cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mental models of the day/night cycle☆

This article presents the results of an experiment which investigated elementary school children's explanations of the day/night cycle. First, third, and fifth grade children were asked to explain certain phenomena, such as the disappearance of the sun during the night, the disappearance of stars during the day, the apparent movement of the moon, and the alteration of day and night. The results showed that the majority of the children in our sample used in a consistent fashion a small number of relatively well-defined mental models of the earth, the sun, and the moon to explain the day/night cycle. These mental models of the day/night cycle were empirically accurate, logically consistent and revealed some sensitivity on the part of the children to issues of simplicity of explanation. The younger children formed Initial mental models which provided explanations of the day/night cycle based on everyday experience (e.g., the sun goes down behind mountains, clouds cover up the sun). The older children constructed synthetic mental models (e.g., the sun and the moon revolve around the stationary earth every 24 hours; the earth rotates in an up/down direction and the sun and moon are fixed on opposite sides) which represented attempts to synthesize the culturally accepted view with aspects of their Initial models. A few of the older children appeared to have constructed a mental model of the day/night cycle similar to the scientific one. A theoretical framework is outlined which explains the formation of initial, synthetic, and scientific models of the day/night cycle in terms of the reinterpretation of a hierarchy of constraints, some of which are present early in the child's life, and others which emerge later out of the structure of the acquired knowledge.
Intracellular Fates of Cell-Penetrating Block Copolypeptide Vesicles

The block copolypeptide poly(l-homoarginine)60-b-poly(l-leucine)20 (R60L20) was previously found to self-assemble into versatile vesicles with controllable size and encapsulate hydrophilic cargo. These R60L20 vesicles also demonstrated the ability to cross the cell membrane and transport encapsulated cargo into different cell lines. To assess the potential for using the R60L20 vesicles as drug delivery vehicles further, we have investigated their endocytosis and intracellular trafficking behavior. Using drugs that inhibit different endocytosis pathways, we identified macropinocytosis to be a major process by which the R60L20 vesicles enter HeLa cells. Subsequent immunostaining experiments demonstrated that the vesicles entered the early endosomes but not the lysosomes, suggesting that they recycle back to the cell surface. Overall, our studies indicate that the R60L20 vesicles are able to enter cells intact with their cargos, and although some manage to escape from early endosomes, most are trapped within...
Membrane Fragmentation by an Amyloidogenic Fragment of Human Islet Amyloid Polypeptide Detected by Solid-State NMR Spectroscopy of Membrane Nanotubes

A key factor in the development of Type II diabetes is the loss of insulin producing pancreatic β-cells. The amyloidogenic human Islet Amyloid Polypeptide (hIAPP also known as human amylin) is believed to play a crucial role in this biological process. Previous studies have shown that hIAPP forms small aggregates that kill β-cells by disrupting the cellular membrane. In this study, we report membrane fragmentation by hIAPP using solid-state NMR experiments on nanotube arrays of anodic aluminum oxide containing aligned phospholipid membranes. In a narrow concentration range of hIAPP, an isotropic 31P chemical shift signal indicative of the peptide-induced membrane fragmentation was detected. Solid-state NMR results suggest that membrane fragmentation is related to peptide aggregation as the presence of Congo Red, an inhibitor of amyloid formation, prevented membrane fragmentation and the non-amyloidogenic rat-IAPP did not cause membrane fragmentation. The disappearance of membrane fragmentation at higher concentrations of hIAPP suggests an alternate kinetic pathway to fibril formation in which membrane fragmentation is inhibited.
Institutional choice in transboundary pollution

Abstract Transboundary pollution constitutes an important component of environmental degradation in many countries. The demand for institutional changes that reduce transboundary pollution grows with increasing levels of economic development and accumulation of environmental degradation. Single countries, however, can supply themselves with such institutions only in cooperation with other countries. This article analyzes the strategic game theoretic situation of countries concerned with transboundary pollution under alternative incidence of benefits and costs. The results suggest that a system of reciprocal obligations of countries can result in pollution agreements if the assurance problem of each signatory can be solved and the distribution of costs and benefits of such agreements are perceived as being fair.
Effect of airfoil shape and Reynolds number on leading edge vortex shedding in unsteady flows

Leading edge vortex (LEV) formation, which is initiated by separation at the leading edge, depends on airfoil shape, Reynolds number, rate of translation/rotation, amplitude of motion and the pitch axis location. The Leading Edge Suction Parameter (LESP) derived from inviscid theory, serves to predict the onset LEV formation for any unsteady motion using a critical value that depends on the airfoil shape and Reynolds number of operation. In this paper, the critical LESP value is determined for different airfoils over a range of Reynolds numbers. The SD7003 airfoil was used as a baseline and modified airfoils were derived by altering the leading edge radius, keeping maximum thickness unchanged. Increasing the leading edge radius resulted in higher critical LESP values, demonstrating that separation is delayed for flow over a more rounded leading edge since it can support more suction. The effect of Reynolds number was more complicated, with the critical LESP decreasing from Re = 5,000 to Re = 100,000, and increasing after. Hence conditions which promote and suppress leading edge vortex formation were identified, and the critical LESP values were made available over a broad range of parameters, which can be used for low-order prediction and modeling of complicated, vortex-dominated flows.
Transport and intracellular distribution of MHC class II molecules and associated invariant chain in normal and antigen-processing mutant cell lines.

We have compared the intracellular transport and subcellular distribution of MHC class II-invariant chain complexes in a wild-type HLA-DR3 homozygous cell line and a mutant cell line, T2.DR3. The latter has a defect in antigen processing and accumulates HLA-DR3 molecules associated with an invariant chain-derived peptide (CLIP) rather than the normal complement of peptides derived from endocytosed proteins. We find that in the wild-type cells, CLIP is transiently associated with HLA-DR3 molecules, suggesting that the peptide is a normal class II-associated intermediate generated during proteolysis of the invariant chain. In the mutant cell line proteolysis of the invariant chain is less efficient, and HLA-DR3/CLIP complexes are generated much more slowly. Examination of the mutant cell line by immunoelectronmicroscopy shows that class II-invariant chain complexes accumulate intracellularly in large acidic vesicles which contain lysosomal markers, including beta-hexosaminidase, cathepsin D, and the lysosomal membrane protein CD63. The markers in these vesicles are identical to those seen in the class II-containing vesicles (MIICs) seen in the wild-type cells but the morphology is drastically different. The vesicles in the mutant cells are endocytic, as measured by the internalization of BSA-gold conjugates. The implication of these findings for antigen processing in general and the nature of the mutation in particular are discussed.
Learning probabilistic models of the Web (poster session)

In the World Wide Web, myriads of hyperlinks connect documents and pages to create an unprecedented, highly complex graph structure - the Web graph. This paper presents a novel approach to learning probabilistic models of the Web, which can be used to make reliable predictions about connectivity and information content of Web documents. The proposed method is a probabilistic dimension reduction technique which recasts and unites Latent Semantic Analysis and Kleinberg's Hubs-and-Authorities algorithm in a statistical setting.This meant to be a first step towards the development of a statistical foundation for Web—related information technologies. Although this paper does not focus on a particular application, a variety of algorithms operating in the Web/Internet environment can take advantage of the presented techniques, including search engines, Web crawlers, and information agent systems.
A comment on Friedman and Rossi’s dialectical theory and the study of HIV/AIDS: thought to the second power

We need more scholarship like this. Friedman and Rossi work toward a powerfully dialectical understanding of what I would risk calling neoliberalism’s defining epidemic. The effort to think a totality of social relations and processes is one of the dialectic’s central characteristics, and indeed this paper touches on so many different dimensions of HIV/AIDS that it is difficult to do it justice. So I want to highlight a specific question: the standpoint from which dialectical thinking proceeds, the way in which ‘‘standpoint’’ is one of the categories that defines the dialectic itself (my own standpoint being that of a scholar trained in literary and cultural studies who focuses on convergences between Marxism and queer studies). And I want to begin, hopefully in good dialectical fashion, by moving briefly away from this paper’s focus, precisely in order to return to it. The paper highlights a number of normative tendencies that characterize neoliberalism, including a tendency to erase the social itself (‘‘there is no such thing as society’’) by scapegoating groups perceived as most at risk of HIV infection, as well as a reformist and legalistic tendency to absorb and reshape grassroots activism. A striking manifestation of both tendencies can be found in the way in which a normalized ethic of marriage has become commonsensical within antihomophobic ‘‘politics’’—so commonsensical that it appears to be a box outside of which it is increasingly difficult to think, marriage rights (along with the right to serve in the military) having become something like the absolute horizon of such ‘‘politics.’’ To cite another of Thatcher’s neoliberal mantras, here again there seems to be ‘‘no alternative.’’ The asceticism of settling down in the suburbs, of dressing up one’s libido in the privatizing sanctity of marriage and inheritance rights, is the neoliberal heart of what one can only in a trivial way call a contemporary ‘‘politics’’ of sexuality (hence the scare quotes), since these ‘‘politics’’ seem much less driven by grassroots movement than by lawyers and highly funded lobbies. The
Energy efficiency in the multi-stage laser separation of13C by an elimination method

Energy efficiency has been discussed in the multi-stage laser separation of13C in the ir laser photolysis of CF3I. The comparison has been made between the two methods, i.e., the photolysis of13C molecules (ordinary method) and the photolysis of12C molecules (elimination method). The former recycles the photolyzed product after the regeneration of feed molecules, while the latter recycles the residue after the elimination of the photolyzed product. The analysis of the energy consumption using theoretical models has shown that the elimination method consumes more energy, but the difference is far less than expected; the overall energy consumption may reach the same level at a lower pressure according to our estimation which includes the factors of the quantum efficiency for the dissociation, the energy difference between the laser lines and the material loss for the regeneration. It may imply that the elimination method is more favored in a practical application because it is free from the regeneration procedure.
Dissertation Research: Part 1, Its Relation to Human Thought.

In this paper are discussed the discrete relationships between the researcher and that which is being researched. The relationships are identified as either elliptical, epicentric, or centroidal. Unacceptable dissertations are the products of researcher/concern relationships that are elliptical or epicentric in nature. Acceptable dissertations are those associated with a centroidal relationship between research and that which is to be studied. Additional characteristics of acceptable and unacceptable dissertation research are cited for discussion. Parts 2 and 3 of this trilogy will treat the qualitative and quantitative aspects of dissertation research, respectively.
Interactions between Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and μ opioid receptor agonists in rhesus monkeys: discrimination and antinociception

Rationale Opioid receptor agonists can enhance some effects of cannabinoid receptor agonists, and cannabinoid receptor agonists can enhance some effects of opioid receptor agonists; however, the generality of these interactions is not established.
Comparison of the Disk Diffraction Pattern with the Straight-Edge Diffraction Pattern in Occultations

We compare two models—disk and straight-edge—for diffraction effects when distant stars are occulted by the Moon and asteroids. For a large obstacle, the error that occurs when using the straight-edge model for a round obstacle is shown to be inversely proportional to the radius of the obstacle and proportional to the square roots of the wavelength and the distance to the obstacle. The error in the relative intensity incurred in employing the straight-edge model for lunar occultations for light (500 nm wavelength) is 3 × 10-6 and for infrared (10 μm wavelength) 2 × 10-5, whereas for large asteroids (about 500 km radius) it is 10-3 in infrared and for small asteroids (2 km radius) about 0.3.
A validity study of self-reported daily texting frequency, cell phone characteristics, and texting styles among young adults

Texting is associated with adverse health effects including musculoskeletal disorders, sleep disturbances, and traffic crashes. Many studies have relied on self-reported texting frequency, yet the validity of self-reports is unknown. Our objective was to provide some of the first data on the validity of self-reported texting frequency, cell phone characteristics including input device (e.g. touchscreen), key configuration (e.g., QWERTY), and texting styles including phone orientation (e.g., horizontal) and hands holding the phone while texting. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire and observation of a texting task among college students ages 18 to 24. To gauge agreement between self-reported and phone bill-derived categorical number of daily text messages sent, we calculated percent of agreement, Spearman correlation coefficient, and a linear weighted kappa statistic. For agreement between self-reported and observed cell phone characteristics and texting styles we calculated percentages of agreement. We used chi-square tests to detect significant differences (α = 0.05) by gender and study protocol. There were 106 participants; 87 of which had complete data for texting frequency analyses. Among these 87, there was 26% (95% CI: 21–31) agreement between self-reported and phone bill-derived number of daily text messages sent with a Spearman’s rho of 0.48 and a weighted kappa of 0.17 (95% CI: 0.06-0.27). Among those who did not accurately report the number of daily texts sent, 81% overestimated this number. Among the full sample (n = 106), there was high agreement between self-reported and observed texting input device (96%, 95% CI: 91–99), key configuration (89%, 95% CI: 81–94), and phone orientation while texting (93%, 95% CI: 86–97). No differences were found by gender or study protocol among any items. While young adults correctly reported their cell phone’s characteristics and phone orientation while texting, most incorrectly estimated the number of daily text messages they sent. This suggests that while self-reported texting frequency may be useful for studies where relative ordering is adequate, it should not be used in epidemiologic studies to identify a risk threshold. For these studies, it is recommended that a less biased measure, such as a cell phone bill, be utilized.
Identification of four novel ADAMs with potential roles in spermatogenesis and fertilization.

Abstract The ADAM (A Disintegrin And Metalloprotease) family is known to have important roles in various developmental systems, e.g., myogenesis and neurogenesis. In this study, we searched for ADAMs that may function in spermatogenesis or fertilization, and have cloned and sequenced four new mouse ADAM cDNAs: ADAM 24, ADAM 25, ADAM 26 and ADAM 27. The deduced amino acid sequences show that all four contain the complete domain organization common to ADAM family members. Messenger RNA for each of the four ADAMs was found only in the testis. The conserved zinc-dependent metalloprotease active site HEXGHXXGXXHD was found in the metalloprotease domain of three of the novel ADAMs, suggesting that they are testis-specific proteases, to which we give the alternative names: testase 1, ADAM 24; testase 2, ADAM 25; and testase 3, ADAM 26. Using RNA extracted from testes of pre-pubertal males of increasing age (8–40 days), we found that adult levels of transcription, assessed in Northern blots, are reached by day 20 (ADAM 27), day 25 (ADAMs 24 and 25) and in the range day 25–50 (ADAM 26). These results suggest that each ADAM is transcribed in spermatogenic cells in a regulated pattern at a specific developmental stage.
Note on functional iteration technique for M/G/1 type Markov chains

Abstract A thorough theoretical explanation of the numerical behaviour of functional iteration methods for the computation of the minimal nonnegative solution G of the matrix equation X = ∑ i = 0 ∞ X i A i , arising in the numerical solution of M / G / 1 type Markov chains, is given in Meini (1997) [2]. In this note we add some more results. In particular, we show that an upper bound of the mean asymptotic convergence rate of the best functional iteration method is given in terms of the second largest modulus eigenvalue of G .
The relationship between translational initiation and messenger RNA inactivation in down-shifted Escherichia coli.

Abstract The parameters of protein synthesis and functional inactivation of global messenger RNA (mRNA) were examined in a Tic + strain of Escherichia coli during the 30-min period following a shift-down from glucose-minimal to succinate-minimal medium. The rate of mRNA inactivation and the relative translational initiation frequency were both most severely depressed immediately after the shift-down and increased slowly thereafter. If glucose was restored to the medium at any time after shiftdown, mRNA inactivation immediately resumed its normal (preshift) rate and the protein-forming capacity was increased. These changes in mRNA inactivation rate do not reflect an altered mRNA composition in the down-shifted cells. The relative rate of mRNA inactivation was linearly proportional to the relative translational initiation frequency over a 10-fold range of initiation frequencies. Low initiation frequencies represent increased “dwell” of the ribosomes at the initiation site before the commencement of polypeptide chain initiation. We propose that initiating ribosomes protect mRNA from an inactivating endonucleolytic cleavage at or near the ribosome binding site.
Simultaneous bayesian auctions and computational complexity

Bayesian equilibria of simultaneous auctions for individual items have been explored recently [Christodoulou et al. 2008; Bhawalkar and Roughgarden 2011; Hassidim et al. 2011; Feldman et al. 2013] as an alternative to the well-known complexity issues plaguing combinatorial auctions with incomplete information, and some strong positive results have been shown about their performance. We point out some very serious complexity obstacles to this approach: Computing a Bayesian equilibrium in such auctions is hard for PP --- a complexity class between the polynomial hierarchy and PSPACE --- and even finding an approximate such equilibrium is as hard as NP, for some small approximation ratio (additive or multiplicative); therefore, the assumption that such equilibria will be arrived at by rational agents is quite problematic. In fact, even recognizing a Bayesian Nash equilibrium is intractable. Furthermore, these results hold even if bidder valuations are quite benign: Only one bidder valuation in our construction is unit demand or monotone submodular, while all others are additive. We also explore the possibility of favorable price of anarchy results for no-regret dynamics of the Bayesian simultaneous auctions game, and identify complexity obstacles there as well.
Baffled by Bafilomycin: An Anticancer Agent That Induces Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1α Expression

In an article presented in this issue of Molecular Pharmacology , Lim et al. ([p. 1856][1]) investigate the anticancer effect of bafilomycin, an inhibitor of the vacuolar ATPase. The authors report that bafilomycin inhibits cell cycle progression and tumor growth by inducing the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) 1α and the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21 CIP1 , a surprising result because HIF-1α overexpression is associated with tumor growth and angiogenesis in preclinical models and with increased patient mortality in clinical studies. However, the authors demonstrate that bafilomycin-induced HIF-1α expression leads to increased CIP1 gene expression but does not lead to increased expression of other HIF-1-regulated genes that promote tumor progression. [1]: /lookup/volpage/70/1856?iss=6
Effect of thermal treatment during the preparation of aluminum hydroxide adjuvant on the protein adsorption capacity during aging

Six aluminum hydroxide adjuvants, poorly crystalline aluminum oxyhydroxide (AlOOH) were prepared using different thermal treatments of amorphous aluminum hydroxide (Al(OH)3) in an effort to increase the protein adsorption capacity. All of the adjuvants initially exhibited a higher protein adsorption capacity. However, the protein adsorption capacity decreased during aging at room temperature. X-ray and differential centrifugal sedimentation analysis revealed that complete dehydration of amorphous aluminum hydroxide to aluminum oxyhydroxide is required to produce a stable adjuvant. Any residual amorphous aluminum hydroxide will spontaneously transform to crystalline aluminum hydroxide during aging at room temperature. Since crystalline aluminum hydroxide has a small surface area, the protein adsorption capacity of adjuvants containing amorphous aluminum hydroxide decreased by 30-40% when stored for 6 months at room temperature.
Comparative studies of sucrose and mannitol utilization in celery (Apium graveolens)

Utilization of sucrose and mannitol, the major forms of translocatable assimilate in celery (Apium graveolens L. cv. Giant Pascal), was investigated in intact plants, excised leaves and leaf discs by estimating the soluble carbohydrate pools, starch levels and oxidation of [14C]-sucrose or mannitol in the light and after extended dark treatments. In detached mature fully-expanded leaves, mannitol pools remained constant, while sucrose decreased during a 48 h dark treatment. In attached leaves on plants trimmed to a single compound leaf, however, mannitol levels decreased after a dark treatment. In leaf discs floated on bathing solutions containing [14C]-sucrose or [14C]-mannitol, oxidation of mannitol was restricted to young leaf tissues, whereas sucrose was metabolized to CO2 regardless of leaf age. Uptake of labelled mannitol, however, was greater than that of sucrose in the light in leaves of every age. Although both mannitol and sucrose are translocated out of leaf tissues, leaf age differences indicate that, unlike sucrose, mannitol utilization is restricted to active sink tissues. The results suggest different roles for mannitol and sucrose with mannitol representing a more rigorously sequestered transport carbohydrate.
Changes in multiple or sequential estrogen receptor determinations in breast cancer.

(ER) Estrogen receptor analyses are widely used in the management of patients with breast cancer. Little data is available concerning variations in ER as a function of time and therapy. We examined patients in whom multiple biopsies and receptor analyses were either performed simultaneously or over time with or without intervening chemotherapy or endocrine therapy. In 27 patie with simultaneous assays from different metastatic sites concordant results were obtained in 23 (85%) with respect to classifying a tumor as ER+ or ER-. In 34 patients multiple assays were performed over time. The receptor concentrations were concordant in patients receiving no intervening therapy. In 10 patients receiving hormonal therapy the median receptor concentration change from 66 femtomoles/mg cytoplasmic protein pretherapy to 8 femtomoles posttherapy (P < 0.05). This change suggested that hormonal therapy selectively eliminates ER+ cells. In 19 patients receiving intervening chemotherapy the median recept concentrations pre and posttherapy were similar. We conclude that simultaneous assays from multiple metastatic sites are highly concordant and unlikely to chan over time without intervening therapy but marked changes occur following endocrine therapy with a decrease in receptor concentration. (Authors modified
An Archaeological and Historical Account of Cannabis in China

Although Cannabis is generally believed to be of Asiatic origin, within this vast geographical area, there is no general agreement as to where the domestication really came about. Alphonse de Candolle (1884), the first authority on the origin of cultivated plants, ascribed a very extensive range to the plant. He asserted that "the species has been found wild, beyond a doubt, to the south of the Caspian Sea, near the Irtysch, in the desert of Kirghiz, beyond Lake Baikal in Dahuria (government of Irlkutsch). Authors mention it throughout southern and central Russia and to the south of the Caucasus, but its wild nature is here less certain, seeing that these are populous countries, and that the seeds of the hemp are easily diffused from gardens. The antiquity of the cultivation of hemp in China leads me to believe that its area extends further to the east, although this has not yet been proved by botanists. " Later workers, mostly working on field collections, either have accepted this very general and extensive area, or favor specific regions, such as the Himalayas, central Asia, India, Pakistan or China (Vavilov, 1926; Zhukovskii, 1962). It is a difficult problem to differentiate truly wild plants from spontaneous, escaped or semicultivated plants. There still remains much to be done to clarify the systematics of Cannabis. Moreover, in the case of Cannabis, which has been associated with man for so long, botanical studies alone are inadequate to ascertain the origin of cultivation. As one author states (Schultes, 1972), "It would seem that historical and ethnobotanical evidence
The 'Imitation of Christ' in Christian Tradition: Its Missing Charismatic Emphasis

Popular American culture, with its increasing focus on the spiritual, has generated a minor fad among teenagers: a WWJD? (“What Would Jesus Do?”) bracelet, which, while bouncing on the wrists of video game players and entangling the TV remote, clicking in gangsta rappers on MTV, seeks to draw its wearers toward an “imitation of Christ.” The WWJD bracelet expresses this more or less continuous tradition throughout church history to replicate the life of Christ, the tradition having deep but somewhat selectively attended roots in the New Testament itself. The devotional classics ranging from St Thomas a Kempis’s Imitatio Christi to Charles Sheldon’s In His Steps easily spring to mind as examples. But this notion of “following Jesus,” “discipleship” or “spirituality” calls up a historically conditioned set of restrictions on how far that “imitation” may be applied. Traditionally, aside from minor movements in the radical reformation or from certain restorationist groups, we understand that a replication of Jesus’ life is properly restricted to piety and ethics.
A classification-driven similarity matching framework for retrieval of biomedical images

This paper presents a classification-driven biomedical image retrieval system to bride the semantic gap by transforming image features to their global categories at different granularity, such as image modality, body part, and orientation. To generate the feature vectors at different levels of abstraction, both the visual concept feature based on the "bag of concepts" model that comprise of local color and texture patches and various low-level global color, edge, and texture-related features are extracted. Since, it is difficult to find a unique feature to compare images effectively for all types of queries, we utilize a similarity fusion approach based on the linear combination of individual features. However, instead of using the commonly used fixed or hard weighting approach, we rely on the image classification to determine the importance of a feature at real time. For this, a supervised multi-class classifier based on the support vector machine (SVM) is trained on a set of sample images and classifier combination techniques based on the rules derived from the Bayes's theorem are explored. After the combined prediction of the classifiers for a query image category, the individual pre-computed weights of different features are adjusted in the similarity matching function for effective query-specific retrieval. Experiment is performed in a diverse medical image collection of 67,000 images of different modalities. It demonstrates the effectiveness of the category-specific similarity fusion approach with a mean average precision (MAP) score of 0.0265 when compared to using only a single feature or equal weighting of each feature in similarity matching.
Roles of subunit NuoK (ND4L) in the energy-transducing mechanism of Escherichia coli NDH-1 (NADH:quinone oxidoreductase).

The bacterial H+-translocating NADH:quinone oxidoreductase (NDH-1) catalyzes electron transfer from NADH to quinone coupled with proton pumping across the cytoplasmic membrane. The NuoK subunit (counterpart of the mitochondrial ND4L subunit) is one of the seven hydrophobic subunits in the membrane domain and bears three transmembrane segments (TM1–3). Two glutamic residues located in the adjacent transmembrane helices of NuoK are important for the energy coupled activity of NDH-1. In particular, mutation of the highly conserved carboxyl residue (KGlu-36 in TM2) to Ala led to a complete loss of the NDH-1 activities. Mutation of the second conserved carboxyl residue (KGlu-72 in TM3) moderately reduced the activities. To clarify the contribution of NuoK to the mechanism of proton translocation, we relocated these two conserved residues. When we shifted KGlu-36 along TM2 to positions 32, 38, 39, and 40, the mutants largely retained energy transducing NDH-1 activities. According to the recent structural information, these positions are located in the vicinity of KGlu-36, present in the same helix phase, in an immediately before and after helix turn. In an earlier study, a double mutation of two arginine residues located in a short cytoplasmic loop between TM1 and TM2 (loop-1) showed a drastic effect on energy transducing activities. Therefore, the importance of this cytosolic loop of NuoK (KArg-25, KArg-26, and KAsn-27) for the energy transducing activities was extensively studied. The probable roles of subunit NuoK in the energy transducing mechanism of NDH-1 are discussed.
Theory and Practice in EFL Teacher Education: Bridging the Gap edited by HÜTTNER, JULIA, BARBARA MEHLMAUER-LARCHER, SUSANNE REICHL, & BARBARA SCHIFTNER.

The article reviews the book "Theory and Practice in EFL Teacher Education: Bridging the Gap," edited by Julia Huttner, Barbara Mehlmauer-Larcher, Susanne Reichl, and Barbara Schiftner.
A case of massive osteolysis after knee prosthesis polyethylene failure

A case of massive osteolysis of the distal femur in response to particulate polyethylene from a broken uncemented tibial component is described. The osteolysis was so extensive that it made the revision arthroplasty extremely difficult. Early detection and early revision is recommended.
Linear Stability Control of Offshore Wind Turbines

Offshore wind farms in deep water are becoming an attractive prospect for harnessing renewable energy and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. One area of major concern with offshore wind turbines is stability control. The same strong winds that give deep water turbines great potential for energy capture also pose a threat to stability, along with potentially strong wave forces. We examine development of state space controllers for active stabilization of a spar-buoy floating turbine. We investigate linear state feedback with a state observer and evaluate response time and disturbance rejection of decoupled SISO controllers.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
On the calculation of λ∞, g(0), and α for one-dimensional mappings

Abstract We introduce a simple method of calculating λ∞, g(0), and α for one-dimensional iterations, which requires the solution of one algebraic equation at each order of approximation.
Social Capital, Organic Agriculture, and Sustainable Livelihood Security: Rethinking Agrarian Change in Mexico*

This paper explores the relevance of extra local market linkages and local-level social capital to sustainable livelihood outcomes in two agrarian communities on Mexico's Baja Peninsula. Contextualized by the specificity of Mexico's transition from state-directed rural development to neoliberally-guided rural development in the 1990s, findings suggest that market linkages can intersect with pre-existing social capital to both create new and destroy preexisting social capital, thus shaping the direction of development and inequality outcomes. The nature of a community's social fabric is often a result of long-standing historical legacies. In the communities presented, the quantity and quality of social capital was intricately connected to their history of state-sponsored or market agriculture; the nature of local institutions, with particular emphasis on the formation and evolution of the ejido; and the access to and availability of natural resources, namely land and water, which are both intricately connected to market access options. Moving beyond a simple demonstration that social capital matters, this analysis explores the complex and dynamic interaction between local-level social capital and extralocal market linkages. In doing so, it contributes to the larger debate on how the historical legacy of populist reforms and the social and political institutions created during state populism have nuanced the trajectory of neoliberal development in Mexico.
Engineered Fibronectin Type III Domain with a RGDWXE Sequence Binds with Enhanced Affinity and Specificity to Human αvβ3 Integrin

Abstract Fibronectin is an extracellular matrix protein with broad binding specificity to cell surface receptors, integrins. The tenth fibronectin type III domain (FNfn10) is a small, autonomous domain of fibronectin containing the RGE sequence that is directly involved in integrin binding. However, in isolation FNfn10 only weakly bind to integrins. We reasoned that high-affinity and high-specificity variants of FNfn10 to a particular integrin could be engineered by optimizing residues surrounding the integrin-binding RGD sequence in the flexible FG loop. Affinity maturation of FNfn10 to αvβ3 integrin, an integrin up-regulated in angiogenic endothelial cells and in some metastatic tumor cells, yielded αvβ3-binding FNfn10 mutants with a novel RGDWXE consensus sequence. We characterized one of the RGDWXE-modified clones, FNfn10-3JCLI4, as purified protein. FNfn10-3JCLI4 binds with high affinity and specificity to purified αvβ3 integrin. Alanine scanning mutagenesis suggested that both the tryptophan and glutamic acid residues following the RGD sequence are required for maximal affinity and specificity for αvβ3. FNfn10-3JCLI4 specifically stained αvβ3-positive cells as detected with flow cytometry and it inhibited αvβ3-dependent cell adhesion. As with the anti-αvβ3 antibody LM609, FNfn10-3JCLI4 can interfere with in vitro capillary formation. Taken together, these data show that FNfn10-3JCL14 is a specific, high-affinity αvβ3-binding protein that can inhibit αvβ3-dependent cellular processes similar to an anti-αvβ3 monoclonal antibody. These properties, combined with the small, monomeric, cysteine-free and highly stable structure of FNfn10-3JCLI4, may make this protein useful in future applications involving detection and targeting of αvβ3-positive cells.
Uranium Tris-aryloxide Derivatives Supported by Triazacyclononane: Engendering a Reactive Uranium(III) Center with a Single Pocket for Reactivity

The synthesis and spectroscopic characterization of the mononuclear uranium complex [((ArO)3tacn)UIII(NCCH3)] is reported. The uranium(III) complex reacts with organic azides to yield uranium(IV) azido as well as uranium(V) imido complexes, [((ArO)3tacn)UIV(N3)] and [((ArO)3tacn)UV(NSi(CH3)3)]. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction, spectroscopic, and computational studies of this analogous series of uranium tris-aryloxide complexes supported by triazacyclononane are described. The hexadentate, tris-anionic ligand coordinates to the large uranium ion in unprecedented fashion, engendering coordinatively unsaturated and highly reactive uranium centers. The macrocyclic triazacyclononane tris-aryloxide derivative occupies six coordination sites, with the three aryloxide pendant arms forming a trigonal plane at the metal center. DFT quantum mechanic methods were applied to rationalize the reactivity and to elucidate the electronic structure of the newly synthesized compounds. It is shown that the deeply colored ura...
STATS: a framework for microprocessor and system-level design space exploration

Abstract As microprocessor-based systems grow in complexity, and the processor-memory speed gap widens further, more emphasis needs to be placed on early design space exploration in order to produce the highest performance systems with minimal schedule impact. We discuss the critical issues associated with architectural evaluation of complex microprocessor-based systems, and present a methodology for the comprehensive and semiautomatic evaluation of processor, cache hierarchy, system interconnect, and main memory architectural and technological alternatives. We discuss the implementation of the methodology, and describe how it can be used in early design space exploration. The unique aspects of the methodology are further illustrated through two architectural investigations performed using the toolset.
Exciton-plasmon coupling in ZnO-MgO-Au waveguide structures

There is intense current interest in integrating excitons and plasmons in waveguide structures with specific functionalities. We have studied the coupling of band-edge and donor-acceptor pair (DAP) photoluminescence (PL) to propagating and localized surface plasmons in sub-micron scale waveguide structures. By varying the thickness of a spacer layer between the ZnO luminescent centers and nanostructured plasmonic thin films, we verified that Purcell enhancement of the ultraviolet ZnO band-edge emission opccurred by coupling to Ag and Au surface plasmon polaritons. On the other hand, enhanced DAP photoluminescence appears to result from dipole-dipole scattering by localized surface plasmons in nanoparticulate films.
Elastic Moduli of Porous Sintered Materials as Modeled by a Variable-Aspect-Ratio Self-Consistent Oblate-Spheroidal-Inclusion Theory

If the porosity of sintered materials is modeled by oblate spheroids, self-consistent elastic moduli theory can be used to determine an effective aspect ratio for the spheroids from experimental data on elastic moduli vs porosity. The resultant effective aspect ratio serves as an additional parameter to describe observed elastic behavior. With the exception of one case in the seven investigated, this single parameter satisfactorily describes both Young's modulus and shear modulus vs porosity data. The fit to these data sets is tested by comparing theoretical and experimental values for bulk moduli and Poisson ratios. An effective aspect ratio is also shown to accurately describe a continuous distribution of aspect ratios varying between spheres and disks, implying that a continuous distribution of oblate spheroids may be a useful model for the elastic behavior of sintered materials.
Classical conditioning in 3-, 30-, and 45-month-old rabbits: behavioral learning and hippocampal unit activity.

Abstract Evidence has accumulated to suggest that the hippocampus is impaired by aging processes. Hippocampal multiple unit activity was examined in 3-, 30-, and 45-month-old rabbits during classical conditioning in the trace paradigm. Animals were trained daily with 126 paired trials of tone and airpuff. The 3-month-olds learned to a criterion of 8 9 CR's in a mean of 3.2 days, while the 30-month-olds took a mean of 9.4 days, and the 45-month-olds took a mean of 11.75 days. Neural unit activity in the hippocampus modeled the behavioral eyelid response but took much longer to develop in the older animals. Results suggest that rabbits as young as 2 1 2 years old show behavioral and correlated neural response deficits.
A simulation model of intraseasonal carbon and nitrogen dynamics of blue grama swards as influenced by above- and belowground grazing

Abstract This study examines the effects of various kinds and levels of herbivory on plant processes and productivity. A model was developed to simulate growth of blue grama under field conditions. Two submodels represent uptake of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) and their allocation within the plant. Shoots and roots were divided into structural material, characterized by high C : N ratio, and metabolic or storage material characterized by lower C : N ratio. We assumed that root and shoot growth rates were governed by C : N ratio of metabolic components of plant tissue. The model was run for three consecutive years using climatic data as driving variables. We calibrated the model with field data for 1971 and validated it against field data for 1972 and 1973. Model validation exhibits a relatively good correlation with Clark's (1977) data. Simulation of belowground grazing show that nematodes could have the biggest effect on net primary production among all grazers, but do not affect shoot production to root production ratio. Nitrogen cycling in the plant-soil system is affected much more by belowground grazing than by aboveground grazing. Sensitivity analysis was performed to determine the effects of above- and belowground grazing on net primary production and nitrogen allocation. Grasshopper grazing increases net primary production by stimulating aboveground production and increases N availability in the soil through the recycling process.
The nasolabial flap

The nasolabial flap is a straightforward and time-tested reconstructive option suitable for a variety of facial and oral defects. The superiorly and inferiorly based variants are well described in the literature and offer a rapid and reliable alternative to time-consuming microvascular free flaps and less esthetic skin grafts. Despite newer and more complex alternatives, the nasolabial flap maintains its prominent position in the reconstructive armamentarium of the oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
Enhancement of Undergraduate Materials Education through Research and Industry-Academia Interactions

The Chemical Engineering Department at Christian Brothers University (CBU) offers an introductory courses on materials at the sophomore level followed by a course on polymer science and engineering at the senior level complete with laboratory. Students desiring further exposure to materials processing are connected with local polymeric materials companies where they work as interns. These students have the opportunity to be involved in undergraduate materials research in the CBU Polymer Laboratory with the author funded by the university or local polymer companies. Their works are acknowledged in terms of student paper presentations at local or regional research seminars. In 1998, CBU Engineering School’s research involvement with the polymeric materials industry was expanded when local polymer company personnels were allowed to conduct proprietary research at the institution’s Polymer Engineering Laboratory with the help of paid undergraduate chemical engineering students. Recently the Chemical Engineering Department at CBU initiated collaborative research with the engineering school of a local university and a local biomaterials company. In order to meet the growing needs of packaging engineers in this area, local companies (polymer and others) that have packaging departments and the School of Engineering at CBU recently joined forces to develop a packaging teaching and training program for students as well as employees of these companies. This program would include packaging materials and engineering. The details of Phase I and Phase II of this joint venture are described in the main body of the paper that follows.
Representations, processes, memory mechanisms: The basic components of cognition

Every cognitive skill draws upon part of the brain's extensive repertoire of representational subsystems, storage mechanisms, and processes. This tutorial article is an introduction to research exploring these basic components of cognitive skill and their organization. Four areas of research are reviewed: the perception of objects and words; the distinction between short- and long-term memory mechanisms; the retrieval of remembered episodes and facts; attention, performance, and consciousness.
High Throughput High Sensitivity Depth Resolved Wide Field Microscopy

3D optical microscopies including confocal microscopy, two-photon excitation microscopy, and coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering microscopy have optical sectioning capability, but their image acquisition is relatively slow due to the sequential nature of raster scanning. Recently, scanningless nonlinear microscopy based on temporal focusing was introduced as an alternative to using the diffraction-limited spot. However, comparable optical sectioning has not been proved without optimizing the optical design and high-throughput capability has not been achieved due to the optical power limitation. In this presentation, high-throughput high-sensitivity depth-resolved wide-field two-photon microscopy is proposed. To quantify depth discrimination capability, a comprehensive mathematical model for depth-resolved wide-field illumination is derived and experimentally validated. By optimizing optical design parameters through numerical simulation, the best 3D resolution is shown to be close to diffraction limit. In addition, single particle detection sensitivity and high-throughput imaging capability are demonstrated by incorporating quantum dots, which are known to have high two-photon cross section, as a contrast agent into the proposed system. Finally, depth-resolved single particle tracking is evaluated to study the transport process in the cells with the developed microscopy, which confirms that this microscopy holds the potential in the fields of biology and medicine where both sensitivity and throughput are required.
The effect of insurance status on pre- and post-operative bariatric surgery outcomes.

Background This study compared pre- and post-surgical data and outcomes among gastric bypass patients based on the type of insurance (Medicaid, Medicare, or private).