation is described, approximating triple-probe measurement offsets given arbitrary probe bias and probe radius and ion Mach numbers 0 < M < 5. The fitting error from this analytical approximation is estimated at 2%-6%.
Macrophage Activation as an Effector Mechanism for Cell-Mediated Immunity

Myeloid cells function as major bridges between the innate and adaptive immune systems. First, dendritic cells orchestrate an appropriate adaptive immune response through Ag presentation, a landmark finding that garnered a Nobel Prize for Ralph Steinman ([1][1]). Less well known are the findings of
Jointness In Production and Factor‐Price Equalization *

This paper argues that the presence of activities which yield outputs jointly does not damage the case for factor-price equalization. the crucial condition for equalization is similar to that in the no-joint production case: the number of common activities with independent input vectors that are actively used in both countries at least match the number of factors, and factor endowments lie sufficiently close. Indeed, joint production may increase the range of commodity prices for which factor prices are equalized by commodity trade.
The Parliament Act of 1911

The Parliament Act of 1911 received the royal assent on August 181. By the terms of its important preamble further legislation is promised, which will define both the composition and powers of a new second chamber" constituted on a popular instead of hereditary basis;" although "such substitution cannot be immediately brought into operation," the positive provisions of the measure restrict the "existing powers of the House of Lords." This law, therefore, is intentionally temporary, the first probably of several enactments embodying further constitutional changes. In the mean time and briefly what does this law now provide? (1) A public bill passed by the House of Commons and certified by the Speaker of the House of Commons to be a "money bill" within the terms of the act shall, "unless the Commons direct to the contrary," "become an Act of Parliament on the Royal assent being signified, notwithstanding that the House of Lords have not consented to the Bill," within one month after it has been "sent up to that House."2 (2) Any other public bills
The Arms Acquisition Process The Effect of Internal and External Constraints on Arms Race Dynamics

A new approach to address oversights in the traditional arms race literature is presented. It involves five factors that have not been previously applied to arms races. The focus of military capability is not expenditures but weapons counts. The entire set of major powers is modeled as a system. A factor controlling for the level of environmental threat faced by each state is included. Domestic factors are included in the decision-making calculus of the state. It is assumed that states use simple decision rules rather than a complex set of calculations to make their decisions. The authors use this approach to test a system of equations that model the number of capital ships of the major powers from 1860 to 1986 in different time periods. Results indicate that the overall approach has a good deal of validity.
A Next-Generation Hard X-Ray Nanoprobe Beamline for In Situ Studies of Energy Materials and Devices

The Advanced Photon Source is developing a suite of new X-ray beamlines to study materials and devices across many length scales and under real conditions. One of the flagship beamlines of the APS upgrade is the In Situ Nanoprobe (ISN) beamline, which will provide in situ and operando characterization of advanced energy materials and devices under varying temperatures, gas ambients, and applied fields, at previously unavailable spatial resolution and throughput. Examples of materials systems include inorganic and organic photovoltaic systems, advanced battery systems, fuel cell components, nanoelectronic devices, advanced building materials and other scientifically and technologically relevant systems. To characterize these systems at very high spatial resolution and trace sensitivity, the ISN will use both nanofocusing mirrors and diffractive optics to achieve spots sizes as small as 20 nm. Nanofocusing mirrors in Kirkpatrick–Baez geometry will provide several orders of magnitude increase in photon flux at a spatial resolution of 50 nm. Diffractive optics such as zone plates and/or multilayer Laue lenses will provide a highest spatial resolution of 20 nm. Coherent diffraction methods will be used to study even small specimen features with sub-10 nm relevant length scale. A high-throughput data acquisition system will be employed to significantly increase operations efficiency and usability of the instrument. The ISN will provide full spectroscopy capabilities to study the chemical state of most materials in the periodic table, and enable X-ray fluorescence tomography. In situ electrical characterization will enable operando studies of energy and electronic devices such as photovoltaic systems and batteries. We describe the optical concept for the ISN beamline, the technical design, and the approach for enabling a broad variety of in situ studies. We furthermore discuss the application of hard X-ray microscopy to study defects in multi-crystalline solar cells, one of the lines of inquiries for which the ISN is being developed.
An examination of police department uniform color and police-citizen aggression

People usually associate the color black with aggression. Previous studies have revealed that people are perceived as more aggressive, and act more aggressively, when wearing dark clothes. To investigate the influence of black clothing on criminal justice agency personnel, this study examined whether police departments that wear dark uniforms are more aggressive than those that wear lighter uniforms. It was predicted that departments utilizing black uniforms would experience more assaults on officers, citizens killed by police, and excessive force complaints. No statistically significant difference was found between departments wearing black and light uniforms after controlling for community contextual variables. The potential reasons for the inconsistency between this study and previous research findings are discussed, as are recommendations for further study.
Who will we serve in the future? The new student in transition

Hispanics are the fastest-growing ethnic population in the United States. This chapter presents demographic projections for higher education and discusses the role of the transfer function in community colleges. Two notable transfer programs are highlighted.
Fast FDTD simulation of multiscale 3D models using laguerre-MNA

Transient simulation using Laguerre polynomials is an unconditionally stable method, where the time-step is not limited by the fine resolution of the model. In this paper, a circuit model of the 3D FDTD grid for transient simulation using Laguerre polynomials has been derived. The circuit model enables FDTD simulation with Laguerre polynomials using the Spice MNA engine. In addition, circuit models help reduce the number of unknowns to be solved without the use of long cumbersome equations. Prior work suffer from the drawback of being able to simulate only for a certain time-duration. A method by which this limitation can be removed and accurate simulation can be carried out for all time has been outlined in this paper.
Survival Analysis of Faculty Retention and Promotion in the Social Sciences by Gender.

Background Recruitment and retention of talent is central to the research performance of universities. Existing research shows that, while men are more likely than women to be promoted at the different stages of the academic career, no such difference is found when it comes to faculty retention rates. Current research on faculty retention, however, focuses on careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). We extend this line of inquiry to the social sciences. Methods We follow 2,218 tenure-track assistant professors hired since 1990 in seven social science disciplines at nineteen U.S. universities from time of hire to time of departure. We also track their time to promotion to associate and full professor. Using survival analysis, we examine gender differences in time to departure and time to promotion. Our methods account for censoring and unobserved heterogeneity, as well as effect heterogeneity across disciplines and cohorts. Results We find no statistically significant differences between genders in faculty retention. However, we do find that men are more likely to be granted tenure than women. When it comes to promotion to full professor, the results are less conclusive, as the effect of gender is sensitive to model specification. Conclusions The results corroborate previous findings about gender patterns in faculty retention and promotion. They suggest that advances have been made when it comes to gender equality in retention and promotion, but important differences still persist.
Infrared Dielectric Properties of In1−xGaxAs Epilayers on InP (100)

The concentration dependence of optical phonons in strained In1−xGaxAs epilayers grown on InP (100) by chemical beam epitaxy has been characterized with oblique angle polarized far-infrared reflectivity measurements. In this powerful method, the reflectance spectra contain sharp Berreman peaks exactly at the optical phonon frequencies. For radiation polarized in the plane of incidence (p-polarized), peaks for both the TO and LO phonons were observed. For s-polarization only the TO modes were observed. For heavily doped substrates the TO film phonons were observed as reflectance minima, whereas for lightly doped substrates they were seen as maxima. The measured spectra were curve resolved to separate the effects of the various modes which included GaAs-like longitudinal and transverse optic (LO and TO), a disorder induced, and InAs-like LO and TO phonons. The dielectric response function and phonon frequency dependences for all modes were obtained versus Ga fraction for x from 0.25 to 0.75 and the latter showed a quadratic dependence on x over this range. The effects of strain on the phonon frequencies could then be evaluated.
Large glomus tumour of the ovary: a case report

A 42-year-old Chinese female presented with post-coital bleeding and was incidentally found to have a complex mass in the left adnexal region on pelvic ultrasound. A laparoscopic left salpingo-oophorectomy performed found an 8 cm cystic mass arising from the left ovary and a hydrosalpinx of the left fallopian tube. The tumour was composed of epithelioid cells with a nested architecture which were positive for smooth muscle actin (SMA) on immunohistochemical staining. Features were consistent with a glomus tumour, an extremely rare mesenchymal neoplasm arising in the ovary.