cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High School Biology Students' Knowledge and Certainty about Diffusion and Osmosis Concepts

The purpose of this study was to investigate students' understanding about scientifically acceptable content knowledge by exploring the relationship between knowledge of diffusion and osmosis and the student's certainty in their content knowledge. Data was collected from a high school biology class with the Diffusion and Osmosis Diagnostic Test (DODT) and Certainty of Response (CRI) scale. All data was collected after completion of a unit of study on diffusion and osmosis. The results of the DODT were dichotomized into correct and incorrect answers, and CRI values were dichotomized into certain and uncertain. Values were used to construct a series of 2 × 2 contingency tables for each item on the DODT and corresponding CRI. High certainty in incorrect answers on the DODT indicated tenacious misconceptions about diffusion and osmosis concepts. Low certainty in incorrect or correct answers on the DODT indicated possible guessing; and, therefore no understanding, or confusion about their understanding. Chi-square analyses revealed that significantly more students had misconceptions than desired knowledge on content covering the Influence of Life Forces on Diffusion and Osmosis, Membranes, the Particulate and Random Nature of Matter, and the Processes of Diffusion and Osmosis. Most students were either guessing or had misconceptions about every item related to the concepts osmosis and tonicity. Osmosis and diffusion are important to understanding fundamental biology concepts, but the concept of tonicity not be introduced to high school biology students until effective instructional approaches can be identified by researchers.
Antibody-functionalized polydiacetylene coatings on nanoporous membranes for microorganism detection

The preparation and characterization of coatings made from polydiacetylene colloids on nano- and microporous membranes and their potential for the detection of microorganisms are presented.
Humanoid Robot Hand With SMA Actuators and Servo Motors

This paper describes the design of a child humanoid robot hand with SMA actuators and servo motors. Human hands can grasp and manipulate complicated objects relying on its flexible structure and real-time control. However, it is difficult to replicate an exact human hand using rigid structures because of intricate biomechanical structure. In human hand, one metacarpal and three phalanges make up each finger, except for the thumb which only has two phalanges. Each finger except the thumb is composed of 3 joints: the metacarpophalangeal (MCP), the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) and distal interphalangeal joints (DIP). The DIP and PIP joints are always moving simultaneously, while the MCP joint can move independently. The child-sized robot hand is developed which replicates a seven year-old child’s hand in its fundamental structure. The robot hand has five fingers and all the fingers consist of 3 links. Servo motors and shape memory alloy actuators were used as a drive mechanism for the fingers and mathematical model of the SMA actuators are described to study the finger dynamics. A prototype humanoid robot hand was fabricated using 3D printing techniques and experimental results are presented.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
PDE5 is converted to an activated state upon cGMP binding to the GAF A domain.

cGMP-specific, cGMP-binding phosphodiesterase (PDE5) regulates such physiological processes as smooth muscle relaxation and neuronal survival. PDE5 contains two N-terminal domains (GAF A and GAF B), but the functional roles of these domains have not been determined. Here we show that recombinant PDE5 is activated directly upon cGMP binding to the GAF A domain, and this effect does not require PDE5 phosphorylation. PDE5 exhibited time- and concentration-dependent reversible activation in response to cGMP, with the highest activation (9- to 11-fold) observed at low substrate concentrations (0.1 μM cGMP). A monoclonal antibody directed against GAF A blocked cGMP binding, prevented PDE5 activation and decreased basal activity, revealing that PDE5 in its non-activated state has low intrinsic catalytic activity. Activated PDE5 showed higher sensitivity towards sildenafil than non-activated PDE5. The stimulatory effect of cGMP binding on the catalytic activity of PDE5 suggests that this mechanism of enzyme activation may be common among other GAF domain-containing proteins. The data also suggest that development of agonists and antagonists of PDE5 activity based on binding to this site might be possible.
Operculina turpethum (convolvulaceae) as a medicinal plant in Asia

Medicinal uses ofOperculina turpethum by several groups of people are described, and linguistic evidence is used in connection with medicinal philosophies to reconstruct historic dispersal routes of the plants.
Simulated and Experimental Capture Times of Micro-Scale Pins Collected From a Vibratory Feeder

Challenges occur during micro-scale parts assembly due to the strong influence of electrostatic, van der Waals, capillary, and magnetic forces acting on the bodies, resulting in sticking of micro-scale parts to assembly grippers and to other parts, making part manipulation very difficult. In order to provide insight into the influences of various forces which occur while collecting micro-scale pins on a vibratory feeder, experimental tests were conducted measuring the pin capture times while varying pin length and vibrating amplitude. Based on the results from these experiments and the environment in which the tests were conducted, electrostatic forces and drag forces were found to be the most influential. From the experimental results, modifications were made to an existing impulse-based simulation to incorporate a drag force and an electrostatic force, and simulations were conducted to find the effect of changing pin length and vibrating amplitude on the pin capture times. For one micro-scale pin on the vibratory feeder bowl, both the simulated and experimental results show good correlation for the mean capture time which increases when pin length increases or when the vibrating amplitude of the feeder bowl increases. The simulation results for multiple pins when varying pin length gave mean capture times which did not follow the same trends as the experimental testing; however, due to the stochastic nature of the vibratory system, the simulated results were considered comparable. This difference when looking at multiple pins is potentially attributed to the two-dimensional nature of the simulation.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Learning is not easy: How can we help our students to learn?

Abstract Students are an essential part of any college or school of pharmacy, and much deserved time and effort is dedicated to ensuring that their experience is worthwhile. Part of this is to provide a curriculum that is based on standards and competencies that will be needed to develop students into competent pharmacists capable of making reasoned clinical decisions and providing compassionate patient care. Although much time is spent by faculty in the development and implementation of the content of this curriculum that focuses on these skills and competencies, less thought may be given to the process of how students learn. This article provides a brief overview of the learning process, and lists several ways that faculty can facilitate learning for their students. It proposes that consideration of explicit teaching of the learning process and of critical thinking may be warranted.
Small Animal PET Imaging

Positron emission tomography (PET) is well established as an important research and clinical molecular imaging modality. Although the size differences between humans and rodents create formidable challenges for the application of PET imaging in small animals, advances in technology over the past several years have enabled the translation of this imaging modality to preclinical applications. In this article we discuss the basic principles of PET instrumentation and radiopharmaceuticals, and examine the key factors responsible for the qualitative and quantitative imaging capabilities of small animal PET systems. We describe the criteria that PET imaging agents must meet, and provide examples of small animal PET imaging to give the reader a broad perspective on the capabilities and limitations of this evolving technology. A crucial driver for future advances in PET imaging is the availability of molecular imaging probes labeled with positron-emitting radionuclides. The strong translational science potential of small animal and human PET holds great promise to dramatically advance our understanding of human disease. The assessment of molecular and functional processes using imaging agents as either direct or surrogate biomarkers will ultimately enable the characterization of disease expression in individual patients and thus facilitate tailored treatment plans that can be monitored for their effectiveness in each subject.
Parenting across cultural contexts in the USA: assessing parenting behaviour in an ethnically and socioeconomically diverse sample

This study examined the factorial validity of the Parent Behavior Inventory (PBI), a brief measure of parenting behaviour, in a diverse sample of mothers and compared differences in parenting as a function of ethnicity and socioeconomic status (SES). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were performed on data generated by mothers of young children (N = 1705). Analyses indicated a tripartite structure with dimensions reflecting Warmth, Control and Hostility, respectively. Scores differed as a function of ethnicity and SES: European American and high‐SES mothers reported greatest Warmth whereas African American and high‐SES mothers reported greatest Control. A significant ethnicity X SES interaction was found for Hostility: Low‐SES African American and high‐SES Latina mothers reported the most hostile–coercive behaviours. Hostility among Latina mothers was associated with employment outside the home. Results support the factorial validity of the PBI with diverse populations and offer normative data ...
Hydroboration 95 — Relative Effectiveness of the 2-Organylapoisopinocampheylboranes for the Asymmetric Hydroboration of Representative Prochiral Alkenes

Enantiomerically pure and sterically-varied 2-organylapoisopinocampheylboranes (RapBH2; R=Me, IpcBH2; R=Et, EapBH2; Pr, PraBH2; i-Bu, i-BapBH2; R=Ph, PapBH2; and R=i-Pr, i-PraBH2) were prepared from their corresponding 2-organylapopinenes (2-R-apopinenes; R=Me, Et, Pr, i-Bu, Ph, and i-Pr) and the relative efficiency of these reagents for the asymmetric hydroboration of representative prochiral alkenes compared. With the exception of Ph, the results reveal simple relationships between the steric requirements of the groups R (Me, Et, Pr, i-Bu, Ph, and i-Pr) in these reagents and the moderate to excellent enantioselectivities achieved in the asymmetric hydroboration of six representative prochiral alkenes, such as 2-methyl-1-butene, cis-2-butene, trans-2-butene, 2-methyl-2- butene, 1-methyl-1-cyclopentene, and 1-methyl-1-cyclohexene.
Logical Assumptions in Contemporary Discourse Analysis

Scholars from anthropology, sociology, philosophy, and linguistics, as well as other academic disciplines approach the questions of discourse analysis. While there is wide variability in these approaches, most agree that internal coherence is one of the most important features of discourse and that some variety of the propositional calculus is the most appropriate means for accounting for that coherence. I present data that suggests that propositional reasoning varies with culture and thus it is a poor candidate for the basis of a universal discourse structure. On the other hand, syllogistic structures seem relatively consistent across language and culture boundaries and therefore indicate that such a universal structure is possible.
The circular loop antenna multiloaded with positive and negative resistors

Studies are made of both the driving-point impedance and the amplitude and phase distributions of the current in a circular loop which is driven by an arbitrary number of delta-function generators and loaded with an arbitrary number of lumped impedances. The only restriction imposed in the present treatment is that the elements (either generator or load) are spaced at equal intervals of 2\pib/m along the circumference where m is the total number of elements and b is the radius of the loop. The numerical calculations include loads with negative resistances in order to take account of loops loaded with an element like an Esaki tunnel diode, with proper precautions against both self-oscillation and switching effects. A study of such precautions is to be considered separately. The experimental results agree quite well with theory except for the larger values of \beta b . The radiation patterns of the loop antennas with \beta b=1 loaded with various resistors were also measured.
Relation between antisperm antibodies and the rate of fertilization of human oocytes in vitro.

To clarify further the role of antisperm antibodies in in vitro fertilization, the occurrence of antisperm antibodies on ejaculated sperm and in sera was determined by the immunobead binding assay in 67 couples after an unsuccessful in vitro fertilization cycle. Antisperm antibodies in maternal sera were associated with a failure of oocyte fertilization (P <0.02) or with fertilization of only 9–19% of the oocytes (P <0.01) in vitro. Antisperm antibodies were detected in sera from 13 of 24 women (54.2%) where no fertilization occurred, 9 of 14 women (64.3%) where less than 20% of the oocytes fertilized, and 3 of 19 women (15.8%) where greater than 40% of the oocytes fertilized. Antisperm antibodies in these sera were mostly IgG and directed against the sperm tail. Antibodies on the surface of ejaculated motile sperm were also associated with a low (9–19%) fertilization rate (P <0.01). Sperm-bound antibodies were detected in 2 of 24 men (8.3%) where no fertilization occurred, 5 of 14 men (35.7%) where less than 20% of the oocytes fertilized, and 0 of 19 men where fertilization was greater than 40%. Sperm-bound antibodies were mainly IgA and were tail-directed. Antisperm antibodies in sera of males were not related to the rate of fertilization. Antisperm antibodies were detected in female partners of 21 of 46 couples (45.7%) with unexplained infertility, 2 of 12 women (16.7%) with blocked tubes, 4 of 7 women (57.1%) with endometriosis, and 0 of 2 women with adrenal hyperplasia. There was no relation between the fertilization rate and the maternal age, number of oocytes harvested, or semen quality. We conclude that antisperm antibodies are present in sera from a high percentage of women with unexplained infertility and that antibodies reacting with sperm tails may directly interfere with fertilization in vitro or may be a surrogate marker for another factor that interferes with this event.
The effect of a graphic interface on participation, interaction, and student achievement in a computer-mediated small group discussion

The goal of this research was to investigate the effects of interface design on the participation, interaction, and achievement of students in a computer-mediated small-group discussion. Previous research indicated that computer-mediated communication systems encouraged a breakdown in the normative constraints of social interaction. Because of the unrestricted ability to participate within a computer-mediated system, any member may interject a comment or response that is out of sync with the rest of the group. This creates havoc with the flow of an interaction because the member was not properly cognizant of the current state of the discussion, through reading the preceding comments by other group members. This study investigated whether this breakdown in normative structure could be repaired by redesigning the user interface. Consequently, specific software was designed and developed to investigate this question. One version of the software used a graphic-based interface while the second version utilized the more traditional text-based interface. A sample of 65 students participated in the study. Subjects in the graphic-based version sent more messages and addressed them more often to an individual than subjects using the text-based interface. There was, however, no difference in the amount of participation or achievement between the two conditions. The results of this study suggest that it is possible to design an interface that encourages the use of constraints normative to group interaction. This has important implications for small-group instruction.
Consolidation in the financial services industry: Are there industry gains for acquisitions of security firms?

We examine the revaluation of target security firms, their respective acquirers, both banks and non-banks, and their corresponding rivals before and after the major consolidation wave of 1994 to 1997. We find that target security firms as well as their respective acquirers are favorably revalued at the time of their acquisitions. The valuation effects are more favorable for non-bank acquirers and for acquirers with more growth potential and a lower degree of financial leverage. This suggests that investors expect greater synergies for mergers by better capitalized, faster growing, non-bank acquirers. In contrast to previous merger studies that generally find negative wealth effects for acquiring firms, cumulative abnormal returns (CARs) are on average positive for acquirers, targets, and portfolios of competing security firms, with the highest positive CARs for targets.
Countershading: Universally deceptive or deceptively universal?

Abstract The presence of dark dorsa and light ven tra on animals is often attributed to an adaptive effect of shape-obliteration when illumination is from above. In fact, direct evidence for this effect is scant. The various meanings of the term ‘countershade' have been conflated, and alternative explanations for the evolution of the trait have been given less attention. The phenomenon is much less likely to benefit terrestrial species than aquatic ones. Further experimental investigations of the idea are needed.
Skull base resection with cervical-to-petrous carotid artery bypass to facilitate repair of distal internal carotid artery lesions.

Abstract Purpose: To demonstrate a direct operative approach to vascular lesions of the internal carotid artery (ICA) at the level of the skull base. Methods: Between January 1993 and October 1999, five patients underwent lateral skull base resection with cervical-to-petrous carotid artery saphenous vein bypass for repair of distal ICA lesions. This report describes operative methods, morbidity, graft patency, and long-term outcome with this experience. Results: Of the five patients with skull base ICA lesions, all had aneurysmal disease. Three were atherosclerotic and two were dysplastic. Preoperative neurologic symptoms including transient ischemic attacks (2) and Horner's syndrome with vascular headaches (1) were completely resolved after operation. Preoperative dysphagia (2) was resolved in one patient and clinically improved in the other. Postoperative complications included transient paresis in the cranial nerve (CN) VII distribution, as well as permanent loss of the eustachian tube and chorda tympani nerve in all five patients. One patient had lasting paresis in the CN XI distribution as well as a mild stroke resulting in arm weakness. No residual arm weakness was detected at one year. There were no graft occlusions by duplex ultrasound at 45.8 months mean objective follow-up, and no ipsilateral stroke or mortality at 51.2 months mean clinical follow-up. Conclusions: Saphenous vein bypass from the cervical-to-petrous ICA is technically feasible and provides a valuable reconstruction option for patients with skull base ICA lesions.
Thermoregulation is the pits: use of thermal radiation for retreat site selection by rattlesnakes

Pitvipers (Viperidae: Crotalinae) possess unique sensory organs, the facial pits, capable of sensing subtle fluctuations in thermal radiation. Prey acquisition has long been regarded as the sole function of the facial pits. However, the ability to sense thermal radiation could also direct thermoregulatory behavior by remotely sensing nearby surface temperatures. Using a series of behavioral arenas of varying spatial complexity and ecological relevance, we surveyed the ability of the western diamondback rattlesnake Crotalus atrox to direct successful thermoregulatory movements with either functional or disabled facial pits. We found that western diamondback rattlesnakes could base thermoregulatory decisions on thermal radiation cues when their pits were functional, but not when blocked. Our results indicate that the facial pit is part of a generalized sense, and suggest thermoregulation as an alternative hypothesis to prey acquisition for the origin of facial pits.
Corticosterone and related receptor expression are associated with increased β-amyloid plaques in isolated Tg2576 mice

Previously, we reported that the stress associated with chronic isolation was associated with increased β-amyloid (Aβ) plaque deposition and memory deficits in the Tg2576 transgenic animal model of Alzheimer's disease (AD) [Dong H, Goico B, Martin M, Csernansky CA, Bertchume A, Csernansky JG (2004) Effects of isolation stress on hippocampal neurogenesis, memory, and amyloid plaque deposition in APP (Tg2576) mutant mice. Neuroscience 127:601–609]. In this study, we investigated the potential mechanisms of stress-accelerated Aβ plaque deposition in this Tg2576 mice by examining the relationship between plasma corticosterone levels, expression of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and corticotropin-releasing factor receptor-1 (CRFR1) in the brain, brain tissue Aβ levels and Aβ plaque deposition during isolation or group housing from weaning (i.e. 3 weeks of age) until 27 weeks of age. We found that isolation housing significantly increased plasma corticosterone levels as compared with group-housing in both Tg+ mice (which contain and overexpress human amyloid precursor protein (hAPP) gene) and Tg− mice (which do not contain hAPP gene as control). Also, isolated, but not group-housed animals showed increases in the expression of GR in the cortex. Furthermore, the expression of CRFR1 was increased in isolated Tg+ mice, but decreased in isolated Tg− mice in both cortex and hippocampus. Changes in the components of hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis were accompanied by increases in brain tissue Aβ levels and Aβ plaque deposition in the hippocampus and overlying cortex in isolated Tg+ mice. These results suggest that isolation stress increases corticosterone levels and GR and CRFR1 expression in conjunction with increases in brain tissue Aβ levels and Aβ plaque deposition in the Tg2576 mouse model of AD.
Operational Improvements in Image Orthicon Camera Equipment

A modern broadcast TV Camera adaptable for use with either 3-inch or 4?-inch image orthicon tubes is described. Circuit and mechanical innovations are discussed which result in improved stability and reliability. Simplified operation and maintenance of the camera are emphasized.
Design of near-optimal waveforms for chest and abdominal compression and decompression in CPR using computer-simulated evolution

Summary Objective To discover design principles underlying the optimal waveforms for external chest and abdominal compression and decompression during cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Method A 14-compartment mathematical model of the human cardiopulmonary system is used to test successive generations of randomly mutated external compression waveforms during cardiac arrest and resuscitation. Mutated waveforms that produced superior mean perfusion pressure became parents for the next generation. Selection was based upon either systemic perfusion pressure (SPP = thoracic aortic minus right atrial pressure) or upon coronary perfusion pressure (CPP = thoracic aortic pressure minus myocardial wall pressure). After simulations of 64,414 individual CPR episodes, 40 highly evolved waveforms were characterized in terms of frequency, duty cycle, and phase. A simple, practical compression technique was then designed by combining evolved features with a constant rate of 80 min −1 and duty cycle of 50%. Results All ultimate surviving waveforms included reciprocal compression and decompression of the chest and the abdomen to the maximum allowable extent. The evolved waveforms produced 1.5–3 times the mean perfusion pressure of standard CPR and greater perfusion pressure than other forms of modified CPR reported heretofore, including active compression–decompression (ACD) + ITV and interposed abdominal compression (IAC)–CPR. When SPP was maximized by evolution, the chest compression/abdominal decompression phase was near 70% of cycle time. When CPP was maximized, the abdominal compression/chest decompression phase was near 30% of cycle time. Near-maximal SPP/CPP of 60/21 mmHg (forward flow 3.8 L/min) occurred at a compromise compression frequency of 80 min −1 and duty cycle for chest compression of 50%. Conclusions Optimized waveforms for thoraco-abdominal compression and decompression include previously discovered features of active decompression and interposed abdominal compression. These waveforms can be used by manual (Lifestick-like) and mechanical (vest-like) devices to achieve short periods of near normal blood perfusion non-invasively during cardiac arrest.
The Mating System of Habropoda pallida Timberlake (Anthophorinae: Apidae)

Males of Habropoda pallida searched for recently emerged females at a location in central Arizona where many females had nested in the preceding year. Patrolling males exhibited a variety of mate locating tactics ranging from inspecting existing emergence holes to patrolling flights around flowering creosote bush. These tactics appear to be under the control of a conditional strategy, given that male behavior shifted during the day. Moreover, some marked males mounted dead females placed on the ground in the emergence area as well as mounting dead females pinned to flowers in the emergence area and at a creosote bush some distance away. At least some males exhibited site fidelity in that numerous males marked within the nest site emergence area were recaptured there; others marked at a creosote bush were also seen again at that plant. The mating system of the bee involves scramble competition with individual males attempting to locate receptive emerging and flower-visiting females before rival males. In keeping with the scramble competition hypothesis, males are considerably smaller on average than females and are only aggressive when trying to push their way past rival males already mounted on a potential mate.
Investigations on Winged Bean [Psophocarpus tetragonolobus (L.) DC] Proteins and Antinutritional Factors

Two cultivars of winged bean (Chimbu and HF-10) were investigated. The molecular weight distribution profiles of two cultivars differed significantly. Major protein subunits of Chimbu had estimated molecular weights of 51,000, 18,000, 15,400, and 12,300 daltons while subunits with estimated molecular weights of 145,000; 55,000; 29,000; 14,700; and 14,000 daltons characterized HF-10 proteins. Sequential extraction with distilled water and 2% NaCl recovered 91.08 and 87.7% (respectively for Chimbu and HF-10) of the total proteins. Soaking the beans in alkali resulted in elimination of hemagglutinating activity, significant reduction in tannins and trypsln inhibitory activity, and improvement in in vitro protein digestibility.
On the vectorization of graph algorithms (abstract)

We investigate the vectorization, on a Cray X-MP, of three graph algorithms, and introduce a data structure for representing graphs particularly amenable to this technique. The use of bit-wise instructions on the Cray, in conjunction with this data structure, leads to the efficient implementation of graph operations. In addition, this data structure makes the space requirement for the considered graph algorithms virtually optimal.The first investigated algorithm is the Breadth First Traversal, which is linear in execution time relative to the size of input. While this was found to be intrinsically non-vectorizable, execution times of its implementation using the introduced data structure did not increase.The second and third algorithms are both for calculating the chromatic polynomial of a graph, and whose execution time grows exponentially with the size of input. The second, by Read, is the fastest previously existing algorithm. However, since it uses levels of indirection in referencing edges, vectorization is usually inhibited. Only minor loops were vectorizable, and the speedup due to vectorization was less than two. The third algorithm uses the introduced data structure, and achieved a speedup of over three. Furthermore, this algorithm, when compared to the second one, was able to handle sparse graph (with average vertex degree of 4) approximately twice as large, while using similar time and space limits.This work was supported by NSF grant No. ASC-8900690.
An Environmental Chamber for Monitoring “In Situ” Growth and Survival of Larval Fishes

Abstract An “in situ” experiment using an environmental chamber to monitor growth and survival of laboratory-produced winter flounder larvae (Pseudopleuronectes americanus) was completed in the Pettaquamscutt Estuary of Narragansett Bay. The prototype enclosure was of open mesh allowing the larvae to be exposed to natural, varying conditions. One thousand larvae were stocked in the chamber where they remained for a 2-week period. Zooplankton prey concentrations, temperature, salinity, and dissolved oxygen were monitored day and night both inside and outside the chamber. Survival rate was 76.8% and all the survivors metamorphosed. Daily specific growth rates were 10.7% dry weight and 1.9% standard length. Sample analyses indicated physical conditions were good for winter flounder growth and that zooplankton prey densities were high. There were no statistically significant differences between prey densities inside and outside the chamber. This research was considered to be a “transitional study” linking lab...
Mrap2: An Accessory Protein Linked to Obesity

Melanocortin receptors are critical modulators of energy balance and glucose homeostasis. Companion studies published in Science (Asai et al., 2013; Sebag et al., 2013) establish a role for melanocortin receptor accessory protein 2 (Mrap2) in regulating melanocortin receptor activity and in the development of obesity in zebrafish, rodents, and humans.
Calmodulin inhibits entry of Bordetella pertussis adenylate cyclase into animal cells.

Bordetella pertussis, the pathogen responsible for whooping cough, releases a soluble calmodulin-sensitive adenylate cyclase into its culture medium. Recently, Confer and Eaton [Confer, D., & Eaton, J. (1982) Science (Washington, D.C.) 217, 948-950], as well as Hanski and Farfel [Hanski, E., & Farfel, Z. (1985) J. Biol. Chem. 290, 5526-5536], have shown that crude extracts from B. pertussis containing adenylate cyclase activity cause elevations in intracellular cAMP when incubated with human neutrophils or lymphocytes. These investigators proposed that the bacterial enzyme enters animal cells and catalyzes the formation of cAMP from intracellular ATP. In this study, B. pertussis adenylate cyclase was purified to remove contaminating islet activating protein and examined for its effects on intracellular cAMP levels of human erythrocytes and N1E-115 mouse neuroblastoma cells. In both cases, the enzyme catalyzed the formation of intracellular cAMP. Addition of calmodulin to the adenylate cyclase preparations completely inhibited formation of intracellular cAMP catalyzed by the bacterial enzyme, indicating that cAMP was not synthesized extracellularly and then taken up by the cells. These experiments illustrate that the bacterial enzyme does enter animal cells and that the enzyme-calmodulin complex does not.
A programmable Escherichia coli consortium via tunable symbiosis.

Synthetic microbial consortia that can mimic natural systems have the potential to become a powerful biotechnology for various applications. One highly desirable feature of these consortia is that they can be precisely regulated. In this work we designed a programmable, symbiotic circuit that enables continuous tuning of the growth rate and composition of a synthetic consortium. We implemented our general design through the cross-feeding of tryptophan and tyrosine by two E. coli auxotrophs. By regulating the expression of genes related to the export or production of these amino acids, we were able to tune the metabolite exchanges and achieve a wide range of growth rates and strain ratios. In addition, by inverting the relationship of growth/ratio vs. inducer concentrations, we were able to “program” the co-culture for pre-specified attributes with the proper addition of inducing chemicals. This programmable proof-of-concept circuit or its variants can be applied to more complex systems where precise tuning of the consortium would facilitate the optimization of specific objectives, such as increasing the overall efficiency of microbial production of biofuels or pharmaceuticals.
Development in wavelength-division optical networking

Summary form only given, as follows. Circuit- and packet-switch networks based on optical wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) offer great potential in allowing terabit network throughput with modest-speed-per-node electronic components and achieve great topological and protocol flexibility. Commercial grade components to realize such networks have become available. The properties and bottlenecks of such networks were discussed, and Rainbow-1, an experimental circuit-switched WDM network connecting up to 32 standard IBM desktop machines at 0.3 Gb/node, was described. >
Changes in the Subunit Structure of Bacillus subtilis RNA Polymerase During Sporulation

Speculating bacilli undergo a series of dramatic changes in morphology and physiology. During the first hours of sporulation, the bacterial cell is partitioned into a forespore and a sporangium or mother cell. Next, the sporangium engulfs the forespore. Engulfment is followed by the synthesis of the cortex and coat components of the spore and, finally, by the release of the mature spore from the mother cell. These morphological events are accompanied by changes in gene transcription. New classes of messenger RNA appear during sporulation (1), while the synthesis of ribosomal RNA is turned off in Bacillus subtilis (2) and Bacillus cereus (3).
An architecture-independent software development approach for parallel processing systems

An architecture-independent software development approach for parallel processing systems is presented. This approach is based on the parallel object oriented and functional computation model PROOF and separates the architecture dependent issues from software development. It also facilitates software development for any parallel processing systems by relieving the programmers from the consideration of processor topology and various parallelization aspects of the software. Our approach allows the exploitation of parallelism at both levels of granularity: object level and method level, thereby making our approach effective for software development for various MIMD computers. Software developed using our approach reflects the parallel structure of the problem space which makes the software more understandable and modifiable. A framework consisting of object-oriented analysis, object-design, coding and transformation phases is presented for software development for parallel processing systems. An example is given to illustrate this approach.
Two Sorting Motifs, a Ubiquitination Motif and a Tyrosine Motif, Are Involved in HIV-1 and Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Nef-Mediated Receptor Endocytosis

HIV-1 and SIV Nef proteins downregulate cell surface CD4 and MHC class I (MHC-I) molecules of infected cells, which are necessary for efficient viral replication and pathogenicity. We previously reported that K144 in HIV-1 Nef is di-ubiquitinated, and K144R substitution impairs Nef-mediated CD4 downregulation. In this report, we extend the role of ubiquitination at this lysine residue from Nef-mediated CD4 downregulation to Nef-mediated MHC-I downregulation and from HIV Nef to SIV Nef. All HIV-1 Nef mutants that contain K144R substitution are inactive in MHC-I downregulation. Tested MHC-I alleles include HLA-ABC endogenously expressed and HLA-A2 exogenously expressed in Jurkat T cells. CD4 downregulation by SIV Nef involves K176 that aligns with K144 in HIV-1 Nef, as well as an N-terminal tyrosine motif Y28Y39 not present in HIV-1 Nef. Dual mutation at K176 and Y28Y39 completely impaired SIV Nef-mediated CD4 and MHC-I downregulation, whereas a single mutation at K176 or Y28Y39 did not. The involvement of tyrosine motif in SIV Nef-mediated CD4 and MHC-I downregulation prompted us to investigate a putative tyrosine motif (Y202Y/F203) in HIV-1 Nef that is conserved among HIV-1 species. Single mutation at the tyrosine motif Y202F203 in HIV-1 Nef (NA7) greatly impaired Nef-mediated CD4 downregulation, which is similar to what we observed previously with the single mutation at lysine K144. Thus, our study demonstrated that Nef-mediated receptor endocytosis involves the ubiquitination motif and tyrosine motif.
On the transition to planing of a boat

This paper is concerned with the problem of the transition to planing of a boat. A steady-state nonlinear solution of the problem is obtained using a theory of fluid sheets for two-dimensional motion of an incompressible inviscid fluid contained in the paper of Green & Naghdi (1977), together with appropriate jump conditions demanded by the theory. The motion of the fluid is coupled with the motion of a free-floating body and detailed analysis is undertaken pertaining to such features as the sinkage, the bow-up trim angle and the determination of the propulsion force. In particular, the results show that the governing mechanism of the hump speed phenomenon is the change in the bow-up trim angle of the boat. The differential equations and the relevant boundary conditions of the problem are reduced to a system of essentially algebraic equations whose solutions are obtained numerically.
Post-ruminal digestion of starch in the presence of phenolic monomers

Abstract The capacity for phenolic monomers to influence starch digestion was examined in six lambs (21.0 kg) fitted with abomasal and ileal cannulae and fed 455 g dry matter per day of a mixture of alfalfa meal (60%), cottonseed hulls (20%) and tall fescue hay (19%). An average of 68.3 g starch per day was infused continuously into the abomasum and ferulic and p-coumaric acids were administered orally in gelatin capsules. Dietary influences were determined in a replicated Latin square crossover design using both Cr2O3: nutrient and lignin: nutrient ratios to calculate digestibility values. Pre-ileal starch digestion coefficients were 97.9, 97.9 and 97.8% for control, ferulic acid and p-coumaric acid treatments, respectively, by Cr2O3: nutrient ratio, and 98.5, 98.5 and 98.5% by lignin: nutrient ratio. Total tract strach digestion coefficients were 99.4, 99.5 and 99.4% for control, ferulic acid and p-coumaric acid treatments, respectively, by Cr2O3: nutrient ratio, and 99.5, 99.7 and 99.5% by the lignin: nutrient ratio method. No significant effects of phenolic compounds upon post-ruminal digestion of starch, neutral detergent fiber or acid detergent fiber were observed.
Printed Transistors on Paper: Towards Smart Consumer Product Packaging

The integration of fully printed transistors on low cost paper substrates compatible with roll-to-roll processes is demonstrated here. Printed electronics promises to enable a range of technologies on paper including printed sensors, RF tags, and displays. However, progress has been slow due to the paper roughness and ink absorption. This is solved here by employing gravure printing to print local smoothing pads that also act as an absorption barrier. This innovative local smoothing process retains desirable paper properties such as foldability, breathability, and biodegradability outside of electronically active areas. Atomic force microscopy measurements show significant improvements in roughness. The polymer ink and printing parameters are optimized to minimize ink absorption and printing artifacts when printing the smoothing layer. Organic thin film transistors (OTFT) are fabricated on top of this locally smoothed paper. OTFTs exhibit performance on par with previously reported printed transistors on plastic utilizing the same materials system (pBTTT semiconductor, poly-4-vinylphenol dielectric). OTFTs deliver saturation mobility approaching 0.1 cm2V–1s–1 and on-off-ratio of 3.2 × 104. This attests to the quality of the local smoothing, and points to a promising path for realizing electronics on paper.
4D SAR Focusing: A Tool for Improved Imaging and Monitoring of Urban Areas

4D (space-velocity) SAR focusing is applied to real data acquired over urban areas to determine the position, in 3D, and the deformation velocity of single and double scatterers interfering, at high resolution, in the same azimuth-range pixel. We discuss the procedure required to identify the presence of stable single and double scatterers after the elevation-velocity focusing. Moreover we present a technique for the separation of time series associated with interfering scatterers to measure their possible non linear temporal deformations.
A Methodology for Computing Link Availability

An efficient and systematic numerical technique is presented for predicting availability of an RF link between a ground station and a communication satellite. This new methodology takes into account the effects of weather and time-varying link geometry caused by satellite motion as well as the customary ground/satellite link parameters. The availability computed under the worst link geometry (5 deg elevation) has been compared with the average availability computed with the new methodology. The results indicate that the traditional worst-case design approach is too pessimistic to provide a realistic design criterion where links operate at K band or above.
THE PROCESS OF CHANGE IN COUPLES THERAPY: A QUALITATIVE INVESTIGATION

Open-ended interviews with 24 couples therapy clients regarding their experience of the process of change revealed shifts in clusters of affect, communication, and cognition. Six additional contextual preconditions for change were also identified. The change process within couples was uniformly reported to be gradual.
Evaluating SIP server performance

SIP is a protocol of growing importance, with uses for VoIP, instant messaging, presence, and more. However, its performance is not well-studied or understood. In this extended abstract we overview our experimental evaluation of common SIP server scenarios using open-source SIP software such as OpenSER and SIP prunning on Linux.We show performance varies greatly depending on the server scenario and how the protocol is used. Depending on the configuration, through put can vary from hundreds to thousands of operations per second. For example, we observe that the choice of stateless vs. stateful proxying, using TCP rather than UDP, or including MD5-based authentication can each can affect performance by a factor of 2-4. We also provide kernel and application profiles using Oprofile that help explain and illustrate processing costs. Finally, we provide a simple fix for transaction-stateful proxying that improves performance by a factor of 10. Full details can be found in our accompanying technical report.
Theranostic etoposide phosphate/indium nanoparticles for cancer therapy and imaging.

Etoposide phosphate (EP), a water-soluble anticancer prodrug, is widely used for treatment of many cancers. After administration it is rapidly converted to etoposide, its parent compound, which exhibits anticancer activity. Difficulty in parenteral administration necessitates the development of a suitable nanoparticle delivery system for EP. Here we have used indium both as a carrier to deliver etoposide phosphate to tumor cells and as a SPECT imaging agent through incorporation of 111In. Etoposide phosphate was successfully encapsulated together with indium in nanoparticles, and exhibited dose dependent cytotoxicity and induction of apoptosis in cultured H460 cancer cells via G2/M cell cycle arrest. In a mouse xenograft lung cancer model, etoposide phosphate/indium nanoparticles induce tumor cell apoptosis, leading to significant enhancement of tumor growth inhibition compared to the free drug.
The Efficacy of Amiodarone in the Treatment of Ventricular Tachycardia or Ventricular Fibrillation

T HE HISTORY OF the introduction of amiodarone into the United States is considerably different from the history for other antiarrhythmic drugs. Because amiodarone had been used in other countries and appeared to have a reasonable antiarrhythmic effect, many physicians sought to evaluate the drug here. Many Investigational New Drug permits were issued by the US Food and Drug Administration, and there was very little drug company sponsorship or control over evaluation of this agent. No standard protocol was used in the many centers testing this agent, and each investigator studied relatively few patients with limited follow-up (commonly 1 year or less). Patients treated with the drug had diverse diseases and arrhythmia histories, and investigators used different endpoints for evaluation of this drug. Virtually all patients had serious arrhythmias that required treatment, there were no drug-free controls included in any studies, and the investigators were not blinded with regard to therapy when they determined the efficacy of the treatment. Because all patients treated with amiodarone in these early studies had been unsuccessfully controlled with other antiarrhythmic agents, most authors concluded that these patients were highly prone to have antiarrhythmic failure and arrhythmic death in follow-up. It is unclear from all available studies whether the highest risk for arrhythmic death exists in patients who have had an aborted episode of ventricular fibrillation (VF) or in patients who have had recurrent sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT). In fact, it is possible that a patient with multiple recurrences of sustained VT (often without cardiac arrest or ventricular fibrillation) may be more hemodynamically stable during their arrhythmias and less prone to sudden cardiac death than other patient populations with ventricular arrhythmias. A final problem that must be considered in the evaluation of studies that report on the efficacy of amiodarone is the fact that many studies ignore the arrhythmia experience in the first weeks or months of treatment with amiodarone because of the long latency before amiodarone exerts its full antiarrhythmic effect. This censoring of patient information is inappropriate, because it simply represents a deficiency of this drug due to its pharmacokinetics early during therapy. Selection of patients who have survived the first few weeks of a drug therapy eliminates those patients with the most severe arrhythmias who were most likely to succumb to their arrhythmias irrespective of treatment. Thus, studies that evaluate the electrophysiologic effects of amiodarone from four to 12 weeks after initiation of therapy select a group of patients who have a lower risk of recurrence of arrhythmias from the outset of treatment.