cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Support and Temperature Effects in Platinum Clusters. 2. Electronic Properties

The effects of Bronsted acidity on the spatial structure and electronic properties of platinum clusters supported on zeolite Y have been examined with X-ray absorption (XANES and EXAFS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The clusters contain 10−25 Pt atoms on average, with a nearest-neighbor distance of 2.70 ± 0.01 A. Static disorder in the atomic distributionwhile certainly present in the supported metalis shown to be symmetric on average. Increasing Bronsted acidity of the zeolite support has no measurable systematic effect on the spatial structure of the clusters but results in reproducible 5−10% enhancement of near-edge features in the L2,3 X-ray absorption spectra, as well as 0.2−0.3 eV shifts in Pt 4f and 4d core-level binding energies and valence-band thresholds. Evidence is presented that the interaction between the electronic levels of the cluster and the support is not dominated by charge-transfer effects but results in the creation of unoccupied antibonding states above the Fermi level. Stru...
Intrathecal neurosteroids and a neurosteroid antagonist: Effects on inflammation-evoked thermal hyperalgesia and tactile allodynia

Neurosteroids regulate neuronal excitability though binding sites associated with the ionotropic γ-aminobutyric acid (GABAA) receptor. We sought to characterize the spinal analgesic actions in rats of two 5α-reduced neurosteroids, allopregnanolone and alphaxalone, on nociceptive processing and to determine whether a putative neurosteroid antagonist attenuates this effect: (3α, 5α)-17-phenylandrost-16-en-3-ol (17PA). Intrathecal (IT) injection of allopregnanolone (1-30μg/10μL in 20%cyclodextrin) delivered through lumbar catheters produced a dose-dependent analgesia in rats as measured by thermal thresholds in the ipsilateral (inflamed by intraplantar carrageenan) and in the contralateral (un-inflamed paws). Similar observations were made with alphaxalone (30-60 μg in 20%cyclodextrin). Effective doses were not associated with suppressive effects on pinnae, blink or placing and stepping reflex. Effects of allopregnanolone (30μg) on the normal and hyperalgesic paw were completely prevented by IT 17PA (30μg). Reversal by IT 17PA of an equi-analgesic dose of alphaxalone occurred only at higher antagonist dosing. These results suggest that a spinal neurosteroid-binding site with which 17 PA interacts may regulate spinal nociceptive processing in normal and inflamed tissue. (NIDA DA02110) (171 words)
Endogenous Aspergillus endophthalmitis after lung transplantation.

Purpose/Methods By fundus photography and histopathologic examination, we documented a case of early endogenous Aspergillus endophthalmitis in a 29-year-old man after lung transplantation. Results/Conclusions The clinical and histopathologic features of this case are consistent with those of previous case reports of endogenous Aspergillus endophthalmitis. Endogenous Aspergillus endophthalmitis represents a manifestation of disseminated aspergillosis, usually a fatal infection. This diagnosis should be considered in immunocompromised patients with visual disturbances, as early recognition of the fundus appearance may aid in systemic treatment.
Progress towards thick liquid fusion chambers for assisted-pinch and solenoid focusings

Abstract The “robust point design” (RPD) (Fusion Sci. Technol. 44 (2003) 266) describes a self-consistent heavy-ion inertial fusion power plant based on a single linear accelerator and the neutralized ballistic beam transport scheme. The heavy-ion fusion community is exploring the feasibility of a modular driver made of several, medium-sized accelerators—this approach has the potential to offer a faster and cheaper development path to a viable fusion power plant. Thick-liquid target chambers compatible with the assisted-pinch and solenoid final-focusing schemes are discussed. Gas dynamics simulations performed with the Berkeley TSUNAMI code are presented for the assisted-pinch chamber.
Integrated multiscale process simulation

Abstract We summarize two approaches to integrated multiscale process simulation (IMPS), particularly relevant to integrated circuit (IC) fabrication, in which models for equipment (m) and feature (μm) scales are solved simultaneously. The first approach uses regular grids, and is applied to low-pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD) of silicon dioxide from tetraethoxysilane (TEOS). The second approach uses unstructured meshes, and is applied to electrochemical deposition (ECD) of copper. The goal is to develop approaches to estimate “loading” in these processes; i.e., the effects of pattern density and topography on local deposition rates. This is accomplished by resolving pattern (mesoscopic, mm) scales, which are between equipment (0.1–1 m) and feature scales (0.1–1 μ m). In this work, we focus on steady-state simulation results. We close with a few thoughts on extending IMPS to the grain scale, and the conversion of discrete atomistic representations to continuum representations of islands during deposition.
Noise reduction of a-Si1-xGexOy microbolometers by forming gas passivation

Abstract We report the reduction of noise voltage power spectral density (PSD) of amorphous Si1 − xGexOy microbolometers by forming gas passivation. The microbolometers fabricated from Si1 − xGexOy were passivated in a rapid thermal annealing chamber in the presence of forming gas at 250 °C with different intervals of time starting from 0.5 h to 8 h. The noise voltage PSD was measured at different bias currents before passivation and after different interval of passivation time. It was found that the noise voltage PSD of the bolometers decreased as the passivation time increased. The 1/f-noise coefficient (Kf) was decreased from 7.54 × 10− 7 to 2.21 × 10− 10 after 8 h of forming gas passivation performed at 250 °C.
Pyrolysis of cyclobutanes from styrenes, acrylonitrile and methyl acrylate and polyfluoroolefins

Abstract The 2+2 cycloadduct of styrene and TFE ( 1 ) ring-expands and eliminates HF like a butadiene adduct to give 2,3-difluoronaphthalene ( 3 ). Cyclobutane 1 also cleaves to styrene and 1,1-difluorostyrene. Titania and other solid-acids accelerate the ring-expansion reaction and direct the ring expansion toward 1,2-difluoronaphthalene ( 4 ). The cycloadduct of TFE and acrylonitrile 11 eliminates HF to form cyclobutene 12 and the isomeric butadiene 13 . Pyrolysis at even higher temperatures gives low yields of tetrafluorobenzonitrile ( 15 ). Methyl acrylate behaves like acrylonitrile, but the reactions are slower and the products less stable.
DNA in the nucleosome.

Revue sommaire sur la structure du nucleosome et particulierement les aspects de cette structure qui vraisemblablement influencent les interactions des proteines avec le DNA associe
REPRODUCTION IN ZONARIA FARLOWII. I. GAMETOGENESIS, SPOROGENESIS, AND EMBRYOLOGY(1).

SUMMARY The brown alga Zonaria farlowii which exhibits an alternation of isomorphic generations has been found to be a particularly suitable organism for a comparative study of game to gene sis, sporogenesis, and embryonic development. The germinations of the zygote and spore have been compared and found to be similar. The development of the oogonium and sporangium has been studied with the light and electron microscopes, in an attempt to discern ontogcnetical similarities or differences. The timing and periodicity of oogenesis and sporogenesis were found to differ: oogonial development requires a lunar month from the time of its initiation to the time of egg release which occurs around the first quarter of the moon, whereas the sporangium does not follow this periodicity. The development of the spore embryos and zygotic embryos is essentially the same. It appears that the difference between the 2 phases of the life cycle exists only in the later stages of oogenesis and sporogenesis. These differences continue in the egg until fertilization, after which the zygote has the same cytoplasmic configuration as the spore. It is also notable that during release of the spore it must increase in size considerably since before germination begins it has attained the size of the egg.
Genomic aggregation effects and Simpson's paradox

Genomic studies have become commonplace, with thousands of gene expressions typically collected on single or multiple platforms and analyzed. Unaccounted time-ordered or epigenetic aspects of genetic expression may lead to a version of Simpson's paradox, ie, time- aggregated overall effects that do not reflect within strata patterns. Without clear functional models to motivate clustering and fitting algorithms, these confounding related issues require consideration. Several basic examples motivate discussion and more appropriate models for analysis of expression data are reviewed.
Equal Access: What does the digital revolution mean for library web sites?

Librarians have stood for open, equal access of all materials in all formats since the formalized beginning of the profession. The American Library Association has codified this professional commitment into the Library Bill of Rights (ALA 1948, 1996). The Library Bill of Rights states: "Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation" (ALA 1948, 1996). For years, the ALA Library Bill of Rights has reinforced the ideal of open access in the face of racism, sexism, ageism, elitism, and the many other -isms that haunt our society. This has ensured that libraries have stayed focused on providing service to our patrons.
The reactive element effect in high-temperature corrosion

Abstract When small quantities (typically 1 wt.% or less) of a number of reactive elements are added to high-temperature alloys containing chromium or aluminum, a number of beneficial effects result. This is called the “reactive element effect” (REE). Some or all aspects of the REE can be developed when the reactive element is added as an alloy addition, when it is present as a dispersion of oxide particles in the alloy, when it is ion implanted into the surface, or when a coating of the reactive element oxide is applied to the surface of the alloy. In this paper, the experimental evidence is briefly summarized, and different models that have been proposed to account for one or more aspects of the REE are assessed in terms of this evidence.
Size-Based Protein Separations in Poly(ethylene glycol)-Derivatized Gold Nanotubule Membranes

An electroless plating method was used to deposit Au nanotubules within the pores of track-etched polycarbonate template membranes. The effect of nanotubule inside diameter on rate and selectivity of protein transport was investigated for three proteins: lysozyme (Lys), bovine serum albumin (BSA), and β-lactoglobulin A. Transport selectivity increased as the inside diameter of the nanotubules within the membrane decreased, and selectivity coefficients in excess of 20 were observed for the separation of Lys from BSA. Protein adsorption, and hence membrane fouling, was eliminated by chemisorbing a poly(ethylene glycol) thiol to the Au nanotubule membranes.
Transmembrane peptides used to investigate the homo-oligomeric interface and binding hotspot of latent membrane protein 1.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a human γ-herpesvirus, establishes lifelong infection by targeting the adaptive immune system of the host through memory B cells. While normally benign, EBV contributes to lymphoid malignancies and lymphoproliferative syndromes in immunocompromised individuals. The viral oncoprotein Latent Membrane Protein 1 (LMP-1) is essential for B lymphocyte immortalization by EBV. The constitutive signaling activity of LMP-1 is dependent on homo-oligomerization of its six-spanning hydrophobic transmembrane domain (TMD). However, the mechanism driving LMP-1 intermolecular interaction is poorly understood. Here we show that the fifth transmembrane helix (TM5) of LMP-1 strongly self-associates, forming a homotrimeric complex mediated by a polar residue embedded in the membrane, D150. Replacement of this aspartic acid residue with alanine disrupts TM5 self-association in detergent micelles and bacterial cell membranes. A full length LMP-1 variant harboring the D150A substitution is deficient in NFκB activation, supporting the key role of the fifth transmembrane helix in constitutive activation of signaling by this oncoprotein.
On the Need for Contextualized Introspective Models to Improve Reuse and Composability of Defense Simulations

Model reuse is a longstanding challenge within the defense simulation modeling community. While other disciplines successfully apply component-based approach to build systems, this approach has proven difficult to apply in simulation model development. The significance of employing explicit and distinct experimental frames to support reuse is already well recognized. Yet, characterization of the original context of a model is one of the least appreciated aspects and central to reuse and composability. Methods and tools are needed to provide mechanisms for structured representation and storage of context information, effective ways for retrieving it, and the possibility to relate it to the developer's intention. To this end, the basic model-simulator-experimental frame viewpoint is revisited to assert the role of context in reuse. The significance of separating concept, content, context, and simulator is discussed under the discrete-event system specification (DEVS) framework to provide a basis and rationa...
Investigation of sheet resistance in thin-film mixed-conducting solid oxide fuel cell cathode test cells

Patterned and thin-film electrode experiments are effective in isolating or separating the complex charge and mass transport processes involved in the oxygen reduction reaction within and on the surface of a mixed-conducting solid oxide fuel cell cathode, making it possible to correlate electrochemical performance with electrode geometry, reaction pathway, and limiting steps. Very little information about either the impact of sheet resistance on global response or on effective design of current collector configuration to avoid sheet resistance has been reported to date, however. In this contribution, an empirical numerical model is presented to simulate sheet resistance under various material and catalytic parameters, current collector configurations, and other experimental factors in thin-film, mixed-conducting working electrodes. This model is used to provide general guidance for effective current collector placement by mapping in parameter space. In general, continuous crisscrossing metal lines, deposited through e.g. photolithography, provide the best intra-film current collection while small, regularly spaced discrete contacts, provided by e.g. a metal mesh, provide less efficient intra-film current collection. Most thin-film aspect ratios and current collector configurations can be accommodated without severe intra-film sheet resistance limitation provided the current collectors are spaced appropriately.
The Tools of Anticipatory Learning

Describes the techniques of customer surveys, derived forecasts, causal models, time series analysis, Delphi forecasting, scenario analysis, content analysis, impact analysis, groupware, and micro world/computer simulations.
TU‐A‐116‐03: CCD‐Based Dosimetry System for Use in Diagnostic Radiology

Purpose: To develop a new dosimetry system, for use in the diagnostic radiology energy range, which will be able to quantify dose more rapidly, effectively and consistently. The system is based on an array of cylindrical silica scintillators coupled to optical fibers and a CCD camera. Methods: An Andor Luca electron‐multiplying camera was used for readout, resulting in a strong output even from a small number of impinging photons. The camera has a cooling system to maintain a low detector temperature (−20 degrees Celsius). It was sealed in a light‐tight enclosure to shield it from background light which could contaminate the readings. A 10 mm diameter, 8 mm effective focal length aspheric lens was mounted to focus the light from the fibers onto the CCD detector. The system was evaluated for reproducibility, energy dependence and linearity, across a range of energy (40‐100 keV), current (6 to 19.5 mAs) and dose (1 to 30 mGy), validating its feasibility for future use. Results: A signal was acquired at the diagnostic radiology energy range, a Result which has not been attained by other investigators. The system showed high reproducibility, with a coefficient of variation of 1.08 % at 10 mGy. The energy dependence was fairly linear at lower energies, with a correlation coefficient of 0.995 from 40 to 80 keV, but showed greater increases between counts at higher energies. Dose (mean counts) as a function of current‐time (mAs) was also linear, with a correlation coefficient of 0.998. Conclusion: The system shows high reproducibility, linearity and immediate readout. Because the camera acts as a single readout channel, dose from multiple organs can be quantified more rapidly and consistently. The system is expected to be very useful in organ dose quantification from any imaging modality with dose to multiple organs, such as CT or CBCT.
2-D Optical Multistage Interconnection Networks

2 -D Optical Multistage Interconnection NetworksShing -Hong Lin, Tno as F. Krile and John F. WalkupDepartment of Electrical Engineering, Optical Systems Laboratory,Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas 79409AbstractThis paper discusses the need for 2 -D multistage optical interconnection networksin parallel computing systems and demonstrates the benefits obtained from a 2 -D multi-stage perfect shuffle network.IntroductionOne of the most important, yet least understood, aspects of parallel processing isthe effect of interconnecting the processing elements (PE's). Efficient communicationamong these PE's is recognized as the key to increasing the computation speed andsimplifying the complexity of computing systems. Recently, a number of optical inter-connection networks have been proposed and demonstrated such as crossbar networks' andperfect shuffle networks2'3. In spite of their feasibility, however, these networksonly deal with 1 -D data and ignore the inherent 3 -D characteristics of opticalsystems. The other major problem with interconnection networks is to design a cost -effective network. Although crossbars (CB's) are ideal networks for interconnection,crossbar networks of large size are very difficult to implement either in optics orelectronics. An alternate approach is to design multistage networks, with each stagehaving a number of crossbars of small size. Examples are the perfect shuffle net -work4, baseline networks, and the Benes network6. Based on the above noted reasons,we here propose 2 -D multistage optical interconnection networks (MIN's) and inves-tigate their advantages and applications.In Sec. II we give a model for a 2 -D MIN and discuss its flexibility.
Effects of simultaneous application of opposing stimuli for head turning in cats

Abstract Paired stimuli for opposing head movements have been presented simultaneously to unanesthetized cats with chronically implanted electrodes in an effort to determine methods by which a centrally induced conflict may be resolved. Simultaneous stimulation of sites in left and right zona incerta, separately evoking head rotation to left and to right, frequently resulted in an upward movement of the head. Paired stimulation of sites in left and right dorsal midbrain tegmentum, singly eliciting horizontal contraversive head turning, resulted in a vertical movement (down or up) or no head movement. Among responses to simultaneous stimulation of a midbrain site and an incertal site were combined rotation and horizontal head turning, purely upward head movement, and no movement. Stimulation of single sites in midbrain or in zona incerta while the cat was involved spontaneously in activities requiring head positioning or movement frequently resulted in an “either-or” effect, either the stimulus or the on-going activity being prepotent. Other responses included head turning while activity continued, alternation between the stimulus-induced head position and the food dish, and cessation of activity without head turning. Thus in terms of head movements, spontaneous and induced, cats can exhibit several patterns of response to simultaneous presentation of opposing stimuli. The distribution of these patterns bears a relation to the areas stimulated or to the types of opposing head movements paired.
Background suppressing Gabor energy filtering

In the field of facial emotion recognition, early research advanced with the use of Gabor filters. However, these filters lack generalization and result in undesirably large feature vector size. In recent work, more attention has been given to other local appearance features. Two desired characteristics in a facial appearance feature are generalization capability, and the compactness of representation. In this paper, we propose a novel texture feature inspired by Gabor energy filters, called background suppressing Gabor energy filtering. The feature has a generalization component that removes background texture. It has a reduced feature vector size due to maximal representation and soft orientation histograms, and it is a white box representation. We demonstrate improved performance on the non-trivial Audio/Visual Emotion Challenge 2012 grand-challenge dataset by a factor of 7.17 over the Gabor filter on the development set. We also demonstrate applicability of our approach beyond facial emotion recognition which yields improved classification rate over the Gabor filter for four bioimaging datasets by an average of 8.22%.
Thermotransport of silver in liquid gold

Abstract A thermotransport study of liquid gold which contained trace amounts of silver has been made. An alloy sample, encapsulated in narrow quartz capillary, was held in a temperature gradient till the stationary state was attained. The sample was analyzed for the solute concentration (c2) along its length. Silver was observed to migrate to the hot end. The net heat of transport,Q*, was calculated from the expression d I n c 2 = Q * R d ( 1 T ) and was to be foundQAg*= −1230 ± 290 cal/g atom. The results are discussed by consideringQ* to consist of two parts; (1) extrinsic part,Qe*, which arises from the interaction of electrons with solute ion and (2) intrinsic part,Qi*, arising from the interaction of diffusing ion with its neighbouring ions. IfQe* is calculated by use of Gerl's method which calculates the energy transfer from electron to solute andQi* is calculated by use of Chapman's expression, fair agreement is obtained between the experimental and calculated values of heats of transport.
A model for teaching for creative development

An instructional model for teaching creative thinking techniques and strategies is described based on the theory that teaching for creative development requires a systematic organization.
Role of the diesel-electric rail gar in modern service

The self-propelled rail car is returning to a place of popularity as the railroads seek to reduce costs and attract additional passenger business. Current rail-car applications in the United States cover relatively long main-line runs with diesel-hydraulic cars and branch-line service with light diesel-electric cars. Between these two extremes there exists a need for a main-line type of car capable of performing surburban service. Certain electric drive characteristics are well suited to this application.
Leucine-Rich Repeat Transmembrane Proteins Are Essential for Maintenance of Long-Term Potentiation

Leucine-rich repeat transmembrane proteins (LRRTMs) are synaptic cell adhesion molecules that trigger excitatory synapse assembly in cultured neurons and influence synaptic function in vivo, but their role in synaptic plasticity is unknown. shRNA-mediated knockdown (KD) of LRRTM1 and LRRTM2 in vivo in CA1 pyramidal neurons of newborn mice blocked long-term potentiation (LTP) in acute hippocampal slices. Molecular replacement experiments revealed that the LRRTM2 extracellular domain is sufficient for LTP, probably because it mediates binding to neurexins (Nrxs). Examination of surface expression of endogenous AMPA receptors (AMPARs) in cultured neurons suggests that LRRTMs maintain newly delivered AMPARs at synapses after LTP induction. LRRTMs are also required for LTP of mature synapses on adult CA1 pyramidal neurons, indicating that the block of LTP in neonatal synapses by LRRTM1 and LRRTM2 KD is not due to impairment of synapse maturation.
Large-scale dynamic gene regulatory network inference combining differential equation models with local dynamic Bayesian network analysis

Motivation: Reverse engineering gene regulatory networks, especially large size networks from time series gene expression data, remain a challenge to the systems biology community. In this article, a new hybrid algorithm integrating ordinary differential equation models with dynamic Bayesian network analysis, called Differential Equation-based Local Dynamic Bayesian Network (DELDBN), was proposed and implemented for gene regulatory network inference. Results: The performance of DELDBN was benchmarked with an in vivo dataset from yeast. DELDBN significantly improved the accuracy and sensitivity of network inference compared with other approaches. The local causal discovery algorithm implemented in DELDBN also reduced the complexity of the network inference algorithm and improved its scalability to infer larger networks. We have demonstrated the applicability of the approach to a network containing thousands of genes with a dataset from human HeLa cell time series experiments. The local network around BRCA1 was particularly investigated and validated with independent published studies. BRAC1 network was significantly enriched with the known BRCA1-relevant interactions, indicating that DELDBN can effectively infer large size gene regulatory network from time series data. Availability: The R scripts are provided in File 3 in Supplementary Material. Contact:zheng.li@monsanto.com; jingdong.liu@monsanto.com Supplementary information:Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Biomechanical Forces in Atherosclerosis-Resistant Vascular Regions Regulate Endothelial Redox Balance via Phosphoinositol 3-Kinase/Akt-Dependent Activation of Nrf2

Local patterns of biomechanical forces experienced by endothelial cells (ECs) in different vascular geometries appear to play an essential role in regulating EC function and determining the regional susceptibility to atherosclerosis, even in the face of systemic risk factors. To study how biomechanical forces regulate EC redox homeostasis, an important pathogenic factor in atherogenesis, we have cultured human ECs under 2 prototypic arterial shear stress waveforms, "atheroprone" and "atheroprotective," which were derived from 2 distinct vascular regions in vivo that are typically "susceptible" or "resistant" to atherosclerosis. We demonstrate that atheroprotective flow decreases EC intracellular redox level and protects ECs against oxidative stress-induced injury. To identify the molecular mechanisms that control this cellular response, we examined several major oxidative/antioxidative pathways and found that atheroprotective flow upregulated certain antioxidant genes and strongly activated the transcription factor Nrf2. Using a strategy of small interfering RNA inhibition of Nrf2 expression combined with genome-wide transcriptional profiling, we determined the downstream targets of Nrf2 activation and identified Nrf2 as a critical determinant for the changes in endothelial redox balance exerted by atheroprotective flow. In addition, we showed that atheroprotective flow activates Nrf2 via the phosphoinositol 3-kinase/Akt pathway, and this activation occurs differentially in atherosclero- sis-resistant and atherosclerosis-susceptible regions of the mouse aorta. Taken together, our data demonstrate that hemodynamic forces present in atherosclerosis-resistant and -susceptible regions of the vasculature differentially regulate EC redox state and antioxidant potential. These alterations in redox homeostasis are primarily the result of the phosphoinositol 3-kinase/Akt-dependent activation of Nrf2 and its downstream transcriptional targets. (Circ Res. 2007;101:723-733.)
Impulsive responses to positive mood and reward are related to mania risk

Bipolar disorder is characterised by impulsivity, and recent research suggests it is important to consider more specific forms of impulsivity. In two student samples, we examined associations of self-reported impulsivity with mania risk (Hypomanic Personality Scale, HPS). We hypothesised that mania risk would relate to impulsivity in the context of opportunities for rewarding activities (delaying gratification inventory, DGI), reward pursuit (Fun-Seeking subscale of the behavioural activation scale, BAS), and when experiencing positive affect (positive urgency measure, PUM). In Study 1 (N=823), the HPS was uniquely related to fun-seeking and PUM scores. Study 2 (N=482) replicated the correlation of HPS scores with PUM while documenting positive associations between PUM and trait-like responses to positive affect. Findings across both studies stress the importance of considering the role of positive emotion in driving the impulsivity among persons at risk for mania. These findings have implications for refining our understanding of the aetiology of bipolar disorder and for treatment development.
Hormone-stimulated amino acid incorporation by Rana catesbeiana tadpole hindleg muscle in vitro.

Treatment of isolated tadpole (Rana catesbeiana) gastrocnemius muscles with either insulin or thyroxine, in a rich nutritive medium, results in an approximate doubling of incorporation of 3H-leucine into perchloric acid-precipitable material. We have not observed parallel increases in the amount of acid-soluble label appearing in hormone-treated muscles. Various combinations of insulin and/or thyroxine with growth hormone give responses similar to those occurring with insulin or thyroxine alone. The greatest rates of incorporation, relative to control muscles receiving no hormone treatment, were observed in muscles exposed briefly to thyroxine, insulin and growth hormone simultaneously. The interaction of prolactin with thyroxine in this quasi-adult system remains equivocal.
Quantitative in vitro and in vivo characterization of the human P32T mutant ITPase

Human ITPase, encoded by the ITPA gene, and its orthologs (RdgB in Escherichia coli and HAM1 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae) exclude noncanonical nucleoside triphosphates (NTPs) from NTP pools. Deoxyinosine triphosphate (dITP) and 2'-deoxy-N-6-hydroxylaminopurine triphosphate are both hydrolyzed by ITPase to yield the corresponding deoxynucleoside monophosphate and pyrophosphate. In addition, metabolites of thiopurine drugs such as azathioprine have been shown to be substrates for ITPase. The ITPA 94C>A [P32T] variant is one of two polymorphisms associated with decreased ITPase activity. Furthermore, the ITPA 94C>A [P32T] variant is associated with an increased risk of adverse drug reactions for patients treated with azathioprine. The nature of the observed phenotypes for ITPA 94C>A [P32T] variant individuals is currently unclear. Our biochemical assays indicate the P32T ITPase has 55% activity with dITP compared to wild-type ITPase. Complementation experiments at 37 degrees C show that N-6-hydroxylaminopurine sensitivity of E. coli rdgB mutants is reduced with a plasmid bearing the ITPA 94C>A [P32T] gene approximately 50% less than with a plasmid bearing the wild-type ITPA gene. The reduction in sensitivity is less at 42 degrees C. Experiments with synthetic lethal E. coli recA(ts) rdgB mutants show that the ITPA 94C>A [P32T] gene also complements the recA(ts) rdgB growth deficiency at 42 degrees C approximately 40% lower than wild-type ITPA gene. Western blot analysis indicates that the expression level of P32T ITPase is reduced in these cells relative to wild type. Our data support the idea that P32T ITPase is a functional protein, albeit with a reduced rate of noncanonical NTP pyrophosphohydrolase activity and reduced protein stability.
Multifocal reflector antennas with multiple subreflectors

The authors describe a focused multiple-beam reflector antenna consisting of a single offset-fed axisymmetric paraboloidal main reflector and multiple shaped subreflectors and feeds. Each pencil beam requires its own subreflector and feed unit, but duplicate feeds and subreflectors may share the main reflector to generate identical beams in different directions. The resulting beams may achieve high aperture efficiency. The principle of a dual-beam system which implements this approach is illustrated. The configuration of a Gregorian-type system that produces two identical unblocked beams 18 degrees apart is described to illustrate the approach. >
STAT3 in immune responses and inflammatory bowel diseases

STAT3 has been known as a mediator for gene expression induced by many important cytokines. Recent studies have suggested that STAT3 has important functions in regulation of both innate and adaptive immunity. Loss of STAT3 in immune cells caused severe inflammation in response to pathogens. This review discusses the recent progress and suggests directions for the future research on this interesting molecule.
The Effectiveness of Anti‐Smoking Legislation: A Review

Abstract. This survey focuses on government efforts to curb the use of undesirable goods, notably tobacco products. We synthesize the economics literature and examine the effectiveness of government curbs on tobacco consumption through non-price controls (such as bans on cigarette advertising, health warnings, and workplace smoking bans) and price measures (or higher prices through higher taxes). This literature review is unique in that we do not merely aim to provide a summary of the literature. Rather, our main focus is to draw conclusions from the literature regarding the effectiveness of alternate policy measures across countries in checking smoking and to provide directions/suggestions for extending the scope of government intervention to other tobacco products.
Alzheimer's Disease: Progress in the Development of Anti-amyloid Disease-Modifying Therapies

The amyloid hypothesis—the leading mechanistic theory of Alzheimer's disease—states that an imbalance in production or clearance of amyloid β (Aβ) results in accumulation of Aβ and triggers a cascade of events leading to neurodegeneration and dementia. The number of persons with Alzheimer's disease is expected to triple by mid-century. If steps are not taken to delay the onset or slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease, the economic and personal tolls will be immense. Different classes of potentially disease-modifying treatments that interrupt early pathological events (ie, decreasing production or aggregation of Aβ or increasing its clearance) and potentially prevent downstream events are in phase II or III clinical studies. These include immunotherapies; secretase inhibitors; selective Aβ42-lowering agents; statins; anti-Aβ aggregation agents; peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma agonists; and others. Safety and serious adverse events have been a concern with immunotherapy and γ-secretase inhibitors, though both continue in clinical trials. Anti-amyloid disease-modifying drugs that seem promising and have reached phase III clinical trials include those that selectively target Aβ42 production (eg, tarenflurbil), enhance the activity of α-secretase (eg, statins), and block Aβ aggregation (eg, transiposate).
Profiling sex-biased gene expression during parthenogenetic reproduction in Daphnia pulex

Background Sexual reproduction is a core biological function that is conserved throughout eukaryotic evolution, yet breeding systems are extremely variable. Genome-wide comparative studies can be effectively used to identify genes and regulatory patterns that are constrained to preserve core functions from those that may help to account for the diversity of animal reproductive strategies. We use a custom microarray to investigate gene expression in males and two reproductive stages of females in the crustacean Daphnia pulex. Most Daphnia species reproduce by cyclical parthenogenesis, alternating between sexual and clonal reproduction. Both sex determination and the switch in their mode of reproduction is environmentally induced, making Daphnia an interesting comparative system for the study of sex-biased and reproductive genes.
Probabilistic community discovery using hierarchical latent Gaussian mixture model

Complex networks exist in a wide array of diverse domains, ranging from biology, sociology, and computer science. These real-world networks, while disparate in nature, often comprise of a set of loose clusters(a.k.a communities), whose members are better connected to each other than to the rest of the network. Discovering such inherent community structures can lead to deeper understanding about the networks and therefore has raised increasing interests among researchers from various disciplines. This paper describes GWN-LDA (Generic weighted network-Latent Dirichlet Allocation) model, a hierarchical Bayesian model derived from the widely-received LDA model, for discovering probabilistic community profiles in social networks. In this model, communities are modeled as latent variables and defined as distributions over the social actor space. In addition, each social actor belongs to every community with different probability. This paper also proposes two different network encoding approaches and explores the impact of these two approaches to the community discovery performance. This model is evaluated on two research collaborative networks: CiteSeer and NanoSCI. The experimental results demonstrate that this approach is promising for discovering community structures in large-scale networks.
Regulation of leukotriene and platelet-activating factor synthesis in human alveolar macrophages

Abstract It has been suggested that phospholipase A2 (PLA2) contributes to the regulation of leukotriene (LT) and platelet-activating factor (PAF) synthesis by controlling the release of their precursors, arachidonic acid (AA) and lysophosphatidylcholine (IysoPC), from membrane phospholipids. In rat alveolar macrophages (AMs), PLA2 appears to have a major role in LT synthesis but a more limited role in PAF synthesis. The present study was designed to define the role of PLA2 in LT and PAF synthesis in human AMs and determine whether differences exist between AMs obtained from normal subjects and those from patients with asthma. In the normal subjects, the calcium ionophore A23187 (Cal) increased AM PAF synthesis (percent incorporation of tritiated acetate) by 135% (p
The half-life of 181W

Abstract The decay of five samples of 181W has been followed for almost two years. The half-life was determined to be 120·95±0·02 days. This half-life is in agreement with that previously used at the Lawrence Livermore Laboratory but differs by 15 per cent from the currently accepted value.
Phase shift and zeros in K+ p

Abstract A specific example − K + elastic scattering - is used to show some drawbacks of the classical phase shift analysis (PSA). We use the recently introduced method of zeros to obtain new results concerning K + p elastic and to prove that PSA are nor well fit to the study of this interaction.
Wetland Restoration at a Former Nike Missile Base in the Great Lakes Basin

Restoration of an abandoned 16-ha Nike missile base site located on a former wetland in the lower Detroit River (Michigan, U.S.A.) was investigated with an emphasis on wetland restoration. The site included a 2.7-ha abandoned missile base, a 1.3-ha lake, 10.4 ha of emergent and submersed wetlands, and 1.8 ha of uplands. Aquatic beds in the shallow bay connected to the river supported floating leaved and submersed aquatics including Nymphaea tiiberosa, Vallisneria antericana, Elodea canadensis, and Heteranthera dubia, with mats of green, filamentous algae. A 10-ha diked wetland adjacent to the site was dominated by Typha spp., Salix spp., Nymphaea tuberosa, Myriophyllum spicatum, Elodea canadensis, Chara sp., and Juncus effusus. Restoration objectives included a nature preserve, an outdoor recreation area, an experimental wetland complex, and an environmental education center. Ten alternative designs were suggested, including four with wetlands open to the bay, three with diked wetlands, and the rest involving island construction, a reconstructed upland site, or a wetland research facility. Alternatives were evaluated for their contribution to local ecology, research, education and wildlife, ease of maintenance, and probability of success. Construction of a wetland resembling conditions before construction of the base was recommended for its low maintenance and opportunity for research on non diked wetland design and construction in protected bays in the Laurentian Great Lakes. Recreational and educational opportunities were also recommended as part of the site restoration.
The DARC conspiracy – virus invasion tactics

Is there a ‘conspiracy' at work among viral pathogens? Apparently, yes. Rabies virus, lenti- and retroviruses, and herpesviruses, the ‘co-conspirators', target select members of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor superfamily to invade the cells of their host. The intrigue deepens, as several reports have revealed that the viral envelope proteins interact with the cellular TNF receptor in a highly conserved region of previously unknown function. Targeting of this region by diverse pathogens suggests that a selective advantage is acquired. This advantage might involve regulation of the immune response, because recent investigations of the herpesvirus entry receptor demonstrated that this conserved region engages an inhibitory co-receptor governing T-cell activation.
Learning Obstacles in the Capture The Flag Model

Capture The Flag (CTF) competitions have been used in the computer security community for education and evaluation objectives for over a decade. These competitions are often regarded as excellent approaches to learn deeply technical concepts in a fun, non-traditional learning environment, but there are many difficulties associated with developing and competing in a CTF event that are rarely discussed that counteract these benefits. CTF competitions often have issues related to participation, quality assurance, and confusing challenges. These problems affect the overall quality of a CTF competition and describe how effective they are at catalyzing learning and assessing skill. In this paper, we present insights and lessons learned from organizing CSAW CTF, one of the largest and most successful CTFs.
Strategies to Engage Men and Boys in Violence Prevention A Global Organizational Perspective

This study presents descriptive findings from in-depth interviews with 29 representatives of organizations in Africa, Asia, Europe, Oceania, and North and South America that engage men and boys in preventing gender-based violence. In particular, the findings suggest that strategies are responsive to the specific cultural, economic, and contextual concerns of the local community, with nuanced messages and appropriate messengers. In addition, respondents reported key principles informing their organizational strategies to deepen men and boys’ engagement. Attention is also paid to respondents’ caution about the risks of framing of engagement practices as separate from both women’s organizations and women and girls themselves.
The ability of military health systems applications to coordinate combat casualty care

On February 23, 2007, Former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates said, "Our nation is truly blessed that so many talented and patriotic young people have stepped forward to serve. They deserve the very best facilities and care to recuperate from their injuries and ample assistance to navigate the next step in their lives, and that is what we intend to give them. Apart from the war itself, this department and I have no higher priority" (p. e1). Veterans and active duty Armed Forces personnel operate in a complex continuum that often requires being in harm's way to perform their duties. In doing so, their injuries encountered can be complex. Caring for those with more common injuries, such as injuries to the extremities (30% to 39.6%), is difficult; caring for those with less common injuries, such as genitourinary (0.5% to 8%), takes on an added level of complexity (Fisher, 2009). A complete picture of the injury can only be gained by visualizing their entire record of care. Traditionally, members of the health care team have not been able to link the episodes of care together seamlessly, preventing the ability to see the entire picture. The electronic health record enables better continuity of care and enhances quality (Menachemi, 2008). The availability of a system to document health care provided in austere environments and connect these data with care provided in tertiary military medical care centers using records available throughout the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) will enhance the care provided. Members of the Department of Defense, the VHA, and private sector organizations are collaborating to provide world-class seamless health care. Although the end goal of a completely integrated record has not been reached, the advent of several recent initiatives has placed military health care firmly on the track to reach those goals.
Tracheal exposure: Anticipatory management of the difficult airway.

Background When a patient cannot be intubated or ventilated, cricothyrotomy is indicated. Risks associated with emergent cricothyrotomy are significant, and this procedure typically requires revision. Additional options for establishing an emergent airway are limited. Thus, elective tracheotomy to ensure a safe airway after procedures involving the upper aerodigestive tract is common. Although safe and effective overall, this procedure is not without additional risks, added resources, complex cares, and extended hospitalizations. Methods We present a case in which exposure of the anterior trachea was performed without tracheotomy in a patient with a high-risk airway undergoing an open partial laryngectomy. Results The patient did not develop respiratory distress postoperatively and was able to avoid a tracheostomy and its associated cares. Conclusion Pretracheotomy with tracheal exposure simplifies emergent surgical access to the airway. We believe tracheal exposure in the appropriately selected patient is a safe and cost-effective alternative to elective tracheotomy. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2016