cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Detecting protein analytes that modulate transmembrane movement of a polymer chain within a single protein pore.

Here we describe a new type of biosensor element for detecting proteins in solution at nanomolar concentrations. We tethered a 3.4 kDa polyethylene glycol chain at a defined site within the lumen of the transmembrane protein pore formed by staphylococcal α-hemolysin. The free end of the polymer was covalently attached to a biotin molecule. On incorporation of the modified pore into a lipid bilayer, the biotinyl group moves from one side of the membrane to the other, and is detected by reversible capture with a mutant streptavidin. The capture events are observed as changes in ionic current passing through single pores in planar bilayers. Accordingly, the modified pore allows detection of a protein analyte at the single-molecule level, facilitating both quantification and identification through a distinctive current signature. The approach has higher time resolution compared with other kinetic measurements, such as those obtained by surface plasmon resonance.
Evaluation of a morphine maturation model for the prediction of morphine clearance in children: how accurate is the predictive performance of the model?

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT The pharmacokinetics of morphine are well known in pre-term and term neonates, infants, younger and older children, as well as in adults. There are circumstances when a pharmacokinetic study may not be possible in children (especially neonates and infants), and as a result one would like to predict drug clearance in children. Several methods, such as allometric scaling and prediction based on incorporation of physiological parameters, have been suggested. Recently a morphine maturation model has been proposed to predict morphine clearance in the paediatric population. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS The current study evaluates the predictive performance of the morphine maturation model for the prediction of morphine clearance in pre-term, term, infants and children up to 5 years of age. The results of the study highlight the shortcomings of the model to predict morphine clearance in children in aforementioned age groups. AIMS Recently, a maturation model that incorporates a sigmoidal Emax type model has been proposed for the estimation of morphine clearance in paediatric patients. The primary objective of this report is to evaluate the predictive performance of the morphine maturation model for the prediction of morphine clearance in children of different ages. The secondary objective of this report is to evaluate the predictive performance of exponent 0.75 on bodyweight in the absence of the sigmoidal part of the morphine maturation model. METHODS In order to evaluate the predictive performance of the morphine maturation model, the clearance values of morphine for individual children (preterm neonates to 5-year-old children; n= 147) were obtained from the literature. The predicted clearance of morphine in an individual child, obtained from the maturation model as well as from the fixed exponent 0.75 was compared with the observed clearance in that individual child. RESULTS The morphine maturation model's predictive power in neonates, infants and younger children is poor and the inclusion of the sigmoidal part in the model only helps in reducing the substantial error introduced in the prediction due to the application of exponent 0.75 on bodyweight. Furthermore, the real benefit of the sigmoidal Emax part of the model disappears by 1 year of age. CONCLUSIONS The morphine maturation model has a poor predictive power of morphine clearance in preterm and term neonates, infants and very young children and may not be of any practical value for the prediction of morphine clearance in this age group.
Progressive learning: an input design method for fast, stable learning

A new input design method for stable adaptive control of complex systems with high relative orders is presented. This method, called "progressive learning", allows the system to learn parameters recursively and progressively, starting with the ones associated with low frequencies and moving up to the ones with a full spectrum. We apply a method of averaging analysis to obtain stability conditions in terms of frequency contents of the reference input. Based on this analysis, we prove that the stable convergence of control parameters is guaranteed if the system is excited gradually in accordance with the progress of adaptation by providing a series of reference inputs having appropriate frequency spectra. A numerical example is provided to verify the above analysis.
Protein Synthesis During Fungal Spore Germination: Differential Protein Synthesis During Germination of Botryodiplodia theobromae Spores

The preformed messenger ribonucleic acid in Botryodiplodia theobromae spores directs the synthesis of several relatively stable polypeptides
Sliding-Mode ABS Wheel-Slip Control

Sliding-mode control is applied to ABS wheel-slip control due to the nonlinearity of vehicle traction system. Vehicle traction dynamics are reviewed. Sliding-mode application to ABS wheel-slip control is discussed. An experimental setup in a brake test cell with an electric dynamometer is used to emulate the ABS braking of a half car. Test results for the sliding-mode ABS wheel-slip control indicate that sliding-mode ABS control provides tight wheel-slip control on both dry and ice-like surfaces.
Strong spatial variability in trace gasdynamics following experimental drought in a humid tropical forest

[1] Soil moisture is a key driver of biogeochemical processes in terrestrial ecosystems, strongly affecting carbon (C) and nutrient availability as well as trace gas production and consumption in soils. Models predict increasing drought frequency in tropical forest ecosystems, which could feed back on future climate change directly via effects on trace gasdynamics and indirectly through changes in nutrient availability. We used throughfall exclusion shelters to determine effects of short-term (3 month) drought on trace gas fluxes and nutrient availability in humid tropical forests in Puerto Rico. Exclusion and control plots were replicated within and across three topographic zones (ridge, slope, valley) to account for spatial heterogeneity typical of these ecosystems. Throughfall exclusion reduced soil moisture in all sites and lowered exchangeable phosphorus (P) on ridges and slopes. Drought decreased soil carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 30% in ridge sites and 28% in slope sites, and increased net methane (CH4) consumption by 480% in valley sites. Both valley and ridge sites became net nitrous oxide (N2O) sinks in response to soil drying. Emissions of CO2 and N2O, as well as CH4 consumption were positively related to exchangeable P and the nitrate:ammonium ratio. These findings suggest that drought has the potential to decrease net trace gas emissions from humid tropical forest soils. The differential response of trace gas emissions and nutrients from different topographic zones to drought underscores the complexity of biogeochemical cycling in these ecosystems and the importance of considering spatial heterogeneity when estimating whole system responses.
Nonhuman Primate Transplant Models Finally Evolve: Detailed Immunogenetic Analysis Creates New Models and Strengthens the Old

Nonhuman primate (NHP) models play a critical role in the translation of novel therapies for transplantation to the clinic. However, although MHC disparity significantly affects the outcome of transplantation, until recently, experiments using NHP models were performed without the ability to rigorously control the degree of MHC disparity in transplant cohorts. In this review, we discuss several key technical breakthroughs in the field, which have finally enabled detailed immunogenetic data to be incorporated into NHP transplantation studies. These advances have created a new gold-standard for NHP transplantation research, which incorporates detailed information regarding the degree of relatedness and the degree of MHC haplotype disparity between transplant pairs and the precise MHC alleles that both donors and recipients express. The adoption of this new standard promises to increase the rigor of NHP transplantation studies and to ensure that these experiments are optimally translatable to patient care.
Iron indexes and total antioxidant status in response to soy protein intake in perimenopausal women

BACKGROUND Elevated iron stores, oxidative stress, and estrogen deficiency may place postmenopausal women at greater risk of heart disease and cancer than premenopausal women. OBJECTIVE The objective was to determine the effect of soy-protein isolate (SPI) intake and iron indexes on plasma total antioxidant status (TAS) in perimenopausal women after control for other contributing factors. DESIGN Perimenopausal women (n = 69) were randomly assigned (double blind) to treatment: isoflavone-rich SPI (SPI+; n = 24), isoflavone-poor SPI (SPI-; n = 24), or whey protein (control; n = 21). Each subject consumed 40 g soy or whey protein daily for 24 wk. Plasma TAS, serum ferritin, serum iron, transferrin saturation, and hemoglobin were measured at baseline, week 12, and week 24. RESULTS No significant time-by-treatment interactions on iron indexes or TAS were observed, whereas time had an effect on serum ferritin (P < or = 0.0001) and hemoglobin (P = 0.004) but not on TAS. Multiple regression analysis showed that at week 12, 48% (P < or = 0.0001) of the variability in TAS was accounted for by baseline TAS, alcohol intake, soy intake (soy compared with control; P = 0.016), plasma lipoprotein(a), and dietary iron. At week 24, 47% of the variability in TAS was accounted for by baseline TAS, serum ferritin, serum estrone, dietary zinc, and dietary meat, fish, and poultry. CONCLUSIONS SPI intake had no significant effect on iron status, but our results suggest that dietary soy protein and low iron stores may protect perimenopausal women from oxidative stress.
PC-1D Version 3: Improved speed and convergence

PC-1D, a semiconductor-device modeling program for personal computers, now computes faster, converges to a solution for a wider range of problems, and offers several new features. An improved numerical algorithm for updating the carrier potentials after each iteration which improves the program's ability to converge to a solution is described. Additional features of the version are options to create a printable file which lists all parameters for a given problem, and the ability to generate an auxillary space-time graph. To demonstrate the capabilities of the new version, an example is presented which explores the effect of surface recombination on photoconductance-decay measurements. >
Microcomputer based multiple criteria decision support system for strategic planning

Abstract There are two major approaches currently used for developing Decision support Systems (DSS) for strategic planning, especially in the objective formulation stage. Several mathematical models have been developed to abstract the decision situation. However, they do not take into account either behavioral aspects of decision making or the presence of multiple and conflicting objectives. A second approach is to consider the several qualitative factors that go into decision making; such considerations are normally situation-dependent and hence it is difficult to provide a system for general managerial situations. The Multiple Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) approach combines the advantages of both the approaches and, therefore, is an excellent alternative for designing DSS. This paper develops an MCDM approach to strategic planning. The model is applied to such a problem in a simulated environment and the problem is solved interactively. Our experience shows that the proposed methodology is a viable approach for solving practical decision problems in strategic planning.
Nonclassical nucleation and growth of cohesive tensile cracks.

The nucleation and growth of cohesive tensile cracks are analyzed using a field-theoretic formulation in which the free energy is written as a functional of the crack separation (offset field). The present results indicate that, for certain materials, crack nucleation and growth proceed through the formation and extension of a diffuse 'halo' surrounding the classical portion of the crack. This is similar to nonclassical nucleation in magnetic systems. Theoretical considerations and numerical calculations strongly suggest that the diffuse halo can be identified with the fracture process zone seen in laboratory studies of advancing cracks.
On Soviet Subjects and the Scholars Who Make Them

Imagine this: A woman-a gynecologist-is pregnant. She doesn't want the baby. She loves one old man passionately-it doesn't matter if he is her husband, maybe he isn't. Gretchen in style moderns or a new Maria from Pushkin's "Poltava." Perfectly acquainted with the process of pregnancy, having studied all its subtleties, she makes something like Dneprostroi in her blood-bearing arteries. She constructs a unique kind of dam and succeeds in allowing only an insignificant part of the enormous strength of maternity to be transmitted to the child; with the will of a stubborn, audacious woman she directs the rest, that is, the chief, dominant part of this strength, to the old man. Injections, blood transfusions, whatever. The result of the pregnancy is the following. A child is born-a monster, a mutant, a k/k&mora, something inhuman, week, sickly, monstrous, a being absolutely unfit for life. It dies an hour after birth. But on the other hand the old man is full of strength, life, vitality. The old man has been transformed into a handsome youth with a rosy face, a burning gaze, with the mind of a wise man and the spark of youth. A fantasy: Yes? A monstrous one?
Radiation attenuates physiological angiogenesis by differential expression of VEGF, Ang-1, tie-2 and Ang-2 in rat brain.

The etiology of radiation-induced cerebrovascular rarefaction remains unknown. In the present study, we examined the effect of whole-brain irradiation on endothelial cell (EC) proliferation/apoptosis and expression of various angiogenic factors in rat brain. F344×BN rats received either whole-brain irradiation (a single dose of 10 Gy γ rays) or sham irradiation and were maintained for 4, 8 and 24 h after irradiation. Double immunofluorescence staining was employed to visualize EC proliferation/apoptosis in brain. The mRNA and protein expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1), endothelial-specific receptor tyrosine kinase (Tie-2), and Ang-2 in brain were determined by real-time RT-PCR and immunofluorescence staining. A significant reduction in CD31-immunoreactive cells was detected in irradiated rat brains compared with sham-irradiated controls. Whole-brain irradiation significantly suppressed EC proliferation and increased EC apoptosis. In addition, a significa...
Internal and External Promotional References: An Examination of Gender and Product Involvement Effects in the Retail Apparel Setting

Abstract The purpose of this study is to examine the usage of promotional references external to and internal to the retail store setting by selected demographic and psychographic characteristics of the retail apparel consumer. A national random sample of 457 male and 170 female consumers participated in the study. Results indicate that gender has no effect on the internal and external promotional references used by consumers. Furthermore, results indicate that consumers“ use of promotional activities both internal and external to the retail store setting are affected by product involvement.
Understanding protein palmitoylation: Biological significance and enzymology

Protein palmitoylation is a widespread lipid modification in which one or more cysteine thiols on a substrate protein are modified to form a thioester with a palmitoyl group. This lipid modification is readily reversible; a feature of protein palmitoylation that allows for rapid regulation of the function of many cellular proteins. Mutations in palmitoyltransferases (PATs), the enzymes that catalyze the formation of this modification, are associated with a number of neurological diseases and cancer progression. This review summarizes the crucial role of palmitoylation in biological systems, the discovery of the DHHC protein family that catalyzes protein palmitoylation, and the development of methods for investigating the catalytic mechanism of PATs.
Privacy protected image denoising with secret shares

The proliferation of digital cameras, wireless networks and distributed computing make sharing of visual data easier than ever. Such casual exchange of data, however, has increasingly raised questions on how sensitive visual information can be protected. Encrypted-domain signal processing techniques based on homomorphic encryption and garbled circuits are increasingly applied for such applications. Their high computation and communication complexity, however, are not suitable for pixel-level processing. In this paper, we propose an alternative approach of using information-theoretically secure protocols over multiple non-colluding semi-honest computing agents. The proposed protocols are based on classical Shamir's secret sharing scheme which supports multiplication and addition in the random-share domain. We extend the sharing scheme to handle other fundamental signal processing operations and use them to develop a novel privacy-protected wavelet denoising scheme over three computing agents. Our experimental results demonstrate the viability of using information-theoretic secure protocols to safeguard privacy in distributed pixel-level processing.
Exciton Absorption and Emission in InP

Sharp peaks due to exciton formation have been observed in the intrinsic optical-absorption-coefficient data for undoped indium phosphide at 6, 20, and 77\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. At 298\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K, the absorption data do not show a peak, because of thermal broadening. Low-temperature photoluminescence data obtained on the same InP used for absorption data exhibited an exciton emission peak at the same energy as the absorption peak and confirm the earlier identification of the emission line due to Turner and Pettit. At 6 and 77\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K, the exciton peak energies are 1.416 and 1.409 eV, respectively. From the absorption data, the exciton binding energy at both temperatures is 0.0040 eV. The temperature dependence of the gap in the linear region above 100\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K is -2.9\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$eV/\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K, in sharp disagreement with the earlier value of Oswald.
Lesions as therapy: surgical intervention in Parkinson's disease prior to L-dopa.

The study of Parkinson's disease has undergone vast changes across its almost 200 year history. Over this period, research scientists have added dramatic detail to their understanding both of the motor system in general and the etiology of Parkinson's disease specifically This expanded understanding has been facilitated, particularly, by the work of clinicians with the goal of improving treatments designed to ameliorate its symptoms. This article examines the evolution of one particular clinical approach, the production of lesions to segments of the basal ganglia, from its inception, through its “golden era,” disuse, and rebirth.
Seniority: A review of its legal and scientific standing.

Though an important and widespread industrial relations concept, seniority has been a neglected subject of study by behavioral scientists. The purpose of this paper is to emphasize the importance of the topic by reviewing seniority's legal status in the management of human resources. Further, while there is little research on seniority per se, conjecture and empirical study on the concept's salient behavioral dimensions, viz., tenure and reward, were reviewed. Suggestions were offered for the methodological and theoretical aspects of future research on seniority.
Conversion of 4-Methylanisole Catalyzed by Pt/γ-Al2O3 and by Pt/SiO2-Al2O3: Reaction Networks and Evidence of Oxygen Removal

The conversion of 4-methylanisole, a prototypical bio-oil compound, was catalyzed by Pt/Al2O3, Pt/SiO2-Al2O3, or HY zeolite at 573 K and atmospheric pressure. More than a dozen products were formed with each catalyst, the most abundant being 4-methylphenol, 2,4-dimethylphenol, and 2,4,6-trimethylphenol; toluene was also a major product when the catalyst was supported platinum with H2 as a co-reactant. 4-Methylphenol was the only methylphenol isomer formed in significant yields, which indicates that migration of the methyl group on the aromatic ring is not significant under the selected reaction conditions. The data determine approximate reaction networks including reactions forming 4-methylphenol, 2,4-dimethylphenol, and toluene as primary products. The kinetically significant reaction classes were transalkylation, observed with all three catalysts, and hydrogenolysis (including hydrodeoxygenation) and hydrogenation, observed only with the platinum-containing catalysts operating in the presence of H2. Data such as those reported here provide a starting point for predicting the conversion of whole bio-oils for removal of oxygen and upgrading of fuel properties.
Physical properties of sediments from Keathley Canyon and Atwater Valley, JIP Gulf of Mexico gas hydrate drilling program

Physical property measurements and consolidation behavior are different between sediments from Atwater Valley and Keathley Canyon in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Void ratio and bulk density of Atwater Valley sediment from a seafloor mound (holes ATM1 and ATM2) show little effective stress (or depth) dependence to 27 meters below seafloor (mbsf), perhaps owing to fluidized transport through the mound itself with subsequent settling onto the seafloor or mound flanks. Off-mound sediments (hole AT13-2) have bulk physical properties that are similar to mound sediments above 27 mbsf, but void ratio and porosity decrease below that depth. Properties of shallow (<50 mbsf) Keathley Canyon sediments (KC151-3) change with increasing effective stress (or depth) compared to Atwater Valley, but vary little below that depth. Organic carbon is present in concentrations between typical near-shore and deep-sea sediments. Organic carbon-to-nitrogen ratios suggest that the organic matter contained in Atwater Valley off-mound and mound sites came from somewhat different sources. The difference in organic carbon-to-nitrogen ratios between Atwater Valley and Keathley Canyon is more pronounced. At Keathley Canyon a more terrigenous source of the organic matter is indicated. Grain sizes are typically silty clay or clay within the two basins reflecting similar transport energy. However, the range in most shallow sediment properties is significantly different between the two basins. Bulk density profiles agree with logging results in Atwater Valley and Keathley Canyon. Agreement between lab-derived and logging-derived properties supports using logging data to constrain bulk physical properties where cores were not collected.
Determination of the global recombination rate coefficient for the ISX-B tokamak

The global recombination rate coefficient for hydrogen has been measured for the ISX-B tokamak vacuum vessel for various surface conditions. The measurements were performed by observing the rate of decrease of gas pressure in the vessel during a glow discharge. The parameters of the glow discharge and the complete experimental method are described. Previously published analytic and numerical models are used for data analysis. The effects of surface contamination on the results are described. For ''unclean'' wall conditions sigmak/sub r/ = 1.8 x 10/sup -28/ cm/sup 4//atom.s at 296 K and increases to sigmak/sub r/ = 4.4 x 10/sup -28/ cm/sup 4//atoms.s for ''clean'' conditions and remains constant until subsequent exposure to air.
Umbilical cord blood and placental mercury, selenium and selenoprotein expression in relation to maternal fish consumption

Seafood is an important source of nutrients for fetal neurodevelopment. Most individuals are exposed to the toxic element mercury through seafood. Due to the neurotoxic effects of mercury, United States government agencies recommend no more than 340 g (12 oz) per week of seafood consumption during pregnancy. However, recent studies have shown that selenium, also abundant in seafood, can have protective effects against mercury toxicity. In this study, we analyzed mercury and selenium levels and selenoprotein mRNA, protein, and activity in placenta of a cohort of women in Hawaii in relation to maternal seafood consumption assessed with dietary surveys. Fish consumption resulted in differences in mercury levels in placenta and cord blood. When taken as a group, those who consumed no fish exhibited the lowest mercury levels in placenta and cord blood. However, there were numerous individuals who either had higher mercury with no fish consumption or lower mercury with high fish consumption, indicating a lack of correlation. Placental expression of selenoprotein mRNAs, proteins and enzyme activity was not statistically different in any region among the different dietary groups. While the absence of seafood consumption correlates with lower average placental and cord blood mercury levels, no strong correlations were seen between seafood consumption or its absence and the levels of either selenoproteins or selenoenzyme activity.
Clinical predictors of mortality from infective endocarditis.

Abstract A cohort study with prospective data collection was conducted to determine which risk factors and outcome variables are statistically significant clinical predictors of mortality from infective endocarditis. A study was performed from an eleven-year, hospitalization cohort ( N =11,230) in which the data were collected prospectively. The study examined 21 potential risk factors and 14 outcome variables. The risk factors were categorized into these various groups: patient factors, cardiac factors, co-morbidities, operative factors, infectious factors, and complications. The outcome variables were categorized into operative factors, infectious factors, and complications. Inclusion criteria included patients with endocarditis ( N =87). Longer operative time, operative complications, and postoperative complications. Overall mortality was 11.5 percent ( N =10). Endocarditis patients who died were significantly older ( p =0.023) and had a longer pump time ( p =0.017) than those who survived. Endocarditis patients who died were more likely to experience an unstable hemodynamic status ( p =0.012). There was a significant difference between survival and non-survival of patients with endocarditis on nine outcome variables. They were more likely to require a re-operation for bleeding ( p =0.034). Renal complications ( p =0.016), neurological complications ( p =0.004), pulmonary complications ( p =0.001), intra-operative complications ( p =0.035), and IAPB ( p
“Starting Where the Client Is” in Alcoholism Counseling

Abstract Inspired by stories of two alcoholic clients, this paper constructs a conceptual framework discussing how the assessment and treatment of the alcoholic client can be unfavorably influenced when there is an interplay among three factors: (1) pathology-oriented alcoholism theories, (2) different backgrounds between practitioner and client, and (3) countertransference of the practitioner.
On Delay Fault Testing in Logic Circuits

Correct operation of a logic circuit requires propagation delays of all paths in the circuit to be smaller than the intended "clock interval." Random or deterministic tests, conducted at the normal clocking rate, can be used to insure that path delays in manufactured circuits meet the specifications. Algorithms, based on a five-valued logic system, to accurately calculate the detection probability of path delay faults by random delay tests as well as to derive deterministic tests to detect path delay faults are proposed. The results can be used to determine the test length for a desired confidence level in testing a path fault when random tests are used, and to generate a test set for a list of delay faults when deterministic tests are used.
Adhesion-delamination mechanics of a prestressed circular film adhered onto a rigid substrate

A thin circular film clamped at the periphery is adhered to the planar surface of a rigid cylindrical punch. An external tensile load is applied to the punch, causing the film to delaminate from the substrate and the circular contact edge to contract. The film spontaneously separates from the punch, or pulls off, when the contact radius reduces to a range between 0.1758 and 0.3651 of the film radius, depending on the magnitude of the residual membrane stress. The mechanical delamination process is derived by a thermodynamic energy balance based on a coupled interfacial adhesion and residual membrane stress. The theoretical model has significant implications in nanoforce measurement, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) comprising active moveable films, and biological cell adhesion.
Inactivation of amino acid receptors in medullary reticular formation modulates and suppresses ingestion and rejection responses in the awake rat.

The lateral medullary reticular formation (RF) is the source of many preoromotor neurons and is essential for generation of ingestive consummatory responses. Although the neurochemistry mediating t...
Structural basis of transcription: an RNA polymerase II-TFIIB cocrystal at 4.5 Angstroms.

The structure of the general transcription factor IIB (TFIIB) in a complex with RNA polymerase II reveals three features crucial for transcription initiation: an N-terminal zinc ribbon domain of TFIIB that contacts the “dock” domain of the polymerase, near the path of RNA exit from a transcribing enzyme; a “finger” domain of TFIIB that is inserted into the polymerase active center; and a C-terminal domain, whose interaction with both the polymerase and with a TATA box–binding protein (TBP)–promoter DNA complex orients the DNA for unwinding and transcription. TFIIB stabilizes an early initiation complex, containing an incomplete RNA-DNA hybrid region. It may interact with the template strand, which sets the location of the transcription start site, and may interfere with RNA exit, which leads to abortive initiation or promoter escape. The trajectory of promoter DNA determined by the C-terminal domain of TFIIB traverses sites of interaction with TFIIE, TFIIF, and TFIIH, serving to define their roles in the transcription initiation process.
Vitamin B6 enzymes in normal and pre-eclamptic human placentae.

Abstract Placentae from normal and pre-eclamptic women were analyzed for their content of three enzymes: pyridoxal kinase, pyridoxal phosphate phosphatase, and pyridoxine phosphate oxidase. The range of values for the specific activities of the phosphatase in partially purified extracts was identical in both normal and preeclamptic placentae. The mean value was 6.4 × 10 −3 μmoles/min/mg protein for both tissues. The ranges of values for the specific activities of pyridoxal kinase and pyridoxine phosphate oxidase in the same extracts on the other hand were lower in preeclamptic placentae than in normal ones. The mean value in normal placentae was 1.52 × 10 −3 μmoles/min/mg protein for the kinase and 1.68 × 10 −5 μmoles/min/mg protein for the oxidase. In extracts of placentae from pre-eclamptic women these values were 1.23 × 10 −3 μmoles/min/mg protein and 1.29 × 10 −5 μmoles/min/mg protein respectively.
A second generation global analysis program for the recovery of complex inhomogeneous fluorescence decay kinetics.

Abstract A flourescence spectroscopy global data analysis environment is described. Within this analysis environment multidimensional fluoroscence decay data (time and frequency domains) can be analyzed in terms of a wide variety of photophysical models. A generalized compartmental analysis structure is utilized, where one can specify the functions used to link the various compartments together. All fitting parameters may be characterized by either discrete or distributed values. Applications of these new analysis programs to the examination of phase transitions in lipid/membrane systems are described.
Movement and feeding activity of red sea urchins (Strongylocentrotus franciscanus) adjacent to a kelp forest

Movement and feeding were studied in a population of red sea urchins, Strongylocentrotus franciscanus (Agassiz, 1863), found within and immediately seaward of a kelp forest offshore from Santa Cruz, California, USA. Mean sea urchin movements varied from 7.5 cm/day inside the kelp forest to over 50 cm/day at 15 and 100 m outside the kelp forest. The percentage of sea urchins feeding decreased from 66% inside the kelp forest to 16 and 15% at 15 and 100 m outside the kelp forest. These data indicate that movement by these sea urchins is a response to a low food supply.
Ablation of Carbonaceous Materials in a Hydrogen-Helium Arcjet Flow

The stagnation-point ablation rates of a graphite, a carbon-carbon composite, and four carbon-phenolic materials are measured in an arc-jet wind tunnel with a 50% hydrogen-50% helium mixture as the test gas. Flow environments are determined through measurements of static and impact pressures, heat-transfer rates to a calorimeter, and radiation spectra, and through numerical calculation of the flow through the wind tunnel, spectra, and heat-transfer rates. The environments so determined are: impact pressure approx. 3 atm, Mach number approx. 2.1, convective heat-transfer rate approx. 14 kw/sq cm, and radiative heat-transfer rate approx. 7 kw/sq cm in the absence of ablation. Ablation rates are determined from the measured rates of mass loss and recession of the ablation specimens. Compared with the predicted ablation rates obtained by running RASLE and CMA codes, the measured rates are higher by about 15% for all tested materials.
Genomic imprinting proposed as a surveillance mechanism for chromosome loss.

Abstract One consequence of genomic imprinting is that loss of the transcriptionally active chromosomal homologue causes a change in gene expression that might permit surveillance of chromosome-loss events. Possible selective advantages of such surveillance include protection against cancer and early elimination of monosomic and trisomic fetuses. Potential mechanisms for such surveillance are discussed.
Photonics for interconnect inside machines

Future high performance information switching and processing systems face severe problems especially in interconnect density and energy We project the requirements for optoelectronic and optical devices for optics to solve such problems and suggest solutions.
Dependent Dirichlet Process Rating Model

Typical item response theory (IRT) rating scale models assume that the rating category threshold parameters are the same over examinees. Unfortunately, such models are inappropriate for rating data that exhibit differential item functioning (DIF). The authors introduce a new Bayesian nonparametric IRT model for rating scale items, which is more appropriate for rating data that contain DIF. The model is an infinite mixture of Rasch partial credit models, with mixture distribution modeled by the local (Dependent) Dirichlet process. The model treats the rating category thresholds as the random parameters that are subject to the mixture, with (stick-breaking) mixture weights that are covariate-dependent. Thus, the model allows the rating category thresholds to differ across items and examinees, while allowing the form of the distribution for the category thresholds to vary flexibly as a function of covariates. The authors illustrate the new model through the analysis of simulated data and real data. The model...
On the measurement of visual stimulation intensities.

Discusses measurement of visual stimulation intensities, dealing with: (1) the significance and usefulness of photometric, as compared with radiometric, measurements (2) the problem of the proper method for general photometry; and (3) the influence of pupillary size upon visual stimulus intensity. The various meanings of the term intensity are discussed, and the fundamental significance of photometric and radiometric measurements are considered, together with the relation between radiant energy and light. It is claimed that photometric equations will be more useful in the study of visual-physiology than will radiometric equations. The problem of heterochromatic photometry is addressed, and on the basis of studies of the method of flicker, it is claimed that the method of photometry should be taken up whenever 2 compared lights show a color difference. Finally, the photon is defined as a unit of physiological stimulus intensity. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
CHRONIC EFFECTS OF CENTRALLY ADMINISTERED ADIPONECTIN ON APPETITE, METABOLISM AND BLOOD PRESSURE REGULATION IN NORMOTENSIVE AND HYPERTENSIVE RATS

Abstract Acute studies suggest that adiponectin may reduce sympathetic activity and blood pressure (BP) via actions on the central nervous system (CNS). However, the chronic effects of adiponectin on energy expenditure and cardiovascular function are still poorly understood. We tested if chronic intracerebroventricular (ICV) infusion of adiponectin (1 or 7 μg/day) in Sprague-Dawley rats fed a high fat diet (HFD) for 8 weeks and at the high dose (7 μg/day) in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs), a hypertensive model associated with sympathetic overactivity, evoked chronic reductions in BP and heart rate (HR). We also determined if chronic ICV adiponectin infusion alters appetite, whole body oxygen consumption (VO 2 ), and insulin and leptin levels. Neither dose of adiponectin infused for 7 days significantly altered BP or HR in the HFD group (115 ± 2 to 112 ± 2 mmHg and 384 ± 6 to 379 ± 6 bpm at 1 μg/day; 109 ± 3 to 111 ± 3 mmHg and 366 ± 5 and 367 ± 5 bpm at 7 μg/day). The higher dose slightly reduced food intake (14 ± 1 to 11 ± 1 g/day), whereas VO 2 , insulin and leptin levels were not affected by the treatment. In SHRs, ICV adiponectin infusion reduced appetite (22 ± 2 to 12 ± 2 g/day) and insulin levels (∼55%), but did not alter BP (162 ± 4 to 164 ± 3 mmHg) or HR (312 ± 5 to 322 ± 8 bpm). These results suggest that adiponectin, acting via its direct actions on the CNS, has a small effect to reduce appetite and insulin levels, but it has no long-term action to reduce BP or HR, or to alter whole body metabolic rate.
mTOR complex 2 mediates Akt phosphorylation that requires PKCε in adult cardiac muscle cells

Our earlier work showed that mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is essential to the development of various hypertrophic responses, including cardiomyocyte survival. mTOR forms two independent complexes, mTORC1 and mTORC2, by associating with common and distinct cellular proteins. Both complexes are sensitive to a pharmacological inhibitor, torin1, although only mTORC1 is inhibited by rapamycin. Since mTORC2 is known to mediate the activation of a prosurvival kinase, Akt, we analyzed whether mTORC2 directly mediates Akt activation or whether it requires the participation of another prosurvival kinase, PKCe (epsilon isoform of protein kinase-C). Our studies reveal that treatment of adult feline cardiomyocytes in vitro with insulin results in Akt phosphorylation at S473 for its activation which could be augmented with rapamycin but blocked by torin1. Silencing the expression of Rictor (rapamycin-insensitive companion of mTOR), an mTORC2 component, with a sh-RNA in cardiomyocytes lowers both insulin-stimulated Akt and PKCe phosphorylation. Furthermore, phosphorylation of PKCe and Akt at the critical S729 and S473 sites respectively was blocked by torin1 or Rictor knockdown but not by rapamycin, indicating that the phosphorylation at these specific sites occurs downstream of mTORC2. Additionally, expression of DN-PKCe significantly lowered the insulin-stimulated Akt S473 phosphorylation, indicating an upstream role for PKCe in the Akt activation. Biochemical analyses also revealed that PKCe was part of Rictor but not Raptor (a binding partner and component of mTORC1). Together, these studies demonstrate that mTORC2 mediates prosurvival signaling in adult cardiomyocytes where PKCe functions downstream of mTORC2 leading to Akt activation.
Effects of diet and/or exercise on the adipocytokine and inflammatory cytokine levels of postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes.

This study examined the independent and combined effects of diet and exercise on adipocytokine and inflammatory cytokines in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes. Using a randomized, controlled design, 33 women (age, 50-70 years) were assigned to diet alone (D), exercise alone (EX), or diet + exercise (D + E) for 14 weeks. Before and after the interventions, blood samples for adipocytokines and inflammatory markers were drawn, a meal test was performed, and abdominal fat distribution was measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Body weight decreased ∼4.5 ± 0.6 kg (P .05), and no differences in adiponectin and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) levels were found. Visceral adipose tissue and tumor necrosis factor α were the only predictors of calculated insulin resistance (P < .05), explaining 43% of the variability. A typically prescribed weight loss program with lifestyle changes resulted in few changes in adipocytokines and inflammatory cytokines in older women with type 2 diabetes, suggesting that dramatic weight loss or clinical interventions are needed.
Immunohistochemical detection of intracranial vasa vasorum: a human autopsy study.

Abstract The existence of intracranial vasa vasorum supplying the larger vessels of the circle of Willis has long been debated. Much of this debate results from contradictory findings of microanatomic studies in a variety of nonprimate species. Recently, however, a growing body of evidence seems to suggest that in certain pathological situations, such as human intracranial atherosclerosis, vasa vasorum are present. In an effort to determine whether intracranial vasa vasorum are present in humans without clinical evidence of intracranial vascular disease, we studied the circle of Willis in five autopsy specimens using immunohistochemistry. Antiserum to the endothelial-specific antigen, Factor VIII, revealed staining of 10- to 20-microns vascular channels in the outer media and adventitial layers. Staining was present in the proximal carotid, middle cerebral (M1), and anterior cerebral (A1) arteries but could not be detected in M2 or A2 segments. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was additionally helpful in identifying the nuclear morphology of the endothelial cells lining these channels, as well as the presence of erythrocytes within them. We conclude that in nonpathological settings, endothelial-lined channels exist in the proximal intracranial vessels of humans. These vessels might represent intracranial vasa vasorum, which in turn might play a role in pathological conditions, such as atheroma formation, intracranial dissection, and vasospasm.
DAVINCI: a high-performance imager and integral field spectrograph for the W. M. Keck Observatory's next-generation adaptive optics facility

In this paper we report on the preliminary design of DAVINCI, the first light science instrument for the W. M. Keck Observatory's Next Generation Adaptive Optics facility. DAVINCI will provide imaging and coronagraphy at the diffraction limit from 0.7 μm to 2.4 μm over a field of ~30", and integral field spectroscopy with three sampling scales (10, 35, and 50 mas) and a field of view of 5.6" x 3" for the largest (50 mas) sampling scale. The science requirements for DAVINCI are discussed, followed by an examination of the challenges of designing the instrument within a strict limit on overall cost. The instrument's optical design and opto-mechanical configuration is described as well as the current performance predictions for the instrument.
Development, implementation, and experimentation of parametric routing protocol for sensor networks

ABSTRACT The development of a scalable and reliable routing protocol for sensor networks is traced from a theoretical be-ginning to positive simulation results to the end of verication experiments in large and heavily loaded networks.Design decisions and explanations as well as implementation hurdles are presented to give a complete picture ofprotocol development. Additional software and hardware is required to accurately test the performance of ourprotocol in eld experiments. In addition, the developed protocol is tested in TinyOS on Mica2 motes againstwell-established routing protocols frequently used in sensor networks. Our protocol proves to outperform thestandard (MINTRoute) and the trivial (Gossip) in a variety of dierent scenarios.Keywords: Sensor Networks, Routing Protocols, TinyOS, Protocol Development 1. INTRODUCTION Sensor networks present dicult and unpredictable communication obstacles, which often make multi-hop packettransmission unreliable and impractical beyond 5 or 6 hops.
Self‐Similarity and the Species‐Area Relationship

Abstract: Self‐similar distributions of species across a landscape have been proposed as one potential cause of the well‐known species‐area relationship. The best known of these proposals is in the form of a probability rule for species occurrence. The application of this rule to the number of species occurring in primary well‐shaped rectangles within the landscape gives rise to a discrete power law for species‐area relationships. However, this result requires a specific scheme for bisecting the landscape to generate the rectangles. Some additional, more general consequences of the probability rule are presented here. These include the result that the number of species in a well‐shaped rectangle depends on its location, not just on its area. In addition, a self‐similar landscape contains well‐shaped rectangles that are, in fact, not self‐similar. The probability rule in general produces testable predictions about how and where species are distributed that are independent of the power law.
Effects of Chronic Heart Failure on the Capacity of Glucagon to Enhance Contractility and Adenyl Cyclase Activity of Human Papillary Muscles

Glucagon has a positive inotropic effect in normal hearts but is ineffective in animals with chronic cardiac failure. To assess directly the influence of glucagon on the human myocardium, we measured contractility and activation of adenyl cyclase, the enzyme thought to mediate the inotropic action of glucagon, in left ventricular papillary muscles obtained from 12 patients at mitral valve replacement. On the basis of preoperative ventricular end-diastolic pressures and cardiac output (independent of papillary muscle data) patients were classified in three groups: normal, cardiac failure, and condition indeterminate. Concentration-response curves showed that glucagon caused a mean rise of 11% in peak papillary muscle tension and a rise of 12% in peak rate of tension development in the normal patients; myocardial adenyl cyclase activity from each normal patient rose after glucagon (average, 84%). In the papillary muscles of the patients with cardiac failure, glucagon did not augment either tension or adenyl cyclase activity. In contrast, contractility and adenyl cyclase activity increased after norepinephrine in both normal patients and those with cardiac failure. The indeterminate group had two patients whose papillary muscles responded to glucagon and two whose papillary muscles did not respond. Thus, direct study of human papillary muscles shows that chronic cardiac failure is uniformly associated with complete loss of the normal enhancement of contractility and associated activation of adenyl cyclase after glucagon. This perhaps explains the inefficacy of this drug in treating patients with chronic cardiac failure.