cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dynamic response of dry cask storage systems for spent nuclear fuel to near field blast loading

Abstract Dry storage casks are the most common form of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) storage in the United States. An explosion near a spent nuclear storage facility poses a serious public risk due to the potential of radioactive leakage. In this study, for the first time, the structural performance of vertical steel–concrete-steel sandwich (SCSS) and reinforced concrete (RC) casks under blast loading scenarios is studied using explicit finite element simulations considering material and geometric nonlinearity and strain rate effects. The response of the cask is investigated in terms of stress levels, deformations, and peak accelerations. The conventional weapons (CONWEP) model was used to induce a blast load on the structure at varying blast charges. The accelerations experienced by the canister and the fuel assemblies, which are critical for design are estimated. The inherent vibration damping characteristics of the cask are evaluated, and a novel damper configuration is proposed to improve the energy dissipation capacity of the system. The results showed that the general integrity of the cask could be preserved in the presence of a thick reinforced concrete layer. However, due to the lack of a damping mechanism, the blast wave can propagate through the system and result in very large accelerations in the canister and the fuel assemblies. Results also revealed that the SCSS configuration has a more ductile response compared to the RC design. The results of this study could be used for the safety evaluation and design optimization of current casks in service and other cylindrical composite containment structures.
Comparing Traditional and eBook Augmented Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT): A Randomized Control Trial of Pocket PCIT

Abstract Disruptive behavior in young children is one of the most common referrals to behavioral health providers. While numerous effective parenting programs, such as parent–child interaction therapy (PCIT), exist for improving children’s behaviors, challenges with treatment engagement and retention limit the intended positive impact on child and caregiver outcomes, particularly for racial and ethnic minority families. In an effort to address barriers contributing to poor engagement and retention in traditional PCIT service delivery and among ethnic and racial minority families, a multimedia PCIT ebook was developed and evaluated. In a sample of the general public that utilized the ebook, users were found to be more engaged in viewing embedded videos within the ebook that were related to expert skill explanations and skill demonstrations than caregiver testimonies. A randomized controlled trial was also conducted to evaluate the extent that the ebook + PCIT improved treatment engagement, retention, parenting skills, skill acquisition efficiency, and child behavior above and beyond traditional PCIT. Participating families were randomly assigned to either the traditional PCIT (n = 71) or ebook + PCIT (n = 107) group using an online random number generator. Forty-nine caregivers (traditional PCIT n = 24, ebook + PCIT n = 25) were excluded from analyses because they were lost to follow-up during the intervention. Families in both the traditional PCIT and ebook + PCIT groups demonstrated generally equivalent positive outcomes in treatment engagement (i.e., attendance, treatment length, completion rate) and caregiver skill acquisition efficiency at midtreatment, posttreatment, and 3-month follow-up. The addition of the ebook to PCIT also reduced child disruptive behavior at midtreatment, above and beyond traditional PCIT, but not at posttreatment or follow-up. Clinical implications and future directions are discussed.
It may cost an arm and a leg: workers value and occupational fatality rates in the U.S.

The present study aims to observe how societal indicators of workers’ values at the state-level are related to health and safety outcomes, particularly major injuries and fatalities in the U.S. Underscoring workforce flexibility and workability over workforce stability and safety might be indicative of the worth of workers which can be associated with occupational safety and health concerns. Linear regression analysis with a log-transformed dependent variable was adopted to examine how the state-level indicators of worker value in terms of 1) minimum wage, using data from 2015; 2) average of workers’ compensations for the loss of an arm, hand, leg, or foot in 2015 were concurrently and prospectively associated with occupational fatality rates averaged across 2015, 2016 and 2017. Socioeconomic contextual variables such as education level, GDP per capita, and population at the state-level were controlled for. The present study showed that state-level quantitative indicators of how workers are valued at work, namely minimum wage and workers’ compensation benefits, were significantly and negatively associated with fatality rates in the following year. The present study illustrates the gap in how workers are valued across the U.S. The study speaks to the importance of contextual factors regarding worker value, as they can affect outcomes of health and safety culminating at a state-level.
On the nature of oncogenic transformation of cells.

Publisher Summary This chapter presents a class of genes in the genome of higher cells, which is called “growth genes.” The existence of the growth genes in multiplicity in a genome is envisaged as necessitated by the participation of each growth gene in a distinct pathway or related pathways of differentiation. The primary function of growth genes is to elicit cell growth; they are also intricately involved in programs of gene expression, which operate during development of the organism. After transient expression during development, they become permanently repressed for the remainder of the organism's life cycle except in certain cases of tissue regeneration and cell renewal. Given the proper conditions, postdevelopmental expression of any growth gene in a cell can lead to oncogenic transformation. To consummate the oncogenic process, mutations alone do not appear to be sufficient. Additional steps involving genomic reprogramming are necessary.
Monetary Policy in a Stochastic Equilibrium Model with Real and Nominal Rigidities

A dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) model with real and nominal rigidities succeeds in capturing some key nominal features of U.S. business cycles. Additive technology shocks, as well as multiplicative shocks, are introduced. Monetary policy is specified following the developments in the structural vector autoregression (VAR) literature. Interaction between real and nominal rigidities is essential to reproduce the liquidity effect of monetary policy. The model is estimated by maximum likelihood on U.S. data, and its fit is comparable to that of an unrestricted first order VAR. Besides producing reasonable impulse responses and second moments, this model replicates a feature of U.S. business cycles, never captured by previous research with DSGE models, that an increase in interest rates predicts a decrease in output two to six quarters in the future. Finally, some policy implications are discussed.
Thermal Conductivity of Irradiated, Additively-Colored, and Deformed MgO

Low temperature thermal conductivity measurements have been made on neutron-irradiated (1), electron-irradiated, additivelycolored(2), and deformed MgO. Resonant scattering of phonons is observed in all these crystals at T ∿ 15–20 K. Correlations with optical measurements (3) indicate that this resonance is associated with anion vacancies. In addition, a resonance at T ∿ 1 K in neutron-irradiated crystals is attributed to defect aggregates, which are virtually absent in electron-irradiated (4) and additively-colored samples.
A schedule algebra based approach to determine the k-best solutions of a knapsack problem with a single constraint

In this paper, we develop a new and effective schedule algebra based algorithm to determine the K-best solutions of a knapsack problem with a single constraint. Computational experience with this algorithm is also reported and it is shown to dominate both the dynamic programming and branch and bound based procedures when applied to this problem.
Principles of gas-solid flows

Part I. Basic Relationships: 1. Size and properties of particles 2. Collision mechanics of solids 3. Momentum transfer and charge transfer 4. Basic heat and mass transfer 5. Basic equations 6. Intrinsic phenomena in a gas-solid flow Part II. System Characteristics: 7. Gas-solid separation 8. Hopper and stand pipe flows 9. Dense-phase fluidized beds 10. Circulating fluidized beds 11. Pneumatic conveying of solids 12. Heat and mass transfer phenomena in fluidization systems Appendix Summary of scalar, vector, and tensor notations.
Prospects for Methanol Production

This chapter discusses the potential of methanol as an alternative fuel along with the prospects for its production using biomimetic pathways for efficient conversion of carbon dioxide to methanol based on single-carbon biotransformations. It focuses on methanol production through biocatalysis and is organized in three parts. First, the effects of fuel sources and their influence on the global carbon cycle and atmospheric accumulations of CO2 are discussed. Second, the potential utility of methanol as an alternative fuel and the scope of different methods for its commercial production are outlined. Finally, the use of biological systems in efficient conversion processes leading to methanol is elucidated with specific emphasis on dehydrogenase-catalyzed synthesis of methanol from carbon dioxide. The stabilization of enzymes in sol-gel materials provides a strategy for efficient utilization of enzymes in conversion of carbon dioxide to methanol. Immobilization of these enzymes confers additional thermal and environmental stability to the enzyme structure due to elimination or minimization of protein unfolding pathways. The moles of methanol produced are plotted as a function of the moles of the terminal electron donor (NADH). The enhancement of methanol production in sol-gel was due to confinement and matrix effects. The overall yield of the reaction for methanol production through this pathway depended on several factors. The sequential enzymatic conversion pathway to methanol production from CO2 provides several significant advantages. In the long range, with appropriate resource allocations, enzymatic biomethanol production pathways offer appealing prospects for practical development of new self-sustainable technologies.
Epitaxial films of Li12xNb1–xWxO3 prepared by chemical solution deposition

The growth of epitaxial thin films of Li1–xNb1–xWxO3 from solution precursors on single-crystal LiNbO3 substrates is reported. An all-alkoxide solution readily gave single phase powders after simply mixing the constituent components, whereas an acetate-alkoxide system required additional solution processing stages to give phase pure powders. Heat treatment of films on single-crystal, basal plane LiNbO3 substrates at 600 °C formed a nanocrystalline, porous film which was converted to an epitaxial film after heating to 800 °C. Measurements of second harmonic generation in powders indicate an increase in SHG efficiency with increasing tungsten content. Optical absorption data for films were calculated using reflectance and transmittance spectroscopy data, and indicate a decrease in bandgap with increasing tungsten.
Advocacy needs of adolescent and young adult cancer survivors: Perspectives of pediatric oncology social workers

Abstract A limited literature on the experiences of late adolescent and young adult survivors of cancer identifies psychosocial issues and needs that are unique to this population. Although the advocacy needs of adult cancer survivors have been addressed increasingly in both the psychooncology literature and in educational programs, the advocacy needs of adolescent and young adult survivors have not. This article reports the findings of an exploratory study conducted with pediatric oncology social workers who are frequently asked to assist survivors and their families with the psychosocial issues related to cancer. The quantitative and qualitative data collected through surveys and a focus group support the findings of previous studies that this population faces unique concerns related to surviving cancer based on the developmental stage at which cancer occurs. The study participants also identified the advocacy training needs of this population and made recommendations for interventions to build on survi...
The Role of Deterrence in the Formulation of Criminal Law Rules: At its Worst When Doing its Best

For the past several decades, the deterrence of crime has been a centerpiece of criminal law reform. Law-givers have sought to optimize the control of crime by devising a penalty-setting system that assigns criminal punishments of a magnitude sufficient to deter a thinking individual from committing a crime. Although this seems initially an intuitively compelling strategy, we are going to suggest that is a poor one; poor for two reasons. First, its effectiveness rests on a set of assumptions that on examination cannot be sustained. Second, the attempt to employ the strategy generates a good many crimogenic costs that are hidden if one is functioning within a deterrence paradigm. Experience has taught us to be precise about exactly what we are saying about the effectiveness of a deterrence strategy. There seems little doubt that having a criminal justice system that punishes violators, as every organized society has, does have an general effect in influencing the conduct of potential offenders. This we concede: Having a punishment system does deter. But there is growing evidence to suggest skepticism about the criminal law's deterrent effect - that is, skepticism about the ability to deter crime through the manipulation of criminal law rules and penalties. The general existence of the system may well deter prohibited conduct but the formulation of criminal law rules within the system according to a deterrence-optimizing analysis may have a limited effect or even no effect beyond the system's broad deterrent warning that has already been achieved. We will suggest that it may be true that criminal law manipulation can influence behavior, but the conditions under which this can happen are unusual, rather than typical, in criminal justice systems of modern societies. By contrast, criminal law makers and adjudicators formulate and apply criminal law rules on the assumption that they always influence conduct. And it is this taken-for-granted assumption that we find so disturbing and so dangerous.
Hypersonic‐helium‐flow‐field measurements with the resonant Doppler velocimeter

A low density of sodium atoms seeded into a hypersonic helium flow is used to quantitatively determine flow‐field properties. By observing fluorescence from a point as a single‐mode dye laser is tuned through the sodium D2 line, the absorption profile may be found. This profile is fitted to a properly weighted sum of Voigt functions to yield the velocity, temperature, and pressure at the observation point. The fluorescence is strong enough to use this technique for qualitative flow‐field visualization.
Asymptotic linear quadratic control for lightly damped structures

V. Conclusions The proposed method provides a weighting matrix that achieves pole placement for the LQR while making the weighting matrix nonnegative definite by controlling its eigenvalues. The nonnegative definiteness of the weighting matrix ensures desirable properties of the regulator, such as large gain and phase margins. Therefore, the method is a useful pole-assignment method for multi-input state feedback control systems.
A Simulation of Atmospheric Storm Tracks with a Forced Barotropic Model

Abstract A forced, nonlinear barotropic model on the sphere is shown to simulate some of the structure of the observed Northern Hemisphere midlatitude storm tracks with reasonable accuracy. For the parameter range chosen, the model has no unstable modes with significant amplitude in the storm track regions; however, several decaying modes with structures similar to the storm track are discovered. The model's midlatitude storm tracks also coincide with the location of a waveguide that is obtained by assuming that the horizontal variation of the time-mean flow is small compared with the scale of the transient eddies. Since the model is able to mimic the behavior of the observed storm tracks without any baroclinic dynamics, it is argued that the barotropic waveguide effects of the time-mean background flow acting on individual eddies are partially responsible for the observed storm track structure.
Structural characterization of a therapeutic anti-methamphetamine antibody fragment: oligomerization and binding of active metabolites.

Vaccines and monoclonal antibodies (mAb) for treatment of (+)-methamphetamine (METH) abuse are in late stage preclinical and early clinical trial phases, respectively. These immunotherapies work as pharmacokinetic antagonists, sequestering METH and its metabolites away from sites of action in the brain and reduce the rewarding and toxic effects of the drug. A key aspect of these immunotherapy strategies is the understanding of the subtle molecular interactions important for generating antibodies with high affinity and specificity for METH. We previously determined crystal structures of a high affinity anti-METH therapeutic single chain antibody fragment (scFv6H4, KD = 10 nM) in complex with METH and the (+) stereoisomer of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, or “ecstasy”). Here we report the crystal structure of scFv6H4 in homo-trimeric unbound (apo) form (2.60A), as well as monomeric forms in complex with two active metabolites; (+)-amphetamine (AMP, 2.38A) and (+)-4-hydroxy methamphetamine (p-OH-METH, 2.33A). The apo structure forms a trimer in the crystal lattice and it results in the formation of an intermolecular composite beta-sheet with a three-fold symmetry. We were also able to structurally characterize the coordination of the His-tags with Ni2+. Two of the histidine residues of each C-terminal His-tag interact with Ni2+ in an octahedral geometry. In the apo state the CDR loops of scFv6H4 form an open conformation of the binding pocket. Upon ligand binding, the CDR loops adopt a closed formation, encasing the drug almost completely. The structural information reported here elucidates key molecular interactions important in anti-methamphetamine abuse immunotherapy.
Approximation Algorithms for the Minimum Number of Matches Problem in Heat Exchanger Network Synthesis

Although the use of heuristics has been prevalent in the process synthesis literature, their justification has been exclusively based on empirical evidence obtained through computational testing. A...
Apocalmodulin and Ca2+Calmodulin-Binding Sites on the CaV1.2 Channel

The cardiac L-type voltage-dependent calcium channel is responsible for initiating excitation-contraction coupling. Three sequences (amino acids 1609–1628, 1627–1652, and 1665–1685, designated A, C, and IQ, respectively) of its α1 subunit contribute to calmodulin (CaM) binding and Ca2+-dependent inactivation. Peptides matching the A, C, and IQ sequences all bind Ca2+CaM. Longer peptides representing A plus C (A-C) or C plus IQ (C-IQ) bind only a single molecule of Ca2+CaM. Apocalmodulin (ApoCaM) binds with low affinity to the IQ peptide and with higher affinity to the C-IQ peptide. Binding to the IQ and C peptides increases the Ca2+ affinity of the C-lobe of CaM, but only the IQ peptide alters the Ca2+ affinity of the N-lobe. Conversion of the isoleucine and glutamine residues of the IQ motif to alanines in the channel destroys inactivation (Zuhlke et al., 2000). The double mutation in the peptide reduces the interaction with apoCaM. A mutant CaM unable to bind Ca2+ at sites 3 and 4 (which abolishes the ability of CaM to inactivate the channel) binds to the IQ, but not to the C or A peptide. Our data are consistent with a model in which apoCaM binding to the region around the IQ motif is necessary for the rapid binding of Ca2+ to the C-lobe of CaM. Upon Ca2+ binding, this lobe is likely to engage the A-C region.
A stochastic theory of pension dynamics

Abstract Based on a semi-Markov reward process, a stochastic theory of pension dynamics is developed to characterize the ultimate benefits (and costs) to be derived by a group of similar workers from their career membership in pension plans. This characterization is in terms of a number of basic functions representing the expected value and variability of benefits and costs. Analytical and numerical investigation of these functions provide useful insights into the effects of plan types, vesting rules, coverage, and portability.
Impact of HW and OS type and currency on server availability derived from problem ticket analysis

Technology refresh is an important component in data center management. The goal of this paper is to assess the impact of HW and OS currency on server availability based on a large set of incident tickets and server attributes data collected from several different IT environments. In order to achieve this we first identify the server failure incidents using a machine learning method for automatic ticket classification. Then we conduct the data analysis to inspect the impact of HW and OS type along with their currency on the rates of server failures. This can further be used to derive guidelines to support the technology refresh decisions in the data centers.
Ion channel associated proteins

Neuronal ion channels are directly associated in vivo with a wide variety of proteins. New classes of channel-associated proteins have been identified recently, including the PSD-95/SAP90 family of channel-clustering molecules and components of the synaptic vesicle release machinery. Recent findings suggest that non-pore-forming subunits of ion channels may also have cell biological functions independent of their effects on channel electrophysiological properties.
Efficient anonymity schemes for clustered wireless sensor networks

In this paper, we propose two simple and efficient schemes for establishing anonymity in Clustered Wireless Sensor Networks (CWSNs). The first scheme Simple Anonymity Scheme (SAS), uses a range of pseudonyms as identifiers for a node to ensure concealment of its true identifier (ID). After deployment, neighbouring nodes share their individual pseudonyms and use them for anonymous communication. The second scheme Cryptographic Anonymity Scheme (CAS), uses a Keyed Cryptographic one way Hash Function (KCHF) for ID concealment. In CAS, neighbouring nodes securely share the information used by the KCHF to generate pseudonyms. Even when many nodes in a neighbourhood are compromised and are colluding, our schemes guarantee complete anonymity to non-compromised nodes during their mutual communication. Our schemes have reasonably low memory and computation costs. They can be embedded into any wireless sensor network routing protocol to ensure anonymity and privacy during node discovery, routing and data delivery.
Mechanisms of freezing tolerance in an Antarctic midge, Belgica antarctica

. The larvae and adults of Belgica antarctica were studied in an attempt to identify the mechanism of low temperature adaptation that enables this species to survive in the Antarctic. Larvae are freezing-tolerant during the austral summer and elaborate a complex of cryoprotectants including erythritol, glucose, sucrose and trehalose. Adults are freezing-susceptible and lack adequate quantities of cryoprotectants. Maintenance on artificial diets indicated that cryoprotectant profiles have food-source and temperature-dependent components. In addition, direct utilization of dietary cryoprotectants is suggested.
Human Cytomegalovirus US28 Facilitates Cell-to-Cell Viral Dissemination

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) encodes a number of viral proteins with homology to cellular G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). These viral GPCRs, including US27, US28, UL33, and UL78, have been ascribed numerous functions during infection, including activating diverse cellular pathways, binding to immunomodulatory chemokines, and impacting virus dissemination. To investigate the role of US28 during virus infection, two variants of the clinical isolate TB40/E were generated: TB40/E-US28 YFP expressing a C-terminal yellow fluorescent protein tag, and TB40/E-FLAG YFP in which a FLAG-YFP cassette replaces the US28 coding region. The TB40/E-US28 YFP protein localized as large
Generalized cell-dual-cell transformation and exact thresholds for percolation.

Suggested by Scullard's recent star-triangle relation for correlated bond systems, we propose a general ``cell--dual-cell'' transformation, which allows in principle an infinite variety of lattices with exact percolation thresholds to be generated. We directly verify Scullard's site percolation thresholds, and derive the bond thresholds for his ``martini'' lattice $({p}_{c}=1∕\sqrt{2})$ and the ``A'' lattice (${p}_{c}=0.625457\dots{}$, solution to ${p}^{5}\ensuremath{-}4{p}^{4}+3{p}^{3}+2{p}^{2}\ensuremath{-}1=0$). We also present a precise Monte Carlo test of the site threshold for the ``A'' lattice.
The protective role of zinc and N-acetylcysteine in modulating zidovudine induced hematopoietic toxicity.

Abstract The role of zinc and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) has been investigated in protecting the hematopoietic progenitor cells from zidovudine (AZT)-induced toxicity. Murine bone marrow progenitor cells (BMPC, 1 × 10 6 ) were exposed to various concentrations (0.1–50 μM) of AZT in the presence and absence of zinc acetate (100 μM) or NAC (100 μM). The cell survival was determined by the colony forming assays of erythroid (CFU-E) and granulocytic (CFU-GM) lineage. The 1C 50 values of AZT in the presence of zinc were increased approximately 3-fold (from 3.0 to 9.5 μM) in the CFU-E assay and 7-fold (from 4.3 to 28.8 μM) in the CFU-GM assay whereas in the presence of NAC, the IC 50 values were increased by 2- and 4-fold, respectively. To delineate the mechanism of significant protection of BMPC by zinc, the mRNA levels of metallothionein (MT) were monitored by using a 31-mer cDNA probe. Zinc produced a concentration-dependent increase in the MT mRNA levels in BMPC These results suggest that zinc and NAC dietary supplementation can be conveniently used to reduce AZT-induced bone marrow toxicity.
Cytochrome c oxidase loses catalytic activity and structural integrity during the aging process in Drosophila melanogaster.

The hypothesis, that structural deterioration of cytochrome c oxidase (CcO) is a causal factor in the age-related decline in mitochondrial respiratory activity and an increase in H2O2 generation, was tested in Drosophila melanogaster. CcO activity and the levels of seven different nuclear DNA-encoded CcO subunits were determined at three different stages of adult life, namely, young-, middle- and old-age. CcO activity declined progressively with age by 33%. Western blot analysis, using antibodies specific to Drosophila CcO subunits IV, Va, Vb, VIb, VIc, VIIc and VIII, indicated that the abundance these polypeptides decreased, ranging from 11 to 40%, during aging. These and previous results suggest that CcO is a specific intra-mitochondrial site of age-related deterioration, which may have a broad impact on mitochondrial physiology.
The effects of time constraints and changes in body mass and satiation on the simultaneous expression of caching and diet-choice decisions

Abstract Abstract. Foraging decisions of tufted titmice, Parus bicolor, were monitored in a laboratory experiment in which small and large mealworm pieces were delivered on a moving conveyor belt. The effect of changes in physiological states (satiation and body mass) and environmental states (foraging time constraints and short-term variation in inter-prey intervals) on two foraging decisions (diet choice and caching) were studied. All states had a similar effect on diet choice: when the titmice were hungry, light weight, running out of time, or waiting a long time for a prey item to arrive, they were more likely to accept a small prey item. Large prey were virtually always taken. Thus when state deteriorated, diet choice decisions became more impulsive (i.e. the birds were more likely to take any prey they encountered). The correlation between body mass and diet choice is shown to be contrary to the predictions from models of risk-sensitivity. Caching decisions differed from diet choice in several respects: titmice cached less when hungry and cached less after waiting a long time for a large prey item to arrive, but they were more likely to cache when light weight and showed no response in their caching decisions to short-term time constraints. Thus, hungry titmice were more impulsive in their caching decisions (i.e. they were more likely to eat prey than to cache it), but light-weight titmice were less impulsive. The correlation between body mass and caching is consistent with predictions from recent dynamic-programming models. These results are also discussed in light of models of future discounting, or the relative discounting of future rewards under conditions when the forager chooses between an option that returns an immediate reward and an option that returns a reward some time in the future.
Interferon action: Transcriptional control of a gene specifying a 56,000-Da protein in ehrlich ascites tumor cells

The exposure of cells to interferons enhances the accumulation of particular mRNAs and of the corresponding proteins. A cDNA clone (clone 202) complementary to an mRNA (202 mRNA) whose level is enhanced over 12-fold in mouse Ehrlich ascites tumor cells upon exposure to beta-interferon for 10 hr has previously been isolated. The level of this mRNA was also increased in other beta-interferon-responsive mouse cell lines (i.e., L929, L1210S) but not in a line (L1210R) which is not responsive to beta-interferon. The extent of induction in Ehrlich ascites tumor cells depended on the beta-interferon concentration and reached its maximal level between 300 and 1000 units of interferon/ml. Nuclei isolated from Ehrlich ascites tumor cells which had been exposed to beta-interferon produced in vitro more 202 specific RNA than nuclei from control Ehrlich ascites tumor cells: an increase in this production was detectable 2 hr after beginning the exposure of the cells to 1000 units/ml of beta-interferon and the increase reached its maximal level, around 18-fold, after 18 hr exposure. Much, if not all of this increase, appeared to be due to an increase in the rate of synthesis of the RNA and not to a decrease in its rate of turnover. The 202 mRNA was translated in a reticulocyte lysate into a 56,000-Da protein.
A history of HbA1c through Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine

HbA(1c) was discovered in the late 1960s and its use as marker of glycemic control has gradually increased over the course of the last four decades. Recognized as the gold standard of diabetic survey, this parameter was successfully implemented in clinical practice in the 1970s and 1980s and internationally standardized in the 1990s and 2000s. The use of standardized and well-controlled methods, with well-defined performance criteria, has recently opened new directions for HbA(1c) use in patient care, e.g., for diabetes diagnosis. Many reports devoted to HbA1c have been published in Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (CCLM) journal. This review reminds the major steps of HbA(1c) history, with a special emphasis on the contribution of CCLM in this field.
Evidence for a direct association of hMRE11 with the human mismatch repair protein hMLH1.

Abstract In both mitotic and meiotic processes, cellular surveillance of the integrity of genetic information transmission from parental cells to their subsequent generations is carried out by a network of proteins primarily involved in cell-cycle regulation, DNA replication, DNA repair, and chromosome segregation. Within this context, the mammalian MRE11 represents an essential multifunctional protein that promotes repair of DNA double-strand breaks and plays a role in the signaling of DNA damage response. Mutations in human hMRE11 gene could contribute to the rare “AT-like” disorder. However, at present time the functional roles of hMRE11 in these cellular processes are elusive. In the current study, we provide evidence that hMRE11 interacts physically with the mismatch repair protein hMLH1 through yeast two-hybrid analysis. In addition, we show that recombinant hMRE11 and hMLH1 proteins interact when these two proteins are coexpressed in bacterial cells, and both proteins can be co-immunoprecipitated from human cell extracts. Furthermore, hMRE11 and hMLH1 display similar expression patterns when examined with a human normal/tumor DNA array. Together, these data suggest that hMRE11 and hMLH1 might act in a co-operative fashion during DNA damage detection, signaling, and repair.
THE POTENTIAL CONTRIBUTION OF CARTOGRAPHY IN LIBERAL EDUCATION

L'auteur analyse les facons par lesquelles la cartographie pourrait contribuer a l'instruction individuelle; il etudie comment les cartes, en tant que moyen graphique d'information, apportent la connaissance de tout un milieu donne et des rapports entre ce milieu et l'ensemble du territoire, comment l'evaluation des cartes contribue directement a l'instruction de l'etudiant en accroissant ses facultes d'appreciation, sa comprehension de ce que depeint la carte, sa perception des consequences de la manipulation des statistiques et son sens de perspective historique qui peut rattacher le present au passe de l'evolution humaine; comment l'etude des cartes, qui par leur nature meme relevent de plusieurs disciplines, revele l'interdependance de disciplines differentes. L'auteur recommande que l'etude des cartes soit traitee sur le meme pied que les autres sujets dans les programmes scolaires, que l'accent soit mis sur la cartographie a tous les niveaux d'education, et qu'une tendan:e positive et humaniste cara...
Three-Dimensional Flow Field in the Tip Region of a Compressor Rotor Passage—Part II: Turbulence Properties

The turbulence properties in the annulus wall region of an axial flow compressor rotor was measured using a triaxial, hot-wire probe rotating with the rotor. The flow was surveyed across the entire passage at five axial locations (leading edge, 1/4 chord, 1/2 chord, 3/4 chord, and the trailing edge location) and at six radial locations in a low-speed compressor rotor. The data derived include all three components of turbulence intensity and three components of turbulence stress. A comprehensive interpretation of the data with emphasis on features related to rotation, leakage flow, annulus wall boundary layer, and blade boundary layer interactions is included. All the components of turbulent intensities and stresses are found to be high in the leakage-flow mixing region. The radial component of intensities and stresses is found to be much higher than the corresponding streamwise components. The turbulent spectra clearly reveal the decay process of the inlet-guide-vane wake within the rotor passage.
The impact of subsurface conceptualization on land energy fluxes

Abstract There is a significant body of work demonstrating the importance of hydrologic control on land energy feedbacks. Yet, quantitative data on aquifer conductivity can be difficult to assemble. Furthermore, how subsurface uncertainty propagates into land-surface processes is not well understood. This study analyzes the impact of aquifer characterization on land energy fluxes, using a coupled hydrology–land-surface model. Four gridded subsurface conductivity fields are developed for the Upper Klamath basin using two data sources and different levels of imposed heterogeneity. Each model is forced with the same transient, observed meteorology for 3 years prior to the final year presented here. Results are analyzed to quantify the impact of subsurface heterogeneity on groundwater surface water interactions and spatial patterns in hydrologic variables. Analysis shows that heterogeneity does not fundamentally alter the connection between groundwater and land surface processes. However, differences between scenarios impact the extent and location of the critical zone.
Borderline Personality Traits in Individuals with Compulsive Sexual Behavior

Medical charts of 85 patients diagnosed with Compulsive Sexual Behavior (CSB) were reviewed to assess for symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). One patient met criteria for BPD. Participants presented with a mean of one BPD symptom. The most commonly observed symptoms were “impulsivity in at least two areas,” “affective instability” and “feelings of emptiness.” Each symptom was broken down into a set of traits or symptom indicators. The most commonly observed symptom indicators were persistent dysphoric mood, unsafe sex practices, substance abuse, and negative self-image. The evidence does not suggest a strong relationship between BPD and CSB.
A 4.4- $\mu$ W Wake-Up Receiver Using Ultrasound Data

In wireless sensor nodes, using a wake-up receiver to duty-cycle the main receiver significantly reduces the overall power consumption of the node, as long as the power consumption of the always-ON wake-up receiver is very low. We demonstrate line-of-sight ultrasound data communications for ultra-low power wireless wake-up in sensor networks. The 65-nm CMOS 0.6-V receiver prototype achieves a BER of better than 10-3 measured for a 250-bps free-space 8.6-m link in an indoor environment while dissipating only 4.4 μ W and requiring only - 18 dBm electrical power to be delivered to the transmit transducer.
A proposed image intensity expressing local irradiance

Authors would like to raise a discussion about image intensity for surface exposure, off course, including optical lithography. As a springboard for the discussion, a novel definition of image "intensity", which expresses local irradiance associating with optical image, is proposed. An experimental result, which strongly supports the proposed "intensity", is also obtained. To describe exposure dose, energy input for unit area with unit of J/m2, is applied as a measure of this amount. A phrase of "dose-to-clear" is frequently used to show sensitivity of a resist film. In contrast, conventional image intensity of optical image is defined as a value, which is proportional to volume energy density associating with image. The value is described with unit of J/m3. In some papers, it is mentioned that number of photochemical reactions in resist film is proportional to the volume energy density of electromagnetic filed, that is, conventional image intensity. It seems unclear what physical value is proper measure of surface exposure. We considered that, in optical lithography, energy flux is proper value to indicate degree of resist exposure from experience and some former reports. Then, a novel image "intensity", which expresses local irradiance associating with optical image, is proposed. The proposed image "intensity" is proportional to surface normal component of Poynting vector.
The Notch locus of Drosophila melanogaster: A molecular analysis†

Genetic analysis has suggested that neurogenesis in D melanogaster is under the control of a small number of genes. We have initiated a molecular study of the genes involved in this developmental event and started our analysis with the Notch locus, which is one of the best characterized loci in D melanogaster in terms of its genetic structure and developmental effects. In this paper we report on the molecular characterization of the Notch locus. We describe the molecular cloning of Notch and present evidence that the entire locus is defined by approximately 40 kb of genomic DNA. The transcriptional activity of these sequences during development has been examined and the results indicate that an approximately 10.5-kb-long poly A+ RNA is essential for wild type Notch activity. Mapping of this RNA within the physical map of Notch indicates that it is the processed product of an approximately 40-kb primary transcription unit spanning the entire Notch locus. More detailed analysis of the 10.5 kb RNA localizes several exons and identifies a small repetitive sequence that seems to be present in the mature Notch transcript. Structural details of a selected number of Notch locus mutations are presented and discussed. Preliminary data on the molecular structure of Notch-homologous DNA sequences in closely related species are also presented.
Fatigue and Chronic Fatigue in the Elderly: Definitions, Diagnoses, and Treatments

Because fatigue is so prevalent in the elderly population, it is important that physicians be well versed in the evaluation and management of this complaint. This article discusses the clinical manifestations and predisposing factors for the three major categories of fatigue: recent, prolonged, and chronic. The CDC classification of chronic fatigue syndrome is included. Patient dissatisfaction with the care for their fatigue is a common problem. Several pharmaceutical treatment methods are presented. Non-pharmacologic options, such as use of vitamins, exercise, behavior modification,and diet are also discussed.
Free Trade in “CORN”: A Statistical Study of the Prices and Production of Wheat in Great Britain from 1873 To 1914

I. The problem, 145. — II. The background, 146. — III. The effects on acreage, 148. — IV. The trend, 150. — V. Barley-wheat price ratio, 154. — VI. The models, 155. — VII. Relationship of regression lines and function elasticities, 157. — VIII. Conclusions, 165.
Glucocorticoid down-regulation of fascin protein expression is required for the steroid-induced formation of tight junctions and cell-cell interactions in rat mammary epithelial tumor cells.

Glucocorticoid hormones, which are physiological regulators of mammary epithelium development, induce the formation of tight junctions in rat Con8 mammary epithelial tumor cells. We have discovered that, as part of this process, the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone strongly and reversibly down-regulated the expression of fascin, an actin-bundling protein that also interacts with the adherens junction component β-catenin. Ectopic constitutive expression of full-length mouse fascin containing a Myc epitope tag (Myc-fascin) in Con8 cells inhibited the dexamethasone stimulation of transepithelial electrical resistance, disrupted the induced localization of the tight junction protein occludin and the adherens junction protein β-catenin to the cell periphery, and prevented the rearrangement of the actin cytoskeleton. Ectopic expression of either the carboxyl-terminal 213 amino acids of fascin, which includes the actin and β-catenin-binding sites, or the amino-terminal 313 amino acids of fascin failed to disrupt the glucocorticoid induction of tight junction formation. Mammary tumor cells expressing the full-length Myc-fascin remained generally glucocorticoid responsive and displayed no changes in the levels or protein-protein interactions of junctional proteins or the amount of cytoskeletal associated actin filaments. However, a cell aggregation assay demonstrated that the expression of Myc-fascin abrogated the dexamethasone induction of cell-cell adhesion. Our results implicate the down-regulation of fascin as a key intermediate step that directly links glucocorticoid receptor signaling to the coordinate control of junctional complex formation and cell-cell interactions in mammary tumor epithelial cells.
Spatio-temporal dynamics of corn rootworm, Diabrotica spp., adults and their spatial association with environment

Multiyear and multilocation studies were conducted to investigate the within- and the between-year spatial dynamics of corn rootworms Diabrotica spp. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), adults and their spatial associations with environmental factors in cornfields. Grid-based spatial sampling was conducted by trapping adults emerging from the soil (i.e., ‘emergence-trap counts’) and by counting the number of adults in the ear zone of corn plant (i.e., ‘ear-zone count’). Spatial analysis with distance indices (SADIE) was used to determine spatial distribution patterns and to investigate spatial associations. Ear-zone counts and emergence-trap counts were spatially dynamic within a year and more frequently aggregated in the middle of growing seasons and random early and late in the season. However, during the peak population periods, spatial distribution of ear-zone counts and emergence-trap counts were significantly consistent between years, indicating predictability of future spatial distributions. Spatial distribution of emergence-trap counts and ear-zone counts were positively associated with soil moisture and presence of corn plants with silks, respectively. This study demonstrated that within-year spatial distribution patterns were dynamic and that there was between-year spatial consistency of corn rootworm adult distributions. Such information can be used to improve preventative management of corn rootworms.
Direct Simulation of Extinction in a Slab of Spherical Particles

The exact multiple sphere superposition method is used to calculate the coherent and incoherent contributions to the ensemble-averaged electric field amplitude and Poynting vector in systems of randomly positioned nonabsorbing spherical particles. The target systems consist of cylindrical volumes, with radius several times larger than length, containing spheres with positional configurations generated by a Monte Carlo sampling method. Spatially dependent values for coherent electric field amplitude, coherent energy flux, and diffuse energy flux, are calculated by averaging of exact local field and flux values over multiple configurations and over spatially independent directions for fixed target geometry, sphere properties, and sphere volume fraction. Our results reveal exponential attenuation of the coherent field and the coherent energy flux inside the particulate layer and thereby further corroborate the general methodology of the microphysical radiative transfer theory. An effective medium model based on plane wave transmission and reflection by a plane layer is used to model the dependence of the coherent electric field on particle packing density. The effective attenuation coefficient of the random medium, computed from the direct simulations, is found to agree closely with effective medium theories and with measurements. In addition, the simulation results reveal the presence of a counter-propagating component to the coherent field, which arises due to the internal reflection of the main coherent field component by the target boundary. The characteristics of the diffuse flux are compared to, and found to be consistent with, a model based on the diffusion approximation of the radiative transfer theory.
Cellular cooperation: insights from microbes

Cooperation between cells is a widespread phenomenon in nature, found across diverse systems ranging from microbial populations to multicellular organisms. For cooperation to evolve and be maintained within a population of cells, costs due to competition have to be outweighed by the benefits gained through cooperative actions. Because cooperation generally confers a cost to the cooperating cells, defector cells that do not cooperate but reap the benefits of cooperation can thrive and eventually drive the cooperating phenotypes to extinction. Here we summarize recent advances made in understanding how cooperation and multicellularity can evolve in microbial populations in the face of such conflicts and discuss parallels with cell populations within multicellular organisms.