cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Self-reinforced polypropylene/LCP extruded strands and their moldings

Polypropylenes (PP) of various molecular weights were mixed with a thermotropic liquid crystal polymer (LCP) and strands were prepared by extrusion and stretching. The strands were subsequently pelletized and then injection molded at temperatures below the melting point of LCP. The mechanical properties and the morphology of the strands and injection-molded specimens were investigated as a function of draw ratio, LCP concentration, and PP molecular weight. The results for strands show that an increase in the draw ratio, LCP concentration and matrix molecular weight in general enhance the modulus and tensile strength. However, the tensile properties of injection-molded specimens are found to be reduced compared with those of the original strands, in particular at high LCP concentration. The morphology of LCP changes from spherical or ellipsoidal droplets to elongated fibrils in the strands as the draw ratio increases, but this aligned LCP fibrillar morphology was not transferred to the injection-molded specimens because of the disorientation of fibrils during injection molding. Compatibilization of PP/LCP blends was also studied by using various polymers. Maleic anhydride and acrylic acid modified PPs improved the tensile properties modestly, but maleic anhydride modified EPDM reduced the tensile properties.
Ontogenetic change in the response of the Gulf of California grunion, Leuresthes sardina (Jenkins & Evermann), to a salinity gradient

Abstract Larval and juvenile Gulf of California grunion, Leuresthes sardina (Jenkins & Evermann), hatched and reared in the laboratory, were subjected to salinity gradients in a Staaland salinity gradient device to determine their locomotive responses. Newly hatched prolarvae selected salinities in the range 15–24‰, while late postlarvae and juveniles preferred salinities in the range 45–54‰. Early postlarvae exhibited a bimodal preference, indicating that the behavioral change was in progress at that age. These behavioral responses may serve several functions in the physiological and behavioral ecology of the Gulf grunion.
Leptin Modulates Airway Remodeling Processes and Responses to Interleukin-13 in Lung Fibroblasts in a Murine Model of Chronic Allergic Airways Disease

L3 Leptin Modulates Airway Remodeling Processes and Responses to Interleukin-13 in Lung Fibroblasts in a Murine Model of Chronic Allergic Airways Disease Jennifer L. Ingram, Robert W. Sigmon, Barbara Theriot, Michael Ghio, Akhil Hegde, Dave Francisco, Julia K. L. Walker, Monica Kraft, MD; Duke University, Durham, NC. RATIONALE: Obese asthma is characterized by late-onset disease and reduced T-helper 2 (TH2)-driven inflammation. Leptin is an adipokine produced in elevated levels in obese individuals. Interleukin-13 (IL-13) is a TH2 cytokine that directs airway remodeling in asthma, including subepithelial fibrosis. We hypothesized that leptin acts to suppress lung fibroblast responses to IL-13 in obese asthma. METHODS: Wildtype (C57BL6), leptin-resistant (db/db), and leptindeficient (ob/ob) mice (n53 per group) were intranasally administered house dust mite (HDM) allergen (2.5 mg/mL) or saline as control 5 days/ week for 6 weeks. Lung mechanics were measured using the forced oscillation technique, and Newtonian resistance was calculated. Lung sections were stained with Masson’s trichrome. Lung fibroblasts were cultured from digested lung tissue and exposed to serum-free media or 50 ng/mL IL-13 for 24 hours. Lung fibroblast invasion and migration were determined using Matrigel assays, and mRNA expression was analyzed using quantitative RT-PCR. RESULTS: Following exposure to HDM, peribronchiolar trichrome staining and IL-13-induced lung fibroblast invasion and migration were significantly reduced in ob/ob and db/db mice as compared to wildtype (p<0.05). IL-13-stimulated elastin gene expression in lung fibroblasts was significantly increased in ob/ob mice as compared to wildtype (p<0.05). Compared to saline treatment, exposure to HDM resulted in significantly increased Newtonian airway resistance (p<0.05) in wildtype and db/db mice, but not ob/ob mice. Saline-treated ob/ob mice were hyperresponsive and displayed a paradoxical response to methacholine challenge. CONCLUSIONS: Lung fibroblasts from leptin-deficient and –resistant mice demonstrate impaired responses to IL-13, which may contribute to altered airway remodeling and lung mechanics in obese asthma.
Spectral radiative transfer approximations for multicomponent gas mixtures

Radiative flux and flux divergence for hot gas, considering spectral frequency, gas volume and spectral variation
Pentacyclic Triterpene Synthesis. IV a New Method for Accomplishing Robinson-Nazarov Annelations

Abstract Robinson annelations using ethyl 3-oxo-4-pentenoic acid (Nazarov's reagent, 1)1 are an important route to α-ethoxycarbonylcyclohexenones (e.g., 2→4).1
Effects of teaching on hospital costs.

Abstract This study estimates effects of undergraduate and graduate medical education on hospital costs, using a national sample of 367 U.S. community hospitals observed in 1974 and 1977. Data on other cost determinants, such as casemix, allow us to isolate the influence of teaching with greater precision than most previous studies. Non-physician expense in major teaching hospitals it at most 20 percent higher than in non-teaching hospitals; the teaching effect is about half this for hospitals with more limited teaching programs. Results for ancillary service departments are consistent with those for the hospital as a whole.
Measurement of the nuclear spin diffusion barrier around Eu2+ ions in CaF2

Abstract The NMR spectrum of discrete 19 F nuclear spins surrounding paramagnetic Eu 2+ impurities in CaF 2 is observed at 1.6 K by high-sensitivity NMR. All but the very nearest nuclei are found to have an appreciable thermal contact with the bulk nuclei. A microscopic analysis of the electron-nuclear and nuclear-nuclear spin coupling mechanisms gives results in accord with this observation.
Introducing graphical models to analyze genetic programming dynamics

We propose graphical models as a new means of understanding genetic programming dynamics. Herein, we describe how to build an unbiased graphical model from a population of genetic programming trees. Graphical models both express information about the conditional dependency relations among a set of random variables and they support probabilistic inference regarding the likelihood of a random variable's outcome. We focus on the former information: by their structure, graphical models reveal structural dependencies between the nodes of genetic programming trees. We identify graphical model properties of potential interest in this regard - edge quantity and dependency among nodes expressed in terms of family relations. Using a simple symbolic regression problem we generate a graphical model of the population each generation. Then we interpret the graphical models with respect to conventional knowledge about the influence of subtree crossover and mutation upon tree structure.
WINDOW MANAGEMENT IN INTERACTIVE COMPUTER SYSTEMS

Despite the popularity of window-management systems in the marketplace, research investigating the usage and possible benefits of such systems has only recently begun to emerge (Bly and Rosenberg, 1986; Bury, Davies and Darnell, 1985; Davies, Bury, and Darnell, 1985). Window-management systems vary enormously, both in terms of the amount of functionality they give to users, and in terms of the command mechanisms provided to users for interacting with the window manager. Our laboratory has been involved in a series of experimental investigations exploring issues related to window management.
Acute and chronic effects of fluoxetine and haloperidol on mouse brain serotonin and norepinephrine turnover

Evidence from clinical studies suggests that the noradrenergic system may play a role in the pathophysiology of antidepressant- and neuroleptic-induced akathisia. In limited previous neurochemical research, acute treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) has been reported to increase rat brain norepinephrine (NE) turnover or release. We have examined the neurochemical effects of 2 hr, 4 day, and 20 day treatment with the SSRI fluoxetine, and the neuroleptic haloperidol, on regional brain monoamine metabolism. Short and long-term fluoxetine treatment produced substantial decreases (to 65-79% of control) in serotonin (5HT) turnover. However no effects of fluoxetine on mouse brain NE turnover--as assessed by forebrain, hypothalamus, and hindbrain 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG) levels or MHPG/NE ratios--were observed. Acute (2 hr) fluoxetine also did not alter regional NE turnover in rat brain. In contrast, haloperidol tended to increase MHPG levels and MHPG/NE ratios in the mouse brain regions studied. The persistence of decreased 5HT turnover during fluoxetine treatment, the lack of an effect of fluoxetine on NE turnover, and the increased NE turnover seen after haloperidol may have important implications regarding drug responsivity and the mechanism of akathisia induction.
Correlation and revised nomenclature of ventral nuclei in the thalamus of human and monkey.

The application of histochemical and immunocytochemical methods to the human thalamus, when allied with traditional staining methods, permits a clearer definition of the borders between many nuclei. The findings of electrophysiological and anatomical tracing studies in monkeys can then be correlated with the human material and a nomenclature that is applicable to both monkeys and humans introduced. The ventral nuclei can be divided into four channels relaying pallidal, substantia nigral, cerebellar, and lemniscal information separately to the cerebral cortex. The lemniscal relay is further divided into a proprioceptive component and a cutaneous component, corresponding to Hassler's V.c.e.a. and V.c.e.p nuclei, respectively, and now called VPLa and VPLp.
Disease severity and symptoms of depression in Black Americans infected with HIV.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine depressive symptomatology in a sample of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected Black Americans and to determine the extent to which measures of HIV disease severity were associated with depressive symptoms. Seventy-nine HIV-infected Black men and women (ages 25 to 68 years) participated. Measures included the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) and multiple HIV disease severity variables including CD4+ lymphocyte count, CDC HIV stage, and HIV RNA viral load. Levels of self-reported depressive symptoms were high, with 58% ( n = 48/79) of study participants exhibiting elevated depressive symptoms (CES-D score of ≥16). No relationship was found between CD4+ count, CDC HIV stage, sociodemographic variables, and depressive symptoms. Viral load, however, was positively correlated with elevated depressive symptoms. Although the level of depressive symptomatology was high, only two participants were receiving antidepressant medication. This study suggests that there is a significant unmet need for identification and treatment of depressive symptoms among Blacks receiving routine care for HIV disease.
Dietary Proteins, Cholesterol and Thyroxine: A Proposed Mechanism

The effects of dietary protein sources on plasma cholesterol concentrations are well-documented: animal proteins are hypercholesterolemic relative to plant proteins. While this effect of dietary proteins has been shown in many species, the mechanism is not known. This review will explore the relation between dietary proteins and plasma thyroxine concentrations. Data will be presented showing that feeding dietary animal proteins consistently depresses plasma thyroxine levels. Furthermore, the effects of thyroxine on cholesterol metabolism is consistent with the effects of dietary proteins on cholesterol metabolism. Although evidence is not conclusive, data support the hypothesis that dietary proteins may affect plasma cholesterol levels through changes in plasma thyroxine concentrations. To elucidate the mechanism by which this happens will be the basis for future research.
EVALUATION OF A SEXUAL ASSAULT RISK REDUCTION AND SELF-DEFENSE PROGRAM: A PROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF A REVISED PROTOCOL

The current study extends the development and evaluation of an existing and previously evaluated sexual assault risk reduction program with a self-defense component for college women (N = 300). The program protocol was revised to address psychological barriers to responding assertively to risky dating situations, and a placebo-control group was utilized rather than a wait-list control group. Relative to the placebo-control group, the program was effective in increasing levels of self-protective behaviors, self-efficacy in resisting against potential attackers, and use of assertive sexual communication over a 4-month interim. Results also suggested reduction of incidence of rape among program participants over the 2-month follow-up. Implications for future development and evaluation of sexual assault risk reduction programming are presented.
Group-living in cliff swallows as an advantage in avoiding predators

Cliff swallows (Hirundo pyrrhonota) in SW Nebraska, USA, nest in colonies and associate in groups away from their colonies. The degree to which group-living in this species affords advantages in the avoiding of predators was examined. The distance from the colony at which a snake predator was detected increased with colony size. In flocks away from the colonies, group vigilance increased, but the time that each individual spent vigilant decreased, with flock size. As a result, birds in large flocks had more time for preening and mud-gathering. Cliff swallows did not effectively mob predators and thus were unable to deter predators regardless of group size. Nesting within each colony was highly synchronous, but when the effects of ectoparasites on nesting success were removed, individuals nesting during the peak breeding period were no more successful than those nesting before or after the peak. This suggests that swamping of predators is unlikely in cliff swallow colonies. Nests at the edges of colonies were more likely to be preyed upon than nests nearer the center, suggesting that colonial nesting conferred some selfish herd benefits. Overall reproductive success did not vary with colony size. While cliff swallows receive some anti-predator benefits by living in groups, the avoidance of predators is probably not a major selective force for the evolution of coloniality in this species.
On the Z-expansion of atomic properties☆

Abstract The expansion of the wave function of a 2 S atom in the presence of a scaled electric field ∈′ cannot be expanded simultaneously in λ = Z −1 where Z is the nuclear charge, and ∈′. The fact that λ cannot be used as an order parameter, equivalent to the breakdown of the usual perturbation theory expansion. is due to a degeneracy in the spectrum of H 0 . This necessitates the partial summation of higher-order formal perturbation theoretic terms in order to remove an infinity in the leading term. The summation technique should be used in other calculations on degenerate systems.
Using Legislative Histories to Determine Legislative Intent in New Jersey

This article deals with the use of legislative history documents by New Jersey state courts. New Jersey's position with respect to the admissibility of legislative histories evolved over time; a major shift occurred in the 1950s, when the courts began permitting the use of legislative history documents as extrinsic evidence of legislative intent when a statute was unclear. Today, New Jersey courts make regular use of the documents comprising a legislative history when confronted with unclear legislative enactments. A basic outline of the legislative process in New Jersey and a description of the types of New Jersey legislative history documents provide context to the section on the judicial use of legislative histories as extrinsic evidence of legislative intent in the process of statutory interpretation. A list of the major electronic sources of New Jersey legislative history material is also supplied.
Cytomegalovirus-specific IFNγ and IL-4 are produced by antigen expanded human blood lymphocytes from seropositive volunteers

The cytokine responses to cytomegalovirus (CMV) antigen in seropositive and seronegative individuals were measured using a combination of antigenic expansion and intracellular staining. Intracellular IFNgamma and IL-4 were produced in a dose-dependent manner by T cells in response to CMV only in the seropositive population. The potential for individual cells to produce both Th1 and Th2 cytokines simultaneously was clear, as IL-4 was most often produced in those cells with the highest IFNgamma production. The cytokine-specific nature of this response was demonstrated by fluorescence microscopy, which showed granular cytoplasmic staining, and at the mRNA level by ribonuclease protection assays. These methods expand our ability to evaluate the immune response to CMV, and can now be correlated to a number of clinical conditions.
Variability of the Southern Hemisphere Winter Split Flow—A Case of Two-Way Reinforcement between Mean Flow and Eddy Anomalies

Abstract A new split-jet index is defined in this study, and composites based on this index show that the split-flow regime is characterized by a cold–warm–cold tripolar temperature anomaly in the South Pacific that extends equatorward from the Southern Hemisphere (SH) high latitudes, while nonsplit flow occurs when the phase of the tripolar temperature anomaly is reversed. Analyses of the heat budget reveal that the temperature anomalies associated with the split/nonsplit flow are mainly forced by mean flow advection instead of local diabatic heating or convergence of eddy heat fluxes. Localized Eliassen–Palm (E–P) flux diagnostics suggest that the zonal wind anomalies are maintained by the eddy vorticity flux anomalies. These diagnostic results are confirmed by numerical experiments conducted using a stationary wave model forced by observed eddy forcings and diabatic heating anomalies. The model results show that the effects of the vorticity flux dominates over those of the heat flux, which tend to damp...
Building large-scale multimedia systems: should we use more SOAP to clean up our act?

This paper is a position statement given as keynote talk on the First Workshop on Multimedia Service Composition on specific challenges in the area of multimedia service composition.
Shifting responsibilities in organ procurement: a plan for routine referral.

THE AMERICAN organ-procurement system is demonstrably the best in the world (J. Prottas, PhD, S. Hecht, and H. Batten, MA, unpublished data, June 1987). 1 The foundation of this success has been the attitudes of the American people. Dozens of surveys over almost 20 years have demonstrated the extraordinary level of public support for organ donation and transplantation (unpublished data from Dialysis Clinics Inc, May 1981; Kidney Foundation of Eastern Missouri, May-June 1975; New England Organ Bank, 1982; St Louis Regional Transplant Association, 1981; Transplantation Council of Southern California, May 1975; Gallup Organization, 1983 and 1985; J. Prottas, PhD, and H. Batten, MA, April 1986). 2,3 In recent years, between 70% and 75% of all families asked have granted permission for an organ donation. 4 The willingness of the public to permit donation represents no practical impediment to improvement in the organ-procurement system. It is now widely understood that the
Disassociation of Histone Deacetylase-3 from Normal Huntingtin Underlies Mutant Huntingtin Neurotoxicity

Huntington's disease (HD) is caused by a polyglutamine expansion within the huntingtin (Htt) protein. Both loss of function of normal Htt and gain of a toxic function by the polyglutamine-expanded mutant Htt protein have been proposed to be responsible for HD, although the molecular mechanisms involved are unclear. We show that Htt is a neuroprotective protein in both HD-related and unrelated model systems. Neuroprotection by Htt is mediated by its sequestration of histone deacetylase-3 (HDAC3), a protein known to promote neuronal death. In contrast to the normal Htt, mutant Htt interacts poorly with HDAC3. However, expression of mutant Htt liberates HDAC3 from Htt, thus de-repressing its neurotoxic activity. Indeed, mutant Htt neurotoxicity is inhibited by the knockdown of HDAC3 and markedly reduced in HDAC3-deficient neurons. A reduction in Htt–HDAC3 interaction is also seen in neurons exposed to other apoptotic stimuli and in the striatum of R6/2 HD mice. Our results suggest that the robust interaction between Htt and HDAC3 along with the ability of mutant Htt to disrupt this association while not itself interacting with HDAC3 provides an explanation for both the loss-of-function and gain-of-toxic-function mechanisms proposed for HD. Moreover, our results identify HDAC3 as an essential player in mutant Htt-induced neurodegeneration.
Mitochondrial enzymes in developing larvae of Ascaris lumbricoides

Summary Mitochondria, isolated from 10-day-old larvae of Ascaris lumbricoides, var. suum, were found to contain many of the Krebs cycle dehydrogenases. Isocitrate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.42) could not be demonstrated when tetrazolium dyes, 2,6-dichlorophenolindophenol or cytochrome c was the electron acceptor. The mitochondria did catalyze the formation of α-ketoglutarate when isocitrate was the only substrate added. Esterification of inorganic phosphate occurred when malate, α-ketoglutarate or NADH was used as substrate, but not when succinate or isocitrate was the substrate. Pi esterification was of a low order of magnitude due to the presence of an endogenous inhibitor in the mitochondria preparations. This inhibitor could be partially blocked by albumin, but fluoride and ferrous ions were without effect. A comparison of the adult and larval malate dehydrogenases (EC 1.1.1.37) suggests that these are “isoenzymes”.
Friction and wear properties of an epoxy-steel system

Abstract The friction and wear properties of a cured epoxy resin pin sliding against a steel disc were examined. It was found that the initial (single traversal) coefficient of friction is relatively low (about 0.25) and temperature dependent, while the steady state friction coefficient is relatively high (about 0.8) and temperature independent. It has been determined that the steady state value reflects the friction of iron oxide sliding on itself rather than the epoxy-steel friction. Optical microscopy observations and preliminary electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis experiments suggest that, as in the case of metallic friction, the wear particles form by oxidation of the steel fragments transferred by adhesion to the epoxy surface rather than by direct oxidation of the steel counterpart.
Continuity and Affine Fiber Kinematics in Biaxial Tension of the Supraspinatus Tendon

The human supraspinatus tendon (SST) exhibits strong heterogeneity in fiber alignment and material properties [1,2]. The relationship between fiber angle distribution and material properties has been previously described by a structurally based continuum model [3], which provided new quantitative structure-function relationships to explain the observed SST heterogeneity; however, in some locations and testing directions, the model predictions were not consistent with a continuum assumption [3]. More recent analysis of the change in fiber angle during loading showed that samples with less aligned fibers have less affine kinematics in uniaxial tensile loading [4]. That is, in uniaxial tensile testing, where the transverse edges freely contract, the fiber strain did not match the tissue strain. Because the SST is somewhat transversely constrained by surrounding rotator cuff structures in vivo and has distributed fibers to support multidirectional loading, the freely contracting edges of uniaxial tension may not appropriately constrain the tendon. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate SST stress-strain behavior and affine deformation under biaxial tension. Specifically, if behaving as a continuum, we expected that applying a fixed boundary condition in the transverse direction would produce a higher apparent modulus, a smaller toe-region, and more affine fiber realignment than a free boundary condition.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Computational study of the mobility in ultra-thin topological insulator films

Topological insulators (TI) form a new class of quantum materials with an insulating band gap in the bulk and Dirac-cone surface states. Due to the strong momentum-spin k-s locking the propagating surface states are robust against non-magnetic impurities and defects, thus back-scattering of the surface states is prohibited. Three dimensional topological insulators were proposed in the 2011 edition of the International Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors as potential interconnects in integrated circuits. The high velocity combined with the topological protection could provide enhanced mobility.
Functions of the corticospinal and corticobulbar tracts in the human newborn

The corticospinal and corticobulbar tracts (CST, CBT) are immature at birth, in neuroanatomical terms of myelination and terminal axonal sprouting for multiple synaptic contact; these developmental features are not mature until 2 years of age. Physiologically, the CST is mainly inhibitory. Nevertheless, these pathways have an important role to play in normal neurological function at this age, though different from their functions in the older child and adult. They are important in the neonate by 1) inhibition of the monosynaptic stretch reflexes at spinal cord levels, beginning at 25 weeks gestation or earlier; 2) influence upon muscle tone, hence posture, by mediating proximal flexion in axial and limb girdle muscles and distal extension of the fingers and toes and abduction of the thumbs; 3) antagonism of the proximal extension and distal flexion and adduction from the medial subcorticospinal pathways of Lawrence and Kuypers; 4) reinforcement of tactile reflexes, the most important of which are suck and swallow; 5)early individualization of finger movements; 6) transmission of epileptic activity from the cerebral cortex. Understanding the unique roles of the CST at birth provide rational, physiological explanations of such neonatal phenomena as clonus, opisthotonus, strong distal flexion and adduction (“cortical thumb”) and fisting), and poor suck and swallow in affected neonates, regardless of the cause of cerebral cortical impairment or its reversibility or irreversibility. In summary, the CST and CBT are indeed important functional pathways in the neonate, but many of their functions are very different than in the adult. (J Pediatr Neurol 2003; 1(1): 3-8).
Experiences with collaborative applications that support distributed modeling

Awareness of the need for business analysis has grown faster than the evolution of tools to support collaborative development of business analysis models. Involvement of key personnel is important for model accuracy and buy-in, which is not trivial, especially if they are distributed geographically. Traditionally, models have been developed by individuals or small groups because of the complexity of collaborative modeling. Researchers at the Center for the Management of Information (CMI) at the University of Arizona have created specialized electronic meeting systems tools and methods to support several types of collaborative business models. This paper discusses the creation of a collaborative server created to support the development of distributed, collaborative electronic meeting systems tools. The server and collaborative tools serve as "proof-of-concept" that web-based tools can support collaborative meeting processes in face-to-face and distributed settings. Flexibility integrated into the tools and the server enables them to support a wide range of tasks.
Protoviewer: a web-based visual design environment for Protovis

In this work we present Protoviewer, a web-based design and collaborative data visualization environment designed around Protovis. Protoviewer aims to lower cognitive effort as well as the significant gulf of execution in designing effective and powerful visualizations by providing accurate categorizations of data while providing the user with the fullest control over its rendering.
A capacitance reliability degradation mechanism in Hyper-abrupt junction varactors

Junction varactors form key passive components for RF and analog application where capacitance could be tuned by a control voltage. This paper details and models a reliability degradation mechanism due to electron trapping at the side of shallow trench isolation (STI) of the varactor, leading to systematic capacitance degradation as function of time and stress conditions. A key dimension which controls this mechanism is the anode width or spacing between STI, where a minimum value should be defined to meet reliability targets.
Multi-objective MIMO optimal control design without zero interpolation

An optimal controller design which addresses the concerns of the H/sub 2/ and the l/sub 1/ norms is studied. In the first problem a positive combination of the H/sub 2/ and the l/sub 1/ norms of the closed loop is minimized. In the second the l/sub 1/ norm of a transfer function is minimized while restraining the another below a prespecified level. Converging upper and lower bounds are obtained. Relation to the pure l/sub 1/ problem is established. The solution methodology does not involve zero interpolation to characterize the achievable closed-loop maps. Thus obtaining the controller from the optimal closed-loop map is very straightforward.
Arsenate reduction mediated by the plasmid‐encoded ArsC protein is coupled to glutathione

Resistance to arsenate conferred on Escherichia coli by the ars operon of plasmid R773 requires both the product of the arsC gene and reduction of arsenate to arsenite. A genetic analysis was performed to identify the source of reducing potential in vivo. In addition to the ars genes, arsenate resistance required the products of the gor gene for glutathione reductase and the gshA and gshB genes for glutathione synthesis. Mutations in the trx and grx genes for thioredoxin and glutaredoxin, respectively, had no effect on arsenate resistance. Although resistance required the arsC gene, the rate of reduction of arsenate to arsenite was nearly the same in cells lacking the ars operon. In strains deficient in glutathione biosynthesis this endogenous reduction was greatly diminished, and cells exhibited increased sensitivity to arsenate. When glutathione was supplied exogenously to such mutants, resistance was restored only to cells expressing the ars operon, and only such cells had detectable arsenate reduction after addition of glutathione. Since ArsC-catalysed reduction of arsenate provides high level resistance, physical coupling of the ArsC reaction to efflux of the resulting arsenite is hypothesised.
Structural and Signaling Networks for the Polar Cell Growth Machinery in Pollen Tubes

Pollen tubes elongate within the pistil to transport sperms to the female gametophytes for fertilization. Pollen tubes grow at their tips through a rapid and polarized cell growth process. This tip growth process is supported by an elaborate and dynamic actin cytoskeleton and a highly active membrane trafficking system that together provide the driving force and secretory activities needed for growth. A polarized cytoplasm with an abundance of vesicles and tip-focused Ca2+ and H+ concentration gradients are important for the polar cell growth process. Apical membrane–located Rho GTPases regulate Ca2+ concentration and actin dynamics in the cytoplasm and are crucial for maintaining pollen tube polarity. Pollen tube growth is marked by periods of rapid and slow growth phases. Activities that regulate and support this tip growth process also show oscillatory fluctuations. How these activities correlate with the rapid, polar, and oscillatory pollen tube growth process is discussed.
NMR STUDY OF SELF-DIFFUSION

Self-diffusion, translational motion of molecules in liquid crystal, provides important information about internal viscosity, anisotropic intermolecular interactions, and ordering in mesophase. Although it has been extensively studied, there is a lack of reliable data for the diffusion coefficients, due to experimental limitations of the existing techniques, and the results presented in different works are often inconsistent. Coefficients of self-diffusion can be measured with various methods, such as quasielastic neutron scattering (QENS) [1], forced Rayleigh scattering (FRS) [2, 3], or NMR [4]. Most of the previously reported data for liquid crystals suffer from insufficient accuracy and may differ from one another by almost an order of magnitude. A comparison of results, obtained with different techniques for 4-pentyl4’-cyanobiphenyl (5CB), and a review of various methods is presented in [5]. The most accurate values of coefficients of self-diffusion in thermotropic liquid crystals have probably been reported in recent papers [5, 6], where an NMR technique using gradient slice selection, stimulated echo, and multi-pulse homonuclear decoupling has been developed. However, it is known that the radio-frequency power required for homoor heteronuclear proton decoupling creates considerable heating of the sample, even in thermotropic liquid crystals [7]. The resulting gradients of temperature affect the order parameter, create convective flows, and reduce the accuracy of measurements. For liquids, a pulsed-gradient NMR technique is the most direct method of measuring the diffusion coefficients. It monitors spatial displacement of molecules in the direction of the applied magnetic field gradients and does not require any assumptions about the long-time behavior of the velocity autocorrelation function, as QENS, or chemical modification of molecules, as FRS. The method is routinely used for liquids, where anisotropic spin interactions are averaged by molecular motions and NMR peaks are sharp, usually on the order of few Hz.
Agent-based and multi-agent simulations: coming of age or in search of an identity?

The promise of agent-based for explicating properties of social systems has not yet been fully realized. Agent models sometimes provide only a veneer of, rather than substantive engagement with, social behavior. The problem will be illustrated with Axelrod's model for evolution of ethnocentrism (a biological model) versus Schelling's model for spatial segregation based on preferences (a cultural model). The examples show the need to incorporate both the biological and cultural basis for behavior through a schema that includes behavior based on cultural/cognitive processing of information and behavior based on biological/cognitive processing of information. An example of an agent-based model that implements decision making in this manner is discussed. The model accounts for heterogeneity in behavior outcomes and leads to two main predictions: (1) small scale, hunter-gatherer societies in resource scarce environments will have stable adaptations less affected by variation in resource abundance in comparison to groups in resource rich regions where inter-group conflict is more likely and (2) the relationship between community size, population size and administrative complexity will have two distinct patterns, one for patrilineally organized societies and the other for matrilineally organized societies. Both predictions have been verified empirically.
Integrative modeling of the cardiac ventricular myocyte

Cardiac electrophysiology is a discipline with a rich 50-year history of experimental research coupled with integrative modeling which has enabled us to achieve a quantitative understanding of the relationships between molecular function and the integrated behavior of the cardiac myocyte in health and disease. In this paper, we review the development of integrative computational models of the cardiac myocyte. We begin with a historical overview of key cardiac cell models that helped shape the field. We then narrow our focus to models of the cardiac ventricular myocyte and describe these models in the context of their subcellular functional systems including dynamic models of voltage-gated ion channels, mitochondrial energy production, ATP-dependent and electrogenic membrane transporters, intracellular Ca dynamics, mechanical contraction, and regulatory signal transduction pathways. We describe key advances and limitations of the models as well as point to new directions for future modeling research. WIREs Syst Biol Med 2011 3 392-413 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.122
Protein Kinase C Inhibitors Rationale for Use and Potential in the Treatment of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is one of the most severely debilitating of all medical illnesses. For a large number of patients, outcomes are quite poor. The illness results in tremendous suffering for patients and their families and commonly impairs functioning and workplace productivity. Risks of increased morbidity and mortality, unfortunately, are frequent occurrences as well. Until recently, little has been known about the specific molecular and cellular underpinnings of bipolar disorder. Such knowledge is crucial for the prospect of developing specific targeted therapies that are more effective and that have a more rapid onset of action than currently available treatments. Exciting recent data suggest that regulation of certain signalling pathways may be involved in the aetiology of bipolar disorder and that these pathways may be profitably targeted to treat the disorder. In particular, mania is associated with overactive protein kinase C (PKC) intracellular signalling, and recent genome-wide association studies of bipolar disorder have implicated an enzyme that reduces the activation of PKC. Importantly, the current mainstays in the treatment of mania, lithium (a monovalent cation) and valproate (a small fatty acid) indirectly inhibit PKC. In addition, recent clinical studies with the relatively selective PKC inhibitor tamoxifen add support to the relevance of the PKC target in bipolar disorder. Overall, a growing body of work both on a preclinical and clinical level indicates that PKC signalling may play an important role in the pathophysiology and treatment of bipolar disorder. The development of CNS-penetrant PKC inhibitors may have considerable benefit for this devastating illness.
Distribution of traction forces associated with shape changes during amoeboid cell migration

Amoeboid motility results from the cyclic repetition of shape changes leading to periodic oscillations of the cell length (motility cycle). We analyze the dominant modes of shape change and their association to the traction forces exerted on the substrate using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of time-lapse measurements of cell shape and traction forces in migrating Dictyostelium cells. Using wild-type cells (wt) as reference, we investigated Myosin II activity by studying Myosin II heavy chain null cells (mhcA-) and Myosin II essential light chain null cells (mlcE-). We found that wt, mlcE-and mhcA- cells utilize similar modes of shape changes during their motility cycle, although these shape changes are implemented at a slower pace in Myosin II null mutants. The number of dominant modes of shape changes is surprisingly few with only four modes accounting for 75% of the variance in all cases. The three principal shape modes are dilation/elongation, bending, and bulging of the front/back. The second mode, resulting from sideways protrusion/retraction, is associated to lateral asymmetries in the cell traction forces, and is significantly less important in mhcA- cells. These results indicate that the mechanical cycle of traction stresses and cell shape changes remains remarkably similar for all cell lines but is slowed down when myosin function is lost, probably due to a reduced control on the spatial organization of the traction stresses.
Modeling radiation- and carbon-use efficiencies of maize, sorghum, and rice

Abstract A previously developed model for radiation-use efficiency (RUE) for gross photosynthesis and net carbon accumulation by wheat before anthesis [Agric. Forest Meteorol. 101 (2000) 217], with some improvement, has been applied to maize, sorghum, and rice during their vegetative period under unstressed conditions. The objective of the present study is to assess the extent to which the model can provide RUE for net carbon accumulation and carbon-use efficiency (CUE; the ratio of daily net carbon accumulation and gross photosynthesis) for a range of incident irradiance and leaf area indices of maize, sorghum and rice, recognizing that (a) these crops are grown in substantially different environmental conditions than those for wheat, and (b) while rice is a C3 crop like wheat, maize and sorghum are C4 crops. The calculated RUE values for net carbon accumulation differed from observations (five for maize, two for sorghum and three for rice) by −24% to +19%, with an average (n=10) of −4% (underestimation), while the calculated CUE values are found to be within the range of observations. The model parameters have not been calibrated or adjusted for these comparisons. Calculations suggest that there is much room to increase the RUE of sorghum over the currently available measurements, although it might not attain the potential maximum value for maize. The effects of variations in the maximum rate of leaf photosynthesis among cultivars, changes in the relationship between maximum rate of photosynthesis by leaves and its nitrogen content, and uncertainties in the input canopy parameters on RUE and CUE are assessed by sensitivity analysis.
Total Lymphoid Irradiation for Immunosuppression

Total lymphoid irradiation (TLI) is a potent means of immunosuppression. The immunosuppressive effects of TLI in patients treated for Hodgkin’s disease were detailed by Fuks et al. (1976) in an analysis of 227 treated and untreated patients with Hodgkin’s disease. They observed a marked depression of the total peripheral blood lymphocyte count during TLI which persisted for about two years, with gradual recovery to normal levels thereafter in most patients. Examination of lymphocyte populations in these patients revealed differential effects of TLI on specific lymphocyte subsets. For example, the majority of patients were noted to have a persistent decrease in the total number and percent of T-cells (T-lymphocytopenia) and in the same patients there was a cornpensatory increase in the total number and percent of B-cells (B-lymphocytosis). Therefore, in long term followup, most patients had normal total peripheral blood lymphocyte counts but had a reversal of the normal T/B cell ratio. Furthermore, when subsets of T-cells were examined in patients treated with TLI, a differential sensitivity of various T-cell subsets was observed (Posner et al. 1983). The T-lymphocytopenia was primarily due to a decrease in the number of helper T-cells with a persistence of normal or nearly normal numbers of suppressor T-cells. This resulted in a reversal of the normal helper: suppressor T-cell ratio to a value less than 1.0 compared to a value greater than 1.0 in normal controls or untreated patients with Hodgkin’s disease.
Comparison of Corn, Wheat, and Milo in Turkey Diets

Abstract CORN has long been the principal cereal grain in poultry diets. In certain parts of the U.S., particularly the Southwest, grain sorghums are less expensive and are used to replace a large percentage of the corn. Numerous studies have compared the feeding value of corn and milo in broiler and laying hen diets (reviewed by Ewing, 1963). In general, these reports have indicated that milo can replace some or all of the corn provided additional sources of xanthophyll pigments are added for skin and egg yolk pigmentation. However, this does not pose a problem in turkey production. The use of wheat in poultry diets has usually been prohibited by price since it is also used for human consumption. In some instances, however, surplus or damaged wheat may be available to poultrymen at an economical price. Several studies have indicated that wheat has an excellent feeding value for turkeys. Barrett et al . . .
Critical Consciousness and Career Development among Urban Youth.

This study explored the role of critical consciousness as a key factor in predicting progress in career development among urban high school students. Critical consciousness, or the capacity to recognize and overcome sociopolitical barriers, was operationalized through sociopolitical analysis and sociopolitical control. Canonical correlation analysis indicated a statistically signiWcant relationship between critical consciousness and progress in career development, which was supported by estimates of eVect size, for a sample of 220 urban adolescents. Participants with greater levels of critical consciousness had greater clarity regarding their vocational identity, were more committed to their future careers, and viewed work as a larger part of their future lives. These results suggest that urban adolescents may best engage the career development process by maintaining a critical awareness of sociopolitical inequity and situating their individual agency within this critical “reading” of the opportunity structure.
Community Long Term Care

Community programs are being developed to serve frail elders who would otherwise enter nursing homes. Two such programs in Hawaii utilize PT/OT services in caregiver training and in patient care, but are restricted by Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement rules. Thus, physical and occupational therapists in these settings emphasize education of the patient's caregivers and case managers to maintain and monitor patient function and to call for additional PT/OT intervention when appropriate. Past research found slightly better functional improvement in patients in the two community programs as compared to similar patients in nursing homes. This finding suggests that community caregivers can be taught care plans and render treatment recommended by physical and occupational therapists, at least under conditions of professional case management as provided by these programs.
Introducing total quality management and business information: a course design for graduate and undergraduate business students

The author describes two courses which have been offered at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs: the graduate and undergraduate introductory courses. He describes the orientation and implementation of total quality management (TQM) in the courses and the integration of TQM with business information concepts. He discusses pedagogical objectives, a methodology to meet those objectives, and results of the course to date. >
Fowler-Nordheim tunneling in thin SiO2 films

An analysis of the Fowler-Nordheim tunneling (FNT) theory and its application to temperature-dependent current-voltage characteristics of very thin SiO2 films on silicon, is presented. The final results are believed to provide the most complete examination in FN emission theory and predict the breakdown electric field in thin SiO2 films. The role of the roughness, at the Si-SiO2 interface, in determining the FNT current in these structures is also discussed.
Differentiated scheduling for delay-sensitive and delay-tolerant jobs in optical grids

A differentiated scheduling algorithm is designed to selectively schedule delay-sensitive jobs and delay-tolerant jobs in Optical Grids. It achieves lower overall blocking probability compared to conventional scheduling algorithms without job differentiation.