cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Male Midlife Crisis

Charles Strickland, the protagonist of Somerset Maugham’s novel The Moon and Sixpence (1919), which is supposedly based on the life of the painter Paul Gauguin, is one of the great narcissistic villains of literature. As the story goes, Strickland, a successful English banker, suddenly, without warning, abandons his family and his work and goes to Polynesia to be a painter. Like Gauguin, he eventually dies in the tropics. Actually, instead of the classic “Gauguin” scenario of middle-aged man deserting wife, children, and career to escape to the tropics for self-fulfillment and play with exotic, bare-breasted women, we should refer instead to the myth of Gauguin since investigation reveals a very different version of the painter’s life. The facts suggest a situation of considerable intrapsychic, marital, and occupational complexity. Gauguin was bored with the banking business and felt he had gone as far as he could go. He had been experimenting with a career in art for years, first as a patron of the early impressionists and then as an amateur painter. A considerable period of transition occurred between the two careers. Likewise, his marital problems did not arise suddenly. He and his wife, Mette, had been changing at different rates and in different ways over a span of years—he evolving a mode of self-expression while she became increasingly involved in middle-class society.
Generation of 13C-Labeled MUC5AC Mucin Oligosaccharides for Stable Isotope Probing of Host-Associated Microbial Communities

Stable isotope probing (SIP) has emerged as a powerful tool to address key questions about microbiota structure and function. To date, diverse isotopically labeled substrates have been used to characterize in situ growth activity of specific bacterial taxa and have revealed the flux of bioavailable substrates through microbial communities associated with health and disease. A major limitation to the growth of the field is the dearth of biologically relevant "heavy" labeled substrates. Mucin glycoproteins, for example, comprise an abundant source of carbon in the gut, oral cavity, respiratory tract, and other mucosal surfaces but are not commercially available. Here, we describe a method to incorporate a 13C-labeled monosaccharide into MUC5AC, a predominant mucin in both gastrointestinal and airway environments. Using the lung adenocarcinoma cell line, Calu-3, polarized cell cultures grown in 13C-labeled d-glucose resulted in liberal mucin production on the apical surface. Mucins were isolated by size-exclusion chromatography, and O-linked glycans were released by β-elimination, permethylated, and analyzed by electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS) and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) techniques. We demonstrate a 98.7% incorporation of 13C in the heterogeneous O-linked oligosaccharides that make up >80% of mucin dry weight. These "heavy" labeled glycoproteins represent a valuable tool for probing in vivo activity of host-associated bacterial communities and their interactions with the mucosal barrier. The continued expansion of labeled substrates for use in SIP will eventually allow bacterial taxa that degrade host compounds to be identified, with long-term potential for improved health and disease management.
Crystal Structure of the Thermochromic Bis(diethylammonium) Tetrachloridocuprate(II) Complex.

(Et2NH2)2[CuCl4] crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group P212121 with Z = 8 (single crystal XRD).
Probability inequalities for high dimensional time series under a triangular array framework

Study of time series data often involves measuring the strength of temporal dependence, on which statistical properties like consistency and central limit theorem are built. Historically, various dependence measures have been proposed. In this note, we first survey some of the most well-used dependence measures as well as various probability and moment inequalities built upon them under a high-dimensional triangular array time series setting. We then argue that this triangular array setting will pose substantially new challenges to the verification of some dependence conditions. In particular, ``textbook results" could now be misleading, and hence are recommended to be used with caution.
Capability Approach and Human Development

Human development is a development paradigm that puts people at the center of development—as its principle end and means. Human development is built on the theoretical concepts of capabilities originated by Amartya Sen and Martha Nussbaum, which provides a normative framework for assessment of individual well-being, social outcomes and public policies. In systematically and consistently applying the capability approach in empirical evaluation of development progress, and in the analysis of policy alternatives, the human development paradigm challenges standard prescriptions in a broad range of areas including social, macroeconomic, political, environmental and cultural arenas. It is often misinterpreted as an agenda for social welfare programs and social investments. The rich and complex concept of human development is imprisoned in its reductionist measurement tool, the Human Development Index that only includes education, income, and a decent standard of living. This chapter provides an overview of the capability approach and human development paradigm and situates them within development economics, thought and practice, highlighting its contrasts with conventional thinking, and complementarities with human rights and feminist economics. It argues that the capability approach and human development paradigm have had enormous reach and influence in development thought and practice. It has strengthened complementary approaches that are also motivated by human freedom and flourishing, notably human rights and feminist economics. All these paradigms have led to the rise of a ‘people centered’ approach to development as a discourse, and the consensus on poverty as a principle objective of development as reflected in the Sustainable Development Goals. However, the concepts of capabilities and human development have only been partially reflected in these discourses about policy agendas given the misrepresentation of human development as an agenda for meeting basic needs.
Effect of laser welding on deformation mechanisms in irradiated austenitic stainless steel

Abstract Deformation mechanism of a laser weld on neutron irradiated AISI 304L stainless steel was studied by in-situ microcompression test at room temperature. The deformation-induced austenite-to-martensite phase transformation occurs in {101}-oriented grains in the irradiated base metal, while deformation twinning prevails in {101}-oriented grains in the weld heat affected zone (HAZ). A high number density of irradiation-induced voids in the base metal provide sufficient nucleation sites for the austenite-to-martensite phase transformation under compression at room temperature. A deformation map is established to predict critical twinning stress for face-centered cubic (fcc) metals and alloys. Our study suggests that irradiation can tailor the deformation-induced phase transformation in austenitic stainless steels.
Quantifying life history demographics of the scleractinian coral genus Pocillopora at Palmyra Atoll

Characterizations of colony-specific fate are necessary to predict trajectories of coral population change accurately, and a research challenge exists to collect more robust data describing coral demographic rates and the factors that influence them. Colonial, reef-building corals present challenges to the study of demography, given that the size of individual colonies can be decoupled from age, and rates of colony growth and shrinkage can be effectively indeterminate. In this study, we use a large-area imaging approach to quantify demographic rates of the coral genus Pocillopora and test for the influence of colony-specific predictors on net change in live tissue area (labeled growth and shrinkage) and whole-colony mortality. We found that a colony’s fate was linked to its initial size, with larger colonies experiencing far lower probability of mortality, but higher probability of shrinkage, than smaller colonies. Historical effects also significantly affected colony fate, as colonies with a recent history of tissue loss experienced a higher probability of subsequent shrinkage and mortality the following year. Finally, significant variability in growth and mortality rates was linked to intra-island site differences, which we hypothesize may be driven by differences in food availability and heterotrophic feeding rates. Our work highlights the importance of colony-specific characteristics, including size and historical effects, in influencing demographic fates of corals.
A novel encapsulation of Streptomyces fulvissimus Uts22 by spray drying and its biocontrol efficiency against Gaeumannomyces graminis, the causal agent of take-all disease in wheat

BACKGROUND Wheat is a valuable food source that is exposed to many diseases that reduce its quantity and quality. One of the most important diseases affecting wheat is take-all, caused by Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici. The application of bacterial inoculants into the soil can increase plant nutrient absorption and enhance the efficiency of probiotic bacteria. For increased beneficial bacteria efficiency, the encapsulation technique has been used in agriculture. RESULTS The results of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) indicated that the prepared formulation is a mixture of gellan and chitosan. Using SEM, the spherical structure of the microcapsules was confirmed. It was observed that the increase in bacterial release was gradual, and the highest amount of bacteria was released (109 CFU mL-1 ) on the 50th day. Greenhouse experiments showed that plants treated with S. fulvissimus Uts22 microcapsules had the highest efficiency with 90% disease control. Moreover, the highest fresh and dry weights of roots and shoots were observed in this treatment. CONCLUSION In this study, a new type of formulation aiming at controlling wheat take-all disease was developed through bacterial and nanoparticles loaded chitosan- gellan gum microcapsules with spray drying method. This formulation has many advantages, such as a large surface area and high internal porosity and increased water-holding capacity, while it also provides a proper habitat for bacteria to increase colonization rates and offers protection of the soil. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Improving the Image Quality of High-Angle Interfaces and Subsalt Sediments Using High-Order Scattered Seismic Waves

High-angle or steeply-dipping faults, salt flanks, and subsalt sediments are important structures for many applications such as oil/gas and geothermal energy exploration. However, conventional seismic imaging has poor illuminations in these areas because of using singly scattered waves or primary reflections. By using high-order scattered waves in the reverse time migration (RTM), particularly the secondary scattered waves, we can enhance the seismic illumination for imaging the steep faults and subsalt areas. In our method, we first identify reflection features such as geological layer boundaries and discontinuities, based on the conventional RTM images. We then modify the migration model by adding potential point scatterers into the reflection features. These artificial point scatterers could be randomly placed on and around the reflection features to illuminate the structures where primaries cannot reach. The random placement of the point scatterers differentiates our method from previous methods using duplex or prism waves to image high-angle structures where true reflector locations are particularly identified. In addition, we assign the artificial point scatterers as density perturbations without modifying the velocity model so that they do not affect the spatial position of the imaged reflectors. The proposed method of high-order scattering imaging only requires one additional implementation of RTM but can substantially improve the image quality around high-angle faults and subsalt regions. We verify the effectiveness of our method using two synthetic models, a trapezoidal model and the Sigsbee2B model. And the results demonstrate that our new method produces better images for steep faults and subsalt areas compared with those obtained using conventional RTM.
10 Genetic Analysis in the Domain Archaea

Publisher Summary Methods for genetic analysis of Archaea have not been excluded from these improvements. It seems remarkable that the first report of gene transfer in any member of the domain Archaea, that of conjugation in Hf. volcunii, was only about thirteen years ago. The availability of model systems for genetic analysis of Eukarya and of Bacteria strongly influence the types of analyses that are being undertaken in Archaea today, and are in large part responsible for the rapid progress of the field. However, as has been the case with other aspects of archaeal research, it is important to remember that these are not Bacteria, nor are they Eukarya. The unique nature of the Archaea has forced modification of the classical genetic approaches used in the other two domains. Several of the methods described here may have general utility among other Archaea, in addition to the specific uses described in this chapter.
Material Benefits from Multiple Mating in Female Mealworm Beetles (Tenebrio molitor L.)

In yellow mealworm beetles (Tenebrio molitor), females are sexually receptive throughout their adult lives. We examined how access to mates affected female fecundity by varying the number of matings per female and quantifying cumulative egg production. Also, we dissected females at successive intervals after a single mating to assess the relationship among time since mating, sperm supplies, egg load, and oviposition rate. Females that mated at intervals greater than 2 days did not produce as many eggs as females that mated every 2 days or were allowed to mate ad libitum. Dissections showed that the amount of sperm remaining in a female spermatheca was correlated with the number of eggs she had laid recently, which suggests sperm replenishment as the material benefit gained through multiple mating. However, females mate more frequently than necessary for sperm replenishment, and therefore material benefits alone may not fully explain the continuous receptivity of T. molitor females.
Using a lipidomic approach to reveal omega-3 response phenotypes (635.1)

The potential benefits of ω3 fatty acids for reducing disease risk have recently been called into question. Could this be due to variations in individual responses to ω3 intervention? We set out to...
Beyond High School: Heterosexuals' Self-Reported Anti-Gay/Lesbian Behaviors and Attitudes

This study examined interpersonal heterosexist discrimination by examining self-reported anti-gay behaviors of heterosexual college students. Respondents were 226 college students; 94.9% had perpet...
Rasburicase-induced Heinz body hemolytic anemia in a patient with chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

![Figure][1] A 58-year-old male with refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia presented for clinical trial. Prior to treatment, he received rasburicase to prevent tumor lysis syndrome. Within 24 hours, the patient developed an acute hemolysis. The blood smear showed numerous abnormal red blood
Nonparametric Changepoint Estimation for Sequential Nonlinear Profile Monitoring

We consider changepoint detection in a process in which the observed points are profiles: large sets of functionally related points (x,y). Few changepoint detection methods have been proposed that do not rely in some capacity on the assumption that the observational errors are normally distributed. In this paper, a nonparametric distribution-free wavelet method is proposed for monitoring for changes in sequences of nonlinear profiles. No assumptions are made on the nature or form of the changes between the profiles other than finite square-integrability, and no distributional assumption is made on the noise. Using only the magnitudes and location maps of thresholded wavelet coefficients, our method uses the spatial adaptivity property of wavelets to accurately detect profile changes when the signal is obscured with a variety of non-Gaussian errors. The proposed method outperforms existing (and much more complex) methods under various conditions of non-Gaussianity. The method does not rely on estimates designed for normally distributed errors, yet it is robust enough to work reasonably well under Gaussian conditions. The efficiency of the proposed method, including comparisons with existing profile monitoring methods, is shown via simulation. We also apply the proposed method to vertical density profile data, a common real data set used in profile monitoring. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of watershed model behavior across a hydroclimatic gradient

[1] A fundamental tradeoff exists in watershed modeling between a model's flexibility for representing watersheds with different characteristics versus its potential for overparameterization. This study uses global sensitivity analysis to investigate how a commonly used intermediate-complexity model, the Sacramento Soil Moisture Accounting Model (SAC-SMA), represents a wide range of watersheds with diverse physical and hydroclimatic characteristics. The analysis aims to establish a detailed understanding of model behavior across watersheds and time periods with the ultimate objective to guide model calibration and evaluation studies. Sobol's sensitivity analysis is used to evaluate the SAC-SMA in 12 Model Parameter Estimation Experiment (MOPEX) watersheds in the US. The watersheds span a wide hydroclimatic gradient from arid to humid systems. Four evaluation metrics reflecting base flows, midrange flows, peak flows, and long-term water balance were used to comprehensively characterize trends in sensitivity and model behavior. Results show significant variation in parameter sensitivities that are correlated with the hydroclimatic characteristics of the watersheds and time periods analyzed. The sensitivity patterns are consistent with the expected dominant processes and demonstrate the need for moderate model complexity to represent different hydroclimatic regimes. The analysis reveals that the primary model controls for some aspects of the simulated hydrograph are different from those typically assumed for the SAC-SMA. Results also show that between 6 and 10 parameters are regularly identifiable from daily hydrologic data, which is about twice the range that is often assumed (i.e., 3 to 5). Synthesized results provide comprehensive SAC-SMA calibration guidance, demonstrate the flexibility of the model for representing multiple hydroclimatic regimes, and highlight the great difficulty in generalizing model behavior across watersheds.
Use of transgenic mice reveals cell-specific transformation by a simian virus 40 T-antigen amino-terminal mutant.

Abstract We have used the multifunctional transforming protein, simian virus 40 T antigen, as a probe to study the mechanisms of cell growth regulation in the intact organism. T antigen appears to perturb cell growth, at least in part, by stably interacting with specific cellular proteins that function to maintain normal cell growth properties. Experiments in cultured cells indicate that at least three distinct regions of simian virus 40 T antigen have roles in transformation. Two regions correlate with the binding of known cellular proteins, p53, pRB, and p107. A third activity, located near the amino terminus, has been defined genetically but not biochemically. By targeting expression of wild-type and mutant forms of T antigen to distinct cell types in transgenic mice, we have begun to systematically determine which activities play a role in tumorigenesis of each cell type. In this study, we sought to determine the role of the amino-terminal transformation function with such an analysis of the T-antigen mutant dl1135. This protein, which lacks amino acids 17 to 27, retains the p53-, pRB-, and p107-binding activities yet fails to transform cells in culture. To direct expression in transgenic mice, we used the lymphotropic papovavirus transcriptional signals that are specific for B and T lymphocytes and the choroid plexus epithelium of the brain. We show here that although defective in cell culture, dl1135 specifically induced the development of thymic lymphomas in the mouse. Expression of the protein was routinely observed in B- and T-lymphoid cells, although B-cell abnormalities were not observed. Choroid plexus tumors were observed only infrequently; however, dl1135 was not consistently expressed in this tissue. Within a given transgenic line, the penetrance of T-cell tumorigenesis was 100% but appeared to require secondary events, as judged from the clonal nature of the tumors. These experiments suggest that the amino-terminal region of T antigen has a role in the transformation of certain cell types (such as fibroblasts in culture and B lymphocytes) but is dispensable for the transformation of T lymphocytes.
The Politics of Hope--Dreaming in a Genomic Age

The Troubled Dream of Genetic Medicine . Ethnicity and Innovation in Tay-Sachs, Cystic Fibrosis, and Sickle Cell Disease. By Keith Wailoo and Stephen Pemberton . Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, MD, 2006. 259 pp. $60, £40. ISBN 0-8018-8325-3. Paper, $21.95, £14.50. ISBN 0-8018-8326-1. The authors explore how "racial ideologies, cultural politics, and conflicting beliefs about the power of genetics shape disparate health care expectations and experiences."
A criterion for dewetting initiation from surface disturbances on ultrathin polymer films.

Nanoindentation-induced defects on ultrathin (h = 17 nm) polystyrene (PS) films that are spin cast on silicon (Si) substrates, with residual depths of penetration lower than the film thickness ( DeltaF(gamma,crit) and levels when DeltaF(gamma) < DeltaF(gamma,crit). This conclusion is in agreement with previous reports, which used DeltaF(gamma) to distinguish the two (dewetting/leveling) opposing processes (1) in the case of indents deeper than the film thickness and (2) in the case of built-in ordered surface disturbances by capillary force lithography.
SEPTIC ARTHRITIS CAUSED BY HEMOPHILUS INFLUENZAE IN AN ADULT: CASE REPORT

In a 63-year-old Negro male, septic arthritis developed in the right knee (already the site of advanced degenerative changes) after an upper respiratory infection. The causative organism was identified as Hemophilus influenzae only after the fluid aspirated from the knee was inoculated into chocolate-agar under CO2, four days after admission to the hospital. Re-accumulated fluid was aspirated repeatedly from the joint. Antibiotics were administered intra-articularly, intravenously and later orally. The patient also was treated symptomatically and with physiotherapy. He recovered satisfactorily to the point of being able to walk with crutches, and left the hospital eight weeks after admission.
Implications of the natural course of retinopathy of prematurity.

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a derangement of vascular development in the premature infant retina. A tangled network of neovascular channels supplants the orderly arborization that would otherwise continue until the entire retina was supplied with a normal vascular tree. Unchecked neovascularization can lead to local scarring, contracture, and detachment of the retina, with or without intraocular hemorrhage. Extensive retinal detachment in premature infants typically causes severe visual impairment, even with successful surgical reattachment of the retina. Surgical intervention (typically at ∼32–42 postmenstrual weeks) by ablation of the more peripheral unvascularized part of the retina with laser therapy has become the preferred treatment modality in the United States and many other … Reprint requests to (E.A.P.) Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, 3375 SW Terwilliger Blvd, Portland, OR 97239-4197. E-mail: palmere{at}ohsu.edu
Brief report: a multitask controlled evaluation of facilitated communication.

The purpose of this study was to test the validity of facilitated communication with autistic subjects, while controlling for cuing of experimenter bias effects
Phytoplankton death in the sea

Marine phytoplankton provide a good dinner for grazing zooplankton, and this was always thought to be how the phytoplankton die. But they may, in fact, simply die and lyse without even being touched by a grazer. A new study documents huge levels of phytoplankton lysis in surface waters of the northwestern Mediterranean Sea — equivalent to up to 50% of phytoplankton growth.
Keyboard Shortcut Usage: The Roles of Social Factors and Computer Experience:

Previous research (Lane, Napier, Peres, & Sandor, in press) has shown that despite the fact that it typically takes half as much time to issue a command to a computer application using that command...
A general theory for laminated plates with delaminations

Abstract An approximate analytical model for the behavior of a laminated composite plate in the presence of delaminations and other local effects is presented. The model is based on a generalized displacement formulation implemented at the layer level. The governing equations for a layer are obtained using the principle of virtual work. These governing equations for a layer are used in conjunction with the explicit satisfaction of both the interfacial traction continuity and the interfacial displacement jump conditions between layers to develop the governing equations for a laminated composite plate, including delaminations. The fundamental unknowns in the theory are the dis-placements in the layers and the interfacial tractions. The theory is sufficiently general that any constitutive model for the interfacial fracture (i.e. delamination) as well as for the layer behavior can be incorporated in a consistent fashion into the theory. The interfacial displacement jumps are expressed in an internally consistent fashion in terms of the fundamental unknown interfacial tractions. The current theory imposes no restrictions on the size, location, distribution, or direction of growth of the delaminations. Therefore, the theory can predict the initiation and growth of delaminations at any location as well as interactive effects between delaminations at different locations within the laminate. Pagano's exact solution for the cylindrical bending of a laminated plate has been modified to include the effects of delamination. An interface model, which expressed the displacement jump as a linear function of the surface tractions, was implemented into this modification of the exact solution. This extension was used to validate the approximate plate theory. The correlation between the approximate approach and the exact solution is seen to be excellent. The approximate plate theory is seen to give very accurate predictions for the interfacial tractions in a direct and consistent fashion, i.e. without the need to use integration of the pointwise equilibrium equations. This allows the interfacial displacement jumps in the presence of delaminations to be modeled accurately. It is seen that these displacement jumps have a significant effect on both the macroscopic and microscopic behavior of a laminated plate.
Spontaneous reactivation of hepatitis B in Chinese patients with Hbsag‐positive chronic active hepatitis

Eleven patients of Chinese origin experienced spontaneous reactivation of chronic active hepatitis B. Eight HBsAg-positive patients were followed for an average of 15 months prior to, while three others presented during reactivation. Fatigue, hepatomegaly and jaundice were frequent findings. Elevation of both serum ALT (average = 1,212 units per liter) and hepatitis B virus DNA levels were noted in all patients, and reactivation lasted an average of 4.4 months. During resolution, clinical symptoms abated, serum ALT levels reverted toward normal, and in nine patients, the hepatitis B virus DNA values became undetectable. All patients lacked evidence for acute hepatitis A, Epstein-Barr Virus, cytomegalovirus or hepatitis delta virus infection. Histologic findings of liver tissue from eight patients showed piecemeal necrosis and fibrosis. Within the parenchyma, varying degrees of hepatocytolysis with cuffing, perivenular necrosis and acidophilic bodies were noted. Ground-glass cells and regenerative changes also were observed. Cirrhosis was not present in any of the liver biopsies. These findings suggest that spontaneous reactivation of hepatitis B occurs in heterosexual patients with chronic active hepatitis B and contributes to chronic inflammation and to the progression of their liver disease.
Innovative Design for Control Rooms

Screen-based human-machine interfaces, having been standard for many years in most process industries, are now also well acknowledged in the main control room of nuclear power plants. Being a standard feature of digital I&C systems, they offer significant benefits and interesting options for control room design, but also constitute challenges for the designer. Attractive opportunities for the designer and operator are for example the minimization of equipment, compared to design of hardwired panels, the reduction of cabling and cable separation issues, the flexibility and increased possibility for customization to specific utilities and operator needs. However, this flexibility brings also new challenges to the design, for new builds as well as for plant modernization projects, such as ensuring overall situation awareness of the operator, in spite the intrinsically serial character of information presentation, and the need to integrate different, even diverse digital human-machine interfaces of the safety and non-safety I&C systems. The reference concept of AREVA NP for all projects involving control room design relies on an overall I&C architecture, based on the TELEPERM XS for safety I&C systems, and Siemens SPPA T2000. SPPA T2000’s OM690 screen-based monitoring and control system is used as the integrated main operator interface, supporting plant operation in all plant states. Additionally control boards are used to implement a separate safety panel satisfying nuclear safety qualification requirements. These components are used to tailor the design of main control room, remote shut-down stations and local control stations, in accordance with licensing requirements, utility expectations and operating staff needs.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
First-order nonlinear systems governed by generalised Riccati partial-differential equation

The letter presents a method of converting a class of first-order nonlinear systems, represented by Riccati type of partial-differential equations, into equivalent linear second-order systems. The familiar Riccati equations and the linear equivalent second-order equation form a particular case of this study.
Uptake of 3H-Testosterone and influence of an antiandrogen in tissues of rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri)

3H-Testosterone was administered to yearling rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) of both sexes to establish accumulation and retention of androgen by various organs and tissues. Radioactivity in plasma, liver, and gonad were determined six times during the 24 hours post treatment. Radionuclide uptake in plasma was rapid, while the retention time in the liver was several times that of the blood, and no sexual dimorphism was found. The testes accumulated significantly more radionuclide than did ovaries; the former retained the radionuclide longer than any other tissue. Pretreatment of trout with the potent antiandrogen cyproterone acetate significantly reduced radioactivity in plasma of both sexes, in testes but not ovaries, and possibly in the liver of the male. No effect due to the androgen antagonist was apparent in kidney, spleen, gall bladder, brain, pituitary, or epaxial muscle. High levels of radioactivity found in the bile indicates that the trout were using a hepatic route for clearance of the exogenous steroid.
Building Simple Mechanical MindsUsing LEGO® Robots for Research and Teaching in Philosophy

In this essay I discuss how I built a cognitive-robotics lab using inexpensive LEGO® MINDSTORMS™ robot kits. The lab has provided pedagogical and research opportunities for a number of philosophy courses, and I briefly describe the results of those efforts. I also describe how one might build a similar lab. Philosophers need to be more directly involved in the field of robotics. There is much work to do in tidying up the philosophical debris left by the last wave of robotics research, which the researchers have been unwilling or unable to do themselves. The major barriers to participation have been hardware costs and a lack of technical expertise among most philosophers. In recent years, though, these barriers have become less of a problem. At the end, I present some ideas about the kinds of experiments that such kits make possible and how to expand beyond the limitations of the basic LEGO® hardware.
The influence of surface charges on quaternary ammonium block of shaker K+ channels.

Block of K+ channels can be influenced by the ability of charged residues on the protein surface to accumulate cationic blocking ions to concentrations greater than those in bulk solution. We examined the ionic strength dependence of extracellular block of Shaker K+ channels by tetraethylammonium ions (TEA+) and by a trivalent quaternary ammonium ion, gallamine3+. Wild-type and mutant channels were expressed in Xenopus oocytes and currents recorded with the cut-open oocyte technique. Channel block by both compounds was substantially increased when the bathing electrolyte ionic strength was lowered, but with a much larger effect for trivalent gallamine. These data were quantitatively well described by a simple electrostatic model, accounting for accumulation of blocking ions near the pore of the channel by surface charges. The surface charge density of the wild-type channel consistent with the results was −0.1 e nm−2. Shaker channels with T449Y mutations have an increased affinity for both TEA and gallamine but the ionic strength dependence of block was described with the same surface charge density as wild-type channels. Much of the increased sensitivity of Shaker K+ channels to gallamine may be due to a larger local accumulation of the trivalent ion. The negative charge at position 431 contributes to the sensitivity of channels to TEA (MacKinnon & Yellen, 1990). A charge reversal mutation at this location had little effect on the ionic strength dependence of quaternary ammonium ion block, suggesting that the charge on this amino acid may directly affect binding affinity but not local ion accumulation.
Characterization of a Membrane-Associated Protein Implicated in Visna Virus Binding and Infection

Abstract The identity of the cellular receptor(s) for visna virus, an ovine lentivirus, is currently unknown; however, previous studies from our laboratory have identified membrane-associated proteins expressed selectively in susceptible cells which bind visna virus. Moreover, a polyclonal antibody (2-23), raised against a 45-kDa visna virus binding protein, bound specifically to the surface of susceptible cells in immunofluorescence assays and significantly reduced binding of visna virus to cells (S. E. Crane et al., 1991, J. Virol., 65, 6137–6143). In this report we extend our studies of this antibody (2-23), showing both that 2-23 significantly reduces visna virus infection of susceptible cells and that 2-23 immunoprecipitates a putative protein complex consisting of a prominent 30-kDa protein, as well as the 45-kDa immunogen, specifically from radiolabeled virus-susceptible sheep cells. Further, we demonstrate that the 30-kDa protein is a membrane-associated proteoglycan substituted with a chondroitin sulfate glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chain(s) and that treatment of susceptible cells with an inhibitor of GAG synthesis significantly reduces visna virus production. Collectively, these data support a role for a proteoglycan in visna virus cell binding and infection.
Identification of Amino Acids Important for the Biochemical Activity of Methanothermobacter thermautotrophicus MCM

Methanothermobacter thermautotrophicus minichromosomal maintenance protein (mtMCM) is a 75 kDa protein that self-assembles into a double hexamer structure. The double hexamer formed by the N-terminal region of mtMCM has a highly charged (overwhelmingly net positive) inner channel. Here we investigate the effects of point mutations of some of these charged residues on the biological activities of mtMCM. Although all of the mutants were similar to the wild type in protein folding and complex assembly, we found that mutations impaired helicase activity. The study of the DNA binding and ATPase activities of these mutants revealed that the impairment of the helicase activity was highly correlated with a decrease in DNA binding, providing evidence consistent with the role of these charged residues of the inner channel in interactions with DNA.
Independent dendritic domains in the thalamic circuit

Abstract Compartment models of thalamocortical cells and thalamic interneurons of rat lateral geniculate nucleus were used to match whole cell patch recordings showing input impedances of 118.7±22.5 and 606.5±220 Mohms, respectively. As expected, simulation of continuous somatic current injection showed far less voltage drop-off to the distal dendrite as compared with previous studies based on sharp electrode recordings. However, simulation of more physiologically realistic high-frequency signals (action potentials and post synaptic potentials) showed substantial drop-off, suggesting the possibility of independent processing by dendrodendritic domains and emphasizing the importance of synchrony of incoming signals.
Can the immune system fight Alzheimer disease

Mobilizing the immune system may be a promising strategy to fight Alzheimer disease. A clinical trial has shed light on the therapeutic potential—and the pitfalls—of Aβ immunization.
Congressional voting on DR‐CAFTA: the ineffectiveness of environmental lobbying

This paper examines the determinants of Congressional voting on CAFTA, focusing on environmental lobbying. Empirical results indicate that the environment was in fact not a major point of contention during the CAFTA vote. Campaign contributions were, however, an important factor in determining the vote. Indeed, with no contributions from labor or business, the CAFTA would not have passed. Employment in the sensitive sectors of CAFTA, sugar and textiles, were also critical in affecting the vote. An unanticipated result in this analysis was the effect of income on the CAFTA vote – poorer districts favored the agreement.
An evaluation of ventilation system flow rates and levels of carbon dioxide, ambient temperature, and relative humidity in restaurants.

Studies of the indoor air quality of restaurants have rarely focused on ventilation system performance in relation to air pollutants and climatic factors. This study was conducted in eight restaurants to examine this issue by determining the ventilation flow rates and the levels of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), ambient temperature, and relative humidity during at least one complete shift of serving a meal. The mean values of number of dining patrons, ventilation flow rates, and the levels of CO 2 , ambient temperature, and relative humidity were not significantly different in the nonsmoking dining rooms and the smoking dining rooms. The mean ventilation flow rates in individual restaurants ranged from 42-113 cubic feet per minute per person (cfm/person), overall exceeding the recommended lower limit of 30 cfm/person. The mean levels of CO 2 in two restaurants (646 and 819 ppm) were below, and in the other six restaurants (ranging 1012-1820 ppm) were above the recommended upper limit of 1000 ppm. The levels of C...
A programming framework for integrating web-based spatiotemporal sensor data with MapReduce capabilities

Web-based sensor data, provided by organizations such as the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, provide a valuable service to the public and scientific communities. However, much of this data is locked in a variety of presentation formats and is computationally inaccessible. In addition, although these data have a spatiotemporal context, both the spatial and temporal data are usually only implicitly defined. Although storing this data in a consistent database can partially resolve this problem, a data-driven programming model coupled with MapReduce capabilities is a more flexible and extensible solution. Our implementation of this programming model allows users to parse a wide array of sensor data and express complex computation in a simple, scalable manner. In addition, our framework uses a simple key-value storage mechanism and provides convenient geospatial output mechanisms. In this paper, we discuss some early results of our programming model within the context of our current Java-oriented implementation, and demonstrate how the system can be used to create many different applications. We also discuss and evaluate our system with respect to memory usage and scalability.
Rate of imidization of polymerizable reaction mixtures : PMR-15

Imidization of PMR-15 was investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) as a function of time and temperature. Imidization was performed at 65 ≤ T ≤ 300°C for 3 ≤ t ≤ 150 min. FTIR spectroscopy showed that imidization (measured by the changes in the imide carbonyl absorption at 1778 cm -1 ) increased with temperature and time. Imidization was found to be nearly completed in 2.5 h at 300°C. Imidization of PMR-15 occurred in three stages: (i) the initial imidization region characterized by gradual reaction followed by (ii) a very rapid reaction region that spans about 0.5 h and ( iii ) a final imidization region characterized by a gradual reaction and spans about 2 h. An Avrami-type kinetic analysis was used to obtain the reaction order of 1.5 and 1.7 and the rate constant for imidization of 1.3 x 10 -3 and 1.5 x 10 -3 min -3/2 at 135 and 165°C, respectively. Comparison with other kinetic models shows agreement at low conversions (p 20%, a second-order kinetic model seems to fit the data reasonably well in agreement with the observed 3/2 order.
Apollo sample 70051 and high- and low-Ti lunar soil simulants MLS-1A and JSC-1A: Implications for future lunar exploration

[1] Plans for establishment of a manned lunar base make it imperative that considerable research be performed on the use of lunar rocks and soil for in situ resource utilization (ISRU). Samples and simulants of lunar soil must be established for these studies. We present here the bulk and mineral chemistries of unusual Apollo 17 sample 70051, the 80 % of particles >50 μm, and a constrained range of particle sizes (∼50% of particles are 50–100 μm in size) when compared to typical Apollo 17 soils (e.g., 71501,1 has ∼20% of particles in the 50–100 μm range). Plagioclase, present in rock fragments and as mineral fragments (up to sizes ∼1 mm), is the main phase present (50.5 vol%). Simulant JSC-1A has a chemistry that is atypical for most of the Moon and contains 49.3 vol% glass. Simulant MLS-1A resembles the FeO, TiO2 and Al2O3 contents of mare basalt soils. Both lunar soil simulants have specific properties for certain in situ resource utilization studies, however, neither fully matches both the physical and chemical characteristics of lunar soil. Sample 70051, as a 1.4-kg haphazard mixture of lunar soil particles, is probably the best of the Apollo “soil” samples to be allocated for various ISRU investigations, where the uniqueness of lunar soils is deemed a necessity for study.
Protein binding of palmitate measured by transmembrane diffusion through polyethylene.

Abstract Thin polyethylene membranes permit ready diffusion of protonated long-chain fatty acids but are impermeable to protein and ions. This circumstance recommends polyethylene for measuring the free fraction of fatty acids in the presence of a binding protein and for estimating the ionization constant with which to compute the equilibrium constant for the binding of fatty acid anions. As an example of this approach we report the binding of tracer palmitate to bovine albumin and bovine β-lactoglobulin. We find a binding constant for the high-affinity site on albumin that is close to that calculated by others from heptane:H 2 O partition ratios. Our procedure is simpler, however, and free of the theoretical objection that heptane may alter the binding characteristics of the protein. Our estimate of the p K a for palmitic acid is 4.9, a finding that conforms to the widely predicted but heretofore unconfirmed expectation that long-chain fatty acids should have a p K a of about 4.8. Unidirectional flux measurements exclude direct exchange of palmitate between albumin and polyethylene.
Imperfect nesting in spin-density waves.

We study theoretically the effects of imperfect nesting in spin-density waves (SDW's) in quasi-one-dimensional systems. We analyze the phase diagram, the specific heat, and the threshold electric field in the presence of imperfect nesting. The latter result appears to describe the temperature dependence of the threshold electric field observed in SDW's of quenched di-tetramethyl-tetraselena-fulvalene chlorate [(TMTSF${)}_{2}$${\mathrm{ClO}}_{4}$] observed by Shimizu et al.
Ultrathin surface coatings to enhance cycling stability of LiMn2O4 cathode in lithium-ion batteries

Spinel LiMn2O4 suffers from severe dissolution when used as a cathode material in rechargeable Li-ion batteries. To enhance the cycling stability of LiMn2O4, we use the atomic layer deposition (ALD) method to deposit ultrathin and highly conformal Al2O3 coatings (as thin as 0.6–1.2 nm) onto LiMn2O4 cathodes with precise thickness control at atomic scale. Both bare and ALD-coated cathodes are cycled at a specific current of 300 mA g−1 (2.5 C) in a potential range of 3.4–4.5 V (vs. Li/Li+). All ALD-coated cathodes exhibit significantly improved cycleability compared to bare cathodes. Particularly, the cathode coated with six Al2O3 ALD layers (0.9 nm thick) shows the best cycling performance, delivering an initial capacity of 101.5 mA h g−1 and a final capacity of 96.5 mA h g−1 after 100 cycles, while bare cathode delivers an initial capacity of 100.6 mA h g−1 and a final capacity of only 78.6 mA h g−1. Such enhanced electrochemical performances of ALD-coated cathodes are ascribed to the high-quality ALD oxide coatings that are highly conformal, dense, and complete, and thus protect active material from severe dissolution into electrolytes. Besides, cycling performances of coated cathodes can be easily optimized by accurately tuning coating thickness via varying ALD growth cycles.
Thyroid hormone effects on protein and RNA metabolism in the rat anterior pituitary

Thyroidectomy reduced the incorporation of [3H]amino acids into total rat pituitary proteins as well as into electrophoretic fractions corresponding to growth hormone (GH) and prolactin. A single injection of thyroxine (200 μg/kg) reversed the effects of thyroidectomy on the GH (12 h) and prolactin (36 h) fractions. Evidence for a general increase in the rate of pituitary protein synthesis following this treatment was less conclusive, but two injections of the hormone had a definite stimulatory effect. [3H]Uridine uptake by the pituitary and its incorporation into RNA were elevated for 2 weeks after thyroidectomy. Thyroxine failed to suppress these changes for at least 36 h after injection. Actinomycin D (400 μg/kg) inhibited pituitary RNA synthesis and blocked the stimulatory effect of thyroxine on amino acid incorporation into the GH fraction. These results indicate that thyroid hormones: (1) promote pituitary protein synthesis, probably as a consequence of their effects on somatotrophs and lactotrophs; (2) exert a stimulatory effect on GH synthesis by affecting transcription.