cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ag@SnO2 core–shell material for use in fast-response ethanol sensor at room operating temperature

Abstract A nano-composite core–shell Ag@SnO 2 material was synthesized by chemical reduction and characterized by temperature-programmed reduction (TPR), UV–visible reflective spectroscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). SnO 2 , Ag/SnO 2 and Ag@SnO 2 were used to sense ethanol (C 2 H 5 OH) in an ethanol gas detection system. The SnO 2 material under 200 ppm ethanol gas exhibited a sensor response ( S = R air / R ethanol = (resistance of sensor signal of air)/(resistance of sensor signal of ethanol gas)), response time ( t 90 ) and recovery time ( t R90 ) were 1.54, 54 s and 85 s, respectively. Ag@SnO 2 materials had an improved sensor response of 2.24, with a shortened response time ( t 90 ) and recovery time ( t R90 ) of 34 s and 68 s, respectively. The bond strength between ethanol gas and the Ag@SnO 2 on which was adsorbed, determined by van der Waal's forces, and was calculated for a case in which more than 20 molecules were adsorbed. The mechanism of the sensing of ethanol gas, based on its adsorption, its reaction on the surface and its desorption is presented.
Novel membrane technology for food and water monitoring

The need exists to improve sensitivity of detection of toxic pollutants and pathogenic microorganisms, ensuring food and water safety. Developing methods that would increase antibody binding surface area and/or improve the sampling process by specifically concentrating the analyte of interest from the diluted extracted food sample would increase the chances of finding and detecting food pathogens and their toxins. Our approach to improve sensitivity was to generate high surface nanofibrous membranes with covalently attached molecular recognition elements (MREs, e.g. antibodies and peptides) for the selective capture of target analytes through the use of electrospinning. Electrospinning is a process by which high static voltages are used to produce an interconnected membrane-like web of small fibers with diameters ranging from 50-1000 nanometers. These nanofibrous membranes can have surface areas approximately one to two orders of magnitude higher than those found in continuous films. The association of MREs with electrospun fibers presents the opportunity for developing both biosensor detection platforms with increased surface area and membrane concentrators. It is expected that the available surface area demonstrated by this technique will provide increased sensitivity, capture efficiency and fast response time in sensing applications. Antibodies and peptide-based receptors were selectively immobilized onto these nanoporous membranes for bioaffinity capture. Initial results involving fluorescent and chemiluminescent imaging for quantifying attachment and activity in association with the electrospinning process will be discussed.
Institutional review board-based recommendations for medical institutions pursuing protocol approval for facial transplantation.

Background:Preliminary outcomes from the previous nine face transplants performed since 2005 have been encouraging and have therefore led to a rise in the number of medical centers interested in establishing face transplant programs worldwide. However, until now, very little literature has been publ
Fiber-based Bessel beams with controllable diffraction-resistant distance.

We experimentally generate n=0 Bessel beams via higher-order cladding mode excitation with a long period fiber grating. Our method allows >99% conversion efficiency, wide or narrow conversion bandwidth, and accurate control of the number of rings in the beam. This latter property is equivalent to tuning the beam cone angle and allows for control of width and propagation distance of the center spot. We generate Bessel-like beams from LP0,5 to LP0,15 cladding modes and measure their propagation-invariant characteristics as a function of mode order, which match numerical simulations and a simple geometric model. This yields a versatile tool for tuning depth of focus out of fiber tips, with potential uses in endoscopic microscopy.
Adsorption of mixed vapors on solids. II. Cab-O-Sil

Abstract The adsorption isotherms for ethanol-cyclohexane, ethanol-benzene, and benzene-cyclohexane vapor mixtures on Cab-O-Sil at 20, 30, and 40°C were measured at constant total pressure. The adsorption isotherms for the pure components were also obtained. The amounts of the pure vapors adsorbed on Cab-O-Sil followed the order ethanol > benzene > cyclohexane. Isosteric heats of adsorption and BET cross sectional areas were calculated for the pure adsorbates on Cab-O-Sil. The data indicated that the three adsorbates do not form close-packed monolayers on the Cab-O-Sil surface. The binary vapor adsorption isotherms were compared to the pure component isotherms. In several instances, the amounts of the components adsorbed from the mixtures were greater than from the pure states. For the Cab-O-Sil systems, selective adsorption of ethanol occurred from ethanol-cyclohexane and ethanol-benzene mixtures; benzene was selectively adsorbed from benzene-cyclohexane mixtures. The temperature dependence of the selectivity for the systems studied followed no consistent trend. Comparison of the binary vapor adsorption isotherms with the analogous solution adsorption isotherms indicated that selectivity is generally higher in adsorption from solution. The experimental binary vapor adsorption isotherms were compared to those calculated from the pure vapor adsorption isotherms using the ideal adsorbed solution model. It was found that the adsorbed solutions were ideal or slightly nonideal for all three mixtures on Cab-O-Sil. It was concluded that the ideal adsorbed solution model is a useful one for predicting binary vapor adsorption equilibria.
Robot Assembly: Another Source of Nonholonomic Control Problems

Assembly problems require that a robot with a few actuated degrees of freedom manipulate an environment with a greater number of unactuated degrees of freedom. Since the dynamical coupling between degrees of freedom in this setting is a function of their relative configuration, the motion of such systems is subject to constraints that preclude smooth feedback stabilization. This paper explores the extent to which assembly planning and control may be effected by recourse to some other methodical means of generating stabilizing feedback controllers. A partial solution is offered for a very simple assembly problem involving an intermittent dynamical environment.
Expression of Receptors for Pituitary-Type Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone (pGHRH-R) in Human Papillary Thyroid Cancer Cells: Effects of GHRH Antagonists on Matrix Metalloproteinase-2

Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is the most prevalent of all endocrine cancers. In recent studies, the presence of receptors for pituitary-type growth hormone-releasing hormone (pGHRH-R) has been demonstrated in various human cancers, including human prostate, brain, and other cancer lines. Thyroid malignancies, however, have not yet been investigated in this regard. In this study, we found that pGHRH-R and its functional splice variant, SV1, are present in normal thyroid and PTC cells. We also treated seven normal and PTC tumor thyroid cells in vitro with a GHRH antagonist, MIA-602, to compare its anti-proliferation and anti-invasion potential against vehicle-treated cells. We found that treatment with GHRH antagonist increases the expression of SV1 and pGHRH-R in tumor cells compared to tumor cells exposed to vehicle only, a response which may alter the sensitivity of signaling kinases within the cells. GHRH antagonist treatment of tumor cells also reduced activity of the tumor invasion marker, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, compared to tumor cells exposed to vehicle only. The expression of pGHRH-R and SV1, as well as MMP-2 activity, in normal thyroid cells remained unaffected by GHRH antagonist treatment. Similarly, cell proliferation rates for tumor or normal thyroid cells were not affected by GHRH antagonist treatment. Our findings have important implications for the therapeutic use of GHRH antagonist in cases of aggressive PTC refractory to conventional treatment modalities, and in which protein expression and MMP-2 activity in normal thyroid tissue is left unaltered.
Severe "sweet" pleural effusion in a continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patient.

Introduction Hydrothorax is a rare complication of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) which can progress quickly to cause acute respiratory distress.
Historical perspective and advances in the treatment of multiple myeloma

Corticosteroids and melphalan were used for decades to treat multiple myeloma. Combination chemotherapy has been extensively studied with similar overall survival rates to melphalan and prednisone. In the last decade, the development of new agents has progressed significantly. Thalidomide and its newer derivatives lenalidomide, bortezomib, and pegylated liposomal doxorubicin have drastically revolutionized treatment approaches. As a result, numerous clinical trials have yielded exciting treatment strategies resulting in therapeutic advances, and improved responses and overall survival of patients. This review summarizes the international uniform response criteria for multiple myeloma and gives a historical perspective on previous therapies with updates on the newest available treatments.
Temperature-programmed desorption and decomposition of NH3 over molybdenum nitride films

The surfaces of β-Mo16N7, γ-Mo2N, and δ-MoN films were characterized using NH3 temperature-programmed desorption (TPD). Ammonia adsorption at ∼ 280 K and TPD using a heating rate of 6 K/s produced NH3 peaks at ∼ 360 K. The desorption kinetics depended on the structure and composition of the film. Ammonia desorption from the β-Mo16N7 and γ-Mo2N films was first-order; however, desorption from the δ-MoN film appeared to be second-order. Assuming a pre-exponential factor of 1013 s−1, the desorption energy for the β-Mo16N7 and γ-Mo2N films was 22 kcal/mol. The NH3 saturation capacity increased in the following order: δ-MoN < β-Mo16N7 < γ-Mo2N. This order is similar to that expected for the Mo surface atom density. Some of the NH3 decomposed into H2 and N2. Two H2 desorption peaks were produced: a low-temperature peak due to recombination of surface hydrogen and a high-temperature peak due to hydrogen that emerged from the nitride subsurface. The N2 desorption spectrum consisted of a peak at ∼ 340 K and several peaks in the range 500–900 K. 15NH3 TPD experiments indicated that the low-temperature N2 desorption peak was due to NH3 decomposition while the origin of the high-temperature peaks was the nitride itself. The amount of N2 that desorbed in this high-temperature envelope increased with increasing NH3 dose. We believe that nitrogen desorption from the nitride was induced by the presence of hydrogen which altered the MoN bonding. Ammonia desorption and decomposition spectra for the films were similar to those for a series of bulk γ-Mo2N powders. Characteristics of the γ-Mo2N film resembled those of the low-surface-area powder (< 20 m2/g), while the behavior of the β-Mo16N7 and δ-MoN films was similar to that for the higher-surface-area powders.
Regulation of parathyroid hormone-related protein gene expression in murine keratinocytes by E1A isoforms: a role for basal promoter and Ets-1 site.

Abstract PTHrP gene expression was evaluated in a murine keratinocyte line, Pam 212K, transformed with E1A and ras. We found that the 12S-E1A oncogene, with or without ras transformation, markedly reduced PTHrP mRNA expression. Using transient transfection assays, we found that the 12S isoform repressed activity from a 5′PTHrP-driven reporter gene. E1A-induced repression of PTHrP reporter constructs appears to be mediated by sequences within minimal promoter region. The 13S-E1A isoform did not repress PTHrP reporter gene activity, and a 13S-deletion mutant that lacked the repressor domains activated a subset of reporter constructs. Mutation of an Ets-1 binding site upstream of the basal promoter substantially decreased activation of reporter constructs by this 13S-deletion mutant. These findings suggest that the E1A oncoprotein may serve as a model for both activation and repression of PTHrP gene expression.
Dynamic impedance of two-dimensional superconducting films near the superconducting transition

The sheet impedances, $Z(\ensuremath{\omega},T),$ of several superconducting $a\ensuremath{-}{\mathrm{Mo}}_{77}{\mathrm{Ge}}_{23}$ films and one ${\mathrm{I}\mathrm{n}/\mathrm{I}\mathrm{n}\mathrm{O}}_{x}$ film have been measured in zero field using a two-coil mutual inductance technique at frequencies from 100 Hz to 100 kHz. $Z(\ensuremath{\omega},T)$ is found to have three contributions: the inductive superfluid, renormalized by nonvortex phase fluctuations; conventional vortex-antivortex pairs, whose contribution turns on very rapidly just below the Kosterlitz-Thouless-Berezinskii (KTB) unbinding temperature; and an anomalous contribution. The latter is predominantly resistive, persists well below the KTB temperature, and is weakly dependent on frequency down to remarkably low frequencies, at least 100 Hz. It increases with T as ${e}^{\ensuremath{-}{U}^{\ensuremath{'}}{(T)/k}_{B}T},$ where the activation energy, ${U}^{\ensuremath{'}}(T),$ is about half the energy to create a vortex-antivortex pair, indicating that the frequency dependence is that of individual excitations, rather than critical behavior.
Evidence for the existence of an androgen binding protein in hydatidiform mole vesicles.

Extracts of hydatidiform mole vesicles and the fluid contained in these vesicles were shown to contain a trophoblastic androgen binding protein. This protein was found to be distinct from serum testosterone-estradiol binding globulin (TEBG) by its isoelectric point, its affinity for dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and by Concanavalin A binding. The elution pH of this binding protein was shown to be 4.6, whereas that of TEBG was pH 5.2–5.3. The apparent dissociation constant (Kd app) for TEBG as determined by Scatchard analysis was 2.0 × 10-9 M, whereas the Kd app for the trophoblastic binding protein after isoelectric focusing was 1.5 × 10-10 M. A second binding protein found in both vesicular extracts and mole fluid was shown to have an isoelectric elution value (pH 5.2) similar to TEBG and an Kd app of 1.7 × 10-9 M DHT, very close to the TEBG value. Apparent equilibration for both proteins with DHT was shown to occur in approximately 4 h, and both proteins were shown to be high affinity, low capacity binders....
The three faces of profilin

Actin is the major cytoskeletal protein of most eukaryotic cells, and filamentous actin structures are often the primary determinants of cell shape and movement. The polymerization and depolymerization of actin filaments inside nonmuscle cells are highly regulated, both spatially and temporally, to give the cell the ability to rearrange its cytoskeleton drastically within minutes in response to external stimuli or at certain points in the cell cycle. To harness and steerthe inherent dynamic propertiesof the actin polymer, the cell relies on a plethora of actin-binding proteins, of which over 100 have been identified. One of the most dramatic effects of actin-binding proteins in the cell is to inhibit filament formation. The critical concentration of pure ATP-bound actin is about 0.2 PM, and actin in a test tube will polymerize until the free actin monomer concentration falls to this level. Nevertheless, most cells maintain a pool of unpolymerized actin of about 50-200 PM. There are at least two plausible mechanisms for how the cell might limit filament growth: filament nucleation sites might be blocked so that the monomers have nothing to grow off, or actin monomer might be sequestered in a nonpolymerizable form so that filaments have nothing to grow with. Although there is evidence that many filament ends are blocked inside cells, this alone cannot quantitatively account for the high steady-state concentration of monomer. Furthermore, elegant microinjection experiments have shown that free nucleation sites are not elongated in resting cells (Sanders and Wang, 1990). Thus, sequestration of actin monomer is very important to the regulation of the actin cytoskeleton in vivo. Since cells often grow new filaments with astonishing rapidity, for example, during locomotion or upon platelet activation, they must also have the ability to desequester monomers efficiently in a regulated fashion. Profilin is a ubiquitous actin-monomer binding protein whose three-dimensional structure has recently been determined (Schutt et al., 1993; Vinson et al., 1993). Profilin homologs are present in organisms ranging from fungi and amoebae through trees and mammals. Evidence, discussed in this review, suggests that profilin is unique in having both positive and negative effects on polymerization and that it appears to act both as a sequestering agent and as a desequestering agent. Profilin was originally identified as a component of cell extracts that inhibited actin filament growth in vitro (Carlsson et al., 1977). For many years, profilin was assumed to be the major sequestering factor in most cells, and sequestering was considered to be profilin’s primary function (Figure 1A). However, there is not nearly enough profilin M inireview
Messenger RNA splicing in vitro: An excised intervening sequence and a potential intermediate

Four RNA products have been characterized from a soluble system that accurately splices purified substrate RNA. The labeled substrate RNA contained the first and second exons of the major late transcription unit of adenovirus 2 and a shortened form of the first intervening sequence. One of these RNA products was the excised intervening sequence which accumulated quantitatively with the level of splicing. This RNA species has an unusual structure and is modified at internal sites. A potential intermediate in the splicing pathway which is cleaved at the 5' splice site of the first exon has been isolated. This RNA species is also modified at sites within the first intervening sequence. These results suggest that the splicing of mRNA precursors may involve sites in the intervening sequence, cleavage at the 5' splice site, cleavage at the 3' splice site, and ligation of the two exons.
Purification and characterization of the d-xylose isomerase gene from Escherichia coli

Abstract A DNA fragment containing both the Escherichia coli d -xylose isomerase ( d -xylose ketol-isomerase, EC 5.3.1.5) gene and the d -xylulokinase (ATP: d -xylulose 5-phosphotransferase, EC 2.7.1.17) gene has been cloned on an E. coli plasmid. The d -xylose isomerase gene was separated from the d -xylulokinase gene by the construction of a new deletion plasmid, pLX7. The d -xylose isomerase gene cloned on pLX7 was found still to be an intact gene. The precise location of the d -xylose isomerase gene on the plasmid pLX7 was further determined by the construction of two more plasmids, pLX8 and pLX9. This is believed to be the first d -xylose isomerase gene that has been isolated and extensively purified from any organism. d -Xylose isomerase, the enzyme product of the d -xylose isomerase gene, is responsible for the conversion of d -xylose to d -xylulose, as well as d -glucose to d -fructose. It is widely believed that yeast cannot ferment d -xylose to ethanol primarily because of the lack of d -xylose isomerase in yeast. d -Xylose isomerase (also known as d -glucose isomerase) is also used for the commercial production of high-fructose syrups. The purification of the d -xylose isomerase gene may lead to the following industrial applications: (1) cloning and expression of the gene in yeast to make the latter organism capable of directly fermenting d -xylose to ethanol, and (2) cloning of the gene on a high-copy-number plasmid in a proper host to overproduce the enzyme, which should have a profound impact on the high-fructose syrup technology.
Conflict and compromise among borderland identities in northern Italy

Borderlands are dominated by the interplay, overlap and competition of larger national identities. This paper examines the interaction of separate national, regional and local identities in two borderland regions of Northern Italy: the Alto-Adige/Suudtirol region and the Julian region (which includes the city of Trieste). The main argument is that the histories of these two borderland regions have rendered a mixture of incompatible identities. While these identities continue to rival one another, there is a possibility that changes in ethnic attitudes and macro-developments, including the strengthening of the European Union, may allow for the creation of a distinct borderland identity. This identity would exist in conjunction with the identities that exist at larger and smaller spatial scales.
Real-time monitoring of the growth of the nasal septal cartilage and the nasofrontal suture.

Introduction The nasal septum is thought to be a primary growth cartilage for the midface and, as such, has been implicated in syndromes involving midfacial hypoplasia. However, this internal structure is difficult to study directly. The aims of this study were to provide direct, continuous measurements of the growth of the nasal septal cartilage and to compare these with similar measurements of the nasofrontal suture to test whether the growth of the cartilage precedes the growth of the suture and whether the growth of the septal cartilage is constant or episodic. Methods Ten Hanford minipigs were used. Linear displacement transducers were implanted surgically in the septal cartilage and across the nasofrontal suture. Length measurements of the cartilage and suture were recorded telemetrically each minute for several days. Results The growth rate of the nasal septal cartilage (0.07% ± 0.03% length/h) was significantly higher than that of the suture (0.03% ± 0.02% length/h) (P = 0.004). The growth of both structures was episodic with alternating periods of growth (5-6 per day) and periods of stasis or shrinkage. No diurnal variation in growth of the cartilage was detected. Conclusions These results are consistent with the notion that growth of the septal cartilage might drive growth of the nasofrontal suture. Growth of the midface is episodic rather than constant.
Partial irradiation of the rectum.

Data gathered from dose escalation protocols for the treatment of prostate cancers conducted in the past 10 years have shown that rectal toxicity can be controlled by the use of careful conformal techniques. The most severe complications of rectal irradiation (obstruction and fistula requiring colostomy) have been essentially eliminated. The most frequent gastrointestinal complications of conformal radiotherapy of prostate cancer are now rectal bleeding associated with telangiectatic changes to the vasculature of the submucosa, and in severe cases, ulceration requiring cautery procedures and or transfusion. The benefits of 3-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) are strongly technique dependent, with a strong dose response for single techniques for prescription doses over 70 Gy. Studies of rectal motion show that the anterior wall can move ≈1 cm during treatment, so portions of the anterior rectal wall will regularly receive the full prescription dose if posterior margin sizes ≥ 1 cm are used in designing the planning target volume (PTV). There is strong evidence that increased rectal shielding and posterior PTV margin sizes ≈0.6 cm reduce rectal complication rates. Despite uncertainties due to rectal motion, studies of dose-volume histograms (DVHs) show that rectal toxicity is strongly influenced by the percent volumes of rectal wall exposed to doses ≈70 Gy and higher. Recent data suggests that percent volumes of rectal wall exposed doses between 40 to 50 Gy, and the existence of a reserve of unexposed tissue may also play a role in determining rectal bleeding rates.
Optimal control theory for optical waveguide design: application to Y-branch structures

A recently introduced optimal control theory method for optical waveguide design is applied to Y-branch waveguides and Mach-Zehnder modulators. The method simultaneously optimizes many parameters in a chosen design scheme; computational effort scales mildly with the number of parameters considered. Significant improvement in guiding efficiency relative to intuitively reasonable initial parameter choices is obtained in all cases.
Applying a result of Frankl and Ro¨dl to the construction of Steiner trees in the hypercube

Abstract Let Q(n) be the n-dimensional hypercube, and X a set of points in Q(n). The Steiner problem for the hypercube is to find the smallest number L(n,X) of edges in any subtree of Q(n) which spans X. Let W(k,n) be the set of points in Q(n) having weight k, where we normalize k+1 ⩽ n 2 . We apply a result of Frankl and Rodl on the generalized Turan problem for hypergraphs to show that L(n,W(k+1,n))⩽ n k+1 +(1+ o (1)) log (k) k n k as k→∞ We also show that the second term on the right is within a factor of log(k) from optimal.
Tryptic- and chymotryptic-like proteinases in early and late preimplantation mouse blastocysts.

Abstract Neutral tryptic- and chymotryptic-like enzyme activities have been identified in extracts of early and late mouse blastocysts. The enzyme activities are distinguishable by means of: (a) reactivity with specific naphthylamide derivatives; (b) reactivity with tosyl- l -lysine-chloromethyl ketone or l -tosylamido-2-phenylethyl-chloromethyl ketone, respectively; (c) electrophoretic mobilities; and (d) specific activity profiles of late vs. early blastocysts.
Range and velocity ambiguity resolution

A clustering algorithm is compared to and found superior to the Chinese remainder theorem for resolving range ambiguities. The clustering algorithm provides a significant improvement in performance. It is demonstrated that it is easier for medium pulse repetition frequency (PRF) than for high-PRF waveforms to resolve all the range-Doppler ambiguities. >
Redistribution of Cardiac Output during Hemorrhage in the Unanesthetized Monkey

Regional flow measurements were made, using the Rudolph and Heymann microsphere technique, before and after 10, 30, and 50% of the previously measured blood volume was withdrawn from five unanesthetized rhesus monkeys restrained in horizontally tilted primate chairs. Measurements at similar time intervals were also made in seven control monkeys. Systemic arterial and central venous pressures, cardiac output, stroke volume, and hematocrit decreased progressively at each level of bleeding. Heart rate (until severe hemorrhage), respiratory rate, and blood levels of α-glucosidase rose; bradykinin levels in arterial blood were unchanged. The fraction of cardiac output was found to be progressively increased to brain, heart, adrenal gland, and hepatic artery vascular bed at the expense of skin, spleen, and pancreas. The hepatic artery vascular bed was the only one that showed significant vasodilatation at either 30 or 50% hemorrhage. During acute endotoxin shock in monkeys, we have previously found a similar fall in systemic arterial pressure due to a decrease in total peripheral resistance and a different pattern of regional blood flow changes. The lack of bradykinin production, the integrity of cardioregulatory mechanisms, and the fall of hematocrit levels found during hemorrhage may help account for some of the hemodynamic differences between these two types of shock.
Alcohol-Involved Rapes: Are They More Violent?

Alcohol's psychological, cognitive, and motor effects contribute to rape. Based on theory and past research, we hypothesized that there would be a curvilinear relationship between the quantity of alcohol consumed by perpetrators and how aggressively they behaved. Moderate levels of intoxication encourage aggressiveness; however, extreme levels severely inhibit cognitive and motor capacity. We also hypothesized that victims' alcohol consumption would have a curvilinear relationship to their resistance. These hypotheses were examined with data from 132 college women who had been the victims of attempted or completed rape. Although there was a curvilinear result for perpetrators, the slope of the curve suggested that aggressiveness was worst when no alcohol or the highest levels of alcohol were consumed. There was a negative linear relationship between victims' alcohol consumption and resistance. Difficulties associated with accurately assessing degree of intoxication from survey data are discussed and suggestions are made for improving alcohol measurement in rape research.
FASTBUS Status from a System Designer's Point of View

Designers of modern systems for data acquisition, control and data analysis must provide the needed throughput, response and usability while avoiding economic and complexity limitations. Today's technology makes multiple-processor systems economically attractive, but such systems tend to be complex. In addition, rapidly changing requirements mandate easy reconfigurability and expandability. Though named for its potential speed, FASTBUS will make its greatest contribution to most systems with its flexibility and versatility. FASTBUS provides a framework in which the designer can build systems ranging from small and simple to very large and powerful in a flexible way, always leaving room for future expansion and allowing for simple tailoring of the system as needs change. This paper examines the features of FASTBUS relevant to the design of such systems, and discusses the current status. Though FASTBUS will be cost-effective even for most small systems, this paper will emphasize the largesystem aspects.
Structural assembly of the active site in an aldo-keto reductase by NADPH cofactor.

A 1.9 A resolution X-ray structure of the apo-form of Corynebacterium 2,5-diketo-d-gluconic acid reductase A (2,5-DKGR A), a member of the aldo-keto reductase superfamily, has been determined by molecular replacement using the NADPH-bound form of the same enzyme as the search model. 2,5-DKGR A catalyzes the NADPH-dependent stereo-specific reduction of 2,5-diketo-d-gluconate (2,5-DKG) to 2-keto-l-gulonate, a precursor in the industrial production of vitamin C. An atomic-resolution structure for the apo-form of the enzyme, in conjunction with our previously reported high-resolution X-ray structure for the holo-enzyme and holo/substrate model, allows a comparative analysis of structural changes that accompany cofactor binding. The results show that regions of the active site undergo coordinated conformational changes of up to 8 A. These conformational changes result in the organization and structural rearrangement of residues associated with substrate binding and catalysis. Thus, NADPH functions not only to provide a hydride ion for catalytic reduction, but is also a critical structural component for formation of a catalytically competent form of DKGR A.
Enzymatic Amplification of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells from Pediatric Patients

The presence of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV) provirus was assessed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 27 offspring of HIV-infected mothers, 12 of these mothers, and 4 HIV-uninfected mother-infant control pairs. Enzymatic amplification of specific conserved regions of the gag and env genes was performed directly in PBMC lysates using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. The enzymatically amplified gene products were evaluated using the oligomer hybridization detection procedure. PBMCs from infected infants (as determined by Centers for Disease Control clinical criteria) and from HIV-infected mothers manifested a characteristic HIV oligomer hybridization product. Clinically uninfected seropositive infants with declining HIV antibody titers and infants who became seronegative lacked an enzymatically amplified HIV gene product. These preliminary data indicate that PCR is a valuable diagnostic technique to detect or exclude HIV infection in young infants and children.
Modified soybean oil as a reactive diluent: Synthesis and characterization

Soybean oil was modified in two steps: (1) conjugation of soybean oil and (2) Diels-Alder addition with 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate, 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl methacrylate and triallyl ether acrylate. The structures were characterized using 1H NMR, 13C NMR, 13C-1H gradient heteronuclear single quantum coherence (gHSQC) NMR spectroscopy, and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. The 13C-1H gHSQC NMR spectra helped confirm the formation of a cyclohexene ring in all reactions, indicating a Diels-Alder addition. The diluent efficiency of modified soybean oil was evaluated in long oil alkyd formulation. Triallyl ether functionalized soybean oil resulted in the highest reduction in the viscosity of the alkyd formulations. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014, 52, 3045–3059
Candidate loci reveal genetic differentiation between temporally divergent migratory runs of Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)

Local adaptation is a dynamic process driven by selection that can vary both in space and time. One important temporal adaptation for migratory animals is the time at which individuals return to breeding sites. Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) are excellent subjects for studying the genetic basis of temporal adaptation because their high seasonal homing fidelity promotes reproductive isolation leading to the formation of local populations across diverse environments. We tested for adaptive genetic differentiation between seasonal runs of Chinook salmon using two candidate loci; the circadian rhythm gene, OtsClock1b, and Ots515NWFSC, a microsatellite locus showing sequence identity to three salmonid genes central to reproductive development. We found significant evidence for two genetically distinct migratory runs in the Feather River, California (OtsClock1b: F(ST)=0.042, P=0.02; Ots515NWFSC: F(ST)=0.058, P=0.003). In contrast, the fall and threatened spring runs are genetically homogenous based on neutral microsatellite data (F(ST)=-0.0002). Similarly, two temporally divergent migratory runs of Chinook salmon from New Zealand are genetically differentiated based on polymorphisms in the candidate loci (OtsClock1b: F(ST)=0.083, P-value=0.001; Ots515NWFSC: F(ST)=0.095, P-value=0.000). We used an individual-based assignment method to confirm that these recently diverged populations originated from a single source in California. Tests for selective neutrality indicate that OtsClock1b and Ots515NWFSC exhibit substantial departures from neutral expectations in both systems. The large F(ST )estimates could therefore be the result of directional selection. Evidence presented here suggests that OtsClock1b and Ots515NWFSC may influence migration and spawning timing of Chinook salmon in these river systems.
Short-Term Medical Benefits and Adverse Effects of Weight Loss

Weight loss reduces many of the health hazards associated with obesity including insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, sleep apnea, hypoxemia and hypercarbia, and osteoarthritis. Potential adverse effects of weight loss include a greater risk for gallstone formation and cholecystitis, excessive loss of lean body mass, water and electrolyte problems, mild liver dysfunction, and elevated uric acid levels. Less consequential problems such as diarrhea, constipation, hair loss, and cold intolerance may also occur. The short-term adverse effects are not severe enough to contraindicate weight loss, nor do they outweigh its short-term benefits.
Significance of behavioural pathology on functional performance in individuals with Alzeimer's disease and related dementials

Insight on the role of frontal systems functioning has led to the development of measures targeting behaviors mediated through the prefrontal cortex. The current review investigated the relationship of behavioral pathology to functional performance in individuals with dementia and discussed the association of behavioral pathology and executive dysfunction. Results indicated that both behavioral measures and cognitive status were strongly correlated to functional performance. However, neither behavioral measure nor cognitive status demonstrated a stronger association to functional performance at a greater consistency than the other measure. This review has important implications for the use of behavior measures by medical practitioners to determine the functional status of persons with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other dementias and the use of results obtained by these measures to develop appropriate intervention strategies.
Calculation of collision cross sections for atomic line broadening in the plume of the Space Shuttle main engine (SSME)

An analytical method for determining the cross sections for collision line broadening by molecular perturbers is investigated using effective central force interaction potentials as proposed by Kunc. The Lennard-Jones potential is used throughout to describe the interatomic interactions. These cross sections are determined for several atomic species with H/sub 2/, one of the principal constituents of the SSME plume environment, and compared with experimental data. Agreement with experimental data within the range of experimental error is obtained for most atomic species.
Targeting ERK1/2-calpain 1-NF-κB signal transduction in secondary tissue damage and astrogliosis after spinal cord injury

Neuronal damage, glial inflammation, and astrogliosis/astroglial scar formation are major secondary injury mechanisms that are significant contributors to functional deficits after spinal cord injury (SCI). The objectives of the study were to evaluate the distinct roles of ERK2 vs. ERK1/2 and ERK1/2-calpain 1–NF-κB signal transduction in the tissue damage and astrogliosis/astroglial scar formation following SCI in rats. RNAi approaches, pharmacological intervention (U0126), Western blot analysis, immunofluorescence analysis, and histological assessment were used to target ERK1/2-calpain 1-NF-κB signal transduction pathway for neuroprotection. Histological staining analysis demonstrated that selectively reducing pERK2 using ERK2 siRNA, but not inhibition of pERK1/2 with U0126, significantly reduced lesion volume and improved total tissue sparing, white matter sparing, and gray matter sparing in spinal cord two weeks after contusive SCI. An ERK1/2-calpain 1-NF-κB signal transduction pathway was involved in the astroglial scar formation after SCI. Blockade of ERK1/2 by U0126 decreased calpain 1 expression 4 h following SCI. Selective calpain 1 reduction by lentiviral shRNA attenuated astroglial NF-κB activity and astroglial scar formation after SCI in rats. Taken together, these results demonstrate the involvement of individual ERK2 and calpain 1 signaling pathways in tissue damage and astrogliosis/astroglial scar formation in animal models of SCI. Therefore, targeting individual ERK and its downstream signal transduction of calpain 1-NF-κB may provide greater potential as novel therapeutics for minimizing tissue damage and astroglial scar formation following SCI.
Continuities in maya political rhetoric: k'awiils, k'atuns, and kennings

Classic hieroglyphic texts do not describe Maya political organization, nor do colonial documents, forcing archaeologists to look elsewhere for clues. I propose that continuities in calendrically-based geopolitical rhetoric are recognizable in imagery and literary devices that can be traced from Preclassic/Formative times into the Colonial period. Imagery revolves around God K, k'awiil, and manikin scepters. The Classic manikin scepter materializes God K/K'awiil as a symbol of legitimate rulership, particularly at accession; the Postclassic analogue in the Dresden and Paris Codices is a God K effigy head, God K also symbolizing k'atuns. Related literary devices are kennings, specifically the took'-pakal or “flint-and-shield,” which appear in Classic texts and in the Chilam B'alam books in the context of defeat in warfare, the latter particularly referring to k'atun wars. Interrelated concepts, including obsidian, mirrors, serpents, and one-legged deities in the Popol Vuh and in Mexico (Tezcatlipoca), amplify these proposed continuities.
Winter food limits timing of pre-alternate moult in a short-distance migratory bird

Summary Moult is critical for fitness for many organisms for several reasons: it allows growth and maintains the function of the integument for protection, thermoregulation and communication. Feather moult in birds is costly and therefore typically does not overlap with migration or reproduction. In spring, the rapid succession of pre-alternate moult, migration (if a migrant) and breeding suggests that timing of moult could constrain the initiation of breeding. A trade-off between time spent moulting and breeding might also limit moult quality. The proximate basis for the timing of pre-alternate moult initiation is not well known, although it typically occurs during a resource poor time of year. Food limitation combined with fitness consequences of moulting earlier suggests that plasticity in timing of pre-alternate moult in response to food abundance should be advantageous. We experimentally tested, for the first time, if food abundance influences the timing of moult in the wild. We conducted a controlled food supplementation experiment on free-living swamp sparrows (Melospiza georgiana) preceding and during the time of natural pre-alternate moult (January–March 2009, 2010). Supplemented birds began moulting the body, face and crown earlier than control birds (11, 14, and 8 days earlier, respectively), indicating that food abundance limits the initiation of moult. Along with interannual variation, these results indicate that photoperiod is not the sole cue for initiation of moult. Both control and supplemented birds moulted in sequence, starting with the body, followed by the crown 9 days later, and the face 11 days after the body. The presence of a sequence further suggests energetic limitation of moult or possibly a strategy to moult-specific regions first to ensure completion or growth at an optimal time. This study provides novel experimental evidence that food abundance can: (i) limit pre-alternate moult timing and (ii) limit moult timing in the wild. Food limitation of moult timing could allow earlier breeding or production of higher quality feathers and thus cascade through other life-history stages and affect reproductive success. These results indicate that food availability is a cue for moult initiation, possibly acting secondarily to photostimulation.
Studies of the Surface Geometry of Fibers Part I: Preliminary Experiments

The background for a study of surface geometry, among other surface properties of fibers, is briefly surveyed. By the adaptation of an instrument designed for measure ments in the metals industry, ...
Alienation and Family Crisis

(1967). Alienation and Family Crisis. The Sociological Quarterly: Vol. 8, No. 3, pp. 397-405.
The Influence of Child Gender Role and Maternal Feedback to Child Stress on the Emergence of the Gender Difference in Depressive Rumination in Adolescence.

Extensive research has linked a greater female tendency to ruminate about depressed feelings or mood to the gender difference in depression. However, the developmental origins of the gender difference in depressive rumination are not well understood. We hypothesized that girls and women may be more likely to ruminate because rumination represents a gender-stereotyped coping style that is associated with a more feminine gender role identity, maternal encouragement of emotion expression, and passive coping responses to stress. This study examined whether child self-reported gender role identity and observed maternal responses to child stress mediated the emergent gender difference in depressive rumination in adolescence. Maternal gender role attitudes were further hypothesized to moderate the relationship between child sex and mediating variables. Rumination and gender role identity were assessed in 316 youths and their mothers in a longitudinal study from age 11 to age 15; in addition, 153 mother-child dyads participated in an observational task at age 11 from which maternal responses to a child stressor were coded. Results indicated that greater feminine gender role identity among children and encouragement of emotion expression by mothers at age 11 significantly mediated the association between child sex and the development of depressive rumination at age 15, even after controlling for rumination at age 11. Maternal gender role attitudes significantly moderated the relationship between child sex and maternal encouragement of emotion expression, such that mothers who endorsed more traditional gender role attitudes themselves were particularly likely to encourage emotion expression in their daughters.
Modeling Saccadic Targeting in Visual Search

Visual cognition depends critically on the ability to make rapid eye movements known as saccades that orient the fovea over targets of interest in a visual scene. Saccades are known to be ballistic: the pattern of muscle activation for foveating a prespecified target location is computed prior to the movement and visual feedback is precluded. Despite these distinctive properties, there has been no general model of the saccadic targeting strategy employed by the human visual system during visual search in natural scenes. This paper proposes a model for saccadic targeting that uses iconic scene representations derived from oriented spatial filters at multiple scales. Visual search proceeds in a coarse-to-fine fashion with the largest scale filter responses being compared first. The model was empirically tested by comparing its performance with actual eye movement data from human subjects in a natural visual search task; preliminary results indicate substantial agreement between eye movements predicted by the model and those recorded from human subjects.
Application of genetic algorithms to Volterra filter structure determination for adaptive systems

In this paper a genetic algorithm is used to determine the form of an adaptive Volterra filter that will best model a particular system. A fitness functional is defined that quantifies the performance of a particular Volterra system structure in the adaptation process, and using this functional, a genetic algorithm is utilized to find the best possible Volterra system structure for a given data set. Simulations are done to demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach to this problem.
Interest Rate Risk and the Optimal Gap for Commercial Banks: An Empirical Study

The optimal gap of a depository institution is derived using a market value optimization model. The gap is estimated using portfolios of returns on rate-sensitive assets and liabilities and is found to be not significantly different from zero. The estimate is compared to the average gap position of a sample of banks. It is found that the average gap position of a sample of banks is “too positive.” This suggests that banks are not showing risk minimization behavior in the positioning of the gap.