cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Testosterone formation in testis of the immature androgen insensitive pseudohermaphrodite male rat (stanley-gumbreck rat)

Abstract Testosterone formation from pregnenolone (3β-hydroxy-5-pregnen-20-one) and progesterone in testis of the Stanley-Gumbreck pseudohermaphrodite (Ps) adult rat is greatly reduced in comparison to the normal (Nl) adult rat testis. In an attempt to determine whether this defect is congenital or acquired postnatally with increasing age, minced testis of 1-month-old Ps and Nl rats were incubated with progesterone, and the labeled metabolites identified. Almost equal amounts of progesterone were metabolized by both Ps and Nl testis. In mince incubations without NADPH nearly as much testosterone and 4-androstene-3,17-dione accumulated in the Ps as in the Nl testis. Very little androsterone and 5α-androstane-3α,17β-diol were formed in these incubations. When minces were incubated with progesterone in the presence of NADPH, testosterone and 4-androstene-3,17-dione accumulation was greatly reduced, and instead 5α-androstane-3α,17β-diol was formed as the major product by Nl testis and androsterone by Ps testis. Neither heparin, a 5α-reductase inhibitor, nor glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase alone significantly influenced progesterone metabolism or the accumulation of testosterone or 4-androstene-3,17-dione in either Ps or Nl testis. These results indicated that the 5α-reductase activity in both the Ps and N1 testis is dependent only on NADPH. Although studies were not carried out in younger rats (2–5 days of age), our results are in agreement with previous studies of Goldstein and Wilson who demonstrated equal accumulation of testosterone in incubations of testis from normal and Tfm/y mice. However, it is apparent that differences between Nl and Ps testis may be revealed only under conditions which allow maximum rates of 17-oxo- and 5α-reductions.
Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor as infection prophylaxis in high-risk oncologic surgery

Background A method of augmenting host defenses against bacterial pathogens could result in a decrease in postoperative infections. Given its effects on leukocyte proliferation and function, it is possible that prophylactic granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) could reduce the incidence and severity of infections in high-risk surgical patients. The current study was undertaken to determine the safety and hematologic effects of perioperative GM-CSF. Methods Cancer patients undergoing operations with a high risk of postoperative infection were treated perioperatively for 10 days with subcutaneous GM-CSF. Cohorts were treated with GM-CSF at 125 μg/m 2 /day (12 patients) and 250 /μg/ m 2 /day(11 patients). Results There were no severe or life-threatening toxicities associated with GM-CSF. Mean maximum neutrophil counts during the first 5 postoperative days were 16.3 ± 9.14 and 24.5 ± 7.60 at 125 and 250 μg/m 2 , respectively ( P = 0.04). Only one wound infection was diagnosed during this study. Conclusions GM-CSF may be safely administered perioperatively at doses that augment neutrophil number and function. An ongoing randomized clinical trial will determine the impact of GM-CSF on postoperative infection.
Scanning tunneling microscope induced luminescence of lithographically prepared Au dots

We observe high contrast scanning tunneling microscope (STM)-induced luminescence maps from isolated lithographically prepared gold dots on silicon using gold and tungsten STM tips. We observe geometry-related light emission with photon intensity stronger at protrusions than in the valleys. The light intensity dependence on tunnel voltage bias agrees with theoretical predictions. A noticeable variation of onset bias with the tip material is observed.
Spin variations in slender entry vehicles during rolling trim

E should contain the term vy in place of vy. F A T A A T o 79Q 7^1 nQ7lYl In the first sentence after Eqs. (6), case 2 should be Vl = 1 IA1AA J. y, /zy-/Jl (iy/i;j and & = 0. The line before Eq. (7) should read "...a is a transonic similarity parameter "The right side of the first QUATION (9): the second = 0 subscript should be equation in Eq. (40c) should be 2 w y _ \ k ~ u j 2 k The equation |H in the fifth line of Sec. V A should beAx(wx) c = "/,* « / _ l t k . ^ The second sentence in the paragraph preceding Eq. (48) should read * *... it appears best to keep a. i at zero...." —r—:—, . .. . _ _ . _______ ^ * l Received Aug. 16, 1976. Received Aug. 16, 1976. Index category: Entry Vehicle Mission Studies and Flight Index category: Subsonic and Transonic Flow. Mechanics.
Spatial and temporal distribution of a C‐like asthenospheric component in the Rano Rahi Seamount Field, East Pacific Rise, 15°–19°S

[1] Lavas of the Rano Rahi seamount field define a Nd-Pb-Sr isotopic array that connects, and substantially overlaps, the arrays of the nearby East Pacific Rise axis and 5.6–28 Ma lavas of the Pukapuka ridge system, situated between the seamount field and French Polynesia. Dating of Rano Rahi samples by 40Ar-39Ar incremental heating methods yields ages between 0.23 and 4.67 Ma. Most of the dated lavas were erupted within 60 km of the axis, and no systematic isotopic variation with age is observed. The isotopic and incompatible element data indicate a persistent two-component mantle source comprising variable proportions of normal Pacific ocean-ridge-type mantle and a “C”-like Pukapuka end-member with lower ɛNd, higher 87Sr/86Sr and 206Pb/204Pb, and relative enrichment in the highly incompatible elements. The Rano Rahi data reveal peaks of low ɛNd, high 87Sr/86Sr, and high 206Pb/204Pb at about 16°–17°S and 18.5°–19°S that appear to correspond to two concentrations of C-rich mantle, probably streaming eastward from French Polynesia. The northern stream may have reached the axis more recently and/or be less continuous than the southern stream.
Synonymous ABCA3 Variants Do Not Increase Risk for Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Objective To determine whether synonymous variants in the adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette A3 transporter (ABCA3) gene increase the risk for neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in term and late preterm infants of European and African descent. Study design Using next-generation pooled sequencing of race-stratified DNA samples from infants of European and African descent at $34 weeks gestation with and without RDS (n = 503), we scanned all exons of ABCA3, validated each synonymous variant with an independent genotyping platform, and evaluated race-stratified disease risk associated with common synonymous variants and collapsed frequencies of rare synonymous variants. Results The synonymous ABCA3 variant frequency spectrum differs between infants of European descent and those of African descent. Using in silico prediction programs and statistical strategies, we found no potentially disruptive synonymous ABCA3 variants or evidence of selection pressure. Individual common synonymous variants and collapsed frequencies of rare synonymous variants did not increase disease risk in term and latepreterm infants of European or African descent. Conclusion In contrast to rare, nonsynonymous ABCA3 mutations, synonymous ABCA3 variants do not increase the risk for neonatal RDS among term and late-preterm infants of European or African descent. (J Pediatr 2014;164:1316-21).
Flow Boiling Characteristics of Dilute Emulsion in Microchannel

Effect of dispersed low boiling point liquid on flow boiling performance of DI water in a microchannel has been investigated experimentally. Experiments were carried out in a single microchannel having hydraulic diameter 672 μm and also in a parallel microchannel having hydraulic diameter of each channel 500 μm. Emulsion was prepared by dispersing FC-72 in de-ionized (DI) water. Both single-phase and two-phase convective heat transfer experiments were performed at different flow rates for different volume fraction of the dispersing liquid. Results from the pure DI water were used as the base line data. It was found that presence of the dispersed low boiling point liquid doesn’t show any significant effect in two-phase convective flow, whereas in single-phase region HTC decreases marginally. Temperature gradient present along the axial direction of the microchannel was observed to reduce for the emulsion compared to the pure DI water.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Theory of pressure-induced magnetic and metal-insulator transitions.

A theory of pressure-induced simultaneous metal-insulator and magnetic phase transitions is presented. It is based on a model consisting of a periodic lattice with (1) an itinerant-electron band, (2) a narrow dispersionless band (localized states), (3) a hybridization term, (4) a very strong short-ranged repulsion between electrons of opposite spin in the localized states, and (5) a moderately strong short-ranged repulsion between electrons in the itinerant and localized bands. The problem is treated in the Hartree-Fock approximation, allowing spontaneous ferromagnetic broken symmetry. Pressure, which mainly changes the energy separation between the two bands, induces transitions from insulating, (ferro)magnetic states, to metallic states with no localized moments. The transition may be continuous or discontinuous, depending on the values of the interaction parameters. A richly structured phase diagram is obtained. For some values of the parameters the model reproduces in a reasonable fashion and for T\ensuremath{\rightarrow}0 the complex transition recently found in ${\mathrm{NiI}}_{2}$ at pressures of about 19 GPa.
iSchools and l‐schools: Converging or diverging communities?

The panel will discuss the intellectual differences between iSchool and Information Science programs that are not part of the iSchool Caucus, referred here as L-Schools. The panelists, who represent both communities, will discuss the foundational, philosophical, and formal differences between the two types of programs, and focus on the intellectual diversity of the two academic communities.
Photonics technology development for optical fuzing

This paper describes the photonic component development taking place at Sandia National Laboratories, ARDEC and the Army Research Laboratory in support of an effort to develop a robust, compact, and affordable photonic proximity sensor for munitions fuzing applications. Successful implementation of this sensor will provide a new capability for direct fire applications. The technologies under investigation for the optical fuze design covered in this paper are vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs), vertical-external-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VECSELs), integrated resonant-cavity photodetectors (RCPDs), and refractive micro-optics. The culmination of this work will be low cost, robust, fully integrated, g-hardened components suitable for proximity fuzing applications. The use of advanced photonic components will enable replacement of costly assemblies that employ discrete lasers, photodetectors, and bulk optics. The integrated devices will be mass produced and impart huge savings for a variety of Army applications. The specific application under investigation is for gun-fired munitions. Nevertheless, numerous civilian uses exist for this proximity sensor in automotive, robotics and aerospace applications. This technology is also applicable to robotic ladar and short-range 3-D imaging.
Numerical experiments on the influence of CO2 release at ground level on crop assimilation and water use

Abstract A model to simulate the effect of increased carbon dioxide levels on the gas exchange by a crop canopy was developed. The distribution of carbon dioxide in the canopy, released from a ground level area source, was calculated by a method reported elsewhere. In this submodel, the wind speed in the crop surface boundary layer, the CO 2 concentration at the upwind edge of the release area, the CO 2 release rate, and the aerodynamic canopy parameters (crop height, zero-plane displacement and roughness length) were the inputs. The radiant energy distribution inside the canopy was computed by a modified Duncan-Stewart submodel, using leaf architecture and optics as inputs. Using the outputs of the submodels and the air temperature, dewpoint and effective soil water potential as inputs, a leaf gas and energy exchange submodel calculated CO 2 and water vapor fluxes for each leaf layer, each characterized by physiological parameters that were assumed constant with height. The gas exchange of two sorghum canopies was calculated by the proposed model for a crop grown in central Texas. The efficiency of CO 2 enrichment (the increase in the CO 2 assimilation rate divided by the CO 2 release rate) was significant only at a high irradiance level and a low wind speed. An efficiency of 13% was predicted for a sparse and rough canopy at a global irradiance of about 1,000 W m −2 and at a wind speed of 0.5 m sec −1 . It was 16% for a dense and smooth canopy. The CO 2 concentration halfway into the denser canopy was 3.6 g m −3 (1,997 ppm) higher than the ambient level, at a wind speed of 0.5 m sec −1 at 2 m height, for a release rate of 0.01 g m −1 sec −1 (360 kg ha −1 h −1 ). When CO 2 was continuously released in a sparse and rough canopy during a calm (average wind speed of 1.2 m sec −1 ) and clear day at a rate of 36 g m −2 h −1 , the CO 2 concentration at the crop height was maintained at around 390 ppm. Daytime CO 2 assimilation was increased from 64 g m −1 without release to 84 g m −2 with release. The efficiency in this case was 4%, and would have been 5% for a dense and smooth canopy. The daily water use efficiency (crop assimilation divided by the crop water use) was enhanced from 0.7% to 1.1%. The results indicate that the proposed model is useful to evaluate the possibilities of CO 2 enrichment in field crops in terms of crop CO 2 assimilation and water use under steady state conditions.
Disruption of mitochondrial energetics and DNA synthesis by the anti-AIDS drug dideoxyinosine.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to clarify the role of the mitochondria as a site for the reported hepatotoxic effects of the anti-AIDS drug dideoxyinosine (ddI). Data show that ddI interfered with the mitochondrial redox state in perfused livers leading to more oxidized mitochondria. This effect was reflected by a significant decrease in the mitochondrial NADH/NAD + ratios from basal values of0.40 ± 0.04 to 0.28 ± 0.02 within 10 min following the infusion of ddI. In suspensions of isolated mitochondria utilizing succinate as a substrate, ddI diminished state 3 and stimulated state 4 respiration significantly, suggesting an uncoupling effect by ddI. Incubation of mitochondria with ddI resulted in a significant decrease in the mitochondrial respiratory control ratios (state 3/state 4 respiration) to 0.8 ± 0.02 from corresponding control values of 6.0 ± 0.40. Data also show that ddl inhibited mitochondrial DNA synthesis as evidenced by the decrease in [ 3 H]thymidine incorporation into mitochondrial DNA. This study confirms the need for a close monitoring of patients receiving the dideoxyinosine anti-AIDS drugs and for prompt discontinuation of these drugs before potential irreversible liver damage occurs.
Porcine bone marrow: extraction procedure and characterization by bone type.

Abstract Data on porcine and bovine bone marrow composition indicate high calcium content, which may be erroneously elevated owing to the marrow recovery process. A method of bone marrow recovery was developed that involved passing marrow extracted from bone through a filter-press mechanism to remove very fine bone particles and dust, allowing a more accurate analysis of marrow. Calcium values were reduced approximately 90% and ash values reduced more than 50% compared to other reported data. The new recovery method did not require sawing away the hard bone and it removed particulate that may have interfered with analyses. Bone marrow was characterized by bone type. Rib bone marrow had higher protein, iron, non-heme iron and total pigment than scapula, aitch/hip bone or vertebrae marrow. Fat ranged from 17·81 to 26·76% and calcium ranged from 27·25 to 44·33 mg 100 g -1 among bone types. The pH of bone marrow ranged from 7·14 to 7·53. Bone marrow appears to contribute to some of the properties of meat obtained from advanced meat recovery systems.
High-resolution x-ray study of a smectic-A-smectic-C phase transition

We report measurements of the tilt angle $\ensuremath{\Phi}$ and the planar spacing ${d}_{C}$ near the second-order $\mathrm{Sm}C\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{Sm}A$ transition in $4\ensuremath{-}n\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{pentyl}\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{phenylthiol}\ensuremath{-}{4}^{\ensuremath{'}}\ensuremath{-}n\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{octyloxybenzoate} (8\overline{S}5)$. We find that the ratio $\frac{\ensuremath{\Phi}}{invcos}(\frac{{d}_{C}}{{d}_{A}})$ is constant (1.2 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.1) through the $C$ phase, supporting a simple molecular-tilt model for the transition. For $5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}3}g1\ensuremath{-}\frac{T}{{T}_{c}}g3\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}5}$, $\ensuremath{\Phi}$ exhibits mean-field behavior. A simple Ginzburg-criterion argument indicates that the true critical region should be unobservably small for most $A\ensuremath{-}C$ transitions.
Kinetic behavior of antihapten antibody of restricted heterogeneity by stopped flow fluorescence polarization kinetics

Abstract Fluorescein, antifluorescein reactions have been studied by initial fluorescence polarization and intensity rate methods. Novel rapid stopped flow instrumentation (msec time range) as well as slower but more sensitive instrumentation has yielded second order rate constants over wide ranges in concentration and time. A bimolecular mechanism for the fluorescein, univalent antifluorescein system has been proposed in which two types of site interactions occur. This mechanism accounts for the fact that fluorescence polarization data consistently yield second order rate constants which are a factor of 10 higher than those obtained from fluorescence quenching data. Comparisons of kinetic behavior of free fluorescein and of fluorescein covalently attached to a normal IgG carrier reacting with Fab antifluorescein have suggested a “carrier effect” of a steric nature. The large equilibrium association constant for fluorescein, antifluorescein systems has been found to be due to extremely small values of the back reaction rate constants; i. e. 10−3 to 10−4 as great as those reported for DNP, anti DNP systems.
The feasibility and outcome of nephron-sparing surgery for children with bilateral Wilms tumor. The St Jude Children's Research Hospital experience: 1999-2006.

BACKGROUND. Approximately 5% of children with Wilms tumor present with bilateral disease. The treatment challenge is to achieve a high cure rate while maintaining adequate long-term renal function. The authors of this report assessed the feasibility and outcome of nephron-sparing surgery in patients with bilateral Wilms tumor who were treated at a single institution. METHODS. A retrospective review was performed of all children who were treated at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital for synchronous, bilateral Wilms tumors from 1999 through 2006. Imaging studies, surgical techniques, and pathology reports were reviewed. The outcomes evaluated included surgical complications, tumor recurrence, renal function, and patient survival. RESULTS. Twelve patients with synchronous, bilateral Wilms tumors were identified, including 10 patients who underwent successful bilateral nephron-sparing procedures. One patient who presented with renal failure and anaplastic histology underwent bilateral nephrectomies, and 1 patient with intra-atrial tumor extension underwent an ipsilateral nephrectomy/thrombectomy and subsequent contralateral partial nephrectomy. Postoperative complications included persistent urine leak in 3 patients, macroscopic residual tumor in 2 patients, and pyelonephritis in 1 patient. Long-term complications included local tumor recurrence in 2 patients, intestinal obstruction in 2 patients, ureteropelvic junction obstruction in 1 patient, and renal failure in 1 patient. The overall survival rate was 83% (mean follow-up, 3.9 years); both patients who died had bilateral, diffuse, anaplastic histology. CONCLUSIONS. All patients who had bilateral Wilms tumors with favorable histology, except for 1 patient who had extensive tumor thrombus, underwent successful bilateral partial nephrectomies. Complications were minimal, and long-term renal function and survival were excellent. From this experience, the authors concluded that bilateral nephron-sparing surgery should be considered for all patients who have bilateral Wilms tumor with favorable histology, even if preoperative imaging studies suggest that the lesions are unresectable.Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Color comparisons of composite resins of various shade designations

Abstract The purpose of this investigation was to compare the measured color of commercial composite resins of various shade designations (L, LG, LY, Y, U). Three samples of 11 composite resins were prepared according to manufacturers instructions. Diffuse reflectance measurements were made on a Pye Unicam dual-beam spectrophotometer equipped with an integrating sphere to provide CIE 1976 L * a * b * values using both black and white backgrounds. Differences within shade designations were as follows: ΔL * varied from 19.45 for Y to 4.75 for LG; Δa * ranged from 7.46 for U to 3.26 for LG: and Δb * ranged from 16.23 for Y to 4.73 for LY. Total color difference was greatest within the Y shade designation and least for the LY shade. Contrast ratios ranged from 0.811 for Command (LG) to 0.961 for Spectrafil (Y) and varied considerably within shade designations. Color differences between brands of identical shade designations were visually perceptiable in all groups. The results of this study indicate the need for improved standardization of shade designations for composite resins.
Small-Increment Electric Soil Sampler

Measurement of soil bulk density and volumetric water content in small (≤2-cm) depth increments is tedious and time consuming. Most methods require compositing several subsamples to control measurement error, and few are feasible with loose, dry soils. We developed and tested a sampler that uses an electric linear actuator to push an intact soil core out of the sampling tube. The soil core is maintained in an upright position and protected from fracturing by remaining inside the tube until sectioned with a cutting saw. Precise length increments and flat cuts are easily obtained, even in loose soils. Compared with existing incremental sampling technology developed 30 yr ago, the electric sampler reduced sample variability by half. The electric sampler requires only 7 min to collect a 26-cm core and section it into 2-cm increments, compared with 20 min per core with the older sampler.
Children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders: problem behaviors and sensory processing.

OBJECTIVE. This study describes the sensory-processing and behavior profiles of a clinic-referred sample of children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) and examines the relationship between sensory processing and behavior. METHODS. Outcomes on the Short Sensory Profile (SSP) and Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) for 44 children, ages 5 to 10 years, were assessed and compared using retrospective data analysis. RESULTS. A high proportion of the children demonstrated deficits in sensory processing and problem behaviors as measured by the SSP and the CBCL. Moreover, the correlation between the SSP and CBCL total scores (r = -.72) was significant. CONCLUSION. Results provide evidence that children with FASD demonstrate problem behaviors and sensory-processing impairments as reported by parents and that sensory-processing deficits co-occur with problem behaviors at a high rate in this population. This finding suggests that deficits in sensory processing may affect the ability of children with FASD to respond adaptively to their environments.
Platinum–zirconium composite thin film electrodes for high-temperature micro-chemical sensor applications

Abstract Stable metal interconnect thin films are critical in the development of various micro-machined devices that may operate continuously at elevated temperatures. The main objective of this work was to investigate the microstructural and electrical stability of a functionally gradient platinum (Pt)–zirconium (Zr) composite thin film electrode designed for resistive-type chemical sensors. Thin film electrodes were fabricated using a DC magnetron sputtering process. Zirconium was used as both the conventional adhesion promoter and the Pt grain modifier within the bulk electrode microstructure. The thin film deposition was completed on highly polished alumina substrates at 200 °C. The various composite Pt thin films were further annealed at 1200 °C after deposition for 1–24 h for rapid evaluation of the microstructure stability. This temperature was chosen since the electrodes are expected to operate beyond 1000 °C for high-temperature MEMS applications. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were conducted to characterize the alterations in chemistry, microstructure and distribution of the constituent elements through the film thickness. The electrical resistivity of the as-deposited and thermally processed Pt thin films was measured by utilizing a van der Pauw's four-point probe technique. The work identified a Zr/Zr + Pt/Pt composite thin film with the 525 nm total film thickness that demonstrated resistivity
Disclosing HIV serostatus to family members: Effects on psychological and physiological health in minority women living with HIV.

Directly disclosing a positive HIV serostatus to family members can have psychological and physiological health benefits. Perceptions that one is in a supportive family environment may enhance these benefits. We examined a mediated moderation model in which we expected interactions between serostatus disclosure to family members and HIV-specific family support to be associated with women’s perceived stress, which in turn would explain depressive symptoms and 24-h urinary cortisol in women living with HIV (WLWH). Low-income ethnic minority WLWH (n = 82) reported the percentage of family members they had directly disclosed their serostatus to, perceptions of HIV-related support from family members, perceived stress, and depressive symptoms. Cortisol was measured via 24-h urinary collection. Disclosure to spouses and children coupled with high levels of family support was associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms in women. For disclosure to spouses, this relationship was explained by higher perceived stress. Direct disclosure to mothers in tandem with high support was associated with lower cortisol, and this relationship was explained through higher levels of perceived stress. The effects of serostatus disclosure on perceived stress and health in WLWH may depend, in part, on women’s family environment and to whom they disclose to within that environment.
Taking turns: Reciprocal self-disclosure promotes liking in initial interactions☆

Abstract Prior research has provided evidence for the self-disclosure reciprocity effect: self-disclosure promotes further self-disclosure. In this study, we examined a related but distinct issue about self-disclosure reciprocity: the effects of self-disclosure reciprocity (vs. non-reciprocity) on affiliative interpersonal outcomes (e.g., liking) in initial encounters. We manipulated disclosure reciprocity in an experiment that involved pairs of unacquainted individuals participating in a structured self-disclosure activity. Participants in some pairs took turns asking and answering questions in two interactions (reciprocal disclosure). In other pairs, participants either disclosed or listened in an initial interaction (non-reciprocal disclosure) and then switched disclosure roles in a second interaction. Participants who disclosed reciprocally reported greater liking, closeness, perceived similarity, and enjoyment of the interaction after the first interaction than participants who disclosed non-reciprocally. These differences remained after the second interaction, even though participants in non-reciprocally disclosing dyads switched roles (i.e., disclosers became listeners) and therefore experienced extended reciprocity. We concluded that turn-taking self-disclosure reciprocity in the acquaintance process increases the likelihood of positive outcomes (e.g., liking).
Hybrid economics — A specialist manufacturer's view

Abstract What are the reasons for the current economic competitiveness of hybrid circuits. The tradeoffs between different thick film hybrid technologies are assessed and a case made for particular techniques to provide the most economic solutions plus future trends.
Why are heterozygotes often superior in fitness

Abstract Author opposes the usual explanaation of allelic polymorphisms as the consequence of heterozygote superiority. Polymorphism and average heterozygote superiority in fitness are shown to be joint consequences of natural selection rather than the cause of each other.
HDAC inhibition promotes cardiogenesis and the survival of embryonic stem cells through proteasome-dependent pathway.

Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibition plays a crucial role in mediating cardiogenesis and myocardial protection, whereas HDAC degradation has recently attracted attention in mediating the biological function of HDACs. However, it remains unknown whether HDAC inhibition modulates cardiogenesis and embryonic stem cell (ESC) survival through the proteasome pathway. Using the well-established mouse ESC culture, we demonstrated that HDAC inhibitors, both trichostatin A (TSA,50 nmol/L) and sodium butyrate (NaB, 200 μmol/L) that causes the pronounced reduction of HDAC4 activity, decreased cell death and increased viability of ESCs in response to oxidant stress. HDAC inhibition reduced the cleaved caspases 3, 6, 9, PARP and TUNEL positive ESCs, which were abrogated with MG132 (0.5 μmol/L), a specific proteasome inhibitor. Furthermore, HDAC inhibition stimulates the growth of embryoid bodies (EB), which are associated with a faster spontaneous rhythmic contraction. HDAC inhibition increases the up-regulation of GATA4, MEF2, Nkx2.5, cardiac actin, and α-SMA mRNA and protein levels that were abrogated by MG132. TSA and NaB resulted in a significant increase in cardiac lineage commitments that were blocked by the proteasome inhibition. Notably, HDAC inhibitors led to noticeable HDAC4 degradation, which was effectively prevented by MG132. Luciferase assay demonstrates an activation of MEF2 cardiac transcriptional factor by HDAC inhibition, which was repressed by MG132, revealing that the degradation of HDAC4 allows for the activation of MEF2. Taken together, our study is the first to demonstrate that HDAC inhibition through proteasome pathway forms a novel signaling to determine the cardiac lineage commitment and elicits the survival pathway.
Controlling the anti-crossing between localized surface plasmons and surface plasmon polaritons

We study a structure consisting of a gold disk array, an SiO 2 spacer, and a gold film. We study the effect of spacer thickness on the anti-crossing between localized plasmons and surface plasmon polaritons.
Torsion-free extensions of butler groups by primary groups

The class of those abelian p-groups T is characterized for which every torsion-free group G with T= G/B is a B2-group whenever the subgroup B is a B2-group. This class of p-groups turns out to be the same as the class obtained by Dugas and Irwin [4] who dealt with the analogous problem for free (rather than B2 )groups. It is also shown that the totally reduced p-groups (defined below) belong to the class of p-groups under consideration
Functional Regulation of the Epithelial Na+ Channel by IκB Kinase-β Occurs via Phosphorylation of the Ubiquitin Ligase Nedd4-2

We have previously shown that IκB kinase-β (IKKβ) interacts with the epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC) β-subunit and enhances ENaC activity by increasing its surface expression in Xenopus oocytes. Here, we show that the IKKβ-ENaC interaction is physiologically relevant in mouse polarized kidney cortical collecting duct (mpkCCDc14) cells, as RNA interference-mediated knockdown of endogenous IKKβ in these cells by ∼50% resulted in a similar reduction in transepithelial ENaC-dependent equivalent short circuit current. Although IKKβ binds to ENaC, there was no detectable phosphorylation of ENaC subunits by IKKβ in vitro. Because IKKβ stimulation of ENaC activity occurs through enhanced channel surface expression and the ubiquitin-protein ligase Nedd4-2 has emerged as a central locus for ENaC regulation at the plasma membrane, we tested the role of Nedd4-2 in this regulation. IKKβ-dependent phosphorylation of Xenopus Nedd4-2 expressed in HEK-293 cells occurred both in vitro and in vivo, suggesting a potential mechanism for regulation of Nedd4-2 and thus ENaC activity. 32P labeling studies utilizing wild-type or mutant forms of Xenopus Nedd4-2 demonstrated that Ser-444, a key SGK1 and protein kinase A-phosphorylated residue, is also an important IKKβ phosphorylation target. ENaC stimulation by IKKβ was preserved in oocytes expressing wild-type Nedd4-2 but blocked in oocytes expressing either a dominant-negative (C938S) or phospho-deficient (S444A) Nedd4-2 mutant, suggesting that Nedd4-2 function and phosphorylation by IKKβ are required for IKKβ regulation of ENaC. In summary, these results suggest a novel mode of ENaC regulation that occurs through IKKβ-dependent Nedd4-2 phosphorylation at a recognized SGK1 and protein kinase A target site.
Judgmental competence of individuals and groups in a dichotomous choice situation: Is a majority of heads better than one?

We present a simple combinatorial model of group decision‐making in a dichotomous choice situation. The independent variables in the model are group size and mean judgmental competence of group members. The dependent variables are the probabilities that the majority judgment of the group will be correct and that the best member of the group will be more likely to be correct than the group majority. Two applications of this model are given: one a determination of isocompetence curves of groups of differing sizes and mean competence levels, the other an explication of the potential mechanisms accounting for Parkinson's only partly tongue‐in‐cheek observation that the point of ineffectiveness in a group seems to be reached when its total membership exceeds 20 or 21.
Can Unwilling Addicts Provide Informed Consent to Ongoing Deep Brain Stimulation of Reward Centers

According to Pisapia and colleagues (2013) deep brain stimulation (DBS) for treatment of addiction and obesity related to substance dependence is thought to be effective insofar as it manipulates r...
Moderate increases in ambient PM2.5 and ozone are associated with lung function decreases in beach lifeguards.

Objective: Exposure to pollutants would adversely affect lung function of healthy athletes. Methods: Pulmonary function was recorded on beach lifeguards at three different times during the day. Daily and average peak pollutant levels were calculated. Linear regression analyses were made comparing lung function changes in response to pollutant levels. A multivariate model was constructed to explain the combined effects of pollutants. Results: Afternoon forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expired volume in 1 second (FEV1) decreased significantly compared with morning values and decreased with increasing fine particulates (PM 2. ). FEV1/FVC decreased with increasing ozone (Ο 3 ) levels. Conclusion: The deleterious effect of PM 2.5 and O 3 were transient and occurred at pollutant levels far below national standards. At low levels of exposure, PM 2.5 was associated with reduced lung volumes, while increasing O 3 levels were associated with airway obstruction.
Tryptophan residues in native and reoxidized muramidase: Luminescence properties

The luminiscence properties of tryptophan chromophores in muramidase are affected by changes in enzyme conformation. Fluorimetric measurements indicated that the emission spectrum of native muramidase (λmax. = 337 mμ) was shifted toward longer wavelengths (λmax. = 350 mμ) as a result of structural changes produced by disruption and carboxymethylation of disulfide bonds. When the disulfide bonds were reformed at pH 8, the emission spectra of reoxidized muramidase resemble that of native muramidase with regard to both general structure and band position. The phosphorescence spectra of the muramidase species revealed the predominant contribution of tryptophan chromophores to the long-lived emission, and this observation was substantiated by decay-time measurements. The τp values of native and reoxidized muramidases (τp = 1−1.9 sec) were remarkably shorter than the τp value of reduced carboxymethylated muramidase (τp = 4.1 sec). The possible significance of these phosphorescence and fluorescence studies are discussed.
Discrimination and phylogenomic classification of Bacillus anthracis-cereus-thuringiensis strains based on LC-MS/MS analysis of whole cell protein digests.

Modern taxonomy, diagnostics, and forensics of bacteria benefit from technologies that provide data for genome-based classification and identification of strains; however, full genome sequencing is still costly, lengthy, and labor intensive. Therefore, other methods are needed to estimate genomic relatedness among strains in an economical and timely manner. Although DNA−DNA hybridization and techniques based on genome fingerprinting or sequencing selected genes like 16S rDNA, gyrB, or rpoB are frequently used as phylogenetic markers, analyses of complete genome sequences showed that global measures of genome relatedness, such as the average genome conservation of shared genes, can provide better strain resolution and give phylogenies congruent with relatedness revealed by traditional phylogenetic markers. Bacterial genomes are characterized by a high gene density; therefore, we investigated the integration of mass spectrometry-based proteomic techniques with statistical methods for phylogenomic classifica...
Latent Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGF-β) Binding Proteins: Orchestrators of TGF-β Availability *

The latent transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) 1 binding proteins (LTBP-1-4) are secreted multidomain glycoproteins, three of which are central to TGF-β regulation (1, 2). LTBP-1 is a component of the latent TGF-β complex that consists of TGF-β, the TGF-β propeptide, and LTBP (Fig. 1) (3). TGF-β is synthesized as a homodimeric proprotein, and the dimeric propeptide is cleaved intracellularly from the growth factor (4). Unlike most propeptides that have little affinity for the mature protein, the TGF-β propeptide strongly binds to TGF-β, and the proteins are secreted in complex (5). In this small latent complex (SLC), TGF-β cannot bind to its surface receptors. Therefore, the propeptide is called the latency-associated protein (LAP). The dissociation or activation 2 of TGF-β from LAP is a critical regulatory event as all TGF-β is secreted in a latent form. The LAP dimer is usually disulfide-bound to a second gene product, LTBP, and the trimolecular aggregate is called the large latent complex (LLC).
Effects of Immersion in Water on Deterioration of Wood from Five Species of Trees Used for Habitat Enhancement Projects

Abstract Logs of standard dimensions from five species of trees were submerged in a stream to evaluate changes in strength and decomposition over a period of 5 years. Changes in structural properties occurred only for wood near the outer surface of the logs. Nearly all bark was removed from the logs within 12 months. Diameter loss for the five species ranged from 10.6 mm (western hemlock Tsuga heterophylla) to 21.8 mm (bigleaf maple Acer macrophyllum) after 5 years. Decreases in the density of surface wood for the five species ranged from 23% (red alder Alnus rubra) to 31% (western hemlock). Modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, and wood density did not change for wood more than 12 mm from the log surface for any of the species. Bigleaf maple exhibited the highest resistance to rupture, and western redcedar Thuja plicata exhibited the lowest. Western redcedar was also the most easily flexed. Microbial activity on the surface of the logs was highest at the start of the experiment and decreased rapidly...
Thermally-activated recombination in one component of (CH3NH3)PbI3/TiO2 observed by photocurrent spectroscopy

Photocurrent measurements on devices containing perovskite (CH3NH3)PbI3 show two distinct spectral responses when deposited in a mesoporous oxide matrix, compared with one response for planar perovskite alone. With a TiO2 matrix, the shorter wavelength response has an inverted temperature response with increasing performance on cooling.
Negative symptoms and EEG alpha activity in schizophrenic patients.

Quantitative analyses of electroencephalographic (EEG) recordings in schizophrenic patients have often demonstrated reduced alpha band (8–13 Hz) activity. However, this finding is not universal and there is some evidence that subgroups of schizophrenics may differ in overall or lateralized levels of EEG alpha activity. To investigate this issue, the authors examined relationships between clinical ratings performed at the time of EEG recording and resting alpha power and coherence in 14 medication free schizophrenic patients. Nine channels of previously recorded resting (eyes open) EEG were transformed to average reference prior to spectral analysis and transformed to source derivation prior to calculation of interelectrode coherences. Patients were rated with the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), from which subscales corresponding to negative symptoms, positive symptoms, paranoia, and anxiety/depression were derived. Ratings and EEG measures were also obtained on 10 of the schizophrenic patients after neuroleptic treatment. Multiple regression with repeated measures was used to examine the influence of the subscale scores on bilateral log alpha power and both within- and between-hemisphere alpha coherence at selected locations. Prior to treatment, negative symptoms varied inversely with alpha power (p<0.02), within-hemisphere alpha coherence (p<0.03), and between-hemisphere coherence (p=0.053). The effect of negative symptoms on alpha power was bilateral, but the effect on within-hemisphere coherence tended (p= 0.053) to be right-sided. After treatment these relationships were no longer present. The possible implications of and the effects of drug treatment on an association between negative symptoms and reduced alpha activity are discussed.
A fast divide-and-conquer algorithm for computing the spectra of real symmetric tridiagonal matrices

Abstract We propose a new fast algorithm for computing the spectrum of an N × N symmetric tridiagonal matrix in O ( N ln N ) operations. Such an algorithm may be combined with any of the existing methods for the determination of eigenvectors of a symmetric tridiagonal matrix with known eigenvalues. The underlying technique is a divide-and-conquer approach which determines eigenvalues of a larger tridiagonal matrix from those of constituent matrices by the use of relations of their characteristic polynomials. The evaluation of characteristic polynomials is accelerated by the use of a technique known as the fast multipole method. An implementation of the algorithm has been developed in Fortran , providing for a comparison with existing techniques in terms of running time and accuracy. We present numerical results which demonstrate the effectiveness of the method.
Improved estimates of the areal extent of snow cover from AVHRR data

Satellite data provide the only practical way to obtain the necessary spatial and temporal coverage of areal extent of snow cover required for hydrometeorological applications. A new procedure has been developed which: (1) accurately separates snow and cloud from clear land in a terrestrial scene; and (2) uses other criteria to separate both cold, high clouds and warm, low clouds from snow. A mixed pixel class is also identified and pixels in this class can be assigned a percentage composition (cloud, snow, and land) using a linear mixing model. The procedure has been ground-truthed with both Landsat data and SNOTEL (SNOwTELemetry) observations. Classification skill, based on a statistical comparison with SNOTEL observations, is about 97%. Application of the procedure to a wide variety of terrestrial environments is demonstrated.
High-velocity gas in the Orion infrared nebula

Sensitive observations of carbon monoxide toward the Kleinmann-Low (KL) infrared nebular in Orion have revealed the presence of low-level emission extending over a radial velocity range of at least 150 km/s. The high-velocity emission appears to be localized in a region not exceeding about 1 arcmin in diameter centered on KL. The high-velocity gas is probably associated with pre-rather than post-main-sequence object(s). However, the intensity of line radiation at these high velocities is not easily explained with simple models of mass outflow, gravitational collapse, or rotation.
Extraction of hydrological proximity measures from DEMs using parallel processing

Land surface topography is one of the most important terrain properties which impact hydrological, geomorphological, and ecological processes active on a landscape. In our previous efforts to develop a soil depth model based upon topographic and land cover variables, we derived a set of hydrological proximity measures (HPMs) from a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) as potential explanatory variables for soil depth. These HPMs are variations of the distance up to ridge points (cells with no incoming flow) and variations of the distance down to stream points (cells with a contributing area greater than a threshold), following the flow path. The HPMs were computed using the D-infinity flow model that apportions flow between adjacent neighbors based on the direction of steepest downward slope on the eight triangular facets constructed in a 3 x 3 grid cell window using the center cell and each pair of adjacent neighboring grid cells in turn. The D-infinity model typically results in multiple flow paths between 2 points on the topography, with the result that distances may be computed as the minimum, maximum or average of the individual flow paths. In addition, each of the HPMs, are calculated vertically, horizontally, and along the land surface. Previously, these HPMs were calculated using recursive serial algorithms which suffered from stack overflow problems when used to process large datasets, limiting the size of DEMs that could be analyzed. To overcome this limitation, we developed a message passing interface (MPI) parallel approach designed to both increase the size and speed with which these HPMs are computed. The parallel HPM algorithms spatially partition the input grid into stripes which are each assigned to separate processes for computation. Each of those processes then uses a queue data structure to order the processing of cells so that each cell is visited only once and the cross-process communications that are a standard part of MPI are handled in an efficient manner. This parallel approach allows efficient analysis of much larger DEMs than were possible using the serial recursive algorithms. The HPMs given here may also have other, more general modeling applicability in hydrology, geomorphology and ecology, and so are described here from a general perspective. In this paper, we present the definitions of the HPMs, the serial and parallel algorithms used in their computation and their potential applications.
Theory of generalized group matrices

Abstract In this paper, we studied the following generalization of group matrices. Let G be a finite group and let H be a subgroup. Let λ be a one-dimensional representation of H and let λ ∗ be the corresponding induced representation. Let F be a splitting field for G . A map ϑ : G → F is said to be a λ-map if ϑ ( gh ) = λ ( h ) ϑ ( g ). A square matrix X is said to be a λ-group matrix for G if X = (1/¦H¦) ∑ gϵG ϑ(g) \ gl ∗ (g) for a λ-map ϑ. λ-group matrix is also a generalization of skew-circulants.