cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spectroscopic Design of Phospholamban Mutants to Treat Heart Failure

Ca2+ cycling through the SR in muscle cells is largely controlled by the Ca-pump (SERCA). SERCA transports Ca2+ into the SR and is inhibited by phospholamban (PLB) at submicromolar [Ca2+], and this inhibition can be relieved by adrenergic stimulation. Contraction takes place when the Ca-release channel opens and the intracellular [Ca2+] is high. One of the most common symptoms of heart failure (HF) is impaired calcium handling, frequently resulting from decreased SERCA activity. We are using EPR and NMR to study the relationships among structure, dynamics, and function of PLB, with the goal of designing LOF-PLB mutants (PLBM) that can compete with WT-PLB and thus relieve SERCA inhibition. Several studies have shown that a pseudophosphorylated PLB (S16E-PLB) is effective for gene therapy in rodents and sheep, and we are using spectroscopic methods to refine this approach. We have developed a system for examining the function and interactions of SERCA and PLB in HEK cells. Active SERCA is expressed at a level high above basal ATPase activity, and cells are co-transfected with WT-PLB and/or PLBM to measure SERCA inhibition in living cells. Unlike S16E-PLB, these mutants are able to respond to adrenergic stimulation. In addition to quantifying SERCA activity in the presence of PLBM, we measure the ability of each mutant to compete with WT-PLB for binding to SERCA. This is done by measuring fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between labeled SERCA and WT-PLB. If PLBM displaces WT-PLB, less energy is transferred between fluorophores and a decrease in FRET is observed. Based on these results, rAAV is used to test PLBM in rodent and porcine models of HF for efficacy in vivo and ability to respond to adrenergic stimulation, with the goal of developing a novel, gene therapy based treatment for HF.
Design considerations for a two-dimensional rapid scanning fluorimeter

Abstract The design or a two-dimensional rapid scanning fluorimeter which eliminates much unneeded transfer optics is described. The advantages and disadvantages of commercially available optical systems are discussed with regard to preservation of image quality and relative cost. The combination of holographic polychromators and conventional lenses in the recommended design produces spectra as accurate as those obtained on most conventional fluorimeters.
Distribution of single-molecule line widths

Abstract Single molecule spectroscopy shows that line shapes of guest molecules in low-temperature disordered solids vary from one molecule to the other. We consider a single molecule in a host lattice interacting with randomly distributed two level defects via a long range interaction. We investigate in detail the dipolar interaction and calculate the probability density of variances for high and low densities of defects.
Lack of Evidence for Bacterial Infections in Skin in Patients With Systemic Sclerosis

Abstract Background In some patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), persistent bacterial infection involving dermal microvascular endothelial cells may result in endothelial injury, leading to the obliterative microvasculopathy typical of the disease. Alternatively, in some patients with SSc persistent bacterial infection involving activated dermal fibroblasts or other cells found in scleroderma skin might result in the fibrosing features of this disease. In this study, we investigated bacterial infection in skin in patients with SSc. Methods Chlamydiae of many species are known to undergo persistent infection. Highly sensitive and specific PCR assays targeting chromosomal DNA sequences from C. trachomatis and C. pneumoniae were used to screen skin biopsy samples from each of 18 patients and 26 control individuals. Additional screening was performed using a highly sensitive “pan-bacteria” PCR screening system. Results All patient and control samples proved to be PCR-negative for both chlamydial species. Similarly, all patient and control samples were PCR-negative when the broad range pan-bacteria assay system was used. Conclusion Although some caveats apply, the data presented here do not support the contention that persistent bacterial infections play an important role in the pathogenesis of SSc.
Differential diagnosis of the cardiovascular diseases through right and left heart catheterization. A review.

The functional tests used in catheterization are reviewed, and a new test, based on the effect of isoproterenol, is described. However, the utility of these tests is recognized as being limited, and their results as being sometimes equivocal.
Legislative oversight and the substantive representation of black and latino interests in Congress

When determining whether or not legislators are representing their constituents' interests, scholars using voting studies may overstate the role of strategic factors, such as reelection goals and constituent influence, while understating the effect of descriptive characteristics. I argue that race and ethnicity matter in congressional oversight of bureaucratic policymaking. My examination of hearing transcripts from the 107th Congress indicates that minority legislators are more likely than white legislators to participate in racial-oversight hearings but not more likely than whites to participate in social welfare hearings. The results show that descriptive representation contributes to substantive representation, even if the costs of participating outweigh the electoral benefits.
Operant and Pavlovian factors in cross-response transfer of inhibitory stimulus control

Abstract Experiment 1 used a within-response procedure to compare inhibitory stimulus control of the extinction cue in multiple variable interval-extinction ( mult VI EXT) and the variable time cue in multiple variable interval-variable time ( mult VI VT). Experiment 2A made the same comparison using a crossresponse procedure. In addition, Experiment 2A also tested the extinction cue in multiple variable time-extinction ( mult VT EXT), and Experiment 2B tested the variable time cue in mult VT EXT. Unlike the mult VI EXT and mult VI VT conditions, the mult VT EXT condition was administered in the absence of a response manipulandum. The main findings of the present study were: (1) cross-response suppression by the variable time cue in mult VI VT; (2) greater response suppression by the extinction cue in mult VI EXT than by either the variable time cue in mult VI VT or the extinction cue in mult VT EXT; and (3) response facilitation by the variable time cue in mult VT EXT. These findings indicate that inhibitory stimulus control based on an operant source (i.e., absence of an R-S contingency) does transfer across responses, and that such transfer cannot be explained in terms of competing responses. These findings also indicate that operant and Pavlovian sources of stimulus control summate algebraically to determine the inhibitory strength of the extinction cue in mult VI EXT. Finally, the third finding is not consistent with notions that emphasize the importance of location and localization of cues explicitly paired with positive events.
Reaction of NO on CeO2 and Rh/CeO2 thin films supported on α-Al2O3(0001) and YSZ(100)

Abstract The adsorption and reaction of NO on ceria-based model catalysts was studied using a combination of temperature programmed desorption (TPD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Specific systems investigated included: CeO 2 (1 1 1), CeO 2 /α-Al 2 O 3 (0 0 0 1), CeO 2 /YSZ(1 0 0), Rh/α-Al 2 O 3 (0 0 0 1), Rh/CeO 2 /α-Al 2 O 3 (0 0 0 1), and Rh/CeO 2 /YSZ(1 0 0). The results of this study show that NO does not adsorb on fully oxidized CeO 2 surfaces, while on partially reduced CeO 2 surfaces NO adsorbs and dissociates. The reaction of NO on Rh supported on a ceria thin film was found to be similar to that for reaction on Rh/α-Al 2 O 3 (0 0 0 1) and Rh single crystals as long as the surface of the ceria film was fully oxidized. For Rh supported on partially reduced CeO 2 , adsorbed oxygen atoms, formed via dissociation of NO, migrated from the Rh to the ceria resulting in oxidation of the surface of the oxide film. The results of this study also demonstrate that interactions at the CeO 2 –YSZ(1 0 0) interface influence the extent of reduction of the ceria film, its thermal stability, and oxygen ion transport properties.
Nanolayer coatings for hard disk and demanding tribological applications

Coating properties and performance can be tailor-designed by proper control of nano structure andprocess conditions. This paper presents two examples: first, the synthesis and optimization of 1 nm thick nitrogenated carbon (CNx) nano-layers as protective overcoats in extremely highdensity harddisksystems, and, second, the development of multilayer coatings for wear protection at elevated temperatures. Synthesis of these coatings was done by magnetron sputtering. These studies demonstrate that one canproduce atomically smooth 1 nmthickCNxovercoatswith acceptable corrosionperformance. In addition, this paper shows that, with the proper choice of nanolayer thickness and process conditions, superhard coatings based on TiN/SiNx and TiB2/TiC multilayers with high thermal stability, low internal stress, and high wear resistance can be synthesized.
Identifying clusters and risk factors of injuries in pedestrian-vehicle crashes in a GIS environment

There is a growing concern about pedestrian injuries on road. Using pedestrian crash records (2000-2007) from the Georgia Department of Transportation as a case study, this paper applied a spatiotemporal clustering technique to identify clusters of injured pedestrians and then investigated the influence of personal and environmental factors on pedestrian injuries. The Bernoulli model in SatScan was used to detect the roadway segments, where pedestrian injuries were significantly clustered. Descriptive statistics and temporal (yearly, monthly, day of week, and hourly) trends of the injuries were explored, respectively. The logistic regression model was used to assess the injury risk associated with pedestrian factors (gender, age, intoxication, and maneuvers), driver's factors (gender, age, and intoxication), and environmental factors (light conditions, surface conditions, and weather conditions). The results showed that suburban high-activity corridors, where state highways intersect local streets, significantly elevated injury risks in crashes compared to other areas. The percentage of injuries was pronounced in summers, on the weekends, and from evenings to early mornings. Age, pedestrian maneuvers, and inadequate lighting were significant risk factors for pedestrian injuries. Walking/driving under influence and male pedestrians/motorists showed an increased risk of injuries when only the main effect of the factors was considered. The high-risk roadway segment and the risk factors highlight the need for heightened investigation and education in the specific areas and populations.
Research on Project Test Tensioning of 1250mm2 Large-Section Conductor

The paper introduces project test tensioning of 1250mm2 large-section conductor and validate structural stability and tensioning characteristics of newly developed 1250mm2 large-section aluminum stranded conductor, reasonability of construction processes and critical construction parameters and applicability of newly developed construction machines and tools to the conductor.
Carbonization of the DIII-D tokamak

The DIII-D tokamak has been carbonized by the application of a carbon film covering all plasma facing surfaces. Carbonization was done in order to reduce the metal impurity influx and central metal accumulation especially during beam heated D{sup O} {yields} D{sup +} H-mode discharges. After carbonization, nickel impurity line radiation was reduced by a factor of 10 during the ohmic phase of the discharge and up to a factor of 30 during the H-mode phase. The reduction of metal impurities also produced a reduction of total radiated power and allowed high current operation. After carbonization, the highest plasma current in a double null divertor, and the highest stored energy ever achieved on DIII-D were observed, 3 MA and 3.6 MJ respectively. A toroidal beta, {beta}{sub T} = 5.1%, at full field, 2.1 T, was obtained. On the first day after carbonization, H-mode density profiles were more peaked than pre-carbonization discharges. 20 refs., 6 figs.
Single-molecule imaging of DNA pairing by RecA reveals a three-dimensional homology search

DNA breaks can be repaired with high fidelity by homologous recombination. A ubiquitous protein that is essential for this DNA template-directed repair is RecA. After resection of broken DNA to produce single-stranded DNA (ssDNA), RecA assembles on this ssDNA into a filament with the unique capacity to search and find DNA sequences in double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) that are homologous to the ssDNA. This homology search is vital to recombinational DNA repair, and results in homologous pairing and exchange of DNA strands. Homologous pairing involves DNA sequence-specific target location by the RecA-ssDNA complex. Despite decades of study, the mechanism of this enigmatic search process remains unknown. RecA is a DNA-dependent ATPase, but ATP hydrolysis is not required for DNA pairing and strand exchange, eliminating active search processes. Using dual optical trapping to manipulate DNA, and single-molecule fluorescence microscopy to image DNA pairing, we demonstrate that both the three-dimensional conformational state of the dsDNA target and the length of the homologous RecA-ssDNA filament have important roles in the homology search. We discovered that as the end-to-end distance of the target dsDNA molecule is increased, constraining the available three-dimensional (3D) conformations of the molecule, the rate of homologous pairing decreases. Conversely, when the length of the ssDNA in the nucleoprotein filament is increased, homology is found faster. We propose a model for the DNA homology search process termed 'intersegmental contact sampling', in which the intrinsic multivalent nature of the RecA nucleoprotein filament is used to search DNA sequence space within 3D domains of DNA, exploiting multiple weak contacts to rapidly search for homology. Our findings highlight the importance of the 3D conformational dynamics of DNA, reveal a previously unknown facet of the homology search, and provide insight into the mechanism of DNA target location by this member of a universal family of proteins.
Prostaglandin inhibition and cerebrovascular hemodynamics in normal and ischemic human brain.

Indomethacin is a potent inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis. Indomethacin effects on cerebral blood flow (CBF) in normal subjects and patients with ischemic cerebrovascular disease were measured by 133Xe inhalation method and compared. Thirteen normal subjects with muscle contraction headaches were tested and compared to three groups of patients with ischemic cerebrovascular disease: (1) a transient ischemic attack (TIA) group, consisting of 8 patients, (2) a recent cerebral infarction group consisting of 10 patients with recent stroke (within 2 months), and (3) a chronic cerebral infarction group, consisting of 10 patients with remote stroke (exceeding 2 months). From the three groups, 7 patients with internal carotid artery occlusion also underwent superficial temporal artery to middle cerebral artery (STA-MCA) bypass; this group was tested before and after the operative procedure. Indomethacin induced significant CBF reductions in the TIA and chronic cerebral infarction groups but there were no signi...
A neutron collimator for animal irradiations

A collimator for exposures of portions of small animals to 15‐MeV neutrons is described. The radiation field behind the collimator was mapped with various detectors that determined dose, neutron spectra, and fluxes.
Anti-inflammatory and lung function effects of montelukast in asthmatic volunteers exposed to sulfur dioxide.

Background Sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ) gas mayinduce acute asthmatic responses when inhaled by individuals in thesetting of community or occupational air pollution duringexercise. Some asthma medications mitigate the SO 2 response, which is not fully understood but appears to involve multiplemechanisms. Objective We tested the hypothesis thatpretreatment with the cysteinyl-leukotriene inhibitor montelukastsodium protects against the inflammatory and bronchoconstrictiveeffects of SO 2 in the airways of asthmatic subjects. Methods Asthmatic volunteers (enrolled, 12 subjects; completed study, 11 subjects) were exposed to 0.75 ppm SO 2 for 10-min periods during exercise (mean ventilation, 35 L/min) andwere exposed similarly to filtered air (control condition) afterdouble-blinded pretreatments with montelukast (10 mg/d for 3 days) andplacebo. Results After montelukast pretreatment, specific airways resistance, FEV 1 , symptoms, and eosinophilcounts in induced sputum showed statistically and clinicallysignificant improvements in preexposure measurements and/or decreasedresponses to SO 2 exposure or exercise. The mean, FEV 1 immediately after exposure was 95% of baseline, FEV 1 with montelukast pretreatment vs 82% withplacebo. Conclusion Montelukast significantlyprotects against airways eosinophilic inflammation andbronchoconstriction from SO 2 exposure duringexercise. This implies a role for leukotrienes in, SO 2 -induced lung effects.
Towards a logical account of declassification

Declassification is a vital ingredient for practical use of secure systems. Several recent efforts to formulate an end-to-end policy for declassification seem inconclusive and have focused on apparently different aspects. (e.g., what values are involved, where in the code declassification occurs, when declassification happens and who (which principal) releases information.) In this informal paper, we argue that key security goals addressed by the proposed notions can be expressed using assertions and auxiliary state (such as event history), building on a recently developed logic for noninterference that provides for local reasoning about the heap
Development of a Phase Transition for a Rigorously Solvable Many-Body System

The ferromagnetic transition is considered in detail for the Heisenberg Hamiltonian with all spins coupled equally. For this special model the statistical problem is solved exactly. The transition develops very slowly as the number $N$ of particles in the system is increased; the spin order at the nominal Curie temperature is proportional to ${N}^{\ensuremath{-}\frac{1}{4}}$. The order in the most probable state differs from the mean value of the order, except for $N\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\infty}$. The connections are studied with the molecular-field, spin-wave, and self-consistent approximations. The failure of the self-consistent approximation is relatively severe as compared with the nearest-neighbor problem. The antiferromagnetic ground state is very close in energy to the N\'eel state.
The combinatorics and extreme value statistics of protein threading

In protein threading, one is given a protein sequence, together with a database of protein core structures that may contain the natural structure of the sequence. The object of protein threading is to correctly identify the structure(s) corresponding to the sequence. Since the core structures are already associated with specific biological functions, threading has the potential to provide biologists with useful insights about the function of a newly discovered protein sequence. Statistical tests for threading results based on the theory of extreme values suggest several combinatorial problems. For example, what is the number of waysm′=#t{Li>xi}i=0n of choosing a sequence {Xi}i=1n from the set {1, 2, ...,t}, subject to the difference constraints {Li=Xi+1−Xi>xi}i=0n, whereX0=0,Xn+1=t+1, and {xi}i=0n is an arbitrary sequence of integers? The quantitym′ has many attractive combinatorial interpretations and reduces in special continuous limits to a probabilistic formula discovered by the Finetti. Just as many important probabilities can be derived from de Finetti's formula, many interesting combinatorial quantities can be derived fromm′. Empirical results presented here show that the combinatorial approach to threading statistics appears promising, but that structural periodicities in proteins and energetically unimportant structure elements probably introduce statistical correlations that must be better understood.
Hypobaric Hypoxia: Effects on Early Development of Tryptophan Oxygenase in Neonatal Rats

Despite a reduction in liver and body weights of neonatal rats born and reared at a simulated altitude of 5790 meters (oxygen pressure, 76.36 millimeters of mercury), the hepatic enzyme tryptophan oxygenase develops prematurely in these stressed animals as compared to controls reared at sea level. Also, the specific activities remain distinctly elevated through the first 9 days of age; thus, the competence for premature synthesis ot tryptophan oxygenase is confirmed in neonatal rats.
Warning signal termination and a feedback signal may not serve the same function

Abstract Three experiments were conducted to test the possibility that a feedback signal (FS) and warning signal termination (WST), while equally reinforcing in the avoidance learning situation, reinforce through different underlying mechanisms. The first experiment showed that the reinforcing properties of an FS are reduced more than those of WST when these stimulus changes are made unreliable by the presence of shock following a CR on specified trials throughout acquisition. Experiment 2 confirmed this effect on avoidance performance when only a few punishment trials were administered following asymptotic avoidance acquisition. Experiment 3 demonstrated this effect during avoidance extinction with and without the presentation of punishment trials between acquisition and extinction performance. The results provided no support for the expectancy explanation of avoidance learning and were interpreted as consistent with the assumption that WST reinforces by permitting fear to dissipate and that the FS reinforces through fear inhibition.
Editorial: Recharting national health priorities: a new Canadian perspective.

Everywhere the rising cost of health services continues, year by year, to outpace the growth of national economies. Should this trend continue, several countries would soon be spending a prohibitiv...
A case of spinal cord injury-related pain with baseline rCBF brain SPECT imaging and beneficial response to gabapentin

Central pain following spinal cord injury is poorly understood, and is often resistant to conventional pain therapy regimens. We describe an individual with paraplegia who for many years experienced rapidly fluctuating, severe, unilateral pain below the level of his lesion. Prior to the initiation of pharmacological treatment, regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) was measured during PAIN and NON-PAIN states using single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). When experiencing pain, the subject had increased anterior cingulate gyrus blood flow, increased thalamic blood flow bilaterally and increased somatosensory cortex blood flow contralaterally but decreased caudate blood flow bilaterally. The subject's subsequent clinical course included a trial of gabapentin which produced a substantial reduction in frequency and average intensity of his episodic pain and which has been maintained for almost 2 years. This case demonstrates the correspondence between rCBF and pain associated with spinal cord injury and also suggests the potential utility of gabapentin for treatment of this central pain state.
ℓ-Adic properties of the partition function☆☆☆

Abstract Ramanujanʼs famous partition congruences modulo powers of 5, 7, and 11 imply that certain sequences of partition generating functions tend l-adically to 0. Although these congruences have inspired research in many directions, little is known about the l-adic behavior of these sequences for primes l ⩾ 13 . Using the classical theory of “modular forms mod p”, as developed by Serre in the 1970s, we show that these sequences are governed by “fractal” behavior. Modulo any power of a prime l ⩾ 5 , these sequences of generating functions l-adically converge to linear combinations of at most ⌊ l − 1 12 ⌋ − ⌊ l 2 − 1 24 l ⌋ many special q-series. For l ∈ { 5 , 7 , 11 } we have ⌊ l − 1 12 ⌋ − ⌊ l 2 − 1 24 l ⌋ = 0 , thereby giving a conceptual explanation of Ramanujanʼs congruences. We use the general result to reveal the theory of “multiplicative partition congruences” that Atkin anticipated in the 1960s. His results and observations are examples of systematic infinite families of congruences which exist for all powers of primes 13 ⩽ l ⩽ 31 since ⌊ l − 1 12 ⌋ − ⌊ l 2 − 1 24 l ⌋ = 1 . Answering questions of Mazur, in Appendix A we give a new general theorem which fits these results within the framework of overconvergent half-integral weight p-adic modular forms. This result, which is based on recent works by N. Ramsey, is due to Frank Calegari.
Response learning in paired-associate recognition tasks

The Ss learned a 12-item paired-associate list with 2-digit numbers as stimuli and dissyllable response terms. Three types of test-trial procedure were used, two recognition tasks not requiring verbalization of the response member and the usual response-production task. Independent groups of Ss received either 1, 2, 4, 8, or 16 study-test sequences before being interrupted, without warning, for the measurement of response availability by paced, free recall. Response availability was different for the two recognition procedures, though considerable response learning was observed in each of the three tasks. The response terms did become available for recall at a faster rate in the response-production task than with either recognition procedure.
The unitary-group formulation of the open-shell random-phase approximation

Hartree-Fock stability equations for an open-shell configuration have been derived in the unitary-group formulation. These stability equations are used to compute a generalized open-shell random-phase approximation (OSRPA), where excited states are generated from the same multiplicity Hartree-Fock (HF) ground-state orbitals. This differs from conventional triplet RPA, where excited-state triplets are calculated from closed-shell singlet HF orbitals. OSRPA yields real excitation energies wherever the HF orbitals for the given multiplicity are stable, which is not the case for conventional triplet RPA. OSRPA treats excited states of any multiplicity, and for triplets yields more excited states than does conventional triplet RPA. We treat the allyl doublet and butadiene singlet and triplet in detail using the Huckel-Hubbard Hamiltonian and compare OSRPA with conventional triplet RPA for the butadiene triplet.
Observation of the FeIVO stretching vibration of ferryl myoglobin by resonance Raman spectroscopy

Abstract We have directly observed the oxyferryl group of ferryl myoglobin by resonance Raman spectroscopy. The Fe IV O stretching vibration is observed at 797 cm −1 and confirmed by an 18 O-induced isotopic shift to 771 cm −1 . The porphyrin center-to-nitrogen distance of ferryl myoglobin is significantly less than that previously observed for horseradish peroxidase compound II, which also contains an Fe IV O heme. The Fe III -CN − stretch of myoglobin (Fe III ) cyanide is observed at 454 cm − , which shifts to 449 cm −1 upon substitution with [ 13 C]cyanide.
Prevalence of post-traumatic osteoarthritis in morbidly obese patients after acetabular fracture fixation.

Background Morbid obesity and osteoarthritis are conditions that place a significant burden on the US healthcare system. Acetabular fracture is a known cause of post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) and morbid obesity contributes to the development of osteoarthritis. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of PTOA in morbidly obese patients who underwent acetabular fracture fixation. Methods A retrospective review of morbidly obese patients who underwent acetabular fracture repair was performed. Patient information included demographics, body mass index, patient age, and length of hospital stay. The prevalence of PTOA was determined by radiographic review with a minimum follow-up of 4 years. Results There were 299 acetabular fracture fixations performed from 2007 to 2012 at our institution and 39 of these were in morbidly obese patients. One patient was excluded due to preoperative osteoarthritis of the hip. Of the 38 patients, 26 (68%) went on to develop PTOA after acetabular fracture fixation. This is significantly higher than previously reported rates of PTOA after acetabular fracture fixation. There was a higher rate of PTOA in morbidly obese males compared with females (P=0.008). Conclusion Morbid obesity appears to pose a significantly increased risk for the development of PTOA after fixation of acetabular fractures.
Reflections on a career in communication research as used in investigating puffery and other internet advertising claims for deceptiveness

The paper summarises a career in communication research and theory that has concentrated on the use of such study in legal procedures involving deceptiveness, which the law identifies by using communication concepts. Also emphasised are advertising claims on the internet that have been found to be deceptive.
Measurement of Thickness and Elastic Properties of Electroactive Polymer Films Using Plate Wave Dispersion Data

Electroactive thin-film polymers are increasingly being used as sensors and actuators in aerospace structures [1,2]. They also have significant potential for applications in muscle mechanisms and micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS). In these applications, polymer films of thickness varying between 20 and 300 μm are utilized. Actuation of these polymers is attributed to piezoelectric, electrostrictive or electrostatic effects. Recent investigations suggest that polymers may produce striction which can be stronger than that delivered by electroactive ceramics. Such response may be produced by polymers with isotacticity or syndiotacticity in their molecular structure, where tacticity is the position of a pendant polymer group with a strong dipole moment that is mounted on a backbone polymeric chain.
Quantification of Vuggy Porosity in a Dolomite Reservoir from Borehole Images and Core, Dagger Draw Field, New Mexico

Vugs, which are large irregular pores, are a key pore type in many carbonate reservoirs. Because of coarse sample rate and limited vertical resolution, conventional wireline logs commonly mask vuggy porosity. This becomes a major problem when logging tools combine high vuggy porosity with low matrix porosity to derive average porosity values that fall below arbitrary commercial cutoffs. Non-completion of such zones commonly results in bypassed pay. Borehole-imaging logs are high-resolution, oriented electronic pictures of the wellbore made by electrical or acoustic devices. Pixel-counting techniques, when applied to borehole images, can be used to detect and quantify vugs. The purpose of this study is to calibrate vugs quantified from borehole images to those quantified from digitally scanned core. Samples studied are vuggy dolomites of the Cisco and Canyon Formations (Pennsylvanian), Dagger Draw field, Eddy County, New Mexico. Results suggest that the neutron log is a good total-porosity device. However, this log suppresses the evidence for vuggy porosity which can lead to bypassed pay.
Optimal timing of disease transmission in an age-structured population.

It is a common medical folk-practice for parents to encourage their children to contract certain infectious diseases while they are young. This folk-practice is controversial, in part, because it contradicts the long-term public health goal of minimizing disease incidence. We study an epidemiological model of infectious disease in an age-structured population where virulence is age-dependent and show that, in some cases, the optimal behavior will increase disease transmission. This provides a rigorous justification of the concept of “endemic stability,” and demonstrates that folk-practices may have been historically justified.
Interaction of pyridoxal-5′-phosphate and acetohydroxy acid isomeroreductase*

Summary Acetohydroxy acid isomeroreductase is irreversibly inactivated upon binding approximately 8 moles of pyridoxal-5′-phosphate (PLP) followed by reduction with NaBH4. Various analogs of PLP cause little or no inactivation. Inactivation is both more rapid and occurs at lower PLP concentrations in the presence of the specific cofactor NADPH, but the enzyme is not protected by substrates or products.
Whatever Happened to the EENT Specialists

As specialization in surgery grew in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, practices that combined ophthalmology with otolaryngology were common in the United States. When the knowledge base and technical skills for each of these fields grew and diverged, these practices became rarer. Their end was signaled by the formal separation in 1979 of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology into two separate associations.
Review of In the Shadow of Pont du Gard: The Polish Enigma in Vichy France June 1940 to November 1942 by Zdzislaw J. Kapera

What happened to the Polish codebreakers after their escape from Poland in 1939? After hearing of their successes breaking Enigma during the 1930s, we usually hear only a few of the dramatic details of their fleeing to France, their years in France and Algeria, and the escape of Marian Rejewski and Henryk Zygalski through Spain to Britain. In the Shadow of Pont du Gard describes in detail the work of the Polish codebreakers in Vichy France from June 1940 until November 1942. As war with Germany loomed, on July 25, 1939, representatives of the Polish Cipher Bureau (Stefan Mayer, Guido Langer, Maksymilian Ciezki, and the codebreakers Marian Rejewski, Henryk Zygalski, and Jerzy Rozycki) met with representatives of the French (Gustave Bertrand and Henri Braquenie) and the British (Alastair Denniston, Dilly Knox, and Humphrey Sandwitch) at Pyry near Warsaw. It was at this meeting that the Poles presented their ‘‘gift’’ of their methods for breaking Enigma. Germany attacked Poland on September 1, 1939, and the Cipher Bureau crossed into Romania on September 17. After arriving in Bucharest, the Poles presented themselves to the British embassy but were ‘‘put off for a few days.’’ Then the Poles contacted the French, and arrangements were made for the Poles to travel to Paris to serve the Polish Armed Forces in the West.
Atomic scale investigation of grain boundary structure role on intergranular deformation in aluminium

The role that grain boundary (GB) structure plays on the directional asymmetry of an intergranular crack (i.e. cleavage behaviour is favoured along one direction, while ductile behaviour along the other direction of the interface) was investigated using atomistic simulations for aluminium 〈1 1 0〉 symmetric tilt GBs. Middle-tension (M(T)) and Mode-I crack propagation specimens were used to evaluate the predictive capability of the Rice criterion. The stress–strain response of the GBs for the M(T) specimens highlighted the importance of the GB structure. The observed crack tip behaviour for certain GBs (Σ9 (2 2 1), Σ11 (3 3 2) and Σ33 (4 4 1)) with the M(T) specimen displayed an absence of directional asymmetry which is in disagreement with the Rice criterion. Moreover, in these GBs with the M(T) specimen, the dislocation emission from a GB source at a finite distance ahead of the crack tip was observed rather than from the crack tip, as suggested by the Rice criterion. In an attempt to understand discrepan...
SIMPLE METHODS FOR EXTENDING THE SHELF LIFE OF SOY CURD (TOFU) IN TROPICAL AREAS

Simple methods of preservation are described for extending the shelf life of soy curd (tofu) in rural tropical areas, using available natural resources and appropriate technology. Soy milk made by the boiling water grind method was coagulated with lemon juice to make tofu. Methods studied for extending the storage stability included immersion in aqueous solutions, smoking, and combinations of the above. Changes in acceptability, composition and bacterial load during storage for 5 and 10 days at 24°C and 37°C were measured. The shelf life was successfully extended to 10–15 days without refrigeration by smoking and also by storing in salt brines acidified with lemon juice.
Artificial quantum-dot helium molecules: Electronic spectra, spin structures, and Heisenberg clusters

Energy spectra and spin configurations of a system of $N=4$ electrons in lateral double quantum dots (quantum dot helium molecules) are investigated using exact diagonalization (EXD), as a function of interdot separation, applied magnetic field $(B)$, and strength of interelectron repulsion. As a function of the magnetic field, the energy spectra exhibit a low-energy band consisting of a group of six states, with the number six being a consequence of the conservation of the total spin and the ensuing spin degeneracies for four electrons. The energies of the six states appear to cross at a single value of the magnetic field, and with increasing Coulomb repulsion they tend to become degenerate, with a well-defined energy gap separating them from the higher-in-energy excited states. The appearance of the low-energy band is a consequence of the formation of a Wigner supermolecule, with the four electrons (two in each dot) being localized at the vertices of a rectangle. Using spin-resolved pair-correlation distributions, a method for mapping the complicated EXD many-body wave functions onto simpler spin functions associated with a system of four localized spins is introduced. Detailed interpretation of the EXD spin functions and EXD spectra associated with the low-energy band via a four-site Heisenberg cluster (with $B$-dependent exchange integrals) is demonstrated. Aspects of spin entanglement, referring to the well-known $N$-qubit Dicke states, are also discussed.
The relationship of CO2 assimilation pathways and photorespiration to the physiological quantum requirement of green plant photosynthesis

The quantum requirement of green cells for CO2 fixation has been evaluated and discussed in view of the recent discovery of photorespiration and of multiple biochemical pathways for photosynthetic CO2 fixation. The reported quantum requirement of algae generally is near 9 quanta per CO2 fixed. It is suggested that the high CO2 concentrations and low O2 concentrations used for these algae experiments would have completely suppressed photorespiration and, therefore, the minimum number of quanta required to fix 1 CO2 molecule was correctly determined in these experiments. With higher plant leaves, when measurements are made under physiological environments, quantum requirements range from about 12 to 20 quanta per CO2 fixed. It is suggested that these physiological quantum requirements are higher because photorespiration is functional in these leaves and that photorespiration requires energy. The energy requirement of photorespiration was derived using biochemical models of leaf photosynthesis combining photorespiration with specific biochemical pathways for CO2 fixation. The calculated physiological quantum requirements for C3, C4 and CAM plant photosynthesis are 13, 15 and 17 respectively. The literature values on quantum requirements correspond well with these biochemical models of net photosynthesis. However, it was concluded that the biochemical models fail to give a complete description of photosynthesis in plants using the C4-dicarboxylic acid cycle.
Recognition of tRNA precursors: a role for the intron.

Most eukaryotic genes contain introns that interrupt the continuity of the genetic information. Introns are removed from a precursor RNA transcript by a process called splicing, whereby the intron is clipped out and the exons are rejoined to give the functional RNA molecule. There are three distinct mechanisms of RNA splicing (1-3). In the self-splicing mechanism, discovered by Cech, the splicing process relies on the intron to take on a complex structure and to catalyze its own removal. In mRNA splicing in the eukaryotic nucleus, the pre-mRNA molecule is assembled into a large complex structure, the spliceosome, and components of the spliceosome, probably one or more of the small nuclear RNA's, catalyze the splicing reaction. In contrast, the small introns that interrupt the anticodon loops of eukaryotic precursor tRNA's are removed by a comparatively simple and familiar enzymatic process in which an endonuclease cleaves the two splice junctions and an ATP-dependent ligase joins the two exons.
CD4 Regulatory T Cells Prevent Lethal Autoimmunity in IL-2Rβ-Deficient Mice: Implications for the Nonredundant Function of IL-2

Lethal autoimmunity associated with IL-2Rbeta-deficient mice is prevented after thymic transgenic expression of wild-type IL-2Rbeta in IL-2Rbeta(-/-) mice (Tg -/- mice). Here, we show that CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T cells were not readily detected in IL-2Rbeta(-/-) mice, but the production of functional CD4(+)CD25(+) T cells was reconstituted in Tg -/- mice. Adoptive transfer of normal CD4(+)CD25(+) T cells into neonatal IL-2Rbeta-deficient mice prevented this lethal autoimmune syndrome. The CD4(+)CD25(+) T cells in disease-free adult IL-2Rbeta-deficient recipient mice were present at a near normal frequency, were solely donor-derived, and depended on IL-2 for expansion. These observations indicate that the essential function of the IL-2/IL-2R system primarily lies at the level of the production of CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T cells.
The σ2 Receptor: A Novel Protein for the Imaging and Treatment of Cancer

The σ2 receptor is an important target for the development of molecular probes in oncology because of its 10-fold higher density in proliferating tumor cells compared with that in quiescent tumor cells and because of the observation that σ2 receptor agonists are able to kill tumor cells via apoptotic and nonapoptotic mechanisms. Although recent evidence indicates that the σ2 receptor binding site is localized within the progesterone receptor membrane component 1 (PGRMC1), most information regarding this protein has been obtained using either radiolabeled or fluorescent receptor-based probes and from biochemical analysis of the effect of σ2 selective ligands on cells grown in culture. This article reviews the development of σ2 receptor ligands and presents an overview of how they have been used in vitro and in vivo to increase our understanding of the role of the σ2 receptor in cancer and proliferation.
Multivariate process capability via Löwner ordering

Abstract Probability bounds can be derived for distributions whose covariance matrices are ordered with respect to Lowner partial ordering, a relation that is based on whether the difference between two matrices is positive definite. One example is Anderson’s Theorem. This paper develops a probability bound that follows from Anderson’s Theorem that is useful in the assessment of multivariate process capability. A statistical hypothesis test is also derived that allows one to test the null hypothesis that a given process is capable versus the alternative hypothesis that it is not capable on the basis of a sample of observed quality characteristic vectors from the process. It is argued that the proposed methodology is viable outside the multivariate normal model, where the p -value for the test can be computed using the bootstrap. The methods are demonstrated using example data, and the performance of the bootstrap approach is studied empirically using computer simulations.
Nuclear Import of the TATA-binding Protein: Mediation by the Karyopherin Kap114p and a Possible Mechanism for Intranuclear Targeting

Binding of the TATA-binding protein (TBP) to the promoter is the first and rate limiting step in the formation of transcriptional complexes. We show here that nuclear import of TBP is mediated by a new karyopherin (Kap) (importin) family member, Kap114p. Kap114p is localized to the cytoplasm and nucleus. A complex of Kap114p and TBP was detected in the cytosol and could be reconstituted using recombinant proteins, suggesting that the interaction was direct. Deletion of the KAP114 gene led to specific mislocalization of TBP to the cytoplasm. We also describe two other potential minor import pathways for TBP. Consistent with other Kaps, the dissociation of TBP from Kap114p is dependent on RanGTP. However, we could show that double stranded, TATA-containing DNA stimulates this RanGTP-mediated dissociation of TBP, and is necessary at lower RanGTP concentrations. This suggests a mechanism where, once in the nucleus, TBP is preferentially released from Kap114p at the promoter of genes to be transcribed. In this fashion Kap114p may play a role in the intranuclear targeting of TBP.
A stochastic model to analyze clonal data on multi-type cell populations.

Cet article presente un modele stochastique destine a analyser des donnees experimentales de developpement de clones de cellule composes de deux (ou davantage) de types distincts de cellules. Le modele propose est une extension du traditionnel processus de branchement multi-type de Bellman-Harris qui autorise des distributions non identiques pour les temps de transformations de cellules ayant des types differents. Nous avons developpe une methode de pseudo vraisemblance simulee pour l'inference statistique a partir de donnees experimentales sur des clones cellulaires sous le modele propose. La methode utilise des approximations simulees des moyennes et des matrices de variance-covariance des comptages cellulaires. L'estimateur que nous proposons pour le vecteur des parametres inconnus est fortement convergent et asymptotiquement gaussien sous des conditions de regularite faibles. Une version Monte Carlo du test de Wald est proposee pour le test d'hypotheses. Les proprietes de l'estimateur a taille d'echantillon finie ont ete etudiees par simulation. Le modele et les methodes associees d'inference parametrique ont ete appliquees a l'analyse de la proliferation et la differentiation sous conditions de culture des cellules O-2A qui jouent un role cle qui jouent un role cle dans le developpement du systeme nerveux central. Cette analyse indique que le temps de division des cellules O-2A et leur temps de differentiation (en un oligodendrocyte) ne sont pas identiquement distribues. D'un point de vue biologique, ceci suggere qu'un evenement qu'un evenement moleculaire determinant le type de transformation cellulaire se produit plus vraisemblablement au debut qu'a la fin du cycle mitotique.
Prison Resources and Physical/Verbal Assault in Prison: A Comparison of Male and Female Inmates

Abstract This paper focuses on inmates' misconduct as a measure of prison adaptation. By using a contextual framework that draws on the descriptive and explanatory powers of the classical theories of adaptation to prison, the “importation” and “functionalist” models, this paper investigates whether inmates' participation in religious programs, work assignments, and contacts with the outside world influence their likelihood to commit verbal or physical assault during incarceration and whether this effect varies by sex. Statistical analyses developed using the Survey of Inmates in State and Federal Correctional Facilities of 2004 showed that both female and male inmates similarly benefit from the use of these resources while incarcerated.