cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Use of LC/MS peptide mapping for characterization of isoforms in 15N-Labeled recombinant human leptin

Publisher Summary Recombinant human leptin has been recently cloned and expressed in E. coli, and it effectively demonstrates adiposity in mice through modulation of appetite and metabolism. The molecule contains four methionine residues at positions 1, 54, 68, and 136. This chapter discusses the separation and characterization of three norleucine-incorporated recombinant human leptins that are uniformly labeled with 15N isotope or double labeled with 15N and 13C isotopes. The extent of incorporation at each methionine residue can be determined by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and amino acid analysis methods. The norleucine incorporation was observed preferentially occurring at the internal Met residues. The misincorporation of norleucine for methionine is known to occur in bacteria when high level synthesis of recombinant proteins is induced in minimal medium fermentation. This misincorporation is detected in the production of 15N-labeled recombinant human leptin produced using minimal medium conditions, however, is not present in the clinical samples produced using other fermentation conditions. The mechanism for the misincorporation is believed to involve the de novo synthesized norleucine that bypasses the leucine biosynthetic pathway and enters directly into the incorporation pathway by associating with tRNAMet in the acylation reaction. The level of incorporation as well as the distribution of norleucine for the methionine residues, however, has varied for different recombinant proteins.
Ras‐GRF2 mediates long‐term potentiation, survival, and response to an enriched environment of newborn neurons in the hippocampus

Hippocampal adult neurogenesis contributes to key functions of the dentate gyrus, including contextual discrimination. This is due, at least in part, to the unique form of plasticity new neurons display at a specific stage of their development compared to surrounding principal neurons. In addition, the contribution newborn neurons make to dentate function can be enhanced by an increase in their numbers induced by a stimulating environment. However, signaling mechanisms that regulate these properties of newborn neurons are poorly understood. Here we show that Ras-GRF2 (GRF2), a calcium-regulated exchange factor that can activate Ras and Rac GTPases, contributes to both of these properties of newborn neurons. Using Ras-GRF2 knockout mice and wild-type mice stereotactically injected with retrovirus containing shRNA against the exchange factor, we demonstrate that GRF2 promotes the survival of newborn neurons of the dentate gyrus at ∼ 1-2 weeks after their birth. GRF2 also controls the distinct form of LTP that is characteristic of new neurons of the hippocampus through its effector Erk Map kinase. Moreover, the enhancement of neuron survival that occurs after mice are exposed to an enriched environment also involves GRF2 function. Consistent with these observations, GRF2 knockout mice display defective contextual discrimination. Overall, these findings indicate that GRF2 regulates both the basal and environmentally-induced increase in newborn neuron survival, as well as in the induction of a distinct form of synaptic plasticity of newborn neurons that contributes to distinct features of hippocampus–derived learning and memory.
Response of the Thor-Lx and Hybrid III Lower Extremities in Frontal Sled Tests

The objectives of this study were to evaluate and compare the responses, repeatability, and durability of the Thor-Lx/HIIIr and Hybrid III/Detention lower impacts in frontal sled tests. The effectiveness of the two limb types was studied in this study by evaluating responses in different test configurations using existing and proposed Injury Assessment Reference Values (IARVs) for both leg designs. Hybrid III or Thor-Lx legs were attached to the distal femurs of a 50 degree percentile male Hybrid III dummy, which was subjected to three series of 56 km/h frontal sled tests with and without toepan intrusion. Because of the design differences, many of the absolute response values were different between the Hybrid III and Thor-Lx legs. The expanded measurement capabilities, modified geometry and refined responses of the Thor-Lx limbs provide a more thorough and conservative judgment of injury risk. The Thor-Lx legs produced repeatable results throughout the series of tests and demonstrated sufficient durability under the severe loading conditions.
Do you know how to configure your enterprise relational database to reduce incidents

With the advancement of relational databases, the number of configuration parameters that control memory allocation, concurrency, cost of query plans, I/O optimization, logging, recovery or transaction consistency, increases. Users and even expert database administrators struggle to tune these parameters in order to ensure high availability and performance, and in many cases rely on their experience and some rules of thumb. Research on improving database manageability has shown that this is a critical, but hard problem. In this paper, we propose a highly accurate multivariate statistical model that identifies databases which are bound to raise high volumes of incidents over time. Moreover, we show that by adding detailed configuration parameters to the model, we can better link the problems reported in incident tickets to specific poor database configurations. Finally, we analyze trends of top-ranked parameters and compare their values between problematic and non-problematic databases, in order to suggest better configurations.
Ultrafast spectroscopic tool for studying molecular dissociation

In summary, the results of the time-frequency analysis of the output radiation suggest that the dissociation of electronically-excited molecules can be detected with an atomic wavepacket and four-wave mixing. The arrival of the dissociation transient is evidenced by changes in the temporal history of frequency components of the wavepacket. Thus, the technique presented in this work appears to be a novel, powerful spectroscopic tool for studying the dissociation of molecules. The potential of this technique for other molecules and optoelectronic materials (such as rare earth-doped crystals) will be discussed.
Intestinal Absorption of Riboflavin by Rat and Hamster

A number of techniques in vivo and in vitro have provided quantitative data concerning passage of carbohydrates, lipids, and amino acids across the intestinal wall. The water-soluble B-vitamins, aside from B!2 have not been extensively studied by these techniques. We present data here on the absorption in vivo and in vitro of riboflavin by the intestinal tract of rat and hamster, and a correlation of this information with available knowledge of riboflavin metabolism by the intestine.
Concordant estimates of countergradient growth variation in striped bass (Morone saxatilis) using comparative life-history data

Latitudinal growth compensation (i.e., countergradient growth) is increasingly suspected to be pervasive across diverse taxa. However, a major challenge limiting wider exploration of this topic lie...
A computational investigation of the geometric factors affecting the severity of renal arterial stenoses

An arterial stenosis, or a constriction of an artery, can lead to higher pressure losses than those seen in a healthy artery which, in turn, can disrupt normal functioning of the body. Depending on the type, size, and location of a stenosis, the decision to intervene might be made. Because many arterial stenoses can be characterized by improved medical imaging, insights into the effects of stenosis geometry on pressure loss could provide important information for medical decision making. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) provides a means of relatively quick investigation of various stenotic artery geometries. In this work, CFD simulations varying axial location of a stenosis, stenosis eccentricity, stenosis percent occlusion, and shape were performed. The simulated arteries were models of pathologic human renal arteries. The results indicate that pressure loss across a stenosis has no dependence on stenosis eccentricity. Pressure loss was shown not to be affected significantly by the axial location of the stenosis, but it was affected strongly by the stenosis structure. The most significant dependence was on percent stenosis; simulations indicated a critical percent stenosis of approximately 75–80%, above which pressure loss increases drastically. The critical percent stenosis identified here is consistent with guidelines used by physicians.
Esophageal intramural pseudodiverticulosis

Esophageal intramural pseudodiverticulosis (EIP) is a rare condition of unknown etiology. It is characterized by multiple, small, flaskshaped outpouchings in the esophageal wall. Involvement may be segmental or diffuse. Since this entity was first reported in 1960, there have been 43 cases described in the English literature. These cases are reviewed and six additional cases are reported with emphasis on clinical and radiographic parameters of this entity.
Risk-Aware Day-Ahead Scheduling and Real-time Dispatch for Electric Vehicle Charging

This paper studies risk-aware day-ahead scheduling and real-time dispatch for electric vehicle (EV) charging, aiming to jointly optimize the EV charging cost and the risk of the load mismatch between the forecast and the actual EV loads, due to the random driving activities of EVs. It turns out that the consideration of the load mismatch risk in the objective function significantly complicates the risk-aware day-ahead scheduling problem (indeed it involves nonconvex optimization). A key step taken here is to utilize a hidden convexity structure to recast this problem as a two-stage stochastic linear program, and then solve it by using the L-shaped method. Since the computational complexity grows exponentially in the number of EVs, an estimation algorithm is developed based on importance sampling to mitigate the computational complexity. Further, a distributed risk-aware real-time dispatch algorithm is developed, in which the aggregator needs to compute only the shadow prices for each EV to optimize its own charging strategy in a distributed manner. It is shown, based on real data, that the proposed risk-aware day-ahead scheduling algorithm using importance sampling can significantly reduce the overall charging cost with a small number of samples.
FlowSifter: A counting automata approach to layer 7 field extraction for deep flow inspection

In this paper, we introduce FlowSifter, a systematic framework for online application protocol field extraction. FlowSifter introduces a new grammar model Counting Regular Grammars (CRG) and a corresponding automata model Counting Automata (CA). The CRG and CA models add counters with update functions and transition guards to regular grammars and finite state automata. These additions give CRGs and CAs the ability to parse and extract fields from context sensitive application protocols. These additions also facilitate fast and stackless approximate parsing of recursive structures. These new grammar models enable FlowSifter to generate optimized Layer 7 field extractors from simple extraction specifications. In our experiments, we compare FlowSifter against both BinPAC and UltraPAC, which are the freely available state of the art field extractors. Our experiments show that when compared to UltraPAC parsers, FlowSifter extractors run 84% faster and use 12% of the memory.
Effect of filtering on the detection and localization of small Ga-67 lesions in thoracic single photon emission computed tomography images.

Tumor detection can be significantly affected by filtering so determining an optimal filter is an important aspect of establishing a clinical reconstruction protocol. The purpose of this study was to identify the cut-off frequency of a Butterworth filter used in a filtered backprojection (FBP) reconstruction that maximized the detection and localization accuracy of 1 cm spherical lesions in Ga-67 citrate, thoracic SPECT images. Image quality was evaluated by means of a localization receiver operating characteristic (LROC) study using computer simulated images. Projection data were generated using the mathematical cardiac-torso digital phantom with a clinically realistic background source distribution. The images were reconstructed using FBP with multiplicative Chang attenuation correction and fifth-order Butterworth filtering. The cut-off frequencies considered were 0.25, 0.32, 0.47, and 0.79 cm(-1) for the case of three-dimensional (3D) post-filtering and 0.25, 0.32, and 0.47 cm(-1) for two-dimensional (2D) post-filtering. The images were read by three research scientists and one board certified nuclear medicine clinician. The area under the LROC curve and the localization accuracy for all test conditions were compared using Scheffe's multiple comparisons test. It was found that 3D post-filtering using filters with cut-off frequencies of 0.32 and 0.47 cm(-1) resulted in the highest lesion detectability and localization accuracy. These two test conditions did not differ significantly from each other but were significantly better (p<0.05) than all of the 2D, and the 3D 0.79 cm(-1) cut-off frequency cases.
Strict convexity ("continuity'') of the pressure in lattice systems

It is shown that the pressure is a strictly convex function of the translationally invariant interactions (under certain mild restrictions on the long-range part of these interactions) for classical and quantum lattice systems, by demonstrating that two distinct interactions can never lead to the same translationally invariant equilibrium state. This generalizes a previous result that the pressure is a continuous function of density at fixed temperature.
Constructing stable grasps

This paper shows how all force-closure grasps can be made stable by constructing virtual springs at the contacts, such that the grasped object has a desired stiffness matrix about its stable equili...
Thermochemistry of Na-faujasites with varying Si/Al ratios

Abstract The thermochemical stability of dehydrated sodium faujasites, NaxAlxSi1−xO2, with Si/Al ratios of 1.25 to 360 (x = 0 to 0.44) has been studied by high temperature solution, drop solution, and transposed temperature drop calorimetry near 977 K. Enthalpies of solution become more endothermic as the Si/Al ratio decreases, implying an exothermic (stabilizing) enthalpy of the charge coupled substitution Si4+→ Al3 + Na4 in these structures. Deviation of the sample with Si/Al = 1.25 (13X) from the linear trend suggests that there may be a maximum stabilization for the composition with Si/Al = 1. These observations are consistent with previous studies of charge coupled substitutions in aluminosilicate glasses and dense sodium aluminosilicates. Using enthalpies of solution of SiO2, Al2O3, Na2O (derived from Na2CO3 drop solution experiments) and NaAlO2, standard molar enthalpies of formation of dehydrated framework structures from elements, simple oxides, and NaAlO2 and SiO2 were determined. Implications for the synthesis of high silica materials and the apparent thermal stability are discussed.
Cognitive rigidity in information processing of chronic undifferentiated schizophrenics.

This study investigated Concept Identification (CI) performance and hypothesis behavior of 100 chronic undifferentiated schizophrenic and matched normal Ss as functions of motor-cognitive, personality-perceptual, and psychomotor speed parametcrs of rigidity. The CI task was designed to test the effects of five levels of information complexity and to examine 10 categories of hypothesis strategies utilized in conceptual problem solving. It was found that normals were superior to schizophrenics in CI and that schizophrenics performed more poorly than normals at higher complexity levels. Normals were markedly less rigid on the motor-cognitive dimension than were schizophrenics. Correlational analysis revealed a number of reliable relationships between the three rigidity measures and the 10 hypothesis categories. Some insight was gained about the role of rigidity in utilization of effective strategies in problem solving; the psychomotor speed factor emerged as the best predictor of schizophrenics' hypothesis behavior.
Bryonolic Acid Transcriptional Control of Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Genes in Macrophages In Vitro and In Vivo

Bryonolic acid (BA) (1) is a naturally occurring triterpenoid with pleiotropic properties. This study characterizes the mechanisms mediating the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of BA and validates the utility of BA as a tool to explore the relationships between triterpenoid structure and activity. BA reduces the inflammatory mediator NO by suppressing the expression of the inflammatory enzyme inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. In addition, BA robustly induces the antioxidant protein heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in vitro and in vivo in an Nrf2-dependent manner. Further analyses of Nrf2 target genes reveal selectivity for the timing and level of gene induction by BA in treated macrophages with distinct patterns for Nrf2-regulated antioxidant genes. Additionally, the distinct expression profile of BA on Nrf2 target genes relative to oleanolic acid suggests the importance of the triterpenoid scaffold in dictating the pleiotropic effects exerted by these molecules.
The Age of Accountability

The failure of a complex product tells just as much about how the organization operates as it does about the skill of individual workers.
Optimization of positron trapping and acceleration in an electron-beam-driven plasma wakefield accelerator

Positron trapping and acceleration in a plasma wake using a four-bunch scheme [X. Wang et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 101, 124801 (2008)] is numerically investigated through 2D particle-in-cell simulations. This scheme that integrates positron generation, trapping, and acceleration into a single stage is a promising approach for investigating positron acceleration in an electron-beam-driven wake. It consists of a plasma with an embedded thin foil target into which two closely spaced electron beams are shot. The first beam creates a region for accelerating and focusing positrons and the second beam provides positrons to be accelerated. Some of the outstanding issues related to the quality of the accelerated positron beam load are discussed as a function of the beam and plasma parameters. Simulations show that a large number of positrons (10 7 ‐10 8 ) can be trapped when the plasma wake is modestly nonlinear, and the positrongenerating foil target must be immersed into the plasma. Beam loading can reduce the energy spread of the positron beam load. The quality of the positron beam load is not very sensitive to the exact bunch spacing between the drive electron bunch and the positron beam load.
A dynamic physics-based model for base-excited IPMC sensors

In this paper a dynamic, physics-based model is studied analytically and experimentally for an ionic polymermetal composite (IPMC) sensor that is excited at the base. This work is motivated by structural monitoring and energy-harvesting applications of IPMCs. The model combines the vibration dynamics of a flexible beam under base excitation and the ion transport dynamics within the IPMCs. The vibration dynamics of a base-excited IPMC beam is obtained from the Euler-Bernoulli beam equation incorporating damping and accommodating suitable boundary conditions. The charge dynamics is derived by analytically solving the governing partial differential equation, which captures electrostatic interactions, ionic diffusion and ionic migration along the thickness direction. The derived model relating short-circuit sensing current to the base excitation is expressed as an infinite-dimensional transfer function, in terms of physical and geometric parameters, and is thus scalable. The model is then reduced to a finite-dimensional one for real-time signal processing. In particular, we present an inversion scheme for reconstructing the mechanical stimuli given the sensor output. Experimental results show that the proposed model captures well both the beam dynamics and the overall sensing dynamics. Simulation results are also presented to illustrate the inversion algorithm.
The probability distribution as a performance criterion when comparing alternative systems

The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test is used to determine whether the output distributions of two simulated systems are significantly different. The advantages of using this statistical procedure, and the danger in making comparisons between the systems with only the mean as a critical performance measure, are dem onstrated.Two queuing systems were simulated and results analyzed first by comparing means and, then, distributions. Results showed that, even if the means of two alternative systems are equivalent, the systems may still prove to be significantly different from each other if the entire distribution is examined.
Production of insulin-like growth factor binding protein(s) (IGF-BPs) by human placenta: Variation with gestational age

Preterm human placentae produce insulin-like growth factor- (IGF-)specific binding protein(s). Competitive binding experiments revealed at least two distinct, high-affinity binding sites for IGF-I and IGF-II. Gel permeation chromatography and sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis of the binding protein(s) suggested that they possess a molecular weight in the 45 to 50 kD range. In contrast, term placental tissue produced almost no detectable binding protein activity.
Defect distribution and dissolution morphologies on low-index surfaces of α-quartz

Abstract The dissolution of prismatic and rhombohedral quartz surfaces by KOH/H 2 O solutions was investigated by atomic force microscopy. Rates of dissolution of different classes of surface features (e.g., steps, voids, and dislocation etch pits) were measured. The prismatic surface etched almost two orders of magnitude faster than the rhombohedral surface, mostly due to the difference in the number and the rate of dissolution of extended defects, such as dislocations. Because of the presence of imperfect twin boundaries, defect densities on the prismatic surface were estimated at 50–100 μm −2 , whereas the rhombohedral surface possessed only ∼0.5–1.0 μm −2 , mostly in the form of crystal voids. Crystal voids etched almost one order of magnitude faster on the prismatic surface than on the rhombohedral surface due to differences in the number and the density of steps formed by voids on the different surfaces. In the absence of extended defects, both surfaces underwent step-wise dissolution at similar rates. Average rates of step retreat were comparable on both surfaces (∼3–5 nm/h on the prismatic surface and ∼5–10 nm/h on the rhombohedral surface). Prolonged dissolution left the prismatic surface reshaped to a hill-and-valley morphology, whereas the rhombohedral surface dissolved to form coalescing arrays of oval-shaped etch pits.
Solvent-induced crystallization. II. Morphology

The Morphology of quenched poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) films crystallized by low-molecular-weight organic penetrants is studied by scanning electron microscopy. Films with thicknesses from ca. 1 mil (0.0025 cm) to ca. 35 mil (0.1 cm) were exposed to methylene chloride (MeCl2) and N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) in the temperature ranges 0–38°C and 22–70°C, respectively. The effects on the surface and internal structures of contact with liquids and saturated vapors were examined. Severe porosity at the surface results from contact with the liquids, but only minor surface roughness appears following contact with vapors. Internal porosity developed in the thinnest films (ca. 1 mil) during crystallization in liquid environments. Here, the internal void fraction is greatest along the film centerline and decreases with increasing crystallization temperature. A mathematical model discussed previously accounts for the observed behavior.
Into the mind of a fly

Where do animal behaviours come from and are they controlled by genes? This is the fundamental question posed by the field of neurogenetics. Pioneering work from the 1960s in Seymour Benzer's laboratory demonstrated for the first time that Drosophila melanogaster fruitflies could be mutated to obtain animals with insomnia, learning disabilities and homosexual courtship behaviours.
Structural models for dimerization of G-protein coupled receptors: The opioid receptor homodimers

Among the most exciting functional features of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) that are coming into focus lately are those relating to the role and structural characteristics of their oligomerization (mostly homo- and heterodimers). The structural underpinnings of these novel functional insights are still not clear, as current experimental techniques have not yet succeeded in identifying the dimerization interfaces between GPCR monomers. Two computational approaches have recently been designed in our lab to provide reasonable three-dimensional (3D) molecular models of the transmembrane (TM) regions of GPCR dimers based on a combination of the structural information of receptor monomers and analyses of correlated mutations in receptor families. The modeling of GPCR heterodimers has been described recently. We present here a related approach for modeling of GPCR homodimers that identifies the interfaces in the most likely configurations of the complexes. The approach is illustrated for the three cloned opioid receptor subtypes (OPRD, OPRM, and OPRK).
Randomized BioBrick Assembly: A Novel DNA Assembly Method for Randomizing and Optimizing Genetic Circuits and Metabolic Pathways

The optimization of genetic circuits and metabolic pathways often involves constructing various iterations of the same construct or using directed evolution to achieve the desired function. Alternatively, a method that randomizes individual parts in the same assembly reaction could be used for optimization by allowing for the ability to screen large numbers of individual clones expressing randomized circuits or pathways for optimal function. Here we describe a new assembly method to randomize genetic circuits and metabolic pathways from modular DNA fragments derived from PCR-amplified BioBricks. As a proof-of-principle for this method, we successfully assembled CMY (Cyan-Magenta-Yellow) three-gene circuits using Gibson Assembly that express CFP, RFP, and YFP with independently randomized promoters, ribosome binding sites, transcriptional terminators, and all parts randomized simultaneously. Sequencing results from 24 CMY circuits with various parts randomized show that 20/24 circuits are distinct and expr...
High-Speed Temporal Characterization and Visualization of Spatial Light Modulators and Flat-Panel Displays

An apparatus that can characterize and visualize temporal dynamics of spatial light modulators (SLM's) and flat-panel displays is constructed and evaluated by use of a commercially available SLM.?The apparatus is based on the stroboscopic video sampling method and has a temporal resolution of the order of microseconds, permitting measurement of a long event >100 ms with a high signal-to-noise ratio. Experimental results demonstrate the visualization of the temporal image sequencing and addressing in an SLM.
The Moral Dyad: A Fundamental Template Unifying Moral Judgment.

The essence of the beautiful is unity in variety. —Felix Mendelssohn Felix Mendelssohn, the famous Romantic composer, sought to take the unique experiences of each human life—distinctive sorrows an...
Educational Web site on spacecraft, space exploration

Although many high school students are keenly interested in space, so far no way has existed for incorporating spaceflight and space exploration studies into regular high school courses in physics and astronomy. “From Stargazers to Starships,” available through the World Wide Web, attempts to do just that. Compiled by a NASA physicist, it is essentially a textbook on the Web, containing over 60 linked files, all connected to its home page at http://www-spof.gsfc.nasa. gov/stargaze/Sintro.htm. The new site should be just as useful to anyone else interest in space. Resembling an earlier site, “The Exploration of the Earth's Magnetosphere,” and also linked to it, “Stargazers” consists of three parts of comparable size. They cover the night sky and what it tells, Newtonian mechanics, and space flight and spacecraft. Numerous images illustrate the text files, which also have a guide for teachers, a “timeline” chronology, a glossary, a “math refresher” in nine sections, and a hands-on project for constructing a paper sundial.
Dielectric study of anodized foils of aluminum electrolytic capacitors

Abstract The conductivity data of the anodic oxide layer of the Mepco electrolytic capacitor in the frequency range 2 – 300 kHz are in good agreement with the random energy activated hopping model. Above room temperature in the frequency range 2 – 15 kHz, the activation energy of the oxide sample is 0.20 eV and compares very well with the value of 0.22 ± 0.02 eV for boehmite (γ-AlOOH) reported in the literature. For the low temperature region below −40°C, the activation energy is 0.012 eV. This low value of activation energy is associated with an electron-hopping mechanism and is compatible with the amorphous structure of oxide films which would be expected to have high densities of localized states in the forbidden gap. The a.c. conductivity of bayerite follows the Arrhenius equation with the activation energy equal to 0.19 eV and attributed to free charge carriers. The activation energy for the Debye dipolar absorption in bayerite (Al(OH) 3 ) is 0.53 eV, whereas the corresponding value for boehmite in the literature is 0.66 eV.
Shock tube studies using a novel multipass absorption cell: Rate constant results for OH + H2 and OH + C2H6

The reflected shock tube technique with a novel multipass absorption spectrometric detection method has been used to study two OH-radical reactions: OH + H2 → H2O + H (1), and OH + C2H6 → H2O + C2...
Using Web-Based Discussion Forums as a Model of the Peer-Review Process and a Tool for Assessment

This Teaching Resource describes how to use an online asynchronous discussion as a mechanism to introduce students to the peer-review process, as well as to assess student performance and understanding. This method was applied to a graduate course on signal transduction and the Teaching Resource includes a syllabus, detailed plan for incorporating the online discussion, sample journal club questions, and sample student responses to the discussion forum, faculty responses, and student revisions.
Coulomb drag effect between Luttinger liquids

The exact solution of the one-dimensional Hubbard model, the supersymmetric $t\ensuremath{-}J$ model, and the gas of fermions interacting via a $\ensuremath{\delta}$-function potential is used to calculate the drag current between two parallel quantum wires. The critical exponent for the drag current at low temperatures is obtained by means of the mesoscopic energy spectrum and conformal field theory. For a repulsive interaction between the carriers the drag current is opposite to the driving current, while for attractive potentials the two currents are parallel.
Vibrational frequencies and structural determinations of trisilylamine

Abstract The normal mode frequencies and corresponding vibrational assignments of trisilylamine are examined theoretically using the gaussian 98 set of quantum chemistry codes. All normal modes were successfully assigned to one of six types of motion predicted by a group theoretical analysis (Si–H stretch, Si–N stretch, H–Si–H bend, Si–N–Si bend, SiH 3 wag, and SiH 3 twist) utilizing the C 3 h symmetry of the molecule. By comparing the vibrational frequencies with IR and Raman spectra available in the literature, a set of scaling factors is derived. Theoretical IR and Raman intensities are reported.
ADVANCES IN CONTRACEPTION

Many safe and effective contraceptive methods are currently available, and a stream of new products is being introduced to the market. This article presents the histories, descriptions, and future trends for oral contraceptive pills, hormonal implants and injections, and intrauterine devices. Other methods discussed include barrier methods, spermicides, and emergency contraception, and permanent sterilization.
A comparison of the effects of intrathecal fentanyl and lidocaine on established postamputation stump pain

Eight patients with established lower limb postamputation stump pain were given lumbar intrathecal fentanyl 25 micrograms and lidocaine 70 mg 2 weeks apart in an attempt to better understand the role of peripheral and central mechanisms in this condition. Baseline pain was recorded and then analgetic and side effects and their duration were assessed. Three self-administered questionnaires with appropriate psychometric proprieties were given to the patients. Intrathecal fentanyl always abolished the pain. Its onset was rapid being heralded within 1-2.5 min by a pleasant sensation of warmth involving the lower trunk and legs. Analgesia was complete by 5-10 min and had a median duration of 8 h. The patients had a sense of well being and were unable to elicit discomfort by pain aggravating maneuvers. Normal motor and sensory functions were retained. Pruritus was the only adverse effect unique to intrathecal fentanyl. Intrathecal lidocaine usually relieved the discomfort but was unable to abolish it in 3 of 8 patients despite adequate neural blockade. Its onset of action was slower and duration of effect shorter than fentanyl. Intrathecal fentanyl provided profound analgesia associated with normalization of stump sensations and euphoria, probably due to a segmental spinal action. The effects of lidocaine were inferior to fentanyl due to the associated motor and sensory paralyses as well as the absence of euphoria. This study suggests that, while peripheral mechanisms played a role, central mechanisms involving the spinal cord were more important in the modulation of established stump pain in the 8 subjects evaluated.
A study of the expository process model in school psychological reports

A number of authors have documented complaints made by consumers about psychological reports. Prominent among these complaints are that basic data are not included, that psychological terms whose meanings are not clear are used, and that the logic of the statements in reports is unclear. Ownby and Wallbrown (1986) have proposed a model for report writing that addresses these concerns by specifying the types of data and the mode of data presentation most likely to be viewed positively by readers of reports. This study tested this model by developing comparable sets of statements that might appear in a school psychological report, one set model-based and the other not. School psychologists rated statements based on the model as significantly more credible and persuasive than non-model equivalents.
Predicting the effects of macro-economic variables on timber harvest in small regions: Method and application

Abstract This paper deals with the problem of forecasting the timber harvest in a small region, given predicted changes for the economy of the country to which the region belongs. It suggests that time-series methods be used to model the feedback between local timber harvest and non-local (macro-economic) variables. These measures of feedback could then be supplemented with multiplier analysis to predict the long-term effect of each macro-economic variable of interest on local timber harvest. This method was applied to five counties of Southwestern Oregon, an area of some 3 m ha, 75% forested, to measure the effects of housing starts and lumber prices in the entire United States on private and public timber harvest in each county. Local public harvest was found to have short-term elasticities with respect to national housing starts of 0·48 (±0·18) to 0·78 (±0·19). The corresponding long-term elasticities ranged from 0·78 (±0·18) to 0·99 (±0·21). National lumber prices influenced local public harvest in the short-term only, with an elasticity of 1·34 (±0·36). Local private harvest was not influenced significantly by national housing starts, nor by prices.
The Application of Ignitrons to Resistance-Welding Control

Since the development of the ignitron several papers have been presented which pertain to the theory of operation1,2,5 and explain its contribution to the recent advancement in the field of resistance-welding control.7,8,9,12 The object of this paper is to review the ignitron characteristics and to point out the operating principles, which should be considered in order to insure successful applications.
Nanoengineered structures for holding and manipulating liposomes and cells.

We describe the fabrication of nanoengineered holding pipets with concave seating surfaces and fine pressure control. These pipets were shown to exhibit exceptional stability in capturing, transporting, and releasing single cells and liposomes 1−12 μm in diameter, which opens previously inaccessible avenues of research. Three specific examples demonstrated the utility and versatility of this manipulation system. In the first, carboxyrhodamine was selectively incorporated into individual cells by electroporation, after which nearly all the medium (hundreds of microliters) surrounding the docked and tagged cells was rapidly exchanged (in seconds) and the cells were subsequently probed by laser-induced fluorescence (LIF). In the second study, a single liposome containing car-boxyrhodamine was transported to a dye-free solution using a transfer pipet, docked to a holding pipet, and held firmly during physical agitation and interrogation by LIF. In the third study, pairs of liposomes were positioned between tw...
Winners and Losers: Politics, Casino Gambling, and Development in Atlantic City

Legalized gambling has been embraced by a number of local economic development organizations as a panacea. This paper offers the example of Atlantic City, New Jersey, as a cautionary tale. We trace the politics of gambling in New Jersey and the city, the massive flow of capital into casinos, and the resulting flows of funds in the local economy. City residents have, at best, gained minimally from gambling; the area, including suburbs, has gained from in-migration. However, even including such spillovers, gambling did not produce the expected gains. This apparent failure may be due to inadequate planning for the extremely rapid development associated with the massive flow of new private capital which followed legalization; the same risks exist with different major and rapid capital flows into local economies.
Materials requirement planning with a microcomputer

Abstract Materials requirement planning (MRP) has been implemented on equipment ranging from early EAM punchcard equipment to the largest mainframe computers. The availability of relatively capable microcomputers raises the possibility of MRP systems for small operations. A major obstacle is that the concepts underlying most MRP systems are such that both time and memory capability become critical. A system of three programs has been developed using a different computational concept. The “Gozinto” method is used for structuring bill of materials data, and matrix multiplication is used for data manipulation and report generation. The system is reasonably fast, and uses disc memory to alleviate memory constraints. Written in UCSD Pascal, it is usable in any microcomputer supporting that language that has two disc drives and a minimum of 56K of memory. The first program is the bill of materials processor, which receives bill of materials data input from the CRT and stores it on disc using any firm's part coding system. The bill of materials file is then reindexed to develop a triangular matrix. This matrix is then inverted to arrange the bill of materials data in “indented” form. The second “planning” program receives input from the CRT to develop a data base containing master schedule, inventory, order, lot size and other data. The matrix multiplication of the data base and the indented bill of materials is then done on a disc-to-disc basis, obviating the need for large working memory. This second program also provides for revision of the data base as the time periods progress. Results are printed by a third program that essentially despools the matrix products. Limited testing using data from a cooperating firm indicates usefulness with a minimal computer configuration. Extension to larger firms seems feasible with modest memory expansion.
Limitation of the Homeostasis Model Assessment to Predict Insulin Resistance and β-Cell Dysfunction in Older People

Context: Studies in older people have shown inconsistent agreement betweenhomeostasismodelassessmentofinsulinresistance(HOMAIR) and dynamic measures of insulin action and have not evaluated HOMA -cell.
Usefulness and uses of climate forecasts for agricultural extension in South Carolina, USA

Farmers and extensionists can use forecasts about agro-climatic conditions to reduce risks of agricultural production. Eighteen extension agents, researchers, consultants, and farmers provided feedback about decision support tools that utilize such forecasts during focus groups that were conducted in Florence, South Carolina on January 14, 2011. Climate Risk and County Yield Database were the tools most selected as potentially useful for agricultural extension in South Carolina. An irrigation scheduler was the most frequently mentioned tool to be developed. Also, a survey of Clemson University’s extension personnel was conducted in January and February 2011 to assess interest of South Carolina’s growers and producers in using climate forecasts, eleven potential uses of climate forecasts by extension’s clientele, and potential usefulness to extensionists of twelve specific forecasts. Clemson’s extensionists represent approximately 97 % of the state’s agricultural extensionists. They are more likely than not to agree that growers and producers are interested in using climate forecasts. Most of the state’s extension personnel also think that farmers could use a climate forecast to improve irrigation management and planting schedules. A majority of the state’s extensionists thinks that a freeze alert could be useful to them and the proportion that thinks the forecast could be useful exceeds the proportion that thinks any other forecast could be useful. Most extensionists also think that a forecast of plant moisture stress could be useful to help farmers schedule irrigation. The key survey results are remarkably similar to those from surveys of extension personnel at North Carolina State University in early 2009 and University of Florida in late 2004.
Oncogenes, growth factors, and signal transduction.

HOW external growth signals are transmitted from the surface of the cell to the nucleus is one of the fundamental problems of cell biology. Research in the field of signal transduction has been mot...
Using a jail-based survey to monitor HIV and risk behaviors among seattle area injection drug users

Routine monitoring of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and risk behaviors among injection drug users (IDUs) is difficult outside drug treatment settings. We developed and implemented a survey of recently arrested IDUs to describe the prevalence of HIV, drug use, and sexual behaviors among them. A probability sampling survey was instituted in the King County Correctional Facility in Seattle, Washington, to sample recently arrested IDUs at the time of booking and in the jail health clinic between 1998 and 1999. Following HIV risk assessment and blood draw, additional information on drug use practices was gathered using a standardized questionnaire. Potential participants who were released from jail early could complete the study at a nearby research storefront office. Of the 4,344 persons intercepted at booking, 503 (12%) reported injection drug use, and 201 of the IDUs (40%) participated in the study. An additional 161 IDUs were enrolled in the study from the jail health clinic. Among the 348 unduplicated subjects, HIV prevalence was 2%; in the past 6 months, 69% reported two or more shooting partners, 72% used a cooker after someone else, 60% shared a syringe to divide up drugs, and 62% injected with used needles. Only 37% reported being hepatitis C seropositive, and 8% reported hepatitis B vaccination. It was feasible to conduct a jail-based survey of recently arrested IDUs that yielded useful information. The high prevalence of reported risky drug use practices warrants ongoing monitoring and illustrates the need for improving prevention programs for HIV and hepatitis B and C in this population, including expansion of hepatitis C screening and provision of hepatitis B vaccination at the jail health clinic.
Commitment Problems as a Cause of War Severity

Logics of War: Explanations for Limited and Unlimited Conflicts. By Weisiger Alex. Ithaca: Cornell University Press, 2013. 320 pp., $45.00 hardcover (ISBN-13: 978-0-801-45186-7). Alex Weisiger's Logics of War observes that most wars last a few months and kill thousands, while a few others last years and kill hundreds of thousands or even millions. In a well-written and well-organized text, Weisiger offers an explanation for why this is so: short wars are usually driven by mutual optimism or domestic politics, while long wars are caused by commitment problems. Suggesting that commitment problems are a root cause of long, severe wars is not new (Powell 2006, 2012; Reiter 2009). Weisiger, however, expands on existing rationalist arguments about war termination by sorting out the effects of commitment problems caused by power shifts from those caused by a leader's perceived aggressive disposition. He also provides compelling quantitative evidence—something lacking in previous research on commitment problems. Finally, the work's theory is ably illustrated in case studies of World War II and the Paraguayan War, as well as in shorter case studies of the Crimean, Pacific, Iran–Iraq, Falklands, Franco-Turkish, and Anglo-Persian Wars. The book's argument begins with the insight that in order for a war to end, the causes of that war must be removed (Blainey 1988). Like Reiter (2009), Weisiger contends that private information held ante bellum is revealed swiftly by battles, provided the war is intensely fought. This means that mutual optimism cannot cause long, intense …
The position of repetitive DNA sequence in the southern cattle tick genome permits chromosome identification

Fluorescent in-situ hybridization (FISH) using meiotic chromosome preparations and highly repetitive DNA from the southern cattle tick, Rhipicephalus microplus, was undertaken to investigate genome organization. Several classes of highly repetitive DNA elements were identified by screening a R. microplus bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) library. A repeat unit of approximately 149 bp, RMR-1 was localized to the subtelomeric regions of R. microplus autosomes 1-6 and 8-10. A second repeat unit, RMR-2 was localized to the subtelomeric regions of all autosomes and the X chromosome. RMR-2 was composed of three distinct repeat populations, RMR-2a, RMR-2b and RMR-2c of 178, 177 and 216 bp in length, respectively. Localization of an rDNA probe identified a single nucleolar organizing region on one autosome. Using a combination of labeled probes, we developed a preliminary karyotype for R. microplus. We present evidence that R. microplus has holocentric chromosomes and explore the implications of these findings for tick chromosome biology and genomic research.
Bacterial stimulation of adventitious rooting on in vitro cultured slash pine (Pinus elliottii Engelm.) seedling explants

A bacterium has been isolated that initiates adventitious rooting when co-cultured under in vitro conditions with seedling-produced hypocotylary explants of slash pine (Pinus elliottii). Rooting efficiencies produced through bacterial-explant co-culture range from approximately 15% to greater than 90% over non-treated controls. Explant exposure to the root inducing bacterium has produced no obvious pathology in the regenerated plantlets. Seedling explants rooted by bacterial-explant co-culture have been successfully transitioned to ambient greenhouse conditions.