cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Investigation of adsorption behavior of (-)-epigallocatechin gallate on bovine serum albumin surface using quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring

Quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) has been employed to study the interactions between (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) surface. The adsorbed mass, thickness, and viscoelastic properties of EGCG adlayer on BSA surface at various EGCG concentrations, temperatures, sodium chloride concentrations, and pH values have been determined by QCM-D in combination with the Voigt model. The adsorption isotherm of EGCG on BSA surfaces can be better described by the Freundlich model than the Langmuir model, indicating that EGCG adsorption on BSA surfaces is dominated by nonspecific hydrophobic interactions, as supported by stronger EGCG adsorption at higher temperature. Shifts in the Fourier transform infrared spectra of the BSA surface with and without EGCG adsorption disclose that hydrogen bonding might also be involved in EGCG adsorption on BSA surfaces. The addition of salt and change of pH can also influence the EGCG adsorption on BSA surfaces. Usually, higher EGCG adsorption leads to higher values of viscosity and shear elastic modulus of EGCG adlayer, which can be explained by the aggregation of BSA through EGCG bridges. Compared with EGCG, nongalloylated (+)-catechin shows much lower adsorption capacity on BSA surfaces, suggesting the importance of the galloyl group in polyphenol/protein interactions.
Multiple threshold model for the onset of alzheimer's disease in the NAS-NRC twin panel

The three common alleles at the APOE locus influence the onset and lifetime risk of typical late-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD). Other loci may also alter risk of late-onset AD. One may assess the relative influence of APOE on the genetic contribution to AD by estimating the proportion of AD heritability that is explained by APOE polymorphism. To do this requires an initial estimate of the heritability of AD. Traditional methods are not appropriate for this estimation since they do not consider right-censoring (incomplete expression of the genotype owing to death) nor do they model the relation of onset age and disease liability. Here we present an analytic model that addresses both of these issues. Genetic and environmental influences on AD are examined by assuming that onset of dementia in AD is a late event in an extended degenerative process where earlier onset reflects a more rapid course of neurodegeneration. The model is fitted to the occurrence of AD among 9,786 members of the National Academy of Sciences-National Research Council Registry of aging veteran twins. When both additive genetic and common environmental effects are used in the model, they explain 37% and 35%, respectively, of the variation in AD onset. Given the limited numbers of AD cases now available, models containing only additive genetic or shared environmental effects (explaining 75% and 65% of individual differences in disease onset, respectively) cannot be rejected in favor of a model that retains both influences.
Nonequilibrium stationary state of a current-carrying thermostated system

We find an explicit expression for the long time evolution and stationary speed distribution of N point particles in 2D moving under the action of a weak external field E, and undergoing elastic collisions with either a fixed periodic array of convex scatterers, or with virtual random scatterers. The total kinetic energy of the N-particles is kept fixed by a Gaussian thermostat which induces an interaction between the particles. We show analytically and numerically that for weak fields this distribution is universal, i.e., independent of the position or shape of the obstacles, as far as they form a dispersing billiard with finite horizon, or the nature of the stochastic scattering. Our results are nonperturbative. They exploit the existence of two time scales; the velocity directions become uniformized in times of order unity while the speeds change only on a time scale of O(|E|−2).
Magnetic self-focussed solar ion streams as the cause of aurorae

Abstract The theory of magnetic self-focussed solar ion streams assumes that a jet of equal numbers of fast moving positive ions and negative electrons emerges from the sun. As the jet proceeds through the corona the fast electrons are scattered out more rapidly than the ions and are replaced continually by slow electrons. The excess of fast ions over fast electrons results in an electric current whose magnetic field repels the remaining fast electrons from the stream but exerts little magnetic force on the slow electrons. The excess positive charge electrically repels the slow positive ions, but exerts little magnetic force on them. Thus the stream continues to repel fast electrons and slow ions while retaining fast ions and slow electrons. At all times all parts of the stream and surrounding gas are closely (but not exactly) electrically neutral. For a proton stream which carries sufficient energy for an aurora the density of space ionization between the sun and the earth is calculated to be at least about 10−4 electron ion pairs cm−3 to support magnetic self-focussing. The speed of the auroral ions is estimated to be about 1010 cm/sec. The auroral display is supposed to be due both to energy transferred to the atmosphere from the ions on their way in and to atmospheric oxygen and nitrogen particles blown outward, and made luminous, as a result of the energy and charge of the ions dissipated in the upper atmosphere.
High-energy soliton pulse generation in a photonic crystal rod and its application to three-photon microscopy

We demonstrate 67-nJ, 65-fs soliton pulse generation using a solid-core photonic crystal rod pumped by a compact fiber source, and its application to in vivo three-photon microscopy in mouse brain.
Environmental upregulation of the atrial natriuretic peptide gene in the living fossil, Limulus polyphemus.

Northern blot analysis revealed that atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) gene expression occurs in heart, hematocytes and gills of the invertebrateLimulus polyphemus,the horseshoe crab. In low salinity and on land ANP prohormone messenger RNA inLimulus'heart was 32-fold less compared to that in a vertebrate heart (i.e., rat,Rattus norvegicus). ANP gene expression doubled (P < 0.05) inLimulus'heart and gills with change from land and low salinity to medium salinity and osmolality. ANP gene expression was 10-fold higher inLimulus'gills in seawater (i.e., high salinity). The products of this ANP gene expression (i.e., ANP, long acting natriuretic peptide, vessel dilator and kaliuretic peptide) were released and increased in the circulation, i.e., hemolymph, ofLimulusproportional to the increase in salinity and osmolality (P = <0.01). These results suggest that modification of ANP gene expression enables animals to adapt to freshwater, seawater, and land.
Virtual test bed for advanced power sources

Design or analysis of advanced power systems, involves knowledge in many disciplines. This paper introduces the virtual test bed (VTB) computational environment for modeling, dynamic simulation and virtual-prototyping of such interdisciplinary systems. A basic feature of the VTB is that it allows experts to build models within their domain of expertise using tools with which they are familiar, then to execute those models in a system context. We describe here several studies which illustrate how VTB can be used in the study of systems containing electrochemical power sources. The multiple approaches to construct models and the capabilities to co-simulate with other software packages are also described.
Designing interactive scavenger hunt using QR codes

This Quick Hit describes the use of QR codes and Google Forms and Spreadsheets in the development of an interactive game that facilitated students' review of course information and orientation to a new building on campus.
Hypothermia elicited by the intracerebral microinjection of neurotensin

Changes in rectal temperature were measured after the intracerebral microinjection of neurotensin (2.5 micrograms/0.5 microliters) at 135 sites in the rat. At 63 of the 135 microinjection sites, the tridecapeptide produced a rapid onset of hypothermia ranging in magnitude from 0.8 to 2.3 degrees C below the baseline rectal temperature. The drop in rectal temperature persisted for 2-4 hours following the microinjection. The greatest concentrations of neurotensin-sensitive sites were found in the medial preoptic region of the hypothalamus and in the periaqueductal gray area, both of which contain relatively large amounts of endogenous neurotensin. Other active sites were found in the ventral thalamus, the dorsomedial hypothalamus, and in the diagonal band of Broca. At no injection site did neurotensin evoke an increase in rectal temperature. These data support the proposition that neurotensin may act endogenously to mediate heat-loss mechanisms in the rat. The data provide further evidence indicating a potent neuromodulatory role for neurotensin.
Valence and site occupation of chromium ions in single-crystal forsterite fibers

Chromium-doped, single-crystal forsterite (Mg2SiO4) fibers were grown in reducing and oxidizing atmospheres by the laser-heated-pedestal- growth (LHPG) technique. The valence and site occupation of chromium ions were analyzed by laser spectroscopy. Cr3+ ions are situated on two inequivalent octahedral sites, Cr3+ (I) and Cr3+ (II). The former is a high-field site giving sharp, R-line-type emission at 692.7 nm, while the latter is a low-field site giving 4T2 broadband emission at 866nm. The fibers grown in oxygen or air atmosphere contained a large number of Cr4+ ions, which replace Si4+ in tetrahedral sites. Cr4+ low-temperature fluorescence from the 3A1(3T2) excited state to the 3A2 ground state had sharp peaks at 1094.5, 1092.8, and 1090.6 nm.
Solar flare injection and propagation of low-energy protons and electrons in the event of 7–9 July, 1966

Solar flare injection and propagation of low energy protons and electrons in 7-9 July 1966 solar particle event
Leukotrienes C4 and D4 increase the ciliary beat frequency in human upper airway mucosa in vitro.

Abstract It has been suggested that leukotrienes C 4 (LTC 4 ) and D 4 (LTD 4 ) released from upper respiratory mucosa influence mucociliary transport during allergic reactions. We studied the in vitro effects of leukotrienes C 4 and D 4 on the ciliary beat frequency (CBF) of human adenoid explants over a 5-hour period. Tissue explants were cultured at 35° C in Minimum Essential Medium Eagle (MEM). The CBF was measured using phase contrast microscopy and microphotometry. Measurements of CBF were recorded in medium alone and in medium containing LTC 4 or LTD 4 at concentrations of 10 -8 and 10 -6 M. LTC 4 and LTD 4 increased CBF at concentrations of 10 -8 and 10 -6 M with increases of 20.51% ± 2.69% and 29.84% ± 4.06%, respectively. To determine the specificity of the LTC 4 and LTD 4 effects, the ciliated epithelium was treated with the specific leukotriene receptor antagonist LY-171,883 before administration of LTC 4 and LTD 4 . LY-171,883 (10 -6 M) significantly inhibited the ciliostimulatory effects of both leukotrienes. Our findings indicate that LTC 4 and LTD 4 increase CBF in vitro by activation of the LTD 4 receptor. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1998;118:472-7.)
Administrative innovation in municipal government

The purpose of this study is to identify those factors which account for administrative innovation in municipal government bureaucracies. Two dimensions of administrative innovation are examined: management and technology. Management innovation refers to procedures and methods by which policies are implemented. Technology innovation refers to the adoption of new physical products or processes. Multiple indicators of specific innovative practices are used to create a management scale and a technology scale and the two scales are then combined to create a composite administration innovation scale. In order to explain the dimensions of innovation the study employs a model comprised of three sets of independent variables: community variables, political system variables, and bureaucratic variables. Multiple regression analysis is used to examine the relationship between each set of independent variables and the dipensions of innovation. A second stage of analysis combines the three sets of explanatory variable...
Replacing mineral acids in the laboratory: Nafion-catalyzed dehydration and esterification

The advantage of Nafion is that unlike mineral acids, this perfluorinated ion-exchange polymer is a solid resin that can be handled without the safety hazards usually associated with strong acids.
A dynamic load dispersion algorithm for load-balancing in a heterogeneous grid system

The ever changing demands on computational resources has information systems managers looking for solutions that are more flexible. Using a ldquobigger boxrdquo that has more and faster processors and permanent storage or more random access memory (RAM) is not a viable solution as the system usage patterns vary. In order for a system to handle the peak load adequately, it will go underutilized much of the time. A grid based distributed system can solve this problem by allowing multiple independent jobs to run over a network of heterogeneous computers. Applications can be based on several parallel jobs, several sequential jobs, or a single job. Keeping the workload represented by these jobs balanced over the network of computers requires network-aware scheduling algorithms that are dynamic, transparent, scalable, and quick. We present such an algorithm that handles load-balancing of jobs submitted at any point in the grid. Our algorithm accommodates jobs with differing CPU and I/O requirements and load-balances them over varying grid loads and varying network latencies.
Relation between access-related Infection and preinfection serum albumin concentration in patients on chronic hemodialysis.

Background: Hemodialysis (HD) access-related infection is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in HD patients. We tested whether hypoalbuminemia is a risk factor for HD access infection and whether mortality of HD catheter infection is affected by removal of the infected catheter. Methods: We analyzed the records of 87 patients on chronic HD who were hospitalized for HD access-related infection. We obtained data on age, sex, preinfection serum albumin level, comorbidities, complications, infecting organism, type of infection, mode of management, and mortality. We compared preinfection serum albumin levels in 79 patients with HD access infection with the serum albumin levels of 198 control patients on chronic HD without HD access infection admitted to the hospital during the same time for other reasons. In the HD catheter infection subgroup, we compared mortalities between patients treated with catheter removal plus antibiotics as the primary mode of management and those treated initially with antibiotics alone. Results: Preadmission serum albumin level was lower in the HD access infection group (2.4 ± 0.6 g/dL) than in the control group (3.2 ± 0.6 g/dL, P < 0.0001). Logistic regression identified preadmission serum albumin level as a strong independent predictor of HD access infection. In a logistic regression model, with age, sex, HIV status, diabetes, and type of HD vascular access (excluding arterovenous fistula) as the covariates, the odds ratio of HD access infection was 9.8 (95% confidence interval [CI] 4.9–19.7) for a serum albumin level ≤ 3.0 g/dL (P < 0.0001), 10.4 (95% CI 4.97–21.6) for a serum albumin level ≤ 2.5 g/dL (P < 0.0001), and 28.0 (95% CI 5.8–135.9) for a serum albumin level ≤ 2.0 g/dL (P < 0.0001). Case mortality was 25.0% (4/16) in patients with tunneled HD catheter infection initially treated with antibiotics alone and 2.8% (2/71) in those treated with catheter removal plus antibiotics at the time of presentation (P = 0.0096). Conclusion: Hypoalbuminemia is associated with increased risk of HD access infection. Treatment of HD access infection with antibiotics alone is associated with increased risk of death.
Antioxidant Protection Mechanisms And Arachidonic Acid Synthesis Are Altered In Schwann Cells Grown In Elevated Glucose

Accumulating evidence points to oxidative stress as an important factor in the onset of diabetic neuropathy. We have investigated the status of antioxidant protection mechanisms in immortalized rat Schwann cells cultured in high (30 and 50 mM) concentrations of glucose. As compared to growth in 5 mM glucose, the cells contained 40% less reduced glutathione (n =8, p < 0.01). Total superoxide dismutase activity was diminished by more than 50% (n=3; p < 0.001), whereas catalase activity was unchanged. The cellular NADH/NAD+ ratio was progressively increased with increasing medium glucose concentrations. Our previous findings have established that upon exposure of cultured cells to elevated glucose, the proportions of arachidonic acid-containing molecular species (ACMS) in phospholipids are decreased in a pattern similar to alterations exhibited by diabetic nerve. To examine whether biosynthesis of arachidonic acid might be perturbed, confluent cells maintained in either high or low glucose were incubated with either [14C]linoleic acid (18:2) or [14C]dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (20:3) and radioactivity incorporated into molecular species of major phospholipid classes was measured. The incorporation of 18:2 either as unchanged fatty acid or into ACMS did not differ as a function of glucose concentration. Negligible labeled 18:3 or 20:3 molecular species were detected. In contrast, the uptake of 20:3 into 18:1/20:4 and 16:0/20:4 phosphatidylcholine and 18:1/20:4 phosphatidylethanolamine, but not into 20:3-containing molecular species, was significantly reduced in cells cultured in 30 mM glucose. These data imply that Δ5 desaturase activity is decreased in cells exposed to elevated glucose. This reduced enzyme activity could adversely affect polyunsaturated fatty acid metabolism and might arise as a consequence of impaired scavenging of reactive oxygen species. (Supported by NIH grant DK30577)
Upcycling: Converting Waste Plastics into Paramagnetic, Conducting, Solid, Pure Carbon Microspheres

The recent tremendous increase in the volume of waste plastics (WP) will have a harmful environmental impact on the health of living beings. Hundreds of years are required to degrade WP in atmosphe...
Smart dust infrared sensors for standoff explosives detection

We demonstrate a prototype sensor based on a new eye-safe detection strategy with the potential to report the presence trace explosives from standoff distances of up to 100 m. The method detects the reflected infrared radiation from groups of micron-sized chemically-sensitized metallodielectric nanostructures. Specifically, the sensors change from reflecting to absorbing nearly 100% of the incident probe beam radiation over a narrow band of mid-IR wavelengths when explosive vapor is present. This strategy is not limited to the detection to explosives, but can also be used to detect other threats by modifying the chemically-sensitive layers of the nanostructure.
Equipping the Submillimeter Array for VLBI

VLBI observations at a wavelength of 1.3mm have confirmed structure in SgrA∗ on scales of just a few Schwarzschild radii [1]. More sensitive observations in the next few years, if sufficiently sensitive, could confirm a tentative detection of time variable structures [2] predicted by models of flaring activity in SgrA∗. A key improvement in sensitivity is provided by the deployment and commissioning of a VLBI phased array processor at the Submillimeter Array (SMA) on Mauna Kea. This new instrument enables the SMA and the neighboring single dish submillimeter telescopes, CSO and JCMT, to contribute to future VLBI observations with all their collecting area.
Idiopathic anterior hypopituitarism in one of monozygous twins

Summary Anterior hypopituitarism has been observed in one of monozygous twin females. Clinical evidence suggests that the defect in this instance was acquired postnatally.
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome variant in a patient receiving donepezil and olanzapine.

This Case Study describes a 78-year-old man with a pre-existing parkinsonian syndrome who experienced an adverse drug reaction following administration of an antipsychotic in combination with a cholinesterase inhibitor. The patient was diagnosed with a variant of neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Background A 78-year-old man with a 22-year history of schizoaffective disorder and a 5-year history of dementia presented to the emergency department with a 5-day history of fatigue, progressive weakness, confusion and lethargy, and a 1-day history of severe muscle stiffness. For the past 10 years the patient had been treated with olanzapine for an unspecified psychiatric illness, without adverse effects. One week before presentation the patient was started on donepezil to treat mild dementia. Investigations Physical examination, serum and urine laboratory evaluation, lumbar puncture, brain CT scan, brain MRI, electroencephalogram, chest X-ray, and electrocardiogram. Diagnosis A variant of neuroleptic malignant syndrome secondary to drug interaction. Management Discontinuation of donepezil and olanzapine, aggressive intravenous hydration, intravenous dantrolene, and bromocriptine via a nasogastric tube. The patient was also administered intravenous antibiotics for aspiration pneumonia, and carbidopa–levodopa for residual parkinsonian features.
Effect of medial bulboreticular and raphe nuclear lesions on the excitation and modulation of supraspinal nocifensive behaviors in the cat.

Six cats were trained to eat while partially restrained and while thermal pulse stimuli (43–60 °C, 5 s duration) were delivered to the upper hindlimbs. Food and stimulus delivery were under programmed electronic control. The probability and latency of 3 natural, unlearned nocifensive behaviors were electronically registered: interruption of eating of of exploring for food, hindlimb movement and vocalization. Preoperatively, all cats showed significant increases in the probability of two or more behaviors as stimulus temperature increased. Each cat also showed a significant food-induced suppression of one or more of these behaviors. Thermocoagulation lesions limited to the giganto- and magnocellular fields of the medial medullary reticular formation (4 cats) produced a decrease in nocifensive responsiveness. Larger lesions within the same area but with extension into the postpyramidal raphe nuclei, resulted in increased nocifensive responsiveness (2 cats). No lesion affected response latency or the food-induced modulation of nocifensive behavior. The results support the hypothesis that supraspinally organized nocifensive responses are: (1) tonically facilitated by neural activity originating in or passing through the medial bulboreticular formation; (2) tonically suppressed by midline raphe spinal neurons; and (3) phasically modulated by suprabulbar neural mechanisms that are related to changes in behavioral state.
Real world, long-term outcomes comparison between paclitaxel-eluting and sirolimus-eluting stent platforms.

We compare real-world, extended target vessel revascularization (TVR)-free survival following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for patients receiving either sirolimus-eluting stents (SES) or paclitaxel-eluting stents (PES) following an index drug-eluting stent (DES) supported procedure. We analyzed 2,363 consecutive patients having first DES-supported PCI at receiving PES (n = 1,012) or SES (n = 1,332) from April 2004 to July 2006. Baseline clinical and procedural characteristics and in-hospital outcomes were recorded during the time of the index procedure and extended clinical outcomes data were obtained thereafter. TVR and all cause mortality were identified during the study period. Adjusted Kaplan-Meier and Cox's proportional hazard survival methods were performed. TVR-free survival at 2.3 years was 91.3% for SES compared with 88.9% for PES (P = 0.06). Kaplan-Meier survival curves did not significantly differ (adjusted hazard ratio −1.39 [95% CI 0.99–1.97]) between the SES and PES patient cohorts. TVR was similar between the stent platforms at one (96.6% for SES [95% CI 95.3–97.6] vs. 95.7% for PES [95% CI 94.1–96.9]) and two (95.0%[95% CI 93.0–96.4] for SES vs. 93.7% for PES [95% CI 91.6–95.3]) years. Overall survival at 2 years was 96.2% for SES (95% CI 94.7–97.3) and 95.3% for PES (95% CI 93.7–96.5). SES and PES drug-eluting stent platforms have good and similar extended outcomes in this real world registry of unselected patients having PCI. (J Interven Cardiol 2010;23:167-175)
NEW REFERENCE MATERIALS FOR NITROGEN-ISOTOPE-RATIO MEASUREMENTS

Three new reference materials were manufactured for calibration of relative stable nitrogen-isotope-ratio measurements: USGS25 (ammonium sulfate) δ615″=−30 per mil USGS26 (ammonium sulfate) δ615″=+54 per mil USGS32 (potassium nitrate) δ615″=+180 per mil where δN′, relative to atmospheric nitrogen, is an approximate value subject to change following interlaboratory comparisons. These materials are isotopically homogeneous in aliquots at least as small as 10 pot N, (or about 1-2 mg of salt). The new reference materials greatly extend the range of δ15N values of internationally distributed standards, and they allow normalization of δ15N measurements over almost the full range of known natural isotope variation on Earth. The methods used to produce these materials may be adapted to produce homogeneous local laboratory standards for routine use.
Quantum systems can realize content-addressable associative memory

Abstract It is presented how associative information processing can be implemented in quantum fields. Similarly to networks of coupled oscillators, quantum associative networks exploit correlations and phase-differences among “interfering eigen-wave-functions” for memorization and recognition of patterns.
USE OF ANIMAL FAT IN FORMULATED DIETS FOR YELLOW PERCH (Perca flavescens)

The standard formulated diet used to grow yellow perch (Perca flavescens) in a controlled environment aquaculture system contains vegetable fats in addition to naturally occurring lipids in fish meal. Normal market prices make animal fat financially advantageous over vegetable fat. To determine if animal fat can be substituted for vegetable fat in formulated feed for perch, diets containing 15% (control) and 11.25% added soybean oil; 15% and 11.25% added animal fat; and a 50/50 mixture of 11.25% animal fat and soybean oil were fed to replicate lots of perch fingerlings for 100 days. During feeding trials fish were held in 20°C water with a photoperiod of 16 hr light and 8 hr darkness. The diet containing 11.25% added animal fat produced significantly higher weight gains than the other diets tested. All diets were readily accepted. Both soybean oil and animal fat diets produced fish with approximately the same percentage of body fat (9.1%). Animal fat resulted in a feed pellet that was less oily and easier to handle than pellets made with soybean oil.
MATURATION OF SENSORY GATING PERFORMANCE IN CHILDREN WITH AND WITHOUT SENSORY PROCESSING DISORDERS

Recent interest in sensory gating in children with and without neuropsychological disorders has resulted in a number of studies and the results regarding the developmental trajectory of sensory gating are inconsistent. We investigated the maturational course of sensory gating in samples of typically developing children and children with sensory processing deficits (SPD) and compared their performance to adults. Besides gating ratios, we also examined the brain responses to conditioning and test click stimuli in the sensory gating paradigm separately to clarify if the changes in click amplitudes could explain the maturational change in the T/C ratio in children. Eighteen adults with no known disorders, 25 typical children, and 28 children with SPD participated in this study. The children ranged in ages between 5 and 12 years. The three groups differed in their P50 and N100 ERP components. Both child groups displayed significantly less gating than the adults. Children with SPD demonstrated significantly less gating and more within-group variability compared to typical children. There were significant relationships between age and T/C ratios and between age and peak-to-peak amplitude of the conditioning click in typical children but not in children with SPD. Typical children demonstrated significantly smaller brain response amplitudes to the clicks as compared to adults. These findings suggest that there is a maturational course of sensory gating in typical children and if there is a maturational trajectory in children with SPD it appears to be different than typical children. In addition, children with SPD were found to be lacking in their ability to filter out repeated auditory input and failed to selectively regulate their sensitivity to sensory stimuli.
The Heat Shock-Induced Hyperphosphorylation of τ is Estrogen-Independent and Prevented by Androgens: Implications for Alzheimer Disease

We have shown that heat shock induces rapid dephosphorylation of tau in both female and male rats followed by hyperphosphorylation only in female rats. To investigate the role of gonadal hormones, rats were ovariectomized (OVX), orchiectomized (ORX), or sham-gonadectomized and received replacement therapy with estradiol benzoate (EB), testosterone propionate (TP), or sesame oil (SO) vehicle for 2-3 weeks, respectively. At 0, 3, 6, and 12 hr after heat shock, immunoblot analysis of SDS cerebral extracts was performed using phosphate-dependent and -independent anti-tau antibodies. Seven groups of rats were analyzed: (i) sham-OVX + SO; (ii) OVX + SO; (iii) OVX + EB; (iv) sham-ORX + SO; (v) ORX + SO; (vi) ORX + TP; and (vii) ORX. In all seven groups, there was dephosphorylation of tau at 0 hr after heat shock. In all three groups of female rats, there was hyperphosphorylation of tau at 3 hr after heat shock, and its degree and temporal pattern were identical between the OVX + SO and OVX + EB groups. In male rats, there was hyperphosphorylation of tau at 3 hr after heat shock in both ORX + SO and ORX groups, and its degree was reduced in the ORX + TP group. Thus, dephosphorylation of tau is gonadal hormone-independent, but while its hyperphosphorylation is estrogen-independent it is prevented by androgens. Because tau is abnormally hyperphosphorylated in Alzheimer disease, which is more frequent in women than men, these findings suggest that androgens may exert a neuroprotective effect.
Leucyl-tRNA synthetase activity in old cotyledons: evidence on repressor accumulation

Abstract Previous studies from this laboratory have shown that the complement of tRNA Leu isoaccepting species changes during cotyledon senescence. Concomitantly there is a reduction in the capacity of leucyl-tRNA synthetase from 21-day-old cotyledons to acylate tRNA 1–4 Leu fully. Leucyl-tRNA synthetase can be fractionated into 3 peaks of activity on hydroxylapatite. All 3 peaks of activity are present in both young (5-day) and old (21-day) cotyledons. This finding eliminates the possibility that 21-day-old cotyledons are specifically deficient in a charging enzyme for tRNA 1–4 Leu . Other experiments effectively rule out the possibility that tRNA 1–4 Leu consists of co-eluting subspecies of tRNA, as was earlier suggested. Inorganic pyrophosphate is inhibitory in the range 10 −5 –10 −3 M and inhibition is overcome by the addition of pyrophosphate, but only to the normal level of charging for the old synthetase preparation. Since no loss in a specific synthetase activity can be demonstrated to account for the deficiency in charging of tRNA 1–4 Leu in the older cotyledons, these results are interpreted on the basis of a model of repressor accumulation and its subsequent interaction with aminoacyl-tRNA molecules.
PUBERTAL DEVELOPMENT, SOCIAL FACTORS, AND DELINQUENCY AMONG ADOLESCENT BOYS*

The National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health is used to examine the relationship between pubertal development and delinquency among boys (grades 7-9). We find strong positive relationships between pubertal development and violence, on one hand, and property crimes, drug use, and precocious sexual behavior on the other. However, we find no evidence that these effects are due to the effects of puberty on risk-taking, maladjustment, dominance behavior, or autonomous behavior. We do find evidence that pubertal development interacts with social factors-mature boys are more strongly influenced by delinquent friends. Pubertal development also has stronger effects on the delinquency of boys who are academically successfil and thus are generally disinclined to engage in delinquency.
The top quark mass in a supersymmetric standard model with dynamical symmetry breaking

Abstract Dynamical symmetry breaking in the supersymmetric standard model is catalyzed by a Nambu-Jona-Lasinio mechanism involving the top quark multiplet. The resulting low energy theory is precisely that of the minimal supersymmetric standard model, but with specific mass relations for the top quark, composite Higgs scalars and their supersymmetric partners. Exploiting the compositeness condition for the Higgs multiplet, these masses are determined using renormalization group techniques.
Hydron Transfer Catalyzed by Triosephosphate Isomerase. Products of the Direct and Phosphite-Activated Isomerization of [1-13C]-Glycolaldehyde in D2O

Product distributions for the reaction of glycolaldehyde labeled with carbon-13 at the carbonyl carbon ([1-(13)C]-GA) catalyzed by triosephosphate isomerase (TIM) in D(2)O at pD 7.0 in the presence of phosphite dianion and in its absence were determined by (1)H NMR spectroscopy. We observe three products for the relatively fast phosphite-activated reaction (Amyes, T. L., and Richard, J. P. (2007) Biochemistry 46, 5841-5854): [2-(13)C]-GA from isomerization with intramolecular transfer of hydrogen (12% of products), [2-(13)C,2-(2)H]-GA from isomerization with incorporation of deuterium from D(2)O at C-2 (64% of products), and [1-(13)C,2-(2)H]-GA from incorporation of deuterium from D(2)O at C-2 (23% of products). The much slower unactivated reaction in the absence of phosphite results in formation of the same three products along with the doubly deuterated product [1-(13)C,2,2-(2)H(2)]-GA. The two isomerization products ([2-(13)C]-GA and [2-(13)C,2-(2)H]-GA) are formed in the same relative yields in both the unactivated and the phosphite-activated reactions. However, the additional [1-(13)C,2-(2)H]-GA and the doubly deuterated [1-(13)C,2,2-(2)H(2)]-GA formed in the unactivated TIM-catalyzed reaction are proposed to result from nonspecific reaction(s) at the protein surface. The data provide evidence that phosphite dianion affects the rate, but not the product distribution, of the TIM-catalyzed reaction of [1-(13)C]-GA at the enzyme active site. They are consistent with the conclusion that both reactions occur at an unstable loop-closed form of TIM and that activation of the isomerization reaction by phosphite dianion results from utilization of the intrinsic binding energy of phosphite dianion to stabilize the active loop-closed enzyme.
Dissociative Symptoms in Kleptomania

Many patients with kleptomania report an altered state of consciousness during acts of theft. The purpose of this investigation was to clarify a possible link between dissociation and kleptomania, a disabling disorder whose phenomenology remains understudied. 26 adult outpatients who met DSM-IV criteria for kleptoania were administered the Dissociative Experiences Scale and compared to 22 normal controls. The patients with kleptomania had scores that differed significantly from those reported by normal controls. There were no statistically significant differences by sex. Because kleptomania patients seeking treatment with medication may differ from others with kleptomania, further studies are needed.
Isochromat spectroscopy of photons emitted from metal surfaces in an STM

The pronounced variation of the intensity of photons emitted from the tunneling gap of an STM with respect to the applied bias voltage V t is studied experimentally using simultaneous measurements of tunneling characteristics and photon emission. We show that the structure in isochromat photon spectra are determined by the following: bias-dependent changes in tunneling characteristics, density of initial and final states, and modifications of tip-induced plasmon modes. It is demonstrated that isochromat spectra provide a conclusive test for the inelastic tunneling mechanism. Coupling between tunneling electrons and tip-induced plasmon modes which gives rise to the intense photon emission observed is discussed within this model
THE ART OF KNOWING

A creative intuition lies latent within St. Thomas' theory of knowledge, one first explored in Jacques Maritain's Art and Scholasticism, and one whose patinas come to clearer prominence when juxtaposed with the work of Ludwig Wittgenstein. Though obviously not a Thomist, the latter helps to deliver us from the false dilemma of choosing between divine and human creativity. He also aids in bridging a divide between two potent versions of twentieth century Thomism: the conceptualism Maritain took from John of St. Thomas and the dynamic intellectualism of Joseph Marechal's Thomism.
Parallel Methods for the Numerical Solution of Ordinary Differential Equations

This correspondence studies various classes of methods, collectively known as block implicit methods, for the purpose of solving initial value problems in ordinary differential equations (ODE's) on a parallel processor. Modifications of the sequential procedures are discussed which allow these procedures to be used in a parallel mode. Both one-step and predictor-corrector type algorithms are examined.
An Empirical Examination of the Dimensionality of Power in a Channel of Distribution

The previous analysis strongly suggests that power in the channel of distribution for new automobiles is a multidimensional construct. Therefore, a generalized index of power isnot the preferred measurement procedure to adopt. This is inconsistent with present approaches to measuring power. In substitution of a generalized index of power it is suggested that power issues be grouped together via factor analysis or possibly cluster analysis. Perhaps even better would be the treating of each power issue separately. The best approach, however, will be determined upon the empirical examination of alternative methods of measurement.
Gallium containing glass polyalkenoate anti-cancerous bone cements: glass characterization and physical properties.

A gallium (Ga) glass series (0.48SiO2–0.40ZnO–0.12CaO, with 0.08 mol% substitution for ZnO) was developed to formulate a Ga-containing Glass Polyalkenoate Cement (GPC) series. Network connectivity (NC) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) was employed to investigate the role of Ga3+ in the glass, where it is assumed to act as a network modifier. Ga-GPC series was formulated with E9 and E11 polyacrylic acid (PAA) at 50, 55 and 60 wt% additions. E11 working times (Tw) ranged from 68 to 96 s (Lcon.) and 106 s for the Ga-GPCs (LGa-1 and LGa-2). Setting times (Ts) ranged from 104 to 226 s (Lcon.) and 211 s for LGa-1 and LGa-2. Compression (σc) and biaxial flexural (σf) testing were conducted where Lcon. increased from 62 to 68 MPa, LGa-1 from 14 to 42 MPa and LGa-2 from 20 to 47 MPa in σc over 1–30 days. σf testing revealed that Lcon. increased from 29 to 42 MPa, LGa-1 from 7 to 32 MPa and LGa-2 from 12 to 36 MPa over 1–30 days.
Hydroxylated Polychlorinated Biphenyls as Inhibitors of the Sulfation and Glucuronidation of 3-Hydroxy-Benzo(a)pyrene

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) can be metabolized by cytochromes P450 to hydroxylated biotransformation products. In mammalian studies, some of the hydroxylated products have been shown to be strong inhibitors of steroid sulfotransferases. As a part of ongoing research into the bioavailability of environmental pollutants in catfish intestine, we investigated the effects of a series of hydroxylated PCBs (OH-PCBs) on two conjugating enzymes, phenol-type sulfotransferase and glucuronosyltransferase. We incubated cytosolic and microsomal samples prepared from intestinal mucosa with 3-hydroxy-benzo[a]pyrene and appropriate cosubstrates and measured the effect of OH-PCBs on the formation of BaP-3-glucuronide and BaP-3-sulfate. We used PCBs with 4, 5, and 6 chlorine substitutions and the phenolic group in the ortho, meta, and para positions. OH-PCBs with the phenolic group in the ortho position were weak inhibitors of sulfotransferase; the median inhibitory concentration (IC50) ranged from 330 to 526 microM. When the phenol group was in the meta or para position, the IC50 was much lower (17.8-44.3 microM). The OH-PCBs were more potent inhibitors of glucuronosyltransferase, with IC50s ranging from 1.2 to 36.4 microM. The position of the phenolic group was not related to the inhibitory potency: the two weakest inhibitors of sulfotransferase, with the phenolic group in the ortho position, were 100 times more potent as inhibitors of glucuronosyltransferase. Inhibition of glucuronosyltransferase by low concentrations of OH-PCBs has not been reported before and may have important consequences for the bioavailability, bioaccumulation, and toxicity of other phenolic environmental contaminants.
2-Dimensional vector-valued modular forms

We study the graded space ℋ(ρ) of holomorphic vector-valued modular forms of integral weight associated to a 2-dimensional irreducible representation ρ of SL(2,ℤ). When ρ(T) is unitary, a complete description of ℋ(ρ) is given: the Poincare series is calculated and it is shown that ℋ(ρ) is a free module of rank 2 over the ring of (classical) holomorphic modular forms on SL(2,ℤ).
Power research— who needs it?

Abstract First and second-year undergraduate students frequently need help developing a research topic, identifying keywords, designing a search strategy, and using a variety of databases and basic reference sources to gather information. In addition, many have not yet developed skills for evaluating the information they do find. To offer beginning researchers assistance on learning how to approach and work through a research problem, a one and one-half hour “Power Research Workshop” was developed. The workshop and workshop materials are described, and an analysis of the successes and failures of the workshop is presented.
Thermomechanics of candidate coatings for advanced gas reactor fuels

Candidate fuel/coating combinations for an advanced, coated-fuel particle for a gas-cooled fast reactor (GFR) have been evaluated. These all-ceramic fuel forms consist of a fuel kernel made of UC or UN, surrounded with two shells (a buffer and a coating) made of TiC, SiC, ZrC, TiN, or ZrN. These carbides and nitrides are analyzed with finite element models to determine the stresses produced in the micro fuel particles from differential thermal expansion, fission gas release, swelling, and creep during particle fabrication and reactor operation. This study will help determine the feasibility of different fuel and coating combinations and identify the critical loads. The analysis shows that differential thermal expansion of the fuel and coating dictate the amount of stress for changing temperatures (such as during fabrication), and that the coating creep is able to mitigate an otherwise overwhelming amount of stress from fuel swelling. Because fracture is a likely mode of failure, a fracture mechanics study is also included to identify the relative likelihood of catastrophic fracture of the coating and resulting gas release. Overall, the analysis predicts that UN/ZrC is the best thermomechanical fuel/coating combination for mitigating the stress within the new fuel particle, but UN/TiN and UN/ZrN could also be strong candidates if their unknown creep rates are sufficiently large.
Optimal adaptive control for estimation of parameters of ARX models

The objective of this paper is to find an adaptive control strategy which would enable us to estimate the parameters of the ARX model as accurately as possible while keeping the output of the system below a specified level of variability. It turns out that this optimal experiment design problem can be solved by using the Astrom-Wittenmark self-tuning tracker (1973) with a specific choice of the reference signal.
Complex Dynamics in Spatial Systems

Dynamic complexity is a part of a broader meta-complexity that encompasses many different definitions of complexity, with the list of 45 provided by Seth Lloyd (Horgan, 1997) being the basic starting point (Rosser, 2009a). Dynamic complexity can be seen as consisting of four categories: cybernetics, catastrophe, chaos, and interacting heterogeneous agent-based complexity, which Rosser (1999b) previously labeled “small-tent complexity,” the “big-tent complexity” being this overall dynamic complexity. However, given the vaguely insulting implication of this “small-tent” label, as well as the fact that dynamic complexity is hardly the totality of complexity, it seems better to use a more precisely descriptive term. Indeed, for many people when they hear the term “complexity,” it is often this small-tent or agent-based complexity (also sometimes labeled “Santa Fe complexity”) that they think of.
New Robust Process Improvement for BGA Solder Ball Attach First Pass Yield

In BGA package assembly, the solder ball attach process is one of the yield off points that impacts the overall product yield and cycle time because of the need to rework. From the beginning of BGA product manufacturing the race to achieve high solder ball attach yields has spurned various ball attach technology from flux printing to flux pin transfer, a multitude of flux formulations by various flux suppliers, improvement in solder ball pad finishes by substrate suppliers, and many other process improvement iteration. Today, the most popular ball attach technology in the industry is the use of pin transfer using tacky flux on solder on BGA pad (SOPBGA), Imm Sn, CuOSP, and ENIG Yet, the solder ball attach process continues to suffer missing balls, joined balls, and bridging balls, impacting the overall cycle time due to rework. This study shows the use of dippable paste, a novel ball attach material replacing flux that's compatible with pin transfer equipment technology and which pushes the first pass yield to 100%, virtually eliminating rework and could potentially reduce manufacturing cycle time. Dippable paste has been used mostly in package-on- package technology but most formulations are no-clean. A new water-soluble formulation was successfully prepared and applied to normal pin transfer ball attach process for the first time. The solder powder in the dippable paste improved wettability onto the pad finish. Results showed 100% first pass yield on FCBGA samples with SOPBGA, Imm Sn, ENIG, and CuOSP pad finishes. It also showed comparable coplanarity, solder ball height, solder ball diameter, solder ball shear, solder ball pull, and x-y pitch values with flux process. The robustness of the process is confirmed with perfect first pass yield even on poor surface conditions.