cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Clathrin light chains and secretory vesicle binding proteins are distinct

Recently, several groups1–4 have initiated studies on cytosolic proteins that bind to isolated secretory vesicle membranes in the presence of Ca2+ in order to identify proteins that may regulate exocytosis. Two major chromaffin granule binding proteins, of molecular weights 32,000 (32K) and 34,000 (34K), were reported to have the same mobilityon one-dimensional SDS gels as clathrin-associated light chains from the adrenal medulla, and the 34K granule binding protein the same one-dimensional peptide map as the 34K clathrin light chain5. These observations support the hypothesis that Ca2+ -dependent recruitment of soluble light chains to the vesicle membrane may nucleate the assembly of a clathrin coat and initiate endocytosis. Here we report that two-dimensional peptide maps of the clathrin light chains and of all chromaffin granule membrane binding proteins in the 30K range are distinct, and therefore fail to support this hypothesis. It has also been suggested that some or all of the vesicle binding proteins require calmodulin for their interaction with the membrane5. However, we find that antagonism of calmodulin by trifluoperazine does notprevent the association of the other cytosolic proteins with the chromaffin granule membrane.
A fully integrated 3–10-GHz IR-UWB CMOS impulse generator

This letter presents the design and measurement of a CMOS impulse-radio ultra-wideband (UWB) impulse generator using IBM 90-nm CMOS technology for the application of 3.1–10.6 GHz UWB systems. The impulse generator has a simplex architecture using digital circuits and passive bandpass filter. The measurement results show great consistency with the simulation results. The impulse generator has a center frequency of 5.8 GHz and consumes an average power of 0.9 mW at 200 MHz pulse repetition frequency. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26137
Upcoming picture of ageing population: Pakistan

Ageing of population may have its implications at individual, family, community and economic level. This paper explains how ageing population will behave in the future based on projection assumptions. Future prospects and issues are identified and categorized alongwith relevance of ageing population trend examined in a survey. The findings demonstrate that ageing population of Pakistan will increase in the forthcoming years. Among several reasons for increase in ageing population, the most important is decline in death rate. The overall sex ratio indicates a better coverage of female in coming decades. For the next 50 years, the life expectancy may rise to 70.7 years. The old age dependency ratio may also increase in the times to come. Married elderly females may be less in number as compared to married elderly males. The high prevalence of other-than-married elderly females deserves special consideration in policy-making and planning. There exists much variation in the literacy rate of both elderly male and female. As the study reflects future pattern of ageing population, its findings may be of interest for researchers and practitioners.
The Dismantling of Hierarchy and the Defense of Social Class in Anna Karenina

Since the publication of Tolstoy's novel Anna Karenina, critics have periodically objected to Tolstoy's defense of aristocratic privilege in the character of Konstantin Levin. These critiques, however, have rarely been performed with reference to the literary fabric of Tolstoy's text, that is, his “labyrinth of linkages.” This essay closely examines images of hierarchy in the novel-with particular reference to heights and depths, the prefix of ascent (voz-/vos-) and a corollary mark of descent (unizhenie, or humiliation), the epithets “tall” and “short,” and the frequent appearance of staircases which are associated with falls. The essay begins by charting in detail the ways in which Tolstoy understands the dangers of vertical thinking–epitomized by Vronsky and Anna; and how he views the dismantling of worldly hierarchies to be a prerequisite for the discovery of meaningful emotional and spiritual values–epitomized by Kitty and Levin's family life at the end of the novel. Disturbingly, however, Tolstoy leaves one obvious worldly hierarchy intact: distinction through social rank. The last part of the essay discusses the paradoxes inherent in Levin's doctrine of the superiority of the nobility with reference to images of hierarchy and to contemporary theory on class and race. Paul Schervish's notion of the “moral biographies” of the wealthy helps to frame Tolstoy's inconsistent thinking, as does an analogy between Levin's borrowings from peasant culture and so-called “White Negroes” in the United States, who have appropriated African American culture to their own benefit while leaving the basic structures of racial hierarchy untouched. The aim of this exercise is not to diminish the novel, but rather to complicate its seemingly straightforward messages–messages that, if not carefully examined, encourage privileged young American readers to identify with Levin's sense of moral elevation without taking into account the privilege of economic advantage.
Geostatistical analysis of regional hydraulic conductivity variations in the Snake River Plain aquifer, eastern Idaho

The regional spatial correlation structure of bulk horizontal hydraulic conductivity (K b ) estimated from published transmissivity data from 79 open boreholes in the fractured basalt aquifer of the eastern Snake River Plain was analyzed with geostatistical methods. The two-dimensional spatial correlation structure of ln K b shows a pronounced 4:1 range anisotropy, with a maximum correlation range in the north-northwest–south-southeast direction of about 6 km. The maximum variogram range of ln K b is similar to the mean length of flow groups exposed at the surface. The ln K b range anisotropy is similar to the mean width/length ratio of late Quaternary and Holocene basalt lava flows and the orientations of the major volcanic structural features on the eastern Snake River Plain. The similarity between ln K b correlation scales and basalt flow dimensions and between basalt flow orientations and correlation range anisotropy suggests that the spatial distribution of zones of high hydraulic conductivity may be controlled by the lateral dimensions, spatial distribution, and interconnection between highly permeable zones which are known to occur between lava flows within flow groups. If hydraulic conductivity and lithology are eventually shown to be cross correlative in this geologic setting, it may be possible to stochastically simulate hydraulic conductivity distributions, which are conditional on a knowledge of volcanic stratigraphy.
Binary feature vector fingerprint representation from minutiae vicinities

Today, when comparing classical fingerprint matching and more constrained algorithms, like after binary quantization for biometric privacy protection purpose, there is an important gap in terms of performances. Performances of the latter solutions still need to be improved to decrease this gap. The main difficulty comes from the fact that fingerprint captures of the same trait give very different minutiae sets with possibly small overlaps and very different distortions among the different part of the images; and comparison of a stored reference with the fresh captured fingerprint data has to take into account those local variabilities. In this paper, we study a new approach to this problem by exhibiting a way to transform a minutiae set into a quantized feature vector by local comparisons. The encoding of the original fingerprint template is made by matching small minutiae vicinities with a set of representative vicinities. Moreover, the representation achieves the interesting property of self-alignment of the vectors.
Epistemological questions raised by the metasystem paradigm

The metasystem paradigm attempts to resolve epistemological issues which have existed from the beginning of time. These issues are recalled here to provide readers and scholars with a list to which they can refer when working in quest for possible answers.
Management of Varicose Veins and Venous Insufficiency

Chronic venous disease, reviewed herein, is manifested by a spectrum of signs and symptoms, including cosmetic spider veins, asymptomatic varicosities, large painful varicose veins, edema, hyperpigmentation and lipodermatosclerosis of skin, and ulceration. However, there is no definitive stepwise progression from spider veins to ulcers and, in fact, severe skin complications of varicose veins, even when extensive, are not guaranteed. Treatment options range from conservative (eg, medications, compression stockings, lifestyle changes) to minimally invasive (eg, sclerotherapy or endoluminal ablation), invasive (surgical techniques), and hybrid (combination of ≥1 therapies). Ms L, a 68-year-old woman with varicose veins, is presented. She has had vein problems over the course of her life. Her varicose veins recurred after initial treatment, and she is now seeking guidance regarding her current treatment options.
Fatigue in patients with cancer.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES To provide a historic perspective on knowledge about fatigue in patients with cancer, review what is known, define gaps, and recommend future approaches. DATA SOURCES Published research reports, clinical papers, review articles, and practice guidelines. DATA SYNTHESIS Two tested interventions show consistent positive effects: treatment of chemotherapy-induced anemia and aerobic exercise. Other frequently suggested interventions, such as adequate nutrition, energy conservation, psychostimulants, antidepressants, and increased sleep and rest, either have not been tested or studies underway are not yet complete. Current practice guidelines are based on a combination of research and expert clinical judgment. CONCLUSIONS The knowledge base on fatigue continues to expand. Information about the mechanisms underlying fatigue is needed to develop innovative approaches to prevent and treat fatigue. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING Current practice guidelines should be used to guide care with the expectation that guidelines will evolve to incorporate the results of studies currently underway. Although specific gaps in knowledge need to be addressed to guide future practice, clinicians need to use existing knowledge in the care they are delivering today. All of the interventions proposed for managing cancer treatment-related fatigue are health policy challenges because they represent additions to usual care rather than replacements of existing components of care.
Multiple fluorescences in para-N,N-diethylaminosalicylic acid

The photophysical properties of para-N,N-diethylaminosalicylic acid (PEAS) have been investigated by steady-state absorption and fluorescence spectroscopies. In n -heptane PEAS exhibits multiple fluorescences. The lower frequency emission band maximum at 450 nm is unambiguously assigned to the tautomer emission resulting from the excited-state intramolecular proton transfer. The normal Stokes-shifted emission is assigned to a dimer emission overlapping with the normal emission of conformer b (or b'). Our result rectifies a previous report which concluded that the short wavelength band originates from amino-N chargetransfer emission.
A framework for studying computer support of organizational infrastructure

Abstract This paper introduces a framework for studying organizational computing. Its pivotal construct relates technological infrastructure to the purposes for which organizational infrastructure exists and the activities that it enables. Drawing on a diverse body of organization science literature, the framework identifies five purposes. It also involves a progression of five types of activities. From this, we derive a taxonomy for computer-based support of organizations. We also derive research models for guiding empirical research concerned with studying the fit between organizational and technological infrastructure.
W dimer diffusion on W(110) and (211) surfaces

Abstract Tungsten (W) dimer self-diffusion on the W(110) and (211) surfaces is investigated using a fourth moment approximation to tight-binding theory. For the (110) surface, we find the optimal diffusion mechanism is a concerted jump, i.e., adatom pairs hopping simultaneously on the surface. The linear displacement of a W dimer in the 〈111〉 direction is energetically favored over orientation changes. On the (211) surface, there are two different diffusion mechanisms. For a dimer in one channel along the 〈111〉 direction, the mechanism is a concerted jump with a high activation energy. For adatoms located in adjacent channels, dimers diffuse mainly via individual adatom jumps, and such dimer diffusion is highly correlated. For the present calculations, the activation energies for W dimer migration are similar to those for monomer diffusion, in good agreement with field ion microscopy (FIM) observations. The diffusion mechanism and diffusion anisotropy can be understood with a simple bond coordination model.
EVOLUTION OF THE DIVERSE ANTIFREEZE PROTEINS

Abstract Different types of ice-growth-inhibiting antifreeze proteins, first recognized in fish, have now been isolated from insects and plants, and the list continues to expand. Their structures are amazingly diverse; how they attain the same function are subjects of intense research. Evolutionary precursors of several members have been identified — divergent proteins of apparently unrelated function. The hybridization of information from structural and molecular evolution studies of these molecules provides a forum in which issues of selection, gene genealogy, adaptive evolution, and invention of a novel function can be coherently addressed.
Sociology's Lost Human Relations Area Files:

This article examines sociology's first human relations area files. These files were developed by Herbert Spencer, an unfairly maligned figure in the history of sociology. The point of this historical exercise, however, is not so much to praise Spencer as to conduct a hypothetical exercise: What if Spencer's files had been taken more seriously? In performing this exercise, we can learn a great deal about both sociology and anthropology. Indeed, we can see that sociology and anthropology would be far more interesting disciplines if they followed Spencer's lead in collecting and cataloguing cross-cultural and historical data in ways that would facilitate theorizing.
An epistemological use of nonstandard analysis to answer Zeno's objections against motion

Three of Zeno's objections to motion are answered by utilizing a version of nonstandard analysis, internal set theory, interpreted within an empirical context. Two of the objections are without force because they rely upon infinite sets, which always contain nonstandard real numbers. These numbers are devoid of ‘numerical meaning’, and thus one cannot render the judgment that an object is, in fact, located at a point in spacetime for which they would serve as coordinates. The third objection, ‘an arrow never appears to be moving’, is answered by showing that it only applies to a finite number of instants of time. A theory of motion is also advanced; it consists of a finite series of contiguous infinitesimal steps. The theory is immune to Zeno's first two objections because the number of steps is finite and each lies outside the domain of observation. ‘Present motion’ is hypothesized to be an unobservable process taking place within each step. The fact of motion is apparent through a summing (Riemann integration) of the steps.
Therapeutic Communities for Addictions: A Theoretical Framework

Adaptation of therapeutic communities (TCs) for new clients and in different settings has resulted in a diversity of programs with unique treatment protocols and different planned duration of stays. The extent to which the various adaptations retain the essential elements of the TC model is not known, and moreover, casts questions about the general effectiveness of the therapeutic community modality. This paper outlines a theoretical framework of the addiction TC to advance research and guide training, practice, and program development. The essential elements of the TC are organized into four areas: its perspective, treatment approach, program model, and the treatment process. Some implications of a TC theory, model, and method are discussed in terms of research, treatment, and policy issues.
Fluid‐structure interaction analysis by the finite element method–a variational approach

We have developed a finite element method for analysing non-linear and linear fluid-structure interaction problems by working directly from a variational indicator based on Hamilton's principle. We restrict our analyses to inviscid, irrotational and isentropic fluid flows. The variational indicator includes the fluid potential energy due to gravity, which is often ignored. This and the fact that we consider our domain to be variable provide us with the capability to model free surfaces. We demonstrate the effectiveness of both linear and non-linear finite element formulations in analysing a variety of fluid-structure interaction problems.
The Non-ossifying Fibroma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

The non-ossifying fibroma (NOF) is a benign, non-neoplastic lesion most commonly seen in the metaphyses of the long bones in children. While rare, the NOF has been reported in the mandible. The NOF in the extra-gnathic skeleton has a characteristic radiographic appearance, is typically asymptomatic and has a variable histologic make-up. Correlation of the radiographic appearance, clinical presentation and histopathology allows for differentiation of the NOF from odontogenic and non-odontogenic cysts and tumors. We report a new case of this interesting entity and review the radiographic, clinical and histologic features of the gnathic NOF reported in the literature. A thorough search of the English language literature returned a total of 19 cases of NOF involving the gnathic bones.
Social deficits in children with chronic tic disorders: phenomenology, clinical correlates and quality of life.

Abstract Youth with chronic tic disorders (CTD) experience social problems that have been associated with functional impairment and a diminished quality of life. Previous examinations have attributed social difficulties to either tic severity or the symptom severity of coexisting conditions, but have not directly explored performance deficits in social functioning. This report examined the presence and characteristics of social deficits in youth with CTD and explored the relationship between social deficits, social problems, and quality of life. Ninety-nine youth (8–17 years) and their parents completed a battery of assessments to determine diagnoses, tic severity, severity of coexisting conditions, social responsiveness, and quality of life. Parents reported that youth with CTD had increased social deficits, with 19% reported to have severe social deficits. The magnitude of social deficits was more strongly associated with inattention, hyperactivity, and oppositionality than with tic severity. Social deficits predicted internalizing and social problems, and quality of life above and beyond tic severity. Social deficits partially mediated the relationship between tic severity and social problems, as well as tic severity and quality of life. Findings suggest that youth with CTD have social deficits, which are greater in the presence of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. These social deficits play an influential role in social problems and quality of life. Future research is needed to develop interventions to address social performance deficits among youth with CTD.
Applying Microcomputers in Video Games

Advances in semiconductor technology make it practical to integrate complex digital computers onto a few chips suitable for use in a variety of consumer oriented applications such as video games. 1 The introduction of these first "micro-computers" allowed production of a number of interesting arcade video games. 2 Now as microcomputers get smaller and cheaper they bring programmable TV games into our homes. 3 Some of the design principles and techniques used in microcomputer based video games are described here.
Effect of off-vertical tilt and macular ablation on postrotatory nystagmus in the squirrel monkey

The slow phase eye velocity (SPEV) and duration of post-rotatory nystagmus (PRN) were studied in squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus) after a ramp speed rotation (0–200°/sec, with 1°/sec2 angular acceleration). When the results were compared between straight upright vertical rotation, 9° tilt rotation, and 18° tilt rotation, faster decay both in SPEV and in duration was found in the tilt rotation situations. Difference in nystagmic decay curves by tilting rotation axis could be from the convergence of macula-semicircular canal inputs. Subsequently bilateral macular ablation (two-stage) was performed. The difference in nystagmus decay curves between three different rotations was reduced; therefore, the change of gravity direction perceived through gravity receptors other than macular end organs was minimal and did not produce a difference in three different rotations.
Insights into Adult Postlesional Language Cortical Plasticity Provided by Cerebral Blood Oxygen Level–Dependent Functional MR Imaging

BOLD fMRI has provided new insights into postlesional brain language plasticity by providing a noninvasive in vivo approach to evaluate longitudinal changes in brain cortical activation during performance of language tasks. Specifically, BOLD fMRI has provided the opportunity to investigate not only changes in eloquent language cortex resulting from different types of brain pathology such as brain tumors, stroke, and epilepsy but also changes in eloquent language cortex occurring as a result of actual surgical resection of diseased but, nevertheless, partially functional tissue. In addition to reviewing the literature relating to stroke and epilepsy-related language plasticity as well as the more intriguing phenomenon of postsurgical plasticity in the setting of brain tumors, 2 unusual cases illustrating this latter manifestation of language plasticity are briefly described in this review article.
Characterization of a Trypanosoma brucei Alkb homolog capable of repairing alkylated DNA.

Trypanosoma brucei encodes a protein (denoted TbABH) that is homologous to AlkB of Escherichia coli and AlkB homolog (ABH) proteins in other organisms, raising the possibility that trypanosomes catalyze oxidative repair of alkylation-damaged DNA. TbABH was cloned and expressed in E. coli, and the recombinant protein was purified and characterized. Incubation of anaerobic TbABH with FeII and α-ketoglutarate (αKG) produces a characteristic metal-to-ligand charge-transfer chromophore, confirming its membership in the FeII/αKG dioxygenase superfamily. The protein binds to DNA, with a clear preference for alkylated oligonucleotides according to results derived by electrophoretic mobility shift assays. Finally, the protozoan gene was shown to partially complement E. coli alkB cells when stressed with methylmethanesulfonate; thus confirming assignment of TbABH as a functional AlkB protein in T. brucei.
Insects as unidentified flying objects.

Five species of insects were subjected to a large electric field. Each of the insects stimulated in this manner emitted visible glows of various colors and blacklight (uv). It is postulated that the Uintah Basin, Utah, nocturnal UFO display (1965-1968) was partially due to mass swarms of spruce budworms, Choristoneura fumiferana (Clemens), stimulated to emit this type of St. Elmo's fire by flying into high electric fields caused by thunderheads and high density particulate matter in the air. There was excellent time and spatial correlation between the 1965-1968 UFO nocturnal sightings and spruce budworm infestation. It is suggested that a correlation of nocturnal UFO sightings throughout the U.S. and Canada with spruce budworm infestations might give some insight into nocturnal insect flight patterns.
Overview of current development in patient-controlled analgesia

Over the past two decades, numerous trials have assessed the safety and efficacy of patient-controlled analgesia (PCA). Advantages over conventional parenteral narcotics reported from these trials include equivalent to superior pain relief, superior patient satisfaction, decreased sedation and anxiety, faster return to normal functional status, and reduction in nursing time and hospitalization. The majority of these trials have been conducted in the postoperative patient population. In the mid to late 1980s, interest arose in applying PCA technology to the management of cancer pain. Factors that served as an impetus for the use of PCA in cancer pain included favorable reports from the postoperative setting and the often-cited statistics regarding the magnitude of the cancer pain problem. Advances in PCA technology coupled with advances in vascular access technology that allow the placement of long-term ports and catheters to facilitate intravenous, epidural, or intrathecal administration of opioid analgesics have made the applicability of PCA in ambulatory cancer patients an attractive option. The greatest break-through in PCA technology came with the introduction of devices making it possible to choose between intermittent (demand bolus) and continuous administration (continuous infusion) or both intermittent and continuous modes. A comparison of these types of PCA devices is described. The limitations of the literature involving PCA therapy in cancer patients make it difficult to identify optimal patient selection criteria, PCA administration schedules, drug selection and dosing, and optimal route of administration. The current status and pertinent issues related to these topics are addressed.
The 1 eV PEAK: A consistent feature of the cuprate superconductors

Abstract We report data supporting the view that the sometimes controversial 1 eV peak in the angle-resolved photoemission spectrum of YBa 2 Cu 3 O 6.9 is, in fact, representative of cuprate superconductors. Detailed spectra for YBa 2 Cu 3 O 6.9 show that the peak is composed of a family of initial states of both even and odd symmetry.
A Model Wind Turbine Design-Build-Test Project

This paper describes a semester-long class project for students in junior-level Fluid Mechanics courses. The goals of the project are to introduce students to engineering design and to incorporate material from other courses in engineering graphics, instrumentation and measurements, and manufacturing processes in a single project. Each team of 3–4 undergraduate students had to design, build, and test a scale model horizontal-axis wind turbine. The wind turbines were designed using solid modeling software, and constructed using either a rapid prototyping machine or a CNC milling machine. The wind turbines were about 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 inches) in diameter when built, and were placed in a wind tunnel for testing. A small DC motor was used as an electric generator and coupled to the wind turbines through a straight shaft. A variable resistor was incorporated into the circuit so that the rotational speed of the turbine-generator apparatus could be varied. Students were graded based on the efficiency of their wind turbines in converting wind kinetic energy into electrical energy. An additional requirement was for the students to perform a literature review to assess the state of the art in commercial wind turbine technology.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Multimedia in work measurement and methods engineering

Multimedia-assisted education is becoming more prevalent. As the power of computers increases, and adequate hardware and software is more widespread, this trend will continue to have a large impact on the education community. This paper looks at the development and application of multimedia in a work measurement and methods engineering course.
Comparison of a Set of Power Distribution Parameters for Intraoperative EEG Monitoring

This study was conducted to compare the relative performance of 19 univariate EEG power distribution parameters in terms of their sensitivity to changes in the background (stationary) EEG activity and insensitivity to broad-band interference. Each of the parameters partitioned the power spectrum into two frequency subbands, each subband containing a fixed specific percentage of the total power. The EEG signals recorded from ten patients during induction with thiopental sodium were used in the study. Two sensitivity functions were defined to compare the sensitivity of the parameters to the effects of thiopental sodium. Parameter changes were compared to bandwidth changes during induction to evaluate their sensitivity to broad-band interference. The results of the study showed that the parameters in the middle of the percentile scale were more sensitive to background EEG changes produced by thiopental sodium than were those at either end of the scale. Sensitivity to broad-band interference was found to be directly proportional to percentile. Within the limits of this study, a parameter between the 25th and 30th percentiles would be the most suitable parameter to monitor intraoperatively.
Mirror-image color-preferences for background and stimulus-object in the gull chick (Larus atricilla)

Kuken der amerikanischen Lachmowe (Aztekenmove,Larus atricilula), die in dunklen Brutkasten schlupfen, picken bei farblosem Hintergrund mehr nach roten oder blauen als nach grunen oder gelben Attrappen. Farblose (schwarzweisse) Attrappen losten dagegen vermehrtes Picken gegen grunen oder gelben Hintergrund aus als gegen einen roten oder blauen. Die Farbbevorzugung ist also spiegelbildlich. Mogliche Deutungen des Wahrnehme-Mechanismus werden diskutiert.
Characterization of the mouse neurofilament light (NF-L) gene promoter by in vitro transcription

Abstract We have used in vitro transcription to access the basic sequences and factors required for the transcription of the mouse neurofilament light promoter (pNF-L) in the absence of chromatin structure. Deletion from −1.7 to −154 results in little change in NF-L promoter activity using nuclear extracts from either brain (expressing) or liver (non-expressing) tissues. Further deletion to −29 results in a gradual five-fold drop in promoter activity in both extracts. Only replacement of the entire −148 to −29 region results in a drop in NF-L promoter activity to basal levels. Thus, the NF-L promoter differs from the mouse NF heavy (NF-H) and mid-sized (NF-M) promoters in that no specific sequence within the immediate upstream NF-L promoter region (−154 to −29) appears to be responsible for enhancement or brain-specific transcription. We show that the order of strength of the three NF promoters is NF-H>NF-M>NF-L and identify sequences that can increase or reduce transcription when placed in front of heterologous NF promoters. We conclude that the NF-L promoter is a modular, weak and promiscuous promoter whose regulation differs from NF-H or NF-M. Our data suggest that chromatin structure may play an important role in the regulation of the NF-L promoter.
Mitogen-activated Protein (MAP) Kinase Regulates Production of Tumor Necrosis Factor-α and Release of Arachidonic Acid in Mast Cells INDICATIONS OF COMMUNICATION BETWEEN p38 AND p42 MAP KINASES

Aggregation of the high affinity IgE receptor (FceRI) in a mast cell line resulted in activation of the p42 and the stress-activated p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases. Selective inhibition of these respective kinases with PD 098059 and SB 203580 indicated that p42 MAP kinase, but not p38 MAP kinase, contributed to the production of the cytokine, tumor necrosis factor-α, and the release of arachidonic acid in these cells. Neither kinase, however, was essential for FceRI-mediated degranulation or constitutive production of tumor growth factor-β. Studies with SB 203580 and the p38 MAP kinase activator anisomycin also revealed that p38 MAP kinase negatively regulated activation of p42 MAP kinase and the responses mediated by this kinase.
Nuclear Generating Stations and Transmission Grid Reliability

Nuclear generating stations have historically been susceptible to transmission system voltage excursions. When nuclear generating stations trip because of voltage excursions, the resulting loss in real and reactive power support can exacerbate transmission events. New standards are being developed which should help improve nuclear plant and transmission system reliability. This paper provides a brief historical perspective. Nuclear plants do not provide automatic generation control in response to frequency decay and are also limited in providing voltage support. As 28 new nuclear plants are being considered for connection to an already highly stressed transmission grid, consideration must be given to nuclear plant design features that will enhance transmission system reliability.
Update on the issues of HIV vaccine development

Major scientific obstacles blocking the development of a successful preventive HIV vaccine are the extraordinary variability of HIV, the lack of an exact animal model of HIV-induced AIDS, and the lack of understanding of the correlates of positive immunity to HIV. Current HIV vaccines containing the HIV gp120 envelope have been tested in phase I and II trials but they have had a major limitation of neutralizing only T-cell tropic laboratory-adapted HIV strains grown in T-cell lines, but not neutralizing HIV primary isolates. Phase III trials of monovalent HIV gp120 envelope vaccines are being planned in the US and Thailand, but concern has been raised that recombinant monovalent gp120 may not be an appropriate immunogen for an efficious HIV vaccine. Because the immune response is probably responsible for controlling the viral load in some long-term suvivors of HIV infection, studies are now being carried out to induce similar immunity against a broad spectrum of strains of HIV primary isolates with target...
Acute thermoregulatory effects of unilateral electrolytic lesions of the medial and lateral preoptic area in rats.

Abstract Unilateral anodal lesions of the medial or lateral preoptic area (POA) in unanesthetized rats had opposite thermoregulatory effects immediately after the lesions were made. Lesions of the medial POA evoked hyperthermias and accompanying cold defense responses, including vasoconstriction of the tail, increased oxygen consumption, shivering, and heat conservation postures. The hyperthermias had latencies of 0–30 minutes and reached maximum values within 120 minutes postlesion. They were independent of ambient temperature and dissociable from the hyperactivity often seen after such lesions. Damage to the lateroventral POA elicited acute falls in body temperature, as well as vasodilation of the tail, decreased oxygen consumption, inhibition of shivering in cool environments, and prone body extension. Unilateral cathodal lesions throughout the POA yielded only hyperthermia. These results suggest a possible anatomical segregation of heat and cold defense functions within the anterior basal forebrain.
NOMENCLATURE OF ISOPROSTANES : A PROPOSAL

We have proposed a nomenclature system for the isoprostanes, a new class of natural products formed in vivo by the free-radical peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Our proposed nomenclature is based on the assignment of four isoprostanes, 1, 9, 17, and 25, as representatives of the four classes of isoprostanes derived from arachidonic acid (AA). We have attempted as much as possible to retain elements from the familiar prostaglandin nomenclature. In this proposal, we have used the abbreviation i.p. for isoprostane. We have classified isoprostane classes or types based on omega-carbon as being the starting reference. Roman numerals I-VI refer the six types of isoprostanes derived from eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and III-VI refer to the four types derived from AA. This nomenclature can be applied to isoprostanes derived from other PUFAs also.
Cometesimals in the inner Solar System

Spectra obtained by the ultraviolet spectrometer on the Voyager 2 spacecraft between 1 and 2.5 AU are shown to provide evidence for a very large number of 'cometesimals' with radii between a few meters and a few tens of meters in the neighborhood of the earth. The evidence consists of a component in the interplanetary Lyman-alpha radiation that decreases rapidly with heliocentric distance. It is proposed that the source consists of cometesimals which are ice-coated, porous, low-density refractory boulders that may be the building blocks of ordinary comet nuclei. It is shown that the cometesimals required to produce the observed Lyman-alpha emission can also account for all the lunar craters with diameters between 200 m and 1500 m produced during the phase 3200 million years at sites such as Mare Tranquillitatis.
Preliminary evidence for the effect of automatic responses to authority on information technology diffusion

Successful diffusion of IT within an organization can depend on IT use decisions by many individuals. Current rational models focusing on cognitive determinants of such IT use decisions explain 30 to 40 percent of organizational members' use behaviors. This article demonstrates, via a laboratory study, that automatic unthinking responses may be significant in explaining user behavior. We find that automatic responses to authority, that are cued by incentives and controls, may explain more than 20 percent of IT use variance, over and above that accounted for by rational decision making. This suggests interesting opportunities for IT diffusion research, exploring automatic IT use responses resulting from authority, as well as other automatic response generators such as reciprocation and consistency.
Adenine phosphoribosyltransferase and hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase immunoprecipitation reactions in human-mouse and human-hamster cell hybrids.

Male New Zealand White rabbits were immunized with human adenine phosphoribosyltransferase (APRT) and hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HGPRT), which were purified about 2000-fold and 800-fold, respectively, from erythrocytes by DEAE-cellulose chromatography, ammonium sulfate precipitation and preparative polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Specific immunoprecipitations of APRT and HGPRT were achieved with the antisera that were obtained and by using polyethylene glycol as a substitute for goat anti-(rabbit) gamma globulin. The activities of the human forms of these enzymes, whether from red blood cells or from cultured cells, were almost completely eliminated under the conditions of immunoprecipitation used. Little or no redution of APRT and HGPRT activities from mouse and Chinese hamster cells was observed. This discriminatory capacity of the antisera was successfully used for the identification of human APRT and HGPRT in human-mouse and human-hamster cell hybrids using the immunoprecipitation reaction.
Surface flow model: inverse problems and predictions

The inverse problem to estimate the scaling coefficients for infiltration, rainfall, intensity, and roughness in a surface flow model is considered. A probability density function (pdf) is constructed from an observed hydrograph associated with a given rainfall event, the deterministic surface flow model, prior information on bounds on the scale coefficients, and prior information on the coefficients. From this pdf a basin pdf is obtained describing the likelihood of basin infiltration and roughness properties within a sample space of basin properties. With the occurrence of a new rainfall event, the basin pdf is utilized to describe the behavior of the basin in the presence of this event with a basin-event pdf. From this information predictions of flooding behavior may be obtained as well as the expected water levels along the stream. Numerical examples are presented that include different observational errors.
DNA replication in Mycoplasma laidlawii B.

Abstract The DNA of a strain of the pleuropneumonia-like organism Mycoplasma laidlawii B, adapted to grow in a semi-defined medium, was density-labeled for various periods of time by substituting 5-bromodeoxyuridine for thymidine in the growth medium. Analysis of extracted DNA fragments by CsCl equilibrium sedimentation demonstrated semi-conservative replication, proceeding sequentially along the chromosome. The kinetics of formation of density-labeled DNA showed that 5-bromodeoxyuridine probably effects a premature initiation of a round of replication. By lysing the cells directly in the centrifuge tube, the M. laidlawii B chromosome was isolated in one piece in the CsCl gradient. Comparison of the buoyant-density distribution of the intact chromosomes with that of very mildly sheared chromosomes (shear yielding pieces at least 1 8 to 1 4 the size of the total chromosome) eliminated nearly all dispersive replication mechanisms and suggested that replication probably proceeds from only a few growing points. The buoyant-density distributions of intact chromosomes isolated after different times of density labeling are shown to be consistent with theory. Some physicochemical properties of the hybrid (density-labeled) and normal M. laidlawii B DNA are presented. These properties, and similarities and differences of DNA replication in M. laidlawii B and in Escherichia coli, are discussed.
Electromigration of Cu/low dielectric constant interconnects

Abstract Electromigration in damascene Cu/low dielectric constant interconnects with overlayers of CoWP, Ta/TaN, SiN x or SiC x N y H z and Cu(Ti) interconnects capped with SiN x was studied. The results showed that the migration fast path in the bamboo-like lines primarily occurred at the interface. Cu lines fabricated with various forms of TaN/Ta liner including PVD TaN, ALD TaN, and PVD body centered cubic α- or tetragonal β-Ta liners were also investigated. Both thin surface layers of CoWP or Ta/TaN and the addition of Ti in the Cu lines significantly reduced the Cu/cap interface diffusivity and remarkably improved the electromigration lifetime when compared with Cu lines capped with SiN x or SiC x N y H z . Activation energies for electromigration were found to be 1.9–2.4 eV, 1.4 eV, 0.85–1.1 eV, and 1.3 eV for the bamboo-like Cu lines capped with CoWP, Ta/TaN, and SiN x or SiC x N y H z , and Cu(Ti) bamboo lines capped with SiN x , respectively. The structural phase of the Ta was found to have an insignificant effect on the Cu mass flow rate. A large via size, thicker liner and/or stable connected exposed liner can provide a longer lifetime and tighter lifetime distribution, at the expense of chip density or effective Cu line conductivity.
Mass Accommodation Coefficient of H2SO4 Vapor on Aqueous Sulfuric Acid Surfaces and Gaseous Diffusion Coefficient of H2SO4 in N2/H2O

The experimental determination of the mass accommodation coefficient of H2SO4 vapor on aqueous sulfuric acid and the gas-phase diffusion coefficient of H2SO4 vapor in N2/H2O at 303 K is reported. The measurements were carried out under laminar flow conditions in a coated wall tubular flow reactor coupled to a chemical ionization mass spectrometer for gas-phase detection. Wall loss rates of H2SO4 vapor, from which both the mass accommodation coefficient and the gas diffusion coefficient were determined, were measured as a function of total reactor pressure, water vapor concentration, and sulfuric acid vapor concentration. The observed wall loss rate coefficient depends linearly on the inverse of the total reactor pressure (0.54−10 Torr) and is independent of the aqueous sulfuric acid composition over the range 73−98 wt %, which was varied by the addition of water vapor. A kinetic model based on the additivity of kinetic resistances that couples gas-phase diffusion and mass accommodation to the measured H2S...
Fostriecin, an Inhibitor of Protein Phosphatase 2A, Limits Myocardial Infarct Size Even When Administered After Onset of Ischemia

Background—The role of protein phosphatases (PPs) during ischemic preconditioning in the rabbit heart was examined. Methods and Results—Fostriecin, a potent inhibitor of PP2A, was administered to isolated rabbit hearts starting either 15 minutes before or 10 minutes after the onset of a 30-minute period of regional ischemia and continuing until the onset of reperfusion. After 2 hours of reperfusion, infarct size was measured with triphenyltetrazolium chloride. In a second study with isolated rabbit cardiomyocytes, the effect of fostriecin pretreatment was assessed by measuring changes in cell osmotic fragility during simulated ischemia. PP1 and PP2A activities of isolated control and ischemically preconditioned cells were also measured. In a third series of experiments, left ventricular biopsies of isolated rabbit hearts were obtained before and at selected times during 60 minutes of global ischemia, and the tissue was assayed for PP1 and PP2A activities. In isolated hearts pretreated with fostriecin, onl...
DYNAMICS OF A NONLINEAR OSCILLATOR WHICH IS COUPLED TO VARIOUS MODEL HEAT BATHS

We have recently shown that the low-temperature velocity power spectrum of an anharmonic oscillator (AHO) in a canonical ensemble is recovered when one considers the AHO as coupled via harmonic springs to a system of noninteracting harmonic oscillators (HO's), each with the same characteristic frequency as that of the AHO [D.P. Visco, Jr. and S. Sen, Phys. Rev. E 57, 224 (1998)]. In the present work, we generalize our earlier study by establishing the following points. (i) We show that when the AHO is coupled via anharmonic springs to a system of noninteracting HO's, each with characteristic frequency as that of the AHO, the dynamics of the AHO is strongly affected by the altered coupling and hence we contend that the bath particles must be connected via harmonic springs to preserve the dynamics of the AHO. (ii) We consider an AHO with a characteristic frequency that differs from that of the bath particles and show that the correct dynamics of the new AHO is recovered when (a) the harmonic oscillators that make up the bath particles have constrained movement and (b) the bath particles are harmonically coupled at significantly weakened strength compared to the study in case (i) above.
Science Textbooks' Use of Graphical Representation: A Descriptive Analysis of Four Sixth Grade Science Texts

Middle school teachers tend to rely heavily on texts that have become increasing more visual. There is little information available about the graphical demands of general middle grades' science texts. The purpose of this study was to quantify the type and quality of the graphical representations and how they interacted with the textual material in middle school science texts. Four State of Texas–approved sixth-grade science texts were examined using a researcher-developed instrument, Graphical Analysis Protocol (GAP). Results produced reasons for concern (least analytic forms of graphics dominated, one third of all graphics were decorative in nature, most graphics were static in nature, and approximately one third were not connected to the text spatially or semantically) and reasons for optimism (approximately one third of the time more analytic forms of graphics were used, two thirds served a specific cognitive function, and over half of the graphics were connected to the text and indexically referenced)...