cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Agent-based dynamic knowledge representation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa virulence activation in the stressed gut: Towards characterizing host-pathogen interactions in gut-derived sepsis

There is a growing realization that alterations in host-pathogen interactions (HPI) can generate disease phenotypes without pathogen invasion. The gut represents a prime region where such HPI can arise and manifest. Under normal conditions intestinal microbial communities maintain a stable, mutually beneficial ecosystem. However, host stress can lead to changes in environmental conditions that shift the nature of the host-microbe dialogue, resulting in escalation of virulence expression, immune activation and ultimately systemic disease. Effective modulation of these dynamics requires the ability to characterize the complexity of the HPI, and dynamic computational modeling can aid in this task. Agent-based modeling is a computational method that is suited to representing spatially diverse, dynamical systems. We propose that dynamic knowledge representation of gut HPI with agent-based modeling will aid in the investigation of the pathogenesis of gut-derived sepsis. An agent-based model (ABM) of virulence regulation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa was developed by translating bacterial and host cell sense-and-response mechanisms into behavioral rules for computational agents and integrated into a virtual environment representing the host-microbe interface in the gut. The resulting gut milieu ABM (GMABM) was used to: 1) investigate a potential clinically relevant laboratory experimental condition not yet developed - i.e. non-lethal transient segmental intestinal ischemia, 2) examine the sufficiency of existing hypotheses to explain experimental data - i.e. lethality in a model of major surgical insult and stress, and 3) produce behavior to potentially guide future experimental design - i.e. suggested sample points for a potential laboratory model of non-lethal transient intestinal ischemia. Furthermore, hypotheses were generated to explain certain discrepancies between the behaviors of the GMABM and biological experiments, and new investigatory avenues proposed to test those hypotheses. Agent-based modeling can account for the spatio-temporal dynamics of an HPI, and, even when carried out with a relatively high degree of abstraction, can be useful in the investigation of system-level consequences of putative mechanisms operating at the individual agent level. We suggest that an integrated and iterative heuristic relationship between computational modeling and more traditional laboratory and clinical investigations, with a focus on identifying useful and sufficient degrees of abstraction, will enhance the efficiency and translational productivity of biomedical research.
War and sustainability

SUMMARY The purpose of war is to destroy, and, even with precision bombs and missiles, some collateral damage still occurs. Inevitably, natural capital and other types of capital are destroyed or impaired. In Vietnam, the foliage of forests was targeted. In the Gulf War, Iraq released crude oil into the Red Sea, which damaged marine life, and set Kuwaiti oil fields on fire, which produced both atmospheric and terrestrial damage. War co-opts natural resources (e.g. natural capital), destroys societal infrastructure, and interferes with a variety of natural cycles and ecosystem services. War is incompatible with sustainable use of the planet since modern technology, including nuclear capabilities, makes war an unsustainable practice. Instead of protecting resources as they become increasingly scarce, these wars (usually poorly masked as terrorist, religious, or cultural conflicts) use natural capital, such as oil, in an attempt to obtain more than would have been possible by peaceful means. The assumption t...
Heavy doping effects on bandgaps, effective intrinsic carrier concentrations and carrier mobilities and lifetimes

Abstract Conventional device physics in most computer models of transistors may not predict correctly the measured electrical performance for shallow, heavily doped transistors. This paper presents improved concepts for numerical simulations of solid-state devices with donor densities up to 3 × 1020 cm−3 and junction depths as small as 1 μm. These improved concepts pertain to bandgap narrowing, effective intrinsic carrier concentrations and carrier mobilities and lifetimes.
First‐Year Growth of the Largemouth Bass, Micropterus salmoides (Lacépède), and Some Related Ecological Factors

Abstract First-year growth of largemouth bass taken from Lake George and adjoining slough, Anoka County, Minnesota, during a 4-year period was described. Illumination, water chemistry, abundance of bass fingerlings, yearlings, and other fish did not influence growth rate or total season's growth. Total length at end of season varied from 56 to 85 millimeters and was contingent upon length attained on August 1, which was directly related to total temperature experience to that date. Rates of embryo development, sac-fry growth, and fingerling growth during the first 4 weeks and again at the end of the season were directly related to the mean daily water temperature. Growth rate during the first 2 weeks after rising was directly related to amount of food in stomachs, and near the end of the season to the ratio of large organisms to small organisms. Differences in relative condition factor (Kn) between areas in a single year were directly related to stomach weight, while differences in condition among years w...
The cradle of categorization: Is the basic level basic?

Abstract A common assumption in the developmental literature is that the earliest kind of conceptual categories to be formed are basic-level categories. A corollary assumption is that superordinate categories are formed after, and out of, previously acquired basic-level categories. Two experiments using an object-manipulation task explored these assumptions by studying response to a variety of categories in children aged from 12 to 20 months. The first experiment examined responses to basic-level categories (dogs vs. cars),superordinate categories (animals vs. vehicles), and contextual categories (kitchen things vs. bathroom things). At all ages tested, the children performed best on the basic-level categories but, even at 12 months of age, some children were responsive to the superordinate and contextual categories. By 20 months of age, approximately half of the children showed such sensitivity. The second experiment showed that 16- and 20-month-olds differentiated basic-level categories only when the categorical contrasts were taken from different superordinate classes (e.g., dogs vs. cars) and not when the categories were drawn from the same superordinate class (e.g., dogs vs. horses). The data suggest that basic-levels categories are not the first kind of conceptual categories to be formed. Instead, it appears that children may form more global categories, with basic-level differentiation occurring later.
Quantitative analysis of saltwater-freshwater relationships in groundwater systems—A historical perspective

Abstract Although much progress has been made toward the mathematical description of saltwater-freshwater relationships in groundwater systems since the late 19th century, the advective and dispersive mechanisms involved are still incompletely understood. This article documents the major historical advances in this subject and summarizes the major direction of current studies. From the time of Badon Ghyben and Herzberg, it has been recognized that density is important in mathematically describing saltwater-freshwater systems. Other mechanisms, such as hydrodynamic dispersion, were identified later and are still not fully understood. Quantitative analysis of a saltwater-freshwater system attempts to mathematically describe the physical system and the important mechanisms using reasonable simplifications and assumptions. This paper, in developing the history of quantitative analysis discusses many of these simplifications and assumptions and their effect on describing and understanding the phenomenon.
Circuit-Delay Test Instrument

The evaluation of signal propagation delay in multiple-input multiple-output digital circuits can be very time consuming. For a circuit with n inputs there are 2n different input address states and 2n(2n - 1) different input address state transitions, each of which may result in a different propagation-delay time. A circuit-delay tester has been designed and built to test signal propagation delay automatically and at high speed for all possible input state transitions. While designed primarily for testing high-speed integrated read-only memories, other applications are also possible. The tester drives up to 10 inputs and checks up to 4 outputs with continuously variable input voltage levels and output voltage thresholds. The operating speed is 1 ??s per input address transition (i.e., about 0.25 s for a complete test of a 4 ?? 256-bit ROM), while an address transition rate of 10-MHz max is simulated. The propagation-delay measurement range is 15-100 ns with an accuracy of ?? 1 ns. The tested delays are either compared against a preset value and a pass-fail status is indicated or the largest delay is located, measured, and displayed. Also, any desired input address transition can be manually selected and the related delay measured. Operation of the circuit-delay tester does not require knowledge of the logic contents of the device under test.
Minimally Invasive Thoracoabdominal Esophagectomy in a Morbidly Obese Patient

Open approaches to esophagectomy include transhiatial, Ivor-Lewis, left thoracoabdominal, and McKeown, each with inherent advantages and disadvantages. Minimally invasive esophagectomy most commonly refers to a minimally invasive Ivor-Lewis style approach, although transhiatial and McKeown approaches have also been described. A minimally invasive thoracoabdominal esophagectomy has not yet been reported. This minimally invasive approach offers the same advantages as the open thoracoabdominal procedure: excellent exposure, evaluation for resectability before gastric mobilization, and no need for intraoperative repositioning. We describe a minimally invasive thoracoabdominal esophagectomy, the technique, and advantages of this approach in a morbidly obese patient with esophageal cancer.
Solution Structure of the Heterotrimeric Complex between the Interaction Domains of RFX5 and RFXAP from the RFX Gene Regulatory Complex

Abstract The mammalian immune response is mediated by a heterotetrameric transcriptional control complex, called regulatory factor X (RFX), that regulates the expression of major histocompatibility complex class II genes. RFX comprises three proteins: RFX5 (two copies), RFXAP, and RFXB, and mutations and deletions that prevent the assembly of the RFX complex have been linked to a severe immunodeficiency disorder. Two RFX5 molecules and one RFXAP molecule assemble in the cytoplasm prior to nuclear localization, a process mediated by an N-terminal “dimerization domain” of RFX5 (RFX5N) and a C-terminal domain of RFXAP (RFXAPC). We previously presented evidence that RFXAPC is unstructured in the absence of RFX5N but adopts a regular structure in the RFX5N2–RFXAPC complex and that the RFX5N2–RFXAPC complex binds RFXB with high affinity. We now report the structure of the RFX5N2–RFXAPC complex, determined in solution by 15N- and 13C-edited NMR spectroscopy. RFX5N consists of a long central helix flanked by two shorter helices. The central helices of the two RFX5N molecules form an antiparallel coiled coil, and the flanking helices pack at the ends of the long helices in a perpendicular arrangement such that the RFX5N dimer is shaped like a staple. RFXAPC consists of two α-helices that form a V-shaped structure that packs within the RFX5N2 staple. Leucine residues in the leucine-rich region of RFX5N (62-LYLYLQL-68) that are critical for major histocompatibility complex class II gene expression in vivo contribute to both the dimer (Leu64 and Leu68) and the RFX5N–RFXAPC interfaces (Leu62 and Leu66). The clustering of hydrophobic residues from different regions of RFXAPC suggests a potential binding site for RFXB.
A comparison of MAC aggregation Vs. PHY bonding for WLANs in TV White Spaces

The availability of Television White Spaces (TVWS) has recently attracted considerable attention in industry and academia. Given the relatively small amount of bandwidth allocated to each TVWS channel (6, 7 or 8 MHz depending on geography), channel aggregation/bonding, which enables simultaneous usage of multiple TVWS channels, is an efficient approach to increasing the data rate. In this paper we compare channel aggregation at the MAC layer with channel bonding at the PHY layer. Three approaches are investigated: MAC layer aggregation, PHY layer bonding and a new proposal called enhanced PHY (ePHY) layer bonding. We present simulation results that show that when the SINR difference between aggregated/bonded channels is large that (i) the PHY performance of ePHY bonding is superior to PHY bonding both in terms of available data rates and PER performance and (ii) for both slow and fast link adaptation methodologies, ePHY bonding and MAC aggregation deliver higher throughputs than straightforward PHY bonding.
Penetrating Ulcer of the Ascending Aorta

![Figure][1] A 77-year-old woman underwent coronary artery bypass grafting in 2002. The surgeon noted a mass on the ascending aorta, adjacent to the innominate artery. He performed an off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting procedure to avoid manipulation of the aorta. The patient
A strategy of movement and resource utilization

We model a specific strategy of movement and foraging, termed a conspecific cuing strategy, motivated by observations on iguanid lizards. This strategy differs from several other possible strategies in that conspecific individuals are used as cues to the distribution of food resources. Both these cues and the resources themselves affect an individual’s pattern of foraging. Appreciation of this strategy helps to understand the behavior and ecology of these lizards, and of certain other vertebrates as well. At least two possible goals for foarging strategy exist: time minimization and energy maximization. Schoener (1971) d iscussed these approaches in detail. In the following model the goal is time minimization; hence we model a lizard’s time budget. There are many limitations on the scope of inquiry and the range of applicability of the analysis in the kind of model considered here. In this model of behavior the scope of inquiry is limited by our choice of a measure of the fitness of behavior. Some behaviors may, in fact, contribute to the overall fitness of an animal without affecting a particular measure of fitness used. For example, time minimization does not directly reflect activities involved in reproduction, such as courtship. Aspects of behavior involving energetic considerations such as the choice of foods which differ in energy content also cannot be considered. The range of applicability is limited by the statistical nature of the analysis. Because we are modeling responses which are postulated to occur on the average, we do
Lanthanide-Based Imaging of Protein–Protein Interactions in Live Cells

In order to deduce the molecular mechanisms of biological function, it is necessary to monitor changes in the subcellular location, activation, and interaction of proteins within living cells in real time. Forster resonance energy-transfer (FRET)-based biosensors that incorporate genetically encoded, fluorescent proteins permit high spatial resolution imaging of protein–protein interactions or protein conformational dynamics. However, a nonspecific fluorescence background often obscures small FRET signal changes, and intensity-based biosensor measurements require careful interpretation and several control experiments. These problems can be overcome by using lanthanide [Tb(III) or Eu(III)] complexes as donors and green fluorescent protein (GFP) or other conventional fluorophores as acceptors. Essential features of this approach are the long-lifetime (approximately milliseconds) luminescence of Tb(III) complexes and time-gated luminescence microscopy. This allows pulsed excitation, followed by a brief delay...
Medical nutrition therapy for overweight youth in their medical home: the KIDPOWER experience.

Abstract Objective To determine the feasibility and impact of implementing a standardized medical nutrition therapy (MNT) protocol to treat overweight children in their medical home. Primary outcomes evaluated were changes in eating behaviors, television habits, and weight status. Methods A MNT protocol with handouts (known as KIDPOWER) was delivered by a registered dietitian (RD) to overweight children (2–20 years) in 9 primary care practices in a rural community. A medical record review yielded height, weight and selected patient/parent reported eating and TV behaviors from each MNT visit. Mean values were compared by paired samples t -tests. Changes in behaviors and BMI z score were compared using repeated measures ANOVA. Results For patients with at least three MNT visits ( n =109) significant improvements in eating and TV viewing habits were seen by the third visit. Weight status, as determined by a significant decline in mean BMI z score, was improved. Conclusion The KIDPOWER protocol delivered by a RD in the pediatric medical home aided overweight youth in making behavior changes that positively impacted their weight status. Practice implications Reimbursement to RDs for treating childhood obesity is improving and KIDPOWER provides a model and tools for community practice.
Deep carbon: Subduction goes organic

Aqueous subduction-zone fluids contain CO2 and methane. New calculations indicate that these fluids also host a wide array of organic carbon species, in concentrations sufficient to influence the deep carbon cycle.
Agonistic 4-1bb antibodies in combination with inhibitory antibodies against CTLA-4, PD-L1 or LAG-3 ACT on CD8+ T cells in the tumor microenvironment and synergize to promote regression of established tumors

Meeting abstracts Tumors can be placed into two categories: those that are T cell-inflamed and those that are not, based on specific chemokine and type I interferon gene expression signatures and CD8+ tumor infiltrating T cells (TIL). That these immune-inflamed tumors are not destroyed by the CD8+
Prolyl Isomerase Pin1 Regulates Transcription Factor LSF (TFCP2) by Facilitating Dephosphorylation at Two Serine-Proline Motifs

Transcription factor LSF is essential for cell cycle progression, being required for activating expression of the thymidylate synthase (Tyms) gene at the G1/S transition. We previously established that phosphorylation of LSF in early G1 at Ser-291 and Ser-309 inhibits its transcriptional activity and that dephosphorylation later in G1 is required for its reactivation. Here we reveal the role of prolyl cis-trans isomerase Pin1 in activating LSF, by facilitating dephosphorylation at both Ser-291 and Ser-309. We demonstrate that Pin1 binds LSF both in vitro and in vivo. Using coimmunoprecipitation assays, we identify three SP/TP motifs in LSF (at residues Ser-291, Ser-309, and Thr-329) that are required and sufficient for association with Pin1. Co-expression of Pin1 enhances LSF transactivation potential in reporter assays. The Pin1-dependent enhancement of LSF activity requires residue Thr-329 in LSF, requires both the WW and PPiase domains of Pin1, and correlates with hypophosphorylation of LSF at Ser-291 and Ser-309. These findings support a model in which the binding of Pin1 at the Thr-329—Pro-330 motif in LSF permits isomerization by Pin1 of the peptide bonds at the nearby phosphorylated SP motifs (Ser-291 and Ser-309) to the trans configuration, thereby facilitating their dephosphorylation.
Quantification of vitellogenin-mRNA during maturation and breeding of a burying beetle

Burying beetles (Nicrophorus orbicollis) are unusual in that to breed they require an unpredictable and valuable resource, a small carcass. Thus the timing of reproduction is unpredictable and beetles' physiological response must be fast. We hypothesized that their pattern of vitellogenin (Vg) synthesis might reflect these requirements. We examined the expression of two Vg genes (sequenced for this study) during sexual maturation and through a reproductive bout. Vg-mRNA, juvenile hormone (JH) titers, ovarian development, and hemolymph concentrations of Vg were quantified in the same individuals. All four variables gradually increased during maturation to peak 15-20 days after eclosion. Twelve hours after the discovery of a carcass, a few hours before oviposition, mRNA was high, hemolymph Vg had decreased, JH and ovarian weight had increased. After oviposition, mRNA was low, hemolymph Vg concentrations and JH were high. This is consistent with our hypothesis that beetles produce and store Vg in the hemolymph prior to the discovery of a breeding resource and replace it quickly. Partial regression of these variables (with the effect of time removed) indicated that JH was not correlated with mRNA, hemolymph Vg, or ovarian weight at any time. Thus the role of JH as a gonadotropin remains unclear.
Interaction of pulsating and spinning waves in nonadiabatic flame propagation

We consider nonadiabatic premixed flame propagation in a long cylindrical channel. A steadily propagating planar flame exists for heat losses below a critical value. It is stable provided that the Lewis number and the volumetric heat loss coefficient are sufficiently small. At critical values of these parameters, bifurcated states, corresponding to time-periodic pulsating cellular flames, emanate from the steadily propagating solution. We analyze the problem in a neighborhood of a multiple primary bifurcation point. By varying the radius of the channel, we split the multiple bifurcation point and show that various types of stable periodic and quasi-periodic pulsating flames can arise as secondary, tertiary, and quaternary bifurcations. Our analysis describes several types of spinning and pulsating flame propagation which have been experimentally observed in nonadiabatic flames, and also describes additional quasi-periodic modes of burning which have yet to be documented experimentally.
Arylsulfatase Activity of Mycobacterium avium, M. intracellulare, and M. scrofulaceum†

A rapid (3-h) arylsulfatase assay for cell suspensions of mycobacteria, in which p-nitrophenyl sulfate is used as the substrate, was developed. Arylsulfatase activity was found in cell suspensions of representative strains of Mycobacterium avium, Mycobacterium intracellulare, and Mycobacterium scrofulaceum grown without the substrate in either Middlebrook 7H9 medium containing 0.2% (wt/vol) glucose and 0.05% (vol/vol) Tween 80 or Dubos broth medium, but was absent in cells grown in a low-pH, minimal medium containing 1% (vol/vol) Tween 80 as the sole carbon source. The levels of arylsulfatase activity of representatives of all three species were equal whether the activity was measured at pH 5.5, 6.5, or 7.5 and whether the cells were suspended in phosphate or Tris buffer. The addition of high levels of sulfate (present in the low-pH, Tween 80-containing medium) to Middlebrook 7H9 medium resulted in significantly lower levels of arylsulfatase activity in strains of M. scrofulaceum, but did not affect the levels in either M. avium or M. intracellulare. The levels of arylsulfatase activity were highest in M. avium, intermediate in M. intracellulare, and lowest in M. scrofulaceum strains. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of crude extracts from late-log-phase cells of representatives of each species produced activity bands of unique mobility (one in M. avium, three in M. intracellulare [82, 5, and 13%], and two in M. scrofulaceum [60 and 40%]).
Development of space manufacturing systems concepts utilizing lunar resources

Results of a NASA sponsored study to evaluate the merits of constructing solar power satellites using lunar and terrestrial resources are reviewed. Three representative lunar resources utilization (LRU) concepts were developed and compared with a previously designed earth baseline concept, and major system hardware elements as well as personnel requirements were defined. LRU for space construction was shown to be competitive with earth baseline approach for a program requiring 10 to the 5th metric tons per year of completed satellites. Results also indicated that LRU can reduce earth launched cargo requirements to less than 10% of that needed to build satellites exclusively from earth materials, with a significant percentage of the reduction due to the use of liquid oxygen derived from lunar soil. A concept using the mass driver to catapult lunar material into space was found to be superior to the other LRU logistics techniques investigated.
Postnatal lead effects on the development of visual spatial acuity in rhesus monkeys (Macaca Mulatta)

High lead levels adversely affect visual function in humans and laboratory animals. The effects of lower lead levels are less certain. This study compared the development of photopic spatial acuity in rhesus monkeys exposed to lead (n = 43) with monkeys (n = 23) not exposed to lead. Lead exposure began at Day 8 postpartum and continued daily throughout the first 26 weeks of postnatal life achieving target blood lead levels of 35–40 µg/dl by about 15 weeks. Photopic spatial acuity was evaluated by a preferential looking technique used clinically to assess spatial acuity in human infants. Acuity increased rapidly over the first few postnatal weeks achieving the maximum acuity level assessed (26.3 c/deg) by 7 weeks of age for most monkeys. Postnatal lead exposure at the dosages and durations studied did not affect the development of photopic spatial acuity. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 50: 608–614, 2008.
Influence of Organizational Factors on Safety

There is a need for a better understanding of exactly how organizational management factors at a nuclear power plant (NPP) affect plant safety performance, either directly or indirectly, and how these factors might be observed, measured, and evaluated. The purpose of this research project is to respond to that need by developing a general methodology for characterizing these organizational and management factors, systematically collecting information on their status and integrating that information into various types of evaluative activities. Research to date has included the development of the Nuclear Organization and Management Analysis Concept (NOMAC) of a NPP, the identification of key organizational and management factors, and the identification of the methods for systematically measuring and analyzing the influence of these factors on performance. Most recently, two field studies, one at a fossil fuel plant and the other at a NPP, were conducted using the developed methodology. Results are presented from both studies highlighting the acceptability, practicality, and usefulness of the methods used to assess the influence of various organizational and management factors including culture, communication, decision-making, standardization, and oversight. 6 refs., 3 figs., 1 tab.
Stereopsis and aging

Three experiments investigated whether and to what extent increases in age affect the functionality of stereopsis. The observers' ages ranged from 18 to 83 years. The overall goal was to challenge the older stereoscopic visual system by utilizing high magnitudes of binocular disparity, ambiguous binocular disparity [cf., Julesz, B., & Chang, J. (1976). Interaction between pools of binocular disparity detectors tuned to different disparities. Biological Cybernetics, 22, 107-119], and by making binocular matching more difficult. In particular, Experiment 1 evaluated observers' abilities to discriminate ordinal depth differences away from the horopter using standing disparities of 6.5-46 min arc. Experiment 2 assessed observers' abilities to discriminate stereoscopic shape using line-element stereograms. The direction (crossed vs. uncrossed) and magnitude of the binocular disparity (13.7 and 51.5 min arc) were manipulated. Binocular matching was made more difficult by varying the orientations of corresponding line elements across the two eyes' views. The purpose of Experiment 3 was to determine whether the aging stereoscopic system can resolve ambiguous binocular disparities in a manner similar to that of younger observers. The results of all experiments demonstrated that older observers' stereoscopic vision is functionally comparable to that of younger observers in many respects. For example, both age groups exhibited a similar ability to discriminate depth and surface shape. The results also showed, however, that age-related differences in stereopsis do exist, and they become most noticeable when the older stereoscopic system is challenged by multiple simultaneous factors.
Oxygen Transfer Efficiency of the Aquatector and Application to Warmwater Fish Culture

Abstract Oxygen transfer rates and efficiencies were determined for a model 32/110 Aquatector – a commercially available device that mixes water and oxygen under pressure, shears the oxygen into microbubbles, and discharges the mixture – at three pressures and six oxygen flows. Standard oxygen transfer rates peaked at 2.87 g/min with 82.8% efficiency at 5.80 kPa, at 1.60 g/min with 33.6% efficiency at 2.90 kPa, and at 1.22 g/min with 21% efficiency at 1.45 kPa. Oxygen transfer efficiency was correlated positively with pressure and negatively with oxygen flow. The Aquatector was capable of saturating deoxygenated water at the rate of about 340 L/ min at 21°C and 5.80 kPa with 82.8% efficiency of oxygen used. Although the total mass transfer of oxygen from the 32/110 Aquatector was too low to be effective in providing emergency aeration in large volumes of water, such as those in warmwater ponds, larger models (40/160 or 50!225) might be practical.
Microsomal oxidase. IV. Properties of a mixed-function amine oxidase isolated from pig liver microsomes

Abstract A flavoprotein-oxidase isolated from pig hepatic microsomes catalyzes the NADPH- and oxygen-dependent N -oxidation of a variety of lipid-soluble sec - and tert -amines. The sec -amines are oxidized to the hydroxylamines; and the tert -amines, to the amine oxides. With one or two exceptions the isolated oxidase does not catalyze the oxidation of primary amines. However, primary alkylamines added to the reaction vessel increase the sec - and tert -amine N -oxidase activity of both the isolated enzyme and microsomes. The isolated oxidase contains 14 nmoles FAD and about 0.02 mg lipid/mg protein. The oxidase appears to be free from cytochromes but is contaminated with very small, but detectable, amounts of a hemoprotein that corresponds to catalase, both spectrally and in enzymic properties. The isolated enzyme is free from NADPH-cyt. c reductase, diaphorase, and monoamine oxidase activities.
Stochastic backgrounds in alternative theories of gravity: Overlap reduction functions for pulsar timing arrays

In the next decade gravitational waves might be detected using a pulsar timing array. In an effort to develop optimal detection strategies for stochastic backgrounds of gravitational waves in generic metric theories of gravity, we investigate the overlap reduction functions for these theories and discuss their features. We show that the sensitivity to nontransverse gravitational waves is greater than the sensitivity to transverse gravitational waves and discuss the physical origin of this effect. We calculate the overlap reduction functions for the current NANOGrav pulsar timing array and show that the sensitivity to the vector and scalar-longitudinal modes can increase dramatically for pulsar pairs with small angular separations. For example, the $\mathrm{J}1853+1303\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{J}1857+0943$ pulsar pair, with an angular separation of about 3\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}, is about ${10}^{4}$ times more sensitive to the longitudinal component of the stochastic background, if it is present, than the transverse components.
Scientific Imagination in the Middle Ages

Following Aristotle, medieval natural philosophers believed that knowledge was ultimately based on perception and observation; and like Aristotle, they also believed that observation could not explain the “why” of any perception. To arrive at the “why”, natural philosophers offered theoretical explanations that required the use of the imagination. This was, however, only the starting point. Not only did they apply their imaginations to real phenomena, but expended even more intellectual energy on counterfactual phenomena, both extracosmic and intracosmic, extensively discussing, among other themes, the possible existence of other worlds and the possibility of an infinite extracosmic space. The application of the imagination to scientific problems during the Middle Ages was not an empty exercise, but, as I shall show, played a significant role in the development of early modern science.
Dynamic energy budget modeling reveals the potential of future growth and calcification for the coccolithophore Emiliania huxleyi in an acidified ocean

Ocean acidification is likely to impact the calcification potential of marine organisms. In part due to the covarying nature of the ocean carbonate system components, including pH and CO2 and CO3(2-) levels, it remains largely unclear how each of these components may affect calcification rates quantitatively. We develop a process-based bioenergetic model that explains how several components of the ocean carbonate system collectively affect growth and calcification rates in Emiliania huxleyi, which plays a major role in marine primary production and biogeochemical carbon cycling. The model predicts that under the IPCC A2 emission scenario, its growth and calcification potential will have decreased by the end of the century, although those reductions are relatively modest. We anticipate that our model will be relevant for many other marine calcifying organisms, and that it can be used to improve our understanding of the impact of climate change on marine systems.
Ultrastructural aspects of lipid absorption by bovine intestinal mucosa.

Abstract Ultrastructural aspects of lipid absorption by the small intestinal mucosa of the ruminating and nonruminating bovine were investigated. Jejunal biopsies were obtained with a hydraulically-operated suction biopsy tube passed internally via a duodenal cannula. Biopsies excised from fasted animals were controls or were incubated in vitro for different time periods. In-vivo absorption was studied after introduction of emulsified lipid directly into the small intestine. During in-vivo absorption, epithelial cells contained circular profiles (lipid droplets) individually in the apical cytoplasm and as aggregates in the Golgi apparatus and intercellular spaces. A similar pattern was observed after exposure of biopsies in vitro to micellar solutions of oleic acid, monoolein, and sodium taurodeoxycholate, except that aggregates were not distinct in the Golgi region and were absent intercellularly. These results suggest that the integrity of the small intestine is a requisite for transport but not for movement into the cell.
A representation for comparing simulations and computing the purpose of geometric features

We present a new representation that allows a rigid-body dynamic simulation to be described as a set of “causal-processes.” A causal-process is an interval of time during which both the behavior and the causes of the behavior remain qualitatively uniform. The representation consists of acyclic, directed graphs that are isomorphic to the flow of causality through the kinematic chain. Forces are the carriers of causality in this domain; thus they are central to the representation. We use this representation to compute the purposes of the geometric features on the parts of a device. To compute the purpose of a particular feature, we simulate the behavior of the device with and without the feature present. We then re-represent the two simulations as causal-processes and identify any causal-processes that exist in one simulation but not the other. Such processes are indicative of the feature's purpose. Because they are already causal descriptions of behavior, they can be directly translated into natural language descriptions of the feature's purpose. We have implemented our approach in a computer program called ExplainIT II.
Ion adsorption and excitation.

A simple calculation shows that the K ions about to leave the nerve during excitation form a monolayer at the surface of the resting nerve and are not hydrated. The same applies to the Na ions which replace the K ions. This may be taken as an indication of the existence of a reversible ad- and desorption phenomenon.
Second-order variance estimation in poststratified two-stage sampling

The linearization or Taylor series variance estimator and jackknife linearization variance estimator are popular for poststratified point estimators. In this note we propose a simple second-order linearization variance estimator for the poststratified estimator of the population total in two-stage sampling, using the second-order Taylor series expansion. We investigate the properties of the proposed variance estimator and its modified version and their empirical performance through some simulation studies in comparison to the standard and jackknife linearization variance estimators. Simulation studies are carried out on both artificially generated data and real data.
Peptide and nonpeptide ligands for the nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor ORL1: Research tools and potential therapeutic agents

The 17-amino acid neuropeptide nociceptin/Orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) was recently identified as the endogenous ligand for the opioid receptor-like (ORL1) receptor, a fourth member of the classical μ, δ, and κ opioid receptor family. Although ORL1 clearly belongs to the opioid receptor family, it does not bind classical opiates and the ORL1-N/OFQ system has pharmacological actions distinct from the opioid receptor system. This new ligand-receptor system has generated active interest in the opioid community because of its wide distribution and involvement in a myriad of neurological pathways. The past two years have witnessed tremendous advances in the design and discovery of very potent and selective peptide and nonpeptide agonist and antagonist ligands at ORL1. These discoveries have facilitated the understanding of the role of the ORL1-N/OFQ system in a variety of processes such as pain modulation, anxiety, food intake, learning, memory, neurotransmitter release, reward pathways, and tolerance development. The ORL1 receptor therefore represents a new molecular target for the design of novel agents for anxiety, analgesia, and drug addiction. Indeed, there is tremendous interest in the pharmaceutical industry in the development of nonpeptide ligands such as the potent ORL1 agonist, Ro 64–6198, as anxiolytics and the ORL1 antagonist JTC–801 as novel analgesics. This review presents an overview of the various peptide and nonpeptide ORL1 ligands with an emphasis on their potential therapeutic utility in various human disorders.
Transformation and Transport of Vinclozolin from Soil to Air

A laboratory chamber was designed and used to determine the headspace flux of the fungicide vinclozolin (3-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)-5-methyl-5-vinyl-oxzoli-dine-2,4-dione) and its three degradation products from chamber surfaces, 20-30 mesh Ottawa sand, and sterilized and nonsterile North Carolina Piedmont aquic hapludult soils following fungicide spray applications. Results indicate that vinclozolin and its degradation products are influenced by the presence of soil particles, fluid-filled pore space, soil organic matter and clay content, and microbes. The formation of 2-[3,5-dichlorophenyl)-carbamoyl]oxy-2-methyl-3-butenoic acid (“M1”), was highest in pore water with elevated pH levels, and the degradation is enhanced by the presence of microbes. M1 was also released from lower pH soil pore water, especially when the fungicide was incorporated into the soil. Unlike prior studies of vinclozolin degradation in solutions, this study found that, in soil, both M1 and 3′,5′-dichloro-2-hydroxy-2-methylbut-3-enanilide (“M2”) can be produced in the same soil column. These results indicate that engineering controls and agricultural practices following application can affect the amount and pathway of vinclozolin’s degradation.
Cell cycle variations in chromatin structure detected by DNase I.

Abstract We have recently developed a reproducible method for the use of DNase I as a sensitive probe of chromatin structure (Prentice, D A & Gurley, L R, Biochim biophys acta 740 (1983) 134) [12] and have used this probe to investigate chromatin structure during the interphase of the cell cycle. Chinese hamster cells (line CHO) were synchronized by: (1) mitotic detachment, to obtain M-phase cells; (2) isoleucine deprivation, to obtain G1-phase cells; and (3) sequential use of isoleucine deprivation followed by release into the presence of hydroxyurea, to obtain cells blocked at the start of S phase. The cells were released from the various blocking schemes and nuclei were isolated and digested with DNase I at various times. The digestion kinetics were monitored to detect possible changes in chromatin condensation through the cell cycle. The chromatin was much more accessible to DNase I in G1 phase than in S or G2 phase, with only small variations in structure detected in late G1 and very early S phase. From early S phase up to mitosis, the chromatin became increasingly condensed and inaccessible to DNase I action. These results support the concept of a chromatin condensation cycle during interphase as well as during mitosis.
Psychological Separation-Individuation and Adjustment to College among Korean American Students: The Roles of Collectivism and Individualism.

This study examined the effects of psychological separation-individuation on adjustment to college among 170 Korean American students in the contexts of collectivism and individualism. The results showed that the two dimensions of psychological separation-individuation measured by the Psychological Separation Inventory (PSI; J. Hoffman, 1984) related to the cultural variables differently and showed contrasting relationships to college adjustment: Conflictual independence from parents related negatively to individualism and was associated positively with college adjustment, whereas general independence from parents related negatively to both collectivism and college adjustment. Additionally, collectivism was found to be positively associated with college adjustment. Individualism functioned as a moderator, as a low degree of individualism strengthened the positive relationship between collectivism and college adjustment.
Bispecific enzyme-linked signal-enhanced immunoassay with subattomole sensitivity.

A bispecific enzyme-linked signal-enhanced immunoassay (BiELSIA) was developed with markedly increased sensitivity. Antimyosin, the detection antibody, was linked to the signal probespecific antibody. Probes consisted of diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acids attached to polylysine modified with up to seven or eight horseradish peroxidase (HRP) units. Each bispecific antibody bound two polymer probes, providing twice the signal. Using BiELSIA in a competitive inhibition immunoassay format with an average of 1.5, 3, 4.5, 6, and 7.5 HRP units per polymer-probe, the sensitivity of standard enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (10−13 mole) was increased to 10−15, 10−18, 10−19, 10−20, and 10−21 mol (≤1,000 molecules), respectively. BiELSIA detected cardiac myosin heavy chain fragments in sera of patients obtained at the time of emergency department admission for acute myocardial infarction, but not in normal sera. This technology should be applicable for detection of cancer, human immunodeficiency virus, prion, and...
Nonresonant two-photon generation of excitonic matter in a CuCl pellet

A pressed CuCl pellet is optically excited at 2 K using an excitation energy in the range from 1892 to 2843 meV, which is far below the bandgap. The steady-state population dynamics unambiguously indicates an unusual two-photon generation of ground-state excitons. At high-excitation levels, the observed spectra exhibit rich spectral features arising from electron–hole plasma and electron–hole droplets formation. This nonresonant two-photon excitation is presumably assisted by impurity bands due to grain boundaries and surfaces in this random semiconductor.
Potentiation decay of synapses and length distributions of synfire chains self-organized in recurrent neural networks

Synfire chains are thought to underlie precisely timed sequences of spikes observed in various brain regions and across species. How they are formed is not understood. Here we analyze self-organization of synfire chains through the spike-timing dependent plasticity (STDP) of the synapses, axon remodeling, and potentiation decay of synaptic weights in networks of neurons driven by noisy external inputs and subject to dominant feedback inhibition. Potentiation decay is the gradual, activity-independent reduction of synaptic weights over time. We show that potentiation decay enables a dynamic and statistically stable network connectivity when neurons spike spontaneously. Periodic stimulation of a subset of neurons leads to formation of synfire chains through a random recruitment process, which terminates when the chain connects to itself and forms a loop. We demonstrate that chain length distributions depend on the potentiation decay. Fast potentiation decay leads to long chains with wide distributions, while slow potentiation decay leads to short chains with narrow distributions. We suggest that the potentiation decay, which corresponds to the decay of early long-term potentiation of synapses, is an important synaptic plasticity rule in regulating formation of neural circuity through STDP.
Smart buildings: viscous dampers for a tall twisting tower

This paper presents the evolution of the structural design of one of the tallest structures in the world. The architectural design was developed by Mehrdad Yazdani at Cannon Design Group. The structural design approach is to view the building as a living building. The approach selected uses viscous dampers as an important structural member to be added to the building. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of Spectrophotometric Observations of Venus in the 3–4 Micron Region

Spectrophotometric data of Venus in the 3-4 micron region are analyzed in the context of current ideas concerning cloud properties. The results show that a homogeneous cloud model, using a unimodal particle size distribution compatible with the results of previous polarization studies, cannot satisfactorily explain the infrared observations. Assuming a composition of 75% H2SO4, agreement is possible if an upper layer of smaller particles is added to the homogeneous cloud. This inhomogeneous cloud structure, however, is not in agreement with the polarization results. Other models, involving bimodal particle size distributions, were also unsuccessful in explaining both sets of observations in a consistent manner.
A References Systematization Study in the Methodology of Group Piano Teaching

The references for interpretation at the beginning of musical learning constitute the core of group piano teaching. Its stratification in technical, theoretical and tonal references enables an early, organized and effective approach to learning in which interpretation constitutes an agglutinating element. The systematization of positions at the piano, resulting from the organization of technical references, is central to this article since these are essential to the viability of the execution. The remaining references, theoretical and tonal, which are transversal, complete the theoretical frame discussed here. The proposed methodology, aimed at the 1 st and 2 nd grades of group piano teaching, it not intended to be unique but one of the methodological possibilities in an increasingly emerging area in Portugal, in which interpretation is the final goal.