cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Assessing carbon-based anodes for lithium-ion batteries: a universal description of charge-transfer binding.

Many key performance characteristics of carbon-based lithium-ion battery anodes are largely determined by the strength of binding between lithium (Li) and $s{p}^{2}$ carbon (C), which can vary significantly with subtle changes in substrate structure, chemistry, and morphology. Here, we use density functional theory calculations to investigate the interactions of Li with a wide variety of $s{p}^{2}$ C substrates, including pristine, defective, and strained graphene, planar C clusters, nanotubes, C edges, and multilayer stacks. In almost all cases, we find a universal linear relation between the Li-C binding energy and the work required to fill previously unoccupied electronic states within the substrate. This suggests that Li capacity is predominantly determined by two key factors---namely, intrinsic quantum capacitance limitations and the absolute placement of the Fermi level. This simple descriptor allows for straightforward prediction of the Li-C binding energy and related battery characteristics in candidate C materials based solely on the substrate electronic structure. It further suggests specific guidelines for designing more effective C-based anodes. The method should be broadly applicable to charge-transfer adsorption on planar substrates, and provides a phenomenological connection to established principles in supercapacitor and catalyst design.
Detailed analysis of binges in obese women with binge eating disorder: Comparisons using multiple methods of data collection.

Objective: This study compares multiple methods of assessing food intake in obese women with binge eating disorder (BED). Method: Twelve women meeting BED criteria completed six random 24-hour dietary recalls, engaged in a laboratory binge eating episode, and completed the EDE interview. Results: There was not a significant difference in total or macronutrient intake when binge eating episodes were assessed via the recall and laboratory methods. However, within-individual correlations were low for the size of different binge eating episodes collected by the two methods. Significantly more calories were consumed during objective than during subjective binges, and significant differences in macronutrient composition were observed. Meal patterning data collected by the EDE and the recalls were comparable. Conclusion: The findings suggest only moderate agreement between the methods that were examined. Future investigations with larger sample sizes are needed to examine the relationship among these different methods of assessing food intake. © 2006 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2006; 39:685–693
The Rotational Spectra of Regular and Deuterated Phosphine and Arsine in the Region between 50 and 200 K

The far infrared spectrograph at The Ohio State University was used to obtain the spectra of phosphine and arsine molecules. Tabular and graphical data show series of lines for phosphine, deuterated phosphine, arsine, and deuterated arsine in the ground vibrational state. Two previously unpredicted series of lines are clearly shown in the spectrum of phosphine and indicated in that of arsine. These additional series are ascribed to rotational transitions occurring while the molecules are in excited vibrational states and their rotational constants as well as the equilibrium rotational constants have been computed.
Differential responsiveness to 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine toxicity in sub-regions of the primate substantia nigra and striatum.

Abstract After treatment with the neurotoxin, 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP), there was a severe loss of dopamine (DA) at all examined sites in the striatum, both in those monkeys which remained asymptomatic (77–99%) and in one monkey which developed severe parkinsonian disability (94–99%). However, the asymptomatic animals had normal DA concentration in the substantia nigra (SN); yet in the symptomatic animal DA was largely depleted in the central (86%) and medial (94%), but not lateral (8%) regions of the SN. The HVA/DA ratio was raised in the striatum of all MPTP-treated animals. In the SN though, this ratio was elevated only in the symptomatic animal, in the central and medial, but not lateral regions. The contralateral half of these brains were examined for DA histofluorescence. The SN of asymptomatic animals had a slight increase in lipofuscin fluorescence within dopaminergic neurons and a small reduction in the number of dopaminergic cells, while fluorescent intensity of individual neurons was unchanged. The SN of the symptomatic animal displayed a sharp decline in the number of DA neurons along with an increase in autofluorescent pigment granules; these changes were most pronounced in the central and medial regions of the SN. These data suggest that after MPTP the terminals of the nigrostriatal pathway are affected before the cell bodies. In the one symptomatic animal emergence of parkinsonian disability corresponded with a marked loss of DA neurons and DA Concentration in the central and medial regions of the SN. In the control monkeys a gradient in the concentration of amines and metabolites was observed within the SN; the lateral region contained the highest and the medial region the lowest concentration.
Digitoxin-like immunoreactivity in sera of mice after feeding with chinese medicine Chan Su: study of protein binding of Chan Su in normal sera, uremic sera and sera from patients with liver disease

Traditional Chinese medicines are readily available without prescription from herbal drug stores. One such Chinese medicine, Chan Su, which is prepared from the skin gland of toads, has cardiotonic effect due to bufadienolides. Here we report rapid detection of the presence of Chan Su in blood using the fluorescence polarization immunoassay for digitoxin. In our study mice were fed with a dose of 75 mg/kg of Chan Su and blood was drawn before, and 1 and 2 h after feeding. We observed significant digitoxin-like immunoreactivity in the sera. For example in one mouse the digitoxin-like immunoreactivity was undetectable before feeding with Chan Su, but was 19.7 ng/ml 1 h and 8.8 ng/ml 2 h afterwards. The apparent half-life of Chan Su is approximately 1 h in mice. In another experiment, we studied protein binding of Chan Su by measuring total and free Chan Su concentrations (ultrafiltrate prepared by using Centrifree Micropartition Filter, molecular weight cutoff: 30000 Da). Chan Su was strongly bound to serum proteins. We observed higher free fraction in uremic sera and sera from patients with liver disease. We identified albumin as one of the proteins that bind Chan Su in serum.
Use of Zooplankton Size to Assess the Community Structure of Fish Populations in Freshwater Lakes

Abstract In this study, we examined the relationship between mean size of zooplankton and fish community structure in 35 New York lakes. The study lakes contained fish populations dominated by percids, centrarchids, or both, and were categorized based on fish species composition and the ratio of predators to panfish. An increase in the predator-to-panfish ratio was matched by an increase in zooplankton size, indicating that zooplankton size represents a suitable index of predator-prey balance. Mean zooplankton size also decreased as the abundance of age-0 fish increased and increased when the predator: panfish ratio increased after a successful introduction of piscivores. To assess fish community structure from mean size of crustacean zooplankton, we recommend that sampling for zooplankton be done once in the spring and once in midsummer.
Restricted feed consumption and its effect on mammary gland growth.

Abstract Individual feed consumption was determined in a group of ovariectomized rats. They were then divided into two groups, one restricted to 75% of their individual normal consumption and the other to 50% of normal. During a period of 19 days, the rats were injected with 2μg EB plus 6mg P to stimulate mammary gland growth, then sacrificed and DNA/100g bw determined. In comparison with a group of 78 full-fed control rats, gland growth was depressed only 3.89%, a nonsignificant amount by 75% of their normal feed intake, and 17.84%, a reduction significant at the 1% level when restricted to 50% of their feed intake.
Autologous bone marrow mononuclear cells reduce therapeutic intensity for severe traumatic brain injury in children.

Objectives:The devastating effect of traumatic brain injury is exacerbated by an acute secondary neuroinflammatory response, clinically manifest as elevated intracranial pressure due to cerebral edema. The treatment effect of cell-based therapies in the acute post–traumatic brain injury period has n
PROTECTING THE PUBLIC

“Impairment” is a term of art in professional licensure. 1 The American Medical Association (AMA) defines the impaired physician as “a physician who is unable to practice medicine with reasonable s...
Ontogeny and regulation of cardiac angiotensin types 1 and 2 receptors during fetal life in sheep

Previous studies have shown that the expression of cardiac angiotensin II(ANG II) type 1 (AT1) and type 2 (AT2) receptors are developmentally regulated, although factors modulating these receptors have not been well investigated. The present study was designed 1) to characterize the ontogeny of cardiac AT1 and AT2 gene expression during the last third trimester of gestation in fetal sheep and newborn lambs, 2) to determine the influence of ANG II on modulating cardiac AT1 and AT2 gene expression during fetal life, and 3) to investigate the role of AT1 receptor activity on the regulation of AT1 and AT2 mRNA levels during fetal cardiac development. Using sheep AT1 and AT2 cDNA probes, we demonstrated that cardiac AT1 gene expression is relatively unchanged during fetal (90-135 d of gestation, term 145 d) and newborn life. In contrast, cardiac AT2 mRNA expression was high during fetal development and decreased rapidly after birth. Continuous i.v. infusion of ANG II (9.5 nM/h) for 24 h, which raised ANG II levels from 84± 9 to 210 ± 21 pg/mL had no effect on the expression of cardiac AT1 or AT2 mRNA, but increased adrenal and decreased liver AT1 mRNA levels. Administration of the AT1 receptor antagonist losartan (1.2 mg kg-1 h-1) significantly decreased arterial blood pressure in fetuses at 110- and 135-d, but not 95-d gestation. Except for increased AT1 receptor gene expression in the right atrium at 95-and 135-d gestation, and left ventricle at 110-d gestation, cardiac AT1 and AT2 mRNA levels were unaltered by AT1 receptor blockade. In summary, this study demonstrates that cardiac AT2 but not AT1 receptor gene expression is regulated by the transition from fetal to newborn life. Neither ANG II nor blockade of AT1 receptors significantly alter the expression of AT1 or AT2 mRNA in the fetal heart. Endogenous ANG II also appears to significantly contribute to the maintenance of blood pressure homeostasis during the final third of gestation in fetal lambs.
Yield of perennial herbaceous and woody biomass crops over time across three locations

Abstract The use of perennial biomass crops is expected to increase and will likely be part of a diversified approach to cropping system design that focuses on multiple economic, ecological, and environmental benefits. Field experiments were conducted from 2006 to 2011 at three locations in Minnesota to quantify biomass production across a diverse set of perennial herbaceous and woody crops. Herbaceous crops were harvested annually in the fall while the woody crops were harvested once following five years of growth. Willow produced more total biomass than all other woody and herbaceous biomass crops across all locations. However, miscanthus biomass yield was similar to ‘SX67’ willow at St. Paul and Waseca, but was dependent on the cultivar of miscanthus. Prairie cordgrass cultivars were among the highest and most consistent yielding herbaceous biomass crops across locations. Miscanthus cultivars produced the highest annual dry matter yield of 35 Mg ha−1 yr−1 biomass, but only during the final year of the study. Other herbaceous crops such as switchgrass performed well in certain locations and may offer flexibility in cropping choice. This unique information on comparative biomass yield across a diversity of perennial crops will inform the overall decision-making process in a way that reduces risk and optimizes productivity in specific environments. This study shows that several biomass crop species can be successfully grown as part of a diversified biomass cropping enterprise.
High Pressure-High Temperature Studies of Precursors Used in the Synthesis of C3N4

This paper focuses on the properties of sodium azide (NaN3) and its role in the formation of carbon nitrides. Specifically, our data suggest phase changes in azide induced by high pressures at room temperature. We also present recent results from attempts at carbon nitride synthesis with azide/graphite and azide/diamond combinations raised to pressures and temperatures in a diamond anvil cell. Laser-heated samples are investigated by image plate X-ray diffraction using a synchrotron source.
SR-targeted CaMKII inhibition improves SR Ca2+ handling, but accelerates cardiac remodeling in mice overexpressing CaMKIIδC

Cardiac myocyte overexpression of CaMKIIδC leads to cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure (HF) possibly caused by altered myocyte Ca2+ handling. A central defect might be the marked CaMKII-induced increase in diastolic sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ leak which decreases SR Ca2+ load and Ca2+ transient amplitude. We hypothesized that inhibition of CaMKII near the SR membrane would decrease the leak, improve Ca2+ handling and prevent the development of contractile dysfunction and HF. To test this hypothesis we crossbred CaMKIIδC overexpressing mice (CaMK) with mice expressing the CaMKII-inhibitor AIP targeted to the SR via a modified phospholamban (PLB)-transmembrane-domain (SR-AIP). There was a selective decrease in the amount of activated CaMKII in the microsomal (SR/membrane) fraction prepared from these double-transgenic mice (CaMK/SR-AIP) mice. In ventricular cardiomyocytes from CaMK/SR-AIP mice, SR Ca2+ leak, assessed both as diastolic Ca2+ shift into SR upon tetracaine in intact myocytes or integrated Ca2+ spark release in permeabilized myocytes, was significantly reduced. The reduced leak was accompanied by enhanced SR Ca2+ load and twitch amplitude in double-transgenic mice (vs. CaMK), without changes in SERCA expression or NCX function. However, despite the improved myocyte Ca2+ handling, cardiac hypertrophy and remodeling was accelerated in CaMK/SR-AIP and cardiac function worsened. We conclude that while inhibition of SR localized CaMKII in CaMK mice improves Ca2+ handling, it does not necessarily rescue the HF phenotype. This implies that a non-SR CaMKIIδC exerts SR-independent effects that contribute to hypertrophy and HF, and this CaMKII pathway may be exacerbated by the global enhancement of Ca transients.
A transforming growth factor related to epidermal growth factor is expressed by fetal mouse salivary mesenchyme cells in culture

Summary Fetal mouse salivary mesenchyme cells secrete a protein with an apparent MW of 15 Kd that is immunologically related to epidermal growth factor (EGF). Conditioned medium collected from these cells in culture stimulates the growth of primary mouse mammary epithelial cells cultured within collagen gels, competes for binding to EGF receptor sites on these mammary epithelial cells and stimulates the anchorage-independent growth of normal rat kidney fibroblast cells within soft agarose. Prior immunoprecipitation of salivary mesenchyme cell conditioned medium with antiEGF antibodies effectively removes or attenuates all of these effects confirming that an EGF-like factor is involved in these responses.
WLAN-GPRS integration for next-generation mobile data networks

The ongoing wireless LAN standardization and R&D activities worldwide, which target bit rates higher than 100 Mb/s, combined with the successful deployment of WLANs in numerous hotspots justify the fact that WLAN technology will play a key role in wireless data transmission. Cellular network operators have recognized this fact, and strive to exploit WLAN technology and integrate this technology into their cellular data networks. For this reason, there is currently a strong need for interworking mechanisms between WLANs and cellular data networks. We focus on these interworking mechanisms, which effectively combine WLANs and cellular data networks into integrated wireless data environments capable of ubiquitous data services and very high data rates in hotspot locations. We discuss the general aspects of integrated WLANs and cellular data networks, and we examine the generic interworking architectures that have been proposed in the technical literature. In addition, we review the current standardization activities in the area of WLAN-cellular data network integration. Moreover, we propose and explain two different interworking architectures, which feature different coupling mechanisms. Finally, we compare the proposed interworking architectures, and discuss their advantages and drawbacks.
Refractory depression in children and adolescents

Refractory or treatments resistant depression in child and adolescent populations is a difficult construct to operationalize currently. To date, only one of the small number of completed double-blind placebo-controlled treatment investigations have not demonstrated a significant effect of antidepressants in comparison to placebo. However, it has been established that child and adolescent MDD is a serious disorder that appears to have clinical continuity with adult affective disorders and is generally of long duration with high rates of recurrence and eventual progression to mania, substance abuse, or other serious psychopathology. In addition, families of children with affective disorders evidence substantial genetic loading with high rates of affective disorders contributing both genetic vulnerability and potential environmental risk as well. There have been no empirically identified treatments that alter the long-term course of the illness. Thus treatment resistance is a significant issue for this population. This review will focus on controlled treatment trials and will examine the potential relevance of psychosocial impairment, genetic-familial risk, and neuromorphometric brain differences to treatment resistance in children and adolescents with major depression.
Angiographic characteristics of the infarct-related coronary artery in patients with angina pectoris after myocardial infarction

To elucidate the pathophysiology of angina pectoris after myocardial infarction, we analyzed the coronary stenoses in 45 subjects (28 men, 17 women, aged 33 to 67 years) with recent (≤60 days) infarction, significant narrowing of only the infarct-related artery, and residual anterograde flow in this artery. Postinfarction angina was absent in 19 (group I) and present in 26 (group II). The groups were similar in age, left ventricular function, incidence with which each coronary artery was involved, as well as stenosis diameter (1.0 ± 0.3 vs 0.9 ± 0.4 mm [mean ± standard deviation], respectively, difference not significant), stenosis area (0.9 ± 0.4 vs 0.8 ± 0.8 mm2, respectively, difference not significant), percent diameter narrowing (65 ± 5 vs 66 ± 9, respectively, difference not significant), and stenosis eccentricity. However, those with postinfarction angina had longer stenoses (group 1, 4.3 ± 1.4 mm; group II, 10.3 ± 4.0 mm; p < 0.001). Thus, patients with postinfarction angina and residual anterograde flow in the infarct artery may have angina due to a marked reduction in anterograde flow, caused by a long stenosis. There is no apparent relation between stenosis eccentricity and postinfarction angina.
The value of the critical exponent for reaction-diffusion equations in cones

Let D ⊂ RN be a cone with vertex at the origin i.e., D = (0, ∞)xΩ where Ω ⊂ SN−1 and x e D if and only if x = (r, θ) with r=¦x¦, θ e Ω. We consider the initial boundary value problem: ut = Δu+up in D×(0, T), u=0 on ∂Dx(0, T) with u(x, 0)=u0(x) ≧ 0. Let ω1 denote the smallest Dirichlet eigenvalue for the Laplace-Beltrami operator on Ω and let γ+ denote the positive root of γ(γ+N−2) = ω1. Let p* = 1 + 2/(N + γ+). If 1 p*, positive global solutions do exist. Extensions are given to the same problem for ut=Δ+¦x¦σup.
Enhancement of the consumption of acclimated sapid solutions following periodic and prolonged withdrawal

Abstract The present study was an extension of a previous investigation which demonstrated that the periodic and/or prolonged withdrawal of mildly aversive ethanol, quinine, or saccharin solutions to which the animals had become accustomed to a certain extent resulted in increased consumption. Results indicate that the effect is more general and also occurs with mildly aversive saline and citric acid solutions. However, if the aversiveness of the solutions is increased, the effect is attenuated. Periodic withdrawal appears to be more potent than prolonged single periods of withdrawal and results in a relatively permanent increase in the consumption of previously aversive solutions. Brief successive periods of food and water deprivation had no additional effects on already elevated fluid intakes. Results are discussed in terms of increased motor arousal which results from the disruption of accommodated or habituated taste and other associated environmental stimuli.
Anglicanism, Catholicism and the Negro Slave

In recent years, American scholars have begun to search for the uniqueness of the American institution of Negro slavery, by contrasting it with the experience of the other colonizing nations of Europe in the New World. Even as far back as the 17th century, a sharp difference in slave institutions was noted between English, French and Spanish possessions, yet few historians until recently have attempted to analyze the causes and consequences of these distinctions.
Seawater reverse osmosis a study in use

Abstract In the last decade seawater reverse osmosis (RO) has made immense strides as a technology and in acceptance in the marketplace. It has been estimated that at the start of the eighties, the market share for RO was about 23% with multi-stage flash distillation (MSF), the dominant thermal process, having a two thirds share. By 1989 the situation had completely changed. RO was now the major contributor to desalination with 85% share and MSF was reduced to 3%. Economics, energy consumption and technology were the cause of this dramatic reversal of roles. Within RO there are essentially two modular configurations used to desalinate the seawater--hollow fine fiber (HFF) permeators and spiral wound (SW) cartridges. Almost from the beginning HFF permeators have been the major technology. Today about 70% of the identified world-wide installations use HFF permeators. This paper attempts to define why the HFF configuration is the device of choice for desalting seawater.
Water-Based Route to Ligand-Selective Synthesis of ZnSe and Cd-Doped ZnSe Quantum Dots with Tunable Ultraviolet A to Blue Photoluminescence

A water-based route has been demonstrated for synthesizing ZnSe and Cd-doped ZnSe (ZnxCd1-xSe, 0 < x < 1) quantum dots (QDs) that have tunable and narrow photoluminescence (PL) peaks from the ultraviolet A (UVA) to the blue range (350−490 nm) with full-width at half-maximum (fwhm) values of 24−36 nm. Hydrazine (N2H4) was used to maintain oxygen-free conditions, allowing the reaction vessel to be open to air. The properties of the QDs were controlled using the thiol ligands, 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA), thiolglycolic acid (TGA), and l-glutathione (GSH). On the basis of optical spectra, linear three-carbon MPA attenuated nucleation and growth, yielding small ZnSe QDs with a high density of surface defects. In contrast, TGA and GSH produced larger ZnSe QDs with lower surface defect densities. The absorption spectra show that growth was more uniform and better controlled with linear two-carbon TGA than branched bifunctional GSH. After 20 min of growth TGA-capped ZnSe had an average diameter of 2.5 nm based...
Theoretical investigation of structures and energies of the protonated methane radical cation and ethane

Abstract Complete basis set and Gaussian ab initio computational studies were performed on the methyl radical and ethane with the target being to explore the possibility for their multiple protonation. Structures of these protonated compounds were all optimized at the MP2/6-31G(d,p) theory level. The potential energy surface was explored for each and every protonated system and structures and the energies for the global minima are reported. Enthalpies of protonation as well as for the hydrogen association reaction with ethane were computed and the stability of various protonated isomers were discussed.
Landscape metrics and change analysis of a national wildlife refuge at different spatial resolutions

For the past three decades, ecologists and biogeographers have increasingly incorporated remote sensing and geographical information systems (GISs) to inventory and analyse spatially organized data. Although there are many studies exploring the effects of fine resolution on remote sensing and GIS mapping, there is still a gap on how to identify the most appropriate spatial resolutions for studying landscapes and their structures and dynamics. This study investigated the effects of landscape changes over a 64-year study period at different spatial resolutions using four resampling schemes. The study was conducted on a national wildlife refuge of five land-use and land-cover (LULC) categories using aerial photos recorded in three distant years (1938, 1971, and 2001). This refuge has undergone major landscape changes in the last 64 years. Among the five LULC categories studied, the one that lost the most surface is agriculture; the most gain was made in forest and water. In terms of net change and swapping, ...
Activin and inhibin have opposite effects on steroid 5α-reductase activity in genital skin fibroblasts

The transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) superfamily includes several closely related peptides including the activins and inhibins. Since we recently reported that TGF-β1 and β2 are potent inducers of steroid 5α-reductase (5αR), we have now studied the effects of these other peptides using primary cultures of human scrotal skin fibroblasts. Recombinant human activin A or inhibin A were added to cultured cells (2 × 105 cells) for 2 days in a serum free media and 5αR activity was measured by the %-conversion of tracer [3H]-testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) over a 4-h period. Activin significantly stimulated 5αR activity in a dose related manner (control 3.0 ± 0.4%, activin (1.2 × 10−9 M) 6 ± 0.7%, P < 0.01, (2.4 × 10−9 M) 8.5 ± 0.6%, P < 0.001). In comparison, androgen (DHT 10−7 M) induction of 5αR was 4.7 ± 0.2%, P < 0.05. Combined exposure of fibroblasts to activin (1.2 × 10−9 M) and androgen (10−7 M) did not result in additive or synergistic effect on 5αR activity. In contrast, exposure of cells to an androgen (10−7 M) and TGF-β (2 × 10−10 M) led to synergistic effects on 5αR activity (control 1.5 ± 0.1%, DHT 2.6 ± 0.2% TGF-β1 4.8 ± 0.5, TGF-β1+DHT 9.2 ± 1.2%). Finasteride, a 4-aza steroid inhibitor of 5αR (10−8 M) inhibited both activin and TGF-β-induced 5αR activity suggesting that the type II isoenzyme is induced by these peptides. Activin mediated 5αR activity was abolished by the addition of cycloheximide, consistent with the proposition that enzyme induction requires new protein synthesis. Recombinant human inhibin alone did not alter basal 5αR activity but dose dependently inhibited DHT (10−7 M)-induced 5αR activity (control 4.1 ± 0.4%, DHT 7.5 ± 0.7%, DHT + inhibin (0.6 × 10−9 M) 5.7 ± 0.5%, P < 0.05 DHT + inhibin (1.2 × 10−9 M] 4.3 ± 0.2%, P < 0.001). The effects of activin or inhibin were not associated with changes in cell number or thymidine uptake. These studies indicate that activin is 100 times more potent on a molar basis than androgen in induction of 5αR activity. Although both activin and TGF-β1 induce 5αR activity, the actions of the two peptides differ in the presence of an androgen. In contrast, inhibin significantly inhibits androgen induction of 5αR. Activin and inhibin, two closely related molecules, potentially play opposite roles in DHT formation in sexual tissue.
Crystal structure of the bacteriochlorophyll a protein from Chlorobium tepidum

Abstract The bacteriochlorophyll (BChl) a protein from Chlorobium tepidum , which participates in energy transfer in green photosynthetic bacteria, has been crystallized using the sitting drop method of vapor diffusion. X-ray diffraction data collected from these crystals indicate that the crystals belong to the cubic space group P 4 1 32 with cell dimensions of a = b = c = 169.5 A. A native X-ray diffraction data set has been collected to a resolution of 2.2 A. The initial solution was determined by using the molecular replacement method using the structure of the previously solved BChl a protein from Prosthecochloris aestuarii . A unique rotation and translation solution was obtained for two monomers in the asymmetric unit giving a pseudo-body centered packing. After rebuilding and refinement the model yields an R factor of 19.0%, a free R -factor of 28.3%, and good geometry with root-mean-square deviations of 0.013 A and 2.1° for the bond lengths and angles, respectively. The structure of the BChl a protein from C. tepidum consists of three identical subunits related by a 3-fold axis of crystallographic symmetry. In each subunit the polypeptide backbone forms large β-sheets and encloses a central core of seven BChl a molecules. The distances between neighboring bacteriochlorin systems within a subunit range between 4 A to 11 A and that between two bacteriochlorins from different subunits is more than 20 A. The overall structure is comparable with that of P. aestuarii but significant differences are observed for the individual bacteriochlorophyll structures. The surface of the trimer has a hydrophobic region that is modeled as the complex being a peripheral membrane protein partially embedded in the membrane. A general model is presented for the membrane organization with two of the bacteriochlorophyll structures in the membrane and transferring energy to the reaction center complex. In this model these two bacteriochlorophyll structures serve a similar role to the cofactors of integral membrane light-harvesting complexes although the protein structure surrounding the cofactors is significantly different for the BChl a protein compared with the integral membrane complexes.
Role of STAT3 in Ischemic Preconditioning

Abstract We recently demostrated that ischemic preconditioning (IPC) induced by cyclic episodes of short durations of ischemia and reperfusion potentiates a signal transduction cascade involving protein tyrosine kinases and MAP kinases. A rapid activation of janus kinase (JAK) and several signal transducers and activators of the transcription (STATs) including STAT3, STAT5A and STAT6 has been shown to occur during myocardial ischemia and reperfusion. This study sought to examine if JAK/STAT signaling pathway play any role in classical early phase of IPC. Isolated working rat hearts were perfused for 15 min with KHB buffer in the absence or presence of a JAK kinase inhibitor tyrphostin AG490 (5 μ m) followed by IPC, 30 min global ischemia and 2 h of reperfusion. The results demonstrated extensive phosphorylation of JAK2 and STAT3 in the IPC hearts which was almost completely abolished by an inhibitor of JAK2, AG490. IPC displayed cardioprotection as evidenced by improved post-ischemic contractile recovery, decreased myocardial infarct size and reduced number of apoptotic cardiomyocytes. AG490 blocked IPC-mediated cardioprotection by altering the IPC-mediated survival signal into death signal. Thus, IPC-induced upregulation of antiapoptotic gene bcl-2 and downregulation of pro-apoptotic gene bax are decreased and increased, respectively, in the AG490 treated hearts. The results suggest that early phase of IPC potentiates JAK/STAT signaling by activating STAT3 which transmits a survival signal to the myocardium.
The Cholesterol-Lowering Potential of Whole Grains

Diet is a contributing factor in the risk, development, and progression of cardiovascular disease. Emphasizing whole grain intake in a heart healthy diet is sometimes overlooked. Whole grains confe...
An empirical likelihood ratio based goodness-of-fit test for skew normality

In this paper, an empirical likelihood ratio based goodness-of-fit test for the skew normality is proposed. The asymptotic results of the test statistic under the null hypothesis and the alternative hypothesis are derived. Simulations indicate that the Type I error of the proposed test can be well controlled for a given nominal level. The power comparison with other available tests shows that the proposed test is competitive. The test is applied to IQ scores data set and Australian Institute of Sport data set to illustrate the testing procedure.
Equations of Motion of Nuclear Magnetism

A general formalism from a previous paper is applied to derive an exact equation of motion for the total magnetic moment M of a system containing a single species of nuclear spins in an arbitrarily time-dependent external magnetic field H. Then, the equation is simplified for $\mathrm{kT}$ large compared with $\ensuremath{\gamma}H$ and compared with microscopic anisotropic spin energies but not necessarily compared with microscopic exchange energies. Only this high-temperature approximation is needed for the equation to reduce to $\frac{d\mathbf{M}}{\mathrm{dt}}=\ensuremath{\gamma}\mathbf{M}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}\mathbf{H}\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\int}{0}^{t}\mathbf{K}(t,{t}^{\ensuremath{'}})\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}[\mathbf{M}({t}^{\ensuremath{'}})\ensuremath{-}{\ensuremath{\chi}}_{0}\mathbf{H}({t}^{\ensuremath{'}})]d{t}^{\ensuremath{'}},$ which is valid for systems with arbitrarily long correlations times. The system is assumed to be in equilibrium for $tl0$, but it may deviate arbitrarily far from equilibrium for $tg0$. The kernel K is a dyad that depends upon $T$ and upon H but not upon M. The equation is capable of describing nonexponential relaxation and therefore non-Lorentzian resonance line shapes. For arbitrarily large times $t$, it is valid for, but not restricted to, a many-spin system with strong dipole-dipole interactions between spins in a rigid lattice and with spin \ensuremath{\ge}\textonehalf{}. For a nonrigid lattice, no assumption is made that the lattice is or is not in equilibrium, that it is a thermal bath, or that the density matrix may be factored. Instead, in order to simplify the formal expression for K and thus the solution of the equation, slowly-varying-temperature, high-temperature, and high-frequency approximations are made so that $\mathbf{K}(t,{t}^{\ensuremath{'}})$ becomes a function of $t\ensuremath{-}{t}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ only. Finally, the approximation of neglecting the dependence of K on ${H}_{1}$ is made, so that K becomes diagonal and equal to a sum of terms each consisting of a simple oscillatory factor times a function that may be interpreted as the correlation function of a stationary random process. The corresponding correlation times need not be short, but for comparison with previous formalisms a short-correlation-time approximation is also made.
Distribution of organic groups in silica gels prepared from organo-alkoxysilanes

Abstract Organically modified silicas were prepared from mixtures of tetraethylorthosilane and methyltriethoxysilane (0–40 mol%) or dimethyldiethoxysilane (0–20 mol%) by a two-step sol-gel synthesis procedure involving sol aging at pH = 1.95 and gel formation at pH = 6. The texture and structure of dry gels were inferred from N 2 adsorption, 29 Si MAS-NMR and differential thermal analysis. Also the water sorption capacity of the products was measured. The distribution of the organic groups between the silica network and the gel surface determines to a large extent texture and water sorption of resulting gels. As indicated by MAS-NMR, the exothermic peak which arises in differential thermal analysis due to combustion of organic groups contains valuable information on the distribution of organic groups. A broad peak results when methyl groups are homogeneously divided over the entire gel network whereas a narrow peak indicates preferential localization of organic functions at the gel surface. In the latter case, products with higher pore volume and lower water sorption are obtained.
Thinking about the human neuron mouse

Tonight I ask you to pass legislation to prohibit the most egregious abuses of medical research … [which include] creating human-animal hybrids. —George W. Bush, 2006 State of the Union Address (20...
Ribbon networks for modeling navigable paths of autonomous agents in virtual urban environments

The paper presents a real-time database for modeling complex networks of intersecting roads and walkways in urban virtual environments. The database represents information about the layout of streets and sidewalks, the rules that govern behavior on roads and walkways, and the locations of agents with respect to road and sidewalk structures. This information is used by programs that control the behavior of autonomous vehicles and pedestrians populating the virtual urban environment. Roads and sidewalks are modeled as ribbons in space. The ribbon structure provides a natural coordinate frame for defining the local geometry of navigable surfaces. This geometry is important for way finding and also forms the geometric basis on which spatial relationships among agents are defined. The database includes a powerful run-time interface supported by robust and efficient code for locating objects on the ribbon network, for mapping between Cartesian and ribbon coordinates, and for determining behavioral constraints imposed by the environment.
Human speech and birdsong: Communication and the social brain

At first glance, communication in babies and birds appears to have little in common. Babies' babblings become words and sentences, whereas birds' initial notes become species-typical songs. However, a comparison of the ontogeny of communicative repertoires in human infants and avian song birds shows striking parallels (1) (Fig. 1). Both species show initial innate predispositions for species-typical signals and have to be exposed to species-typical vocalizations during a sensitive period to acquire them. Both show an initial phase of developmental learning that is primarily perceptual, during which babies and birds commit to long-term memory the detailed characteristics of the communicative repertoires they hear. Both species subsequently use the patterns stored in memory to guide motor production through the process of imitation (2–4). For babies, the task involves committing to memory the phonetic units and prosodic (pitch and intonation) characteristics that typify the mother tongue: Japanese is not French. Birds store the specific notes, syllables, and prosodic characteristics that typify their species. Storing the species-typical patterns is not the end of the task for either species. Both babies and birds must then rehearse and refine their communicative repertoires, actively comparing and gradually matching (through auditory feedback) their productions to the sound patterns stored in auditory memory (5, 6). Fig. 1. Timelines for speech development in infants and song development in birds. Both species show innate predispositions for the perception of species-typical signals, and periods of sensory learning followed by periods of sensory-motor learning. [Reproduced with permission from ref. 1 (Copyright 1999, Annual Reviews).] The article by Goldstein et al. (7) in a recent issue of PNAS provides support for yet another fascinating link between communicative development in babies and birds. Goldstein et al. show that social contingency strongly influences babbling in human infants. Although well established in certain songbirds, …
Regulation of the d-glucose transport system in isolated fat cells

Recent technical advances have yielded considerable new biochemical insights into the hexose transport systems of both brown and white fat cells. In the present studies a novel filtration method was used to monitor initial rates of 3-O-(3H) methylglucose uptake in isolated white fat cells. Transport of 3-O-methylglucose, a non-metabolizable analogue of glucose, occurred by facilitated diffusion, was inhibited by glucose, phloridzin, cytochalasin B and dipyridamole, and was rapidly stimulated by insulin as well as lectins. Total 3-O-methylglucose uptake in white fat cells could be attributed to two kinetically distinct processes in addition to a certain degree of diffusion.
Second harmonic generation of shear waves in crystals

Nonlinear self-interaction of shear waves in electro-elastic crystals is investigated based on the rotationally invariant state function. Theoretical analyses are conducted for cubic, hexagonal, and trigonal crystals. The calculations show that nonlinear self-interaction of shear waves has some characteristics distinctly different from that of longitudinal waves. First, the process of self-interaction to generate its own second harmonic wave is permitted only in some special wave propagation directions for a shear wave. Second, the geometrical nonlinearity originated from finite strain does not contribute to the second harmonic generation (SHG) of shear waves. Therefore, unlike the case of longitudinal wave, the second-order elastic constants do not involve in the nonlinear parameter of the second harmonic generation of shear waves. Third, unlike the nonlinearity parameter of the longitudinal waves, the nonlinear parameter of the shear wave exhibits strong anisotropy, which is directly related to the symmetry of the crystal. In the calculations, the electromechanical coupling nonlinearity is considered for the 6 mm and 3 m symmetry crystals. Complement to the SHG of longitudinal waves already in use, the SHG of shear waves provides more measurements for the determination of third-order elastic constants of solids. The method is applied to a Z-cut lithium niobate (LiNbO/sub 3/) crystal, and its third-order elastic constant c/sub 444/ is determined.
Sex, Salt, and Senescence Sorting Out Mechanisms of the Developmental Origins of Hypertension

The developmental origins of health and disease hypothesis derives from clinical observations indicating long-term health consequences, such as hypertension, for persons of low birth weight.1 Considering that the kidneys hold such a prominent role in the long-term control of blood pressure, it is not surprising that subsequent observations from human and animal studies have found associations between nephron deficit (of fetal origin) and adult hypertension, although these observations have not been without controversy.1 Numerous experimental models have been developed that support this hypothesis and seek to elucidate the mechanisms by which perinatal stressors affect fetal development to generate persistent elevations in the blood pressure of the offspring and of the subsequent hypertension during later life.1–4 Throughout this body of work investigating the developmental origins of hypertension and regardless of the type of experimental insult, several common themes have emerged: the necessary involvement of the kidney,1–5 dysregulation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS),1–3,5 and gender differences in response to the various stimuli.1,2,5 Although it has long been observed that a variety of endocrine and nutritional insults during renal development result in developmental deficits in the kidney (reviewed elsewhere1), abnormalities in the RAS appear to be a central common pathway.6 The importance of the intrarenal RAS in renal development has been recognized for over a decade, when initial studies, such as those by Friberg et al,7 recognized that angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor antagonism during nephrogenesis leads to development deficits in the kidney. Hence, experimental studies using AT1 receptor antagonism during renal organogenesis provide a robust model for interrogation of the mechanisms …
On Mobile User Behaviour Patterns

We present empirical analysis of human searches for information from mobile devices, focusing on temporal dynamics, semantics, and topics of queries. Our analysis is based on a large scale data of mobile search logs over a week period from a major US mobile service provider. We find that human searches appear in bursts over time with the distribution of the query inter arrival time following a power law decay up to a day and decays exponentially beyond. Interestingly, this finding conforms to some other measures of human activity reported in previous studies. We also provide preliminary characterisation results of the semantics and topics of queries, some of which conform to that of previous studies. The results would be of general interest for understanding the dynamics of human activity and, in particular, may be leveraged for the design of mobile services.
Gas sorption in polymer membranes containing adsorptive fillers

The equilibrium and kinetics of gas sorption by a silicone rubber filled with highly adsorptive molecular sieves was studied. Sorption in this system is by two mechanisms: gas is simply dissolved in the polymer matrix according to Henry's law, while it is adsorbed by the dispersed sieve phase in accordance with a Langmuir's isotherm. The latter effectively immobilizes the gas molecules preventing their further diffusion. All equilibrium parameters were determined experimentally. Immobilization greatly affects sorption kinetics and renders conventional analyses invalid. A theory to account for this process was adapted from a previous analysis by Vieth and Sladek which assumes that the kinetics of adsorption is very fast compared to diffusion. For this situation the kinetics always assume a Fickean form. The experimental data agreed very well with the predictions of this theory in a comparison where all parameters were defined by independent experiments. It was found that a single effective diffusion coefficient describes sorption kinetics, steady-state permeation, and time-lag results once the effects of immobilization are properly accounted for.
Early versus late injection medialization for unilateral vocal cord paralysis

Objectives: To evaluate whether the timing of early (≤6 months from time of nerve injury) vs. late (>6 months) injection medialization laryngoplasty impacts the need for subsequent open-neck reconstruction to restore vocal function in patients with unilateral vocal cord paralysis. Study Design: Retrospective chart review. Methods: A total of 112 outpatient or hospitalized adults with dysphonia resulting from postsurgical or idiopathic unilateral vocal cord paralysis were identified who were injected as initial treatment within 1 year of onset of their paralysis. All subjects underwent awake, transoral, paraglottic injection with absorbable hyaluronic-acid gel. Patients with documented recovery of vocal cord mobility (22), active disease directly affecting the recurrent laryngeal nerve (8), 6 months postparalysis) avoided phonosurgical reconstruction (P=.03, χ 2 test). Conclusions: Patients receiving early injection medialization for vocal cord paralysis were less likely to require transcervical reconstruction. We believe that early medialization creates a more favorable vocal cord position for phonation that can be maintained by synkinetic reinnervation, in contrast to the final position of a lateralized vocal cord being determined solely by reinnervation.