cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On-orbit vibration testing for space structures

A simulated on-orbit modal test using active members as the excitation source has been performed on the Precision Truss. Using the step sine testing technique, the frequency response functions are obtained and the modal parameters are extracted by the curve-fitting method. A total of 10 global modes and 3 local modes are obtained. The results are compared with those obtained by the conventional external excitation test.
Growth kinetics and collagen synthesis of normal skin, normal scar and keloid fibroblasts in vitro

Fibroblasts were isolated from keloid, normal skin, and normal scar and maintained in tissue culture for four passages. Growth kinetics were the same for all groups on days 2 through 12. However, the rate of collagen synthesis per fibroblast was greater in keloid derived cells than any controls at all growth phases. Keloid fibroblasts have an autonomous capacity to synthesize collagen at a significantly increased level in vitro, which may explain in part why these lesions are characterized by increased collagen deposition.
The Transactivating Function 2 (AF-2) of Estrogen Receptor (ER) α Is Indispensable for ERα-Mediated Physiological Responses and AF-1 Activity

Estrogen has various physiological functions and the estrogen receptor (ER) is a key regulator of those functions. ERα is a ligand-dependent transcription factor and that activity is mediated by the transactivating function-1 (AF-1) in the N-terminal domain and transactivating function-2 (AF-2) in the C-terminal ligand-binding domain. The functions of ERα AF-1 and AF-2 have been characterized by various in vitro experiments, however, there is still less information about the in vivo physiological functions of ERα AF-1 and AF-2. Recently, we established a genetically mutated ERα AF-2 knock-in mouse (AF2ERKI) that possessed L543A, L544A mutated-ERα. This AF-2 core mutation disrupted AF-2 function and resulted in ERα null phenotypes. This mouse model revealed that proper AF-2 core structure and function were indispensable for ERα-mediated physiological responses and AF-1 functionality. AF2ER mutation reverses the ERα antagonists to agonists and that activity is mediated by AF-1 solely. The pure antagonist, ICI182780/fulvestrant, activated several estrogen-mediated physiological responses in the AF2ERKI mouse. The AF2ERKI mouse model will be useful to discern estrogen physiological functions which involve AF-1.
Variability study of Ka-band HRR polarimetric signatures on 11 T-72 tanks

In an effort to effectively understand signature verification requirements through the variability of a structure's RCS characteristics, the U.S. Army National Ground Intelligence Center (NGIC), with technical support from STL, originated a signature project plan to obtain MMW signatures from multiple similar tanks. In implementing this plan NGIC/STL directed and sponsored turntable measurements performed by the U.S. Army Research Laboratory Sensors and Electromagnetic Resource Directorate on eleven T-72 tanks using an HRR full-polarimetric Ka-band radar. The physical condition and configuration of these vehicles were documented by careful inspection and then photographed during the acquisition sequence at 45 degree(s) azimuth intervals. The turntable signature of one vehicle was acquired eight times over the three day signatures acquisition period for establishing measurement variability on any single target. At several intervals between target measurements, the turntable signature of a 30 m2 trihedral was also acquired as a calibration reference for the signature library. Through an RCS goodness-of-fit correlation and ISAR comparison study, the signature-to-signature variability was evaluated for the eighteen HRR turntable measurements of the T-72 tanks. This signature data is available from NGIC on request for Government Agencies and Government Contractors with an established need-to-know.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A general purpose fuzzy inference mechanism based on coimplication

Abstract In the design of expert systems, management of uncertainty is related to a computational analysis of uncertainty from the premises to the conclusion. Although several ad hoc models have been developed to deal with vagueness, there has been a strong need for a globally applicable method of dealing with vagueness in expert systems. In this paper we propose an inference mechanism in a General Purpose Fuzzy Expert System (GPFES) as a knowledge engineering tool which is an attempt to model uncertainty in the general domain of expert systems. We use a new reasoning method utilizing the equivalence operator instead of the implication operator in modus ponens, in which we demonstrate a fuzzy-logic-based computational framework using the concept of coimplication in the inference process. Through this concept of coimplication a knowledge representation scheme has been developed.
VDR and CYP27B1 are expressed in C2C12 cells and regenerating skeletal muscle: potential role in suppression of myoblast proliferation

1α,25(OH)2D3, the active form of vitamin D3, has been reported to regulate the cell biology of skeletal muscle. However, there has been some controversy about the expression of the vitamin D recept...
Understanding the effect of Na in improving the performance of Cu(InGa)Se 2 -based photovoltaics

The incorporation of Na into Cu(InGa)Se2 (CIGS) based absorber layers is critical for fabricating high efficiency photovoltaic devices. In the present study we show that Na transport through Mo and CIGS from soda-lime glass substrates takes place through the grain boundaries with oxygen playing a critical role. Device performance drops as the Na level in CIGS is reduced but recovers by mild air heat treatment implying that Na plays a major role at the junction and at CIGS grain boundaries within the depletion region. Finally, we present results on the use of NaF as a post-deposition Na source.
Overnight patterns of serum luteinizing hormone in normal men.

ABSTRACT Serial levels of serum luteinizing hormone (LH) were determined by sampling every 15 min between 7:00 PM and 7:00 AM with 4 normal men. From 4–7 abrupt elevations occurred in each man. The elevations averaged an increase of 87%. The LH levels were highest between 3:00 and 7:00 AM and 2.3–4.8-fold variations were found in each of the 4 volunteers. During the 45 min after the LH peaks, the rate of fall of gonadotropin concentration was equivalent to a half time of 105.5 min, while the actual half times averaged 23% longer when they could be directly estimated. We conclude that pituitary release of LH occurs as repetitive abrupt discharges in normal men during the night with highest levels in the early morning. Discharge appears to end with a tapering of LH release.
The development of androgen-independent prostate cancer

The normal prostate and early-stage prostate cancers depend on androgens for growth and survival, and androgen ablation therapy causes them to regress. Cancers that are not cured by surgery eventually become androgen independent, rendering anti-androgen therapy ineffective. But how does androgen independence arise? We predict that understanding the pathways that lead to the development of androgen-independent prostate cancer will pave the way to effective therapies for these, at present, untreatable cancers.
Comparison of the Incidence of Vancomycin-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Hospitalized Patients with and without Concomitant Piperacillin-Tazobactam

tudy Objectives To determine whether the addition of piperacillin-tazobactam leads to an increased incidence of nephrotoxicity in patients receiving vancomycin and to explore potential confounding factors that may increase the risk of vancomycin-induced nephrotoxicity. Design Single-center, retrospective cohort study. Setting Large, academic, tertiary-care hospital. Patients One hundred ninety-one adults hospitalized between July 1, 2009, and July 1, 2012, with normal baseline renal function who received a minimum of 48 hours of vancomycin for any indication were included in the analysis. Of these patients, 92 received a minimum of 48 hours of intravenous piperacillin-tazobactam concurrently with vancomycin, with piperacillin-tazobactam being initiated within 48 hours of the initiation of vancomycin (combination group); 99 received vancomycin without piperacillin-tazobactam (vancomycin group). Measurements and Main Results A univariate analysis was performed to assess the effect of the following risk factors on the incidence of nephrotoxicity within the first 7 days of vancomycin treatment: concomitant nephrotoxic agents, advanced age, steady-state vancomycin trough concentration of 15 μg/ml or greater, elevated Charlson Comorbidity Index, and a total daily vancomycin dose of 4 g or greater. A multivariate model was constructed to compare the incidence of the primary end point of nephrotoxicity, defined as a minimum 1.5-fold increase in serum creatinine concentration, between groups. Nephrotoxicity developed in 8 (8.1%) of 99 patients in the vancomycin group and in 15 (16.3%) of 92 patients in the combination group (1-sided χ2 test, p=0.041). In the univariate analysis, only vancomycin trough concentration of 15 μg/ml or greater (odds ratio 3.67) was associated with an increased risk of developing nephrotoxicity. In the multivariate analysis, patients with piperacillin-tazobactam added to vancomycin exhibited an increased incidence of nephrotoxicity, with an odds ratio of 2.48 (1-sided χ2 test, p=0.032). Conclusion We observed an increased incidence of nephrotoxicity in vancomycin-treated patients who received concomitant piperacillin-tazobactam. A steady-state vancomycin trough concentration of 15 μg/ml or greater was also associated with an increased risk of the development of nephrotoxicity. These findings should be confirmed in larger, randomized studies.
The Role of Carboxyl-terminal Basic Amino Acids in Gqα-dependent Activation, Particulate Association, and Nuclear Localization of Phospholipase C-β1

The phospholipase C (PLC)-beta isozymes differ from the PLC-gamma and PLC-delta isozymes in that they possess a long COOH-terminal sequence downstream of their catalytic domain, are activated by alpha subunits of the Gq class of G proteins, associate with the particulate subcellular fraction, and are present in the nucleus. Most of the COOH-terminal domain of PLC-beta isozymes is predicted to be helical, and three regions in this domain, PLC-beta1 residues 911-928 (region 1), 1055-1072 (region 2), and 1109-1126 (region 3), contain a high proportion of basic residues that are highly conserved. Projection of the sequences of these three regions in helical wheels reveals clustering of the basic residues. The role of the COOH terminus and the clustered basic residues in PLC-beta1 was investigated by either truncating the entire COOH-terminal domain (mutant DeltaC) or replacing two or three clustered basic residues with isoleucine (or methionine), and expressing the mutant enzymes in CV-1, Rat-2, or Swiss 3T3 cells. The DeltaC mutant no longer showed the ability to be activated by Gqalpha, to translocate to the nucleus, or to associate with the particulate fraction. Substitution of clusters of basic residues in regions 1 and 2 generally reduced the extent of activation by Gqalpha, whereas substitution of a basic cluster in region 3 had no effect. Substitution of the cluster of lysine residues 914, 921, and 925 in region 1 had the most marked effect, reducing Gqalpha-dependent activity to 10% of that of wild type. All substitution mutants, with the exception of that in which lysine residues 1056, 1063, and 1070 in region 2 were substituted with isoleucine, behaved like the wild-type enzyme in showing an approximately equal distribution between cytoplasm and nucleus; only 12% of the region 2 mutant was present in the nucleus. None of the basic clusters appeared critical for particulate association; however, replacement of each cluster reduced the amount of PLC-beta1 in the particulate fraction by some extent, suggesting that all the basic residues contribute to the association, presumably by interacting with acidic residues in the particulate fraction. Membrane localization of PLC-beta isozymes is therefore likely mediated by both the COOH-terminal domain and the pleckstrin homology domain, the latter of which is known to bind phosphatidylinositol 4,5-biphosphate.
Serious adverse events in Norplant users reported to the Food and Drug Administration's MedWatch Spontaneous Reporting System.

Objective To describe serious adverse events in Norplant users from reports submitted to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Spontaneous Reporting System. Methods Reports of certain serious adverse events in Norplant users in the United States from February 1991 to December 1993 were reviewed and analyzed. Results From the introduction of Norplant in the United States in February 1991 to December 1993, the FDA received reports of 24 women hospitalized for infections at the insertion site, 14 hospitalized or disabled because of difficulties removing the capsules, 14 hospitalized for stroke, three for thrombotic thrombocytopenia purpura, six for thrombocytopenia, and 39 for pseudotumor cerebri. The comparison of reported rates with expected rates and the relationship of some of these disorders with oral contraceptives raises the suspicion of a causal association with Norplant. Conclusions The FDA has received reports of hospitalization or disability for infections, capsule removal difficulties, stroke, thrombotic thrombocytopenia purpura, thrombocytopenia, and pseudotumor cerebri in Norplant users. Health care professionals need to be trained in Norplant insertion and removal to ensure the proper technique. Studies are needed to determine if stroke, thrombocytopenia, and pseudotumor cerebri are causally related to Norplant use.
An analysis of the experiential guo exp in Mandarin: A temporal quantifier

The experiential marker guo exp in Mandarin expresses an event which has happened at least once before. Previous studies have provided valuable observations of the guo exp -sentences; however, the suggested properties are seemingly unrelated. In this paper, the experiential marker guo exp is treated as a temporal quantifier, an analysis which unifies the properties of a guo exp -sentence described in literature. The analysis is motivated by the two common characteristics shared by guo exp and other temporal quantifiers such as sometimes, always, etc. First, both sentences present a type of situation rather than a specific one. Second, these sentences are not temporally related to other events in a discourse. The semantics of guo exp is represented in the framework of Discourse Representation Theory in which temporal quantifiers can be treated uniformly.
Analysis of Sudden Mesoscale Drying at the Surface

Abstract Mesoscale surface data and special satellite-derived soundings from the Visible Infrared Spin Scan Radiometer (VISSR) Atmospheric Sounder (VAS) are used to investigate a case of sudden mesoscale drying at the surface on 17 June 1986, a day during the Cooperative Huntsville Meteorological Experiment (COHMEX). Dewpoints fall as much as −6.3°C in less than 1 h over a small portion of central Tennessee. The drying occurs prior to the onset of convective activity. The satellite retrievals detect a narrow tongue of midtropospheric dry air that overlays moist air near the surface. The analyses indicate that heating-induced surface-based mixing penetrates the midlevels, bringing drier air to the surface and resulting in the sudden decreases in surface dewpoints.
Using the Internet as a Teaching Tool: Why Wait Any Longer?.

taken advantage of the traditional strengths of the Internet (e-mail, discussion lists, and remote access to other computers) to aid them in teaching and research. For example, the political science research and teaching list (PSRT-L), which Gary Klass and I moderate, has passed its fifth anniversary as an Internet discussion list serving the needs of political science.' Yet it is only in the last couple of years that the number of political scientists using the Internet as a teaching tool has really begun to grow. In the articles that follow, our intent is to demonstrate how the Internet can be used to enhance the teaching of political science in a wide variety of ways. Each author has been asked not only to explain how they incorporate the Internet into their teaching, but also to honestly assess the advantages and disadvantages of doing so. Martha Bailey discusses an accessible way to increase the impact of an existing course through the Internet: have students become
The case for adjuvant radiation therapy in advanced Hodgkin's disease.

(1996). The Case for Adjuvant Radiation Therapy in Advanced Hodgkin's Disease. Cancer Investigation: Vol. 14, No. 4, pp. 361-370.
Numerical simulation of a surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) gyroscope using HP EEsof

Surface Acoustic Wave gyroscope presents itself as a cheap and effective option for several applications ranging from automotive to industrial sector. The possibility of its wireless interrogation without any power source makes it even more attractive. This paper present a brief discussion of the use of Coupling of Modes theory for the optimization of the design of the SAW gyroscope. Further, the Equivalent Circuit Model is employed to model the gyroscope. The results from HP EES of simulation are compared with measurements from the rate table experiments and the performance of the gyroscope is evaluated in the light of the same.© (2002) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The biosynthesis of leucine in Aerobacter aerogenes

Abstract Leucine was isolated from Aerobacter aerogenes grown on media containing acetate-1-C14, glucose-1-C14, glucose-2-C14, glucose-3,4-C14, or glucose-1-C14 plus unlabeled acetate. The distributions of radioactivity in the individual carbon atoms of leucine indicated that carbon atoms 1 and 2 of leucine were derived from an acetate unit, and that the remaining four carbon atoms were derived from carbon atoms 1 and 2 of glucose. These data indicate that the pathway for the biosynthesis of leucine in A. aerogenes is similar to that in E. coli, T. utilis, Neurospora, and S. cerevisiae (1–5).
Self-disclosure and student satisfaction with Facebook

The purpose of the current study was to extend existing research examining the specific motives for creating and maintaining Facebook, and to connect these motives to users' levels of self-disclosure and satisfaction with Facebook. Undergraduate students identified their reasons for using Facebook, privacy and self-disclosure settings, and satisfaction with Facebook's ability to meet these motivational needs. Results indicated that the most common motives for using Facebook were relationship maintenance, passing time, and entertainment, although gender differences in motives for creating a Facebook page were observed. Males and females also differed in the overall level of self-disclosure as well as the type of information presented on their Facebook pages. Levels of self-disclosure, but not privacy levels, were associated with greater levels of satisfaction with Facebook to meet certain motivational goals.
Cytological zonation of Prunus avium L. pollen tubes in vivo.

Pollen tubes of sweet cherry, Prunus avium L., were examined with transmission electron microscopy, 6 hr after cross- and self-pollinations. Five cytological zones were observed and their characteristic features described. The zones are: (I) Apical growth zone; (II) smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) zone; (III) rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) zone; (IV) vacuolation zone; and (V) deterioration zone. Pollen tubes produced in both cross- and self-pollinations showed similar zonation.
The heating rate dependence of polymer melting points

The melting points (Tm) of small quantities (ca. 0.1 mg) of polyethylene (PE) single crystals in the dried state and in suspension were determined as a function of heating rate. Melting points were also obtained for large amounts (ca. 3 mg) of dried-down crystals. It has been reported previously that PE crystals of high molecular weight possess a single melting point and this Tm decreases with increasing heating rate. However, all samples in our study show multiple melting behavior. Moreover, suspension samples show little or no variation in the various peak temperatures with heating rate. There is some dependence of Tm on heating rate for small dry samples but the change in Tm is not nearly as great as previously reported. These small changes can be the result of the relatively poor resolution of small dry samples compared to suspension. Differences between the behavior reported here and those of other authors can be explained on the basis of the relative contributions to the various melting endotherms.
Micropropagation of Pistacia lentiscus L. from axenic seedling-derived explants

Abstract Pistacia lentiscus L. (Anacardiaceae), a deciduous forest tree, is important multipurpose Pistacia tree. Today, the major limitation facing the widespread expansion of commercial lentisk plantations is the shortage of superior plants primarily because of difficulties experienced in propagating this species by using the traditional vegetative propagation methods. Shoot cultures were established from aseptically germinated seedlings of lentisk. Factors including the different N6-benzyladenine (BA) concentrations, the combination of cytokinin and other growth regulators, media and antioxidants were assessed and optimized for in vitro shoot proliferation. Full strength MS medium with Gamborg's vitamins containing 30 g l−1 sucrose, 100 mg l−1 PVP, 1 mg l−1 BA and 7 g l−1 agar resulted in multiple shoot (bud) initiation at the rate of 2.7 ± 0.17 shoot (4.18 ± 0.17 bud) per explant in 28 days of culture. Moreover, with the use of in vitro proliferated axenic cultures subcultured at least twice, the effects of auxins and mineral medium strength were also assessed for root induction. Efficient rooting (92%) was achieved in a medium containing 1 mg l−1 indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). The method developed for plant acclimatization was satisfactory because a high percentage of plant survival (83.33%) in the growth room was obtained and the regenerated plantlets resumed growth after 4 months (96%). The method described will be useful for rapid multiplication of lentisk for commercial exploitation.
Biodegradable cationic polyester as an efficient carrier for gene delivery to neonatal cardiomyocytes.

Viral-mediated gene delivery has been explored for the treatment and protection of cardiomyocytes, but so far there is only one report using cationic polymer for gene delivery to cardiomyocytes in spite of many advantages of polymer-mediated gene delivery. In this study, a cationic poly(β-amino ester) (PDMA) with a degradable backbone and cleavable side chains was synthesized by Michael addition reaction. The toxicity of PDMA to neonatal mouse cardiomyocytes (NMCMs) was significantly lower than that of polyethyleneimine (PEI). PDMA formed stable polyplexes with pEGFP. The dissociation of the polyplexes could be triggered by PDMA degradation, and the dissociation time was tunable via the polymer/pEGFP ratio. In vitro transfection showed that PDMA was an effective and low toxic gene delivery carrier for NMCMs. The PDMA/pEGFP polyplexes transfected EGFP gene to NMCMs with about 28% efficiency and caused little death. In contrast, a significant portion of cardiomyocytes cultured with PEI/pEGFP died. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cortical dopaminergic involvement in cocaine reinforcement

Neuronal systems involved in the initiation of cocaine reinforcement were investigated by identifying brain sites where direct application of the drug was reinforcing. This was accomplished by allowing rats to self-administer picomolar concentrations of cocaine into discrete brain regions. The medial prefrontal cortex supported self-administration, while the nucleus accumbens and ventral tegmental area did not. Self-administration could be attenuated by including equimolar concentrations of the dopaminergic D2-receptor antagonist sulpiride in the microinjection system. These results imply that cocaine reinforcement is mediated in part through a direct action on mesocortical dopaminergic receptors.
IBM-XT processing of selected ion monitoring, data files from a Hewlett-Packard 5970 mass selective detector.

Data filesfrom selected ion monitoring (SIM) acquisitions by a Hewlett-Packard GC/MSD system, were transferred to and processed by an IBM-XT personal computer. Using a series of programs written in the author’s laboratory (TASQ, Target Analyte Search and Quantitation), a processing scheme was implemented in order to routinely quantitate polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) in environmental samples. As a result, samples can be analysed with greater speed and results can be analysed and reported with greaterflexibility than was previously possible. The technical details for transferring data files from the HewlettPackard system to the IBM-XT, as well as the programs that process thesefiles, are discussed.
Disease model: human aging

Very little is known about the molecular mechanisms of human aging. This, at least in part, derives from a paucity of appropriate animal models of aging. Until recently, the senescence-accelerated mouse was the only mammalian model of aging. However, novel mouse models that exhibit multiple aging phenotypes have been developed in the past few years by disruption of the klotho gene, the telomerase gene and the genes involved in premature aging syndromes. These mouse models are expected to be important tools for aging research.
2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus infection in postpartum women in California

Objective The objective of the study was to characterize severe illness because of the 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) infection in postpartum women. Study Design We reviewed case reports of infected hospitalized postpartum (≤6 months from delivery) women identified through statewide surveillance in California. From April 23 through August 11, 2009, all hospitalizations and/or deaths were reported. After August 11, reporting was limited to cases requiring intensive care or deaths. Results From April 23 to December 31, 2009, 15 cases were reported; 11 (73%) had symptom onset within 7 days postpartum. Of 10 hospitalized cases reported through August 11, 4 required intensive care, 3 required mechanical ventilation, and 2 died. Of 5 cases requiring intensive care reported after August 11, all required mechanical ventilation and 1 died. Overall, 6 (43%) received antivirals within 48 hours of symptom onset. Conclusion The 2009 H1N1 can cause severe illness in postpartum women, especially in the first week following delivery.
Pretreatment growth environments alter the sensitivity of tumor cells to cytotoxic agents.

Abstract The effects of pretreatment growth conditions on the sensitivity of tumor cells to various cytotoxic agents were investigated using murine Ehrlich ascites tumor cells grown in two different environments. The tumor cells adapted to grow in the peritoneal cavity of mice were found to be more sensitive to ionizing radiation, oxygen toxicity, doxorubicin, and bleomycin than tumor cells adapted to grow in vitro. However, there was no difference in their sensitivity to 5-fluorouracil. One obvious difference between these two growth environments is oxygen tension; it is between 2.6 and 5.2% (20–40 mmHg) for the peritoneal cavity and 21% (159 mmHg) for the regular tissue culture. To investigate the role of oxygen tension, tumor cells from the peritoneal cavity were grown in tissue culture having either 21% O 2 or 4% O 2 in the gas phase. Within 4 d, tumor cells that were exposed to 21% O 2 , but not to 4% O 2 , in vitro gradually became as resistant to cytotoxic agents as the tumor cells continuously cultured in vitro under 21% O 2 . It appears that the adaptation of tumor cells to different environments having different partial pressure of oxygen alters their sensitivity not only to oxygen toxicity but also to other cytotoxic agents that damage or kill cells by generating free radicals.
Surnames and Gender in Japan: Women’s Challenges in Seeking Own Identity:

Strongly influenced by the previous Meiji Civil Code that shaped people’s perceptions about the traditional Japanese family, postwar Japanese society has not fully guaranteed gender equality, and w...
Soil‐surface carbon dioxide efflux and microbial biomass in relation to tree density 13 years after a stand replacing fire in a lodgepole pine ecosystem

The effects of fire on soil-surface carbon dioxide (CO2) efflux, FS, and microbial biomass carbon, Cmic, were studied in a wildland setting by examining 13-year-old postfire stands of lodgepole pine differing in tree density ( 500 000 trees ha−1) in Yellowstone National Park (YNP). In addition, young stands were compared to mature lodgepole pine stands (∼110-year-old) in order to estimate ecosystem recovery 13 years after a stand replacing fire. Growing season FS increased with tree density in young stands (1.0 µmol CO2 m−2 s−1 in low-density stands, 1.8 µmol CO2 m−2 s−1 in moderate-density stands and 2.1 µmol CO2 m−2 s−1 in high-density stands) and with stand age (2.7 µmol CO2 m−2 s−1 in mature stands). Microbial biomass carbon in young stands did not differ with tree density and ranged from 0.2 to 0.5 mg C g−1 dry soil over the growing season; Cmic was significantly greater in mature stands (0.5–0.8 mg C g−1 dry soil). Soil-surface CO2 efflux in young stands was correlated with biotic variables (above-ground, below-ground and microbial biomass), but not with abiotic variables (litter and mineral soil C and N content, bulk density and soil texture). Microbial biomass carbon was correlated with below-ground plant biomass and not with soil carbon and nitrogen, indicating that plant activity controls not only root respiration, but Cmic pools and overall FS rates as well. These findings support recent studies that have demonstrated the prevailing importance of plants in controlling rates of FS and suggest that decomposition of older, recalcitrant soil C pools in this ecosystem is relatively unimportant 13 years after a stand replacing fire. Our results also indicate that realistic predictions and modeling of terrestrial C cycling must account for the variability in tree density and stand age that exists across the landscape as a result of natural disturbances.
The Acquisition Path for Tense-Aspect: Remote Past and Habitual in Child African American English

This article considers the comprehension of tense-aspect markers remote past BIN and habitual be by 3- to 5-year-old developing African American English (AAE)-speaking children and their Southwest Louisiana Vernacular English (SwLVE)-speaking peers. Overall both groups of children associated BIN with the distant past; however, the AAE-speaking children were twice as likely to give a distant past response on the BIN went task. These results are discussed in terms of event realization, the Aspect Hypothesis, and feature agreement. We delineate a path that uses the lexical part of the Aspect Hypothesis, the role of semantics in defining the end state of a refined aspectual system, and an interface between syntax and semantics to explain subtle steps involving agreement in the acquisition process. The AAE-speaking children scored significantly higher on the habitual be tasks than the SwLVE-speaking children, whose scores were not significantly different from chance. The results suggest that the AAE-speaking c...
Molecular mapping of human band 3 aging antigenic sites and active amino acids using synthetic peptides

An aging antigen, senescent cell antigen appears on old cells and marks them for death by initiating the binding of IgG autoantibody and subsequent removal by phagocytes. This antigen is derived from the major anion transport protein, protein band 3, that is involved in respiration and acid base balance. We use synthetic peptides from the transmembrane, anion transport segment of band 3 to “walk” band 3 to identify potential aging antigenic sites. A competitive inhibition assay with affinity purified IgG autoantibody from senescent red cells was used. Results indicate that: aging antigenic sites reside on human band 3 residues 538–554, 593–601, and 812–830; and that the smallest residues which act as aging antigenic sites are 593–601 and 813–818. The contribution of lysine and/or arginine to antigenicity is examined by synthesizing peptide analogs in which glycines or arginines are substituted for lysines or arginines. Substitution of neutral glycine for the positively charged amino acids arginine or lysine or both arginine and lysine did not result in a significant difference in antigenicity between the analog and the native band 3 peptide. Substitution of the positively charged arginine for the positively charged lysine resulted in a significant reduction in antigenicity. The chicken sequence of band 3 peptides 538–554 and 812–827 differs from that of the human peptides at several sites. Antigenicity of these chicken “analogs” were tested and compared to the human peptides. The data suggest that the three-dimensional configuration of band 3 segments plays a dominant role in defining the antigenic determinants reactive with senescent cell IgG autoantibodies.
An implicit factored scheme for the compressible Navier-Stokes equations. II - The numerical ODE connection

An attempt is made to establish a connection between linear multistep methods for applications to ordinary differential equations and their extension (by approximate factorization) to alternating direction implicit methods for partial differential equations. An earlier implicit factored scheme for the compressible Navier-Stokes equations is generalized by innovations that (1) increase the class of temporal difference schemes to include all linear multistep methods, (2) optimize the class of unconditionally stable factored schemes by a new choice of unknown variable, and (3) improve the computational efficiency by the introduction of quasi-one-leg methods.
Direct Vapor Phase Propylene Epoxidation over Deposition-Precipitation Gold-Titania Catalysts in the Presence of H2/O2: Effects of Support, Neutralizing Agent, and Pretreatment†

The effects of titanium connectivity, deposition solution neutralizing agent, and catalyst pretreatment were examined for a series of Au-on-titanium-containing supports for the direct gas-phase epoxidation of propylene using hydrogen and oxygen. The degree of titanium isolation was examined using pure titania, monolayer-titania on silica, submonolayer-titania on silica, and titanium silicalite-1 (TS-1) supports. Activity and selectivity were shown to increase as the degree of titanium isolation increased, with TS-1 and submonolayer-titania supports providing the best stability and yield. Isolation of the titanium was found to significantly reduce the cracking of propylene to ethanal and carbon dioxide. Sodium carbonate was found to be the best neutralizing agent for catalysts prepared using deposition-precipitation (DP). DP with ammonium hydroxide gave catalysts with reduced selectivity and activity. Titania-modified silica was found to produce better catalysts when the support was not calcined prior to gold deposition. Similarly, calcination was detrimental to catalysts prepared via deposition of a 2 nm gold colloid onto titania-modified supports even though the gold did not sinter. The beneficial effects of Ti site isolation and support acid/base control are best seen at higher temperatures, where only a few catalysts can maintain selectivity.
Nutrition and bullous skin diseases

Autoimmune and nonautoimmune bullous diseases can both be associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Although our understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of these diseases has increased tremendously, there is still much to learn about the various factors affecting their onset, course, and therapy. In recent years, increasing information has been published about the effect of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients on bullous skin diseases. Some factors are believed to be inducers (thiol and phenol-containing foods in pemphigus), whereas others are believed to be protective (antioxidants in cutaneous porphyrias). This contribution reviews the evidence in the literature of the role of various dietary factors in bullous diseases, including the nonautoimmune and the deficiency dermatoses. Additional studies and new investigations are needed to provide a better understanding of the specific associations of dietary factors with bullous diseases and better management for patients affected by these conditions.
On reading the fine print

(1974). On reading the fine print. Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology: Vol. 26, No. 2, pp. 324-324.
A comparison of aggregation methods for measures of economic freedom

Empiricists have used various editions of an economic freedom index (EFI) initially developed by Gwartney et al. (1996) [Gwartney, J., Lawson, R., Block, W., 1996. Economic Freedom of the World: 1975–1995. Fraser Institute, Vancouver.] to examine the relationship between economic freedom and other socio-economic variables, such as growth or investment. The EFI quantifies the level of particular institutional characteristics thought to promote economic freedom and aggregates them into a single index value. The aggregation procedures utilized by Gwartney and Lawson in developing their index have changed over time and other scholars have promoted alternative methods. We examine several index aggregation procedures and show that each design may have potential methodological flaws that can greatly affect the empirical findings.
Combined cognitive bias modification treatment for social anxiety disorder: a pilot trial

Background: Cognitive Bias Modification (CBM) is a promising treatment for Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD). However, previous randomized trials have not systematically examined the combination of CBM for attention (CBM-A) and interpretation (CBM-I) or the credibility and acceptability of these protocols. Methods: We conducted a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial (N = 32) to examine the efficacy of a CBM treatment called Attention and Interpretation Modification (AIM) for SAD. AIM comprised eight, twice weekly computer sessions with no therapist contact. During AIM, participants (1) completed a dot probe task in which probes always followed neutral faces when paired with a disgust face, thereby directing attention away from threat and (2) completed a word–sentence association task in which they received positive feedback for making benign interpretations of word–sentence pairs and negative feedback for making negative interpretations. We also assessed participants' perceived credibility of and satisfaction with AIM. Results: Participants receiving AIM reported significantly reduced self-reported (Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale) symptoms of social anxiety relative to the placebo. These gains were also evident on a behavioral measure (performance on an impromptu speech). AIM met our benchmarks for credibility and acceptability in this community sample, although credibility ratings were modest. Participants reported that CBM-I was more helpful than CBM-A. Conclusions: A combined CBM treatment produced medium-to-large effects on social anxiety. Participants rated AIM as moderately credibly and acceptable. Should these findings be replicated in larger samples, AIM has the potential to be a widely accessible and efficacious treatment for SAD. Depression and Anxiety, 2011.© 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
URETERAL TISSUE EXPANSION FOR BLADDER AUGMENTATION

AbstractPurpose: Ureteral augmentation is an effective method of bladder reconstruction using the native urothelium of a megaureter. Clinically this procedure is contingent on the presence of an enlarged ureter. We have iatrogenically produced a segmental megaureter, while preserving renal function in a pig model. The urothelium of the enlarged ureter was then used for augmentation cystoplasty.Materials and Methods: A tissue expander suitable for insertion into the lumen of the ureter was constructed. The tissue expander was passed antegrade through a flank incision of 8 pigs, and a separate nephrostomy tube was left in place. During the ensuing 1 to 4 weeks the pigs underwent daily dilation of the tissue expander without anesthesia. After dilation the pigs underwent ureteral augmentation of the bladder. The segment of expanded ureter was isolated from the native ureter, opened and anastomosed to the bladder. The continuity of the left ureter was restored by primary ureteroureterostomy. The animals underw...
In-flight measurements of capsule shell adiabats in laser-driven implosions.

We present the first x-ray Thomson scattering measurements of temperature and density from spherically imploding matter. The shape of the Compton downscattered spectrum provides a first-principles measurement of the electron velocity distribution function, dependent on ${T}_{e}$ and the Fermi temperature ${T}_{F}\ensuremath{\sim}{n}_{e}^{2/3}$. In-flight compressions of Be and CH targets reach 6\char21{}13 times solid density, with ${T}_{e}/{T}_{F}\ensuremath{\sim}0.4\char21{}0.7$ and ${\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{ii}\ensuremath{\sim}5$, resulting in minimum adiabats of $\ensuremath{\sim}1.6\char21{}2$. These measurements are consistent with low-entropy implosions and predictions by radiation-hydrodynamic modeling.
Characterization of the cadmium complex of peptide 49–61: a putative nucleation center for cadmium-induced folding in rabbit liver metallothionein IIA

The synthetic peptide fragment containing residues 49–61 of rabbit liver metallothionein II (MT-II) (Ac-Ile-Cys-Lys-Gly-Ala-Ser-Asp-Lys-Cys-Ser-Cys-Cys-Ala-COOH), which includes the only sequential four cysteines bound to the same metal ion in Cd7MT, forms a stable, monomeric Cd-peptide complex with 1 : 1 stoichiometry (Cd:peptide) via Cd-thiolate interactions. This represents the first synthesis of a single metal-binding site of MT independent of the domains. The 111Cd NMR chemical shift at 716 ppm indicates that the 111Cd2+ in the metal site is terminally coordinated to four side-chain thiolates of the cysteine residues. The pH of half dissociation for this Cd-peptide derivative, ∼3.3, demonstrates an affinity similar to that for Cd7MT. Molecular mechanics calculations show that the thermodynamically most stable folding for this isolated Cd2+ center has the same counterclockwise chirality (Λ or S) observed in the native holo-protein. These properties are consistent with its proposed role as a nucleation center for cadmium-induced protein folding. However, the kinetic reactivity of the CdS4 structure toward 5,5′-dithiobis(5-nitrobenzoate) (DTNB) and EDTA is greatly increased compared to the complete cluster (α-domain or holo-protein). The rate law for the reaction with DTNB is rate=(kuf +k1,f +k2,f [DTNB])[peptide], where kuf=0.15 s–1, k1,f=2.59×10–3 s–1, and k2,f=0.88 M–1 s–1. The ultrafast step (uf), observable only by stopped-flow measurement, is unprecedented for mammalian (M7MT) and crustacean (M6MT) holo-proteins or the isolated domains. The accommodation of other metal ions by the peptide indicates a rich coordination chemistry, including stoichiometries of M-peptide for Hg2+, Cd2+, and Zn2+, M2-peptide for Hg2+ and Au+, and (Et3PAu)2-peptide.
Pretending that systems are secure

To a large extent, computing systems are useful only to the degree in which they're embedded in the processes that constitute human society. This embedding makes effective system security extremely important, but achieving it requires a strong look at the human side of the picture - the computers themselves are only part of the system. IEEE Security & Privacy has covered these topics in-the past, but usually from the perspective of computing, not society. Can we make it easier for human users to correctly trust what their computers are telling them? Can we make it easier for human programmers to write code that achieves desired functional and performance goals, but with fewer vulnerabilities? Motivated by a series of events over this past year, we'll look at the societal aspects in this installment: the formal education process through which we train students, young and old, to be effective cyber-citizens; and the media coverage and editorializing process through which we express (or perhaps imprint) ethical judgment.
Isolation and characterization of a new cellular oncogene encoding a protein with multiple potential transmembrane domains

We have cloned and sequenced a new human oncogene and have named it mas. This oncogene was detected by its tumorigenicity in nude mice using the cotransfection and tumorigenicity assay previously described. The mas oncogene has a weak focus-inducing activity in transfected NIH 3T3 cells. A DNA rearrangement in the 5' noncoding sequence, which occurred during transfection, is probably responsible for activation of the mas gene. The cDNA sequence of the mas oncogene reveals a long open reading frame that codes for a 325 amino acid protein. This protein is very hydrophobic and has seven potential transmembrane domains. In this respect, the structure of the mas protein is novel among cellular oncogene products and may reflect a new functional class of oncogenes.
Leukemia inhibitory factor induces the 85-kDa cytosolic phospholipase A2 gene expression in cultured human bronchial epithelial cells

Abstract Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) has become increasingly recognized as an important regulator of inflammation. This study is designed to determine whether LIF has an effect on arachidonate metabolism in human airway epithelial cells. LIF (100 ng/ml) induced a significantly increased release of prelabeled [ 3 H] arachidonic acid (AA) from the human bronchial epithelial cell line (BEAS 2B cell) as well as from the primary cultures of human bronchial epithelial cells. Exposure of the LIF stimulated BEAS 2B cells to calcium ionophore A23187 (10 −5 M, 15 min) caused a further increase of [ 3 H]AA release. To identify the role of cytosolic phospholipase A 2 (cPLA 2 ) in this upregulation of AA release, further experiments were performed to determine the expression of cPLA 2 in the BEAS 2B cells. Immunoblot analysis indicated that LIF increased cPLA 2 protein expression. Ribonuclease protection assay showed that LIF induced an increase of cPLA 2 mRNA levels following 3 h to 24 h treatment. Nuclear run-on experiments suggested that LIF upregulated cPLA 2 gene expression through post-translational regulation. These results demonstrate that LIF induces cPLA 2 gene expression and modulates arachidonate metabolism in airway epithelial cells.
Rigidity and fragility of large sociotechnical systems: advanced information technology, the dominant coalition, and paradigm shift at the end of the 20th century

This article deals with the frontiers of sociotechnical systems theory and practice. It questions a number of customary assumptions and “givens.” Dynamic evolutionary systems theory is briefly reviewed. Some problems with traditional approaches are identified. The dominant coalition, pressured to change, is discussed as is the meaning of flexibility in technology-intensive organizations. Limitations to person/computer systems are then considered. Several emerging trends and patterns in technological impact are identified: large-scale uniformity; the fragility of networks; enhancement of the familiar; the Latinization of the U.S.; misunderstanding of time, speed, and numbers; and “allometric” growth in management and support. A number of trends are also identified regarding the design of work systems: “good” jobs and work systems, work teams, and employment and unemployment. The article concludes with a discussion of macrosystemic evolution in the form of national decline and Kondratiev structural change. Some brief recommendations are made for capturing the participation of top management in changing the dominant coalition itself. This research involves the group, organization, society, and supranational system levels of living systems theory.