cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Surplus and Sharing in a Prison Sample

Summary Amount of surplus goods or money that an individual has available should be an important determinant of the likelihood of his sharing or donating to someone in need. Prison inmates were allowed to participate in an “experiment” in which they won varying numbers of cigarettes for the same expenditure of effort, the three levels of “surplus” being approximately 10, 50, or 150 cigarettes. They were then solicited by either a high status or a low status inmate for a donation of cigarettes on behalf of inmates in solitary confinement. The mean number of cigarettes donated increased with the number available, but the trend was not linear; rather it was decelerated. With number of cigarettes donated considered as a proportion of supply, it was shown that the group with the largest surplus donated a significantly smaller proportion. There was also some evidence that a high status solicitor produced a higher proportion of donated cigarettes. Results were believed consistent with other findings and as respo...
An unusual hydrogen bonding pattern in a crystallographically observed β-turn

Abstract In the crystalline state, tBoc-glycylglycine-cyclohexylamide adopts a β-turn conformation that has several interesting features: the ten-membered ring CO—H-N interaction is characterized by a very long O—H distance, and two of the amide protons appear to be within hydrogen bonding distance of the preceding amidic nitrogen.
Numerical Analysis of Ca2+ Signaling in Rat Ventricular Myocytes with Realistic Transverse-Axial Tubular Geometry and Inhibited Sarcoplasmic Reticulum

The t-tubules of mammalian ventricular myocytes are invaginations of the cell membrane that occur at each Z-line. These invaginations branch within the cell to form a complex network that allows rapid propagation of the electrical signal, and hence synchronous rise of intracellular calcium (Ca2+). To investigate how the t-tubule microanatomy and the distribution of membrane Ca2+ flux affect cardiac excitation-contraction coupling we developed a 3-D continuum model of Ca2+ signaling, buffering and diffusion in rat ventricular myocytes. The transverse-axial t-tubule geometry was derived from light microscopy structural data. To solve the nonlinear reaction-diffusion system we extended SMOL software tool (http://mccammon.ucsd.edu/smol/). The analysis suggests that the quantitative understanding of the Ca2+ signaling requires more accurate knowledge of the t-tubule ultra-structure and Ca2+ flux distribution along the sarcolemma. The results reveal the important role for mobile and stationary Ca2+ buffers, including the Ca2+ indicator dye. In agreement with experiment, in the presence of fluorescence dye and inhibited sarcoplasmic reticulum, the lack of detectible differences in the depolarization-evoked Ca2+ transients was found when the Ca2+ flux was heterogeneously distributed along the sarcolemma. In the absence of fluorescence dye, strongly non-uniform Ca2+ signals are predicted. Even at modest elevation of Ca2+, reached during Ca2+ influx, large and steep Ca2+ gradients are found in the narrow sub-sarcolemmal space. The model predicts that the branched t-tubule structure and changes in the normal Ca2+ flux density along the cell membrane support initiation and propagation of Ca2+ waves in rat myocytes.
Fermions in models with strong Wilson-Yukawa interactions

Abstract A theory with two different types of Wilson-Yukawa couplings is discussed. The spectrum contains free fermions or fermions which couple to the gauge fields as vectors in different regions of the phase diagrams. With the two couplings equal, both types of fermions exist, and the theory is conjectured to be equivalent to a special case of the mirror fermion model.
Orphanin FQ/nociceptin: a novel neuromodulator of gastrointestinal function?

Orphanin FQ/nociceptin (OFQ/N) has been immunohistochemically localized in the rat enteric nervous system, and mRNA signals for its precursor (i.e. prepro-OFQ/-N) and cognate receptor ORL-1 are expressed in the intestinal tract. OFQ/N inhibits neurogenic contractions in a variety of stomach and small intestine preparations in vitro, but contracts rodent colon. In vivo, it acts at peripheral and central nervous system sites to stimulate or inhibit mechanical activity in the stomach and colon, respectively. Thus, OFQ/N acts as a neuromodulator of gastrointestinal motility and may have additional roles in regulation of intestinal blood flow, active ion transport, and immunity.
Influence functions for a general class of depth-based generalized quantile functions

Given a multivariate probability distribution F, a corresponding depth function orders points according to their ''centrality'' in the distribution F. One useful role of depth functions is to generate two-dimensional curves for convenient and practical description of particular features of a multivariate distribution, such as dispersion and kurtosis. Here the robustness of sample versions of such curves is explored via the influence function approach applied to the relevant functionals, using structural representations of the curves as generalized quantile functions. In particular, for a general class of so-called Type D depth functions including the well-known Tukey or halfspace depth, we obtain influence functions for the depth function itself, the depth distribution function, the depth quantile function, and corresponding depth-based generalized quantile functions. Robustness behavior similar to the usual univariate quantiles is found and quantified: the influence functions are of step function form with finite gross error sensitivity but infinite local shift sensitivity. Applications to a ''scale'' curve, a Lorenz curve for ''tailweight'', and a ''kurtosis'' curve are treated. Graphical illustrations are provided for the influence functions of the scale and kurtosis curves in the case of the bivariate standard normal distribution and the halfspace depth function.
Effect of co-contaminants on the disposition of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans in saturated soils

Abstract The effect of such co-contaminants as chlorinated phenols, naphthalenes and petroleum oil on the partition behaviors of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) was investigated. The results obtained indicate that the transport of PCDDs in a saturated environment can be directly attributed to colloidal suspensions of the co-contaminants.
Tunable resonance in flexible plasmonic nanostructures

We demonstrate tuning of coupled plasmon resonances caused by stretching PDMS embedded gold nanorod heptamers. The nature of resonance depended on orientation of nanorods within heptamer. We present theoretical analysis to explain observed behaviors.
Convertibility risk and dollarization in Mexico: a vectorautoregressive analysis

Abstract Using a general equilibrium model of dollarization in Mexico, I find a negative and significant relationship between the expected rate of peso depreciation and the dollarization ratio. This result, seemingly anomalous compared to previous studies of currency substitution, is attributed to the convertibility risk associated with holding Mexdollars. Several alternative explanations are either rejected or found to be of secondary importance. The results imply that traditional methodologies used to test currency substitution and inferences drawn about the phenomenon should be revised in cases similar to Mexico.
Dysplasia, carcinoma in situ, and microinvasive carcinoma of the uterine cervix

Carcinoma in situ is defined as the early stage of cancer and must therefore be initiated by an as yet unknown carcinogen(s). Progression of the lesion to invasive carcinoma is reported to occur in a high proportion of nontreated cases. Reserve cell proliferations are frequently associated with both dysplasia and carcinoma in situ, and it is suggested that these are the cells from which both lesions arise. Dysplasia may result from both carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic stimuli. Since dysplasia usually either regresses or remains stabilized over a prolonged period, it is suggested that it is more frequently associated with noncarcinogenic stimuli. Microinvasive carcinoma is limited to lesions with no more than 5 mm. of stromal invasion as measured from the surface. Confluence of growth and lymphatic-like space invasion should not interdict the diagnosis. Microinvasive carcinoma thus defined rarely gives rise to lymph node metastasis or eventuates in death. The diagnosis cannot be made from punch biopsy specimens. Only if pathologists adhere to a standard nomenclature can follow-up studies be used successfully to identify the natural behavior of each type of lesion in this spectrum.
Cognitive/emotional models for human behavior representation in 3D avatar simulations

Simplified models of human cognition and emotional response are presented which are based on models of auditory/ visual polymodal fusion. At the core of these models is a computational model of Area 37 of the temporal cortex which is based on new isocortex models presented recently by Grossberg. These models are trained using carefully chosen auditory (musical sequences), visual (paintings) and higher level abstract (meta level) data obtained from studies of how optimization strategies are chosen in response to outside managerial inputs. The software modules developed are then used as inputs to character generation codes in standard 3D virtual world simulations. The auditory and visual training data also enable the development of simple music and painting composition generators which significantly enhance one's ability to validate the cognitive model. The cognitive models are handled as interacting software agents implemented as CORBA objects to allow the use of multiple language coding choices (C++, Java, Python etc) and efficient use of legacy code.
Experience of media presentations for the alleviation of agitation and emotional distress among dementia patients in a long-term nursing facility:

Although the cause and the cure for dementia remain unknown, it is clear that environmental factors can offer relief of cognitive impairment and encourage emotional stability. The purpose was to explore dementia patients’ experiences of a media presentation including images of nature. Combining a qualitative approach with quantitative data analysis, the project exposed 23 participants to slide show presentations of fascinating natural scenes over 4 weeks. The patients’ feelings and experiences of the media presentations were investigated using semistructured interviews and daily chart reviews in which weekly behavioral changes. The experience of natural scenes in dementia patients’ everyday atmosphere became a new and positive aspect of life at the long-term nursing facility, although the quantitative data did not significantly change during the project. This treatment could provide dementia patients with a nurturing relationship, making nature a supportive part of their everyday experience.
The relation of size to climbing, line-crossing and running performances of male crab spiders

Mobile predators employ a variety of locomotor tasks in hunting, avoiding predators and searching for mates. However, few studies have evaluated the performances of a population’s members in all of their major locomotor tasks, even though all of these performances may affect both an individual’s fitness and how members of a population exploit resources. Male crab spiders Misumena vatia, diminutive members of an extremely sexually dimorphic species, regularly run, climb and cross silken lines. For the most part, individuals moved at similar speeds relative to each other in the three tasks: the 15th fastest runner was approximately 15th fastest in the other two moves as well. Thus, these spiders provided little evidence that any individual excelled at one task or another, relative to other members of its population, thereby exhibiting a marked behavioral syndrome. However, large individuals moved faster than small ones in these tasks, especially when climbing. Although the gravity and bridging hypotheses predict that small individuals climb and cross silken lines faster than larger ones, at ca. 4.15 mg (extremes of 2.5–8.0 mg), male Misumena, and most terrestrial invertebrates, fall well below weight constraints currently predicted by either hypothesis. Data on sexual cannibalism, overwintering, and lifespan suggest possible countering advantages of small size, and hence balancing selection, which may contribute to Misumena’s striking sexual size dimorphism and explain the males’ wide size range.
The China puzzle: Opportunities for accounting research☆

How can China achieve phenomenal economic growth despite what is considered as “weak” institutions in market-based economies? Xu (2011) provides a framework to understand this puzzle. Specifically, he suggests that China’s institutional framework of Regionally Decentralized Authoritarian regime was likely responsible for the phenomenal economic growth despite what is considered “weak” institutions for market-based economies. While recent accounting research provides insights into the relationship between agency issues, and accounting and control systems in the China context, accounting researchers can use the institutional feature of RDAs to provide insights into the role of accounting and control systems in non-market-based settings. 2014 Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of China Journal of Accounting Research. Founded by Sun Yat-sen University and City University of Hong Kong.
Spatio-Temporal Analytics for Exploring Human Mobility Patterns and Urban Dynamics in the Mobile Age

In this research, we present a spatio-temporal analytical framework including spatio-temporal visualization (STV), space-time kernel density estimation (STKDE), and spatio-temporal-autocorrelation-analysis (STAA), to explore human mobility patterns and intra-urban communication dynamics. Experiments were conducted using large-scale detailed records of mobile phone calls in a city. The space-time path, time series graphs, vertical Bezier curves, STKDE, STAA, and related techniques in 3D GIS as well as statistical tests have been suggested for different spatio-temporal analysis tasks. We also investigated several statistical measures that extend the classic spatial association indices for spatio-temporal autocorrelation analysis. The spatial order of weighted matrix was found to have more significant effects than the temporal neighbors on influencing the autocorrelation strength of hourly phone calls.
Evidence against an abstraction or direct insertion mechanism for cytochrome P-450 catalysed meta hydroxylations.

Abstract Warfarin, specifically labeled with deuterium in the 7 position, was incubated with liver microsomes from untreated rats or rats which were pretreated with either phenobarbital of β-napthoflavone. The four phenolic metabolites (6-, 7-, 8- and 4′-hydroxywarfarin) were isolated and quantitated by GC MS and the percent deuterium retention calculated. In all induction states the 7-hydroxy metabolite of (7,2H)warfarin retained greater than 77% of the deuterium. These results suggest that hydroxylation at the 7 position (meta hydroxylation) cannot proceed by either a direct insertion or abstraction mechanism.
Serious play: Chinese artistry in verbal communication

This ethnographic study explores how people in Taipei, the capital city of Taiwan, engage words as cultural performance, whether they are spoken, written, or manifest themselves as cultural artifacts. Informed by their depth philosophical contemplation about the boundary between the universe and language, and made possible through their unique linguistic constructions, many Chinese treat various forms of expression as art and signs of wisdom, whether for expressions of solemnity, playfulness, or humor. Through poems, common sayings, matched couplets, chengyu, and so on, words entertain and enrich social life, help relieve human suffering, connect one life to another, and instill modern everyday encounters with a dash of traditional cultural ethos. This artistic endeavor also offers explanations for Chinese indirectness, as shades of meanings are seen as displays of varying degrees of engagement to cultural performances. Interview accounts and data collected through participant observation during several field trips conducted in Taiwan were analyzed to show how words participate in and give meaning to the construction of Taiwanese interpersonal life.
Smoking affects treatment outcome in patients with advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND The purpose of the current study was to determine whether smoking during chemotherapy or chemoradiation therapy for nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) affects treatment outcome. METHODS The authors reviewed the medical records of patients with NSCLC (AJCC Stage III or IV) who were treated with frontline chemotherapy or chemoradiation therapy at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center between January 1993 and December 2002. Treatment type, response, progression-free survival, and overall survival (OS) were correlated with patient demographic characteristics, clinical features, and smoking habits at the time of diagnosis and during therapy. RESULTS Of 1370 patients who were eligible for analysis, 497 received chemoradiation therapy and 873 received chemotherapy. In the chemoradiation group, 6% of patients were never-smokers, 45% were former smokers, and 49% were current smokers. Multivariate analysis demonstrated no prognostic effect of smoking status on treatment response or OS rates in the chemoradiation therapy group. In the chemotherapy group, 16% of patients were never-smokers, 42% were former smokers, and 42% were current smokers; 20% of patients continued to smoke during therapy. Never-smokers had higher response rates (19% vs. 8% vs. 12%; P = .004) and lower rates of progressive disease (49% vs. 65% vs. 66%; P = .002) than former and current smokers, respectively. The OS rates were found to be higher among never-smokers (P <.0001), women (P = .002), and those with a better Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (P <.0001). The multivariate Cox model indicated that with adjustment for age, gender, stage of disease, and ECOG performance status, the hazard ratio was 1.47 for former smokers (P = .003) and 1.55 for current smokers (P = .0004). Active smoking during therapy did not appear to impact outcome. CONCLUSIONS Never-smokers were found to have an improved outcome over smokers when treated with chemotherapy. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Human impacts on karst groundwater contamination deduced by coupled nitrogen with strontium isotopes in the Nandong Underground River System in Yunan, China.

With the rapid increase in population and economy, groundwater quality has degraded in the Nandong Underground River System (NURS), a typical karst underground river developed in carbonate rocks (limestone and dolomite), which is located in an agriculture-dominated area in the southeast Yunnan Province, China. Determining sources of contamination in the groundwater is an important first step toward us improving its quality by emission control. It is with this aim that we reviewed here the benefit of using a coupled isotopic approach (δ15N and 87Sr/86Sr) to trace the origin of contamination in groundwater. Thirty-six representative groundwater samples, which were collected at different aquifers and land use types, showed significant disparities for major element concentrations and Sr and N isotopic composition in the NURS. Nitrate, along with Cl− and SO42− and some Na+ and K+, pollution of groundwater is a significant problem in the NURS. The joint use of nitrogen and strontium isotope systematics in each ...
Is a functional estrogen receptor always required for progesterone receptor induction in breast cancer

Abstract Although progesterone receptors (PgR) are synthesized in response to estrogens acting through estrogen receptors (ER), in breast cancer some hormone responsive ER− but PgR + tumors are seen. We have studied a human breast cancer cell line, T47D, which may explain this paradox. These cells have low ER levels (0.5 pmol/mg DNA), which are predominantly nuclear (no cytoplasmic 8S receptor). Unlike cytoplasmic ER + cells where estradiol treatment and ensuing nuclear receptor processing lower cellular ER and increase PgR, in T47D, estradiol (10 nM) does not change ER or PgR. In contrast, the anti-estrogen nafoxidine (1 μM), which does not change total ER or PgR in ER + cells because it prevents ER processing, doubles ER in T47D. Analogous to its effect in ER − cells, in T47D cells nafoxidine does not inhibit cell growth and has only minimal effects on PgR. The cytoplasmic PgR synthetized in estradiol free medium is normal as shown by several criteria, and is present in extraordinary amounts (15–40 pmol/mg DNA). Furthermore, the PgR are functional; they can be translocated to, and quantitatively recovered from nuclei, after progesterone (0.1 μM) addition. Cytoplasmic PgR replenishment begins after 1 hr, is complete in 10–24 h and this step is also independent of estradiol and nafoxidine control. Thus, these cells are either functionally ER−, or the ER are in a permanently activated state in the nucleus; nafoxidine reverses this activated, processed state. Despite their insensitivity to estradiol or antiestrogen, PgR are not constitutively synthesized; BUdR (20 μg/ml) or butyrate (10 mM) can selectively inhibit PgR production.
Hydrolysis and absorption of proline dipeptides across the wall of sacs prepared from everted rat intestine.

Abstract 1. 1. Transfer of intact glycol- l -proline, l -prolylglycine, l -prolyl- l -proline, l -leucyl- l -proline, l -prolyl- l -hydroxyproline and N- formyl- l -leucine to the interior of sacs prepared from 5 cm segments of everted rat intestine was observed. The amounts varied from 0.24 ± 0.15 (S.E.) μmole per 30 min for leucylproline to 2.54 ± 0.23 μmole per 30 min for prolylproline. Of the two dipeptides containing glycine and proline there was significantly more transfer of prolylglycine than of glycylproline. 2. 2. For most of the compounds examined, an inverse relationship was found between the intact dipeptide or N-formylleucine transferred in 30 min and the total hydrolysis in the same period.
Extensional Tectonics I: Regional Scale Processes and Extensional Tectonics II: Faulting and Fault-related Processes

There is no question that extensional tectonics and related processes have played a major role in the geologic evolution of the British Isles, and in the formation and trapping of immense “super-giant” fields of hydrocarbon resources in the North Sea. The latter have been of considerable importance to the economy of the United Kingdom. This two-part volume is the second in a new series of publications by The Geological Society, “Key Issues in the Earth Sciences.” It is a compilation of 35 well-known papers on extensional tectonics published over the past 2 decades.
Securitization of Residential Solar Photovoltaic Assets: Costs, Risks and Uncertainty

Abstract Limited access to low-cost financing is an impediment to high-velocity technological diffusion and high grid penetration of solar photovoltaic (PV) technology. Securitization of solar assets provides a potential solution to this problem. This paper assesses the viability of solar asset-backed securities (ABS) as a lower cost financing mechanism and identifies policies that could facilitate implementation of securitization. First, traditional solar financing is examined to provide a baseline for cost comparisons. Next, the securitization process is modeled. The model enables identification of several junctures at which risk and uncertainty influence costs. Next, parameter values are assigned and used to generate cost estimates. Results show that, under reasonable assumptions, securitization of solar power purchase agreements (PPA) can significantly reduce project financing costs, suggesting that securitization is a viable mechanism for improving the financing of PV projects. The clear impediment to the successful launch of a solar ABS is measuring and understanding the riskiness of underlying assets. This study identifies three classes of policy intervention that lower the cost of ABS by reducing risk or by improving the measurement of risk: (i) standardization of contracts and the contracting process, (ii) improved access to contract and equipment performance data, and (iii) geographic diversification.
Strain estimates for small-ring cyclic allenes and butatrienes.

Isodesmic and homodesmic equations at the B3LYP/6-311+G(d,p)+ZPVE level of theory have been used to estimate strain for the homologous series of cyclic allenes and cyclic butatrienes. A simple fragment deformation approach also has been applied and appears to work better for the larger rings. For the cyclic allene series, estimates for allene functional group strain (kcal/mol) include: 1,2-cyclobutadiene, 65; 1,2-cyclopentadiene, 51; 1,2-cyclohexadiene, 32; 1,2-cycloheptadiene, 14; 1,2-cyclooctadiene, 5; 1,2-cyclononadiene, 2; 1,2,4-cyclohexatriene, 34; and bicyclo[3.2.1]octa-2,3-diene, 39. For cyclic butatrienes, functional group strain estimates include: 1,2,3-cyclobutatriene, >100; 1,2,3-cyclopentatriene, 80; 1,2,3-cyclohexatriene, 50; 1,2,3-cycloheptatriene, 26; 1,2,3-cyclooctatriene, 17; and 1,2,3-cyclononatriene, 4. Barriers to interconversion of enantiomers in cyclic allenes are reduced with increasing strain. Newly predicted values include: 1,2-cyclopentadiene <1 kcal/mol and bicyclo[3.2.1]octa...
Experimental method to measure gaseous uptake of 14C-toluene by foliage

Abstract An experimental method is described to measure foliar uptake and translocation of volatile organic compounds in plants. A flow-through exposure chamber was designed to determine phytoxicity of volatile organic compounds; an air-tight chamber was used for exposure of whole plants to radiolabeled test compound. 14 C-toluene uptake by soybean ( Glycine max ) foliage was measured as an example of the experimental approach. Leaf tissue concentrations of 14 C-toluene were measured over a 55.5-hr exposure period during light and dark periods. Photosynthetic rate was not affected by chronic atmospheric exposure to 27 μmole cm −3 hr toluene. During a 55.5-hr exposure to 7.2 μmoles cm −3 hr 14 C-toluene (1.94 Bq cm −3 ), deposition velocities were greatest in the light phases and showed a marked decrease during the dark phases of exposure, suggesting that stomatal uptake as well as surface deposition contributed to toluene uptake. 14 C was translocated from foliage to the roots. These data indicate that deposition of volatile organic compounds to vegetation may constitute a mechanism leading to herbivore exposure to volatile hazardous organics at waste sites. The experimental method described can be used to measure foliar uptake and translocation of volatile organic compounds to whole plants under laboratory conditions.
Efficient tools for theoretically investigating surface structure applied to Al on graphite

Abstract Large-cluster calculations are used to investigate the surface structure of an Al atom on graphite. Experimentally direct images of an Al atom adsorbed vertically above a C atom have been observed with the scanning tunneling microscope. Similar surface structures are only obtained theoretically when substrate relaxation effects are included in the calculations. Cluster calculations which include the treatment of surface relaxation effects are computationally demanding and we demonstrate how our recently developed pseudo-lattice symmetry and partial optimization techniques make such calculations more tractable.
Building Resiliency to Childhood Trauma through Arts-Based Learning.

(2009). Building Resiliency to Childhood Trauma through Arts-based Learning. Childhood Education: Vol. 85, International Focus Issue 2009: Helping Children Cope With the Impact of War, Terrorism, and Disaster, pp. 380-384.
Polarization-based technique for separating copropagating waves of different wavelengths

Abstract A polarization-based technique is described that splits two copropagating waves of different wavelengths into separate monochromatic waves that travel in orthogonal directions. The technique uses a simple modular optical train that consists of a linear polarizer, a birefringent-plate linear retarder, and a polarizing beamsplitter cube. The birefringent plate is a key element and must operate, simultaneously, as a full-wave (virtually absent) plate at one wavelength and as a half-wave plate at the other. Examples of such plates that use crystalline quartz and mica are presented. The minimum wavelength separation of two channels that can be split apart using this method is given. It is also shown how three or more wavelength channels can be separated by cascading modules of this kind.
Synthesis and properties of bisphenol A–terphenol poly(arylene ether sulfone)–polydimethylsiloxane segmented block copolymers

Abstract We have synthesized new poly(arylene ether sulfone) (PAES) and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) segmented block copolymers where the PAES segments contain 20–30% of 4,4′-dihydroxyterphenol (DHTP) and 70–80% of bisphenol A (BA) units. The tensile and thermal properties of these new polymeric materials were measured and were compared to those of existing bisphenol A PAES–PDMS segmented block copolymers (BA PAES- b -PDMS). Also, a high molecular weight BA–DHTP PAES random copolymer containing 80% BA and 20% DHTP was prepared and its properties were compared to Udel®, a commercial PAES based on BA. The BA–DHTP PAES random copolymer had a significantly higher modulus, 1800 MPa and a higher T g , 196 °C when compared to Udel®. In the segmented block copolymer materials, increased modulus and tensile strain at break (elongation) were also found when DHTP was incorporated into the PAES segments.
Gene expression profiling in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy

Gene expression in archived frozen sural nerve biopsies of patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) was compared to that in vasculitic nerve biopsies (VAS) and to normal nerve (NN) by DNA microarray technology. Hierarchical clustering analysis demonstrated distinct gene expression patterns distinguishing these disease groups. Of particular interest were: (1) Tachykinin precursor 1, which may be involved in pain mediation; (2) Stearoyl-CoA-desaturase, which may be a marker for remyelination and (3) the Allograft Inflammatory Factor 1 (AIF-1), a modulator of immune response during macrophage activation. Differential gene expression may help distinguish between CIDP, VAS and NN in sural nerve biopsies and identify genes that may be involved in disease pathogenesis.
Disruption of a toxin gene by introduction of a foreign gene into the Chromosome of Clostridium perfringens using targetron induced mutagenesis

Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens) has been developed as a potential oral delivery vehicle to deliver antigens or therapeutic compounds to Gut-Associated Lymphoid Tissue (GALT). However, this recombinant C. perfringens carries a plasmid-encoded expression system, which raises several safety concerns regarding possible horizontal plasmid transfer and spread of plasmid-associated antibiotic resistant genes. Furthermore, this bacterium produces the extracellular theta toxin, which poses a potential safety issue for general administration. Using a Clostridium-specific-targetron donor plasmid, we inserted the Simian Immunodefiency Virus (SIV) p27 gene into the theta toxin gene (pfoA) on the C. perfringens chromosome, which simultaneously inactivated the theta gene and introduced SIV p27 gene onto the bacterial chromosome. Such mutant C. perfringens without an input plasmid or antibiotic resistant gene stably produced a large amount of SIV p27 protein during sporulation and did not produce theta toxin. Upon oral feeding of the mutant bacteria to mice, intact p27 protein was detected in the lower GI tract. The re-engineered C. perfringens provides a biosafe efficient oral vehicle to deliver antigen to the gastrointestinal tract.
Mutants in DsbB that appear to redirect oxidation through the disulfide isomerization pathway.

Abstract Disulfide bond formation occurs in secreted proteins in Escherichia coli when the disulfide oxidoreductase DsbA, a soluble periplasmic protein, nonspecifically transfers a disulfide to a substrate protein. The catalytic disulfide of DsbA is regenerated by the inner-membrane protein DsbB. To help identify the specificity determinants in DsbB and to understand the nature of the kinetic barrier preventing direct oxidation of newly secreted proteins by DsbB, we imposed selective pressure to find novel mutations in DsbB that would function to bypass the need for the disulfide carrier DsbA. We found a series of mutations localized to a short horizontal α-helix anchored near the outer surface of the inner membrane of DsbB that eliminated the need for DsbA. These mutations changed hydrophobic residues into nonhydrophobic residues. We hypothesize that these mutations may act by decreasing the affinity of this α-helix to the membrane. The DsbB mutants were dependent on the disulfide oxidoreductase DsbC, a soluble periplasmic thiol–disulfide isomerase, for complementation. DsbB is not normally able to oxidize DsbC, possibly due to a steric clash that occurs between DsbC and the membrane adjacent to DsbB. DsbC must be in the reduced form to function as an isomerase. In contrast, DsbA must remain oxidized to function as an oxidizing thiol–disulfide oxidoreductase. The lack of interaction that normally exists between DsbB and DsbC appears to provide a means to separate the DsbA–DsbB oxidation pathway and the DsbC–DsbD isomerization pathway. Our mutants in DsbB may act by redirecting oxidant flow to take place through the isomerization pathway.
A complexity theory for unbounded fan-in parallelism

A complexity theory for unbounded fan-in parallelism is developed where the complexity measure is the simultaneous measure (number of processors, parallel time). Two models of unbounded fan-in parallelism are (1) parallel random access machines that allow simultaneous reading from or writing to the same common memory location, and (2) circuits containing AND's, OR's and NOT's with no bound placed on the fan-in of gates. It is shown that these models can simulate one another with the number of processors preserved to within a polynomial and parallel time preserved to within a constant factor. Reducibilities that preserve the measure in this sense are defined and several reducibilities and equivalences among problems are given. New upper bounds on the (unbounded fan-in) circuit complexity of symmetric Boolean functions are proved.
Colorado longitudinal twin study of reading disability

The primary objectives of the present study are to introduce the Colorado Longitudinal Twin Study of Reading Disability, the first longitudinal twin study in which subjects have been specifically selected for having a history of reading difficulties, and to present some initial assessments of the stability of reading performance and cognitive abilities in this sample. Preliminary examination of the test scores of 124 twins with a history of reading difficulties and 154 twins with no history of reading difficulties indicates that over the 5- to 6-year interval between assessments, cognitive and reading performance are highly stable. As a group, those subjects with a history of reading difficulties had substantial deficits relative to control subjects on all measures at initial assessment, and significant deficits remained at follow-up. The stability noted for all cognitive and achievement measures was highest for a composite measure of reading, whose average stability correlation across groups was 0.80. Results of preliminary behavior genetic analyses for this measure indicated that shared genetic influences accounted for 86% and 49% of the phenotypic correlations between the two assessments for twin pairs with and without reading difficulties, respectively. In addition, genetic correlations reached unity for both groups, suggesting that the same genetic influences are manifested at both time points.
The Placental Transport, Synthesis and Metabolism of Hormones and Drugs which Affect Thyroid Function*

FETAL DEVELOPMENT is dependent upon the presence of the placenta. This organ, which interfaces the maternal and fetal vascular systems, not only regulates the transfer of various substrates from mother to fetus but also produces polypeptide hormones important for the maintenance of pregnancy, the induction of labor (1) and the synthesis and metabolism of steroid hormones necessary for the development of the fetus (2). In this review we will examine the role of the placenta on various aspects of maternal and fetal thyroid function including the transport, synthesis, and metabolism of hormones and compounds related to thyroid function. Transport In this section we will review the available information on the transport of thyroid and related hormones and compounds known to affect thyroid function. The role of the placenta in the transport of the iodothyronines has been studied in many species. In the rat, Hoskins et al. (3) demonstrated that the administration of large doses of thyroxine (T4) to prophylthiou...
Specification and synthesis of bounded indirection

Bounded indirection is a restricted form of pointers, for system specification. It provides a mechanism for compact descriptions of many complex control structures, such as interrupts, continuations, and dynamic connections between machines. We describe three kinds of indirection-control state, value and net indirection-for use in different aspects of system description. Transformations on indirection representations and methods for synthesizing bounded indirection within the framework of behavior tables are presented.
BEACH CUSP FORMATION AND SPACINGS AT DUCK, USA

Abstract Aproximately nine years of daily video images from Duck, NC, USA, were analyzed to determine the timing of cusp formation in relation to environmental forcing and the distances separating consecutive cusp horns. 57 independent cusp events (defined as transitions from visibly smooth to cuspate topography) were observed with most of the cusps forming after storms. The temporal lag between the peak in storm intensity and cusp development was typically 3 days. Approximately half of the cusp events had formations predicted by an empirical threshold relating storm presence, breaker angle, and beach reflectivity. This threshold and other statistical observations suggest that Duck cusps form as energy conditions become more reflective, as the offshore wave angle approaches normal incidence and as the directional spread of the incident wave field becomes narrower. The standard deviation of the observed spacings relative to the mean spacing for each event was around 15% with the range in spacings for each event being typically less than half the event’s mean cusp width. There were no strong statistical relationships between mean cusp spacings and environmental parameters (such as swash excursion lengths).
Vector quantization for lossless textual data compression

Summary form only given. Vector quantisation (VQ) may be adapted for lossless data compression if the data exhibit vector structures, such as in textural relational databases. Lossless VQ is discussed and it is demonstrated that a relation of tuples may be encoded and allocated to physical disk blocks such that standard database operations such as access, insertion, deletion, and update may be fully supported.
Trafficking and activation of eNOS in epithelial cells

In mammalian cells, formation of nitric oxide (NO) is catalysed by a family of enzymes termed NO synthases (NOS). There are three isoforms of this enzyme, NOS I, II and III. NOS III was originally cloned and identified in endothelial cells; thus this isoform is commonly called endothelial NOS (eNOS). The physiological role of NO produced by eNOS has been documented in most organs, including the brain, lung, cardiovascular system, kidney, liver, gastrointestinal tract and reproductive organs. The bioavailability of NO in these tissues is determined by the balance between its rate of production and degradation. The rate of NO production by eNOS is ultimately dependent on the activity of the enzyme. In the past years, co- and post-translational modifications such as myristoylation, palmitoylation, phosphorylation, protein-protein interactions and subcellular localization have been shown to play an important role in determining eNOS activity. In order to maintain specificity, the production of most signalling molecules occurs in an organized spatial and temporal pattern. Spatial localization of eNOS has been shown to be regulated by different mechanisms that control its targeting from the Golgi apparatus to the plasma membrane, correct compartmentalization within the membrane, and internalization from the plasma membrane to the cytoplasm after activation. Thus, regulated localization and trafficking of eNOS may be essential in regulating enzyme activity and maintaining the spatial and temporal organization of NO signalling in different cell types.
Transport phenomena in crystal growth

Summary form only given, as follows. Some representative vapor, melt, and solution growth techniques are described and the essential transport phenomena for each is identified. Recent research to gain further understanding and a better description of transport phenomena in crystal growth is discussed. The problems of this type include: natural convection in shallow enclosures; mixed force and free convection; convection with heat flux in more than one direction; thermosolutal convection; and thermocapillary flows. The implications of this work to improved crystal quality is indicated. >
Ceramide Kinase Promotes Tumor Cell Survival and Mammary Tumor Recurrence

Results identify an actionable pathway in breast cancer patients that might be blocked during chemotherapy to limit tumor recurrence and extend survival.
Fear of Hypoglycemia in Children and Adolescents with Diabetes

Extended a study of diabetic adults which showed that fear of hypoglycemia is common and may affect diabetic control. That study evaluated the psychometric properties of the Hypoglycemic Fear Survey (HFS), an instrument designed to measure fear of hypoglycemia. The present study evaluated the psychometric properties of the HFS with diabetic youth. The HFS was completed by 128 Ss on arrival at a diabetes summer camp, by 127 Ss at the end of the 7-day camp, and by 74 Ss 12 weeks after camp. The results support the internal consistency and test-retest reliability of the HFS with this age group. Factor analytic and multiple regression techniques support the construct validity of the scale. HFS scores enhanced prediction of diabetic control. The HFS appears to be useful as a research tool with children and adolescents, although cross-validation is needed before clinical use can be justified.
Relationships Between the Hard-to-Cook Phenomenon in Red Kidney Beans and Water Absorption, Puncture Force, Pectin, Phytic Acid, and Minerals

The effect of high temperature, high humidity storage on cooking quality and physicochemical properties of dry, mature red kidney beans was evaluated over a storage period of 9 months. The rate of softening of beans during cooking, and the rate of dissolution of pectin during cooking followed apparent first-order kinetics and their apparent rate constants correlated highly with each other. The apparent softening rate constants decreased with increasing time of storage. The loss of cookability in mature bean seeds stored under high temperature-high humidity conditions probably results from a decrease in phytic acid phosphorus and alterations in the ratio of monovalent to divalent cations in the tissue.
THE WHOLE BRAIN AS THE BASIS OR THE ANALOGICAL EXPRESSION OF GOD

. As human beings we inevitably try to explain our experience. In philosophical language, we deal with transcendent assertions and aspirations. The issue, then, is: how can we talk about what matters, given the structures inherent in language and basic to the way we are made? Instead of the philosophical category of Being, I advance a case for giving the human brain privileged status as an analogical expression of God, the symbol-concept of what matters most, and then suggest the illumination which can come with using that analogical expression, especially as that analogy connects us with the environment at the limbic level and constructs our world at the cerebral level.
Scalable regularized tomography without repeated projections

Summary form only given. X-ray computerized tomography (CT) and related imaging modalities (e.g., PET) are notorious for their excessive computational demands, especially when noise-resistant probabilistic methods such as regularized tomography are used. The basic idea of regularized tomography is to compute a smooth image whose simulated projections (line integrals) approximate the observed, noisy X-ray projections. The computational expense in previous methods stems from explicitly applying a large sparse projection matrix to enforce these smoothness and data fidelity constraints during each of many iterations of the algorithm. Here we review our recent work in regularized tomography in which the smoothness constraint is analytically transformed from the image to the projection domain, before any computations begin. As a result, iterations take place entirely in the projection domain, avoiding the repeated sparse matrix-vector products. A more surprising benefit is the decoupling of a large system of regularization equations into many small systems of simpler independent equations, whose solution requires an "embarassingly parallel" computation. Here, we demonstrate that this method provides linear speedup of regularized tomography for up to 20 compute nodes (Pentium 4, 1.5 GHz) on a 100 Mb/s network using a Matlab MPI implementation.
Management of a large team-design and robotics-oriented sophomore design class

Development and implementation of innovative, team-oriented, undergraduate design experiences can stimulate innovation in the engineering curriculum. However, combining team design with a hands-on technical realization experience can become unwieldy for an engineering program, due to the management of materials, students and instructors. Northern Arizona University has developed a management scheme for one of their large team design classes which allows for a controlled environment in which the class can be presented, yet flexible enough to incorporate ongoing changes each semester. The interdisciplinary sophomore design course - EGR 286 - is a relatively large class size for a single session, enrolling up to seventy students. It requires the coordination of over twenty student teams, each using separately assigned, university-owned, Legoreg Mindstorm kits and accessories. The teams are eventually merged into a smaller number of larger teams by mid-semester. The assignments and anonymous student peer evaluations are managed through the adaptation of a distance-learning web-based system. The logistics of the team assignments, kit issue, student teaching assistants and computing/laptop management are addressed. The management scheme has resulted in an ability to allow several different instructors to teach the class with less difficulty. Another result is that the management structure allows for new projects and even new equipment to be implemented without changing the underlying teaching objectives.
Remediation: Understanding New Media

Part 1 Theory: immediacy, hypermediacy and remediation mediation and remediation networks of remediation. Part 2 Media: computer games digital photography photorealistic graphics digital art film virtual reality mediated spaces television the World Wide Web ubiquitous computing convergence. Part 3 Self: the remediated self the virtual self the networked self conclusion.
College Diversity Is (But Doesn’t Have to Be) for Whites

College diversity programs are designed to improve white students’ experiences, ignoring the benefits of cross-cultural interactions for all.