cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
STIM1 Deficiency Results In Impaired Platelet Procoagulant Activity and Protection From Arterial Thrombosis

Abstract 485 Platelet activation is a central event in thrombosis and hemostasis. We recently demonstrated that most aspects of platelet activation depend on synergistic signaling by two signaling modules: 1) Ca2+/CalDAG-GEFI/Rap1 and 2) PKC/P2Y12/Rap1. The intracellular Ca2+ concentration of platelets is regulated by Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) through the plasma membrane. Stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) was recently identified as the ER Ca2+ sensor that couples Ca2+ store release to SOCE. In this study, we compared the activation response of platelets lacking STIM1−/− or CalDAG-GEFI−/−, both in vitro and in vivo. To specifically investigate Ca2+-dependent platelet activation, some of the experiments were performed in the presence of inhibitors to P2Y12. The murine Stim1 gene was deleted in the megakaryocyte/platelet lineage by breeding Stim flox/flox mice with PF4-Cre mice (STIM1fl/fl). STIM1fl/fl platelets showed markedly reduced SOCE in response to agonist stimulation. aIIbβ3 activation in STIM1fl/fl platelets was significantly reduced in the presence but not in the absence of the P2Y12 inhibitor, 2-MesAMP. In contrast, aIIbb3 activation was completely inhibited in 2-MesAMP-treated CalDAG-GEFI−/− platelets. Deficiency in STIM1, and to a lesser extent in CalDAG-GEFI, reduced phosphatidyl serine (PS) exposure in platelets stimulated under static conditions. PS exposure was completely abolished in both STIM1fl/fl and CalDAG-GEFI−/− platelets stimulated in the presence of 2-MesAMP. To test the ability of platelets to form thrombi under conditions of arterial shear stress, we performed flow chamber experiments with anticoagulated blood perfused over a collagen surface. Thrombus formation was abolished in CalDAG-GEFI−/− blood and WT blood treated with 2-MesAMP. In contrast, STIM1fl/fl platelets were indistinguishable from WT platelets in their ability to form thrombi. STIM1fl/fl platelets, however, were impaired in their ability to express PS when adhering to collagen under flow. Consistently, when subjected to a laser injury thrombosis model, STIM1fl/fl mice showed delayed and reduced fibrin generation, resulting in the formation of unstable thrombi. In conclusion, our studies indicate a critical role of STIM1 in SOCE and platelet procoagulant activity, but not in CalDAG-GEFI mediated activation of aIIbb3 integrin. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Hydrodynamic Richtmyer-Meshkov Instability of Metallic Solids Used to Assess Material Deformation at High Strain-Rates

Material strength properties for metals under shock loading conditions were investigated using high-fidelity, ultra-high-speed X-ray diagnostics. High-strain rate Richtmyer-Meshkov instability (RMI) experiments were performed with an explosive powder driven gas gun at the Advanced Photon Source (APS) located at Argonne National Laboratory. Metal targets (copper and aluminum) with a prescribed sinusoidal interface, were studied using photonic Doppler velocimetry (PDV) and X-ray phase contrast imaging (PCI). The metal targets were impacted at velocities up to ~2.25 mm/μs with subsequent maximum strain rates ranging between 107–108 s−1. The instability was recorded using X-ray PCI having a spatial resolution of 2–3 microns with sub-nanosecond exposures. Due to the constructive/destructive interference of X-rays and other challenges with artifacts associated with PCI, edge extraction must be robust against deviations in brightness, contrast, and noise. For the experimental images, a phase congruency feature detection algorithm outputs quantitative descriptors of edges for the metal jet size and shape. Computational hydrocode simulations were used to fit parameters for various strength models, with good agreement. The spatial and temporal resolution of our measurements allow validation and expansion of previously documented literature on these materials.
Intermolecular Hydrogen Bonding between Poly[(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate] (PHB) and Pseudoboehmite (PB) and Its Effect on Crystallization of PHB

In the present study, we focused on the intermolecular H-bonding interactions of poly[(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) with an inorganic material, pseudoboehmite (PB), and its effect on PHB crystallizat...
Educational Review: GPS Applications and Vulnerability Implications

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is utilized within various applications of society prevalent in the automotive, power, and even the financial industries. However, the vulnerabilities of the GPS signal should be brought to attention as national infrastructure becomes more dependent on these signals. They in turn will become more susceptible to attacks and illicit tampering. Phasor Measuring Units are one example of a vulnerable piece of equipment used in the power industry. These devices rely on precise timing signals, and any jamming or spoofing attack on these systems could cause significant measurement errors in a power system. However, there are steps that can be taken to prevent and defend against attacks in both future and existing systems.
Novel Approaches, Drug Candidates, and Targets in Pain Drug Discovery

Because of the problems associated with opioids, drug discovery efforts have been employed to develop opioids with reduced side effects using approaches such as biased opioid agonism, multifunctional opioids, and allosteric modulation of opioid receptors. Receptor targets such as adrenergic, cannabinoid, P2X3 and P2X7, NMDA, serotonin, and sigma, as well as ion channels like the voltage-gated sodium channels Nav1.7 and Nav1.8 have been targeted to develop novel analgesics. Several enzymes, such as soluble epoxide hydrolase, sepiapterin reductase, and MAGL/FAAH, have also been targeted to develop novel analgesics. In this review, old and recent targets involved in pain signaling and compounds acting at these targets are summarized. In addition, strategies employed to reduce side effects, increase potency, and efficacy of opioids are also elaborated. This review should aid in propelling drug discovery efforts to discover novel analgesics.
OsNAC109 regulates senescence, growth and development by altering the expression of senescence- and phytohormone-associated genes in rice

We demonstrate that OsNAC109 regulates senescence, growth and development via binding to the cis-element CNTCSSNNSCAVG and altering the expression of multiple senescence- and hormone-associated genes in rice. The NAC family is one of the largest transcripton factor families in plants and plays an essential role in plant development, leaf senescence and responses to biotic/abiotic stresses through modulating the expression of numerous genes. Here, we isolated and characterized a novel yellow leaf 3 (yl3) mutant exhibiting arrested-growth, increased accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), decreased level of soluble proteins, increased level of malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced activities of ROS scavenging enzymes, altered expression of photosynthesis and senescence/hormone-associated genes. The yellow leaf and arrested-growth trait was controlled by a single recessive gene located to chromosome 9. A single nucleotide substitution was detected in the mutant allele leading to premature termination of its coding protein. Genetic complementation could rescue the mutant phenotype while the YL3 knockout lines displayed similar phenotype to WT. YL3 was expressed in all tissues tested and predicted to encode a transcriptional factor OsNAC109 which localizes to the nucleus. It was confirmed that OsNAC109 could directly regulate the expression of OsNAP, OsNYC3, OsEATB, OsAMTR1, OsZFP185, OsMPS and OsGA2ox3 by targeting to the highly conserved cis-element CNTCSSNNSCAVG except OsSAMS1. Our results demonstrated that OsNAC109 is essential to rice leaf senescence, growth and development through regulating the expression of senescence- and phytohormone-associated genes in rice.
Seasonal differences, soil texture and uptake of newly absorbed nitrogen in field-grown pear trees.

The early-season availability of newly applied nitrogen was evaluated in ‘Comice’ pear trees grown in sandy loam and clay soils in Medford, Oregon. In 1988, labelled N applied to the sandy soil four weeks before full bloom (FB) appeared considerably in developing tissues two weeks after FB. However, during 1989, labelled N from pre-bloom fertilizer was apparent in the flower clusters and early growth. Temperatures during the weeks before and after bloom were higher in 1989 than either 1988 or the corresponding longterm average. In 1989, labelled N was also applied before bloom to the clay soil. At FB, 20% of the N in the flower clusters had come from the labelled fertilizer in the sandy soil, but only a tiny amount was present in the clay soil until four weeks after FB. During the first weeks after FB, newly absorbed N was preferentially partitioned to spur leaves regardless of soil type or seasons, while shoot leaves were more dependent on stored N.
Multi-class Boosting with Class Hierarchies

We propose AdaBoost.BHC, a novel multi-class boosting algorithm. AdaBoost.BHC solves a C class problem by using C *** 1 binary classifiers defined by a hierarchy that is learnt on the classes based on their closeness to one another. It then applies AdaBoost to each binary classifier. The proposed algorithm is empirically evaluated with other multi-class AdaBoost algorithms using a variety of datasets. The results show that AdaBoost.BHC is consistently among the top performers, thereby providing a very reliable platform. In particular, it requires significantly less computation than AdaBoost.MH, while exhibiting better or comparable generalization power.
VASCULAR AND BLOOD GENE EXPRESSION

Publisher Summary The zebrafish vascular and hematopoietic systems are similar in many ways to those of all other vertebrates, including mammals. The study of genes that play important roles in zebrafish vasculogenesis and hematopoiesis is facilitated by many of the unique attributes that the zebrafish offers as a model system. The transparent nature of zebrafish embryos makes it possible to observe blood cells circulating throughout the vasculature from the onset of circulation until at least the end of the larval stage. Genetic approaches can be used to identify mutations that affect virtually all aspects of zebrafish development, including blood vessel formation and hematopoiesis. Screens for mutations that affect these processes are further enhanced by the fact that zebrafish embryos can survive a number of days without a functional cardiovascular system, thus making it possible to study both the early and late effects of vascular and hematopoietic mutations. This characteristic is an important advantage not offered by, for example, the mouse embryo. Combined together, these attributes have propelled the zebrafish forward as a useful model system for the study of these critical processes.
Anaphylactoid purpura. I. Pathology of the skin and kidney and frequency of streptococcal infection.

Forty-five children with anaphylactoid (Henoch-Schonlein9s) purpura were studied. Evidence of recent streptococcal infection, as determined by positive ASO titers, was found in 13 of 39 patients (33%), an incidence of positive ASO titers only slightly higher than that expected in children with nonstreptococcal illness. This observation suggests that streptococcal infection is not the major cause of anaphylactoid purpura. Microscopic study of skin biopsy specimens from 12 children showed perivascular cellular infiltration of the dermis. Numerous leukocyte-platelet thrombi were observed in small dermal vessels. Muscle biopsy specimens were usually normal. Kidney biopsy specimens from 11 children with anaphylactoid purpura-nephritis of variable severity and duration were studied. The principal microscopic abnormality consisted of focal lesions of fibrinoid deposition and endothelial proliferation within scattered glomeruli. Renal biopsy specimens obtained during clinical recovery from anaphylactoid purpura-nephritis showed focal glomerular scars. The differences between the glomerular pathology of anaphylactoid purpura-nephritis and other forms of glomerulonephritis are discussed. Clinical, experimental and pathologic data are reviewed which support the concept that anaphylactoid purpura is a form of diffuse vascular disease, probably caused by hypersensitivity to a variety of agents.
Decision scaling: Linking bottom-up vulnerability analysis with climate projections in the water sector

[1] There are few methodologies for the use of climate change projections in decision making or risk assessment processes. In this paper we present an approach for climate risk assessment that links bottom-up vulnerability assessment with multiple sources of climate information. The three step process begins with modeling of the decision and identification of thresholds. Through stochastic analysis and the creation of a climate response function, climate states associated with risk are specified. Climate information such as available from multi-GCM, multirun ensembles, is tailored to estimate probabilities associated with these climate states. The process is designed to maximize the utility of climate information in the decision process and to allow the use of many climate projections to produce best estimates of future climate risks. It couples the benefits of stochastic assessment of risks with the potential insight from climate projections. The method is an attempt to make the best use of uncertain but potentially useful climate information. An example application to an urban water supply system is presented to illustrate the process.
Photography Into Motion

_Fugitive Images: From Photography to Video_ Edited by Patrice Petro Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 1995 ISBN 0-253-20890-4 314 pp.
R Factor-Controlled Restriction and Modification of Deoxyribonucleic Acid: Restriction Mutants

Restriction mutants of two different R factor-controlled host specificities (RI and RII) were isolated. All of the restriction mutants examined had a normal modification phenotype. No complementation was observed between the RI and RII host specificities. It is concluded that for each host specificity no protein subunit is shared by the restriction endonuclease and modification methylase.
A novel rectifier/inverter with adjustable power factor

A switched mode rectifier with adjustable input power-factor and low harmonics distortion is described. The converter is based on the 'boost' topology and has a bias capacitor connected in series with the AC source which provides a DC voltage offset at the input. This enables removal of a diode bridge rectifier that is commonly employed in switch-mode rectifiers. Hence, the circuit may be used to compensate reactive power of other loads while rectifying active power.
Programmable digital signal processors

The state-of-the-art programmable digital signal processors (DSPs) are introduced. The standard used to evaluate the DSP performance is discussed. TMS320C6x, the most advanced DSP, is analyzed for its architecture and application development issues. Potential improvement of these DSPs is proposed, and the current directions for DSP processors are generalized.
Corrosion properties of high-purity vanadium

Abstract Vanadium is relatively resistant to corrosion in phosphoric, sulfuric, and hydrochloric acids at 35° and 60°C, but corrodes rapidly in nitric acid solutions. Vanadium is almost inert in 10% formic, acetic, lactic, tartaric, and citric acids and is quite resistant to corrosion in 9% oxalic acid. Vanadium is resistant to corrosion in substitute ocean water, 3% sodium chloride solution, tap water, and 10% sodium hydroxide solution but not in 20% ferric chloride or 5% mercuric chloride solutions. Vanadium is protected by contact with magnesium, aluminium, or steel SAE 4130. Vanadium and stainless steel are usually not affected by contact with each other. Contact with vanadium may greatly reduce the corrosion rate of titanium in sulfuric acid solutions.
Which in vitro screens guide the prediction of oral absorption and volume of distribution

The development of medium to high-throughput in vitro screening of ADME (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion) properties has been the reply to higher demands on drug metabolism scientists to cope with progress in chemistry and biology. Two areas will be discussed here, namely screens for oral absorption and for volume of distribution. The prediction of these human pharmacokinetic parameters can be based on proper combination of simple physicochemical measurements. In the future in vitro screens most likely will be combined with in silico assessments of various ADME properties leading to the concept of in combo screening in drug discovery.
Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in a porcine model: Histologic characteristics at the early stage

Rationale and Objectives. The authors attempted to determine the histologic processes that take place during development of stenosis after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) creation. Materials and Methods. TIPS were created with metallic stents in 20 healthy domestic pigs (tantalum stents in 10, stainless steel stents in 10). The animals were sacrificed 2–16 days later. All the shunts were examined by means of venography both immediately after placement of the stents and before sacrifice. All histologic sections were assessed with modified Giemsa and basic fuchsin stains. Anti-smooth-muscle-cell alpha-actin stain was used in three specimens. The stenotic reaction was quantified by using standard planimetry techniques and a computerized image-analysis system. Results. Within 16 days after TIPS placement, 15 (75%) of the 20 shunts were completely occluded, four (20%) of 20 shunts were partially occluded, and one (5%) of 20 shunts remained widely patent (animal died of unknown cause 2 days after the TIPS procedure). Stent occlusion was caused primarily by pseudointimal hyperplasia, which was similar morphologically in the portal, middle, and hepatic portions of the stent. Myofibroblastic proliferation was the most striking feature of the pseudointimal hyperplasia. The average thickness of the proliferation was 2.14 mm, which was 67% of the total diameter of the stent. A mild fibrous or lymphocytic reaction occurred around the stent wires and between the seudoinintimal hyperplasia and the liver parenchyma. Conclusion. The histologic features of pseudointimal formation in this swine TIPS model closely resemble those in humans. This model may prove useful for evaluating stents and other devices and improving the understanding of restenosis after vascular interventions.
A path analysis of gender, race, and job complexity as determinants of intention to look for work

The relationships between intention to look for work and gender, race, and job complexity are assessed using a national sample of working young adults in the USA (n = 3,622). The effects of gender and race on job complexity are also assessed. The results of the path analysis indicate that women perceive greater complexity in their jobs than do men. The findings also suggest that minority groups experience lower job complexity compared to their Anglo counterparts. Finally, intention to look for work was positively affected by racial minority status and negatively influenced by job complexity. The managerial implications of the findings are discussed and recommendations for future research are provided.
Experimental observation of the intermediate vector bosons W + , W − , and Z 0

The nobel price lecture of Carlo Rubbia is reprinted. The author recounts the identification of the intermediate vector bosons from the collisions of proton and antiproton beams at CERN.(AIP)
An improved model for determining the input cost of university outputs

Abstract The authors respond to a recent article in this journal by Ewald and Kiker in which a limited application of input-output techniques was used to develop a costing model for higher education. The Ewald-Kiker costing model, in addition to the ordinary restrictions on production relationships (fixed proportions, non-substitutability of inputs), requires that further restrictions be imposed. Specifically, the model assumes a limited set of possible interactions between the primary and support programs at an institution of higher education (product divisions and service centers in their terminology). This paper provides a costing methodology based on a similar application of input-output theory but one which is completely general with regard to possible program interrelationships. The paper concludes with some comments on the limitations on use of input-output models and information derived from them.
The Impact of Family Migration and Family Life Cycle on the Employment Status of Married, College-Educated Women:

The effects of family migration and family life cycle on the employment status of college-educated wives were examined using log-linear analysis. The best-fit model selected shows that both family life cycle and family migration significantly affected wives' employment status. When these two factors were examined simultaneously, they were about equally important; no significant family migration and family life cycle interaction effects were found on women's employment status. These findings indicate that the negative effects of family migration on wives' employment may be modified by the effects of family life cycle. The results also indicate that only extremely highly educated women initiate family migration.
U.S., China, and the WTO: Trading with the enemy?

This article surveys and analyzes various views in the United States on America's trade relations with China in general and China's application for membership in the World Trade Organization (WTO) in particular. Different opinions can be heard from all sides of the political spectrum, but three distinctive camps can easily be identified in the United States regarding China's WTO membership and America's normal trade relations with China: strong supporters, fierce opponents and those between the extremes.
Duality between unidirectional charge-density-wave order and superconductivity

The existence of a duality between a unidirectional charge-density-wave order and a superconducting order is shown. This duality predicts the existence of a charge-density wave near a superconducting vortex, and the existence of superconductivity near a charge-density-wave dislocation.
Education technologies, wages and technological progress

Abstract We analyze the worker's incentives to acquire skills under technological progress when the costs of education are endogenous and depend on the wage distribution. We show that the agent's intergenerational elasticity of substitution plays then a relevant role in determining how incentives and the long-run wage distribution react to technological progress. Moreover, whenever poverty traps of unskilled workers exist, higher rates of technological progress can even decrease the incentives of low-skill workers to acquire skills. We also analyze the effects of educational subsidies. In contrast with previous analytical findings, we obtain that subsidies always decrease the long-run skill premium. Finally, we study the efficiency of the resulting competitive equilibria.
Autologous bone marrow versus non-mobilized peripheral blood stem cell transplantation for lymphoid malignancies: a prospective, comparative trial.

Autologous transplantation using bone marrow stem cells (BMSC) or peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) is widely used for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) and Hodgkin's disease (HD). We report a randomized, comparative trial comparing BMSC vs. non-mobilized PBSC for responsive NHL or HD. Patients randomized to BMSC (n = 13) vs. PBSC (n = 15) had more rapid neutrophil recovery (median 23 vs. 30 days), RBC independence (25 vs. 62 days), platelet independence (24 vs. 54 days), and shorter hospital stay. However, neither relapse, overall survival, nor relapse-free survival were different receiving BMSC vs. PBSC (all P > .7). Concurrently, 54 others (34 BMSC, 20 PBSC) were assigned non-randomly because of resistant disease or marrow unsuitable for harvest and similar patterns of engraftment favoring BMSC over PBSC were observed. In the entire group, BMSC transplantation (n = 47) led to quicker neutrophil recovery (P = .02), RBC (P = .06), and platelet independence (P =.04) and earlier hospital discharge (P = .02) vs. PBSC (n = 35). No difference in relapse, overall, or relapse-free survival were observed using BMSC vs. PBSC. These data suggest that non-mobilized PBSC are a satisfactory alternative to BMSC in patients with unsuitable marrow; however, transplantation with non-mobilized PBSC was associated with slower hematologic recovery, and longer hospital stay. No difference in tumor recurrence rates was observed between the PBSC or BMSC recipients. Unprimed PBSC transplantation offered no clinical advantage to BMSC.
Fluorescence Fingerprint of Waters: Excitation-Emission Matrix Spectroscopy as a Tracking Tool

In this report, an optical method for tracking sources of water entering rivers and oceans is applied to the Congaree River in Columbia, South Carolina. The Congaree River forms at the confluence of two rivers, the Saluda and the Broad. Excitation-emission matrix (EEM) spectra of water samples from the rivers were constructed by scanning emission spectra from 300 to 600 nm as a function of excitation wavelength from 200 to 290 nm. The two sources of water in the Congaree River were easily distinguishable on the basis of the EEM spectra of the water samples. In addition, the average composition of water in the Congaree River and hence the relative flow rates of inflowing Saluda and Broad Rivers could be determined. In this report, the characteristic fluorescence of the river water samples and the stability of the EEM spectra of the river samples over several months are presented.
Single-electron capture by multiply charged ions of carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen in atomic and molecular hydrogen

Cross sections for electron capture by ${\mathrm{N}}^{+q}$, ${\mathrm{O}}^{+q}(1\ensuremath{\le}q\ensuremath{\le}5)$, and ${\mathrm{C}}^{+q}(1\ensuremath{\le}q\ensuremath{\le}4)$ incident on atomic and molecular hydrogen have been measured in the velocity range (0.3-5.2) \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} ${10}^{8}$ cm/s. The capture cross sections for the higher incident charge states are large, in many cases exceeding 1 \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}15}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$. For relative velocities above the Bohr velocity, all the measured cross sections were found to decrease monotonically with increasing velocity and to scale in magnitude roughly as ${q}^{2}$. Furthermore, for these higher velocities the cross sections for electron capture from ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ are systematically larger than the corresponding cross sections for electron capture from H. For relative velocities below the Bohr velocity, no simple behavior of the measured cross sections was observed. The behavior of the cross sections at low velocities is discussed qualitatively using the Landau-Zener formalism. For higher velocities reasonable agreement was found with the classical trajectory Monte Carlo calculations of Olson and Salop.
Effect of channeling on the scintillation response of NaI(Tl) to 4He and 16O ions

Abstract Data are presented which confirm an anisotropy in the scintillation response of NaI(Tl) to MeV charged particles. Particles that are channelled between crystal planes have a larger light output than particles incident in a random direction.
Congressional Turnover and the Election of Women

IMPORTANT societal institutions typically change only very gradually over time both in terms of their composition and (not coincidentally) in terms of their operating rules and their decisions. Sociologists such as Pareto and Mosca described the process by which the "ruling groups" in various societies are altered in composition as "elite circulation." In a relatively stable democratic society such as the United States, elections have been viewed as, among other things, a means to assure that this circulation of elites proceeds in a gradual, peaceful manner, resulting in a more or less pluralistic apportionment of power among social groups at any given point in history. One important assumption of this view is that institutions such as Congress, state legislatures, school boards, or city councils are structured in such a way as to allow rapid turnover in personnel. This assumption must be met if new social groups are to have any chance of achieving even a moderate level of representation. Yet there is evidence that democratic "rules of the game" (equal and easy access to the ballot, universal suffrage, frequent elections) may not always be sufficient to ensure that the assumption of "openness" or high turnover is met. In particular and in the example on which we shall focus in this paper recent studies have documented a decreasing amount of personnel turnover in the U.S. Congress as incumbency (for reasons which are not agreed upon) appears to confer an increasingly greater electoral advantage. (See, for example, Erickson 1971; Ferejohn 1977; Fiorina 1977; Kostroski 1973; Mayhew 1974.) Jones (1977) and others have documented the decline of competitve House of Representative seats from 1914 through the seventies.' A striking measure of this change is the following: between 1861 and 1881, each newly elected House had a majority of members serving their first terms; in the middle of this century each new House had only about 15 percent first-termers. Clearly one implication of this is that Congress as an institution is resistant to the type of social change which might bring new groups, such as women or blacks, into political prominence. In the present paper, then, we are interested in a general phenomenon, i.e., the rate at which social or political institutions change (in terms
Position and Ionization State of Asp in the Core of Membrane-Inserted α Helices Control Both the Equilibrium between Transmembrane and Nontransmembrane Helix Topography and Transmembrane Helix Positioning†

The behavior of model-membrane-inserted polyLeu-rich peptides containing Asp residues located at various positions in their hydrophobic core was investigated. The topography of the bilayer-inserted α helices formed by these peptides was evaluated by measuring the emission λmax and quenching the fluorescence of a Trp at the center of the peptide sequence. When Asp residues were protonated (at low pH), peptides that were incorporated into vesicles composed of dioleoylphosphatidylcholine (DOPC) adopted a topography in which the polyLeu sequence predominantly formed a normal transmembrane (TM) helix. When Asp residues were ionized (at neutral or high pH), topography was altered in a manner that would allow the charged Asp residues to reside near the bilayer surface. In DOPC vesicles, most peptides repositioned so that the longest segment of consecutive hydrophobic residues (12 residue minimum) formed a truncated/shifted TM structure. However, peptides with one or two charged Asp residues close to the center o...
Some methods for nonlinear regression using desk-top calculators with an application to the Lowry Protein method

Abstract An iterative method of calculation has been used to fit exponential and logarithmic models to data by the method of least squares. The nonlinear calibration curve of the Lowry Protein assay was used as an example of this method. With these data, exponential or logarithmic models yield improvement over second degree polynomials, and the necessary calculations can be easily accomplished with a small programmable calculator.
Physics with energetic radioactive ion beams

Beams of short-lived, unstable nuclei have opened new dimensions in studies of nuclear structure and reactions. Such beams also provide key information on reactions that take place in our sun and other stars. Status and prospects of the physics with energetic radioactive beams are summarized.
From Performance To Mastery: Developmental Models of the Creative Process

This study examines the creative process of advertising students training to become art directors and copywriters at two public universities. Using a quasi-experimental method coupled with in-depth interviews, the author investigates the nature of the cognitive process students use to generate ideas. Analysis of the students' narratives reveals four key dimensions of their creative process: orientation for the work, approach to the problem, mindscribing, and heuristics. Two theoretical models of students' creative process are proposed based on these dimensions and their interaction. W. Glenn Griffin (Ph.D., University of Texas at Austin) is an assistant professor of advertising, Temerlin Advertising Institute, Southern Methodist University.
Self as an emic object: A re-reading of William James on self

Building on an emic conception of the self that William James articulated in his seminal chapter on the “Consciousness of Self” (1890/1950), this article defines the self as an object that the indi...
AN FM Front End with a High Gain Unneutralized JFET

Based on the most commonly used circuit for the FM RF amplifier, criteria for optimum device characteristics are developed. A survey of available junction FET's indicates that they might be graded into three generations, examples of which are then judged in light of the criteria above and the performance required in this application. Practical use of second generation devices is shown to require either a neutralized, or a cascode configuration. An unneutralized third generation JFET circuit is compared to neutralized and cascode circuits with second generation devices to show the significance of the difference between generations.
Type 5 phosphodiesterase regulation of human sperm motility.

Abstract Objective: Inhibition of phosphodiesterases results in the buildup of intracellular cyclic nucleotides, which have been shown to affect sperm motility and acrosome reaction. The objective of this study was to determine whether the cyclic guanosine monophosphate–specific type 5 phosphodiesterase inhibitor sildenafil has an effect on sperm motility and acrosome parameters. Study Design: Sperm cells were washed by two-layer colloid wash and resuspended in modified human tubal fluid with 5% serum albumin. They were incubated in the presence of different concentrations (0-40 nmol/L) of the type 5 phosphodiesterase inhibitor sildenafil. Aliquots of sperm were removed at hours 0, 4, 24, and 48, and motility parameters were measured on the Hamilton-Thorn HTM-C (Hamilton-Thorn Research, Danvers, Mass) motility analyzer. Sperm acrosomes were analyzed with the Spermac (Stain Enterprises, South Africa; distributed by Sage Biopharma, Bedminster, NJ) acrosome stain. Results: Sperm progressive motility and hyperactivation were stimulated to greater than the control at hour 4, followed by a decrease. There was a dose-dependent effect of the type 5 phosphodiesterase inhibitor on sperm motility parameters but not on percentage of cells with acrosome reaction. The type 5 phosphodiesterase inhibitor stimulated sperm acrosome reaction by almost 50% above the control. Conclusion: These results suggest that inhibition of type 5 phosphodiesterase activity in human sperm resulted in enhanced progressive motility and hyperactivation. In addition, inhibition of type 5 phosphodiesterase also caused an increase in acrosome reaction. This suggests a role for type 5 phosphodiesterase in preventing premature acrosome reaction, which is associated with failed fertilization. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2000;182:1013-5.)
Analysis of a Ginzburg–Landau type energy model for smectic C* liquid crystals with defects

Abstract This work investigates properties of a smectic C* liquid crystal film containing defects that cause distinctive spiral patterns in the filmʼs texture. The phenomena are described by a Ginzburg–Landau type model and the investigation provides a detailed analysis of minimal energy configurations for the filmʼs director field. The study demonstrates the existence of a limiting location for the defects (vortices) so as to minimize a renormalized energy. It is shown that if the degree of the boundary data is positive then the vortices each have degree +1 and that they are located away from the boundary. It is proved that the limit of the energies for a sequence of minimizers minus the sum of the energies around their vortices, as the G–L parameter e tends to zero, is equal to the renormalized energy for the limiting state.
KERNEL AND TRADITIONAL EQUIPERCENTILE EQUATING WITH DEGREES OF PRESMOOTHING

The purpose of this study was to empirically evaluate the impact of loglinear presmoothing accuracy on equating bias and variability across chained and post-stratification equating methods, kernel and percentile-rank continuization methods, and sample sizes. The results of evaluating presmoothing on equating accuracy generally agreed with those of previous presmoothing studies, suggesting that less parameterized presmoothing models are more biased and less variable than highly parameterized presmoothing models and raw data. Estimates of standard errors of equating were most accurate when based on large sample sizes and score-level data that were not sparse. The accuracy of standard error estimates was not influenced by the correctness of the presmoothing model. The accuracy of estimates of the standard errors of equating differences was also evaluated. The study concludes with some detailed comparisons of how the kernel and traditional equipercentile continuization methods interacted with data that were presmoothed to different degrees.
Diffusion of radioactive cesium in polycrystalline ice

The diffusion of radioactive 137Cs-ions in pure polycrystalline ice and polycrystalline ice containing various concentrations of CsCl has been measured. Pure ice shows only grain boundary diffusion. The activation energy for this diffusion is similar to those for dielectric relaxation time and grain boundary viscosity. This suggests that the mechanism of the grain boundary diffusion is similar to those of dielectric relaxation and viscous flow. Ice doped with CsCl shows an approximately linear decrease of grain boundary diffusion coefficients and activation energies with increasing electrolyte concentration. In the doped ice, lattice diffusion appears to be contaminated with some grain boundary diffusion. The activation energies for lattice diffusion are fairly insensitive to electrolyte concentration. — The conclusion is made that grain boundaries in ice behave similar to water, a “structured” liquid, but have an appreciable viscosity. A vacancy mechanism is operative for grain boundary diffusion, as the theory of absolute reaction rates can be applied successfully to this system. Die Diffusion radioaktiver 137Cs-Ionen in reinem und CsCl in verschiedenen Konzentrationen enthaltendem Eis wurde gemessen. Reines Eis weist nur Korngrenzendiffusion auf. Die Aktivierungsenergie dieser Diffusion ist annahernd gleich der fur die dielektrische Relaxation und die Korngrenzenviskositat. Das legt nahe, fur die Korngrenzendiffusion einen ahnlichen Mechanismus anzunehmen wie fur die dielektrische Relaxation und die laminare Stromung. CsCl-dotiertes Eis zeigt einen nahezu linearen Abfall der Korngrenzendiffusionskoeffizienten und der Aktivierungsenergie mit steigender Elektrolytkonzentration. In dotiertem Eis scheint die Gitterdiffusion mit der Korngrenzendiffusion zu verschmelzen. Die Aktivierungsenergien der Gitterdiffusion sind gegenuber der Elektrolytkonzentration nahezu unempfindlich. Die Korngrenzen von Eis verhalten sich ahnlich wie Wasser, eine „strukturierte Flussigkeit”, haben jedoch betrachtliche Zahigkeit. Fur die Korngrenzendiffusion ist ein Leerstellenmechanismus wirksam, da die Theorie der absoluten Reaktionsraten auf dieses System erfolgreich angewendet werden kann.
A mutant RNA pseudoknot that promotes ribosomal frameshifting in mouse mammary tumor virus

A single A-->G mutation that changes a potential A.U base pair to a G.U pair at the junction of the stems and loops of a non-frameshifting pseudoknot dramatically increases its frameshifting efficiency in mouse mammary tumor virus. The structure of the non-frameshifting pseudoknot APK has been found to be very different from that of pseudoknots that cause efficient frameshifting [Kang,H., Hines,J.V. and Tinoco,I. (1995) J. Mol. Biol. , 259, 135-147]. The 3-dimensional structure of the mutant pseudoknot was determined by restrained molecular dynamics based on NMR-derived interproton distance and torsion angle constraints. One striking feature of the mutant pseudoknot compared with the parent pseudoknot is that a G.U base pair forms at the top of stem 2, thus leaving only 1 nt at the junction of the two stems. The conformation is very different from that of the previously determined non-frameshifting parent pseudoknot, which lacks the A.U base pair at the top of the stem and has 2 nt between the stems. However, the conformation is quite similar to that of efficient frameshifting pseudoknots whose structures were previously determined by NMR. A single adenylate residue intervenes between the two stems and interrupts their coaxial stacking. This unpaired nucleotide produces a bent structure. The structural similarity among the efficient frameshifting pseudoknots indicates that a specific conformation is required for ribosomal frameshifting, further implying a specific interaction of the pseudoknot with the ribosome.
Some characterizations of geometric tail distributions based on record values

Let Rj be the jth upper record value from an infinite sequence of independent identically distributed positive integer valued random variables. We show that their common distribution must have geometric tail if Rj+k−Rj and Rj are partially independent for some j≥1 and k≥1 or if E(Rj+2−Rj+1| Rj) is a constant. Three versions of partial independence, each of which provides a characterization of the geometric tail are presented.
Caregiver strain in Parkinson's disease: national Parkinson Foundation Quality Initiative study.

Abstract Background National Parkinson Foundation Quality Improvement Initiatives (NPF-QII) is the first large scale data-driven initiative in Parkinson's disease (PD) aimed at identifying variables predicting best care models and outcomes. Objective To determine what measures of PD disability, demographics, and patient quality of life are associated with caregiver strain among caregivers of patients with PD. Methods All PD patients at 18 participating sites are eligible for enrollment into the NPF-QII registry. Dataset includes multidimensional measures of disease severity, health care utilization, PD quality of life questionnaire-39 (PDQ-39) and multidimensional caregiver strain inventory (MCSI). A univariate as well as an adjusted analysis was performed to examine the relationship between caregiver strain and variables of PD disability. Results The single best factor associated with high caregiver strain was the PDQ-39 total score ( c -statistic of continuous variable = 0.792, p c = 0.776, p p c = 0.838): Hoehn and Yahr stage >3 (2.0 (1.3, 3.1)), presence of concomitant medications such as antidepressants (2.1 (1.5, 3.1)) and antipsychotics (2.5 (1.5, 4.2)), social worker visits (1.6 (1.2, 2.1)), male gender (2.3 (1.5, 3.5)), and decreased verbal fluency (0.95 (0.92, 0.98)). Conclusions There is a high prevalence of caregiver strain in PD. PDQ-39 total score has the strongest association with high levels of caregiver strain. These results could guide clinicians in the assessment of caregivers at risk.
The adult rat hippocampus contains primordial neural stem cells.

Adult-derived hippocampal progenitors generate neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytesin vitroand following grafting into the adult brain. Although these progenitors have a considerable capacity forin vitroself renewal, it is not known if each lineage is generated by separate committed precursors or by multipotent stem cells. By genetic marking, we have followed individual cells through the process of proliferative expansion, commitment, and differentiation. All three lineages are generated by single marked cells and the relative proportions of each lineage can be strongly influenced by environmental cues. Differentiation is accompanied by a characteristic progression of lineage-specific markers and can be potentiated by retinoic acid, elevated cyclic AMP, or neurotrophic factors. The ability to genetically mark and clone normal diploid hippocampal progenitors provides the first definitive evidence that multipotent neural stem cells exist outside of the adult striatal subventricular zone and supports the hypothesis that FGF-2-responsive neural stem cells may be broadly distributed in the adult brain.
Next generation wireless systems using Markov decision process model

A Markov Decision Process Model Based Handoff Management algorithm using interference control for next generation wireless systems (NGWS) was developed. This research is an extension of [1], which considers the different parameters of wireless networks, like power consumption, bandwidth, signaling, and switching and rerouting to make a handoff decision. We consider Signal-to-Interference ratio [4] as one more important parameter in wireless networks.
Spin waves in ferromagnetic double layers: Modifications by in-plane spacer-layer currents

We report on the modifications of spin waves in a ferromagnetic double layer structure that are driven by in-plane dc electric currents within the spacer layer. These changes, which are monitored by Brillouin light scattering, are accounted for by the spatial variations of magnetic field and magnetization within the magnetic structure resulting from the Amperian field generated by current densities as high as $4\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{7}{\mathrm{A}/\mathrm{c}\mathrm{m}}^{2}.$ Calculations of the spin-wave frequencies and spatial distribution of their amplitudes describe the transformations to the Brillouin spectra with injection current.
The solar wind during the Maunder minimum

Abstract It is presently believed that the high speed solar wind originates almost entirely in coronal holes. Theory suggests that the origin of the high speeds is extended energy deposition in proportion to the magnetic field intensity in the holes and at 1.5–3.0 solar radii heliocentric distance. Evidence from the time of the Maunder Minimum, together with the above results, allows a hypothesis to be made for the state of the solar wind at that time. Firstly, carbon-14 data indicate an enhanced cosmic ray intensity, with the conclusion that the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) was smooth and perhaps of low intensity. Secondly, the apparent absence of a corona during eclipses requires low coronal density, suggesting an absence of closed magnetic loops. Thirdly, the absence of sunspots eliminates the possibility of a solar maximum type of corona of low emission intensity and implies a low large-scale photospheric field intensity. Finally, the absence of mid-latitude aurorae implies either that the solar wind speed or the IMF intensity or both, were low and not irregular. A resulting self-consistent hypothesis is that the solar wind was of the simplest variety, analogous to that described in models of the so-called “quiet solar wind”. All closed coronal field regions would have been absent and extended energy deposition in the corona would have been far less important than today. At 1 a.u., the density and speed would have been less than 5 cm−3 and 300 km−1s, respectively. At the same time, there would have been a very low level of fluctuation all the way from the microscale up to the contrast between high and low speed solar wind streams. Also, if the IMF is the source of the 22 yr and magnetic sector associated modulations in the present terrestrial climate, these modulations may have been suppressed during the Maunder Minimum. Recently, it has been discovered that the 22 yr modulation in fact was suppressed during the Maunder Minimum (C. Stockton and M. Mitchell, personal communication), in support of the above suggestion.