cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of UV irradiation on type I collagen fibril formation in neutral collagen solutions

Background: Collagens have the well-known ability to spontaneously self-associate to form fibrils at physiological temperature and neutral pH in vitro and in vivo. Because solar UV may photochemically alter collagen, the kinetics of fibril formation may be modified. Thus, we have begun a systematic study of the effect of various UV wavebands on fibril formation. Methods: Citrate-soluble calf skin collagen (Elastin Products) was dissolved at 0.05% in 0.5 M HOAc, dialyzed over 2 days into two changes of 0.0327 M phosphate buffer, pH 7.0 at 4°C, and centrifuged at 48 000×g. Photolysis was carried out at 4°C with either (a) UVC (UVG-11 lamp), (b) filtered solar-simulating radiation (SSR) or UVA (SSR or UVL-21 lamp filtered with a 2.0 mm Schott WG 345 filter). Gelation was commenced by rapidly raising the temperature from 8°C to 33°C. Nucleation and growth were followed by turbidimetric measurements at 400 nm. Results: UVC radiation (0-17.3 J/cm 2 ) resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in the rate of fibril growth. Under these conditions, concomitant collagen crosslinking and degradation occurred. Fibril nucleation, a prerequisite for growth, was rapid (threshold ∼ 2 min) and was not affected by UVC, UVA or SSR. SSR (0-1320 J/cm 2 ) caused a small decrease in growth rate and in the degree of fibril formation. UVA radiation (0-1080 J/cm 2 ) had a similar effect. Direct photochemical damage thus paralleled absorption via various collagen chromophores, with UVC>SSR∼UVA. The presence of riboflavin (RF) resulted in ground-state interactions that markedly altered both nucleation and growth kinetics. Irradiation with 29.6 J/ cm 2 UVA in the presence of RF photosensitizer caused relatively minor additional changes in fibrillation kinetics. Conclusions: These results collectively indicate that fibril formation is markedly dependent on specific ground state interactions and relatively insensitive to nonspecific UV damage. On the other hand, fibrils thus formed from photochemically altered collagen may have altered structural properties that could have subtle but unfavorable effects on the local dermal milieu in vivo. Notwithstanding, the relative insensitivity of fibrillogenesis to non-specific photochemical damage probably represents a favorable adaptation, overall, which tends to conserve the mechanical integrity of the skin.
Real-time task scheduling with overheads considered

n periodic tasks are to be processed by a single machine, where each task i has a maximum request rate or periodicity Fi, a processing time Ei, a deadline Di, relative to each request of task i, a task-request interrupt overhead Ii, and a task-independent scheduling overhead S. Two scheduling strategies are considered for sequencing the execution of an arbitrary arrangement of task requests in time: the preemptive and the nonpreemptive earliest-deadline algorithms. Necessary and sufficient conditions are derived for establishing whether a given set of tasks can be scheduled by each scheduling strategy. The conditions are given in the form of limited simulations of a small number of well-defined task-request arrangements. If all simulations succeed, the schedule is feasible for the given set of tasks. If any simulation fails, the schedule is infeasible. While interrupt handling and scheduling overheads can be handled by such simulations, context switching overhead resulting from preemption cannot. A counterexample illustrates how the simulations fail to uncover unschedulable task sets when context switching overhead is considered.
Prefrontal cortex hemispheric specialization for categorical and coordinate visual spatial memory

During visual spatial perception of multiple items, the left hemisphere has been shown to preferentially process categorical spatial relationships while the right hemisphere has been shown to preferentially process coordinate spatial relationships. We hypothesized that this hemispheric processing distinction would be reflected in the prefrontal cortex during categorical and coordinate visual spatial memory, and tested this hypothesis using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). During encoding, abstract shapes were presented in the left or right hemifield in addition to a dot at a variable distance from the shape (with some dots on the shape); participants were instructed to remember the position of each dot relative to the shape. During categorical memory retrieval, each shape was presented centrally and participants responded whether the previously corresponding dot was ‘on’ or ‘off’ of the shape. During coordinate memory retrieval, each shape was presented centrally and participants responded whether the previously corresponding dot was ‘near’ or ‘far’ from the shape (relative to a reference distance). Consistent with our hypothesis, a region in the left prefrontal cortex (BA10) was preferentially associated with categorical visual spatial memory and a region in the right prefrontal cortex (BA9/10) was preferentially associated with coordinate visual spatial memory. These results have direct implications for interpreting previous findings that the left prefrontal cortex is associated with source memory, as this cognitive process is categorical in nature, and the right prefrontal cortex is associated with item memory, as this process depends on the precise spatial relations among item features or components.
Losing a Father All Over Again: the Termination of an Analysis of an Adolescent Boy Suffering From Father Loss:

Criteria for beginning and conducting the termination phase of psychoanalysis have provoked debate and confusion from the early days of psychoanalysis. Gabbard (2009) has recently pointed to the field's tendency to cling to idealized versions of these criteria as a way to deal with disagreements. The situation becomes more complicated for child and adolescent psychoanalysts because their patients are in the midst of a developmental process at the very time they are engaged in a psychoanalytic process. The termination phase of an adolescent male suffering from father loss is presented in depth in order to provide clinical data toward further consideration of the vexing questions surrounding termination in psychoanalysis. His termination is used to examine the relative importance of losing the analyst as a transference object as against a developmental object; the meaning of action during termination; the complicating role of trauma vis-a-vis termination; and the importance of the post-termination phase of analysis. It is suggested that his termination phase demonstrates that a "good enough" termination involves the development of a self-analyzing capacity that continues to evolve and develop after termination.
The interaction of hydrophilic thiols with cadmium : investigation with a simple model, 3-mercaptopropionic acid

Abstract Environmental contamination by cadmium is widely recognized as a serious problem. All cadmium compounds are considered toxic and are regulated by the US Environmental Protection Agency. In organisms, thiols or organic sulfhydryl compounds are primarily involved in mobilizing and detoxifying cadmium through the formation of cadmium–thiol complexes inside the cell. This complexation is also of environmental importance because a variety of thiols are generated by biotic and abiotic processes in anaerobic environments, such as estuarine wetlands and coastal sediments, which have increasingly become the targets of metal pollution. We investigated the complexation of cadmium by 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA), using it as a simple model to better understand the potential pathways of cadmium transformations by hydrophilic thiols. Our results show that cadmium forms primarily 1:1 and 1:2 complexes with MPA in aqueous solutions at near-neutral pH values. While the dithio complex was highly soluble in water, the monothio complex rapidly precipitated from solution. Based on mass spectrometric and X-ray absorption spectroscopic data, we propose a cyclic, charge-neutralized structure for the monothio complex, and a linear ionic structure for the dithio complex. These results suggest that the type of complex formed is an important determinant of the mobility of cadmium.
On the nature of sonority in spoken word production: evidence from neuropsychology.

The concept of sonority – that speech sounds can be placed along a universal sonority scale that affects syllable structure – has proved valuable in accounting for a wide spectrum of linguistic phenomena and psycholinguistic findings. Yet, despite the success of this concept in specifying principles governing sound structure, several questions remain about sonority. One issue that needs clarification concerns its locus in the processes involved in spoken language production, and specifically whether sonority affects the computation of abstract word form representations (phonology), the encoding of context-specific features (phonetics), or both of these processes. This issue was examined in the present study investigating two brain-damaged individuals with impairment arising primarily from deficits affecting phonological and phonetic processes, respectively. Clear effects of sonority on production accuracy were observed in both individuals testing word onsets and codas in word production. These findings indicate that the underlying principles governing sound structure that are captured by the notion of sonority play a role at both phonological and phonetic levels of processing. Furthermore, aspects of the errors recorded from our participants revealed features of syllabic structure proposed under current phonological theories (e.g., articulatory phonology).
Comparative optical reflectance study of the superconducting KHg-graphite and CsBi x -graphite intercalation compounds

We report the results of a comparative optical reflectance study at room temperature of the stage-1 and stage-2 CsBi/sub x/ and KHg graphite intercalation compounds (GIC's) in the energy range 0.2--10 eV. A Kramers-Kronig analysis is carried out to determine the dielectric function epsilon(..omega..) = epsilon/sub 1/(..omega..)+epsilon/sub 2/(..omega..) and the intra- and interband contributions to epsilon(..omega..) are identified. The dielectric function for the respective compounds are analyzed in terms of a schematic density-of-states model involving contributions from two-dimensional graphite ..pi.. band(s) and intercalate bands. Separate contributions from the ..pi.. and intercalate electrons to the free-carrier plasma frequency are determined via the identification of the carbon ..pi --> pi../sup */ interband absorption threshold E/sub T/approx.2E/sub F/, where E/sub F/ is the Fermi energy measured with respect to the approximate mirror plane in the carbon ..pi..-band structure. The analysis of the optical data indicates that for CsBi/sub x/ GIC's, the electrical transport properties should be dominated by the light carbon ..pi..-band electrons in contrast to the KHg GIC's, where the analysis indicates the transport properties should strongly depend on free carriers in both the ..pi../sup */ and the intercalate band(s). In the case of KHg GIC's, our interpretation of the experimental resultsmore » are consistent with significant occupation of electronic states with Hg(6s) character. Our results suggest that nature of the superconductivity in the KHg and CsBi/sub x/ GIC's should be quite different.« less
Simulated effects of development on regional ground-water/surface-water interactions in the northern Coastal Plain of New Jersey

Abstract Stream flow in the Coastal Plain of New Jersey is primarily controlled by ground-water discharge. Ground-water flow in a 400 square mile area (1035 km2) of the Potomac-Raritan-Magothy aquifer system (PRMA) in the northern Coastal Plain of New Jersey was simulated to examine development effects on water resources. Simulations showed that historical development caused significant capture of regional ground-water discharge to streams and wetlands. The Cretaceous PRMA primarily is composed of fine to coarse sand, clays and silts which form the Upper and Middle aquifers and their confining units. The aquifer outcrops are the principal areas of recharge and discharge for the regional flow system and have many traversing streams and surface-water bodies. A quasi-three-dimensional numerical model that incorporated ground-water/surface-water interactions and boundary flows from a larger regional model was used to represent the PRMA. To evaluate the influence of ground-water development on interactions in different areas, hydrogeologically similar and contiguous model stream cells were aggregated as ‘stream zones’. The model representation of surface-water and ground-water interaction was limited in the areas of confining unit outcrops and because of this, simulated ground-water discharge could not be directly compared with base flow. Significant differences in simulated ground-water and surface-water interactions between the predevelopment and developed system, include; (1) redistribution of recharge and discharge areas; (2) reduced ground-water discharge to streams. In predevelopment, the primary discharge for the Upper and Middle aquifers is to low-lying streams and wetlands; in the developed system, the primary discharge is to ground-water withdrawals. Development reduces simulated ground-water discharge to streams in the Upper Aquifer from 61.4 to 10% of the Upper Aquifer hydrologic budget (28.9%, if impounded stream flow is included). Ground-water discharge to streams in the Middle Aquifer decreases from 80.0 to 22% of the Middle Aquifer hydrologic budget. The utility of assessing ground-water/surface-water interaction in a regional hydrogeologic system by simulation responses to development is demonstrated and which can compensate for lack of long-term stream-gaging data in determining management decisions.
Particle selectivity of pelagic tintinnid agglutination

Abstract Scanning electron microscopic observation reveals that several agglutinated, pelagic tintinnid taxa apparently possess a capability of incorporating specific mineral grains, such as monospecific coccoliths, for their loricae. Since the ocean water generally contains other coccolith taxa, as well as diatoms and clays, it seems possible that the tintinnids can single out a particular coccolithophore species from the variety of suspended matter for their loricae-building.
Morphogenesis and Cortical Ultrastructure of Brooklynella hostilis, a Dysteriid Ciliate Ectoparasitic on Marine Fishes*

SYNOPSIS. Morphogenesis, and the cortical structures of Brooklynella hostilis, a cyrtophorine gymnostome ciliate ectoparasitic on marine fishes, were studied from protargol silver-impregnated preparations and with the aid of electron microscopy. The pattern of morphogenesis of Brooklynella is close to that found in less differentiated species of the families Chlamydodontidae (e.g., in the genus Trithigmostoma) and Dysteriidae (e.g., in the genus Hartmanula). The full number of kineties in the opisthe is restored after division from a segment of the left one of the 3 kinetics producing the oral rows. The oral rows consist of a double row of kinetosomes arranged in a zig-zag pattern; only the outer row is ciliated, the inner one being barren. However, the positions of the postciliary and transverse fibers indicate that the oral rows are not homologs of an undulating membrane but are akin to a membranelle. In association with the ventral somatic kinetosomes there are 4 postciliary fibers; a rather aberrant, transversally oriented kinetodesma; 2 microtubular, transverse fibers plus a transverse fibrousspur; and one to several ribbons of subkinetal microtubular fibers. Not directly associated with the kinetosomes are fibrous strands running subpellicularly between the kinetosomes and also deep into the cytoplasm. The cortical structures of Brooklynella are compared with those of some other groups of ciliates of about the same phylogenetic level in which the subkinetal microtubules can also be found– rhynchodine, suctorian, and chonotrich ciliates. The nasse consists of 6–8 nematodesmata not closely associated with the microtubular cytopharyngeal tube. The former have a distinctly developed densely fibrous capitulum containing barren kinetosomes which originally produced the nematodesma during stomatogenesis; the capitulum is connected by a fibrous link to the microtubular shaft. Extending from the oral rows to the capitula are fibrous structures strongly reminiscent of filamentous reticulum in hymenostome and peritrich ciliates. The structure of the posterio-ventral glandular organelle is also described and discussed.
Functional outcome of en bloc excision and osteoarticular allograft replacement with the Sauve-Kapandji procedure for Campanacci grade 3 giant-cell tumor of the distal radius.

Purpose Multiple options have been reported for reconstruction of Campanacci grade 3 giant-cell tumor of the distal radius after resection. In 1990, the senior author described an allograft reconstruction combined with a Sauve-Kapandji procedure after distal radius resection and reported preliminary results in 3 patients. The purpose of this study was to assess with validated patient outcome surveys the intermediate to long-term outcomes of all patients treated with this surgery and to analyze their functional results and document tumor control. Methods All cases of distal radius osteoarticular allograft combined with the Sauve-Kapandji reconstruction for Campanacci grade 3 giant-cell tumors performed from 1986 to 2000 by a single surgeon were evaluated by clinical and radiologic examinations; the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire; the Short Form–36; and Mayo Wrist scores. Results Nine consecutive patients (7 women, 2 men) with an average age at follow-up evaluation of 42 years and with a Campanacci grade 3 giant-cell tumor of the distal radius formed the study population. Clinical follow-up time after reconstruction averaged 7 years. Examination showed an average of 51° of extension and 19° of flexion of the wrist and 63° of supination and 79° of pronation of the forearm. Grip strength measured in 5 patients averaged 23 kg. The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire; the Short Form–36; and the Mayo Wrist scores averaged 15, 72, and 73, respectively. These scores indicate modest functional impact. No patient had tumor recurrence, metastases, nonunion, or proximal ulna instability. Conclusions En bloc resection of a Campanacci grade 3 giant-cell tumor of the distal radius followed by reconstruction with an osteoarticular allograft and a Sauve-Kapandji procedure with autogenous bone graft results in a reasonable functional outcome at intermediate to long-term follow-up evaluation. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic IV.
Effects of fiber orientation on the stress distribution in model composites

A Raman-mechanical technique was used to study the relationship between stress distribution and fiber orientation in model composites. Our experimental data generally were consistent with most simplistic mechanical models. A more complete analysis, using the Eshelby equivalent inclusion method, fitted our experimental data exceptionally well. For large applied strains, compressive failure occurred for fibers which were oriented at high angles relative to the draw direction. This occurred because of the lateral shrinkage associated with the matrix when the sample was stretched. The effect of fiber end geometry on the stress distribution for these misaligned fibers was the same as observed earlier. Tapered-end fibers generally carried loads more efficiently in composites than blunt-end fibers.
Effect of electrolyte additives in improving the cycle and calendar life of graphite/Li1.1[Ni1/3Co1/3Mn1/3]0.9O2 Li-ion cells

Abstract Lithium-rich layered metal oxide Li 1.1 [Ni 1/3 Co 1/3 Mn 1/3 ] 0.9 O 2 was investigated as a potential positive electrode material for high-power batteries for hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) applications. In order to evaluate the power and life characteristics of the graphite/Li 1.1 [Ni 1/3 Co 1/3 Mn 1/3 ] 0.9 O 2 cell chemistry, hybrid pulse power characterization (HPPC) and accelerated calendar life tests were conducted on several pouch cells containing electrolytes with and without additives. The data show that the cells containing 0.5 wt% lithium bis(oxalate)borate (LiBOB) or vinyl ethyl carbonate (VEC) additives, or the novel lithium difluoro(oxalato)borate (LiDFOB) additive, have much improved cycle and calendar life performance.
The rejuvenation of testosterone: philosopher's stone or Brown-Séquard Elixir?

The rejuvenating properties of testosterone (and various other androgenic agents) have been utilized over several millennia (e.g. testicular extracts from animals were used by the Romans and the ancient Chinese for erectile dysfunction [ED]). However, the idea of hormonal rejuvenation really started in earnest with the acclaimed scientist and endocrinologist, Charles Brown-Sequard. Brown-Sequard regularly injected himself with testicular extracts from guinea pigs or dogs (i.e. the so-called Brown-Sequard Elixir) as a means of restoring vitality [Brown-Sequard, 1889]. More recently, testosterone itself has undergone its own rejuvenation due to increased awareness of its potential benefit in hypogonadism and various other medical states (e.g. HIV-related weight loss, glucocorticoid-treated men). In addition, new testosterone formulations have helped simplify therapy and are generally better tolerated than older regimens. The normal testis has two major functions: synthesis and secretion of androgenic hormones, particularly testosterone (~6mg/day), dihydro-testosterone (DHT), and androstenedione of Leydig cell origin; and production of mature spermatozoa in the seminiferous tubules. In the circulation, testosterone exists in a free (unbound) or bound form. The bound forms of testosterone are either weakly attached to albumin (which together with the free testosterone constitutes so-called bioavailable testosterone and is ~ 20–50% of total testosterone) or tightly bound (and acting like a reservoir for testosterone) to sex hormone—binding globulin (SHBG; ~50–80% of total testosterone). Only approximately 2% of circulating testosterone is ‘free’ and therefore able to enter the cell and exert its metabolic effects. Testosterone can also act as a prohormone by being converted to DHT (by 5-α reductase) or aromatized to estradiol (E2) in peripheral tissues [Matfin, 2009]. Testosterone (and DHT) exerts a variety of biologic effects in the male. In the male embryo, testosterone is essential for the appropriate differentiation of the internal and external genitalia, and it is necessary for descent of the testes in the fetus. Testosterone is essential to the development of primary and secondary male sex characteristics during puberty and for the maintenance of these characteristics during adult life. There is also convincing evidence that testosterone has important metabolic and vascular effects [Channer and Jones, 2003]. The synthesis and pulsatile release of the gonadotropic hormones (follicle stimulating hormone [FSH] and luteinizing hormone [LH]) from the anterior pituitary are regulated by gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which is synthesized by the hypothalamus. The production of testosterone by the Leydig cells is regulated by LH, whilst FSH binds to Sertoli cells stimulating spermatogenesis.
A multi-modal virtual environment with text-independent real-time speaker identification

We present a speaker identification method to support a multimodal virtual environment. Most virtual environments require real-time and text-independent recognition of human speakers in order to manage the dialogue between the virtual characters and human users in the environment. Being widely used in pattern recognition tasks, neural networks have also been applied in speaker recognition. In this project, we developed a realtime text-independent speaker identification system based on probabilistic neural network (PNN). PNNs supply flexibility and straightforward design which make the system easily operable along with the successful classification results. We were able to correctly identify 96% of the speakers, using 0.8 seconds of test samples from each speaker. In addition to the description of the system and the experimental results, the effects of the feature vectors and codebook sizes on the performance are provided.
Estimation of time course of active state of skeletal muscle twitch

A method is suggested for estimating the time course of the active state pulse from the shape of the mean tension-frequency plot. This method makes no assumptions about passive muscle-load dynamics. It does assume that the active state pulse is symmetrical and that the muscle-load system faithfully transmits the mean force. This method can be used to estimate changes in the active state pulse due to fatigue. >
Older Women Discuss Planning for Future Care Needs: An Explanatory Framework

Objective: This study expands upon existing narrative data concerning health care preparation by developing a multi-theme framework of plans for future care needs. Method: Inductive content analysi...
INITIAL CARBON, NITROGEN, AND PHOSPHORUS FLUXES FOLLOWING PONDEROSA PINE RESTORATION TREATMENTS

Southwestern ponderosa pine forests were dramatically altered by fire regime disruption that accompanied Euro-American settlement in the 1800s. Major changes include increased tree density, diminished herbaceous cover, and a shift from a frequent low- intensity fire regime to a stand-replacing fire regime. Ecological restoration via thinning and prescribed burning is being widely applied to return forests to the pre-settlement condition, but the effects of restoration on ecosystem function are unknown. We measured carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) fluxes during the first two years after the implementation of a replicated field experiment comparing thinning and composite (thin- ning, forest floor fuel reduction, and prescribed burning) restoration treatments to untreated controls in a ponderosa pine forest in northern Arizona, USA. Total net primary productivity (260 g C·m 22 ·yr 21 ) was similar among treatments because a 30-50% decrease in pine foliage and fine-root production in restored ecosystems was balanced by greater wood, coarse root, and herbaceous production. Herbaceous plants accounted for ,20% of total plant C, N, and P uptake in the controls but from 25% to 70% in restored plots. Total plant N uptake was ;3 g N·m 22 ·yr 21 in all treatments, but net N mineralization was just one-half and two- thirds of this value in the control and composite restoration, respectively. Element flux rates in controls generally declined more in a drought year than rates in restoration treat- ments. In this ponderosa pine forest, ecological restoration that emulated pre-settlement stand structure and fire characteristics had a small effect on plant C, N, and P fluxes at the whole ecosystem level because lower pine foliage and fine-root fluxes in treated plots (compared to controls) were approximately balanced by higher fluxes in wood and her-
Seeing and Hearing Double: The Influence of Mimicry in Speech and Gesture on Observers

How sensitive are we to mimicry in speech and gesture, and to what extent does observing mimicry affect our behavior? We addressed this question by asking whether participants who watched a video stimulus containing subtle instances of mimicry would adopt the mimicked features when describing the stimulus. Our participants watched one of four different video clips. The clips showed two people interacting, and contained varying degrees of verbal and gestural mimicry. Participants then described the stimulus, and their speech and gesture were analyzed. Participants who observed more mimicry reproduced more of the mimicked features in their descriptions—despite the fact that these cases of mimicry were quite subtle—indicating a high degree of sensitivity to mimicry.
The Biosynthesis of δ-Aminolaevulinic Acid in Plants

In animal and bacterial cells the first enzymic step unique to the tetrapyrrole biosynthetic pathway is the condensation of succinyl-CoA and glycine to yield δ-aminolaevulinic acid (ALA). The enzyme catalysing this reaction could not be detected in extracts from higher plants, or green or blue-green algae. Through the use of laevulinic acid, which competitively inhibits ALA dehydrase, and causes the accumulation of ALA in vivo , the ability of a number of specifically labelled 14 C radioactive compounds to label this ALA has been studied. Glycine and succinate are poor label donors, whereas α-ketoglutarate, glutamate and glutamine are able to donate 14 C to the ALA. Chemical degradation of the [ 14 C]ALA indicates that C 5 arises from C 1 of glutamate and the remaining four carbon atoms of the ALA arise from the remaining four carbon atoms of glutamate. This labelling pattern is incompatible with the succinyl-CoA-glycine condensation reaction and indicates a new pathway for ALA biosynthesis from the intact carbon skeleton of glutamate in greening plant tissues.
SENSORY‐SPECIFIC SATIETY FOR SELECTED BREAD PRODUCTS

Subjects rated the intensities of 42 different attributes for 26 different bread products. Principal component analysis was used to categorize the breads based on their attribute ratings. The first two principal components were interpreted as a richness dimension and a tzutrition@ber dimension. The injluence ?f these dimensions on sensory-specifc satiety in bred products was investigated. Subjects rusted and rated their liking of small portions of a set of breadproducts representative of the extremes of the richness dimension and the nutritiontjiber dimension before arid after eating a 400 calorie serving of one of the breads. Measurements of hunger were taken before and after the meal. Bread appeared resistant to sensoy-specific satiety. The richness of the breads did not affect the amount of sensoy-specifc satiety. The high nutritiontjiber breads decreased hunger and tended to decrease liking more than the low nutritionljber breads.
In Silico Evidence for DNA Polymerase-β’s Substrate-Induced Conformational Change

Structural information for mammalian DNA pol-β combined with molecular and essential dynamics studies have provided atomistically detailed views of functionally important conformational rearrangements that occur during DNA repair and replication. This conformational closing before the chemical reaction is explored in this work as a function of the bound substrate. Anchors for our study are available in crystallographic structures of the DNA pol-β in “open” (polymerase bound to gapped DNA) and “closed” (polymerase bound to gapped DNA and substrate, dCTP) forms; these different states have long been used to deduce that a large-scale conformational change may help the polymerase choose the correct nucleotide, and hence monitor DNA synthesis fidelity, through an “induced-fit” mechanism. However, the existence of open states with bound substrate and closed states without substrates suggest that substrate-induced conformational closing may be more subtle. Our dynamics simulations of two pol-β/DNA systems (with/without substrates at the active site) reveal the large-scale closing motions of the thumb and 8-kDa subdomains in the presence of the correct substrate—leading to nearly perfect rearrangement of residues in the active site for the subsequent chemical step of nucleotidyl transfer—in contrast to an opening trend when the substrate is absent, leading to complete disassembly of the active site residues. These studies thus provide in silico evidence for the substrate-induced conformational rearrangements, as widely assumed based on a variety of crystallographic open and closed complexes. Further details gleaned from essential dynamics analyses clarify functionally relevant global motions of the polymerase-β/DNA complex as required to prepare the system for the chemical reaction of nucleotide extension.
Driver sitting comfort and discomfort (part II): Relationships with and prediction from interface pressure

Abstract Pressure at the driver–seat interface has been used as an objective method to assess seat design, yet existing evidence regarding its efficacy is mixed. The current study examined associations between three subjective ratings (overall, comfort, and discomfort) and 36 measures describing driver–seat interface pressure, and identified pressure level, contact area, and ratio (local to global) variables that could be effectively used to improve subjective responses. Each of 27 participants was involved in six separate driving sessions which included combinations of two seats (from vehicles ranked high and low on overall comfort), two vehicle classes (sedan and SUV), and two driving venues (lab-based and field). Several pressure variables were identified as more effective for assessing sitting comfort and discomfort across a range of individual statures. Based on the results, specific approaches are recommended to improve the sitting experience: (1) lower pressure ratios at the buttocks and higher pressure ratios at the upper and lower back; and (2) balanced pressure between the bilateral buttocks, and between the lower and upper body. Finally, separate analyses supported that human–seat interface pressure was more strongly related with overall and comfort ratings than with discomfort ratings. Relevance to industry Several interface pressure variables were identified that showed associations with subjective responses during sitting. Use of these measures is suggested to improve the quality of car seats.
Toward a Unified Theory of Generalized Functions: Convergence

Generalized functions are usually treated as bounded linear functionals on spaces of test functions. Here they are considered as objects which „convolute” with test functions and satisfy a certain associativity condition. In this setting simple definitions are given for convergence of sequences of test functions and generalized functions, definitions which do not depend on particular properties of the space of test functions. It is shown that for the most commonly used spaces, these general definitions reduce to the standard ones.
Rainrate estimation in the presence of hail using S-band specific differential phase

Multiparameter radar measurements were made during a heavy rainfall event accompanied by hail in Colorado. Rainfall rates (R) and accumulation for this event were estimated using S-band specific differential phase (K/sub DP/), effective reflectivity factor (Z/sub H/), and X-band specific attenuation (A/sub H3/). These estimates were compared with measurements from a ground based raingage. Both R-K/sub DP/ and R-A/sub H3/ relations were in good agreement with the raingage data, i.e., less than 10% difference in the rainfall accumulations. The R-Z relation produced similar results only when Z/sub H/ was truncated at 55 dBZ. This study demonstrates the potential of K/sub DP/ for estimating rainfall rates in severe storms that may have rain-hail mixtures. >
Role of steric interactions in the delta opioid receptor selectivity of [D-Pen2, D-Pen5]enkephalin.

In order to assess the individual effects of each of the 3-methyl groups in residue 2 of [D-Pen’, D-Pen’lenkephalin on binding affinity to mu and delta opioid receptors, (2S,3S)methylcysteine ((3S)Me-~-Cys) and (2S,3R)methylcysteine ((3R)Me-D-Cys) were synthesized and incorporated into the analogs, [(3S)Me-~-Cys’, ~-Pen’]enkephalin and [(3R)Me-~-Cys’, D-Pen’lenkephalin. Of these analogs, [(3S)Me-~-Cys’, ~-Pen’]enkephalin appears from ’H n.m.r. spectra to assume a conformation similar to those of [D-Pen‘, ~-Pen’]enkephalin and the less delta receptor-selective, but more potent, [D-CYS’, ~-Pen’]enkephalin. Assessment of binding affinity to mu and delta receptors revealed that [(3S)Me-o-Cys2, D-Pen’Jenkephalin exhibits delta receptor affinity intermediate between (D-Pen’, D-Pen’lenkephalin and [D-CYS’, ~-Pen’]enkephalin, while its mu receptor affinity is similar to that of [D-CYS~, ~-Pen’]enkephalin. These results suggest that, for [D-Pen’, ~-Pen’]enkephalin, adverse steric interactions between the D-Pen? pro-R methyl group and the mu receptor binding site lead to the low mu receptor binding affinity observed for this analog. By contrast, both the pro-R and pro-S D-Pen’ methyl groups lead to minor steric interactions which contribute to the somewhat lower delta receptor affinity of this compound. Key w’urcis: enkephalins; ’ H n.m.r.; steric effects; structure-activity; structure-selectivity
Cardiorespiratory abnormalities during epileptic seizures

Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is a leading cause of death in young and otherwise healthy patients with epilepsy, and sudden death is at least 20 times more common in epilepsy patients as compared to patients without epilepsy. A significant proportion of patients with epilepsy experience cardiac and respiratory complications during seizures. These cardiorespiratory complications are suspected to be a significant risk factor for SUDEP. Sleep physicians are increasingly involved in the care of epilepsy patients and a recognition of these changes in relation to seizures while a patient is under their care may improve their awareness of these potentially life-threatening complications that may occur during sleep studies. This paper details these cardiopulmonary changes that take place in relation to epileptic seizures and how these changes may relate to the occurrence of SUDEP.
Breastfeeding and Maternal Smoking

I wish to address the statement regarding maternal smoking and breastfeeding. In your article, it states, “Maternal smoking is not an absolute contraindication to breastfeeding but should be strongly discouraged, because it is associated with an increased incidence in infant respiratory allergy.” After this false information, you have cited reference 102. I scrolled down to the …
Retention, Social Promotion, and Academic Redshirting What Do We Know and Need to Know?

State and district accountability systems are increasingly including retention in grade for young students who do not demonstrate adequate reading achievement levels. This article examines the research on the effectiveness of retention and other responses, including social promotion, and the growing parental practice of “academic redshirting” of children by delaying their entry into kindergarten. Recommendations for future research are discussed.
Extending models of conflict and intent dynamics in narrative-based virtual worlds

In this paper, we describe ongoing work in the Liquid Narrative group extending computational models of narrative structure. The work looks specifically at two elements of narrative structure that have seen little explicit attention: conflict and intent revision. Our approach employs a planning-based model to represent the plans build and operated upon by characters within a story and an explicit cognitive model of the narrative we expect users to build as a result of viewing or participating in the story. This work has potential impact on the creation of new types of narrative-based interactions within computer games and other virtual worlds.
Study of reactive power/voltage sensitivities in interconnected power system networks

The strong coupling between bus voltages and reactive power injections has been widely used in steady state power flow algorithms. In the Newton-Raphson formulation the Jacobian matrix represents small-signal sensitivities relating real and reactive power injections to bus phase angles and voltage magnitudes respectively [1]. Decoupled approaches neglect real power-voltage and reactive power-phase angle relationships. While running the power flow analysis, the generator busses, where the real power injection and voltage magnitude are specified a priori, are changed to load busses with the voltage specification dropped if reactive power limits are violated. The papers describing optimal reactive power scheduling methods follow a similar procedure for evaluating appropriate generator reactive power levels [2]. Direct relationships between bus voltage and reactive power injection limits leading to useful sensitivities are derived in this paper using a line-voltage-drop model. Additional relationships between bus injection and line reactive flows become available in this approach. The paper presents detailed derivation of the new relationships, and applies the procedure to a typical power system network. The results illustrate the practical usefulness of the new approach in determining the limits on reactive power injection for a given bus voltage in generator busses. The conclusions outline future application of the approach for developing new reactive power optimization algorithms.
Effects of forest structure on radar response to forest biomass

Recent experimental data collected by airborne imaging radars has shown, that for a given forest type, radar backscattering coefficient /spl sigmaspl deg/ has a power-law dependence upon aboveground biomass. These data also demonstrate that this dependence is frequency and polarization dependent. A first-order, vector radiative transfer model, MIMICS, is used to investigate polarimetric backscatter from forests. The model results show that the observed frequency and polarization effects are determined by forest structural properties. The model is used to examine the scattering behaviors of several structurally dissimilar vegetation archetypes: (1) herbaceous, (2) woody shrubs and (3) woody trees. Three structural growth forms of woody trees are investigated: (1) columnar, (2) excurrent and (3) decurrent. The model shows each archetype to yield distinctive scattering behaviors as functions of frequency and polarization. These results are compared to AIRSAR observations of each archetype at P-, L- and C-bands. Structural classification of vegetation is shown to be possible and is found to be an important component of forest biomass retrieval algorithms. >
Factors limiting the electrochemical performance of oxide cathodes

Abstract An overview of the current understanding of the factors limiting the electrochemical performances of the layered, spinel, and olivine oxide cathodes is presented with a particular focus on the chemical and structural instabilities. The wide variations in the reversible capacity limits of LiMO 2 layered oxide cathodes (140 mA h/g for LiCoO 2 vs 160–200 mA h/g for LiNi 1/3 Mn 1/3 Co 1/3 O 2 and LiNi 0.5 Mn 0.5 O 2 ) could be explained on the basis of differences in chemical instabilities arising from an overlap of M n +/( n +1)+ :3d and O 2− :2p bands. Degree of cation disorder and lithium extraction rate are found to influence the type of phases formed for the chemically delithiated Li 1− x MO 2 and the electrochemical rate capability. On the other hand, the lattice parameter difference between the two cubic phases formed during the charge–discharge process is found to play a significant role on the capacity retention, rate capability, and storage characteristics of the spinel oxide cathodes in addition to the well-known Mn dissolution problem. Despite excellent structural and chemical stabilities, the olivine LiFePO 4 suffers from poor electrical conductivity and consequent low rate capability.
THE EFFECT OF INJECTION AND SUCTION ON THE INTERFACIAL MASS TRANSPORT RESISTANCE IN A PROTON EXCHANGE MEMBRANE FUEL CELL AIR CHANNEL

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells are efficient and environmentally friendly electrochemical engines. The present work focuses on air channels that bring the oxidant air into the cell. Characterization of the oxygen concentration drop from the channel to the gas diffusion layer (GDL)-channel interface is a need in the modeling community. This concentration drop is expressed with the non-dimensional Sherwood number (Sh). At the aforementioned interface, the air can have a non-zero velocity normal to the interface: injection of air to the channel and suction of air from the channel. A water droplet in the channel can constrict the channel cross section and lead to a flow through the GDL. In this numerical study, a rectangular air channel, GDL, and a stationary droplet on the GDL-channel interface are simulated to investigate the Sh under droplet induced injection/suction conditions. The simulations are conducted with a commercially available software package, COMSOL Multiphysics. NOMENCLATURE
THE LABORATORY DIAGNOSIS OF CYTOMEGALOVIRUS INFECTIONS

Rapid and accurate diagnosis of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is imperative with the advent of effective antiviral therapy (gangiclovir, foscarnet, CMV hyperimmune globin). Applications of conventional cell culture (CC), shell vial assay (SV), serological testing, antigenemia assay (AG) as well as molecular methods [polymerase chain reaction (PCR), branch DNA (b-DNA) and hybrid capture (HC)] to various patient populations and specimen types are discussed. A three year study of 670 specimens [354 urines, 205 peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs), 56 upper respiratory and 55 tissues] compared CMV CC and SV isolation rates. Of the total, 124 (18.5%) were positive by either or both techniques. For each specimen type the number of positives detected by SV was greater than CC (urine 28 vs 15, PBLs, 12 vs 2). However, of 124 positives, 21 were solely CC positive. A comparison of SV to AG in 230 PBLs yielded a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 68.3%. The low specificity when compared to SV may be due to the increased sensitivity of AG. Fifty-nine PBLs were examined for differing immunostaining techniques [immunoperoxidase (IP) vs Immunofluorescence (IF)]. IF stained PBLs showed an increased number of positive cells per preparation and greater stain intensity for ease of interpretation.
Direct Control of Simulated Nonhuman Characters

A proposed system lets users directly control simulated self-propelled characters. Users drag a mouse to guide the character, while a physics simulation determines the motion. On the basis of the user input, the system computes an actuator command that causes the character to follow the user's intention as closely as possible while respecting the underlying physics. This direct control can be more intuitive than methods such as controlling character joints to track a given joint trajectory or using keyframes, especially when physically plausible dynamic motions are desired. With the system, users have created realistic motions of various kinds of characters, including rigid characters, characters with deformable bodies and rigid skeletons, and self-locomoting characters whose bodies form closed loops. The Web extras are screen-captured demos of algorithms for creating dynamic motions on various kinds of characters, and the resulting character animations. You can also view the videos on YouTube here: Part 1, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aD891Qub8kU; Part 2, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tqUDijvzZc.
Myocardial ischemia induces the release of substance P from cardiac afferent neurons in rat thoracic spinal cord

Antibody-coated microprobes were inserted into the thoracic (T3–4) spinal cord in urethane-anesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats to detect the differences in the release of immunoreactive substance P-li...