cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Aptamers selected for higher-affinity binding are not more specific for the target ligand.

Previous study of eleven different in vitro-selected RNA aptamers that bind guanosine triphosphate (GTP) with Kds ranging from 8 μM to 9 nM showed that more information is required to specify the structures of the higher-affinity aptamers. We are interested in understanding how the more complex aptamers achieve higher affinities for the ligand. In vitro selection produces structural solutions to a functional problem that are are as simple as possible in terms of the information content needed to define them. It has long been assumed that the simplest way to improve the affinity of an aptamer is to increase the shape and functional group complementarity of the RNA binding pocket for the ligand. This argument underlies the hypothesis that selection for higher-affinity aptamers automatically leads to structures that bind more specifically to the target molecule. Here, we examined the binding specificities of the eleven GTP aptamers by carrying out competition binding studies with sixteen different chemical a...
Semiconductor intersubband laser/detector performance optimization using a simulated annealing algorithm

Abstract A numerical method for global optimization of semiconductor intersubband laser/detector performance parameters is presented. The single-band effective-mass Schroedinger equation is solved by employing the argument principle method (APM) to extract both the bound (B) and quasibound (QB) eigen-energies of the quantum heterostructure. APM is combined with a simulated annealing (SA) algorithm to determine a set of device design parameters such as potential barrier height Vi, layer thickness di, applied biasVBias , for which the intersubband device performance is within a predetermined convergence criterion. The method presented incorporates the energy-dependent effective mass of electrons in nonparabolic conduction bands. The performance of the method is evaluated for the design of an asymmetric Fabry–Perot electron-wave interference filter (laser structure) and a dual-band quantum well infrared photodetector (QWIP). Results with and without nonparabolic effects are presented. In addition, results from the present method are compared to results obtained via the optimization technique based on super-symmetric quantum mechanics (SUSYQM) for the case of an optically-pumped quantum cascade (QC) laser. The present method is shown to improve the device performance beyond that obtained via SUSYQM optimization. Further, the present model can handle many optimization parameters and can incorporate fabrication constraints to achieve physically realizable devices.
Archaeological Significance of Rabbit-Raptor Interactions in Southern California

Taphonomy of small fauna is not as well known as actualistic studies performed with large faunal remains. Yet small fauna like rabbit may dominate an archaeological assemblage. Small fauna was a primary meat source for many prehistoric groups in North America. Raptors also damage and disperse rabbit bones. Taphonomic research with rabbit-raptor interactions was undertaken in a lacustrine environment in southern California to determine the role played by raptors in damaging and dispersing rabbit bones which may subsequently be introduced into archaeological sites. Raptors often damage, disperse, and accumulate rabbit bones in a number of areas, including open-air localities and within abandoned human structures. Potential diagnostic characteristics of rabbit bones damaged by raptors are offered as baseline end-effects of raptors exploiting rabbit carcasses. Archaeologists can compare rabbit bones excavated from archaeological sites to these bones known to be damaged by raptors. This information is crucial ...
The Effect of Variations in Stream-Wise Spacing and Length on Convection From Surface Mounted Rectangular Components

The effect of variations in stream-wise spacing and component length on convection from rectangular, surface mounted components in a channel flow are reported. Component dimensions are the same order of magnitude as the channel wall-to-wall spacing. The channel Reynolds number, with air as the coolant, ranged from 670 to 3000. Flow visualization showed that under the above conditions the channel flow is transitional. The effect of variations in component stream-wise spacing on the level of turbulence in the channel and on the interaction between the core of the channel flow and the recirculating flow in cavities between components is discussed. Pressure drop measurements show that the dominant loss mechanism is due to form drag caused by the components. Local heat transfer measurements are made using an interferometer. Analysis of the results shows that the overall heat transfer is properly correlated in terms of a flow Reynolds number based on the component length. At small component Reynolds number, the overall conductance tends towards the laminar smooth wall value. An overall correlation is proposed which includes the effect of component Reynolds number, channel wall-to-wall spacing, and component stream-wise spacing.
Asymmetries and heterosis of bilateral traits in parental lines of chickens and their F1 crosses

Summary Asymmetries and heterosis of bilateral traits were measured in two lines of White Leghorns selected for high (HH) or low (LL) antibody response 5 days after an injection with 0.1 ml of 0.25% suspension of sheep red blood cells and their reciprocal crosses. The bilateral traits were 39-day shank length and length and weight of the first primary wing feather. Shank length was again measured on day 49 while body, lung, shank, and heart weights and caeca lengths were obtained on day 56. Heterosis was positive for organ sizes and negative for the degree of bilateral asymmetry. Sums of bilateral asymmetries were lower for crosses than their parental lines which, like heterosis, reflected their greater biological and developmental stability and fitness. Zusammenfassung Asymmetrie und Heterosis bilateraler Merkmale in Reinzuchtlinien und ihren F1 Kreuzungen Die beiden Wese Leghorn Linien waren fur hohe (HH) und niedrige (LL) Antikorperreaktion 5 Tage nach Injektion von 0.1 ml einer 0.25%-igen Suspension von Schaferythrozyten selektiert worden. Die bilateralen Merkmale waren 39-Tage Schenkellange und Lange und Gewicht der ersten Primarflugelfeder. Schenkellange wurde wieder am Tag 49 gemessen und Korper-, Lungen-, Schenkel- und Herzgewichte am Tag 56 genommen ebenso wie Coecumlangen. Organgrosen zeigten positive, Grad bilateraler Asymmetrie aber negative Heterosiswerte. Summen bilateraler Asymmetrien waren bei Kreuzungen geringer als beiden Elternlinien, was wie die Heterosis Stabilitat wahrend Entwicklung und hohere Fitness zeigt.
FIRST SPECTRUM OF PROTACTINIUM

The spectrum of protactinium has been photographed between 2500 A and 9200 A. The wavelengths of 8617 lines have been measured and the separation of the first and second spectra has been accomplished for 80% of the lines. Zeeman effects have been measured in the region between 4000 A and 9000 A. Thirty-two even levels and 252 odd levels have been found; these are listed together with their electronic angular momenta J and gJ values as derived from the Zeeman effect. The ground configuration of the neutral atom of protactinium is 5f26d7s2.
Fælsian and the Purification of Sacred Space in the Advent Lyrics

A number of Anglo-Saxon authors in both Old English and Latin demonstrate a strikingly unified conception of sacred space and ritual purification. By weaving together elements from sources as diverse as Roman paganism, Mosaic Law, and the rite of church dedication, these writers formulated an understanding of sacred space that had clear influence poetically. Much of the Anglo-Saxon conception of sacred space centers on the meaning of a particular Old English word ( faelsian ) and its relationship to a similar Latin term ( lustrare ). While neither of these words is common, they appear in a small number of important works in startling similar contexts. It is possible that this view of the sacred also affected the actual process of Christianization, though this is more speculative.
The new science students in too much, too soon an abbreviated, accelerated, constructivist, collaborative, introductory experience in CS

Although faculty are most accustomed to teaching semester-long traditional courses, they are encountering an increasing number of situations in which they must teach "courses" of only a few hours that are intended to give others a "flavor" of the discipline. Such situations include alumni events, orientation activities for incoming or potential students, and community outreach programs. In many disciplines, faculty can rely on participants' academic or basic skills (e.g., how to dissect an argument; basic laboratory skills). In computer science, faculty must accept not only a lack of basic skill in the discipline, but also a potential gap in knowledge of what the study of computer science entails.This paper explores the design of one such introductory experience, which is held in two two-hour sections for selected incoming science students at Grinnell College. The course emphasizes hands-on discovery, algorithm design and algorithm analysis grounded in the problem of sorting. Different faculty members in the department have taught the course three times to general success.
p53 mutation and MDM2 amplification frequency in pediatric rhabdomyosarcoma tumors and cell lines

Background The p53 tumor suppressor gene is the most commonly mutated gene in human cancer, and mutations arise in a wide variety of tumor types. Wild-type p53 functions as a regulator of apoptosis, so mutations in the p53 gene are generally associated with aggressive tumors and a poor prognosis. Procedure We have investigated the p53 mutation and MDM2 amplification frequencies in biopsies from pediatric rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) tumors and cell lines by SSCP and Southern analyses. Results A mutation was detected in only 1 of 20 tumor specimens (5%), whereas the frequency in established RMS cell lines was significantly higher (6/10, 60%). p53 Mutations were more common in cell lines derived from tumors previously exposed to chemotherapy compared to those derived from tumors at di-agnosis, and it is likely that these mutations enhanced the probability of successful long-term culture. The frequency of MDM2 gene amplification in patient biopsies was also low (2/20, 10%). Interestingly, complete responses to treatment were obtained in the two patients with tumors that demonstrated amplification of MDM2. The response to treatment of patients with tumors wild-type for p53 and without MDM2 amplification was quite varied, indicating that expression of a wild-type p53 gene at diagnosis cannot always facilitate a favorable outcome. Conclusions p53 mutation and MDM2 gene amplification frequencies are extremely low in RMS tumors, but a wild-type p53 genotype is not always associated with a favorable prognosis. Med. Pediatr. Oncol. 35:96–103, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Experiential Learning: Reducing the Real-World Divide between Libraries and Library Schools

Experiential learning helps students achieve higher levels of expertise in people and critical thinking skills that libraries would like their future employees to have. However, experiential learning is time consuming and hard to incorporate in the classroom setting. The Internet Public Library (ipl2) has developed a methodology to allow instructors to easily incorporate experiential learning into the classroom; ipl2 offers course modules for instructors that include content such as syllabi, lectures, and assignments. In addition, ipl2 provides technology, a suitable environment, and an experienced staff support to aid instructors in getting started in offering their students an experiential learning experience quickly.
Purification and properties of dicarboxylate ω-amidase from Bacillus subtilis 168 and Thermus aquaticus YT-1

Abstract ω-Amidase (ω-amidodicarboxylate amidohydrolase, EC 3.5.1.3) from Bacillus subtilis 168 and Thermus aquaticus YT-1 were purified to a high degree of purity, as demonstrated by acrylamide gel electrophoresis. Their respective molecular weights, as indicated by Sephadex gel filtration, were approximately 120,000 and 36,000. The temperature optimum for the B. subtilis ω-amidase was 45 °C, and for the T. aquaticus ω-amidase it was 80 °C. These ω-amidases catalyze the hydrolysis of dicarboxylic acid amides and the formation of hydroxamates from the amides (amide transfer) of the corresponding acids (acyl transfer). There is no requirement for any cofactors or metal ions for hydroxamate formation. The specificities of the microbial ω-amidases for dicarboxylic acids showed that these enzymes were similar to the ω-amidase previously reported from mammalian tissues. B. subtilis ω-amidase utilized asparagine, T. aquaticus ω-amidase utilized fumarate, and both utilized succinamate, succinate, succinamide, succinimide, and malate in the transfer reactions. There was no reaction with monocarboxylic acids.
Taste receptors of the mosquito Anopheles atroparvus Van Thiel.

Taste receptors of Anopheles atroparvus Van Thiel arc located on the labella, tarsi, and probably within the cibarium. All the longer hairs on the outer surfaces of the labella are chemosensory. Stimulating these hairs with water or 1 M sucrose evokes several feeding responses. Labellar hairs have blunt tips, arise from sockets and are 26–48μ in length. Sensilla trichodea are present on the inner surfaces of the labella and are probably chemosensory. These sensilla are 16μ in length, have sharp tips and occur in a row of 3 on each labellum. Tarsal hairs of the blunt type are present on all segments. These are sensitive to water and 1 M sucrose and mediate the proboscis response. By means of the unsheathed stylets technique, evidence was obtained for receptors posterior to the proboscis, probably in the cibarium.
Evaluation of physical and behavioral traits of llamas associated with aggressiveness toward sheep-threatening canids

Abstract Llamas ( Lama glama ) are frequently used as guard animals by sheep producers as part of their predation management programs. However, few data are available concerning physical and behavioral attributes that distinguish between effective and ineffective guardian llamas. Our study addressed this issue and evaluated aggressiveness of llamas toward dogs. Initially, we identified physical and behavioral traits of individual llamas. Twenty llamas were randomly assigned to one of four groups ( n =5 per group). We used focal group sampling techniques to rank individual llamas according to frequencies with which they displayed alertness, leadership, dominant, aggressive, and threatening behaviors as well as postures indicating dominance or subordination. We then examined the behavior of individual llamas with sheep. Finally, we documented interactions among llamas, sheep, and a surrogate predator (border collie). Our results showed that leadership, alertness, and weight of llamas were correlated with aggressiveness displayed toward the dog ( p s =0.064, 0.012, and 0.039 respectively). These traits are easily recognized and can be used by producers to select llamas as livestock guardians.
RhoA, Rho kinase, JAK2, and STAT3 may be the intracellular determinants of longevity implicated in the progeric influence of obesity: Insulin, IGF-1, and leptin may all conspire to promote stem cell exhaustion.

Summary The aging process in higher mammals is increasingly being shown to feature a potentially substantial contribution from the longitudinal deterioration of normative stem cell dynamics seen with the passage of time. The precise mechanistic sequence producing this phenomenon is not entirely understood, but recent evidence has strongly implicated intracellular downstream effectors of endocrinologic pathways thought to be engaged by the obese state, specifically the insulin, IGF-1, and leptin signaling pathways. Among the intracellular effectors of these signals, a uniquely potent influence on stem cell dynamics may be attributable to Rho/ROCK, JAK kinase activity and STAT3 activity. In particular, it has already been shown that specific tyrosine kinase activities, such as that seen with Rho kinase, are presently thought to be associated with adverse health outcomes in numerous clinical contexts. Furthermore, the Rho GTPase is thought to be contributing to end-stage renal disease. However, in addition to its contribution to organ system dysfunction, the Rho/ROCK pathway has recently been shown to be activated by insulin and IGF-1, providing a tantalizing connection to nutrition and aging science. The JAK-STAT pathway, in contrast, has long been associated with pro-inflammatory cytokines, but has recently been implicated in leptin signaling as well. Importantly, JAK-STAT signaling has, similiarly to Rho/ROCK signaling, been implicated as capable of accelerating stem cell proliferation. The implications of these recent determinations, in light of the recent finding of telomere attrition in humans associated with obesity, are that the intracellular determinants of aging may already be known, and the known common influence of these signaling elements on longitudinal stem cell dynamics is a pronounced induction of proliferation, an elevation that has been linked to the pathologic evolution of longitudinal organ-level dysfunction and the organismal-level physiologic decline seen with the inexorable passage of time. Besides the obvious utility for the management for human age-related dysfunction that investigation of pharmacologic inhibitors of these proteins would provide, interventions such as caloric restriction and possibly intermittent fasting may beneficially influence stem cell proliferation dynamics and reduce intracellular correlates of mitogenic drive. Integrating the findings present in the present body of research may reveal endocrinological states that are compatible with longevity, and will also provide novel insight into the specific proteomic determinants of age-related physiologic decline, ushering in a new epoch of medicine that fosters the management of the “pre-etiopathology” of chronic disease and disability of aging, therefore mitigating the suffering widely thought to be inherent in the latter stages of life.
Arg389Gly beta 1-adrenoceptor polymorphism varies in frequency among different ethnic groups but does not alter response in vivo.

There are marked interethnic differences in beta 1-adrenoceptor-mediated responsiveness, with sensitivity decreased in African-Americans and increased in Chinese compared with Caucasians. Therefore, the frequency of a common naturally occurring polymorphism of the human beta 1-adrenoceptor gene (Arg389Gly), which has functional importance in vitro, was determined in 194 African-Americans, 316 Caucasian-Americans, 221 Hispanic-Americans and 142 Chinese. African-Americans were found to have a significantly lower frequency of the Arg389 allele than the other three ethnic groups (all P Caucasians (72%) > Hispanics (67%) > African-Americans (58%). To determine the functional significance of the Arg389Gly beta 1-adrenoceptor polymorphism, in-vivo heart rate responses to exercise were compared in healthy subjects homozygous for the Arg (n = 9) and Gly (n = 8) alleles. Heart rate response to exercise was not affected by genotype (P = 0.4). Although ethnic differences in the frequency of the beta 1-adrenoceptor Arg389Gly polymorphism exist, the polymorphism does not appear to have functional significance in healthy subjects and therefore may not contribute to ethnic differences in response to drugs acting through the beta 1-adrenoceptor.
Duality and Secondary Trajectories

We show analytically that the slope of the dual or output trajectories is equal to the input slope for the partial-wave projections of the Regge amplitude. This result is independent of the special kinematics, and seems not to require a crossing-symmetric amplitude. We find an infinite set of secondary trajectories, and show that their spacing depends on the slope and approaches $\ensuremath{\Delta}s=\frac{2}{{\ensuremath{\alpha}}^{\ensuremath{'}}} {\mathrm{GeV}}^{2}$ for large $s$. The detailed high-energy structure of some Argand diagrams is shown.
Plant tolerance to nickel toxicity: II nickel effects on influx and transport of mineral nutrients in four plant species

Abstract Nickel (Ni) is an essential micronutrient for higher plants but is toxic to plants at excess levels. Plant species differ extensively for mineral uptake and accumulation, and these differences often help explain plant tolerances to mineral toxicities/deficiencies. Solution culture experiments were conducted under controlled conditions to determine the effects of Ni on influx into roots (IN) and transport from roots to shoots (TR) of zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), and sulfur (S) in white clover (Trifolium repens L.), cabbage (srassica oleracea van capitata L.), ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), and maize (Zea mays L.). Nickel decreased both IN and TR of Zn, Cu, Ca, and Mg, but only TR of Fe and Mn in white clover. Both IN and TR of Cu, Fe, Mn, Mg, and S were markedly decreased by Ni >30 μM in cabbage, whereas IN and TR of P increased with Ni treatment. For ryegrass, TR of Cu, Fe, Mn, Ca, and Mg was decreased, but IN of these elements ex...
Usability Testing, User-Centered Design, and LibGuides Subject Guides: A Case Study

Usability testing has become a routine way for many libraries to ensure that their Web presence is user-friendly and accessible. At the same time, popular subject guide creation systems, such as LibGuides, decentralize Web content creation and put authorship into the hands of librarians who may not be trained in user-centered design principles. At Metropolitan State University, researchers performed usability testing on LibGuides in order to see how patrons interact with guides. Researchers completed two rounds of usability testing on a total of ten students, one alumnus, and one community patron. The results indicate that patrons struggled most when encountering jargon, inconsistent language, and visual clutter. Based on their findings, researchers recommend ongoing usability testing of subject guides as well as the creation of a style guide to help librarians create usable, accessible guides.
Strategies to Increase Adherence through Diabetes Technology

A variety of new technologies have been developed to assist patients with self-managing their diabetes and yet hemoglobin A1c has not changed dramatically over the last decade. Although more data available from these new diabetes technologies can be helpful, it is clear that an informed, motivated, and adherent patient is the key to success. This article focuses on increasing patient adherence through the use of motivational interviewing, an evidence-based behavior change counseling technique. Specific skills of motivational interviewing may help the provider assess what the patient already knows about the technology, explore the patient's motivation for using the technology, and, finally, assess the patient's barriers, importance, and confidence in using the technology, leading to better adherence.
The electromagnetic &#952; gun and tubular projectiles

Unlike the better known rail gun, the θ gun applies the propelling force along the length of its projectile. This is shown to allow much greater acceleration of high fineness ratio projectiles for a given barrel pressure, allowing much shorter barrels for military applications. A computer code which simulates performance of the θ gun is described and experimental results from a few simple, low energy experiments show close agreement with code predictions. Trajectories and aerodynamic heating for three candidate military projectiles are calculated for vertical and horizontal atmospheric launches where initial velocity is as high as 3 km/s. The calculations indicate that in some cases a thin layer of heatshield (ablator) will be required to control projectile heating.
Sexual Pursuits of Pleasure Among Men and Women with Spinal Cord Injuries

Following a spinal cord injury, sexual relationships, intimacy, and pleasure remain important pursuits for individuals. This literature review examines the subjective experiences of sexual intimacy for men and women with spinal cord injuries, as well as their intimate partners. Several themes emerged that span gender differences and nationality differences. Specifically, studies indicate that despite individual struggles with neutering internal and external perspectives, they can lead satisfying sex lives that may be more creative and mutually pleasurable than their sex lives prior to the injury. This review also provides suggestions to improve sex education and therapy following a spinal cord injury.
Underlying graph and total length of optimal realizations of variable distance matrices

The general problem is to investigate, for acceptable values ofx, the optimal graph realization of a matrixD(x) obtained from a given tree-realizable distance matrixD as follows: we partition the index set ofD into two convex subsetsH andK, we subtractx from all entriesd hk andd kh whereh ? H andk ? K and we leave all other entries unchanged. We describe the optimal realization of the matrixD(x) and the behaviour of the total length of the optimal realization as a function ofx.
Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea: Diagnosis and Management

Advances in imaging and endoscopic techniques have improved the ability to diagnose, localize, and treat in a less morbid fashion CSF leaks of the anterior skull base. An appreciation for the mechanism of leak and of the relationship between CSF production and absorption must be kept in mind when individualizing a repair. Increased CSF pressure caused by overproduction or underabsorption may result in persistence of a leak despite one's best efforts. Numerous advances in dural replacement grafts and tissue sealants have improved the ability to achieve watertight closure of the cranial vault. Microvascular techniques have allowed larger defects previously not reconstructable to be handled with relative ease by trained personnel. With expanded reconstructive techniques, the ability to handle larger disease processes of the skull base continues to expand.
Strongly coupled fluid―structure interaction method for structural loads on surface ships

A method to compute structural loads on surface ships coupling a CFD solver with rigid or elastic representations of the ship hull is presented. One-way and two-way coupling approaches were used for the cases when the ship was considered elastic, in which the forces obtained from the CFD solver were used to compute the structural loads. In the two-way coupling method the hull deformation influenced the CFD solution, while in the one-way coupling method this feedback was not needed. The flow field around the ship was calculated with the URANS/DES overset solver CFDShip-Iowa version 4, with the structural response obtained using modal superposition. Predictions of ship motions and structural loads were compared with available experimental data for the S175 containership, obtained from a segmented elastic model. Predicted heave and pitch transfer functions in regular waves matched well with the experimental values. The computations showed that slamming events greatly affected the vertical bending moment amplitude, showing sharp peaks for the rigid model. The elastic models predicted well the ringing of the structure and showed that the ringing was mainly triggered by bow flare slamming. The one-way coupled approach with a virtual mass correction provided a solution that in some aspects had almost the same quality as the two-way coupled solution, at a fraction of the cost.
Co-cited author retrieval and relevance theory: examples from the humanities

Given a user-selected seed author, a unique experimental system called AuthorWeb can return the 24 authors most frequently co-cited with the seed in a 10-year segment of the Arts and Humanities Citation Index. The Web-based system can then instantly display the seed and the others as a Pathfinder network, a Kohonen self-organizing map, or a pennant diagram. Each display gives a somewhat different overview of the literature cited with the seed in a specialty (e.g., Thomas Mann studies). Each is also a live interface for retrieving (1) the documents that co-cite the seed with another user-selected author, and (2) the works by the seed and the other author that are co-cited. This article describes the Pathfinder and Kohonen maps, but focuses much more on AuthorWeb pennant diagrams, exhibited here for the first time. Pennants are interesting because they unite ego-centered co-citation data from bibliometrics, the TF*IDF formula from information retrieval, and Sperber and Wilson's relevance theory (RT) from linguistic pragmatics. RT provides a cognitive interpretation of TF*IDF weighting. By making people's inferential processes a primary concern, RT also yields insights into both topical and non-topical relevance, central matters in information science. Pennants for several authors in the humanities demonstrate these insights.
THE INSPIRATORY: EXPIRATORY TIME (I:E) DURING HIGH FREQUENCY JET VENTILATION (HFJV) OF AN RDS MODEL

THE INSPIRATORY: EXPIRATORY TIME (I:E) DURING HIGH FREQUENCY JET VENTILATION (HFJV) OF AN RDS MODEL
Public relations literacy: Developing critical consumers of public relations

This article introduces the concept of public relations literacy and proposes that public relations literacy should be promoted to empower consumers of public relations’ actions and messages and to...
Surface charge, collection, storage, and transport for visible image sensing arrays

Abstract The depletion region of an MOS capacitor may be used to collect and store photogenerated minority carriers. These carriers are swept to the surface of the semiconductor and are maintained there by the applied field until they are read out. Although the carriers may be stored indefinitely, the useful signal is degraded with time due to the thermal generation of carriers within the semiconductor (dark current). With careful processing this generation rate is low enough in silicon to permit charge integration throughout the entire frame time. Thus, in contrast to other earlier solid state imaging arrays, sensitivities equal to or exceeding those of conventional camera tubes are possible. The fundamental limitation on the sensitivity of these devices is the statistical fluctuations of the dark current, but they may have other sources of noise. These noise sources and other problems related to the transfer of charge will be discussed.
Colour constancy and Russellian representationalism

Representationalism, the view that phenomenal character supervenes on intentional content, has attracted a wide following in recent years. Most representationalists have also endorsed what I call ‘standard Russellianism’. According to standard Russellianism, phenomenal content is Russellian in nature, and the properties represented by perceptual experiences are mind-independent physical properties. I argue that standard Russellianism conflicts with the everyday experience of colour constancy. Due to colour constancy, standard Russellianism is unable to simultaneously give a proper account of the phenomenal content of colour experience and do justice to its phenomenology.
Ovariectomized Sprague-Dawley and Long-Evans rats release prolactin differently in response to estrogen.

Abstract Mature female Sprague-Dawley (SD) and Long-Evans (LE) rats were ovariectomized (OVX), fitted with indwelling atrial catheters and given a single sc injection of either 25 or 100 μg polyestradiol phosphate (PEP); seven days later blood samples were withdrawn at two hour intervals from 1100 to 2100 hours to detect the presence of an afternoon surge of prolactin (PRL). Other groups of OVX rats of both strains also treated with PEP and catheterized as above were sampled before and at 2, 5, 10 and 30 min after iv administration of 1 μg synthetic thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH). Pituitary (AP) and uterine weights were determined following sacrifice one day after TRH treatment. Separate groups of OVX rats of both strains treated with 100 μg PEP were decapitated 7 days later and each AP was removed and homogenized. The AP homogenates and plasma samples were assayed for PRL by radioimmunoassay. Rats of both strains had afternoon PRL surges and in both strains the magnitude and/or duration of the surges were enhanced by the higher dose of PEP. However, within each PEP dose LE rats released significantly more PRL during the surge than did SD rats. Rats of both strains also released PRL in response to TRH and this response was enhanced in both strains by the higher of the two doses of PEP. However, there were no differences between the strains at 25 μg PEP and at 100 μg PEP SD rats released significantly more PRL to TRH than did LE rats. Pituitary weight and PRL concentration were not different between the strains at either dose of PEP but LE rats had significantly heavier uteri at both doses of PEP compared to SD rats. These data not only show that strain differences exist in estrogen-induced or mediated PRL release in the rat but also indicate that the differences are not uniform. This latter observation suggests that the estrogen-induced mechanisms examined in this study are for the most part independent of each other.
Changes in Human Meibum Lipid with Meibomian Gland Dysfunction using Principal Component Analysis

Changes in the phase transition temperatures and conformation of human meibum lipid with age and meibomian gland dysfunction have been quantified but with analysis of less than 1% of the infrared spectral range. The remaining 99% of the spectral range was analyzed with principal component analysis (PCA) and confirms our previous studies and reveal further insights into changes that occur in meibum with age and disease. Infrared spectra of meibum from 41 patients diagnosed with meibomian gland dysfunction (Md) and 32 normal donors (Mn) were measured. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to quantify the variance among the spectra and meibum protein was quantified using the infrared carbonyl and amide I and II bands. A training set of spectra was used to discriminate between Mn and Md with an accuracy of 93%. This shows that certain spectral regions (eigenvectors) contain compositional and structural information about the changes that occur with the principal component (variable), meibomian gland dysfunction. The spectral features of the major eigenvector indicate that Md contains more protein and relatively less CH(3) and cis = CH band intensity compared to Mn. The amount of protein was confirmed from relative infrared band intensities. Our study supports the idea that compositional differences result in meibum that is less fluid and more viscous with meibomian gland dysfunction so that less lipid flows out of the meibomian gland orifice as observed clinically. This study also demonstrates the power of the combination of infrared spectroscopy and PCA as a diagnostic tool that discriminates between Mn and Md.
The Role of Postoperative Care and Long-Term Rehabilitation in Deep Brain Stimulation for the Treatment of Overeating Associated With Obesity

The proposed application of deep brain stimulation (DBS) for the treatment of overeating associated with obesity shows unique potential to transform the lives of affected individuals. With pilot st...
Local actions of thyrotropin-releasing hormone regulate hair color.

The skin has recently been found to produce cortisol and thereby serves as an extra-adrenal site of glucocorticoid synthesis, albeit in a tightly regulated manner, to simulate the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal axis (Vukelic et al., 2011). Therefore, investigation into whether the skin possesses other endocrinologic capabilities is both interesting and timely. It has been known for some time that the skin of amphibians, such as frogs, contains high amounts of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), which stimulates skin darkening in amphibians via centrally acting mechanisms (Jackson and Reichlin, 1977). Until recently, however, little was known about TRH in human skin and hair.
Signal transduction mediated by angiotensin II receptor subtypes expressed in rat renal mesangial cells.

Abstract Recent evidence suggests that there are two classes of receptors for angiotensin II (AngII), AT 1 which is sensitive to losartan (DuP753) and is G-protein coupled, and AT 2 which is sensitive to both PD123319 and CGP42112A, and is non-G-protein coupled. In rat mesangial cells two subtypes of AT 1 receptor could be distinguished, AT 1A subtype is more sensitive to losartan whereas AT 1B subtype is more sensitive to PD123319, but insensitive to CGP42112A. The present studies were designed to ascertain which receptor subtype mediates three AngII-induced physiologic functions in rat mesangial cells namely intracellular Ca 2+ mobilization, adenylyl cyclase inhibition and protein synthesis as monitored via [ 3 H]leucine incorporation. The rank order of potency for inhibition of AngII-induced [Ca 2+ ] i mobilization and adenylyl cyclase regulation was PD123319≥losartan>CGP42112A . By contract, lasartan was quite effective at inhibiting protein synthesis ( IC 50 =8 nM ) while PD123319 was without effect. These findings are consistent with AngII mediated signal transduction through AT 1A and AT 1B sites for phospholipase C mediated [Ca 2+ ] i mobilization and inhibition of adenylyl cyclase. On the other hand, AT 1A receptors appear to exclusively mediate AngII-induced protein synthesis. These observations underscore the complexity of AngII mediated signal transduction in glomerular mesangium.
A Study of the Multilevel and Dynamic Nature of Trust in E-Commerce from a Cross-Stage Perspective

Trust in e-commerce is a multilevel construct (intrapersonal, system, and interpersonal), and trust building is a dynamic evolutionary process that can be adjusted over time when additional evidence of new interactions becomes available. From a consumer's perspective in a business-to-consumer e-commerce context, there are at least two trustees: the Internet as a shopping channel (the e-channel—system level) and an Internet selling party or Internet vendor (the e-vendor—interpersonal level) as a business partner. Understanding the multilevel and dynamic nature of trust in e-commerce is important because it not only provides practical insights that can be used to further enhance the online experiences for both online managers and consumers but also extends our conceptual foundations of trust. Although the multilevel and dynamic nature of trust is a crucial characteristic of trust in e-commerce, there is little empirical research. To fill this knowledge gap, this study proposes a multilevel model of e-channe...
Bestimmung von Mangan durch Permanganat und Untersuchung verschiedener Manganite

Mangansalze konnen durch KMnO4 genau bestimmt werden in Gegenwart von MgSO4, KNO3, K2SO4, CdSO4, NnNO3, KF, LiCl, NaCl, CH3COQNa, CaCI2, SrCI2 und BaCl2.
Characterization of Oxygen-Doped and Non-Oxygen-Doped Polysilicon Films Prepared by Rapid Thermal Chemical Vapor Deposition

PolySi films deposited with and without oxygen doping using rapid thermal chemical vapor deposition (RTCVD) have been investigated. Experimental results show that RTCVD systems can be used to provide high deposition rates ( 900-1000 A/min at 700 °C) for both oxygen-doped and non-oxygen-doped polySi films. The surface roughness of the RTCVD polySi film is about half that of conventional LPCVD polySi films. The surface roughness and grain size of the RTCVD polySi film can be further reduced using oxygen doping. The catastrophic breakdown strength for capacitors using oxygen-doped polySi electrodes are improved compared with the breakdown strength for capacitors using non-oxygen-doped polySi electrodes. Electrical resistivities of B, P and As doped samples of polySi films with oxygen doping are found to be larger than those of polySi films without oxygen doping. Resistivities of silicides formed on the oxygen-doped polySi samples are approximately the same for those of silicides formed on non-oxygen-doped polySi samples.
Comparative Fine Structure of Action: Rules of Form and Sequence in the Grooming Patterns of Six Rodent Species

The phylogenetic constancy of a set of syntactic patterning rules for grooming was examined in six rodent species: guinea pig, Belding's ground squirrel, gerbil, hamster, rat, mouse. Species were chosen to allow comparisons of separate suborders of Rodentia (Hystricomorpha, Sciuromorpha, Myomorpha) and of separate families within suborders (Cricetidae and Muridae). Each species was examined for possession of the syntactic patterns of chaining, transition reciprocity, sequential stereotypy, and hierarchical clustering. These syntactic patterns were detected and quantified using videoanalysis, graphic notation, and a variety of computer-assisted action coding and analysis techniques. Each syntactic pattern or sequencing rule mentioned above was found to obtain in all six of the species tested. The wide applicability of these rules suggests that they reflect a fundamental feature of neurobehavioral organization, which was established relatively early in rodent evolution. Syntactic organization appears to be a basic property of action production by mammalian brains. The techniques used in this study also allowed a quantitative comparison to be made across species of syntactic pattern strength, form, stereotypy, and timing parameters. This comparison showed that many differences in behavioral patterns among species could be explained by one of two principles. The first explanatory principle was phylogenetic relationship: the behavioral traits of species from within a single family tended to be more similar than were traits of species from separate families, and species from a single suborder tended to be more similar than species from separate suborders. The second principle, which applied especially to temporal parameters, was programmed allometric control by physical size. The timing of patterns (for example, the cycle duration of certain highly stereotyped forepaw strokes performed on the face) was related to the average size of the species by an allometric power function. The nature of these syntactic patterns and of the rules that generate them, the nature of their neural substrates, and the origin of parameters differences between species, is discussed.
Abstract B88: Local delivery of breast cancer chemopreventives using mesenchymal stem cells

The overall goal of this study is to evaluate the ability of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to act as vehicles for local delivery of chemopreventives in mice that develop mammary cancer. Recently, efforts to use adult‐derived stem cells to deliver therapeutic agents to tumor sites have shown great promise and we currently are extending this concept to include the delivery of gene therapy in the form of chemopreventives. Our goals in this initial project were to (1) isolate and study the behavior of transplanted MSCs in mammary glands of mice and (2) develop a gene expression system which robustly produces gene therapeutics. For gene therapy we aimed to target epidermal growth factor (EGFR/ErbB1/HER1) because activation of this growth factor pathway is a frequent component driving breast cancer proliferation and survival and recent evidence demonstrated that the EGFR pathway is more active in hyperplastic enlarged lobules compared with normal terminal ductal lobular units (AJP 2007 171, 253–262), indicating that EGFR activation is a very early event that precedes cancer development and therefore inhibiting EGFR may abrogate cancer development. To carry out this goal we developed an expression system that produces the natural inhibitory ligand of EGFR, decorin. Decorin is a small leucine rich proteoglycan with known effects in extracellular matrix assembly as well as growth inhibition via reduction in levels and activity of EGFR along with other signaling molecules. Thus far we have demonstrated the ability to isolate, culture and maintain murine MSCs from the FVB/N strain in an undifferentiated state. In addition, these MSCS do not form tumors upon transplantation into mammary glands of syngeneic mice. Furthermore, we have produced secreted decorin in Chinese hamster ovarian cells and MSCs. Finally, we demonstrate the ability of conditioned media containing decorin to inhibit mammary tumor cell proliferation in vitro. Our long-term goal is to test the efficacy of decorin‐engineered MSCs as a breast cancer prevention modality in mouse models. Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2010;3(1 Suppl):B88.
Breast-conserving Therapy Achieves Equivalent Locoregional Outcomes Compared to Mastectomy in Women With T1-2N0 Triple Negative Breast Cancer

•The poor prognosis of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) relative to other biological subtypes of breast cancer, including increased risk of locoregional recurrence, has been well established. •Recently, the classic paradigm in breast cancer demonstrating locoregional equivalence of BCT to mastectomy has been questioned in patients with TNBC, with a recent study showing improved LRR with BCT vs. mastectomy.
The solution of a two-compartment model

Abstract In this paper, a decomposition method is used for solving a two-compartment model incorporating nonlinear efflux from a peripheral compartment. The solution is useful for estimating the parameters and solving the structural identifiability of the model. The technique is demonstrated by considering two different forms of nonlinear transfer efflux.
Does migration promote democratization? Evidence from the Mexican transition

Abstract This paper presents evidence for a causal effect of international migration on the functioning of democratic institutions in the sending country. It does so for the particular case of the Mexican democratization process, using data from municipal elections for the 2000–2002 electoral cycle. Estimating an instrumental variable probit model, it is found that migration significantly increases the probability of a party in opposition to the former state party PRI to win in a municipal election for the first time. A 1% point increase in the proportion of migrant households in a municipality is estimated to increase the probability of an opposition party victory in so far continuously state-party ruled town halls by more than half a percent. This result is robust to the inclusion of controls for party preferences and can be interpreted to be the result of improved democratic institutions.
Support for Homosexuals' Civil Liberties: The Influence of Familial Gender Role Attitudes Across Religious Denominations

Religious denominations vary in both their approach to the roles that men and women play in familial contexts, as well as their approach to homosexuality. This research investigates whether gender attitudes, informed by religious tradition, predict a person's support for civil liberties extended to gays and lesbians. Using data from the 1996 and 2006 waves of the General Social Survey, structural equation models are employed to relate the concepts. Traditional gender role attitudes and support for homosexuals' civil liberties are found to negatively co-vary over time. Denominational differences in attitudes toward gender and support for homosexuals' civil liberties are evident in 1996 and generally conform to an exclusivist-inclusivist continuum, but in 2006, differences are noticeably absent, suggesting that there has been a decline in the explanatory power of denominational affiliation during this decade.