cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Utilizing stochastic model checking to analyze genetic circuits

When designing and analyzing genetic circuits, researchers are often interested in the probability of the system reaching a given state within a certain amount of time. Usually, this involves simulating the system to produce some time series data and analyzing this data to discern the state probabilities. However, as the complexity of models of genetic circuits grow, it becomes more difficult for researchers to reason about the different states by looking only at time series simulation results of the models. To address this problem, this paper employs the use of stochastic model checking, a method for determining the likelihood that certain events occur in a system, with continuous stochastic logic (CSL) properties to obtain similar results. This goal is accomplished by the introduction of a methodology for converting a genetic circuit model (GCM) into a continuous-time Markov chain (CTMC). This CTMC is analyzed using transient Markov chain analysis to determine the likelihood that the circuit satisfies a given CSL property in a finite amount of time. This paper illustrates a use of this methodology to determine the likelihood of failure in a genetic toggle switch and compares these results to stochastic simulation-based analysis of this same circuit. Our results show that this method results in a substantial speedup as compared with conventional simulation-based approaches.
Gated molecular recognition and dynamic discrimination of guests.

Some highly efficient enzymes, e.g., acetylcholinesterase, use gating as a tool for controlling the rate by which substrates access their active site to direct product formation. Mastering gated molecular encapsulation could therefore be important for manipulating reactivity in artificial environments, albeit quantitative relationships that describe these processes are unknown. In this work, we examined the interdependence between the thermodynamics (ΔG°) and the kinetics (ΔGin‡ and ΔGout‡) of encapsulation as mediated by gated molecular basket 1. For a series of isosteric guests (2−6, 106−107 A3) entering/exiting 1, we found a linear correlation between the host−guest affinities (ΔG°) and the free energies of the activation (ΔGin‡ and ΔGout‡), which was fit to the following equation: ΔG‡ = ρΔG°+ δ. Markedly, the kinetics for the entrapment of smaller guest 7 (93 A3) and bigger guest 8 (121 A3) did not follow the free energy trends observed for 2−6. Thus, it appears that the kinetics of the gated encapsul...
Parental Social Cognition of Children's Social Status

The purpose of the study was to describe the relationship between mothers' knowledge of their children's friendship preferences and their children's achievement of social status. Sociometric nominations for 52 girls and 50 boys in Grades 2 and 3 were used to determine children's social status and 57 mothers were interviewed for their “sociometric awareness” of their children's social status among peers. Both children's and maternal sociometric awareness were correlated positively with social acceptance and negatively with social rejection by peers. Mothers of “rejected” children were less aware of the positive friendship preferences of their children than mothers of children of more favored status.
Children’s paired associate learning of verbal and pictorial material

Third and fifth grade Ss were presented paired-associate tasks which differed in the response elements used: concrete and abstract words and concrete and abstract forms. A higher level of performance was found with the concrete than with the abstract materials. A superiority of performance with concrete forms over concrete words was not found. Significant developmental differences in performance occurred for the verbal tasks, and there were significant sex differences for the tasks employing concrete materials.
Embodying Contradictions The Case of Professional Women's Basketball

As women have continued to redefine themselves in a changing world, many barriers to their entry into sport have been lowered, and women's sports have flourished. This article is an ethnographic ca...
Annulate lamellae in hindgut epithelial cells ofIsopoda

Hindgut epithelial cells of the aquatic isopod,Asellus communis, and the terrestrial isopod,Armadillidium vulgare, possess annulate lamellae. The organelle is present in non-dividing cells of intermolt adult organisms. The lamellae exhibit dense pore areas traversed by diaphragms, and the lamellae are associated with elements of endoplasmic reticulum.
Resistance of dissociants of Gaffkya tetragena to penicillin and streptomycin.

ConclusionG. tetragena, strains 6007 and 10875, failed to acquire resistance to penicillin after repeated transfers in or on media containing it, nor did the procedure induce visible variation or reversion of the usual dissociant forms. Growth on streptomycin-agar increased the tolerance of each variant to 5 to 30 times the original amount of streptomycin which may be of clinical significance. There was no evidence that variant forms better fitted than the original one to grow under new adverse circumstances were either induced or purposefully developed. The change seemed to be a gradual adaptive one.
Homogeneous Nucleation of Metals in a Plasma-Quench Reactor

We present a new and general application of the method of moments for modeling the nucleation of condensates in a steady-state supersonic nozzle flora generated in a plasma-quench reactor. A closed set of growth/evaporation rate equations has been employed to propagate the moments of the particle size distribution without invoking the usual coarse-graining or truncation approximations of conventional binning approaches. The method has been employed to calculate the nucleation rates, particle number density, and the particle-size distribution for 11 elemental metals (Ag, Al, Be, Ce, Cr, Fe, Gd, Ti, Th, U, and Zr) condensing in a model argon nozzle flow. We have identified the regions in the nozzle of maximum nucleation rate, and have shown how different particle-size distributions can develop in different regions.
DNA and RNA forty years ago.

(2003). DNA and RNA Forty Years Ago. Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics: Vol. 21, No. 3, pp. 311-316.
Conservative Christian teachers: possible consequences for lesbian, gay and bisexual youth

This essay explores the effects evangelical and/or fundamentalist Christian educators could have on the experiences of lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) individuals in schools. Evangelical and/or fundamentalist Christian educators’ beliefs about LGB individuals may be at odds with the goals of equity, social justice and activism a true multicultural education provides. Teacher educators, in particular multicultural teacher educators, must understand the historical and social influences Christianity has on how LGB persons are perceived and how teachers who are fundamentalist and/or evangelical may consciously or unconsciously oppress and marginalize these students and other LGB members of the education community.
Exploring an English Language Learner's Literacy Learning Opportunities: A Collaborative Case Study Analysis

This investigation is an ethnographic case study of the literacy learning opportunities of a fifth-grade Hmong child (pseudonym Deng) who came to the United States from Laos via Thailand at the ver...
Staffing for Security: Don't Optimize

Security threats are irregular, sometimes very sophisticated, and difficult to measure in an economic sense. Much published data about them comes from either anecdotes or surveys and is often either not quantified or not quantified in a way that's comparable across organizations. It's hard even to separate the increase in actual danger from year to year from the increase in the perception of danger from year to year. Staffing to meet these threats is still more a matter of judgment than science, and in particular, optimizing staff allocation will likely leave your organization vulnerable at the worst times.
Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis Diversity of Human and Bovine Clinical Salmonella Isolates

Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) characterization of 335 temporally and spatially matched clinical, bovine, and human Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica isolates revealed 167 XbaI PFGE patterns. These isolates were previously classified into 51 serotypes and 73 sequence types, as determined by multilocus sequence typing. Discriminatory power of PFGE (Simpson's index, D = 0.991) was considerably higher than that of multilocus sequence typing (D = 0.920) or serotyping (D = 0.913). Although 128 PFGE types each only represented a single isolate, 8 PFGE types represented >4 isolates, including (i) three serotype Enteritidis and Heidelberg patterns that were only identified among human isolates, (ii) two PFGE patterns (each representing serotypes Bardo and Newport) that were significantly more common among bovine isolates as compared with human isolates; (iii) two PFGE types that each includes two serotypes (4,5,12:i:- and Typhimurium; Thompson and 1,7:-:1,5); and (iv) one PFGE type that includes eight Typhimurium isolates from humans and cattle. Characterization of isolates collected over multiple farm visits indicated that given specific PFGE types persisted over time on 11 farms. On an additional seven farms, isolates with a given sequence type represented multiple PFGE type, which typically only differed by <3 bands, suggesting PFGE type diversification during strain persistence. Sixteen PFGE types were isolated from 2 or more farms, including two widely distributed serotype Newport-associated PFGE types each found on 10 farms. In six instances two or three human isolates collected in the same county in the same or consecutive months represented the same subtypes, suggesting small human case clusters. PFGE-based characterization and surveillance of human and animal isolates can provide improved understanding of Salmonella diversity and epidemiology, including identification of possible host-associated and common, widely distributed PFGE types.
Analgesic effectiveness of acetaminophen for primary cleft palate repair in young children: a randomized placebo controlled trial

Summary Background Clefting of the lip, palate, or both is a common congenital abnormality. Inadequate treatment for pain in children may result from concerns over opioid-related adverse effects. Providing adequate pain control with minimal adverse effects remains challenging in children. Objectives To assess opioid-sparing effects of oral or intravenous acetaminophen following primary cleft palate repair in children. Methods Prospective randomized controlled trial in 45 healthy children, ages 5 months to 5 years, using standardized general anesthesia and lidocaine infiltration of the operative field. Patients were allocated to groups: intravenous acetaminophen/oral placebo (intravenous), oral acetaminophen/intravenous placebo (oral), or intravenous/oral placebo (control). Groups were compared for differences in opioid administration during the 24-h study period (morphine equivalents µg·kg−1; 95% confidence interval). Results Intravenous acetaminophen decreased opioid requirement after surgery (P = 0.003). Patients in the intravenous group received less opioid (272.9; 202.9–342.8 µg·kg−1) than control patients (454.2; 384.3–524.2 µg·kg−1; P < 0.002). Opioid requirement in oral patients (376.5; 304.1–448.9 µg·kg−1) was intermediate and not significantly different from either intravenous (P = 0.11) or control (P = 0.27). During the ward phase of care, intravenous had better analgesia than control (P = 0.002), and both intravenous and oral group patients received less opioid than control (P = 0.01). Conclusion Intravenous acetaminophen given to young children undergoing primary cleft palate repair was associated with opioid-sparing effects compared to placebo. The fewer morphine doses during ward stay in both intravenous and oral may be important clinically in some settings.
Error-feedback servomechanism in non-linear systems

We consider the controller design of the error-feedback servomechanism in exponentially stable non-linear systems. Using the concepts of integral manifold and singular perturbation, a non-linear controller is constructed that ensures a desired steady state tracking rate for unknown constant set-points. The servo rate in the error-feedback servomechanism is shown to be governed by not only the plant characteristics but also the initial conditions of the plant and controller. A self-tuning scheme is proposed to speed up the servo process.
THE EPA'S NEW TEST METHOD FOR PAINT OVERSPRAY ARRESTORS

Summary Method 319 was developed to provide a reliable means of obtaining paint-arrestor filtration-efficiency data over the respirable particle size range: particles ≤10 μm in diameter. This information is not available from the traditional weight-based arrestance measurement because those measurements are heavily influenced by larger sized particles. The method builds on procedures developed over a number of years by RTI. EPA, and ASHRAE for testing paint arrestors and ventilation filters. The method consists of using an aerosol particle counter to measure the efficiency of the arrestor over the particle diameter size range from 0.3 to 10 μm with both liquid- and solid-phase challenge aerosols. Results from the tests are used to certify compliance with the filtration-efficiency requirement of the Aerospace NESHAP.
The IFR property for consecutive-k-out-of-n:F systems

Abstract For a consecutive-k-out-of-n system of components with independent and identically distributed increasing failure rate (IFR) lifetimes, Cui et al. (Probab. Engng. Inform. Sci. 9 (1995) 217) proved that for any fixed k, there exists an nk for which the system does not preserve IFR when n>nk. On the other hand, it is difficult to obtain an analytical expression for nk although it is useful to know the range of values for which the IFR property is preserved. In this paper, we present a bound for nk. Some numerical results are given.
Critical currents of aligned grains of Tl-Ba-Ca-Cu-O compounds

A study of irreversibility in the magnetization curves of Tl2Ba2Ca2Cu3O10 and Tl2Ba2Ca1Cu2O8 was undertaken to determine the intragranular critical currents and the effects of flux-creep in grain-aligned samples of these materials. For fields of greater than 0.3 T, and H parallel to c axis, the critical supercurrent falls approximately exponentially with both magnetic field and temperature. Flux-creep is found to be linear in the logarithm of time at low fields over a wide temperature range.
Estimation of the autocorrelation coefficient in the presence of a regression trend

Abstract In this paper estimation of the autocorrelation parameter σ is studied in nonparametric and semiparametric regression models with autoregressive errors. It is shown that under mild assumptions one can construct an estimator that is asymptotically equivalent to the least squares estimator based on the autoregressive error process.
Numerical simulation and test of a UV-LIGA-fabricated electromagnetic micro-relay for power applications

Abstract The research work presented in this paper focused on the modeling, simulation, and test of the dynamic performances of a UV-LIGA-fabricated electromagnetic power relay. The relay consists of a microfabricated magnetic core, a spring-suspended Ni–Fe plunger, and a mechanically wound solenoid. The performances of the prototype relay are consistent with those predicted using mathematical models. The current capacity of the prototype relay with a plunger thickness of 17 μm was measured to be over 300 mA. Switching currents over 100 mA have been applied to the electromagnetic without overheat related failure. The maximum square wave frequency tested for the prototype relay was measured as 500 Hz. The flexibility of the design and the UV-LIGA fabrication technology used make the scale-up of the power capacity possible if needed. The current capacity of the relay may be further boasted by optimal design of the suspension spring and the magnetic core that serve as part of the electrical circuit. The moderate current capacity was the result of the manual assembly, and can be improved with wire-bonding technology and adoption of coils from commercial vendors.
Preparation of polymer colloids by chemical reactions in aerosols. III. Polyurea and mixed polyurea-metal oxide particles☆☆☆

Abstract Polyurea colloids consisting of spherical particles of narrow size distribution were prepared by reacting aerosol droplets of toluene diisocyanate (TDI) or hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) with ethylenediamine (EDA) vapor. The particle size could be altered by the temperature of the aerosol generator and by the flow rate of the carrier gas. Mixed polyurea/metal oxide particles were obtained by exposing the polymer colloid to alkoxide vapors with subsequent hydrolysis in a humid atmosphere. In this study titanium(IV) isopropoxide was used to prepare polyurea/TiO2 solids and aluminum secbutoxide for polyurea/Al2O3 powders. Experimental evidence indicates that the metal oxides are incorporated in the polymer beads rather than to form a surface layer.
Experimental evaluation of the TCP simultaneous-send problem in 802.11 wireless local area networks

This paper is an experimental follow up to our earlier paper [1] that investigated the TCP simultaneous-send problem which arises in infrastructure mode 802.11 wireless local area networks. In particular it was observed that for file transfer traffic, 802.11 wireless nodes have a sustained supply of packets to send and hence experience a relatively high rate of MAC contention. We showed that for TCP, this resulted in competition among data and ACK packets for channel access which caused considerable deterioration in flow throughput. Simulations of TCP ACK skipping as an alleviation to the problem, showed improvements as high as 100% when MAC retries were disabled. There were gains in other scenarios too albeit more moderate.We evaluate the same TCP simultaneous-send problem with real world experiments on a wireless-cum-wired network testbed called ORBIT [2] at WINLAB, Rutgers University. ORBIT makes it feasible to conduct controlled and reproducible experiments in a wireless network scenario. The same network setup scenarios evaluated in simulations were considered here., particularly - scenarios with and without MAC retries, multiple TCP flows and multiple skipped ACKs. However not all scenarios could be reproduced in experiments for logistical reasons. In all, the experimental results confirm the original hypothesis on the detrimental effects of simultaneous-send and corroborate the advantages of ACK skipping, However the percentage gains in TCP throughput are far more moderate as compared to those observed in NS simulations. A reason could be differing TCP implementations, particularly with not all TCP optimizations implemented in NS. We share the experiences and challenges faced, particularly given that this work is among the first of its kind for testbed evaluation of transport protocols over wireless networks.
Scaling relationships for theories of anisotropic random walks applied to tissue optics

Monte Carlo simulations are used to discern scaling relationships for photon migration occurring within homogeneous, anisotropic scattering media of semi-infinite extent. Special attention is given to events associated with short path lengths. Empirical scaling relationships for path lengths and surface intensities are shown to agree with a consistency equation derived in an earlier study of anisotropic random walks. They are augmented here by a procedure that accounts for concomitant scaling of optical absorption coefficients. Results then are used to transform expressions that were obtained previously by analytical random-walk theory developed for an isotropic scattering model of photon migration. Quantities that are studied include the diffuse surface reflectance, the depth distribution of the fluence, and the time-resolved intensity of backreflected photons.
Role of Fc‐mediated antibody function in protective immunity against HIV‐1

The importance of Fc-mediated effector function in protective immunity to HIV-1 (hereafter referred to simply as HIV) is becoming increasingly apparent. A large of number of studies in natural infection cohorts, spanning the last 26 years, have associated Fc-mediated effector function, particularly antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, with a favourable clinical course. These studies strongly suggest a role for Fc-mediated effector function in the post-infection control of viraemia. More recently, studies in both humans and non-human primates (NHPs) also implicate Fc-mediated effector function in blocking HIV acquisition. Accordingly, this review will discuss the results supporting a role of Fc-mediated effector function in both blocking acquisition and post-infection control of viraemia. Parallel studies in NHPs and humans will be compared for common themes. Context for this discussion will be provided by summarizing the temporal emergence of key host and virological events over the course of an untreated HIV infection framing where, when and how Fc-mediated effector function might be protective. A hypothesis that Fc-mediated effector function protects primarily in the early stages of both acquisition and post-infection control of viraemia will be developed.
A low‐cost gate for ultrasound pulse‐echo studies

Selective gating of ultrasound echoes usually requires an expensive piece of electronics, a stepless gate. This note presents a simple circuit utilizing low‐cost components which is easily built, and gives satisfactory performance as a gate for the study of individual ultrasound echoes. The gate has been measured to have a transmission loss of −2 dB and an isolation of −50 dB.
Negotiating the Transnational Moment: Immigrant Letters as Performance of a Diasporic Identity

As snapshots of moments in transnational migration, immigrant letters offer a rich record of liminal experiences. This article explores the important role of immigrant correspondence in the evolution of diasporic identities. As a form of performative discourse, such letters functioned rhetorically as a means of maintaining familial connections, providing justification for migration and serving as a space for the negotiation of changing identities. This research project analyses one set of Dutch letters written during the immigration journey in the spring of 1916 and focuses specifically on the exigencies prompting and shaping the transition.
Learning metaphor through mixed-reality game design and game play

This paper describes a recent program for game-based learning within a mixed-reality environment, the Situated Multimedia Arts Learning Lab [SMALLab]. In the program, our research team collaborated with a 9th grade Language Arts teacher to design and deliver a new learning game and associated curriculum. Through the process of game-design and game-play, students advance their understanding of metaphor. We outline the theoretical basis upon which design decisions were made, and describe the rationale for choosing Language Arts as the subject area for this program.Three goals structure our research: (1) to advance students' understanding of literary devices with an emphasis on metaphor; (2) to engage otherwise under-performing students through game-based learning that is student-centered, collaborative, and based in reflective practice; and (3) to demonstrate effective game-based learning using a mixed-reality platform in a conventional classroom context. Twenty-four students attending a large suburban high school in the southwest United States participated in this learning experience once a week for seven weeks during the Fall of 2007. Our data indicates that these students attained a more globally coherent model of metaphor in the course of their participation, that they found both the game-design and the game-play process stimulating and rewarding, and that, given the necessary scaffolding, a mixed-reality learning environment can be effectively employed to teach standards-based curriculum in a conventional high school classroom.
Regulation of skeletal muscle satellite cell proliferation and differentiation by transforming growth factor-beta, insulin-like growth factor I, and fibroblast growth factor

Skeletal muscle satellite cells were cultured from mature rats and were treated in vitro with various combinations of transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta, fibroblast growth factor (FGF), and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I). In serum-free defined medium the following observations were made: TGF-beta depressed proliferation and inhibited differentiation; FGF stimulated proliferation and depressed differentiation; IGF-I stimulated proliferation to a small degree but demonstrated a more pronounced stimulation of differentiation. In evaluating combinations of these three factors, the differentiation inhibiting effect of TGF-beta could not be counteracted by any combination of IGF-I or FGF. The proliferation-depressing activity of TGF-beta, however, could not inhibit the mitogenic activity of FGF. Maximum stimulation of proliferation was observed in the presence of both FGF and IGF-I. The highest percentage fusion was also observed under these conditions, but differentiation with minimal proliferation resulted from treatment with IGF-I, alone. By altering the concentrations of TGF-beta, FGF, and IGF-I, satellite cells can be induced to proliferate, differentiate, or to remain quiescent.
Virtue in Silence: Voice and Femininity in Ling Shuhua's Boudoir Fiction

New Culture intellectuals avidly promoted new narratives and models of femininity as the cornerstone of a new culture; the gender discourse they advocated, however, continued to be refracted through traditional notions of femininity and writing. This paper examines the means by which one woman writer, Ling Shuhua, attempted to navigate the contradictions of this discourse, to forge her identity as a modern woman writer. The shifting nature of Ling Shuhua's literary negotiations is particularly salient when her portrayals of traditional femininity and use of voice in Temple of Flowers (1928) are contextualized against her lesser-known works—her early stories published in 1924 in Chenbao and her later fictionalized autobiography in English, Ancient Melodies (1953). Unlike her lesser-known works, which are deeply sympathetic to the plight of boudoir women and critical of New Culture discourse, the stories in Temple of Flowers are often framed with a sense of ambiguity in relation to both feminist and New Culture agendas. While these disparities may reflect a resourcefulness on Ling Shuhua's part in her bid to carve out public writing spaces, they also suggest the kinds of negotiations and self-effacing gestures that her literary endeavors may have entailed.
Pulverization and Corrosion Studies of Bare and Cobalt-Encapsulated Metal Hydride Electrodes

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was used as an in situ technique to determine the average particle size of metal hydride electrodes. Using this, the pulverization of bare and cobalt-encapsulated LaNi Sn alloy was studied as a function of charge-dis- 4.27 0.24 charge cycles. In the case of bare alloy, pulverization causes an exponential decay in particle size with cycling. Cobalt-encapsulated alloys do not undergo much pulverization with cycling. Bode responses obtained for bare alloy electrodes indicate the increase in particle to particle resistance with cycling. Alloy oxidation, which is responsible for the increase in particle to particle resistance is absent in the case of cobalt encapsulated alloy. Surface analysis indicates the presence of alloy segregation for bare LaNi Sn . Decrease in particle 4.27 0.24 size and increase in bare alloy resistance is accompanied with severe decay in electrode discharge capacity. q 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.
Diaphragmatic excursion after pleural sclerosis.

Chemical sclerosis of the pleural space is used to prevent recurrence of spontaneous pneumothorax. To test whether sclerosis restricts diaphragmatic excursion, we measured diaphragmatic excursion by ultrasonography in subjects with unilateral pleural sclerosis and compared it with diaphragmatic excursions in normal subjects, in subjects with cystic fibrosis (a diffuse bilateral lung disease), and in those who underwent surgical procedures that obliterate the pleural space. In five subjects with unilateral chemical sclerosis, diaphragmatic excursion was significantly less on the sclerosed side than on the contralateral side (10.7 +/- 1.3 vs 17.3 +/- 1.7 mm, mean +/- SEM; p less than .01). Compared with those of normal subjects, the side-to-side differences in excursion were increased by pulmonary disease (p less than .03) and additionally by unilateral sclerosis (p less than .015). There was no significant difference between diaphragmatic excursions on left and right sides of subjects without history of pleural disease. These data suggest that chemical pleural sclerosis causes a measurable reduction in diaphragmatic excursion on the affected side. The physiologic significance of this effect is not known.
Estrogen deficiency increases variability of tissue mineral density of alveolar bone surrounding teeth.

Objective Estrogen deficiency increases bone remodeling leading to increased variability of tissue mineral density (TMD). Due to the functional demands of mastication, alveolar bone around teeth is inherently a highly remodeled region of bone tissue with a highly variable distribution of TMD. This study investigated the effect of estrogen deficiency on the TMD distribution of alveolar bone.
Surviving Layoffs: A Qualitative Study of Factors Affecting Retained Employees After Downsizing

Workforce downsizing is becoming an increasingly common outcome of organizational restructuring. Recent studies have focused on the victims of downsizing, the employees laid off. Unfortunately, little has been said about what happens to the “survivors” of downsizing. This qualitative report documents the perspectives of a small company's layoff survivors. It examines factors that affect retained employees' performance. A conceptual framework for evaluating how downsizing impacts job performance is presented. Three main factors–need for security, desire for justice, and level of job enrichment–found to have an impact on employees' ability to actively support the company in its quest for competitive edge, are discussed.
Rapid activation receptor- or IL-2-induced lytic granule convergence in human natural killer cells requires Src, but not downstream signaling.

Natural killer (NK) cells participate in host defense by surveying for and ultimately killing virally infected or malignant target cells. NK cell cytotoxicity is a tightly regulated process that proceeds stepwise from adhesion and activation to the secretion of preformed lytic granule contents onto a diseased or stressed cell. We previously characterized rapid dynein-dependent lytic granule convergence to the microtubule-organizing center (MTOC) as an early, prerequisite step in NK cell cytotoxicity. Although multiple activating receptors can trigger granule convergence, the specific signal or signals responsible remained unknown. Using live cell confocal microscopy, NK cell lytic granule movement after NK cell activation was captured and measured. Using inhibitors of common early signaling mediators, we show that Src kinases are required for lytic granule convergence, but downstream signals that promote actin rearrangement, MTOC polarization, and calcium mobilization are not. Exposure to interleukin 2 was also sufficient to induce lytic granule convergence, which required noncanonical Src-dependent signaling. Thus, NK cell lytic granule convergence, prompted by specific receptor-mediated and soluble cytokine signals, depends on a directly downstream early Src kinase–dependent signal and emphasizes the importance of this step in readying NK cells for cytotoxicity.
Leaf and root control of stomatal closure during drying in soybean

The stomatal conductance of an illuminated 2.5 cm 2 area of an intact soybean leaflet was the same whether the rest of the shoot was in light or darkness. This was true throughout soil drying cycles. Water potential of tissue immediately outside the illuminated area consistently decreased about 0.3 MPa upon illumination of the shoot. This erroneously suggested that stomatal conductance during soil drying did not respond to diurnal reductions in leaf water potential, but was controlled by root or soil water status. Tests showed that the water potential of tissue in the illuminated area did not change in the steady-state upon illumination of the rest of the shoot. Water potentials of shaded sections of leaves were not different from predawn water potentials, and were higher than leaf xylem pressure potentials as determined with a pressure chamber. These steep local gradients of leaf water potential suggest that there is minimal interchange of water among xylem elements leading from roots to different sections of leaves. The relationship between stomatal conductance and leaf water potential was the same whether leaf water potential was reduced by soil drying, application of polyethylene glycol (PEG) to the root system, lowering root temperature, or leaf excision. In the root cooling experiment, there was no soil drying, and with leaf excision, there was no root drying. The similarity of stomatal responses to leaf water potential in all cases strongly suggests control of conductance by a signal produced by local leaf water potential rather than root or soil water status in these experiments.
Magnetic Ligation Method for Quantitative Detection of MicroRNAs

A magnetic ligation method is utilized for the detection of microRNAs among a complex biological background without polymerase chain reaction or nucleotide modification. The sandwich probes assay can be adapted to analyze a panel of microRNAs associated with cardiovascular diseases in heart tissue samples.
Primary cutaneous B-cell lymphoma treated with radiotherapy: a comparison of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer and the WHO classification systems.

Purpose To determine the relationship between the WHO and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) pathologic classifications for primary cutaneous B-cell lymphoma (CBCL) and the implication of this relationship on initial treatment. Patients and Methods Patients with primary CBCL treated with radiotherapy were identified retrospectively. Initial biopsy specimens were reviewed by two dermatopathologists and classified according to the EORTC and WHO systems. Primary outcomes were recurrence-free and overall survival. Results Thirty-four patients were identified; initial biopsy specimens were adequate for classification in 32 patients. Four different composite histopathologic subtypes of lymphoma were identified: 53% (17 of 32) follicle center cell by EORTC and diffuse large B-cell by WHO (FCC/DLB), 25% (eight of 32) follicle center cell by EORTC and follicular by WHO (FCC/Fol), 13% (four of 32) marginal zone by EORTC and WHO (MZ/MZ), and 9% (three of 32) large B-cell of the leg by...
Quantifying the effects of light intensity on bioproduction and maintenance energy during photosynthetic growth of Rhodobacter sphaeroides

Obtaining a better understanding of the physiology and bioenergetics of photosynthetic microbes is an important step toward optimizing these systems for light energy capture or production of valuable commodities. In this work, we analyzed the effect of light intensity on bioproduction, biomass formation, and maintenance energy during photoheterotrophic growth of Rhodobacter sphaeroides. Using data obtained from steady-state bioreactors operated at varying dilution rates and light intensities, we found that irradiance had a significant impact on biomass yield and composition, with significant changes in photopigment, phospholipid, and biopolymer storage contents. We also observed a linear relationship between incident light intensity and H2 production rate between 3 and 10 W m−2, with saturation observed at 100 W m−2. The light conversion efficiency to H2 was also higher at lower light intensities. Photosynthetic maintenance energy requirements were also significantly affected by light intensity, with links to differences in biomass composition and the need to maintain redox homeostasis. Inclusion of the measured condition-dependent biomass and maintenance energy parameters and the measured photon uptake rate into a genome-scale metabolic model for R. sphaeroides (iRsp1140) significantly improved its predictive performance. We discuss how our analyses provide new insights into the light-dependent changes in bioenergetic requirements and physiology during photosynthetic growth of R. sphaeroides and potentially other photosynthetic organisms.
The Carboxyl Terminus of the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator Binds to AP-2 Clathrin Adaptors *

The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) undergoes rapid and efficient endocytosis. Since functionally active CFTR is found in purified clathrin-coated vesicles isolated from both cultured epithelial cells and intact epithelial tissues, we investigated the molecular mechanisms whereby CFTR could enter such endocytic clathrin-coated vesicles. In vivo cross-linking and in vitro pull-down assays show that full-length CFTR binds to the endocytic adaptor complex AP-2. Fusion proteins containing the carboxyl terminus of CFTR (amino acids 1404-1480) were also able to bind AP-2 but did not bind the Golgi-specific adaptor complex AP-1. Substitution of an alanine residue for tyrosine at position 1424 significantly reduced the ability of AP-2 to bind the carboxyl terminus of CFTR; however, mutation to a phenylalanine residue (an amino acid found at position 1424 in dogfish CFTR) did not perturb AP-2 binding. Secondary structure predictions suggest that Tyr(1424) is present in a beta-turn conformation, a conformation disrupted by alanine but not phenylalanine. Together, these data suggest that the carboxyl terminus of CFTR contains a tyrosine-based internalization signal that interacts with the endocytic adaptor complex AP-2 to facilitate efficient entry of CFTR into clathrin-coated vesicles.
Colonial Legacies, Decolonized Spirits: Balboa, Ugandan Martyrs and AIDS Solidarity Today

The longing and journey toward “decolonization,” of body, mind and community, is a key element in queer/bi spirituality. “Colonization” is that complex notion that refers to external acts of conquest; it also involves the inner colonization or alienation of the minds and souls of the colonized. Two poignant examples from queer history illustrate how the “heteronorm” was/is established over queer bodies and spirits: one, Balboa's murder of “sodomites” (Panama, 1513) and, in 1886 (B)Uganda, the demonization of the African queer/bi ruler, Mwanga. For contemporary Western queer/bi persons, political-spiritual solidarity with historic and present-day demonized sexualities, such as in the AIDS pandemic, is a generous, life-giving response.
Anisotropic steric effects and negative 〈 P 4 〉 in nematic liquid crystals

Starting with a model intermolecular potential that includes $\stackrel{^}{\ensuremath{\Omega}}\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}\stackrel{^}{r}$ terms to account for anisotropic steric interactions, we carry out a statistical mechanical calculation in the cell approximation, and apply it specifically to the isotropic-nematic transition of methoxybenzylidene butylaniline (MBBA). The potential is determined to fit the experimental transition temperature ${T}_{\mathrm{IN}}$ and the discontinuity in the orientational order parameter $〈{P}_{2}〉$ at transition. $〈{P}_{2}〉$ and $〈{P}_{4}〉$ are then calculated from solving a set of coupled self-consistency equations for the orientational and spatial parts of the distribution function, as are other phase-transition properties. There are improvements over model calculations which do not account for anisotropic steric effects, but the improvements are generally less than significant. The most striking result is that a stable nematic phase requires $〈{P}_{4}〉$ to be negative at and near the transition. It is a theoretical result qualitatively consistent with experimental data but has not been attained until now.
Model‐reference adaptive control system

An adaptive process control scheme—which uses a differential equation model, requires no differentiations in the adaptive circuitry, and no identification of the varying process parameter—was analyzed mathematically and studied on an analog computer. The adaptive loop is operative only during a transient and corrects only in the direction of mismatch between the process and model. Linear analysis of the system differential equations when the correction signal is not introduced into the controller provides a means of designing the adaptive circuitry and approximating the effect when the signal is introduced. The effects on system stability with a pure delay, measurement lag, or an additional pole in the process are presented. Computer results show that when large differences exist between the actual process time constant and the original controller setting, the adaptive feature reduces the overshoot to essentially zero.
Wideband, high-amplitude, pulsed antennas for medical therapies and medical imaging

Focusing Impulse Radiating Antennas allow the application of intense electric fields to biological tissue with centimeter spatial resolution. At low electric field strength, the scattered electromagnetic waves from the focal volume can be used to obtain information on the complex permittivity of the tissue at this location. Since the permittivity of tumor tissue varies considerably from that of healthy tissue, this will allow us to explore the growth and composition of tumors. At high electric fields, cell functions are affected, resulting in effects which may lead to new medical therapies. Two types of antennas with prolate-spheroidal reflectors are being studied, experimentally and through modeling, with respect to their focusing characteristics. As the pulse source for the antennas, a 150 ps, high voltage (>100 kV) pulse generator has been developed that is also used to explore the biological effects of wideband pulses.
Barriers to Integrated Treatment of Substance Abuse and Trauma Among Women

Despite increasing empirical support for an integrated approach to treating trauma and substance abuse, many substance abuse treatment programs have been slow to embrace integrated models of practice. Using an embedded case study design, the purpose of this study was to understand barriers that prevented a substance abuse treatment provider and 20 professionals and staff from adopting an integrated approach to treating substance abuse and trauma. Data analysis revealed 2 kinds of barriers that prevented substance abuse treatment professionals from fully integrating substance abuse and trauma: systemic and professional barriers. These barriers have to be taken into account when trying to move providers and professionals toward integrated approaches to treating substance abuse and trauma.
Phase-Separated Two-Component Self-Assembled Organosilane Monolayers and Their Use in Selective Adsorption of a Protein

Stable mixed monolayers are prepared by combining Langmuir−Blodgett (LB) deposition with self-assembly. Islands of stable organosilane monolayers are formed on mica by the LB technique and the bare...
An aryl β-d-glucosidase of the aquatic fungus Lagenidium giganteum, a parasite of mosquito larvae

Lagenidium giganteum Couch, a watermold parasitic on mosquito larvae possesses an intracellular β-d-glucosidase (β-d-glucoside glucohydrolase, E. C. 3.2.1.21). The enzyme was purified 132 fold and, with the substrate p-nitrophenyl β-d-glucoside, was shown to have the following properties: The pH of optimum enzyme stability and activity lay between 5.5 and 6.0, and the enzyme was inactivated at temperatures above 50°C. The Km was 4.6×10-5 M and the Arrhenius activation energy was 8.35 Kcal·mole-1. Elution from Sephadex G-200 gave an approximate molecular weight of 120000. The enzyme was inhibited by Pb2+, Ag2+ and Hg2+, by glucose and by p-chloromercuribenzoate. The latter inhibition was overcome cy cysteine. Chromatographic studies demonstrated transferase as well as hydrolase properties.
Distal lower extremity imaging: prospective comparison of 2-dimensional time of flight, 3-dimensional time-resolved contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography, and 3-dimensional bolus chase contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography.

Objective: To compare the 2-dimensional time of flight, the 3-dimensional time-resolved contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) angiography, and the 3-dimensional 3-station bolus chase contrast-enhanced MR angiography in assessing distal station atherosclerosis. Methods: Two-dimensional time of flight, 3-dimensional time-resolved contrast-enhanced MR angiography, and 3-dimensional bolus chase contrast-enhanced MR angiography were performed from the knees to the metatarsal heads of 40 patients. Blinded to the patients' identity, 2 readers independently reviewed the 3 sequences in random order; differences were resolved by consensus. Anterior tibial, peroneal, and posterior tibial arterial lengths to the talar dome were scored as follows: 1, greater than 50% of the length of a normal artery; 2, less than 50%; and 3, total occlusion. Stenoses were scored as follows: 1, less than 50%; and 2, greater than 50%. The pedal vessels (dorsalis pedis, posterior tibial, and plantar pedal arch arteries) were scored as follows: 1, less than 50% stenosis; and 2, greater than 50% stenosis. The reference standard was a combined interpretation of all 3 sequences by both readers in consensus. Results: For the 240 calf segments scored for length, concordance with reference assessment was poorer for the time of flight than for either the bolus chase or time-resolved angiography (P = 0.0021 and P = 0.0082, respectively), and the latter two were statistically indistinguishable. For stenosis grading of the 461 calf and pedal segments, the time-resolved and bolus chase methods were superior to the time of flight (P = <0.0001 and P = 0.0041, respectively), and the contrast-enhanced methods were statistically indistinguishable. Conclusions: Both contrast-enhanced time-resolved and bolus chase MR angiography are superior to the time of flight in diagnosing distal station peripheral vascular disease.
An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States

This book should be widely read, discussed, and diffused. Building on generations of struggle and scholarship, it provides the basis for a full understanding of the US as a colonial-settler state. ...
25Gbps 1.3μm DFB laser for 10–25km transmission in 100GBE systems

We report on a 1.3μm DFB laser with, to our knowledge, record modulation efficiency of 3.7GHz/mA½, demonstrating open eyes after 25km transmission at 25Gbps, under maximum positive dispersion conditions.