cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evidence of behavioral co-option from context-dependent variation in mandible use in trap-jaw ants (Odontomachus spp.)

Evolutionary co-option of existing structures for new functions is a powerful yet understudied mechanism for generating novelty. Trap-jaw ants of the predatory genus Odontomachus are capable of some of the fastest self-propelled appendage movements ever recorded; their devastating strikes are not only used to disable and capture prey, but produce enough force to launch the ants into the air. We tested four Odontomachus species in a variety of behavioral contexts to examine if their mandibles have been co-opted for an escape mechanism through ballistic propulsion. We found that nest proximity makes no difference in interactions with prey, but that prey size has a strong influence on the suite of behaviors employed by the ants. In trials involving a potential threat (another trap-jaw ant species), vertical jumps were significantly more common in ants acting as intruders than in residents (i.e. a dangerous context), while horizontal jumps occurred at the same rate in both contexts. Additionally, horizontal jump trajectories were heavily influenced by the angle at which the substrate was struck and appear to be under little control by the ant. We conclude that while horizontal jumps may be accidental side-effects of strikes against hard surfaces, vertical escape jumps are likely intentional defensive behaviors that have been co-opted from the original prey-gathering and food-processing functions of Odontomachus jaws.
Some observations on the wear of single point diamond tools used for machining glass

The wear pattern on a single point diamond tool used for machining glass is studied. Possible wear mechanisms are proposed on the basis of additional sliding wear tests and observations by scanning electron and optical microscopy. The wear process is believed to take place in two stages, one involving a polishing mechanism and the other consisting of crack propagation which occurs after the accumulation of a certain amount of damage. The importance of the crystallographic orientation of the diamond single crystal, particularly for crack propagation along cleavage planes is pointed out. It is concluded that the likelihood of rapid deterioration of the diamond tool may be decreased by proper crystallographic orientation.
Olfactory Toxicity of Methimazole: Dose-Response and Structure-Activity Studies and Characterization of Flavin-Containing Monooxygenase Activity in the Long-Evans Rat Olfactory Mucosa:

Methimazole is a compound administered to humans for the treatment of hyperthyroidism and is used experimentally as a model substrate for the flavin-containing monooxygenase (FMO) system. Previous results from this laboratory demonstrated that methimazole is an olfactory system toxicant, causing nearly complete destruction of the olfactory epithelium in the male Long-Evans rat following a single ip dose of 300 mg/kg. The present studies were undertaken to determine the dose-response relationship for methimazole-induced olfactory mucosal damage and to determine whether or not similar damage occurs as a result of oral administration, mimicking the relevant route of human exposure. We also investigated the mechanism of olfactory toxicity of methimazole by means of a structure-activity study and began the characterization of the form(s) of FMO present in the olfactory mucosa of the male Long-Evans rat. Dose-response analysis demonstrated that methimazole causes olfactory mucosal damage at doses of 25 mg/kg ip and greater. The results of gavage studies showed that a single oral dose of 50 mg/kg also caused olfactory mucosal damage. Two structurally related compounds, methylimidazole and methylpyrrole, were not olfactory toxicants, suggesting that a reactive intermediate generated in the course of metabolizing methimazole to an S-oxide is the olfactory toxic species. Microsomal incubation studies revealed the presence of methimazole S-oxidation activity in olfactory mucosal microsomes at levels comparable to those in liver. An anti-mouse liver FMO antibody reacted on Western blots with olfactory mucosal microsomes. These findings demonstrate a dose-response for the olfactory toxicity of methimazole and suggest that characterization of human olfactory mucosal FMO activity may be necessary to assess the potential for human risk associated with therapeutic exposure to methimazole.
Weakening of ion-channel interactions of Na + and Li + in acetylcholine-receptor channels of frog skeletal muscle with an increase in agonist concentration

The possibility that increases in agonist concentration beyond threshold levels may force changes in the character of high-conductance open states of skeletal muscle nicotinic acetylcholine receptor channels (nAChR) was examined by seeing whether differences in several critical ionic properties of nAChR currents could be detected with changes in agonist level. Single- and bi-ionic whole-cell currents of Na+ and Li+ in voltage-clamped frog (Rana pipiens) muscle fibers were measured during local superfusion of endplates with carbamylcholine (carb) at concentra- tions of 54 μm (low-carb) and 270 μM (high-carb). Three ionic properties that would be affected by changes in the open-state configuration of channel subunits were tested. First, ion-saturation characteristics. Peak Na+ and Li+ currents in low-carb trials showed sublinear dependence on ion concentrations from 0 to 60 mM with Km values of 78 (Na+) and 49 (Li+) mM and a power function slope of 0.75 on double-log plot. In contrast, the concentration dependence of Na+ and Li+ currents in high-carb tests was linear through the origin with a power function slope of 1.02. Second, Na+/Li+ selectivity. The ratio of peak Na+ and Li+ currents in low-carb tests varied from 1.86 to 2.28 for ion concentrations of from 20 to 60 mM [mean = 2.02 ± 0.06 (SEM)] whereas the ratio for high-carb trials ranged from only 1.29 to 1.52 [mean = 1.42 ± 0.40 (SEM)]. Third, com- petitive interactions of Na+ and Li+ currents. Equimolar mixtures of Na+ and Li+ in low-carb tests produced bi-ionic inward currents which were never larger than the single-ion Na+ current alone, but bi-ionic currents at the high-carb level were always greater than the single-ion Na+ current, approximating the sum of the single-ion Na+ and Li+ currents in most cases. The results are consistent with a decrease in ion-channel binding at the high-carb level and support the possibility of agonist-induced changes in the high-conductance open-state configuration of nAChR subunits which result in a weakening of constraints on cation movements through the channel.
Processing cotton gin trash to enhance in vitro dry matter digestibility in reduced time.

Cotton gin trash (CGT) in the raw form is poorly digested by ruminants due to lignocellulosic complexes. These structures must be broken down before adequate digestion can occur. This may be performed by physical and/or chemical means. Two methods for improving digestibility are particle size reduction and/or treatment with sodium hydroxide (NaOH). To evaluate the effectiveness of each method, three experiments were performed in which different CGT types were tested. Each type represented trash from a particular cleaning stage in the cotton ginning process. First, each type was ground with a knife-type grinding mill using screen sizes 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mm. For the second experiment, particle size was held constant at 2 mm, and all CGT types were treated with 4% and 6% NaOH (w/w) at room temperature. An agitation cycle of 5 min on and 10 min off was used, with the total mixing time being 4 h. Lastly, particle size and NaOH concentration were held constant, and treatments were performed at room temperature, 40 °C, and 50 °C. The total mixing times were 2 and 3 h for 50 and 40 °C, respectively. For all experiments two subsamples of each treatment were tested for in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD). From grinding alone, digestibility increased as particle size decreased. Grinding to 0.5 mm resulted in an average IVDMD of 47.8% while grinding to 2.0 mm resulted in an average IVDMD of only 33.8%. Digestibility also improved with a greater NaOH concentration. An average in vitro digestibility of 70.5% was achieved with 6% NaOH (w/w) treatment, essentially doubling that of the raw CGT. Increasing the reaction temperature did not result in increased digestibility because the mixture dried out, with a consequent reduction in chemical distribution and uniformity in heat transfer. There are still chemical residues in the CGT, and elimination/reduction of these is an issue that needs to be addressed in further research.
Reliable red-emitting laser diodes grown by solid source molecular beam epitaxy

Abstract We achieved over 1000 h stable continuous wave (CW) operation of AlGaInP laser diodes (LDs) with output power of 30 mW at 50°C by using all solid source molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). In this paper the essential points for reliability are described. If sufficient outgassing of source materials was performed, secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) signals of hydrogen and oxygen from the as-grown layers became small. Reduction of these impurities dramatically increased photoluminescence (PL) intensity and decreased the threshold currents of LDs. Growth condition dependence of device performance was also investigated. Whilst the acceptable ranges of V/III ratio and phosphorus cracking temperature needed to obtain reliable operation were extensive, the suitable growth temperature range was limited.
Contributions of Forest Opal and Associated Crystalline Phases to Fine Silt Clay Fractions of Soils

The scanning electron microscope (SEM) is useful in the identification of biogenic opal. Opaline spheres, cups, and scrolled or convoluted sheets were identified in both soil and vegetative isolates. X-ray diffraction analysis indicates that both alpha quartz and cristobalite were co-associated with the amorphous opaline phase synthesized during life metabolism of deciduous tree leaves. Such crystalline phases were most abundant in the 2–5 μm fraction and many consist of anitsotropic rods with parallel extinction or equidimensional bodies with aggregate extinction. Between 2/3 and 3/4 of the total opal isolate from deciduous tree leaves was solubilized when digested for 2–5-min in boiling 0.5 N NaOH. Rate of dissolution was a function of particle-size and tree species. Biogenic opal of forest origin was about 10–15 times more soluble than grass opal, which probably reflects the higher specific surface of the former.
Reversal learning in the developing malnourished rhesus monkey.

Two experiments were run in which monkeys subjected to a low protein diet were tested on a series of object-discrimination learning and reversal problems. In the first experiment year old monkeys were tested before going on the diet. At 14 months a diet containing 3% protein was introduced and one month later testing was resumed. No significant changes in performance were found. In the second experiment 150 day-old monkeys that had been on the low protein diet since they were 90 days old were compared with controls reared on normal diets on the learning and reversal problems. The low protein animals were inferior on learning the reversal problems.
Mechanism for the difference in lifetimes of charged and neutral D mesons

The reaction ${D}^{0}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}s+\overline{d}+\mathrm{gluon}$ is proposed as a source for the difference in the life-times of the charged and neutral $D$ mesons. In a nonrelativistic bound-state model the rate for the reaction is found to depend on the ratio $\frac{{f}_{D}}{{m}_{u}}$. For reasonable values of this ratio the observed difference in the lifetimes may be accounted for.
Diversification Decisions in Family‐Controlled Firms

This study examines diversification decisions of family firms and suggests that on average family firms diversify less both domestically and internationally than non-family firms. When they do diversify, family firms tend to opt for domestic rather than international diversification, and those that go the latter route prefer to choose regions that are ‘culturally close’. Lastly, we find that family firms are more willing to diversify as business risk increases. The hypotheses are tested using a sample of 360 firms, 160 of them being family-controlled and the rest (200) non-family-controlled.
Building a Support System toward Tenure: Challenges and Needs of Tenure-Track Faculty in Colleges of Education.

This article describes the experiences, perceptions, and available support systems of untenured faculty from a south eastern United States public university system in their progress toward tenure. Survey results were used to develop a model support system for new faculty. Data were collected from an online survey sent to 191 tenure‐track faculty in colleges of education, yielding a 50% (n = 96) response rate. The following research questions guided this research: (a) What are the expectations for teaching, research and service in the colleges of education surveyed? (b) In what ways are untenured faculty supported and/or mentored? (c) What kind of support system(s) need(s) to be in place to assist new faculty in balancing teaching, research, and service expectations? In this mixed‐methods study, respondents were asked about their workload, expectations for tenure, and formal and informal support they received on the tenure track. Untenured faculty reported stressful and unbalanced lifestyles, and work expe...
Direct Verification of Threaded Fastener Locking Compounds and Adhesives

This article explores the feasibility of a method to directly verify that thread lock compound or adhesive has cured sufficiently to provide secondary locking. The application of a torque after assembly and cure time was found to provide a viable verification test. Fastener material and coatings were found to significantly affect cure. For example, medium-strength anaerobic compound used with fasteners made of inactive material such as stainless steel had curing issues which prevented determination of a useful verification test torque. However, modifications such as higher-strength compound or primer can be introduced making this method viable even for fasteners made with inactive materials and coatings. This article outlines a process to implement this method in practice. This requires sample tests with representative product to determine a test verification torque. This process is particularly useful in identifying curing and locking performance issues, and provides guidance for modification so that the method can be successfully implemented in practice. Test results show that application of verification test torque with or without standard vibration test exposure does not degrade the locking performance.
Two genes of the anaerobic fungus Orpinomyces sp. strain PC-2 encoding cellulases with endoglucanase activities may have arisen by gene duplication

A cDNA designated celE cloned from Orpinomyces PC-2 consisted of an open reading frame encoding a polypeptide (CelE) of 477 amino acids. CelE was highly homologous to CelBs of Orpinomyces (72.3% identity) and Neocallimastix (67.9% identity) and like them it had a non-catalytic repeated peptide domain (NCRPD) at the C-terminal end. The catalytic domain of CelE was homologous to glycosyl hydrolases of Family 5, found in several anaerobic bacteria. The gene of celE was devoid of introns. The recombinant proteins CelE and CelB of Orpinomyces PC-2 randomly hydrolyzed carboxymethylcellulose and cello-oligosaccharides in the pattern of endoglucanases. The results indicated that a gene of bacterial origin was duplicated to form celE and celB of Orpinomyces PC-2.
Ultrastructural Studies of Spermatozoa and the Epithelial Lining of the Epididymis and Vas Deferens in Rats Treated with Gossypol

This study was undertaken to determine the effects at early time intervals of gossypol on sperm motility and on the ultrastructure of rat epididymal and vasal sperm and epididymal and vasal epithelium. Rats were treated by gavage with 20 or 30 mg/kg/day of gossypol for 7 weeks; control animals were unfed or received the vehicle alone. The results confirm and extend earlier observations demonstrating that epididymal sperm of gossypol-treated rats exhibit distinct ultrastructural changes under the experimental conditions employed. The severity and frequency of the degenerative changes appear to increase with dose and duration of treatment. Striking ultrastructural defects can be seen as early as 3 weeks after 20 mg/kg/day of gossypol. By the fifth week of either 20 or 30 mg/kg/day of gossypol, significant damage to virtually all sperm flagella is observed throughout the epididymal duct of all treated rats. The initial and predominant defect is degeneration of the midpiece mitochondria but additional flagell...
Simple Parallel Statistical Computing in R

Theoretically, many modern statistical procedures are trivial to parallelize. However, practical deployment of a parallelized implementation which is robust and reliably runs on different computational cluster configurations and environments is far from trivial. We present a framework for the R statistical computing language that provides a simple yet powerful programming interface to a computational cluster of CPUs. This interface allows the rapid development of R functions that distribute independent computations across the nodes of the computational cluster. The approach can be extended to finer grain parallelization if needed. The resulting framework allows statisticians to obtain significant speed-ups for some computations at little additional development cost. The particular implementation can be deployed in ad-hoc heterogeneous computing environments.
Suramin Induces Phosphorylation of the High‐Affinity Nerve Growth Factor Receptor in PC12 Cells and Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons

Suramin is a polysulfonated naphthylurea with demonstrated antineoplastic activity. Toxicity includes adrenal insufficiency and peripheral neuropathy. Although the mechanism of antitumor activity is unknown, inhibition of binding of growth factors to their receptors has been suggested. Growth factors inhibited by suramin include platelet-derived growth factor, fibroblast growth factor, transforming growth factor, epidermal growth factor, insulin-like growth factor, and nerve growth factor (NGF). In these studies, suramin was shown to be cytotoxic to PC12 cells in a dose-dependent manner. At lower doses and in surviving cells, we observed the induction of neurite outgrowth. To determine the mechanism of suramin-induced neurite outgrowth, PC12 cells were exposed to suramin and/or NGF for various time periods and treated cells were analyzed, by western blot analysis, for expression of tyrosine phosphoproteins. There was a similarity in the pattern of tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins in PC12 cells stimulated with suramin or NGF. Of particular interest was the rapid phosphorylation (by 1 min) of the high-affinity NGF (TrkA) receptor. Activation of other members of the signal-transduction cascade (Shc, p21ras, Raf-1, ERK-1) revealed similar phosphorylation levels induced by suramin and NGF. Parallel studies were performed in rat dorsal root ganglion cultures; suramin potentiated neurite outgrowth and activated the NGF receptor on these cells. This finding of specific patterns of tyrosine phosphorylation of cellular proteins in response to suramin treatment demonstrated that suramin is a partial agonist for the NGF receptor in both PC12 cells and dorsal root ganglion neurons.
Core and valence level XPS of clean, cleaved single crystal surfaces of YBa2Cu3O7

Abstract Single crystal with sharp superconducting transitions were cleaved in ultrahigh vacuum at 300 K. Y, Ba, Cu, O core and valence level photoemission spectra were taken using monochromatized Al Kα(1486.6 eV) radiation. This data includes the first clean and intrinsic XPS spectra of the Y 123 superconductor, as judged by the lack contaminant features and the single featured Ba and Y lines.
Instrument Ball Bearing Cross-Torque Control

A pair of ball bearings may produce a mechanical torque at right angles to their spin axis, in addition to their friction torque, which is directed along the spin axis. This paper offers experimental proof that the relative motions of the bearing elements may be controlled so as to insure zero cross-torque. Presented as an American Society of Lubrication Engineers paper at the ASME/ASLE Lubrication Conference held in Cincinnati, Ohio, October 13–15, 1970
Effect of Exposure to an Alcohol Diet for 10 Days on the Ability of Interleukin‐1β to Release ACTH and Corticosterone in the Adult Ovariectomized Female Rat

Adult ovariectomized female rats were fed an alcohol diet for 10 days. Animals fed ad libitum, or fed an isocaloric diet (pair-fed), were also included in all experiments. The intravenous injection of interleukin-β caused dose-related increases in plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels in all three groups of rats. However, alcohol-fed animals showed a significant blunting of their ACTH, but not corticosterone response, in comparison with rats fed ad libitum or pair-fed. In contrast, corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) injection caused overall statistically comparable ACTH secretory rates in all animals, although small differences were observed in some cases. Exposure to mild electroshocks for 30 min significantly increased ACTH values in all animals, but alcohol-fed rats again showed blunted release. In this paradigm, pair-fed animals exhibited a response that was intermediate between that of the ad libitum and alcohol-fed groups. We conclude that chronic alcohol consumption decreases the response of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis to cytokines and mild footshocks. This suggests that the activity of both CRF nerve terminals in the median eminence, and of CRF perikarya in the hypothalamus, is inhibited by this treatment, although pituitary responsiveness to CRF appears unchanged.
Periodic properties of groupbound semigroups II

An element a of a semigroup S is sa~d to be groupboun d [5] if some power of a belongs to a subgroup of S. The semigroup S is said to be groupbound if all its elements are groupbound. In [6] the authors gave some results that indicated the property of being groupbound was a kind of generalv ized periodicity. (L.N. Sevrin has called groupbound semigroups by quasiperiodic semigroups, [12, 13, 14, 15]. Earlier literature [8] has used "pseudoinvertible ~ instead of "groupbound.") In this paper, we give further periodic properties of groupbound semlgroups. The first section gives some results essentially from the literature. Most of these are for regular semigroups. In the second section two decomposition theorems, known [7] for periodic semigroups, are proved for groupbound semlgroups. We will follow standard notations as in Clifford and Preston [2], and Petrlch [I0]. I. GENERALITIES AND REGULARITY A sem~group S is said to have periodic condition on principal left (resp. right) ideals, denoted PL
The photochemistry of methyl geranate, a model chromophore for insect juvenile hormone analogs

Abstract The irradiation of methyl geranate (3) in ether using 254 nm lamps produces methyl 5-methyl-2-isopropenyl-4-hexenoate (13), 1,6,6-trimethyl-endo-5-carbomethoxybicyclo-[2.1.1]hexane (11), methyl 2-isopropenyl-5-methylcyclopentanecarboxylate (12) and methyl (3Z)-3,7-dimethyl-3,6-octadlenoate (14). Photolysis run in water or in ether in the presence of base generates two additional dienes: methyl 3-methylene-7-methyl-6-octenoate (16) and methyl (3E)-3,7-dimethyl-3,6-octadienoate (17). The photolysis of methyl (2E, 6E)-3,7-dimethyl-2,6-nonadienoate (4a) in ether produces all Z E isomers, 4a – 4d.
Critical heat flux and heat transfer for high heat flux applications

Mesure de flux thermiques critiques a l'ebullition dans des tubes horizontaux de cuivre en ecoulements annulaires et sous refroidis dans un large domaine de debit massique. Comparaison des donnees experimentales avec 3 correlations proposees
Cutting Microfinance Interest Rates: An Opportunity Co–Creation Perspective:

Microfinance is a social innovation to alleviate poverty by providing small, unsecured loans to local indigent entrepreneurs. Many borrowers use microfinance loans to seed their small entrepreneurial businesses. However, high interest rates charged by microfinance institutions (MFIs) are likely to increase the financial burden of those borrowers. In this study, we adopt an opportunity co-creation perspective to analyze the factors that affect microfinance interest rates. We argue that new opportunities in a social venture could be co-created by multiple stakeholders, including MFIs, borrower communities, female borrowers, governments, MFI managers, and employees. We tested our hypothese on interest rate setting of MFIs by using 4,187 organization-year observations from 2003 to 2011 across 93 countries, and the empirical results largely support the hypotheses. Our opportunity co-creation perspective extends the current understanding on microfinance and provides important managerial implications.
Freeze-fracture analysis of plasma membrane cholesterol in fast- and slow-twitch muscles.

We studied cholesterol in mammalian muscle plasma membranes by analyzing complex formation with the sterol-specific ligand digitonin. Freeze-fracture of muscles treated with digitonin showed patches of tubular complexes that were convex on P faces and concave on E faces. We found a consistent variation in the extent of digitonin complex formation in different muscles according to the predominant fiber type. The slow-twitch soleus had a significantly greater proportion of surface area taken up by digitonin complexes than the predominantly fast-twitch extensor digitorum longus and anterior sternomastoid. This suggests that slow-twitch muscle fibers have a higher concentration of cholesterol in their plasma membrane, consistent with biochemical studies that have shown they have a greater total cholesterol content. A difference in membrane cholesterol could account for functional differences between fast- and slow-twitch muscle plasma membranes.
Efficient approximations of quasi‐linear diffusion coefficients in the radiation belts

[1] Combined pitch angle and energy diffusion are key ingredients in current models of radiation belt electron dynamics. Bounce-averaged quasi-linear diffusion coefficients can be approximated with a recently developed approach based on the ranges of wave normal angle compatible with cyclotron and Landau resonance within a prescribed wave frequency band, as has been demonstrated for a model of chorus waves. The method casts nested, multiple integrals over wave normal angle as a single weighted average, which is further approximated by evaluation at only a few, carefully chosen points. Here, the method is shown to agree well with results for more recent models of chorus, electromagnetic ion cyclotron waves, and whistler mode hiss. Highly oblique magnetosonic waves are also considered, and a related approach is developed which is shown to give a good approximation for their diffusion rates.
Capsaicin: hot new pharmacological tool

The article by S. H. Buck and T. F. Burks (TIPS 4, 84-87) is a good overview of recent investigations and will probably have a stimulating effect on further research. Therefore, it is necessary to clarify some points to avoid confusion or misinterpretation. This is the second review in which cap, saicin has been called a derivative of homovanillic acid. In fact, capsaicin is the acylamide of vanillylamine and 8-methyl-6 trans-nonenoic acid. Acylamides of homovanillic acid are able to produce iden- tical effects to those of capsaicin 1, but the difference in chemical structure should not be ignored. To he precise, capsaicin is not a 'new' pharmacological tool, because it has been used for this purpose by the group of the late Nicholas Jancs6 (who is the father of G. Jancs6, cited in the article) for more than three decades. It is certainly true that inter- esting new aspects (selective substance P depletion and interaction with nerve growth factor) have only recently been discovered. It should also he stressed that capsaicin is a selective, useful tool in vitro. Capsaicin- sensitive neural responses of isolated organs can be completely abolished by the drug without affecting adrenergic, cholinergic, purinergic, or even some pep, tidergic neural responses. The irreversible nature of the blockade and the more than 1 000 times concentration range of its neurone-selective effect is particularly use- rid. The variety of methods of application of capsaicin is one of the main advantages of the drug. Its neurone-selective effect on sensory neurones resembles that of guanethidine on adrenergic neurones (neurone blockade with depletion after ini- tial excitation of the nerve endings, fol- lowed by similar ultrastructural changes after higher doses, or even neurotoxic degeneration when it is given to neonates). On the basis of this analogy capsaicin and its congeners have been classified as sen- sory neurone blocking agents 1.
New insights into the molecular mechanisms of store-operated Ca2+ signaling in T cells

The activation of Ca 2+ entry through store-operated channels by agonists that deplete Ca 2+ from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is an ubiquitous signaling mechanism, the molecular basis of which has remained elusive for the past 20 years. In T lymphocytes, store-operated Ca 2+ -release-activated Ca 2+ (CRAC) channels constitute the sole pathway for Ca 2+ entry following antigen-receptor engagement, and their function is essential for driving the program of gene expression that underlies T-cell activation by antigen. The first molecular components of this pathway have recently been identified: stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1), the ER Ca 2+ sensor, and Orai1, a pore-forming subunit of the CRAC channel. Recent work shows that CRAC channels are activated in a complex fashion that involves the co-clustering of STIM1 in junctional ER directly opposite Orai1 in the plasma membrane. These studies reveal an abundance of sites where Ca 2+ signaling might be controlled to modulate the activity of T cells during the immune response.
The Influence of Protein Environment on the Low Temperature Electronic Spectroscopy of Zn-Substituted Cytochrome c

Low-temperature UV−vis absorption and Stark-effect hole-burning spectra of Zn substituted cytochrome c are studied experimentally and theoretically using quantum mechanical and Poisson−Boltzmann el...
Lessons Learned while Optimizing Instrument Sensitivity for Deep Ocean Raman Spectroscopy

Over the last several years, scientists and engineers at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) have successfully developed and deployed two generations of deep ocean laser Raman spectrometers. There are many advantages to this type of spectroscopy: it is rapid, non-destructive, and can be used to analyze solids, liquids, and gases. Unfortunately, one of the disadvantages of using Raman spectroscopy is that the return signal measured is very weak. Thus, it is difficult to detect dilute chemical compounds in solution, such as bicarbonate and carbonate ions at natural concentrations. This paper discusses the efforts we have made to increase the sensitivity of our second generation Deep Ocean Raman In Situ Spectrometer (DORISS2). In developing this second generation instrument, we incorporated new components which improved system performance. These components include a new ruggedized U-shaped spectrometer and a back-illuminated CCD camera which is much more sensitive than our original front-illuminated CCD camera. The element which has had the most impact on system sensitivity is a set of new custom-made fiber optic cables. We had built several sets of custom fiber optic cables, but despite our efforts, their performance degraded substantially over time. Recently, we developed a new oil-filled pressure-compensated fiber optic cable which performs far better in pressure testing and is much more robust. At 6000 psig, this cable shows losses of only 2-3 dB versus our previous cables where losses of 25-30 dB were common. This new fiber optic cable was field tested in May and showed markedly improved performance.
Effect of cobalt and other divalent cations on oöcyte development of the black blowfly, Phormia regina (Meigen)

Abstract Results showed that injections of the divalent cation cobalt, a calcium channel blocker, at effective haemolymph concentrations of 2.1, 3.4 or 5.0 mM, immediately prior to liver feeding, retarded or inhibited egg development by influencing vitellogenin uptake in Phormia regina. Topical application of methoprene (a juvenile hormone analogue) to cobalt-injected flies partially restored the otherwise inhibited egg development. Since vitellogenin uptake in this fly is controlled by juvenile hormone, cobalt may affect oocyte development at least partly through its effect on juvenile hormone biosynthesis. Rates of juvenile hormone biosynthesis by the corpus allatum, in vitro, in cobalt-injected flies fell into three levels of 0.48 ± 0.01, 0.72 ± 0.12 and 0.97 ± 0.08 pmol/gland pair/h. These three levels of rates of juvenile hormone biosynthesis corresponded well with the three categories of ovary development observed in cobalt-injected flies: undeveloped, partially developed and fully developed. In comparison, the rates of juvenile hormone biosynthesis were 0.03 ± 0.00, 1.16 ± 0.08 and 1.23 ± 0.10 pmol/gland pair/h for sugar-fed, liver-fed, and liver-fed but water-injected control flies, respectively. Effects or lack of effects of several different calcium-replacement divalent cations and a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker (i.e. nifedipine) on oocyte development in P. regina suggested that calcium channels of the corpora allata may be involved in the regulation of juvenile hormone biosynthesis, which then affected oocyte development.
Carbon Nanotube Array Thermal Interfaces Enhanced With Paraffin Wax

Vertically oriented carbon nanotube (CNT) arrays can increase real contact in thermal interfaces and efficiently transfer heat between the mating solids. In this study, a paraffin wax that changes phase at approximately 50°C was applied to interfaces with CNT arrays directly synthesized on one side of the interface, and to foil/CNT interfaces with CNT arrays directly synthesized on one side and both sides of the foil. The bulk thermal resistances of single-sided CNT array/wax interfaces were measured using a transient photoacoustic (PA) technique to range from approximately 2 to 3 mm2 ·K/W under moderate pressures. The bulk thermal resistances of foil/CNT/wax interfaces were measured with the PA technique to range from approximately 10 to 20 mm2 ·K/W under moderate pressures. For each sample structure, the addition of paraffin wax to the CNT arrays produced significant reductions in thermal resistance. We surmise that this improved thermal performance could be a function of the wettability of paraffin wax to CNTs. A hydrophilic wetting angle of approximately 47° was observed at the interface of liquid wax and the free tips of a CNT array at 60°C, and field-emission scanning electron microscope images taken after PA testing revealed individual CNTs that were blanketed with a wax coating.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
The effects of token reinforcement on attending in a young child with autism

The benefits of token economies have been widely established, however there are very few empirical studies on the effects of token reinforcement on the behavior of young children with autism. The establishment of conditioned reinforcers such as tokens may be important in interventions for children with autism. Token reinforcement was used to increase the attending behavior of a young child with autism during discrete trials instruction for academic and communication skills. A reversal design showed that token reinforcement sustained attending only when the back-up reinforcer was available and was accessed immediately. The results extend and corroborate findings on token reinforcement reported in other applied settings and are also consistent with findings from basic research on conditioned reinforcement. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lymphomatoid Granulomatosis Manifested as a Mass in the Cerebellopontine Angle

Lymphomatoid granulomatosis, first described by Liebow et al 1 in 1972, is a rare clinical entity characterized by angiocentric, angiodestructive lymphoreticular proliferation and granulomatous reaction. It initially involves primarily the lung, and in a subsequent sarcomatous stage extrapulmonary tissues are involved. We have recently encountered a case of lymphomatoid granulomatosis with nodular pulmonary infiltrates and symptoms of a rapidly growing mass in the cerebellopontine angle. Central nervous system involvement is by no means uncommon, as it occurs in at least 20% of all patients with lymphomatoid granulomatosis. 1-3 In patients with rapidly developing CNS symptoms associated with nodular lung lesions, lymphomatoid granulomatosis should be considered a strong candidate in the differential diagnosis. REPORT OF A CASE In a 54-year-old man, malaise, restlessness, intermittent fever, and a 15-kg weight loss occurred during the year before admission. Initially, he was treated for a bacterial pneumonia because of bilateral nodular infiltrates shown on
Groundwater seepage along a Barrier Island

Resistivity and water level measurements were made on a barrier island on the south shore of Long Island, New York to examine the distribution of fresh groundwater and the potential for recirculation of saline groundwater. The depth to the base of the freshwater lens was overpredicted by calculations of the static-equilibrium depth to a sharp interface apparently because of the sensitivity of the calculation to the low water-table elevations which are in turn sensitive to variations in sea level because of the existence of a transition zone between fresh and saline groundwater. Mixing and recirculation of saline groundwater at the base of the lens produced a transition zone up to 9.65 m thick. Measurements also support model forecasts of a mean bay level several centimeters above sea level, augmented by atmospheric forcing and wave setup. A time lag of about 8 hours between the response of the ocean level to longshore winds and the corresponding response of the bay level can result in a difference in elevation between the bay and the ocean that is up to four times that produced by other agents such as Stokes transport and density differences. In the presence of differential hydraulic head, bay and ocean water may be exchanged via groundwater flow between the base of the freshwater lens under the barrier beach and a deeper clay layer.
A charged-particle manipulator utilizing a co-axial tube electrodynamic trap with an integrated camera

A charged-particle manipulator was designed and fabricated with an integrated imaging camera allowing real-time in-situ monitoring of trapped particle motion even when the trap device is under motion or rotation. The trap device was made of two co-axial electrically conductive tubes with diameters of 5.5 mm and 7 mm for the inner tube and outer tube, respectively; the imaging camera with its optical fiber bundle was integrated within the tubular trap device to realize a single instrument functioning as a manipulator. Motion of suspended microparticles of 3 μm to 50 μm in diameter can be monitored using the integrated camera regardless of the trap device orientations. This manipulator provides capability of controlled manipulation of trapped particles by tuning the operating conditions while monitoring the feedback of real-time particle motion. Imaging of suspended particles was not interrupted while the manipulator was translated and/or rotated. This integrated manipulator can be used for charged particle transport and repositioning.
A surface study of myosin monolayers and certain biologically important substrates. II. Acetylcholine bromide and synthetic curariform agents.

Abstract Rates and extents of spreading of myosin on various substrates has demonstrated the marked interaction of acetylcholine bromide, and also decamethonium bromide, with myosin. Decamethonium bromide counteracts strongly the action of acetylcholine bromide, while the pentamethonium bromide is most ineffective. Adenosine triphosphate only is capable of nullifying the decamethonium bromide.
Overcoming Challenges of the Technological Age by Teaching Information Literacy Skills

The technological age has forever altered every aspect of life and work. Technology has changed how people locate and view information. However, the transition from print to electronic formats has created numerous challenges for individuals to overcome. These challenges include coping with the massive amounts of information bombarding people and sorting through a multitude of often inferior sources. To adjust and cope, individuals must acquire information literacy skills. The American Library Association defines information literacy as a set of abilities requiring individuals to “recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information.” Information literacy skills are a necessary skill for survival in today's information driven society. Schools must prepare students to be successful in the real world, by teaching them to become effective users of information through information literacy skills. Technological innovations are sure to continue...
Optimism, Anxiety, and Coping in Parents of Children Hospitalized for Spinal Surgery

Abstract Optimistic expectations about outcomes have significant implications for behaviors. Knowing the role that dispositional optimism plays in parents' anxiety and coping responses during their child's surgical experience is essential to aid professionals in bolstering parents' coping and providing support. Parental optimism, anxiety and coping, and whether optimism moderated (changed) the anxiety-coping relationship preoperatively and postoperatively were the factors evaluated in this study. Parents ( N = 60) primarily white of middle and upper middle class, were administered the Life Orientation Test to assess optimism, Spielberger's State Anxiety Scale and the Ways of Coping Questionnaire. Parental anxiety decreased significantly from preoperative to postoperative levels but remained high, indicating that parents continue to be emotionally distressed during their child's recovery. Reappraising the situation more positively (positive reappraisal) was the most often used emotion-focused coping strategy and seeking social support was the most often used problem-focused coping strategy. The preoperative and postoperative anxiety-coping relationships also depended on parents' levels of optimism. The use of emotion-focused coping strategies was not effective for reducing anxiety in highly optimistic parents. Recommendations include continually assessing the parents' need for reassurance and support throughout the surgical experience. Professionals can bolster parental coping by stressing the benefits of surgery and encouraging parents to be actively involved in the child's care and progress.
Teaching of tree data structures using microcomputer graphics

A set of procedures to graphically display ordered and unordered trees has been developed. The procedures have been used in several class demonstration programs to illustrate tree insertion, deletion, and balancing algorithms. The procedures are available for inclusion in student programs so that they can determine if their programs are working correctly. The procedures are written in Turbo Pascal for an IBM PC.
Sampling disturbance in hydrate-bearing sediment pressure cores: NGHP-01 expedition, Krishna–Godavari Basin example

Sampling natural sediments causes unavoidable disturbance as recovered sediments experience changes in stress and strain during drilling, core recovery, transportation, handling, and early stages of testing. In hydrate-bearing sediments, the potential for sampling disturbance may be aggravated, since pressure and temperature changes can lead to hydrate dissociation and gas exsolution. Pressure core technology attempts to recover and characterize hydrate-bearing sediments while preserving them under in situ pressure and temperature conditions, which is an essential requirement to assess the mechanical, physical, chemical, and biological properties of natural hydrate-bearing sediments. Previous studies on near-surface sampling effects are extended in this study to evaluate additional sampling disturbances relevant to hydrate-bearing sediments: (1) hydrate dissociation due to mechanical extension, (2) negative pore pressure generation during unloading (MandeleCryer effect), (3) secondary hydrate formation, (4) changes in hydrate mass as a function of changes in pressure and temperature within the stability field, (5) hydrate anomalous preservation and its benefits for pressure core handling and testing, and (6) relaxation/aging following sampling. Results provide valuable insight to sampler design, coring and operation procedures, high pressure chamber design, and pressure core testing techniques.
Photochemically activated carbon monoxide release for biological targets. Toward developing air-stable photoCORMs labilized by visible light

Abstract The potential therapeutic effects of carbon monoxide in several disease states, and new methodologies for CO delivery to specific targets is a topic of growing interest in mammalian physiology. Here we provide an overview of recent efforts in this laboratory regarding several types of carbonyl complexes of the group 6 metal and of those in other laboratories that are focused on developing photochemical techniques for such CO delivery. Photo-activated carbon monoxide releasing moieties (photoCORMs) based on manganese, iron and group 6 metals are described.
A Bayesian decision approach for sample size determination in phase II trials

Stallard (1998, Biometrics 54, 279-294) recently used Bayesian decision theory for sample-size determination in phase II trials. His design maximizes the expected financial gains in the development of a new treatment. However, it results in a very high probability (0.65) of recommending an ineffective treatment for phase III testing. On the other hand, the expected gain using his design is more than 10 times that of a design that tightly controls the false positive error (Thall and Simon, 1994, Biometrics 50, 337-349). Stallard's design maximizes the expected gain per phase II trial, but it does not maximize the rate of gain or total gain for a fixed length of time because the rate of gain depends on the proportion of treatments forwarding to the phase III study. We suggest maximizing the rate of gain, and the resulting optimal one-stage design becomes twice as efficient as Stallard's one-stage design. Furthermore, the new design has a probability of only 0.12 of passing an ineffective treatment to phase III study.