cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Overexpression of Rat Long Chain Acyl-CoA Synthetase 1 Alters Fatty Acid Metabolism in Rat Primary Hepatocytes

Long chain acyl-CoA synthetases (ACSL) activate fatty acids (FA) and provide substrates for both anabolic and catabolic pathways. We have hypothesized that each of the five ACSL isoforms partitions FA toward specific downstream pathways. Acsl1 mRNA is increased in cells under both lipogenic and oxidative conditions. To elucidate the role of ACSL1 in hepatic lipid metabolism, we overexpressed an Acsl1 adenovirus construct (Ad-Acsl1) in rat primary hepatocytes. Ad-ACSL1, located on the endoplasmic reticulum but not on mitochondria or plasma membrane, increased ACS specific activity 3.7-fold. With 100 or 750 mum [1-(14)C]oleate, Ad-Acsl1 increased oleate incorporation into diacylglycerol and phospholipids, particularly phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylinositol, and decreased incorporation into cholesterol esters and secreted triacylglycerol. Ad-Acsl1 did not alter oleate incorporation into triacylglycerol, beta-oxidation products, or total amount of FA metabolized. In pulse-chase experiments to examine the effects of Ad-Acsl1 on lipid turnover, more labeled triacylglycerol and phospholipid, but less labeled diacylglycerol, remained in Ad-Acsl1 cells, suggesting that ACSL1 increased reacylation of hydrolyzed oleate derived from triacylglycerol and diacylglycerol. In addition, less hydrolyzed oleate was used for cholesterol ester synthesis and beta-oxidation. The increase in [1,2,3-(3)H]glycerol incorporation into diacylglycerol and phospholipid was similar to the increase with [(14)C]oleate labeling suggesting that ACSL1 increased de novo synthesis. Labeling Ad-Acsl1 cells with [(14)C]acetate increased triacylglycerol synthesis but did not channel endogenous FA away from cholesterol ester synthesis. Thus, consistent with the hypothesis that individual ACSLs partition FA, Ad-Acsl1 increased FA reacylation and channeled FA toward diacylglycerol and phospholipid synthesis and away from cholesterol ester synthesis.
Resistance through re-narration: Fanon on de-constructing racialized subjectivities

Frantz Fanon offers a lucid account of his entrance into the white world where the weightiness of the ‘white gaze’ nearly crushed him. In chapter five of Black Skins, White Masks, he develops his historico-racial and epidermal racial schemata as correctives to Merleau-Ponty's overly inclusive corporeal schema. Experientially aware of the reality of socially constructed (racialized) subjectivities, Fanon uses his schemata to explain the creation, maintenance, and eventual rigidification of white-scripted ‘blackness’. Through a re-telling of his own experiences of racism, Fanon is able to show how a black person in a racialized context eventually internalizes the ‘white gaze’. In this essay I bring Fanon's insights into conversation with Foucault's discussion of panoptic surveillance. Although the internalization of the white narrative creates a situation in which external constraints are no longer needed, Fanon highlights both the historical contingency of ‘blackness’ and the ways in which the oppressed ca...
Sensitivity of transthoracic versus transesophageal echocardiography for the detection of native valve vegetations in the modern era

Abstract Background: Thirteen years ago, transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) was found to be less sensitive than transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) for native valve vegetations. Since then, harmonic imaging and other advances have improved TTE. How this affects the sensitivity of TTE is unknown. Methods: Fifty patients with echocardiography-diagnosed endocarditis had TTE and TEE examinations on high-end machines. These were matched for date of study with 50 patients who had TTE and TEE examinations that were negative for vegetations. Results: A total of 51 vegetations were seen on TEE. The sensitivity of TTE for vegetations was only 55% (aortic 50% [12/24]; mitral 62% [16/26]; tricuspid 0% [0/1]). Anatomic valvular abnormalities did not alter the sensitivity of TTE ( P =.42 for mitral; P =.97 for aortic valves). However, larger vegetations were more likely to be found by TTE. Conclusion: Despite advances in imaging during 12 years, TTE is still insensitive compared with TEE for the detection of native valve vegetations, and fails to demonstrate nearly half of them. (J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2003;16:67-70.)
Stereotypes and the Confirmability of Trait Concepts

Two studies tested the hypothesis that rules of trait inference may differ depending on trait stereotypicality and the social group membership of the target being judged. Specifically, traits that are stereotypic of a group were expected to instantiate lower evidentiary standards (require fewer behaviors to confirm), but only in members of that group. Study 1 focused on race and found that across 180 traits, trait stereotypicality was associated with fewer behaviors required to confirm and more to disconfirm in outgroup targets (in Black actors for White judges and in White actors for Black judges). Study 2 focused on gender and again found that stereotypic traits were tied to low evidentiary standards only when judging outgroup targets. The findings are discussed with reference to the literatures on trait inference, stereotyping, and shifting judgment standards.
Zn2+ chelation improves recovery by delaying spreading depression-like events

We earlier reported that Zn 2+ chelation improved recovery of synaptic potentials after transient oxygen and glucose deprivation in brain slices. Such an effect could be because of reduced accumulation of Zn 2+ in postsynaptic neurons, or could also be due to prevention of the onset of spreading depression-like events. A combination of optical and electrical recording was used here to show that Zn 2+ chelation is effective because it delays spreading depression-like events. If the duration of oxygen/glucose deprivation was sufficient to generate a spreading depression-like event, irrecoverable Ca 2+ -dependent loss of synaptic potentials occurred, regardless of Zn 2+ availability. These results identify a key mechanism underlying protective effects of Zn 2+ chelation, and emphasize the importance of evaluating spreading depression-like events in studies of neuroprotection.
Rough set-based approach to rule generation and rule induction

During the last decade, databases have been growing rapidly in size and number as a result of rapid advances in database capacity and management techniques. This expansive growth in data and databases has caused a pressing need for the development of more powerful techniques to convert the vast pool of data into valuable information. For the purpose of strategic and decision-making, many companies and researchers have recognized mining useful information and knowledge from large databases as a key research topic and as an opportunity for major revenues and improving competitiveness. In this paper, we will explore a new rule generation algorithm (based on rough sets theory) that can generate a minimal set of rule reducts, and a rule generation and rule induction program (RGRIP) which can efficiently induce decision rules from conflicting information systems. All the methods will also be illustrated with numerical examples.
The multicomponent structure of the 4d orbital in X-ray photoelectron spectra of the lanthanum(III) ion☆

Abstract The detailed structure of La (4d) X-ray photoelectron spectra in lanthanum oxide and chromites have been resolved. The energy separations between the satellites and the main peaks are the same for both the 4d and 3d orbitals, and therefore the 4d does not differ from the 3d because of a higher covalency. The multielectron charge transfer processes occur in both cases and for the chromites as well as for the lanthanum oxide. However, the separation is smaller for the chromites.
Magnetic amplifiers in bistable operation

MAGNETIC amplifiers in bistable operation behave substantially as a latch-type relay.1 Two widely different output levels can be obtained stably, one close to the quiescent and the other close to the saturated output. Over a certain range of the applied signal the one or the other condition is found to occur, depending on whether this range has been entered by increasing or decreasing values of signal.
Electric Field Effects in Ionization of Water−Ice Layers on Platinum

Field ionization of water-ice adsorbed onto a platinum field emitter tip of radius 350 A was studied as a function of temperature over the range of temperature 80-145 K and of water layer thickness 100-3000 A. The water adlayer was grown under field-free conditions by exposure to water vapor in ultrahigh vacuum. Field ionization was probed by ramped field desorption (RFD), in which desorption of ionic species (hydrated protons) is measured while increasing the applied electric field linearly in time. The dependence of the field required for onset of ionization as a function temperature and thickness is presented and discussed. In the limit of thin water layers, the onset field of ionization decreased from 0.6 to 0.3 V/A with temperature increasing from 80 to 145 K An activation barrier of 0.75 eV for ionization of water to produce hydrated protons and hydroxide ions was estimated from the temperature dependence of the onset field. The onset field increased with water layer thickness, and a break point in the slope of onset field versus thickness was interpreted as a transition in the ionization location from the water-vacuum interface to the tip-water interface. The relevance ofthese experiments in simulating electrode-electrolyte interfaces is discussed.
Nation–states and ethnic boundaries: modern Turkish identity and Turkish–Kurdish conflict

Ethnic and religious conflicts are two of the most pressing issues facing Turkey today. This article offers the argument that the development of the Turkish state and identity, and Turkey’s peripheral position in the interstate system, have collectively determined the parameters and dynamics of the conflicts. It is argued that modern Turkish identity has been forged by the state through the nation–state formation process that began in the 1920s. During the transition from Ottoman Empire to Turkish Republic it was deemed necessary to redefine the state and Turkish identity. At the historical juncture, Islam was replaced with other ideals and universals such as Turkism, modernity and etatism. The sudden and large–scale shift away from religion followed by vigorous ethnic assimilation efforts created a contradictory context between the state and ethnic/religious segments of the population. The change also marked the beginning of a new era in the Turkish–Kurdish discord. Another assertion of the article is that the state’s approach to ethnic/religious issues and demands is consistent with the assumptions and predictions of the ethnic democracy model.
The accuracy of laparoscopic ultrasound in the detection of colorectal cancer liver metastases

Abstract Background: The most sensitive and specific method of detecting colorectal cancer hepatic metastases has been shown to be a combination of careful intraoperative palpation and intraoperative ultrasound. Although there has been growing interest in laparoscopic surgical therapy for colorectal cancer, the ability of this technique to adequately evaluate the liver for small metastases has been unknown. This study was undertaken to compare laparoscopic liver ultrasound to the gold standard of open palpation and intraoperative ultrasound in detecting hepatic metastases from colorectal cancer. Methods: A preliminary animal model was first performed in adult pigs. Eighteen liver “lesions” were created with chlorhexidine gluconate under laparoscopic guidance. A blinded surgeon then performed laparoscopic liver ultrasound followed by open ultrasound and palpation, comparing the accuracy of these techniques in detecting the lesions. In a second study, 15 patients undergoing laparotomy for colorectal cancer underwent preliminary laparoscopic liver ultrasound followed by open palpation and intraoperative ultrasound to compare these methods of liver evaluation. Results: Laparoscopic liver ultrasound detected 17 of 18 lesions created in the pig livers, for a sensitivity of 94.4%. There were two false negatives, for a specificity of 77.7%. Laparoscopic liver ultrasound detected 4 of the 5 liver metastases in the human study, for a sensitivity of 80%. There was a single false negative, for a specificity of 90.9%. Several technical difficulties and their solutions are discussed. Conclusions: With several technical modifications guided by our initial experience, we believe laparoscopic liver ultrasound can be an effective way of evaluating the liver for metastases during laparoscopic colorectal resection for cancer.
Spirituality: Towards a Theoretical Framework

Integrating existing theory and research, this paper develops a theoretical framework of spirituality. Seven pathways are developed through which spirituality engenders a wide range of salutary outcomes. The seven pathways are: health promotive behaviors and lifestyles, social support, psychodynamics of ritual, psychodynamics of cognitive schemata, ego challenge, quantum effects and supernatural effects. A discussion of the practice and research implications that flow from the framework concludes the paper.
An assessment of local and regional isotopic equilibrium in the mantle

Abstract The assumption of local equilibrium during partial melting is fundamental to the interpretation of isotope and trace element data for mantle-derived rocks. If disequilibrium melting is significant, the scale of the chemical and isotopic heterogeneity in the mantle indicated by the data could be as small as the grain size of the mantle rock, and the isotope data themselves are then of doubtful value to the understanding of mantle processes. To assess the scale of isotopic heterogeneity in a partially molten asthenosphere we review the Sr isotopic data of volcanic rocks from oceanic regions and the available experimental data on diffusion kinetics in minerals and melts similar to those existing in the mantle. Although diffusion data are scarce and afflicted with uncertainties, most of the diffusion coefficients for cations in mantle minerals at temperatures of 1000–1200°C appear to be greater than 10−13 cm2 s−1. Sr diffusion in liquid basalt is more rapid, with diffusion coefficients of D = 10−7 to 10−6cm2s−1 near 1300°C. Simple model calculations show that, with these D values, a fluid-free mantle can maintain a state of disequilibrium on a centimeter scale for periods of 108 to 109 years. The state of disequilibrium found in many mantle-derived xenoliths is thus easily explained. A partially molten mantle, on the other hand, will tend to equilibrate locally in less than 105 to 106 years. The analytical data on natural rocks likewise indicate that the inhomogeneities are both old (>FX1.5 b.y.) and regional in character and that the consistent isotopic difference between ocean island and ocean floor volcanics cannot be explained by small-scale heterogeneity of the source rock.
A mechanism of paraquat toxicity in mice and rats.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the hypothesis that paraquat toxicity results from cyclic reduction-oxidation of paraquat in vivo, with subsequent generation of superoxide radicals and initiation of lipid peroxidation. Phenobarbital pretreatment (0.1% in drinking water for 10 days) significantly increased the paraquat LD50 in mice, but only when the mice were continued on phenobarbital after paraquat administration. Phenobarbital, through its own metabolism, may be competing for electrons which might otherwise be utilized in paraquat reduction and thus decrease paraquat toxicity. Paraquat, given at 30 mg/kg ip to mice, significantly decreased liver concentrations of the water-soluble antioxidant, reduced glutathione, and lung concentrations of lipid-soluble antioxidants. The decrease in tissue antioxidants may reflect the initiation of lipid peroxidation by paraquat. Oxygen-tolerant rats (exposure to 85% oxygen for 7 days) have increased activities of pulmonary enzymes which combat lipid peroxidation. The paraquat Lt50 (median time to death) after 45 mg/kg of paraquat ip was significantly increased in oxygentolerant rats compared to room-air-exposed controls. Rats exposed to 100 ppm paraquat in the drinking water for 3 weeks had significantly elevated activities of lung glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and glutathione reductase. The cross-tolerance of oxygen and paraquat and the induction by paraquat of pulmonary enzymes that supply reducing equivalents to combat oxidative damage support the proposal that paraquat may initiate lipid peroxidation in vivo.
Gardens of Things: The Vicissitudes of Disappearance

Cet article retrace la disparition de l’Union sovietique a partir d’objets esthetiques et quotidiens, en analysant l’organisation de valeurs ethiques et economiques qui marquent le pretendu monde post-sovietique. L’auteur propose une lecture du recit semi-biographique de Ryszard Kapuscinski, Imperium, des poemes de Zbigniew Herbert, « Elegie pour le depart de la plume, de l’encre, de la lampe » et « Message de Monsieur Cogito », ainsi que du film de Krzysztof Kieslowski, Sans fin (1984), en cherchant a interroger les mediations du changement historique et ses divers modes d’apprehension. L’auteure tente de montrer que les vicissitudes de la disparition remettent en question la notion de rupture historique, en rendant visibles les processus de renegociation et de reconstitution culturels.
The phase mixing of Alfvén waves, coordinated modes, and coronal heating

Phase mixing has been a popular theoretical mechanism invoked to dissipate the photospheric plane shear Alfven waves hypothesized to penetrate up into the coronal hole and solar wind, thereby maintaining the expanding coronal gas at 1.5 million K and serving as the principal energy source for the solar wind. However, phase mixing requires an ignorable coordinate, which is not available in the presumably filamentary coronal hole. The filamentary density and temperature of the coronal hole couple the waves into a coordinated mode with a unique phase velocity omega/k, which provides the other popular theoretical mechanism, viz, resonant absorption where the local Alfven speed C is equal to omega/k. This provides coronal heating at radial distances O(10 solar radii), where it serves to accelerate the solar wind to high velocity. But it does not provide the principal heat input in the first 1-2 solar radii, required by Withbroe's (1988) analysis of the observed structure of the coronal hole.
Sensitivity properties of a biosphere model based on BATS and a statistical-dynamical climate model

A biosphere model based on the Biosphere-Atmosphere Transfer Scheme (BATS) and the Saltzman-Vernekar (SV) statistical-dynamical climate model is developed. Some equations of BATS are adopted either intact or with modifications, some are conceptually modified, and still others are replaced with equations of the SV model. The model is designed so that it can be run independently as long as the parameters related to the physiology and physiognomy of the vegetation, the atmospheric conditions, solar radiation, and soil conditions are given. With this stand-alone biosphere model, a series of sensitivity investigations, particularly the model sensitivity to fractional area of vegetation cover, soil surface water availability, and solar radiation for different types of vegetation, were conducted as a first step. These numerical experiments indicate that the presence of a vegetation cover greatly enhances the exchanges of momentum, water vapor, and energy between the atmosphere and the surface of the earth. An interesting result is that a dense and thick vegetation cover tends to serve as an environment conditioner or, more specifically, a thermostat and a humidistat, since the soil surface temperature, foliage temperature, and temperature and vapor pressure of air within the foliage are practically insensitive to variation of soil surface water availability and even solar radiation within a wide range. An attempt is also made to simulate the gradual deterioration of environment accompanying gradual degradation of a tropical forest to grasslands. Comparison with field data shows that this model can realistically simulate the land surface processes involving biospheric variations.
Congruence of service utilization estimates from the Epidemiologic Catchment Area Project and other sources.

• Service utilization estimates for inpatient and ambulatory mental health care from the Epidemiologic Catchment Area Project were compared with similar estimates from other sources, principally the Center for Mental Health Services National Reporting Program. Generally, results showed closer correspondence between estimates of the number of persons who used inpatient care than of similar estimates for ambulatory mental health care. Subtotal estimates for the specialty alcohol/other drug abuse/mental health and health care sectors were more similar than were estimates for individual settings. The specialty sector subtotals showed only a 7% difference in patient counts for inpatient care and 13% for ambulatory care, with an 11% difference in visits for the latter. Generally, a reasonable level of congruence was observed, given pronounced differences in methods, procedures, and instruments. Future directions may be able to close data gaps and improve the quality of the national mental health services database.
Functional psychomotor deficits associated with carpal tunnel syndrome

A reliable task was developed for investigating functional deficits associated with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). A rapid pinch and release psychomotor task utilizing muscles of the hand innervated by the median nerve was administered using a strain gauge dynamometer and providing limited force feedback. The motor performance characteristics studied were speed and force control. An experiment was conducted for studying the effects of force level, hand dominance, test-retest reliability, learning, and inter-subject variability using 13 subjects free from any hand disabilities or symptoms. A companion study was also conducted using 17 normal subjects and ten subjects diagnosed having CTS to investigate differences between CTS and control subjects. Dominant hands performed 4% to 8% better than the non-dominant hands by having a greater pinch rate, a smaller overshoot force, and less time above the upper force level and below the lower force level. Control subjects performed 25% to 82% better than CTS subject...
Multibrominated hyperbranched polymers: synthesis and further functionalizations by ARGET ATRP or click chemistry.

Hyperbranched polymers with multiple alkyl bromide peripheral groups were synthesized by the copolymerization of styrene with ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (2.5, 5.0, 7.5, or 10.0 mol% relative to styrene) in the presence of CBr(4) (10-20-fold excess vs. the radical initiator). The latter compound markedly delayed the gelation and served as the source of terminal bromine atoms via transfer to the propagating radicals. The degree of branching increased with the amount of crosslinker. The alkyl bromide groups were used in further chemical modifications (ATRP at low catalyst concentration or azidation with NaN(3) followed by CuBr-catalyzed click coupling of an alkyne-terminated polymer) that yielded star copolymers with hyperbranched cores.
Direct observation of nanoparticle embedding into the surface of a polymer melt.

Direct embedding of metal nanoparticles (NPs) into the surface of a polymer melt is observed by TEM and a new embedding mechanism proposed. Upon annealing above the glass transition temperature of polystyrene (PS), NPs (20 nm gold) are rapidly covered by a thin PS wetting layer, h* ∼ 1.3−1.8 nm (i.e., about two or three monomers). Because it creates capillary pressure on a NP, this “universal” wetting layer is proposed to be responsible for NP embedding. The value of h* is independent of the molecular weight of PS and constant during the embedding process. The value of h* is found to be similar to the equilibrium wetting layer thickness of a polymer melt spreading on a metal substrate. Using a model that includes the spreading coefficient, long-range van der Waals interactions, and a chain-stretching penalty, h* is shown to be independent of the molecular weight of the polymer. Using this model and the measured value of h*, the interfacial energy between Au NP and PS is estimated to be 8.7 J/m2.
Incorporation and characterization of alpha-helical peptide-based anchors into bead-supported lipid bilayer membranes

Our aim is to design alpha-helical peptide complexes to enhance their stability and biological feasibility for the study of membrane proteins and their interactions. In on-going work, we employ (K 3 A 4 L 2 A 7 L 2 A 3 K 3 ) as anchoring molecules, where conjugation of the peptide with fluoresceine isothiocyanate (FITC) allows one to access a variety of chemistries (such as introducing fluorescent dye, etc.) for orthogonal modification [1]. These peptides partition within NHS-PEG3000-NHS which function as in vitro models for interactions with the membrane, will be incorporated into mimic lipid bilayer membranes (such as DOPC) supported by microbeads. We could control the receptor site densities on lipobeads by varying the mole fraction of different lipids and ligands. Moreover, the secondary structure of peptide within these micelles is characterized with circular dichroism. Lateral fluidity of the fluorescently tagged peptide is analyzed via fluorescence imaging microscopy (Confocal Microscopy) and quantified using fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) techniques. Variations in the peptide sequence allow us to rationally investigate the influence of sequence on peptide anchor stability.
Bandgap engineering achieved with doping superlattices

Tailoring bandgaps by introducing quantum wells into the intrinsic region of a solar cell has been shown to improve the energy conversion of these devices. Doping superlattices are a potential way to achieve sub-bandgap absorption in a photovoltaic device without the need to introduce additional materials or strain balancing. In this paper we investigate the inclusion of doping superlattices in between the base and emitter regions of a photodiode. External quantum efficiency measurements of these devices demonstrate increased absorption below the GaAs band edge with respect to a GaAs reference cell. AM0 Illuminated J-V measurements of these devices exhibited variable results with PN configuration resulting in 0.81 V open circuit voltage and 7.7 mA/cm2 short circuit current density. Dark J-V curves show a negative differential resistance region indicating tunneling between the n and p doped regions of the doping superlattice. These results suggest that doping induced superlattices may be an effective way to promote subgap photocurrent in a single junction GaAs cell. Additionally, a subcell in a multi-junction stack could employ this structure utilizing the increased design flexibility as compared to conventional heterojunction quantum well solar cells.
Longitudinal Follow-Up Assessment of Differential Preschool Experience for Low Income Minority Group Children

AbstractUrban high school minority group students with differential preschool program histories were compared to controls on measures of school achievement, school sentiment, and perceptions of the preschool experience. Preschool exit attainments were also examined in relation to follow-up achievement and attitude measures. No main long-term effects for differential preschool programs were revealed, nor did follow-up measures distinguish between the total preschool sample and controls. Moderately positive correlations were revealed between several preschool exit criterion measures and later school achievement, but not attitude. Favorable student evaluations of preschool were observed, as was a general consensus about the reasons for going to preschool.
Treatment of Community-Acquired Pneumonia in an Ambulatory Setting

Community-acquired pneumonia continues to be a significant cause of morbidity and mortality despite broad-spectrum antibiotics and advances in critical care. Frequently, the diagnosis is confounded by coexisting cardiac or pulmonary conditions. Recognition of patients at risk for complications from pneumonia is critical when making the decision of how and where to treat. This review summarizes the diagnosis and treatment of community-acquired pneumonia with oral antibiotics in an outpatient setting. Specific pathogens and clinical presentations in certain at-risk populations are highlighted. Also presented are validated algorithms for evaluating and identifying patients who may be at risk for serious complications of pneumonia and require treatment in an inpatient setting.
Walking to Public Transit: Steps to Help Meet Physical Activity Recommendations

Background Nearly half of Americans do not meet the Surgeon General’s recommendation of ≥30 minutes of physical activity daily. Some transit users may achieve 30 minutes of physical activity daily solely by walking to and from transit. This study estimates the total daily time spent walking to and from transit and the predictors of achieving 30 minutes of physical activity daily by doing so. Methods Transit-associated walking times for 3312 transit users were examined among the 105,942 adult respondents to the 2001 National Household Travel Survey, a telephone-based survey sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation to assess American travel behavior. Results Americans who use transit spend a median of 19 minutes daily walking to and from transit; 29% achieve ≥30 minutes of physical activity a day solely by walking to and from transit. In multivariate analysis, rail users, minorities, people in households earning Conclusions Walking to and from public transportation can help physically inactive populations, especially low-income and minority groups, attain the recommended level of daily physical activity. Increased access to public transit may help promote and maintain active lifestyles. Results from this study may contribute to health impact assessment studies (HIA) that evaluate the impact of proposed public transit systems on physical activity levels, and thereby may influence choices made by transportation planners.
Finite Element Analysis of Nonlinear Water Diffusion During Rice Soaking

The formulation of a finite element model is described that could be used to analyze water diffusion during rice soaking with concentration dependent diffusivity and change in the size of rice. The rice is divided into 135 elements and moisture distribution with time is calculated. Knowing the moisture absorbed by each element, the nodal displacements are obtained by minimizing the potential energy of the system. Average mass diffusivity of milled rice decreased from 6.4 × 10−7 to 3.0 × 10−7 m2/hr as the moisture content increased from 13 to 50%. The density and concentration dependent mass diffusivity model adequately described experimental data.
Extinction Burst after Varenicline Titration: A Case Report

Background: The mechanism of action of varenicline as a partial agonist may make it useful for cigarette reduction as smokers experience reduced craving and withdrawal at the same time their cigarettes provide reduced reinforcement value. Case Description: The current case report describes a 51-year-old African American woman using varenicline to reduce her cigarette use. After making a substantial reduction in cigarettes per day (from 25 to 8), the patient unexpectedly began smoking considerably more (from 8 to 20) after 11 days treatment with varenicline. Conclusions: The temporary increase in smoking while taking varenicline was likely the result of an 'extinction burst' where the extinction of a reward (e.g., nicotine's rewarding effects after smoking a cigarette) was temporarily associated with an increase in the behaviour usually associated with the reward (e.g., smoking a cigarette). Once explaining to her that no amount of cigarettes would overcome the feeling of reduced reward she likely felt while taking varenicline, she was able to reduce her smoking again.
A framework for object-oriented on-line analytic processing

Although data warehouses are viewed as organized, summarized repositories of time-oriented data conceptually, the physical implementation determines the speed, efficiency, scalability, and extensibility of this view. Two major physical implementations exist today: data warehouses built upon relational database management systems (ROLAP) and warehouses built upon proprietary multi-dimensional databases (MOLAP). Both ROLAP and MOLAP have their own advantages and disadvantages due to their physical implementation. This paper presents another physical implementation using an object-oriented database or persistent objects— Object Oriented On-line Analytic Processing (O3LAP)— as a possible alternative, compares the O3LAP model with the current models, suggests possible extensions to the current OLAP models, defines the elements involved in the mapping of a logical model to the physical one, illustrates queries based on the O3LAP model, and discusses areas for future research.
Protein folding kinetics in the dense phase

The standard theoretical approach to the protein folding problem uses the thermodynamic hypothesis to justify the assumption that proteins fold to the global minimum free energy. The authors present simple arguments suggesting that minimization of energy during folding is unnecessary for the phenomena observed. In place of the energy minimization strategies, they describe a tractable kinetic model of folding that permits a systematic survey of the dynamical properties of the collapsed proteins. It is demonstrated that the first-order kinetic approximation for interconversion between geometrically similar compact structures is valid for the limiting examples of homopolymers. Rate constants for structural interconversion are calculated using a stochastic equation and are shown to be consistent with rates determined from Monte Carlo kinetics simulations. >
Architectural Accommodation in the Complex of Four p53 DNA Binding Domain Peptides with the p21/waf1/cip1 DNA Response Element*

High resolution chemical footprinting and cross-linking experiments have provided a basis for elucidating the overall architecture of the complex between the core DNA binding domain of p53 (p53DBD, amino acids 98-309) and the p21/waf1/cip1 DNA response element implicated in the G1/S phase cell cycle checkpoint. These studies complement both a crystal structure and earlier biophysical studies and provide the first direct experimental evidence that four subunits of p53DBD bind to the response element in a regular staggered array having pseudodyad symmetry. The invariant guanosines in the highly conserved C(A/T)|(T/A)G parts of the consensus half-sites are critical to the p53DBD-DNA binding. Molecular modeling of the complex using the observed peptide-DNA contacts shows that when four subunits of p53DBD bind the response element, the DNA has to bend approximately 50 degrees to relieve steric clashes among different subunits, consistent with recent DNA cyclization studies. The overall lateral arrangement of the four p53 subunits with respect to the DNA loop comprises a novel nucleoprotein assembly that has not been reported previously in other complexes. We suggest that this kind of nucleoprotein superstructure may be important for p53 binding to response elements packed in chromatin and for subsequent transactivation of p53-mediated genes.
A 10-b, 1-GSample/s track-and-hold amplifier using SiGe BiCMOS technology

An open-loop pseudo differential BiCMOS track-and-hold amplifier (THA) employs a new adaptive-biased input buffer to maintain performance at high input frequencies. An auxiliary THA undergoes all linearity-degrading loading impacts to generate compensating signals. These signals are exploited to improve the hold-mode suppression in the main THA. Designed total harmonic distortion (THD) is -63.7 dB at Nyquist condition, f/sub in/=500 MHz, with full-scale differential input swing of 1 V. Fabricated in a 0.5 /spl mu/m, 40 GHz BiCMOS process, the THA core consumes 164 mW from a 3.5 V power supply and occupies an active area of 1 mm/sup 2/. The hold-mode feed through measures -54 dB at f/sub in/=93.75 MHz and the droop rate is -0.33 /spl mu/V/nS.
Identification of data, devices, documents and individuals

The author mainly examines the information integrity aspects of the problem of identification, although some of the applications are primarily concerned with the physical aspects of identification. He is concerned with indirect identification, where the verifier (who may be either a person or a device) is dependent on information provided by the object of the identification (who again may be either a person or a device) and perhaps some supplemental information from another source. Aspects of the identification of individuals, devices, and documents are examined, with appropriate protocols given. >
Dynamically adapting GUIs to diverse input devices

Many of today's desktop applications are designed for use with a pointing device and keyboard. Someone with a disability, or in a unique environment, may not be able to use one or both of these devices. We have developed an approach for automatically modifying desktop applications to accommodate a variety of input alternatives as well as a demonstration implementation, the Input Adapter Tool (IAT). Our work is differentiated from past work by our focus on input adaptation (such as adapting a paint program to work without a pointing device) rather than output adaptation (such as adapting web pages to work on a cellphone). We present an analysis showing how different common interactive elements and navigation techniques can be adapted to specific input modalities. We also describe IAT, which supports a subset of these adaptations, and illustrate how it adapts different inputs to two applications, a paint program and a form entry program.
Minimum-cost delegation in service composition

The paradigm of automated service composition through the integration of existing services promises a fast and efficient development of new services in cooperative service (e.g., business) environments. Although the ''why'' part of this paradigm is well understood, many key pieces are missing to utilize the available opportunities. Recently ''service communities'' where service providers with similar interests can register their services are proposed toward realizing this goal. In these communities, requests for services posed by users can be processed by delegating them to existing services, and orchestrating their executions. We use a service framework similar to the ''Roman'' model departing from it particularly assuming service requirements are specified in a sequence form. We also extend the framework to integrate activity processing costs into the delegation computation and to have services with bounded storage as opposed to finite storage. We investigate the problem of efficient processing of service requests in service communities and develop polynomial time delegation techniques guaranteeing optimality.
Biased clique shuffling reveals stabilizing mutations in cellulase Cel7A.

Renewable fuels produced from biomass-derived sugars are receiving increasing attention. Lignocellulose-degrading enzymes derived from fungi are attractive for saccharification of biomass because they can be produced at higher titers and at significantly less cost than those produced by bacteria or archaea. However, their properties can be suboptimal; for example, they are subject to product inhibition and are sensitive to small changes in pH. Furthermore, increased thermostability would be advantageous for saccharification as increased temperature may reduce the opportunity for microbial contamination. We have developed a mutagenesis platform to improve these properties and applied it to increase the operating temperature and thermostability of the fungal glycosyl hydrolase Cel7A. Secretion of Cel7A at titers of 26 mg/L with limited hyperglycosylation was achieved using a Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain with upregulated protein disulfide isomerase, an engineered α-factor prepro leader, and deletion of a plasma membrane ATPase. Using biased clique shuffling (BCS) of 11 Cel7A genes, we generated a small library (469) rich in activity (86% of the chimeras were active) and identified 51 chimeras with improved thermostability, many of which contained mutations in the loop networks that extend over the enzyme's active site. This BCS library was far superior as a source of active and stable chimeras compared to an equimolar library prepared from the same 11 genes. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2012; 109: 2710–2719. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Differential induction of podocyte heat shock proteins by prolonged single and combination toxic metal exposure

Cadmium, mercury, and arsenite are among the most abundant toxic metals (TM) in our environment, and chronic TM exposure leads to injury to the kidney’s glomerular filtration barrier. The small heat shock protein hsp25, highly expressed in glomerular podocytes, is induced during development of experimental nephrotic syndrome, and hsp25 overexpression can protect cultured podocytes from injury. Because little is known about the effect of multiple TM on podocytes, we measured the response of cultured podocytes to prolonged exposures to single and multiple TM. Podocyte viability declined by approximately 50% after 3 days of treatment with 20 mM cadmium, mercury, or arsenite, and 40 mM of any of these metals was lethal. The toxicity of equimolar concentrations of two or all three metals in combination was significantly altered compared to individual metal treatments. Single TM treatments induced only modest increases in the amounts of hsp25, aB-crystallin, and inducible hsp70. Toxic metal combinations induced greater stress protein accumulation, especially arsenite 1 cadmium or arsenite 1 cadmium 1 mercury treatments, the TM mixtures with the lowest toxicity. All TM treatments caused a rapid and sustained increase in hsp25 phosphorylation. The intracellular accumulation of cadmium was greater and that of mercury was less in cells treated with TM combinations than in cells treated with a single TM. Our results showed that multiple TM effects on podocyte viability were neither additive nor synergistic and that induction of heat shock proteins correlated with increased resistance to TM injury, suggesting that induction of small heat shock proteins may play an important role in preventing TM-induced podocyte injury.
Enhanced identification of lethal yellow (Ay/Ay) mouse embryos by means of delayed development of four-cell stages†

At present, experimental studies on the primary genetic lesion in Ay/Ay embryos are restricted by the absence of techniques designed to identify Ay homozygotes prior to the onset of secondary defects. This paper describes a methodology to enrich the yields of Ay homozygotes in experimental populations by taking advantage of an early homozygous Ay expression-lagging development in 4-cell embryos.
A simple power based control strategy for hybrid electric vehicles

The high cost of fossil fuel and environmental concerns forced the automotive industry to seek innovative ways to improve gas mileage. The short term solution to these concerns is the concept of hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) that combines the use of an internal combustion engine (ICE) and an electric motor (EM). The energy of the battery used by a HEV can come from renewable sources such as solar and wind energy. It can also come from the energy recovered while decelerating the vehicle. The use of hybrid vehicles creates new control challenges in the area of energy management. The objective of this paper is to design and test a simple automatic control strategy to simplify the energy management problem of HEV. The main idea is to control the electric motor to provide the power needed to meet the minimum torque requirement, under no load condition and flat road, at different speed ranges of the vehicle. The remaining power will be provided by the ICE. The minimum torque and corresponding power will be determined using the vehicle model. Contrary to existing power management approaches, the proposed strategy does not require sophisticated optimization techniques nor use ad hoc rules that are difficult to tune. In addition, the proposed strategy is simple to implement as it requires only the knowledge of the vehicle speed and battery state of charge. The proposed control strategy was tested using a 2000 Honda Insight vehicle that was modeled using ADVISOR 2002 vehicle simulator. Preliminary simulation results show that the proposed control strategy can improve the gas mileage of the Honda Insight by as much as 50%.
An optimum multilayer perceptron neural receiver for signal detection

The M-input optimum likelihood-ratio receiver is generalized by considering the case of different signal amplitudes on the receiver primary input lines. Using the more general likelihood-ratio receiver as a reference, an equivalent optimum multilayer perceptron neural network (or neural receiver) is identified for detecting the presence of an M-dimensional target signal corrupted by bandlimited white Gaussian noise. Analytical results are supported by Monte Carlo simulation runs which indicate that the detection capability of the proposed neural receiver is not sensitive to the level of training or number of patterns in the training set. >
Breaking the rules for Web sites

World Wide Web style guides meet a need for writers adapting to new challenges posed by the Web's screen display, interactivity, multimedia options and code limitations. A sampling of Web style guides found differences in scope and emphasis, but common tendencies toward inflexible and shallow rule-making. This suggests that we might improve the next generation of Web style guides (and Web sites) by applying familiar approaches. This might involve paying greater attention to process and to context issues, including audience, purpose, conditions of use, and cultural, political and ethical concerns. Relying on well-grounded professional principles of editorial judgment and targeting style guides for specific applications could also help Web writers to adapt to continuing technology changes.
Serial and parallel search in pattern vision

The nature of the processing of combinations of stimulus dimensions in human vision has recently been investigated. A study is reported in which visual search for suprathreshold positional information—vernier offsets, stereoscopic disparity, lateral separation, and orientation—was examined. The initial results showed that reaction times for visual search for conjunctions of stereoscopic disparity and either vernier offsets or orientation were independent of the number of distracting stimuli displayed, suggesting that disparity was searched in parallel with vernier offsets or orientation. Conversely, reaction times for detection of conjunctions of vernier offsets and orientation, or lateral separation and each of the other positional judgements, were related linearly to the number of distractors, suggesting serial search. However, practice has a significant effect upon the results, indicative of a shift in the mode of search from serial to parallel for all conjunctions tested as well as for single features...
MULTIPERIPHERAL DYNAMICS AND INCLUSIVE EXPERIMENTS.

The relationship between multiperipheral dynamics and inclusive experiments at high energy is developed. The general features of the single-particle distribution spectrum are exhibited for multiperipheral models with exponential damping in the momentum transfers. By working with a specific multi-Regge model we further demonstrate the phenomena of pionization and of scaling in longitudinal momentum for small momentum transfers. Examples of distribution spectra are given for specific and physically important values of Regge parameters. The predictions can serve as a test for a realistic model for the integral-equation approach to multiperipheral dynamics, and can provide a sensible form for parametrizing experimental data.