cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Design of an exposimetry system for analysis of high-frequency ultrasound devices

An exposimetry system for characterization of high frequency ultrasound fields has been developed and built. By extrapolating the recommendations of the AIUM and IEC standards to higher frequencies, an exposimetry system operating above 15 MHz was outlined. The system incorporates a five degrees-of-freedom positioning system, including three automated translational motors that provide 0.5 micron resolution. Two manual rotational axes utilize a worm-gear and concentric cylinder arrangement to insure orthogonal rotational adjustment. Overall bandwidth of the system is 100 MHz and is limited by the type of hydrophone used. Using a calibrated 0.04 mm diameter needle-type hydrophone, measurements of single element transducers of 25-50 MHz have been made. LiNbO3 and PVDF transducers of f-numbers from 2-3 have been tested and 2D intensity beam profiles plotted. Results from a 50 MHz LiNbO3 transducer show good agreement between empirical (8.6 mm) and theoretical (9.0 mm) focal points. The -3 dB beamwidth was also measured (108 micron) to be comparable to that of the calculated value (86 micron). It is shown that this system provides a good means for characterization and analysis of the beam profiles of high frequency transducers.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Low temperature phase transformations in the metallic phases of iron and stony-iron meteorites

The nickel content and the structure of kamacite and decomposed taenite (clear taenite 1, CT-1; the cloudy zone, CZ; and clear taenite 2, CT-2) in the metallic phases of meteorites were determined using X-ray microanalysis techniques in the AEM. The kamacite near the CT-1 interface was found to contain about 4 wt pct Ni. The CT-1 structure contains 51.4-45.6 wt pct Ni; it is ordered FeNi with the L1(0) superstructure. The CZ structure consists of two phases: a globular phase (ordered FeNi containing 50.9 wt pct Ni) and a surrounding honeycomb martensitic phase containing 11.7 wt pct Ni. The CT-2 was found in all of the iron meteorite groups studied and in the pallasites, but not in the mesosiderites. Based on the preliminary evidence, this region is believed to be ordered Fe3Ni. Possible mechanisms for the decomposition of taenite are discussed.
Human Metapneumovirus Virus-Like Particles Induce Protective B and T Cell Responses in a Mouse Model

ABSTRACT Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a leading cause of respiratory disease in infants, children, and the elderly worldwide, yet no licensed vaccines exist. Live-attenuated vaccines present safety challenges, and protein subunit vaccines induce primarily antibody responses. Virus-like particles (VLPs) are an attractive alternative vaccine approach because of reduced safety concerns compared with live vaccines. We generated HMPV VLPs by expressing viral proteins in suspension-adapted human embryonic kidney epithelial (293-F) cells and found that the viral matrix (M) and fusion (F) proteins were sufficient to form VLPs. We previously reported that the VLPs resemble virus morphology and incorporate fusion-competent F protein (R. G. Cox, S. B. Livesay, M. Johnson, M. D. Ohi, and J. V. Williams, J. Virol. 86:12148–12160, 2012), which we hypothesized would elicit F-specific antibody and T cell responses. In this study, we tested whether VLP immunization could induce protective immunity to HMPV by using a mouse model. C57BL/6 mice were injected twice intraperitoneally with VLPs alone or with adjuvant and subsequently challenged with HMPV. Mice were euthanized 5 days postinfection, and virus titers, levels of neutralizing antibodies, and numbers of CD3 + T cells were quantified. Mice immunized with VLPs mounted an F-specific antibody response and generated CD8 + T cells recognizing an F protein-derived epitope. VLP immunization induced a neutralizing-antibody response that was enhanced by the addition of either TiterMax Gold or α-galactosylceramide adjuvant, though adjuvant reduced cellular immune responses. Two doses of VLPs conferred complete protection from HMPV replication in the lungs of mice and were not associated with a Th2-skewed cytokine response. These results suggest that nonreplicating VLPs are a promising vaccine candidate for HMPV. IMPORTANCE Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a leading cause of acute respiratory infection in infants, children, and the elderly worldwide, yet no licensed vaccines exist. Live-attenuated vaccines present safety challenges, and protein subunit vaccines induce primarily antibody responses. Virus-like particles (VLPs) are an attractive alternative vaccine approach. We generated HMPV VLPs by expressing the viral matrix (M) and fusion (F) proteins in mammalian cells. We found that mice immunized with VLPs mounted an F-specific antibody response and generated CD8 + T cells recognizing an F protein-derived epitope. VLP immunization induced a neutralizing-antibody response that was enhanced by the addition of either TiterMax Gold or α-galactosylceramide adjuvant. Two doses of VLPs conferred complete protection against HMPV replication in the lungs of mice and were not associated with a Th2-skewed cytokine response. These results suggest that nonreplicating VLPs are a promising vaccine candidate for HMPV.
Effect of ethanol concentration and application period of soyabean meal on the kinetics of ruminal digestion

Effects of ethanol concentration and duration of treatment of soyabean meal on nitrogen (N) solubility, the kinetics of in situ dry matter, and N disappearance in the rumen were determined. Ground (1 mm) soyabean meal was soaked in 30%, 50%, 70% or 90% ethanol for 12, 24, 36 or 48 h. Seventy percent ethanol solutions applied to soyabean meal for 36 h or less lowered N solubility and the estimated rate of N disappearance, and increased the estimated rumen undegradable protein in soyabean meal compared to untreated soyabean meal. The lowest estimated rate of N disappearance and the highest increase in calculated rumen undegradable protein were observed when soyabean meal was treated with 70% ethanol for 36 h. Extending the application period of 70% ethanol to soyabean meal for more than 36 h removed the beneficial effect that the treatment had on N kinetics in the rumen and was considered excessive. Regardless of the application period, the 30%, 50%, and 90% ethanol solutions applied to soyabean meal did not lower the estimated rate of N disappearance in soyabean meal. However, extending the treatment time of soyabean meal with 90% ethanol for more than 24 h lowered the estimated rate of N disappearance compared to the shorter treatment times and the data suggested that 90% ethanol solutions applied to soyabean meal required longer application periods than 70% ethanol solutions to be effective. It was concluded that treatment of soyabean meal with 70% ethanol for 36 h had the greatest potential to increase rumen undegradable protein.
MDI 301, a non-irritating retinoid, induces changes in human skin that underlie repair

Previous studies have demonstrated that all-trans retinoic acid (RA) increases collagen production and decreases matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity in organ-cultured human skin. Decreased MMP activity is associated with up-regulation of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1). These changes are accompanied by a hyperplastic response in the epidermis. Here we show that a synthetic picolinic ester-substituted retinoid (designated as MDI 301) has comparable effects to those of RA in regard to these activities. What makes these findings of interest is that RA also stimulates elaboration of several pro-inflammatory cytokines and up-regulates leukocyte adhesion molecules in organ-cultured skin. MDI 301 does not induce such changes or is much less active. In a past study we showed that while RA was irritating to the skin of topically treated hairless mice, MDI 301 was essentially non-irritating under the same conditions [Varani et al. (2003) Arch. Dermatol Res 295:255–262]. Taken in conjunction with the findings from the past study, the present data suggest that MDI 301 will be similar to RA in capacity to repair damaged skin, but will be effective under conditions that are not irritating. These findings, thus, suggest that retinoid efficacy and clinically relevant irritancy are not inextricably linked. Potential for efficacy under conditions in which irritation is not observed is a strong rationale for further development of MDI 301 as a skin-repair agent.
Psychological and physical health of mostly heterosexuals: a systematic review.

We reviewed whether mostly heterosexuals, a sexual orientation group characterized by a small amount of same-sex sexuality, differ from heterosexuals and bisexuals on a variety of mental and physic...
The Social Spotlight Increases Blindness to Change Blindness

The results of research on change blindness and the spotlight effect suggest that (a) others are unlikely to notice changes in our appearance and (b) we are likely to overestimate the extent to which others notice changes in our appearance. However, little research has directly addressed the latter possibility. In Study 1, target persons overestimated the extent to which observers noticed a change in their sweatshirt. In Study 2, observers who followed the target persons throughout the study overestimated the extent to which other observers noticed the change in the target persons' sweatshirt, but target persons' overestimations were significantly higher. The results suggest that the spotlight effect increases blindness to change blindness.
Molecular and Functional Analyses of a Maize Autoactive NB-LRR Protein Identify Precise Structural Requirements for Activity

Plant disease resistance is often mediated by nucleotide binding-leucine rich repeat (NLR) proteins which remain auto-inhibited until recognition of specific pathogen-derived molecules causes their activation, triggering a rapid, localized cell death called a hypersensitive response (HR). Three domains are recognized in one of the major classes of NLR proteins: a coiled-coil (CC), a nucleotide binding (NB-ARC) and a leucine rich repeat (LRR) domains. The maize NLR gene Rp1-D21 derives from an intergenic recombination event between two NLR genes, Rp1-D and Rp1-dp2 and confers an autoactive HR. We report systematic structural and functional analyses of Rp1 proteins in maize and N. benthamiana to characterize the molecular mechanism of NLR activation/auto-inhibition. We derive a model comprising the following three main features: Rp1 proteins appear to self-associate to become competent for activity. The CC domain is signaling-competent and is sufficient to induce HR. This can be suppressed by the NB-ARC domain through direct interaction. In autoactive proteins, the interaction of the LRR domain with the NB-ARC domain causes de-repression and thus disrupts the inhibition of HR. Further, we identify specific amino acids and combinations thereof that are important for the auto-inhibition/activity of Rp1 proteins. We also provide evidence for the function of MHD2, a previously uncharacterized, though widely conserved NLR motif. This work reports several novel insights into the precise structural requirement for NLR function and informs efforts towards utilizing these proteins for engineering disease resistance.
Massively Parallel Signal Processing using the Graphics Processing Unit for Real-Time Brain–Computer Interface Feature Extraction

The clock speeds of modern computer processors have nearly plateaued in the past 5 years. Consequently, neural prosthetic systems that rely on processing large quantities of data in a short period of time face a bottleneck, in that it may not be possible to process all of the data recorded from an electrode array with high channel counts and bandwidth, such as electrocorticographic grids or other implantable systems. Therefore, in this study a method of using the processing capabilities of a graphics card [graphics processing unit (GPU)] was developed for real-time neural signal processing of a brain–computer interface (BCI). The NVIDIA CUDA system was used to offl oad processing to the GPU, which is capable of running many operations in parallel, potentially greatly increasing the speed of existing algorithms. The BCI system records many channels of data, which are processed and translated into a control signal, such as the movement of a computer cursor. This signal processing chain involves computing a matrix–matrix multiplication (i.e., a spatial fi lter), followed by calculating the power spectral density on every channel using an auto-regressive method, and fi nally classifying appropriate features for control. In this study, the fi rst two computationally intensive steps were implemented on the GPU, and the speed was compared to both the current implementation and a central processing unit-based implementation that uses multi-threading. Signifi cant performance gains were obtained with GPU processing: the current implementation processed 1000 channels of 250 ms in 933 ms, while the new GPU method took only 27 ms, an improvement of nearly 35 times.
Specificity of the transport system for tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates in renal brush borders

Uptake studies employing renal brush border membranes were used to examine the structural specificity of the TCA cycle intermediate transport system. The kinetics of reciprocal inhibition between succinate and citrate revealed these compounds to be transported by a common mechanism. The Michaelis constant for succinate (0.11mm) was significantly lower than that of citrate (0.28mm), indicating that the system has a higher affinity for succinate than for citrate. The specificity of the transport system was determined from the relative inhibitory constants of 40 organic acids on the transport of succinate. The results established that the system is highly specific for 4-carbon, terminal dicarboxylic acids in thetrans-configuration, including the major intermediates of the TCA cycle. The system is comparatively insensitive to monocarboxylates. Substitution of one of several polar, noncharged residues on the α-carbon of succinate permitted interaction of the substrate with the transport system, but substitutions on both the α and \-carbons did not. The structural specificity of the system is fundamentally different from that of the dicarboxylate and tricarboxylate exchange systems of mitochondria. The role of this transport system in the reabsorption of TCA cycle intermediates from the proximal tubule is discussed.
Remembering Homer Smith

Editor's Note: This Historical Archives is a particularly apt contribution, since 1992 marked the thirtieth anniversary of the death of Homer William Smith. Professor Smith was born on January 2, 1895 and succumbed on March 25, 1962. There is little doubt that he is one of the truly major figures in nephrology. His book, The Kidney: Structure and Function in Health and Disease, published in 1951 and affectionately known as "The Green Book" to a generation of renal physiologists and renal clinicians, is one of the pivotal renal texts of this century. THE EDITORS
Reparative strand incision in saponin-permeabilized human fibroblasts

Abstract The damage-directed strand incision step in the nucleotidyl DNA excision-repair pathway (NDERP) was characterized in quiescent monolayer cultures of human fibroblasts in which the plasma membrane was selectively permeabilized with saponin. When permeable normal human fibroblasts (NHF) were incubated in a DNA-repair assay mixture lacking the deoxyribonucleoside triphosphate precursors, the numbers of UV-dependent DNA-strand breaks were increased by about 9-fold consistent with the uncoupling of incision from gap-filling DNA synthesis and ligation. In uncoupled NHF omission of ATP reduced the numbers of UV-dependent strand breaks by 84% confirming the requirement for ATP for reparative strand incision. Time-course experiments indicated that the maximum rate of strand incision occurred in the first 10 min of incubation of permeable cells and diminished to 16–28% of this rate between 30 and 60 min of incubation. The initial rate of incision in permeable NHF was estimated to be 20% of that seen in intact fibroblasts. Dose-response studies indicated an initial saturation of strand incision activity at fluences between 10 and 25 J/m2. In permeable group A xeroderma pigmentosum fibroblasts (XPA) few UV-dependent incisions were produced after 10–25 J/m2. In the xeroderma pigmentosum variant (XPV) strain that we studied, strand incisions saturated at a plateau level that was about twice that seen in the NHF strain suggesting the preservation of a higher level of incision activity after permeabilization. After fluences above 50 J/m2 additional strand incision was observed in all cell strains reflecting the activity of a damage-dependent endodeoxyribonuclease that is independent of the NDERP. Saponin-treated fibroblasts were also permeable to pancreatic deoxyribonuclease I and the UV-DNA endonuclease from M. luteus indicating that these preparations may be used for in vitro complementation.
319 Strategies to offset tumor clonogen proliferation

Tumor clonogen repopulation is considered a major obstacle of curing certain cancers with radiotherapy. Strategies to overcome this phenomenon include shortening of radiotherapy and administration of drugs that inhibit cellular proliferation. The former is achieved with concomitant boost technique in which the coned-down boost is delivered as second daily irradiations during rather than following the wide-field treatment. A 72% local-regional control rate was achieved in > 150 patients treated for T2–3 oropharyngeal cancers. We developed a strategy for more advanced tumors in which cisplatin and 5-FU were given during the boost phase of radiation. This tactic restricts the intensified treatment to gross disease and limits the volume of normal tissues exposed to the combined therapy, thereby allowing for delivery of greater doses of cytotoxic drugs. A phase I study showed that 10 mg/m2/day of cisplatin and 400 mg/m2/day of 5-FU were tolerated. Updated results and details of dose-limiting toxicity will be presented. Based on this experience, a combination of fludarabine (F-ara-A) and radiation was designed. F-ara-ATP competes with dATP for taking up by elongating DNA strands and upon incorporation acts as an effective chain terminator. Therefore, it would potentiate radiation effects not only by suppressing cell proliferation but also by inhibiting repair of radiation-induced DNA lesions. A phase I study will begin soon.
RELIABILITY ESTIMATES FOR TOTAL, FACTOR, AND GROUP MEAN SCORES ON THE KHATENA-TORRANCE CREATIVE PERCEPTION INVENTORY

-Responses of 31 samples of adults ( N = 2503) and 37 samples of children (N = 7048) to the two parts of the Khatena-Torrance Creative Perception Inventorv were used to estimate internal consistencv reliabllities for total scales and factor scores and to estimate the reliability of group means. The information may be helpful to users of Something About Myself and What Kind of Person Are You? when deciding what typ~cd rehabilities to expect or in planning studies involving the measures. The analyses suggesr (a) only total scores for the inventories may approach acceptable reliability for maktng decisions about individuals, (b) factor scores tend to be less reliable so they may only be acceptable for making decisions about groups, and (c) reliabilities of group means for total scores are acceptable for groups of about 40 adults or 65 children.
Evidence for pyroelectricity in single variant spontaneously ordered GaInP2

The random alloy GaInP2 exhibits the 43m point group symmetry and thus does not posses a unique polar direction. In contrast, spontaneously ordered GaInP2 exhibits the 3m point group symmetry which can give rise to pyroelectricity along the 3-fold symmetry axis or ordering direction. Due to the similarity between the Ga and In cations, any temperature variation induced polarization is expected to be very small compared with typical pyroelectrics such as hexagonal CdS. Our study yields the first experimental evidence for pyroelectricity in single variant spontaneously ordered GaInP2. The experiments involve low frequency laser heating and pyroelectric current measurement using a lock-in detection technique.
Congnitive Ability, Schooling and the Demand for Alcohol by Young Adults

The effects of cognitive ability as measured by test scores and educational attainment on the demand for alchol by young adults are estimated. Data are used from a followup survery of seniors in high school in the United States. For men and women six years after their senior year in high school, it is shown that graduating from college and test scores have a negative effect on heavy drinking. Attention is also given to the hypothesis that unobserved time preference rather than education variables affect the demand for alchol.
Binding energy of a hydrogen atom in a magnetic field

Abstract The binding energy and lowest excitation energy of a hydrogen atom is calculated by a variational method for magnetic fields in the range 10 8 – 10 11 gauss.
Surgery for Cushing's syndrome: an historical review and recent ten-year experience.

Cushing’s syndrome (CS), due to multiple etiologies, is a disorder associated with the ravages of cortisol excess. The purpose of this review article is to provide a historical synopsis of surgery for CS, review a recent 10-year period of operative management at a tertiary care facility, and to outline a practical approach to diagnosis and management. From 1996 to 2005, 298 patients underwent 322 operative procedures for CS at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota. A retrospective chart review was carried out. Data was gathered regarding demographics, preoperative assessment, procedures performed, and outcomes. Data are presented as counts and percentages. Five-year survival rates were calculated where applicable by the Kaplan-Meier method. Statistical analysis was carried out with SAS, version 9 (SAS Institute, Inc., Cary, NC). Two-hundred thirty-one patients (78%) had ACTH-dependent CS and 67 patients (22%) had ACTH-independent CS. One-hundred ninety-six patients (66%) had pituitary-dependent CS and 35 patients (12%) had ectopic ACTH syndrome. Fifty-four patients (18%) had cortisol-secreting adenomas, 10 patients (3%) had cortisol-producing adrenocortical carcinomas, and 1% had other causes. Cure rates for first time pituitary operations (transsphenoidal, sublabial, and endonasal) were 80% and 55% for reoperations. Most benign adrenal processes could be managed laparoscopically. Five-year survival rates (all causes) were 90%, 51%, and 23% for adrenocortical adenomas, ectopic ACTH syndrome, and adrenocortical carcinomas, respectively. Surgery for CS is highly successful for pituitary-dependent CS and most ACTH-independent adrenal causes. Bilateral total adrenalectomy can also provide effective palliation from the ravages of hypercortisolism in patients with ectopic ACTH syndrome and for those who have failed transsphenoidal surgery. Unfortunately, to date, adrenocortical carcinomas are rarely cured. Future successes with this disease will likely depend on a better understanding of tumor biology, more effective adjuvant therapies and earlier detection. Clearly, IPSS, advances in cross-sectional imaging, along with developments in transsphenoidal and laparoscopic surgery, have had the greatest impact on today’s management of the complex patient with CS.
Introduction to the Special Section on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Health Disparities: Where We Are and Where We're Going

It is our privilege to publish this Special Section of six empir-ical articles that address several key mechanisms for Lesbian,Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) health disparities.Over the past decade, we have seen attention devoted togender disparities [1, 2], racial/ethnic disparities [3–11], andSES disparities [12–14]. Far fewer articles address the mentalor physical health of LGBT individuals, the mechanisms fordisparities, or the factors related to within-group differencesamong LGBT individuals. This relative lack of attention toLGBTindividuals helped to motivate a call for such researchfrom the Institute of Medicine [15].Therearecurrentlyabout9millionself-identifiedLGBTadults in the USA [16] (3.8 % of the US population), and ahigher percentage report engaging in same-sex sexual be-havior (about 4–6%ofmenand11–12 % of women) [17].PhysicalhealthandmentalhealthareoftenworseforLGBTindividualsthanforthoseofheterosexualsexualorientation[18]. According to the minority stress theory [18–20],whichisusedasabasisforthemajorityofpapersinthisSpecialSection,thesehealthdisparitiesarehypothesizedtostem primarily from societal stigma that devalues minoritysexual orientation. Manifestations of such societal stigmaareatmultiplelevels,includingthenationalandstatepolicylevel(e.g.,lawsprohibitingsame-sexsexualbehavior;anti-LGBT marriage laws; lack of laws protecting LGBT indi-viduals from hiring and housing discrimination), the com-munity level (e.g., anti-LGBT interpretation of religiousdoctrines in faith-based services), and the interpersonallevel (e.g., families ostracizing gay youth and withdrawingsupport;hatecrimesagainstLGBTindividuals).Inadditionto direct experiences with discrimination (i.e., enacted stig-ma), societal stigma can lead LGBT individuals to experi-ence internalized stigma, in which they personally acceptthe societal/cultural stigma, as well as to anticipateexperiencing stigma from others in the future [21, 22]. Allthree types of stigma (enacted, internalized, and anticipat-ed)havebeenshowntohaveachillingeffectonmentalandphysical health, and health behaviors among LGBTas wellas other populations [23].Much of what we know about LGBT health is narrowlyfocused on HIV prevention and treatment, and nearly all ofthis research has examined gay-identified or non-gay-identified men who have sex with men. From this research,we have learned about contextual and psychosocial diseasefactors leading to worse health across the HIV cascade [24],from diagnosis to survival, including factors that affect riskyhealth behaviors (such as substance use and sexual risk), thedecision to get tested for HIV, poor healthcare utilization,andlow adherence to treatment. For example, we know that alarge proportion of unprotected sex occurs within the contextof a primary relationship among same-sex male couples[25–27]. As a consequence, however, this research has
Structure and Magnetism of VnBzn+1 Sandwich Clusters

Results on structural, energetic, electronic, and magnetic properties of linear sandwich VnBzn+1 clusters obtained using high-accuracy density functional computations are presented and analyzed. Energetically close-lying configurations and states of different spin-multiplicities are identified. The computed characteristics are in good agreement with the available experimental data. The computations predict that the most stable forms of the clusters in the size range n ≥ 4 are chiral. This feature, combined with the magnetism of these systems, makes them of potential importance as building blocks of nanosystems with coupled optical and magnetic functionalities.
Colonoscopy or CT colonography for colorectal cancer screening in 2006

Colorectal cancer claims more than 50,000 lives annually in the US. Screening for colorectal cancer, with the removal of any identified polyps, significantly impacts the death rate from this largely preventable cancer. This Viewpoint discusses the relative merits and pitfalls of colonoscopy and CT colonography as screening modalities in the setting of colorectal cancer.
Measuring Goal Orientation in a Work Domain Construct Validity Evidence for the 2 × 2 Framework

The current research extended the three-factor (mastery, performance-approach, and performance-avoidance) measure of achievement goals in a work domain to the fourfactor conceptualization (in a 2 ×2 framework) by adding items to represent masteryavoidance goals. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted on two independent samples to evaluate the dimensionality of scores. Results from both samples indicated that after dropping 5 problematic mastery-avoidance items, responses to a reduced 18item version of the instrument fit a four-factor model well. In addition, initial support for each of the four goal orientations having a unique relationship to theoretically related external criteria was found.
The relationship between transient and steady-state photoconductivity in amorphous semiconductors

Abstract Dispersive transport experiments in a-Si:H and a-As2Se3 have shown that current resulting from excess carriers is limited by multiple trapping in an exponential density of states. In this paper, the relationship between steady-state photoconductivity and the transient phenomena is explored. Because of the exponential density of states, the well-known Gγ dependence is expected for steady state, where G is the excitation density. The power γ is related to the dispersion parameter, α, by γ = (1 + α)−1. It is predicted that, in the approach to steady state, the current rises as tα. When the recombination coefficient, br, is much greater than the trapping coefficient bt, the current is predicted to exceed the steady-state value by a factor, which depends on b r b t and α, before settling down to the steady level. The time of the maximum and the time to reach steady state are predicted to vary as G−γ. After reaching steady state, when the excitation is turned off the current is predicted to decay as t−α for the same amount of time as is required to reach steady state when the light is turned on. After this time, the current is predicted to decay as t−1. A number of important parameters characterizing transport and recombination in a multiple trapping system can be obtained from the approach to and decay from steady state.
Genetic selection of short peptides that support protein oligomerization in vivo.

Abstract An important goal in protein engineering is to control associations between designed proteins. This is most often done by fusing known, naturally occurring oligomerization modules, such as leucine zippers [1–3], to the proteins of interest [4–6]. It is of considerable interest to design or discover new oligomerization domains that have novel binding specificities [7–11] in order to expand the ‘toolbox' of the protein engineer and also to eliminate associations of the designed proteins with endogenous factors. We report here a simple genetic selection scheme through which to search libraries for peptides that are able to mediate homodimerization or higher-order self-oligomerization of a protein in vivo . We found several peptides that support oligomerization of the λ repressor DNA-binding domain in Escherichia coli cells, some of them as efficiently as the endogenous dimerization domain or the GCN4 leucine zipper. Many are very small, comprising as few as six residues. This study strongly supports the notion that peptide sequence space is rich in small peptides, which might be useful in protein engineering and other applications.
Intuitive and noncompetitive equilibria in weakly efficient auctions with entry costs

Abstract I study weakly efficient auctions with entry costs, under the IPV assumption, following Tan and Yilankaya [Tan, G., Yilankaya, O., 2006. Equilibria in second price auctions with participation costs. Journal of Economic Theory 130, 205–219]. First, I generalize their Proposition 4 to what I call (generalized) intuitive equilibrium . By such I prove that if bidders’ valuation distributions are ordered in a (weak) first order domination ranking, then there exists an equilibrium in cutoff strategies where cutoffs are (weakly) increasingly ordered with respect to the domination ranking. Stronger bidders are thus ex ante more likely to participate. A second result states a necessary and sufficient condition for the existence of a noncompetitive cutoff equilibrium, in which only one bidder (if any) takes part in the auction. Neither the uniform distribution nor any distribution first order stochastically dominated by the uniform may ever satisfy that condition. If both intuitive and nonintuitive equilibria exist, I conjecture that intuitive equilibria tend to yield higher ex ante efficiency, while nonintuitive ones might yield higher expected revenues.
Effects of cadmium accumulation on growth and respiration of a cadmium-sensitive strain of Bacillus subtilis and a selected cadmium resistant mutant

The effects of cadmium on the growth and respiration of two strains of Bacillus subtilis are compared to the accumulation of Cd by viable and cyanide-killed cells, protoplasts and cell fractions of the strains. Growth and respiration of strain 1A1 were significantly inhibited at 10μg Cd2+/ml while the growth and respiration of strain 1A1R, a selected mutant of 1A1, were only slightly affected. Similarly, 1A1R protoplasts were more resistant to Cd than were 1A1 protoplasts. The differential resistance of the strains correlates with the accumulation of Cd by the two strains, with 1A1 accumulating approximately 10 times the level of Cd after a 4 h exposure to 1 μg Cd2+/ml. The distributions of Cd throughout the cells, however, were similar between strains. Based on the accumulation of Cd by cyanide-killed protoplasts, uptake of Cd by 1A1 appears to be an active process, while for 1A1R, Cd accumulation is independent of protoplast viability.
Neurohormonal responses during positive pressure mechanical ventilation.

Abstract Positive pressure mechanical ventilation is used daily in critical care units to support ventilation and improve oxygenation in critically ill patients. One adverse response to positive pressure mechanical ventilation is a reduction in urinary output and sodium and water retention. This consequence is attributed to complex neurohormonal responses intended to maintain hemodynamic homeostasis. This article reviews the physiologic nature of these responses and research findings related to these responses and provides clinicians with information about the importance of these responses, particularly in patients with underlying cardiac dysfunction. (Heart Lung® 1999;28:149-65)
The recurrence tendency and forecasts of magnetic activity

Abstract : The recurrence tendency in magnetic character figures is evaluated by autocorrelation coefficients for various intervals up to 83 days for each year from 1890 to 1944. The strength of the 27-day recurrence pulse varies during the 55 years, being generally strong from about two years after sunspot maximum through the minimum year. Evidence for persistent recurrence intervals other than multiples of about 27 days is very weak. The magnitudes of the correlation coefficients for short intervals indicate that the time unit of geomagnetic activity is two to three days. Formulas for the prediction of magnetic character figures by the method of least squares are based on the mean autocorrelation coefficients for intervals of 1) 26, 27, 28, and 54 days for stages of the sunspot cycle with weak and strong recurrence conditions. A prediction formula with a non-linear term is also derived.
Strategic equality and the failure of affirmative action law

The changing standards used by the federal courts to adjudicate affirmative action in employment and post-secondary education, driven more by changes in personnel than by any real cultural or socie...
Budget and Program Planning in Early Education Programs

Budget and program planning are too often conducted as separate activities in the administration of an early education program. A cost analysis approach can effectively integrate them so that both program operations and financial management are combined and enhanced. The key to this approach is recognizing that both program and budget planning must focus on staff time. By analyzing staff time across the components of an early childhood program, one can analyze both program operations and their costs. The cost analysis system examines the program's personnel costs as well as nonpersonnel costs and in-kind contributions and provides a format for displaying a program's budget across its component parts.
Highly ordered conductive polymers by polymerization of self-assembling electroactive monomers

Abstract Electrooxidative polymerization of a series of self-assembling monomers, potassium 3-(3-alkylpyrrol-1-yl)propane sulfonates ( 1 ), affords ordered conductive polymers. Monomers with appropriate alkyl side chain lengths (i.e., octyl to tetradecyl) form micelles in aqueous solution, and the polymers are deposited as lamellar, semicrystalline thin films. X-ray diffraction indicates a head-to-head bilayer type packing. The repeat unit corresponds to twice the extended length of the monomer, and each additional methylene unit in the hydrophobic alkyl chain adds approximately 2 A to the interlayer spacing. The asymmetric nature of the polymer results in anisotropic electrical conductivity, such that conductivity along the film (i.e., parallel to the aligned polymer chains) is greater than that through the film.
Tuning the longitudinal dispersion and angular dispersion of photonic crystals

In this paper, we review some of our works on tuning the slow-light effect and superprism effect in photonic crystals from a synergistic perspective. The dispersive effects in a generic photonic crystal structure are classified into the longitudinal dispersion and angular dispersion according to their orientations with respect to the direction of light propagation. The slow-light effect originates from the longitudinal dispersion whereas the superprism effect originates primarily from the angular dispersion. The ability to tune these two categories of dispersive effects leads to several interesting topics of photonic crystal research, including slow-light photonic crystal modulators and superprism demultiplexers and sensors. We will discuss commonality and difference between the tunings of these two effects.
Trends in blood pressure and hypertension detection, treatment, and control 1980 to 2009: the Minnesota Heart Survey.

Background—Hypertension is common and treatable, but detection and control remain a major health challenge. This study sought to determine population trends in blood pressure and in the control of hypertension in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area (2010 population, 2.85 million) from 1980 to 2009. Methods and Results—Surveys of risk factors were performed every 5 years among randomly selected adults aged 25 to 74 years. Data on hypertension knowledge and use of medications were collected by interview. Blood pressure was measured by standardized methods, with hypertension defined as blood pressure ≥140 mm Hg systolic and/or 90 mm Hg diastolic or controlled at <140 and/or 90 mm Hg with medications. Six surveys included 11 192 men and 12 795 women. Mean systolic blood pressure fell from 124.9 mm Hg in 1980 to 1982 to 121.1 mm Hg in 2007 to 2009 for men (P<0.0001) and from 120.1 to 114.7 mm Hg for women (P<0.0001). Similar trends for diastolic blood pressure were observed. The percentage of adults with uncontrolle...
Challenges in Exercise Physiology Research and Education

Similar to other subdisciplines in kinesiology, exercise physiology (EP) as a field is facing challenges in both research (creation and dissemination of new knowledge) and education (classroom instruction and student mentoring). In the current communication, we will learn from the history, analyze the current status of the field, and provide some perspectives based primarily on our knowledge and experience working as faculty members at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
True strong coupling treatment of the strongly coupled channel theory of the nuclear reactions

It is shown that a strong coupling treatment can be developed with a slight modification of the theory based on the wave function of the total system in elastic and inelastic scattering. A possible application of this theory for the analysis of proton scattering on the well-deformed C/sup 12/ nucleus is discussed. (C.E.S.)
Performance analysis of a main memory multi-directory hashing technique

Abstract Optimal search in main memory databases requires at most one key comparisonto locate a record. Extendible hashing becomes impractical when it is adapted to yield optimal search in main memory databases because of its large directory size. Multi-directory hashing techniques can provide significantly improved directory utilization over extendible hashing. The objective of this paper is to analyze the directory utilization of a main memory multi-directory hashing technique, called Extendible Root Multi-Directory Hashing.
Excess enthalpies of binary mixtures of n-octane with each of the hexane isomers at 298.15 K

Abstract Excess molar enthalpies, measured at 298.15 K in a flow microcalorimeter, are reported for the five binary systems formed by mixing n-octane with n-hexane, 2-methylpentane, 3-methylpentane, 2,2-dimethylbutane and 2,3-dimethylbutane. The results for equimolar mixtures, together with similar data for other n-alkane + hexane isomer mixtures, are correlated in terms of the acentric factors of the n-alkanes.
Anemia in a Predominantly African American Population With Heart Failure

associated with logSTv (b 6 SE: 0.07 6 0.03, p 5 0.01), logLAKE (b 6 SE: 0.16 6 0.09, p 5 0.09), and inversely associated with logE/A ratio (b 6 SE: 0.09 6 0.05, p 5 0.06); dairy products were inversely associated with logSmv (b 6 SE: 0.13 6 0.07, p 5 0.06). Finally, alcohol drinking, was inversely associated with logE/Emv ratio (b 6 SE: 0.08 6 0.04, p 5 0.05) and logLAKE (b 6 SE: 0.20 6 0.09, p 5 0.02). Conclusions: This work demonstrated for the first time in the literature another potential protective mechanism of Mediterranean diet and main food groups on the progression of HF, through the improvement of systolic and diastolic function.
Pontryagin functions for multiple integral control problems

An optimal control problem is considered whose performance index is represented by anm-fold multiple integral, the state equations being given by a system of first-order partial differential equations. The concept of a field of optimal control variables with respect to an independent integral is introduced, the significance of these fields being due to the fact that a control pair is optimal whenever it is imbedded in such a field. Since there arem distinctm-fold independent integrals, it is possible to constructm distinct fields of this kind. For each of these, a Pontryagin function is defined, and it is shown that, if an optimal pair is embedded in one of these fields, it satisfies a corresponding Pontryagin maximum principle.
Effect of triethyl tin on myelination in the developing rat.

: Myelinogenesis in developing rats was studied following chronic dosing with triethyl tin (TET), at a level of 1.0 mg TET/kg body wt/day. Experiments included starved controls with body weights depressed by 17 to 40% to equal those of the TET-treated groups. Rats at ages of 16, 21, and 30 days showed decreases relative to well-nourished controls in body weight, forebrain weight, myelin yield, cerebroside level, and specific activity of brain 2′,3′-cyclic nucleotide-3′-phosphohydrolase when dosed with TET. At 30 days, myelin and cerebroside yields were reduced by approximately 55%, while CNP activity was reduced by less than 20%. No differences in the forebrain myelin protein composition between control, starved, and TET animals were noted. The rate of myelin protein synthesis relative to brain total protein (assayed by incorporation of intracranially injected [3H]glycine into brain homogenate and myelin proteins) was decreased in the TET rats in proportion to the decreased yield of myelin, but no particular myelin protein was preferentially affected. Matching starved controls exhibited similar body weight decreases, less pronounced forebrain weight decreases, and little or no decrease in myelin concentration. There was a relative increase in the myelin protein synthesis rate in the starved rats, indicating preferential utilization of limited protein precursors for myelin protein synthesis. Spinal cord myelin was also decreased in the TET rats, but less severely than in the forebrain. At all ages optic, but not sciatic, nerves showed decreases in myelin concentration with TET treatment. We conclude that TET inhibits forebrain growth and CNS myelination more severely than can be accounted for by a general metabolic insult.
The diffusivity of potassium chloride and sodium chloride in concentrated, saturated, and supersaturated aqueous solutions

The diffusion coefficients of potassium chloride and sodium chloride were measured in concentrated, saturated, and supersaturated solutions at 25/sup 0/C employing Gouy interferometry. The results indicate a maximum in the diffusivity vs. concentration curve near saturation followed by a rapid decline in diffusivity toward zero with increasing concentration in the supersaturated region. This behavior supports the idea that the diffusion coefficient approaches zero at the spinodal concentration. The data were successfully correlated by modifying an empirical activity coefficient equation (Robinson and Stokes, 1955) to account for molecular cluster effects and employing the calculated activity coefficients along with a predictive equation for diffusivity in electrolytes (Robinson and Stokes, 1955).
Peripheral contrast thresholds and blurring of the retinal image for a point light source.

The contrast thresholds were measured under controlled experimental conditions for a point-like source of light for different degrees of out-of-focus retinal images, in the periphery out to 12 arc degrees, under photopic conditions. As previously shown, the threshold rises with blurring of the image; but the rate of this increase becomes less as the peripheral angle becomes larger. Although the contrast threshold increased nearly linearly with peripheral angle, the rate of increase for blurred imagery was less, so that for larger peripheral angles blurredness had less influence on contrast threshold. From a theoretically derived equation, curves were fitted to the sets of data, from which the angular diameters of a minimal effective retinal area were calculated for each peripheral measurement. The results suggested that the minimal effective area of the retina was due mostly to dioptric factors rather than to retinal sensorial units.
Protective effect of nifedipine in the hypoxic perfused cat liver

The effects of the calcium antagonist nifedipine on isolated perfused cat livers were studied during 150 min of normoxic or hypoxic perfusion with Krebs-Henseleit solution. Hypoxic livers perfused with the nifedipine vehicle exhibited significantly higher increases in perfusion pressure, perfusate lactate dehydrogenase and cathepsin D activities, as well as amino-nitrogen concentrations compared to the control normoxic group. In contrast, the nifedipine+hypoxia group showed no significant difference in any of these variables from the control livers. Nifedipine (0.3 μg/ml) protected the liver during hypoxia and that this protection may have stemmed from its inhibition of Ca++ influx which has been linked to irreversible cell death.
Quantitative Analysis of Conjugated Dienes in Hydrocarbon Feeds and Products

We report a new method for the detailed speciation and quantification of low levels of conjugated dienes (diolefins) in complex hydrocarbon matrixes, such as steam-cracked naphthas, catalytically cracked naphthas, and heavy coker naphthas. Conjugated dienes are responsible for hydrocarbon polymerization (fouling) in various refinery processes. Until now, complete analysis of conjugated dienes, particularly C6+ conjugated dienes, was almost impossible, because of their low concentrations and severe matrix interference. Here, we show that selective derivatization of conjugated dienes with MTAD, in combination with gas chromatography−chemical ionization mass spectrometry (GC/CIMS) and gas chromatography−nitrogen chemiluminescence detection (GC/NCD) can be used to analyze the total conjugated dienes (up to C10) in various hydrocarbon matrixes quantitatively.