cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A possible prebiotic synthesis of monocarboxylic acids

Prebiotic synthesis of monocarboxylic acids suggested from mixture of methane and water exposed to semicorona discharge
Discrete wavelet transform for image compression: a hardware approach

In the last few years, there has been a great deal of effort invested in the fields of discrete wavelet transform (DWT) by the scientific community. DWT associated with vector quantization has been proved to be an invaluable tool for image compression. The DWT, however, is very computationally intensive process. There is a need to investigate innovative and computationally efficient architectures to obtain the image compression in real time. In this paper, we present a novel, robust, and regular architecture to implement the DWT for image compression. Beside the performance, the architecture takes into account data format, power, hardware cost and scalability issues rising form realistic operating conditions.
Tunable diode protection for GMR and TMR sensors

TMR and GMR sensors used today are highly susceptible to ESD damage with failure voltages as low as 0.5 V. Diode protection using a single diode connected in parallel with the sensor does not work for many advanced MR sensors due to the fact that the voltage at which diodes begin conducting significant current exceeds the damage voltage of many advanced MR sensors. This is due to limitations of the band gaps of the diode materials (Si and Ge) and the resistance of the diodes while conducting. Here we report several novel diode protection circuits which enable protecting the most sensitive devices while tuning the circuits to the electrical characteristics of the particular sensor being used.
Optimal Energy Management of Wind-Battery Hybrid Power System With Two-Scale Dynamic Programming

This study is concerned with the optimal energy management for a wind-battery hybrid power system (WBHPS) with local load and grid connection, by including the current and future information on generation, demand, and real-time utility price. When applying typical dynamic optimization schemes to such a problem with a single time scale, the following dilemma usually presents: it is more beneficial to plan the (battery) storage setpoint trajectory for the longer horizon, while prediction of renewable generation, utility price, and load demand is more accurate for the shorter term. To relieve such conflict, a two-scale dynamic programming (DP) scheme is applied based on multiscale predictions of wind power generation, utility price, and load. A macro-scale dynamic programming (MASDP) is first performed for the whole operational period, based on long-term ahead prediction of electricity price and wind energy. The resultant battery state-of-charge (SOC) is thus obtained as the macro-scale reference trajectory. As the operation proceeds, the micro-scale dynamic programming (MISDP) is applied to the short-term interval based on short-term three-hour ahead predictions. The MASDP battery SOC trajectory is used as the terminal condition for the MISDP. Simulation results show that the proposed method can significantly decrease the energy cost compared with the single scale DP method.
Fetal Rhabdomyoma of the Larynx

• A patient had fetal cellular rhabdomyoma of the larynx confirmed histologically and by electron microscopy. The literature on laryngeal rhabdomyomas is reviewed. Adult and fetal rhabdomyomas demonstrate no clinical differences in the larynx, unlike rhabdomyomas described elsewhere in the body. Most patients are middle-aged men with less than three years' history of hoarseness. The diagnosis is established pathologically by using routine histologic criteria, special stains, and electron microscopy. Treatment consists of local surgical excision. The tumors rarely recur. (Arch Otolaryngol1983;109:821-826)
Confirmatory factor analysis of the Children's Eating Behaviour Questionnaire in a low-income sample.

Abstract Although pediatric obesity is prevalent in low-income and African American and Hispanic communities, validated measures of child eating habits are lacking for these communities. In this study, confirmatory factor analysis was used to validate the hypothesized 7-factor structure of the Children's Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (CEBQ). The sample included 229 parent–child pairs, the majority low-income and Hispanic (57%) or African American (25%). The a priori structure of the CEBQ failed to replicate. Exploratory factor analysis revealed 3 factors: Disinhibition, Food interest, and Undereating, none predicting child BMI. Although limited by the observational, cross-sectional design, results indicate that the CEBQ needs additional study.
Financial well-being of US parents caring for coresident children and adults with developmental disabilities: An age cohort analysis

AbstractBackground Understanding how financial well-being changes through the life course of caregiving parents of children with developmental disabilities is critically important.Methods We analyse SIPP (U.S. Census Bureau) data to describe income poverty, asset poverty, income, net worth, and liquid assets of US parents (N = 753) of children with developmental disabilities.Results Income and asset poverty was greatest for the youngest and oldest parents. Liquid assets were relatively flat across cohorts, while net worth declined sharply for elderly parents. Income was highest among parents aged 45–54.Conclusion These findings signal significant financial vulnerability among parents of children with developmental disabilities. Policy makers should consider targeted measures to improve the financial well-being of these parents, particularly the youngest and oldest.
Starlings as herbalists: Countering parasites and pathogens

The avian nest protection hypothesis explains the widespread behavior of incorporating fresh green plant material into an otherwise dry nest matrix as an evolutionary adaptation. Species that exhibit this behavior tend to breed in previously inhabited nest sites and experience high ectoparasite and pathogen loads. Metabolites in the green plants control parasite and pathogen populations and decrease the effects of these agents on nestlings. The choice of plants is not arbitrary. In the case of European starlings, a nonrandom subset of available vegetation is selected, and it is these plants that have the largest impact on ectoparasite and pathogen populations. Experimental and observational evidence suggests that starlings select plants on the basis of chemosensory cues.
Epistemological disjunctivism and easy knowledge

Stewart Cohen argues that basic knowledge is problematic, as it implies that subjects can acquire knowledge or justified beliefs about certain matters in ways that are supposedly too easy. Cohen raises two versions of the problem of easy knowledge, one involving the principle of closure and the other track-record style bootstrapping reasoning. In this paper I confront the problem of easy knowledge from the perspective of epistemological disjunctivism about perception. I argue that disjunctivism can do a better job than dogmatism at responding to the version of the problem involving closure. I also argue that while disjunctivism would permit subjects to bootstrap their way to justified beliefs about the reliability of their perceptual powers, the disjunctivist can distinguish in a principled manner between this sort of bootstrapping and instances of it that we should agree are objectionable.
Rapid Verification Method for the Trajectory Optimization of Reentry Vehicles

Introduction T HE trajectory optimization of path-constrained nonlinear dynamic systems such as those arising in the guidanceand design of reentry vehicles has long been considereda dif cult problem.1i3 Of themany methods to solve such problems, the direct collocation method with sparse nonlinear programming (NLP) has proved to be quite effective. Because direct methods do not tie the resulting solutions to the Pontryaginmaximum principle4 (PMP), a two-step direct–indirect approach has been used successfully for  nding extremal solutions.5 One major drawback of the direct–indirect approach is that a signi cant amount of labor is necessary to derive all of the necessary conditions including complex switching and junction conditions for state-constrainedproblems.Even with estimates of the adjoint arcs, solving the multipoint boundary-valueproblem is an elaborate task. Over the past few years, a new approach to solving complex trajectory optimizationproblems has been proposed.6i9 The Legendre pseudospectralmethod is a particularlyeffectivemethod because it providesspectrallyaccuratesolutionsfor the costatesand other covectorswithout the use of any analyticaldifferentialequationsfor the
Preparation of a novel rhodium porphyrin dimer containing a bridging 4,4′-bipyridyl ligand

Reaction de Rh(OEP)Cl avec le bipyridyle-4,4p. Caracterisation spectroscopique du nouveau produit dinucleaire [ClRh(OEP)(bipyridyl-4,4p)Rh(OEP)Cl]. OPE=octaethylporphyrine
Surface and Benthic Nepheloid Layers in the Western Arm of Lake Superior, 1983

Abstract Suspended sediment concentrations and thermal structure of the water column were measured in the western arm of Lake Superior on 19 occasions in the ice-free season (May to October) of 1983. A surface turbidity plume was well developed in the spring, subsided in early summer, and was briefly reinforced by a storm in early July. A benthic nepheloid layer developed and persisted throughout the period of thermal stratification. This layer was supplemented by sediment introduced by density flows and local resuspension. Although the benthic nepheloid layer was well developed and an easily mappable feature, its contribution to the annual sediment budget of the western arm was far less than that from spring runoff.
Frequency versus time domain simulation of nonuniform TDR system

Time domain reflectometry (TDR) is finding increased applications for civil engineering field instrumentation. New applications are being identified based on innovative design of TDR sensor system. Numerical simulation plays an important role for guiding and evaluation of these new designs. This paper discusses the implementation of numerical simulation of frequency domain and time domain models of nonuniform TDR system. The frequency domain model is based on the concept of impedance transform, which can easily incorporate the dispersive characteristics of construction materials. The time domain simulation is carried out by FDTD method. Results of simulation based on both frequency domain model and time domain FDTD method are compared to identify the relative merits of these numerical methods. The simulation of TDR system responses establish the basis for aiding TDR sensor system design and is incorporated into the inversion procedures to be investigated in the future.
Composite disc springs

Abstract The feasibility of replacing steel with composite materials in disc springs (or Belleville washers) is investigated. The objective was to reproduce the identical load/deflection characteristics and the maximum load capacity of the steel disc spring while achieving significant mass savings. Design equations for steel disc springs were modified for a quasi-isotropic composite lay-up. Several prototype disc springs were manufactured and tested, and compared with the performance of equivalent steel springs. The results show that accurate reproducibility of the steel spring’s load–deflection characteristics can be achieved by using composites, with a corresponding mass savings of almost 80%. Other composite disc springs of different geometries were tested so that preliminary observations of the effects of geometric features on load–deflection responses could be made. The failure mode (on overloading the composite spring) consisted of radial fracture arising from the hoop stress as predicted by theory. The results of this study indicate that composites can satisfactorily replace steel in disc springs with significant mass savings.
An Experimental Study of Metadata Training Effectiveness on Errors in Metadata Records

Previous studies relate the lack of adequate metadata training with errors often found in metadata records. Due to lack of empirical evidence, such a relationship is not well understood. In this study, metadata records created by individuals who have not received any metadata training are compared to records created by individuals who have received metadata training. The aim is to investigate the relationship that exists between training and errors in metadata records. Using a 2×2×4 mixed experimental group design, 120 participants were asked to use Dublin Core to create records for a web page, an image, a document, and a video. Records were analyzed on the basis of the total number of errors and on the basis of four kinds of errors: incorrect value, incorrect element, inconsistent value, and incomplete information. Results indicate that depending on the kind of error investigated and the resource for which metadata is created, training may or may not have an effect on errors in metadata records. Implicat...
Research on the Middlings from Dong Anshan Iron Ore by Roasting-Magnetic Dressing

For the middlings (containing siderite) separated from Dong Anshan carbonaceous iron ore which was dressed by a two-step flotation process, using roasting-magnetic and regrinding-magnetic separation, the iron concentrate with iron grade and iron recovery of 60.31%, 87.49% was obtained. Mechanism of reduction-roasting was studied by means of XRD in the end.
Ultrastructure and localization of substance P and met-enkephalin immunoreactivity in the human fetal gastric antrum

The ultrastructural localization and relations of substance P- and met-enkephalin-labeled neuronal structures were examined in the wall of the human gastric antrum during early fetal life. By 14–16 weeks of gestation, clearly discernable neural plexuses and a well developed external muscle coat were present. In the submucous coat, neural plexuses varied from immature forms consisting of 1–4 neurites partially enveloped by Schwann cell processes to more mature plexuses where neurons were completely enclosed by Schwann cell processes. Neuronal profiles with substance P- and met-enkephalin-like immunoreactivities were observed in the submucous plexus. In the myenteric plexus met-enkephalin-like immunoreactivity was seen within cell bodies and neurites. By contrast, although substance P-like immunoreactivity was observed in neurites in the myenteric plexus, no substance P-labeled somata could be identified. Unlabeled terminals were seen in contact with both unlabeled dendrites and met-enkephalinergic neurons. An increase in electron density was observed at the sites of contact. These structures probably represent early stages in the development of synaptic specializations. In addition, met-enkephalin-labeled varicosities were seen in apposition to smooth muscle cells of the circular muscle coat. This suggests that antral smooth muscle cells are directly innervated by met-enkephalin neurons.
Fabricating Arrays of Vanadium Dioxide Nanodisks by Focused Ion-Beam Lithography and Pulsed-Laser Deposition

Vanadium dioxide undergoes a structural (monoclinic to tetragonal) insulator-to-metal transition at 70°C, accompanied by large changes in electrical and optical properties. By combining focused ion-beam lithography and pulsed laser depo-sition, patterned arrays of vanadium dioxide nanoparticles are created that can be used for studies of linear and nonlinear optical physics, as well as demonstrating the potential for a variety of applications.
Microvascular pattern and blood stasis in skin disease.

Severe intravascular stasis in capillary loops supplying the epidermis is seen in diseases such as severe chilblains scleroderma rheumatoid arthritis lupus erythematous and many dermatological diseases classified under the heading vasculitis. This paper 1) discusses some of the factors such as cold which encourage stasis; and 2) shows how the microvascular pattern of the skin can determine the nature of the pathology resulting from stasis. Blood flow is affected by the following factors: 1) a rise in hematocrit 2) a partial obstruction to outflow from the venous arm of the papillary vessel; 3) impairment of axial flow; 4) alteration in the concentration of 02 C02 and electrolytes as well as in pH or in the tonicity of palsma; 5) a fall in temperature; 6) aggregation of red blood corpuscles; 7) factors involved in platelet stickiness and aggregation; and 8) reduction in speed of blood flow. Studies of platelet stickiness in a group of patients suffering from sensitivity to cold and a study on blood flow in 1 patient with acrocyanosis are also discussed.
Mood, vegetative disturbance, and dexamethasone suppression test after stroke

Assessments of mood disturbance and "vegetative" (appetite or sleep) disturbance as well as a single-dose dexamethasone suppression test (DST) were carried out in 25 randomly selected stroke patients and in 13 nonstroke control patients hospitalized in a rehabilitation center. Prevalence rates of moderate-to-serve depression of mood and vegetative disturbance were significantly higher in stroke patients than controls (48% and 52% versus 0% and 8%, respectively), as was the prevalence of abnormal DST results (52% versus 8%). Abnormal DST results were associated with the occurrence of moderate to severe mood, appetite, and sleep disturbances among all patients. in 2 stroke patients, repeated DST results paralleled the clinical course. The DST may be useful as an adjunct to the diagnosis and in monitoring the progress of the common and potentially reversible mood and vegetative disturbances occurring after stroke.
Effects of palytoxin on cation occlusion and phosphorylation of the (Na+,K+)-ATPase.

Palytoxin (PTX) inhibits the (Na+ + K+)-driven pump and simultaneously opens channels that are equally permeable to Na+ and K+ in red cells and other cell membranes. In an effort to understand the mechanism by which PTX induces these fluxes, we have studied the effects of PTX on: 1) K+ and Na+ occlusion by the pump protein; 2) phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of the enzyme when a phosphoenzyme is formed from ATP and from Pi; and 3) p-nitro phenyl phosphatase (p-NPPase) activity associated with the (Na+,K+)-ATPase. We have found that palytoxin 1) increases the rate of deocclusion of K+(Rb+) in a time- and concentration-dependent manner, whereas Na+ occluded in the presence of oligomycin is unaffected by the toxin; 2) makes phosphorylation from Pi insensitive to K+, and 3) stimulates the p-NPPase activity. The results are consistent with the notion that PTX produces a conformation of the Na+,K+-pump that resembles the one observed when ATP is bound to its low-affinity binding site. Further, they suggest that the channels that are formed by PTX might arise as a consequence of a perturbation in the ATPase structure, leading to the loss of control of the outside “gate” of the enzyme and hence to an uncoupling of the ion transport from the catalytic function of the ATPase.
Alkali Olivine Basalt dredged near St. Paul's Rocks, Mid-Atlantic Ridge

RECENT studies of deep sea basalts have revealed the great predominance of olivine tholeiites over both normative nepheline and normative quartz basalts1. An alkali basalt recently dredged between 2,950 and 1,975 m near St. Peter and St. Paul Rocks (St. Paul's Rocks) consequently seemed worthy of prompt description. Although mentioned in an abstract2, we have not previously published a chemical analysis of this basalt. This alkali basalt flow is of special interest because it is not part of a large submarine volcano, but rather evidently was erupted directly on a floor of spinel peridotite mylonites similar to and contiguous with those described from St. Paul's Rocks, a probable high temperature intrusion derived from the mantle3.
Cyclic Dinucleotides Trigger ULK1 (ATG1) Phosphorylation of STING to Prevent Sustained Innate Immune Signaling

Activation of the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway by microbial or self-DNA, as well as cyclic dinucleotides (CDNs), results in the induction of numerous genes that suppress pathogen replication and facilitate adaptive immunity. However, sustained gene transcription is rigidly prevented to avoid lethal STING-dependent proinflammatory disease by mechanisms that remain unknown. We demonstrate here that, after autophagy-dependent STING delivery of TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) to endosomal/lysosomal compartments and activation of transcription factors interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) and NF-κB, STING is subsequently phosphorylated by serine/threonine UNC-51-like kinase (ULK1/ATG1), and IRF3 function is suppressed. ULK1 activation occurred following disassociation from its repressor AMP activated protein kinase (AMPK) and was elicited by CDNs generated by the cGAMP synthase, cGAS. Thus, although CDNs may initially facilitate STING function, they subsequently trigger negative-feedback control of STING activity, thus preventing the persistent transcription of innate immune genes.
Robust synthesis of nanogel particles by an aggregation-crosslinking method

A simple and robust method for fabricating polyethyleneimine (PEI) nanogel particles has been developed. The particles were synthesized by crosslinking PEI with dibromoethane (DBE) in organic solvents (nitromethane or dimethylformamide). Stable colloidal dispersions were obtained at elevated temperature and in solvents which provide the highest rate of the PEI alkylation reaction, steric and electrostatic mechanisms of stabilization of nanoparticles. The size of the particles swollen in water ranges from 125 to 500 nm and can be regulated by the conditions of the synthesis (solvent and concentrations of PEI and DBE). The particles respond to pH changes with a 10–15% change in diameter. Uptake and, triggered by the changes in pH, release of a model anionic dye, Rose Bengal, by the particles was associated with the electrostatic interaction of the dye with the charged gel. The encapsulating capacity of the particles with respect to the Rose Bengal was determined to be 1.56 × 10−4M of the dye per 1 mg of the gel.
Structure of oxalate decarboxylase from Bacillus subtilis at 1.75 A resolution.

Oxalate decarboxylase is a manganese-dependent enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of oxalate to formate and carbon dioxide. We have determined the structure of oxalate decarboxylase from Bacillus subtilis at 1.75 A resolution in the presence of formate. The structure reveals a hexamer with 32-point symmetry in which each monomer belongs to the cupin family of proteins. Oxalate decarboxylase is further classified as a bicupin because it contains two cupin folds, possibly resulting from gene duplication. Each oxalate decarboxylase cupin domain contains one manganese binding site. Each of the oxalate decarboxylase domains is structurally similar to oxalate oxidase, which catalyzes the manganese-dependent oxidative decarboxylation of oxalate to carbon dioxide and hydrogen peroxide. Amino acid side chains in the two metal binding sites of oxalate decarboxylase and the metal binding site of oxalate oxidase are very similar. Four maganese binding residues (three histidines and one glutamate) are conserved as w...
Fluorescent microparticles for sensing cell microenvironment oxygen levels within 3D scaffolds.

Oxygen diffusion through tissues is a critical factor in maintaining physiologic cell processes and growing engineered tissues in vitro. We have recently reported a novel fluorescent microparticle system for sensing cell microenvironment oxygen levels within 3D scaffolds. Cell response to suboptimal oxygen concentration is controlled by the hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1). Thus, HIF-1 is an ideal marker for investigating cellular response to oxygen levels in engineered tissues. We have created a cell line consisting of human C8161 subcutaneous melanoma cells transfected to express an EGFP-HIF-1α fusion. Expression of this fusion protein may be quantified with analysis tools such as microscopy or flow-cytometry. In this study, we present the preliminary characterization of these cells and we demonstrate that they are capable of expressing measurable quantities of EGFP-HIF-1α fusion protein in response to prolonged exposure to hypoxia.
The Meontic and the Militant: On Merleau-Ponty’s Relation to Fink∗

Abstract This paper clarifies the relationship between Merleau-Ponty’s Phenomenology of Perception and Fink’s Sixth Cartesian Meditation with regard to ‘the idea of a transcendental theory of method’. Although Fink’s text played a singularly important role in the development of Merleau-Ponty’s postwar thought, contrary to recent claims made by Ronald Bruzina this influence was not positive. Reconstructing the basic methodological claims of each text, in particular with regard to the being of the phenomenologist, the nature of the productivity that makes phenomenology possible, and the problem of methodological self-reference, I show that Phenomenology of Perception is premised on a decisive rejection of the main theses affirmed in the Sixth Cartesian Meditation. In contrast to Fink’s speculative reinterpretation of phenomenology as an absolute science, Merleau-Ponty viewed it as participating in the historical realization of the world, and hence as ultimately based on a practical faith. Albeit with a Marx...
Pulsed flux effects on radiation damage

Abstract Pulsed irradiation fluxes can cause alteration in the development of irradiation microstructures when compared to steady irradiation microstructures. Theoretical analysis of irradiation damage development and examination of pulsed ion irradiation microstructures have indicated conditions for expected pulsing effects on fusion reactor materials. In pure metals, high instantaneous damage rates and pulse annealing periods comparable to defect relaxation times can cause significant pulsing effects. In addition, irradiation affected phases in alloys are altered by pulsed irradiation compared to steady irradiation.
External beam radiation treatment for rectal cancer is associated with a decrease in subsequent prostate cancer diagnosis.

BACKGROUND. External beam radiation therapy (EBRT) for rectal cancer unavoidably delivers significant radiation dose to the prostate gland. The effect of this incidental exposure on subsequent prostate cancer diagnosis was investigated using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) cancer registry. METHODS. Men diagnosed with localized or regional (L/R) rectal cancer from 1988–1997 and treated with EBRT and sphincter-sparing surgery (SSS) were identified. Men treated for L/R rectal cancer with SSS who did not receive EBRT, and men with L/R colon cancer who did not receive EBRT, were studied for comparison. Multiple Primary Standardized Incidence Ratios of observed to expected (O/E) cases of prostate cancer were calculated using SEER*Stat. RESULTS. In all, 1574 men with L/R rectal cancer treated with EBRT and SSS were identified. The median age at diagnosis was 64 and median survival was 76 months. Twenty were subsequently diagnosed with prostate cancer, a number significantly less than expected compared with the general population of similar age and race. The ratio of O/E cases was 0.28 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.17, 0.43). In contrast, 3114 men diagnosed with rectal cancer undergoing SSS who were not treated with EBRT and 24,578 men diagnosed with colon cancer who were not treated with EBRT were subsequently diagnosed with prostate cancer at rates similar to the general population (O/E of 0.94 and 1.09). CONCLUSIONS. EBRT for L/R rectal cancer was associated with a 72% decrease in the frequency of subsequent prostate cancer diagnosis when compared with men of similar age and race. Possible mechanisms that may explain this observation are discussed. Cancer 2008. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Enhanced Convective Heat Transfer in Nongas Generating Nanoparticle Thermites

Flame propagation and peak pressure measurements were taken of two nanoscaled thermites using aluminum (Al) fuel and copper oxide (CuO) or nickel oxide (NiO) oxidizers in a confined flame tube apparatus. Thermal equilibrium simulations predict that the Al+CuO reaction exhibits high gas generation and, thus, high convective flame propagation rates while the Al +NiO reaction produces little to no gas and, therefore, should exhibit much lower flame propagation rates. Results show flame propagation rates ranged between 200 m/s and 600 m/s and peak pressures ranged between 1.7 MPa and 3.7 MPa for both composites. These results were significantly higher than expected for the Al +NiO, which generates virtually no gas. For nanometric Al particles, oxidation has recently been described by a melt-dispersion oxidation mechanism that involves a dispersion of high velocity alumina shell fragments and molten Al droplets that promote a pressure build-up by inducing a bulk movement of fluid. This mechanism unique to nanoparticle reaction may promote convection without the need for additional gas generation.
Understanding the role of taphonomy and post-depositional processes on the intertidal stratigraphic record

Benthic foraminifera from muddy, intertidal sediments have received considerable attention in the past few decades for their use as sensitive indicators of Holocene sea-level change. Studies of their ecology and taphonomy, however, have suggested that the formation of foraminiferal assemblages may be complex in some settings, often involving processes that occur during and subsequent to burial. Buried foraminiferal assemblages to a greater or lesser extent, therefore, represent the product of both subtle environmental changes and postdepositional modifications. Our ability to recognize and delineate the effects of each is crucial if the effective environmental resolution of fossilized assemblages is to be accurately understood. The application of intertidal foraminifera to studies of relative sea-level (RSL) change arises from the observation that species in modern sediments occur in narrowly constrained zones at specific positions relative to the tide. In the three decades since this relationship was first recognized (Scott & Medioli, 1978), the zonation of intertidal foraminiferal species has been documented from dozens of low-energy coastal systems around the world. Both high- and low-latitude shorelines exhibit surface (upper 1 cm) assemblages organized according to their position between the high and low tidal benchmarks, with significant variations in species composition occurring over elevational distances of just a few decimeters or less within the prevailing tidal range (Horton et al., 1999; Edwards et al., 2004; Barbosa et al., 2005). An important, recent development is the application of sophisticated statistical methods for calculating the elevation at which …
Nitric oxide - cyclic GMP pathway regulates vascular smooth muscle cell phenotypic modulation : implications in vascular diseases

The role of cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) in the regulation of rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) phenotype was examined using a transfected cell culture system. Repetitively passaged VSMC do not express PKG and exist in the synthetic phenotype. Transfection of PKG-l alpha cDNA, or the active catalytic domain of PKG-l alpha, resulted in the appearance of VSMC having a morphology consistent with the contractile phenotype. PKG-expressing cells also contained markers for the contractile phenotype (for example, smooth muscle specific myosin heavy chain, calponin, alpha-actin) and reduced levels of synthetic phenotype markers (osteopontin, thrombospondin). PKG-transfected VSMC have also reduced the levels of fibroblast growth factor receptors 1 and 2, consistent with the establishment of a more contractile phenotype. The regulation of PKG expression in VSMC is largely undefined; however, continuous exposure of cultured bovine aortic smooth muscle cells with nitric oxide (NO)-donor drugs or cyclic nucleotide analogues reduced the expression of PKG. These results suggest that PKG occupies a critical role in VSMC phenotype and that suppression of PKG expression during inflammation or injury promotes a more synthetic state of the VSMC.
Automated flow graph-based testing of object-oriented software modules

Abstract Classes represent the fundamental building blocks in object-oriented software development. Several techniques have been proposed for testing classes. However, most of these techniques are heavily specification based, in the sense that they demand the existence of formal specifications for the module. In addition, most existing techniques generate test cases at random rather than systematically. We present some test case generation techniques that are based entirely on class implementation, involve systematic generation of test cases, and are fully automated. Our techniques are based on an adaptation of existing white-box, flow graph-based techniques for unit testing conventional procedures and functions. We also provide a general conceptual framework to support the modeling of classes using flow graphs. Our framework clarifies the fundamental definitions and concepts associated with this method for modeling classes.
Hints of Intelligence From First Principles

Are intelligent systems necessarily biological or might they be only physical? We propose that a system be deemed intelligent if its actions exhibit intentional dynamics. A lower bound on intelligence appears in such diverse physical systems as black holes making anticipatory adjustments to approaching matter and particles choosing among myriad possible steps the next least action step. While thermodynamic laws are known to govern black hole dynamics and cosmological evolution, we show their role in intentional dynamics is analogous—suggesting a new field of intentional thermodynamics. Perhaps systems are intelligent if they conserve the action potential identified by intentional dynamics—one comprising information and control as interacting duals. Hence a foundational mini-max principle is proposed, namely, that the rate at which entropy production is maximized varies inversely with the rate at which this action potential is minimized. Intentional thermodynamics' geometry is shown to be a path space whos...
Internal Diasporas, Caste Organizations, and Community Identities: Maharashtrians and Sindhis in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh

Although considerable attention has recently been paid to problems of South Asian diasporas abroad,1 less has been paid to questions of internal diasporas within South Asia?that is, of communities with distinct regional identities living outside their home areas.2 Maintaining their regional languages, identifying with a sometimes romanticized homeland, and understood by themselves and others as distinct groups, these diasporas have characteristics commonly taken as primarily ethnic (DeVos 1995: 18-23; Yinger 1994: 3-4).3 On the ground in South Asia, however, they are sometimes treated as broad caste groups?despite any internal diversity their members may know?and the civic associations to which they give rise seem comparable to caste associations, registered societies devoted to the betterment of life within a caste community.4 The increasing resemblance of castes in modern South Asia to ethnic groups in Western democracies has been noted, with caste groups organizing and exerting pressure for their own interests (Jaffrelot 1996: 144, 253). Caste associations then serve to aid political mobilization and upward social mobility. Although the diasporic communities' associations can serve similar aims of political and social advancement, they also serve needs particular to individual diasporic communities, which may include providing concrete institutions for community cohesion and promoting ethnic identity among people living outside their own cultural region. Even in the same locality, however, diasporic communities present different constellations of caste consciousness and ethnic identity. Given the complexities of group identity in India, this is not surprising: although caste in some form seems to have a long history in the Indian subcontinent, it now seems more fluid than it once did, with current scholarship pointing to the transformation of caste institutions under different political and economic conditions (see Bayly 1999; Pinch 1996). After contrasting the ways in which two dissimilar diasporic groups have organized themselves, I will examine more closely some ways in which different kinds of diasporic movement can affect community identity.
The Potential for Scientific Collaboration in Virtual Ecosystems.

This article explores the potential benefits of creating virtual ecosystems from real‐world data. These ecosystems are intended to be realistic virtual representations of environments that may be costly or difficult to access in person. They can be constructed as 3D worlds rendered from stereo video data, augmented with scientific data, and then deployed online for use. The application of virtual ecosystems stretches from interdisciplinary scientific research that may not occur otherwise to providing science students with an environment to conduct studies and virtual field trips in that they would otherwise not have access to.
Effects of mutations in the highly conserved DRY motif on binding affinity, expression, and G-protein recruitment of the human angiotensin II type-2 receptor.

Abstract The signaling pathways for the seven transmembrane G-protein coupled angiotensin II receptors (AT 1 and AT 2 ) are just beginning to be understood. While these receptors play an important role in the development and differentiation of many tissues, including the cardiovascular and central nervous systems, information about amino acid motifs involved in angiotensin II-mediated signaling is only available for the AT 1 receptor subtype. In the present study, we mutated the conserved DRY 141–143 motif in the AT 2 receptor, which is thought to be involved in G-protein recruitment. Expression of wild type and mutant receptors in CHO-K1 cell plasma membranes was confirmed using radioligand binding analyses. Our findings indicate a significant change in the binding affinities (kD) and capacities ( B max ) of the mutant receptors relative to wild type. Alanine substitutions of D 141 and DRY 141–143 resulted in a significant decrease of binding affinity for both Sar 1 Ile 8 –angiotensin II (SarIle–Ang II) (mixed agonist/antagonist) and angiotensin II (agonist). The binding affinities following alanine substitutions of R 142 and Y 143 were not significantly different from wild type receptor. Interestingly, the R 142 –A and Y 143 –A mutants revealed a significant decrease in binding levels from wild type with SarIle–Ang II, but not angiotensin II. The effect of GTPγS on angiotensin II binding affinity between wild type and mutant receptors was similarly significant. The D 141 –A, Y 143 –A, and DRY 141–143 –AAA mutant receptors showed a marked decrease in GTPγS-induced angiotensin II affinity shift. The R 142 –A GTPγS binding affinity shift was not different from the wild type receptor. Our results support the hypothesis that the DRY motif plays a significant role in the binding affinity, structural stability and G-protein recruiting of the AT 2 receptor.
A Roadmap and Best Practices for Organizations to Reduce Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health Care

Over the past decade, researchers have shifted their focus from documenting health care disparities to identifying solutions to close the gap in care. Finding Answers: Disparities Research for Change, a national program of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, is charged with identifying promising interventions to reduce disparities. Based on our work conducting systematic reviews of the literature, evaluating promising practices, and providing technical assistance to health care organizations, we present a roadmap for reducing racial and ethnic disparities in care. The roadmap outlines a dynamic process in which individual interventions are just one part. It highlights that organizations and providers need to take responsibility for reducing disparities, establish a general infrastructure and culture to improve quality, and integrate targeted disparities interventions into quality improvement efforts. Additionally, we summarize the major lessons learned through the Finding Answers program. We share best practices for implementing disparities interventions and synthesize cross-cutting themes from 12 systematic reviews of the literature. Our research shows that promising interventions frequently are culturally tailored to meet patients’ needs, employ multidisciplinary teams of care providers, and target multiple leverage points along a patient’s pathway of care. Health education that uses interactive techniques to deliver skills training appears to be more effective than traditional didactic approaches. Furthermore, patient navigation and engaging family and community members in the health care process may improve outcomes for minority patients. We anticipate that the roadmap and best practices will be useful for organizations, policymakers, and researchers striving to provide high-quality equitable care. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s11606-012-2082-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
CARBS OR FAT? NERVE CELLS THAT CONTROL GLYCOLYSIS IN LOCUST FLIGHT MUSCLES

![Figure][1] Catabolic activity in muscles is regulated with the amount of exercise a muscle performs, and muscle contractions are controlled by motor neurons. However, there could be a more direct link between the nervous system and muscle metabolism, as Tim Mentel and colleagues report in
The occurrence of gastritis as diagnosed by gastroscopy in gastric neuroses

1. Chronic gastritis, as diagnosed by gastroscopy, is not common in North Carolina. 2. The symptoms of most patients usually classified as having gastric neuroses cannot be explained on the basis of a chronic gastritis. 3. Hemorrhagic, or pigment spots, are common (25%), but their significance has not been determined.
Identification and characterization of a polyamine permease from the protozoan parasite Leishmania major

The proteins that mediate polyamine translocation into eukaryotic cells have not been identified at the molecular level. To define the polyamine transport pathways in eukaryotic cells we have cloned a gene, LmPOT1, that encodes a polyamine transporter from the protozoan pathogen, Leishmania major. Sequence analysis of LmPOT1 predicted an unusual 803-residue polytopic protein with 9-12 transmembrane domains. Expression of LmPOT1 cRNA in Xenopus laevis oocytes revealed LmPOT1 to be a high affinity transporter for both putrescine and spermidine, whereas expression of LmPOT1 in Trypanosoma brucei stimulated putrescine uptake that was sensitive to inhibition by pentamidine and proton ionophores. Immunoblot analysis established that LmPOT1 was expressed predominantly in the insect vector form of L. major, and immunofluorescence demonstrated that LmPOT1 was localized predominantly to the parasite plasma membrane. To our knowledge this is the first molecular identification and characterization of a cell surface polyamine transporter in eukaryotic cells.
Color Doppler sonography: Anatomic and physiologic assessment of the thyroid

The purpose of this study was to assess the potential application of color Doppler sonography in thyroid imaging. Thyroid nodules and other thyroid pathology detected by color Doppler ultrasound and nuclear scintigraphy were compared in 115 patients. The majority of "cold" nodules demonstrated a peripheral rim of color flow and no internal color flow with color Doppler sonography. A large number of "hot" nodules demonstrated internal color flow. Color Doppler sonography was helpful in delineating nodules in otherwise inhomogeneous glands. We determined that color Doppler cannot reliably distinguish benign from malignant thyroid nodules; fine-needle aspiration biopsy remains the most accurate method in differentiating benign and malignant lesions. We suggest that color Doppler sonography plays only a limited role in the evaluation of nodular thyroid disease at this time. The color Doppler appearance of other thyroid disorders (including toxic multinodular goiter, Graves' disease, and thyroiditis) is discussed.
The role of color-blind racial attitudes in reactions to racial discrimination on social network sites.

This study examines associations between responses to online racial discrimination, more specifically, racial theme party images on social network sites and color-blind racial attitudes. We showed 217 African American and European American college students images and prompted them to respond as if they were writing on a friend’s “wall” on Facebook or MySpace. Reactions to racial theme party images were not bothered, not bothered-ambivalent, bothered-ambivalent, and bothered. A multinomial logistic regression revealed that participants differed in their reactions to the images based on their racial group and color-blind racial ideology. European Americans and participants high in racial color blindness were more likely to be in the not bothered reaction group. Further, these students were more likely to condone and even encourage the racial theme party practice by laughing at the photos and affirming the party goers. Conversely, those low in color blindness were vocal in their opposition to the images with some reporting that they would “defriend” a person who engaged in the practice.
NMR spectra of 2‐pyrone and 2‐pyrone derivatives

An analysis of the complex NMR spectrum of 2-pyrone is presented and the spectra of a series of variously substituted 2-pyrones and 5,6-dihydro-2-pyrones are discussed. It is demonstrated that NMR spectroscopy affords a convenient and reliable method of assigning the position of substituents on the 2-pyrone nucleus.
The frequency of point mutations in mitochondrial DNA is elevated in the Alzheimer's brain.

Using a PCR-based strategy, we found that point mutation frequencies in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) were 2- to 3-fold higher in the parietal gyrus, hippocampus, and cerebellum from subjects with Alzheimer's disease (AD) compared to normal controls. In contrast, levels of a commonly studied deletion mutation, mtDNA(4977), were not elevated in AD. The frequency of point mutations did not vary significantly among the three brain areas, whereas the frequency of mtDNA(4977) was 15- to 25-fold lower in the cerebellum in comparison to the cortex; this regional variation was seen in both the normal and Alzheimer's brain. In blood mtDNA, point mutation frequencies were not elevated in AD patients. The elevated frequency of point mutations in all three brain regions is consistent with the idea that increased oxidant stress is associated with AD.
N-Myristoylated Phosphatidylethanolamine: Interfacial Behavior and Interaction with Cholesterol

The interfacial packing behavior of N-myristoyldimyristoylphosphatidylethanolamine (N-14:0 DMPE) and its interaction with cholesterol were characterized and compared to the behavior of dimyristoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DMPE) using an automated Langmuir type film balance. Surface pressure and surface potential were monitored as a function of lipid cross-sectional molecular area. N-14:0 DMPE exhibited two-dimensional (2D) phase transitions of a liquid-expanded to condensed nature at many temperatures in the 15-30 °C range, but isotherms showed only condensed behavior at 15 °C. The sharp decline in the surface compressional moduli upon entering the 2D-transition region is consistent with differences in the partial molar areas of coexisting liquid-expanded (chain-disordered) and condensed (chain-ordered) phases. Including Ca(2+) in the subphase beneath the negatively charged N-14:0 DMPE caused a downward shift in the 2D-transition onset pressure even in the presence of 100 mM NaCl. The average dipole moments perpendicular to the lipid-water interface for N-14:0 DMPE's liquid-expanded and condensed phases were higher than those of DMPE. At surface pressures sufficiently low ( 0.35) and low to intermediate surface pressures (<20 mN/m) as well as the possible coexistence of relatively immiscible solid phases at higher surface pressures (e.g., 35 mN/m).