cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A tracer study of the deep Gulf Stream cyclonic recirculation

Abstract An advective-diffusive numerical model is used to interpret water sample data from beneath the thermocline in the region of the Gulf Stream and deep western boundary current (DWBC), west of the Grand Banks. The nearly homogenized distributions of salinity and oxygen suggest that substantial cyclonic recirculation of the deep Gulf Stream comes in close contact with DWBC, which is the source of the tracers. The exchange of properties between the two flows is studied in order to relate tracer distributions to particular characteristics of the Gulf Stream gyre. Using a corresponding diffusion box model, it is shown that spin-up and the onset of homogenization in the gyre is controlled by diffusion from the boundary, and that the level of tracer in the gyre can be insensitive to the strength of lateral diffusivity (the salt case), but is strongly sensitive to vertical mixing (the oxygen case). The presence of vertical mixing, however, does not inhibit the occurrence of homogenization. The lateral (κ) and vertical (ν) diffusivities of the Gulf Stream gyre can be deduced by applying the model results to the observed oxygen distribution, and this leads to estimates of κ ∼ 106 cm2 s−1. The tight lateral extent of the recirculation, as suggested by the model results, agrees well with existing current meter data from the region.
Construction and Validation of Improved Triple Fusion Reporter Gene Vectors for Molecular Imaging of Living Subjects

Multimodality imaging using several reporter genes and imaging technologies has become an increasingly important tool in determining the location(s), magnitude, and time variation of reporter gene expression in small animals. We have reported construction and validation of several triple fusion genes composed of a bioluminescent, a fluorescent, and a positron emission tomography (PET) reporter gene in cell culture and in living subjects. However, the bioluminescent and fluorescent components of fusion reporter proteins encoded by these vectors possess lesser activities when compared with the bioluminescent and fluorescent components of the nonfusions. In this study, we first created a mutant ( mtfl ) of a thermostable firefly luciferase ( tfl ) bearing the peroxisome localization signal to have greater cytoplasmic localization and improved access for its substrate, d-luciferin. Comparison between the three luciferases [ mtfl, tfl , and firefly luciferase ( fl )] both in cell culture and in living mice revealed that mtfl possessed 6- to 10-fold ( in vitro ) and 2-fold ( in vivo ) higher activity than fl . The improved version of the triple fusion vector carrying mtfl as the bioluminescent reporter component showed significantly ( P < 0.05) higher bioluminescence than the previous triple fusion vectors. Of the three different red fluorescent reporter genes ( jred, hcred , and mrfp1 , isolated from jellyfish chromophore, coral Heteractis crispa , and coral Discosoma , respectively) evaluated, mrfp1 was able to preserve highest expression as a component of the triple fusion reporter gene for in vivo fluorescence imaging. A truncated version of wild-type herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV1) thymidine kinase gene ( wttk ) retained a higher expression level than the truncated mutant HSV1-sr39 TK ( ttk ) as the third reporter component of this improved triple fusion vector. Multimodality imaging of tumor-bearing mice using bioluminescence and microPET showed higher luciferase activity [(2.7 ± 0.1 versus 1.9 ± 0.1) × (106 p/s/cm2/sr)] but similar level of fluorine-18–labeled 2′-fluoro-2′-deoxyarabinofuranosyl-5-ethyluracil (18F-FEAU) uptake (1.37 ± 0.15 versus 1.37 ± 0.2) percentage injected dose per gram] by mtfl-mrfp1-wttk –expressing tumors compared with the fl-mrfp1-wttk –expressing tumors. Both tumors showed 4- to 5-fold higher accumulation ( P < 0.05) of 18F-FEAU than fluorine-18–labeled 9-(4-fluoro-3-hydroxymethylbutyl)guanine. This improved triple fusion reporter vector will enable high sensitivity detection of lower numbers of cells from living animals using the combined bioluminescence, fluorescence, and microPET imaging techniques. [Cancer Res 2007;67(7):3085–93]
Therapeutic effects of astrocytes expressing both tyrosine hydroxylase and brain-derived neurotrophic factor on a rat model of Parkinson's disease.

Abstract Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), expressed in normal astrocytes, were used in combination for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease (PD) symptoms in a rat model. Normal neonatal rat astrocytes were co-transfected with a vector expressing BDNF (AAVBDNF) and a retroviral vector expressing TH (termed TH-BDNF-DA+ cells), and then implanted into the striatum of PD rats induced by 6-hydroxydopamine. TH-BDNF-DA+ cells compensated for a severe insufficiency of endogenous dopaminergic neurons in the PD rats, resulting in a significant improvement of PD symptoms. The decrease in the rotational rate of PD rats implanted with TH-BDNF-DA+ cells was more marked than that in PD rats implanted with normal astrocytes expressing either TH or BDNF alone (termed TH+ and BDNF+ cells, P 0.05). BDNF protected the dopaminergic neurons from apoptosis induced by 6-hydroxydopamine, and significantly increased the long-term survival of TH-positive cells in the striatum. Our data indicate that the combined use of TH and BDNF has a synergistic therapeutic effect, and is more efficient for the treatment of PD than a single gene therapy using either TH or BDNF alone.
Characterization of the interlaminar fracture toughness of a laminated carbon/epoxy composite

Delamination between layers is an important problem in applications of fiber reinforced composite laminates. Tests were carried out to determine the interlaminar fracture toughness of AS4/3501-6 (carbon/epoxy) composite laminates using mixed-mode bending tests. Analysis of the test specimens in terms of mode I and mode II energy release rates showed good agreement between methods based on beam equations, compliance measurements, and detailed finite element analyses. The results showed that the critical mode I energy release rate for delamination decreased monotonically with increasing mode II loading. This is in contrast to some results in the literature. Various analytic representations of the mode interaction from the literature were compared, and shown to fit the data with reasonable accuracy.
Bacterial resistance to complement killing mediated by the Ail protein of Yersinia enterocolitica.

Abstract Ail is a 17-kDa outer membrane Yersinia protein that mediates bacterial attachment to, and invasion of, cultured epithelial cells. We report here an alternative role for Ail in the pathogenesis of Yersinia infection. We found that Escherichia coli HB101 harboring the 4-kilobase recombinant ail clone pVM102 were highly resistant to killing in up to 50% normal human serum. A 674-base-pair fragment of DNA from pVM102, which encodes the ail gene, was inserted into pUC18 and shown to promote full resistance to complement killing in E. coli HB101. Cellular attachment and resistance to complement killing in a plasmid-cured inv- strain of Yersinia enterocolitica (0:8) was correlated with the thermoinduced expression of Ail at 37 degrees C. Insertional inactivation of ail in Y. enterocolitica resulted in loss of both thermoinduced bacterial properties. Cellular attachment and serum resistance were restored by complementation of the defect by plasmid-encoded ail. Complementation of cell attachment activity required bacterial growth at 37 degrees C, indicating that an additional thermoinduced factor is required for this Ail function. In addition, these studies reveal that functional homology exists between Ail and the structurally related protein Rck, which promotes resistance to complement killing in Salmonella typhimurium.
Brain death: legal obligations and the courts

Brain death, or death determined by neurologic criteria, has been legally adopted in all U.S. states for decades. Despite its long-established history, a lack of clear understanding has led to disputes requiring a legal forum for resolution. Recently, physicians and hospitals across the country have been impacted by a growing number of disputes about brain death. The authors offer clinicians a historical perspective on the evolution of brain death as a legal cause of death in the United States. They then review the more common legal categories of disputes encountered, including representative court cases for each. This overview provides physicians with a general legal perspective on brain death so they may better appreciate the pertinent issues if and when later confronted.
Molecular level insight into intra-solvent interaction effects on protein stability and aggregation

Protein based therapeutics hold great promise in the treatment of human diseases and disorders and subsequently, they have become the fastest growing sector of new drugs being developed. Proteins are, however, inherently unstable and the degraded form can be quite harmful if administered to a patient. Of the various degradation pathways, aggregation is one of the most common and a cause for great concern. Aggregation suppressing additives have long been used to stabilize proteins, and they still remain the most viable option for combating this problem. Much work has been devoted toward investigating the behavior of commonly used additives and the resulting models give valuable insight toward explaining aggregation suppression. In a few cases, an explanation for unique behavior is lacking or new insight provides an alternate explanation. Additive selection and the development of better performing additives may benefit from a more refined understanding of how commonly used additives inhibit or enhance aggregation. In this review, we focus on recent molecular-level studies into how a select group of commonly used additives interact with proteins and subsequently influence aggregation. The intent of the review is not meant to be comprehensive for each additive but rather to provide new insights into additive-additive interactions, which may be contributing to protein-additive interactions. This is something that is often overlooked but yet essential to understanding the effect of additives on aggregation. The importance of understanding such interactions is clear when one considers that most formulations contain a mixture of cosolutes and that ideal stability might be better achieved through tuning intra-solvent interactions. We give an example of this when we describe how novel aggregation suppressing additives were developed from the knowledge gained from the reviewed studies.
The Ubiquity of Self-Deception

My paper is a discussion of Bas van Fraassen’s important, but neglected, paper on self-deception, “The Peculiar Effects of Love and Desire.” Paradoxes of self-deception are widely thought to follow from the ease with which we know ourselves. For example, if self-deception were intentional, how could we fail to know as target of our own deception just those things necessary to undermine the deception? Van Fraassen stands that reasoning on its head, arguing that is the ease with which we accuse ourselves of self-deception that undermines our confidence in our claims to know ourselves. I unpack and modify his argument, attempting to show that it makes a powerful case for scepticism about self-knowledge. I argue, contra van Fraassen, that local scepticism about self-knowledge threatens our claims to know ourselves in a way that global scepticism does not threaten our claims about the external world. I support this claim by showing that the Wittgensteinian response to the sceptic in On Certainty—that we don’t know what to do with the sceptic’s doubts, that we don’t know how to incorporate those doubts into our practices—does not succeed in deflecting scepticism about self-knowledge because the local sceptic’s doubts—about whether we can distinguish genuine claims to know ourselves from self-deceived claims—are integral to language game of self-knowledge. The local sceptic’s doubts are our doubts because it is natural to ask whether we are deceiving ourselves when we claim to know ourselves. However, because, we have no way of distinguishing genuine claims to know ourselves from self-deceived claims, our claims to self-knowledge are systematically undermined.
Quantitative evaluation of vibrational excitation of SiO A1Π–X1Σ+ flame emission from a silane/hydrogen/oxygen/argon diffusion flame

Abstract Spontaneous emission spectra in the wavelength range from 200 to 420 nm from a SiH4/H2/O2/Ar diffusion flame (used for the synthesis of nanosized particles) were obtained. Si, SiH and SiO intermediates were identified from the spectral emission signature. Emission from the SiO A1Π–X1Σ+ transition was analyzed in detail. Comparison of the experimental data with an emission model for SiO indicated significant vibrational non-equilibrium. The level of vibrational excitation was quantified in terms of a vibrational temperature independent of a translational temperature. The best-fit model results obtained by comparison with the experimental data, yielded a translational temperature of Ttrans=3250±500 K and a vibrational temperature of T vib =15 000±5000 K for high oxygen concentration systems. The vibrational temperature corresponds to an energy equivalent of ∼29 kcal/mol and changes in fractional population of over an order of magnitude from equilibrium distributions for some vibrational levels. For low oxygen concentration systems, the vibrational temperature was significantly higher T vib =40 000±15 000 K, which indicates a different SiO formation mechanism is active for these conditions.
Length 3 Edge-Disjoint Paths Is NP-Hard

In 2003, it was claimed that the following problem was solvable in polynomial time: do there exist k edge-disjoint paths of length exactly 3 between vertices s and t in a given graph? The proof was flawed, and in this note we show that this problem is NP-hard. We use a reduction from Partial Orientation, a problem recently shown by Palvolgyi to be NP-hard.
Regioselective Synthesis of Allyl Trimethylsilanes from Allylic Halides

Abstract Treatment of an allylic halide 1 with a trimethylsilyl metal reagent affords either trans allyl trimethylsilane 4 or the regioisomeric allyl trimethylsilane 3 with proper choice of reaction conditions.
Birefringence of Rubber during Creep and Recovery

Measurements of creep and recovery of lightly cross-linked polybutadiene, carried out in both shear and compression geometries, reveal two deviations from the stress optical law: the birefringence increases during the constant stress creep, and the birefringence is not zero during the stress-free recovery. Most interestingly, the sign of the birefringence during recovery was found to be opposite to that during creep. This implies that the chain segments have a net orientation opposite to the macroscopic deformation.
Effect of solvent on the spectrum of chlorophyll

Abstract Visible spectra of chlorophyll in forty solvents have been recorded and the following parameters tabulated for each: position of the red and Soret bands, extinction coefficient and half-width of the red band, the Soret/red band and the Soret/Soret satellite band extinction coefficient ratios. The position of the red band depends more on the refractive index than on the dielectric constant. Interpretation of other spectral properties is assisted by division of solvents into three classes: (I) polar aliphatic compounds with single bonds only; (II) polar aliphatic compounds with multiple bonds; (III) mainly aromatic compounds. With the aid of this division, correlations were found between the half-width and the part of the red shift that depends on dielectric constant, between the position of the Soret and red bands, and between the Soret/red and the Soret/Soret satellite absorptivity ratios.
Two decades of Bosnian place-making in St. Louis, Missouri

St. Louis, Missouri received approximately 11,000 refugees from the Bosnian War (1992–1995) between 1993 and 2001. These newcomers were resettled in a predominantly white, working-class neighborhood on the city's south side known a century earlier for its German population. They were joined by family reunification immigrants, secondary migrants from other US cities, and a newborn generation of Bosnian Americans. With a current population of about 70,000, they constitute the largest population of Bosnians in the USA. They are credited with revitalizing the St. Louis neighborhood of Bevo Mill and stabilizing the city's declining population. Bosnians have created a distinctive ethnic enclave that is visible on the commercial, religious, and residential landscapes, and they have found a place in the wider receiving community. Drawing upon field observations, the local media, and the work of fellow scholars, this article investigates two decades of Bosnian place-making in south St. Louis. Through this case stu...
Calpains and apoptosis

Calpains are a family of cysteine proteases existing primarily in two forms designated by the Ca2+ concentration needed for activation in vitro, μ‐calpain (calpain‐I) and m‐calpain (calpain‐II). The physiological roles of calpains remain unclear. Many groups have proposed a role for calpains in apoptosis, but their patterns of activation are not well characterized. Calpains have been implicated in neutrophil apoptosis, glucocorticoid‐induced thymocyte apoptosis, as well as many other apoptotic pathways. Calpain activation in apoptosis is usually linked upstream or downstream to caspase activation, or in a parallel pathway alongside caspase activation. Calpains have been suggested to be involved in DNA fragmentation (via endonuclease activation), but also as effector proteases that cleave cellular proteins involved in DNA repair, membrane associated proteins and other homeostatic regulatory proteins. Recently, our laboratory demonstrated μ‐calpain activation in NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreducatse 1 (NQOl)‐expr...
Perceiving motion transitions in pedestrian crowds

Perception of motion transitions in a pedestrian crowd is affected by many collective features such as crowd density, appearance variations, motion variations, and sub-group interaction patterns. We conducted a series of psychophysical experiments to investigate how these crowd features can influence human perception on walking motion transitions in a crowd when inexpensive motion blending algorithms are used. Our results provide useful implications and practical guidelines for performance-oriented crowd applications such as real-time games to improve the perceptual realism by effectively disguising motion transitions.
Mechanism of G551D-CFTR (Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator) Potentiation by a High Affinity ATP Analog

Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is a chloride channel gated by ATP binding and hydrolysis at its nucleotide binding domains (NBD). The NBDs dimerize in a head-to-tail configuration, forming two ATP binding pockets (ABP) with the ATP molecules buried at the dimer interface. Previous studies have indicated that ABP2, formed by the Walker A and B motifs of NBD2 and the signature sequence of NBD1, is the site critical for the ATP-dependent opening of CFTR. The G551D mutation in ABP2, the third most common cystic fibrosis-associated mutation, abolishes ATP-dependent gating, resulting in an open probability that is ∼100-fold lower than that of wild-type channels. Interestingly, we found that the ATP analog N6-(2-phenylethyl)-ATP (P-ATP) increases G551D currents mainly by increasing the open time of the channel. This effect is reduced when P-ATP is applied together with ATP, suggesting a competition between ATP and P-ATP for a common binding site. Introducing mutations that lower the nucleotide binding affinity at ABP2 did not alter significantly the effects of P-ATP on G551D-CFTR, whereas an equivalent mutation at ABP1 (consisting of the Walker A and B motifs of NBD1 and the signature sequence of NBD2) dramatically decreased the potency of P-ATP, indicating that ABP1 is the site where P-ATP binds to increase the activity of G551D-CFTR. These results substantiate the idea that nucleotide binding at ABP1 stabilizes the open channel conformation. Our observation that P-ATP enhances the G551D activity by binding at ABP1 implicates that ABP1 can potentially be a target for drugs to bind and increase the channel activity.
An efficient type-II hybrid ARQ protocol using Reed-Solomon codes

Type-II hybrid ARQ protocols are widely used in current packet-oriented systems, such as wireless ATM, in combination with powerful error-correction codes for robust transmission and high channel throughput. In this paper, we investigate Reed-Solomon codes and soft-decision decoding algorithms for type-II hybrid ARQ systems, which lead to improved performance and higher channel throughput.
Prostaglandin E2 Induces Oncostatin M Expression in Human Chronic Wound Macrophages through Axl Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Pathway

Monocytes and macrophages (m) are plastic cells whose functions are governed by microenvironmental cues. Wound fluid bathing the wound tissue reflects the wound microenvironment. Current literature on wound inflammation is primarily based on the study of blood monocyte-derived macrophages, cells that have never been exposed to the wound microenvironment. We sought to compare pair-matched monocyte-derived macrophages with m isolated from chronic wounds of patients. Oncostatin M (OSM) was differentially overexpressed in pair-matched wound m. Both PGE₂ and its metabolite 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGE₂ (PGE-M) were abundant in wound fluid and induced OSM in wound-site m. Consistently, induction of OSM mRNA was observed in m isolated from PGE₂-enriched polyvinyl alcohol sponges implanted in murine wounds. Treatment of human THP-1 cell-derived m with PGE₂ or PGE-M caused dose-dependent induction of OSM. Characterization of the signal transduction pathways demonstrated the involvement of EP4 receptor and cAMP signaling. In human m, PGE₂ phosphorylated Axl, a receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK). Axl phosphorylation was also induced by a cAMP analogue demonstrating interplay between the cAMP and RTK pathways. PGE₂-dependent Axl phosphorylation led to AP-1 transactivation, which is directly implicated in inducible expression of OSM. Treatment of human m or mice excisional wounds with recombinant OSM resulted in an anti-inflammatory response as manifested by attenuated expression of endotoxin-induced TNF-α and IL-1β. OSM treatment also improved wound closure during the early inflammatory phase of healing. In summary, this work recognizes PGE₂ in the wound fluid as a potent inducer of m OSM, a cytokine with an anti-inflammatory role in cutaneous wound healing.
Variations in convective venting to increase the efficiency of compact fluorescent downlights

The authors demonstrate a sequence of venting configurations and techniques, from an unmodified compact fluorescent downlight as a control fixture, through a series of venting strategies, to the development of a highly efficient downlight that incorporates a new angular concept in convective venting. With this new venting design, an increase in light output of nearly 25% can be attained without the optical losses generally associated with some venting geometries. The key issue in using convective venting as an effective thermal management technique is to maximize the thermal advantages of the venting configuration while reducing or eliminating the optical losses produced by openings in the envelop of the fixture or reflector. With the proper design and positioning of a convective venting geometry within a particular fixture, all of the benefits of a thermally efficient fixture can be obtained without compromise in optical efficiency. >
Age and sex influence marmot antipredator behavior during periods of heightened risk

Animals adjust their antipredator behavior according to environmental variation in risk, and to account for their ability to respond to threats. Intrinsic factors that influence an animal’s ability to respond to predators (e.g., age, body condition) should explain variation in antipredator behavior. For example, a juvenile might allocate more time to vigilance than an adult because mortality as a result of predation is often high for this age class; however, the relationship between age/vulnerability and antipredator behavior is not always clear or as predicted. We explored the influence of intrinsic factors on yellow-bellied marmot (Marmota flaviventris) antipredator behavior using data pooled from 4 years of experiments. We hypothesized that inherently vulnerable animals (e.g., young, males, and individuals in poor condition) would exhibit more antipredator behavior prior to and immediately following conspecific alarm calls. As expected, males and yearlings suppressed foraging more than females and adults following alarm call playbacks. In contrast to predictions, animals in better condition respond more than animals in below average condition. Interestingly, these intrinsic properties did not influence baseline time budgets; animals of all ages, sexes, and condition levels devoted comparable amounts of time to foraging prior to alarm calls. Our results support the hypothesis that inherent differences in vulnerability influence antipredator behavior; furthermore, it appears that a crucial, but poorly acknowledged, interaction exists between risk and state-dependence. Elevated risk may be required to reveal the workings of state-dependent behavior, and studies of antipredator behavior in a single context may draw incomplete conclusions about age- or sex-specific strategies.
Surgical Management of Recurrent Thyroid Cancer

While well-differentiated thyroid cancer is generally thought to be a treatable cancer with excellent outcomes, some patients suffer from recurrent disease. Risk factors for recurrent disease include primary disease greater than 4 cm, incomplete resection, multiple positive lymph nodes in the central compartment, and lateral neck disease with multiple positive lymph nodes in multiple levels or pathologic extracapsular extension. These factors can help stratify the thyroid cancer population in to low-, medium-, and high-risk patients. Low-risk patients can generally be followed with thyroglogulin levels and routine ultrasounds to the head and neck. High-risk patients are best monitored with stimulated thyroglobulin, ultrasound of the head and neck, and low-dose iodine 131 uptake scans at the 6- to 12-month mark. The treatment of locoregional recurrent thyroid cancer is surgical resection with the overall goal of complete tumor removal while maintaining function and decreasing risks. The use of adjuvant therapy is dependent on the presence / absence of high risk pathologic features.
Beam breakup with finite bunch length

Cumulative beam breakup in linear accelerators has been studied for the case of infinitely short bunches. While this model is appropriate for high energy accelerators, in high-current ion accelerators the bunch length can occupy a significant fraction of an RF period of the deflecting mode. A semianalytic model has been developed to study and predict beam breakup in the case of nonzero bunch length and arbitrary bunch shape. Simulations of steady-state bunch distortion are presented, and the role of focusing in controlling beam breakup with bunches of nonzero length is illustrated. >
Design, Analysis and Implementation of Integrated Micro-Thermal Control Systems

While there has been a growing emergence of circuit designs for the life sciences, there is an important issue that remains largely unaddressed. Although advanced design techniques have been applied to circuits capable of measuring very small amplitude, high signal to noise ratio signals, with many custom circuit designs for these applications (Harrison and Charles, 2003), there remains a proverbial elephant in the room. The systems used to measure these signals provide no means of accurate thermal control. This is especially surprising considering the huge dependance in the behavior of both biological and electrical systems upon temperature. In fact, the vast majority of electrical cellular assays are performed on dying cells! We present a systematic method of incorporating a high-accuracy, closed-loop thermal feedback system into hybrid systems for the life sciences. We introduce a thermal stabilization chip containing a heater and PTAT temperature sensor including the heater control circuit. We then provide a description of the PID control loop. This is followed by both computational data via finite element analysis and empirical data that assesses the thermal performance of the chip. Finally, we demonstrate the advantages of the system with comparative results of cell culture.
Cautiousness and Verbal Learning in Adulthood.

Twenty-two young (age 17-21)and 22 old (age 60-74) men and women participated in an investigation designed to determine the extent to which age differences in omission errors and performance in a serial learning task are accounted for by cautiousness. Age differences were found on the measures of cautiousness, and verbal learning, with young adults making more correct responses and proportionately fewer omission errors on the learning task and taking greater risks on the risk-taking tasks. The results indicated that cautiousness measures accounted for age differences in omission errors but not in performance. Language: en
Cultivating Our “Frienemies”: Viewing Immunity as Microbiome Management

Immunology has been studied and understood in the context of the compelling problems of infectious disease. But our rapidly growing knowledge of immune interactions with our healthy microbiota, and the many benefits it confers, suggests there may be value to an alternative view: that mechanisms of defense against pathogens are one aspect of a complex system with the broader purpose of managing our healthy microbiome. From this perspective, adaptive immunity may be viewed as a flexible system for simultaneously recruiting and managing a near limitless number of potential symbionts. This perspective can allow for reinterpretation of many observations and can suggest new experiments to help us better understand our complex interactions with the microbes that surround us.
Trends in East-West German Migration from 1989 to 2002

The purpose of this article is to show recent trends in regional migration from East to West Germany by combining data from the Statistisches Bundesamt from 1991 to 2002 with data from the Zentrales Einwohnerregister der DDR from 1989 to 1990. We document that annual gross outmigration rates peaked at the time of the Reunification, fell sharply thereafter, but rose steadily from the 1997 until 2001 to reach levels obtained prior to the Reunification. While Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and Brandenburg experienced less outmigration before the Reunification compared to Thueringen, Sachsen, and Sachsen-Anhalt, they are the regions that have experienced the highest pace of outmigration since then. With the exception of the increasing popularity of the Berlin region, the distribution of East to West migrants across West Germany is fairly stable over time: migrants continue to favor the large industrial provinces of Baden-Wuerttemberg, Bayern, Nordrhein-Westfalen, and Niedersachsen.
Transforming Growth Factor-β1 Inhibition of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Activation Is Mediated via Smad3

Activation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) by proinflammatory cytokines is a key feature of atherosclerotic lesion formation. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 is a pleiotropic growth factor that can modulate the inflammatory response in diverse cell types including VSMCs. However, the mechanisms by which TGF-β1 is able to mediate these effects remains incompletely understood. We demonstrate here that the ability of TGF-β1 to inhibit markers of VSMC activation, inducible nitric-oxide synthase (iNOS) and interleukin (IL)-6, is mediated through its downstream effector Smad3. In reporter gene transfection studies, we found that among a panel of Smads, Smad3 could inhibit iNOS induction in an analogous manner as exogenous TGF-β1. Adenoviral overexpression of Smad3 potently repressed inducible expression of endogenous iNOS and IL-6. Conversely, TGF-β1 inhibition of cytokine-mediated induction of iNOS and IL-6 expression was completely blocked in Smad3-deficient VSMCs. Previous studies demonstrate that CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP) and NF-κB sites are critical for cytokine induction of both the iNOS and IL-6 promoters. We demonstrate that the inhibitory effect of Smad3 occurs via a novel antagonistic effect of Smad3 on C/EBP DNA-protein binding and activity. Smad3 mediates this effect in part by inhibiting C/EBP-β and C/EBP-δ through distinct mechanisms. Furthermore, we find that Smad3 prevents the cooperative induction of the iNOS promoter by C/EBP and NF-κB. These data demonstrate that Smad3 plays an essential role in mediating TGF-β1 anti-inflammatory response in VSMCs.
Doctoral Students and Nursing Research

Three nurse scholars independently present their views about research appropriate for doctoral students in nursing. Taken together, their individual perspectives provide insights into the diverse range of opinions present in the profession today.
The Curvilinearity of Heritability of Butterfat Production

Summary A statistical study of butterfat records of the progeny and mates of 176 proved sires of the Guernsey, Holstein-Friesian, and Jersey breeds has been made. Each bull was represented by at least five daughter-dam comparisons in each of two or more herds. Curvilinear regression of daughter on dam within breeds, within sires and within herds accounted for a larger portion of the daughter variance than did linear regression. The difference, however, was not quite large enough to be statistically significant. The heritability of butterfat yield calculated by doubling the linear regression of daughter on dam within breeds, within sires and within herds was 27.4 per cent. Estimates of heritability on the basis of curvilinear regression gave values decreasing with increased butterfat yield. The pattern described by these estimates appears to hold a valid relation to the problems faced by breeders of dairy cattle and to the results of some experimental studies on similar problems.
Rated pleasantness and association value of 101 English nouns

Ratings of pleasantness (PL) on a 7-point scale and of association value (a′) on a 5-point scale are reported for 101 two-syllable nouns. The ratings were obtained from two samples of 100 women each and two samples of 100 men each. Sizable differences were obtained between words on both scales. For women and men respectively, PL and a′ were correlated .570 and .585; PL and printed frequency were correlated .233 and .207; frequency and a′ were correlated .533 and .764. Women's and men's ratings correlated .973 for PL and .899 for a′.
DETERMINATION OF PATHS TO VENDOR MARKET EFFICIENCY USING PARALLEL COORDINATES REPRESENTATION: A NEGOTIATION TOOL FOR BUYERS

Abstract This study demonstrates the use of data envelopment analysis for measuring vendor performance and efficiency. An algorithm by Inselberg is employed for determining points of vendor efficiency on multiple criteria. This study then demonstrates how parallel coordinates graphical representation can be used to display the efficiency of vendors on multiple criteria, and, in so doing, visually identify benchmark values on these criteria for negotiating with inefficient vendors. An example of a firm purchasing in a JIT manufacturing environment is used to illustrate this approach. The results of this approach point to its flexibility for use in vendor negotiations.
Reye Syndrome Associated with Hemophilus influenzae Infection

A case of Reye syndrome in an infant associated with culture-proven Hemophilus influenzae type d infection and probable meningitis is presented. This represents the second such reported case and the first to be described in detail. The criteria for the clinical and chemical diagnosis of Reye syndrome are reviewed. Pertinent and abnormal features of this patient's presentation are discussed. The finding of a non-visualizing liver on technetium-99m sulfur colloid isotope scan and possible mechanisms are discussed.
Parenting Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders The Couple's Relationship

Balancing the roles of parent and partner is challenging for most people and may be especially challenging when extra time and effort are required in the parenting role. The current research compar...
Survival of adults with ASD2: a call for a longitudinal clinical registry

This editorial refers to ‘Secundum atrial septal defect is associated with reduced survival in adult men’[†][1], by J.M. Kuijpers et al ., on page 2079. It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity …1Charles Dickens (1859) A Tale of Two Cities In commenting on the status of life at the time of the French Revolution, Dickens reflected that two observers could view the world's truths as vastly different, in large part due to varied experiences in dissimilar environments, without common standard or control. For decades, debate has existed regarding risks of secundum atrial septal defect (ASD2) for affected adults, including uncertain prognosis, potential indications for closure, and benefits (and risks) associated with various closure strategies. Despite ASD prevalence approximating 30–40% of congenital heart disease witnessed in adults (ACHD), epidemiological study and systematic longer term follow-up of affected individuals have largely been limited either to a bygone era or to a selected registry. Descriptors of pulmonary infections, reactive airways, dyspnoea, heart failure, atrial arrhythmias, and pulmonary vascular disease are highlighted in ASD2 natural history studies and registries;2–6 few data are culled from the era of modern medical practice where lifestyle and non-mechanical therapies can influence such outcomes. Despite such limitations, data-derived care guidelines currently recommend closure of the atrial septal defect to reduce attributable symptomatology (when present) and future morbidity in at-risk patients. Given the relatively high prevalence of such defects, as well as the suggested associated morbidity, a clear, unbiased, … [1]: #fn-2
The role of mixed-layer instabilities in submesoscale turbulence

Upper-ocean turbulence at scales smaller than the mesoscale is believed to exchange surface and thermocline waters, which plays an important role in both physical and biogeochemical budgets. But what energizes this submesoscale turbulence remains a topic of debate. Two mechanisms have been proposed: mesoscale-driven surface frontogenesis and baroclinic mixed-layer instabilities. The goal here is to understand the differences between the dynamics of these two mechanisms, using a simple quasi-geostrophic model. The essence of mesoscale-driven surface frontogenesis is captured by the well-known surface quasi-geostrophic model, which describes the sharpening of surface buoyancy gradients and the subsequent breakup in secondary roll-up instabilities. We formulate a similarly archetypical Eady-like model of submesoscale turbulence induced by mixed-layer instabilities. The model captures the scale and structure of this baroclinic instability in the mixed layer. A wide range of scales are energized through a turbulent inverse cascade of kinetic energy that is fuelled by the submesoscale mixed-layer instability. Major differences to mesoscale-driven surface frontogenesis are that mixed-layer instabilities energize the entire depth of the mixed layer and produce larger vertical velocities. The distribution of energy across scales and in the vertical produced by our simple model of mixed-layer instabilities compares favourably to observations of energetic wintertime submesoscale flows, suggesting that it captures the leading-order balanced dynamics of these flows. The dynamics described here in an oceanographic context have potential applications to other geophysical fluids with layers of different stratifications.
Seeing emotions: a review of micro and subtle emotion expression training

In this review I explore and discuss the use of micro and subtle expression training in the social sciences. These trainings, offered commercially, are designed and endorsed by noted psychologist Paul Ekman, co-author of the Facial Action Coding System, a comprehensive system of measuring muscular movement in the face and its relationship to the expression of emotions. The trainings build upon that seminal work and present them in a way for either the layperson or researcher to easily add to their personal toolbox for a variety of purposes. Outlined are my experiences across the training products, how they could be used in social science research, a brief comparison to automated systems, and possible next steps.
Support For The Aged: Public And Private Responsibility

However, a large segment of the public is now calling for limits on the cost of government and on the role of government in the lives of individuals. As they heed this call, politicians are increasingly reluctant to pass new spending measures for the benefit of the aged or other groups. This country is in a period of uncertainty, when diffi cult questions must be asked, such as, How much responsibility for the wel fare of the aged should government as sume? How much should it provide in the form of programs and services to the aged? How much should be pro vided by families, friends, and the aged themselves? In attempting to resolve these troublesome issues, it is neces sary to remember that the demand for the curtailment of government is a two-sided coin. That is, if the govern ment is to do less, then private individ uals and families need to reexamine
Modeling Phase Change Heat Transfer of Liquid/Vapor Systems in Free and Porous Media

Effective Solvent Extraction Incorporating Electromagnetic Heating (ESEIEH) is a relatively new concept that relies on Radio Frequency (RF) heating and solvents to replace steam in current thermal processes for the purpose of extracting bitumen from oil rich sands. The work presented here will further the understanding of the near wellbore flow and phase behavior of the ESEIEH process in order to better predict solvent vaporization dynamics and heat rates delivered to the pay zone. This numerical study details the aspects of phase change of liquid/vapor systems confined in porous media heated by electromagnetic radiation, and approximated by a volumetric heat source term in the energy equation. The objective of this work is to utilize the numerical methodology presented herein to predict liquid penetration depth in a heated isotropic porous matrix to avoid the over-saturation of liquid solvent in the pay zone. Results demonstrate the sensitivity of the liquid solvent penetration depth to the solvent delivery rate and the resulting temperature.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
The management of angina pectoris.

(1957). The Management of Angina Pectoris. Postgraduate Medicine: Vol. 21, No. 2, pp. 107-111.
Albuminated Glycoenzymes: Enzyme Stabilization through Orthogonal Attachment of a Single-Layered Protein Shell around a Central Glycoenzyme Core.

Here we demonstrate an approach to stabilize enzymes through the orthogonal covalent attachment of albumin on the single-enzyme level. Albuminated glycoenzymes (AGs) based upon glucose oxidase and catalase from Aspergillus niger were prepared in this manner. Gel filtration chromatography and dynamic light scattering support modification, with an increase in hydrodynamic radius of ca. 60% upon albumination. Both AGs demonstrate a marked resistance to aggregation during heating to 90 °C, but this effect is more profound in albuminated catalase. The functional characteristics of albuminated glucose oxidase vary considerably with exposure type. The AG’s thermal inactivation is reduced more than 25 times compared to native glucose oxidase, and moderate stabilization is observed with one month storage at 37 °C. However, albumination has no effect on operational stability of glucose oxidase.
FORMATION OF RADICAL ANIONS BY THE ATTACK OF RADICALS UPON ANIONS

The formation of carbon-carbon bonds by attack of free radicals upon carbanions has been demonstrated by spectroscopic and kinetic techniques. The presence of a nitro group, introduced either in the radical or the anion, greatly facilitates the coupling reaction by stabilizing the resulting radical anion. This reaction when combined with an oxidative one-electron transfer provides a route to the synthesis of a number of acyclic or cyclic systems and provides an explanation of the mechanism of a number of already recognized reactions of aliphatic nitro compounds in basic solution.
THE WAY I SEE IT: What happened to the library? When the library and the computer center merge

Que se passe t'il quand une faculte, pour repondre aux opportunites des nouvelles technologies de l'information, decide de fusionner des unites aussi culturellement disparates que la bibliotheque et le departement informatique ? Le succes et les difficultes de l'entreprise dependent de la profondeur de la jonction, au niveau du personnel, des services et des technologies, et chaque etablissement devra determiner le degre de fusion qui lui convient. Supports physiques et electroniques peuvent coexister et la bibliotheque, en depit des evolutions du paysage, pourra encore etre appelee bibliotheque.
Comments on the establishment of the one to one relationship between characters as a prerequisite for homology assessment in phylogenetic studies

In two recent papers Mooi & Gill (2010a, 2010b) stressed that the evaluation and discussion of character homologies and their significance as synapomorphies has disappeared from current molecular phylogenetic analyses in ichthyology (see Chakrabarty (2010) and Smith (2010) for a different perspective). Synapomorphies represent the evidence that allows us to postulate phylogenetic groupings under the paradigm of Hennig’s (1950, 1966) phylogenetic systematics. Therefore, their absence would indeed indicate an absence of evidence and hence a reason for serious concern. In the following paragraphs we provide a brief review of the differences between morphological and molecular approaches in relation to the establishment of homology.
Integrated Hybrid Life Cycle Assessment and Optimization of Shale Gas

This paper analyzes the life cycle environmental impacts of shale gas by using an integrated hybrid life cycle analysis (LCA) and optimization approach. Unlike the process-based LCA that suffers system truncation, the integrated hybrid LCA supplements the truncated system with a comprehensive economic input-output system. Compared with the economic input–output-based LCA that loses accuracy from process aggregation, the integrated hybrid LCA retains the precision in modeling major unit processes within the well-to-wire system boundary. Three environmental categories, namely, life cycle greenhouse gas emissions, water consumption, and energy consumption, are considered. Based on this integrated hybrid LCA framework, we further developed an integrated hybrid life cycle optimization model, which enables automatic identification of sustainable alternatives in the design and operations of shale gas supply chains. We applied the model to a well-to-wire shale gas supply chain in the UK to illustrate the applicab...