cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cell-free Formation of RNA Granules: Bound RNAs Identify Features and Components of Cellular Assemblies

Cellular granules lacking boundary membranes harbor RNAs and their associated proteins and play diverse roles controlling the timing and location of protein synthesis. Formation of such granules was emulated by treatment of mouse brain extracts and human cell lysates with a biotinylated isoxazole (b-isox) chemical. Deep sequencing of the associated RNAs revealed an enrichment for mRNAs known to be recruited to neuronal granules used for dendritic transport and localized translation at synapses. Precipitated mRNAs contain extended 3' UTR sequences and an enrichment in binding sites for known granule-associated proteins. Hydrogels composed of the low complexity (LC) sequence domain of FUS recruited and retained the same mRNAs as were selectively precipitated by the b-isox chemical. Phosphorylation of the LC domain of FUS prevented hydrogel retention, offering a conceptual means of dynamic, signal-dependent control of RNA granule assembly.
Investigations of solution variables in a contactless copper electrodeposition process for 3D packaging applications

Abstract A novel electrochemical method for contactless electrodeposition of copper onto silicon wafers has been investigated. Deposition parameters such as applied current, concentrations of deposition solution and supporting electrolyte were optimized to achieve high deposition rates as well as homogenous deposition of copper. Copper sulfate solution temperature of about 65 °C was shown to be suitable for achieving stable and high values of current density that translated to copper deposition rates of~2.4 µm/min with good deposition uniformity.
Analysis of 13C16O by Infrared Overtone Spectroscopy

The increasing availability of stable isotopes has stimulated the development of methods for the analysis of these materials. Among the most useful of these isotopes is 13C, which has a natural abundance of 1.1%. NMR and mass spectrometry techniques probably furnish the most sensitive methods of analysis, but dispersive and nondispersive infrared techniques offer promise as the most economical method when sample volume is not critical and where the isotope is present in a simple diatomic molecule. McDowell has discussed the analysis of 13C16O by dispersive infrared spectroscopy using the fundamental stretching vibration at 4664 nm (2144 cm−1). This paper is concerned with the analysis of 13C16O using the infrared overtone bands around 2410 nm (4145 cm−1).
IC manufacturing test cost estimation at early stages of the design cycle

This article presents a test cost prediction model as a planning tool at an early stage of the design cycle to estimate manufacturing test cost of ICs. The proposed cost model estimates the IC manufacturing test cost based on test throughput. The model calculates test throughput by incorporating IC yield and fault coverage. Chip manufacturing information was used to predict the test cost and test quality in IC manufacturing test. The objective of the cost model is to better plan IC product design and reduce cost by predicting the IC manufacturing test cost at an early stage of the design cycle without relying on detailed information such as layout or even netlist. The proposed model was applied to a commercial ASIC product. The model estimation result showed an acceptable accuracy as a first order approximation tool.
Is autism an autoimmune disease

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a spectrum of behavioral anomalies characterized by impaired social interaction and communication, often accompanied by repetitive and stereotyped behavior. The condition manifests within the first 3 years of life and persists into adulthood. There are numerous hypotheses regarding the etiology and pathology of ASD, including a suggested role for immune dysfunction. However, to date, the evidence for involvement of the immune system in autism has been inconclusive. While immune system abnormalities have been reported in children with autistic disorder, there is little consensus regarding the nature of these differences which include both enhanced autoimmunity and reduced immune function. In this review, we discuss current findings with respect to immune function and the spectrum of autoimmune phenomena described in children with ASD.
Sarcoidosis Following Chemotherapy for Hodgkin's Disease

A case report describing persistent paratracheal lymphadenopathy after doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastin, and dacarbazine (ABVD) chemotherapy for a patient with Hodgkin's disease (HD) is presented. Mediastinoscopy and biopsy of the paratracheal lymph nodes showed non-caseating granulomas characteristic of sarcoidosis. The authors discuss the relationship between sarcoidosis and HD and hypothesize that the development or progression of sarcoidosis in a patient with HD is a potential consequence of chemotherapy. Two possible mechanisms are proposed. The first includes the immunosuppressive effect of chemotherapy and the second implicates the influence of a specific chemotherapy agent, bleomycin, which is known to have relatively higher lymph node, skin and lung tissue concentrations than other agents included in the ABVD regimen, and a predilection for those tissues that are prone for the development of sarcoidosis. With the incidence of sarcoidosis exceeding that of HD for the general population, the authors emphasize the importance of considering the presence of sarcoidosis in the differential diagnosis of patients who do not respond radiographically to HD chemotherapy.
Spectroscopy of Hydrothermal Reactions 16: Kinetics of Decarboxylation/Hydrolysis of Methyl Propiolate Ester and Decarboxylation of Propiolic Acid at 150-210 °C and 275 Bar

The coupled kinetics of decarboxylation and hydrolysis of methyl propiolate were determined in real time at 160−210 °C and 275 bar by using a titanium-cell flow-reactor equipped with sapphire windows for direct IR spectral detection. The rate constants were calculated from the formation of CO2 and the disappearance of methyl propiolate at the natural pH of the solution. The product acid (propiolic) also decarboxylates, and its kinetics were determined at 150−200 °C and 275 bar for use in the overall model. At 180 °C, the relative rates are in the order propiolic acid decarboxylation > methyl propiolate decarboxylation > methyl propiolate hydrolysis. Hence, the hydrolysis step is rate-determining over most of the temperature range studied. Because of the instability of the propiolic acid product, the hydrolysis of methyl propiolate is not acid-catalyzed. Instead, the Arrhenius activation energy for the ester hydrolysis more closely resembles those previously reported for base catalysis.
An antibody treats almost all refractory autoimmune diseases: fact and beyond.

An antiCD20 monoclonal antibody (rituximab) has been shown to rescue almost all refractory autoimmune diseases. The chimeric antiCD20 antibody is one of the world’s most successfully therapeutic antibodies, with sales of approximately US$5.6 billion in 2009. Rituximab was first approved in 1997 by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of B cell malignancies, and is now expanded to autoimmune indications, such as lupus nephritis, multiple sclerosis and vasculitis, particularly refractory autoimmune diseases that usually cause fatal outcomes. Autoimmunity is a complex process that involves the interaction of multiple immune cell types. B cells are thought to play a central role in the autoimmune disease serving as precursors to autoantibody-secreting plasma cells. In addition to producing antibodies, B cells are able to present antigen to T cells. Their depletion also results in the removal of antigen-presenting cells, reduced expression of molecules responsible for T cell costimulatory signals, and reduced levels of immune complexes formed between autoreactive antibodies and their antigen. There are certain refractory autoimmune diseases successfully treated by rituximab including antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) vasculitis, refractory rheumatoid arthritis, refractory juvenile dermatomyositis and refractory idiopathic thrombocytopenic
Study of K + d elastic scattering in the region of 600 to 900 MeV/c

Measurements of the differential cross section for the coherent elastic scattering process ${K}^{+}d\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{K}^{+}d$ are presented at four momenta from 600 MeV/c to 890 MeV/c for $0.03l|t|l0.25$ ${(\mathrm{G}\mathrm{e}\mathrm{V}/\mathit{c})}^{2}$. Comparisons are made with previous work and with predictions from partial-wave analyses.
Nanowire and nanocable junction capacitances: Results for metal and semiconducting oxides

Abstract Formulas are derived for Schottky junction and p – n junction capacitances of nanowires and nanocables (which includes the hollow case of nanotubes). Evaluation of these expressions for the very unusual metal oxide, metallic conductor RuO2, demonstrates that capacitance values occur in the aF range. Furthermore, for recently fabricated conductor RuO2/SiO2 nanocables as reported in the literature, we show that the junction capacitances are significantly lower than the intrinsic quantum capacitance. These formulas are of great interest for device applications, and the capacitance findings could also have huge implications for charge storage and energy conversion applications.
Language arts practices in the instruction of oral communication in California high schools

Concern over the status of oral communication in K‐12 education has intensified with the recent trend to subsume credential programs under the larger rubric of language arts in English departments. The research reported here focuses on California as a case study of this trend. A survey based on the state curriculum standards (1987) was designed to determine whether English teachers are integrating speech communication subject matter into the English classroom. Results indicate that little direct instruction in communication principles and practices is evident in high school English classes.
Molecular Mechanisms of Platelet Exocytosis: Requirements for α-Granule Release☆

Platelets function by secreting components necessary for primary clot formation. This report describes an in vitro assay that measures α-granule secretion. Using permeabilized platelets, it is possible to recreate Ca2+-stimulated release of platelet factor 4 (PF4) that is ATP- and temperature-dependent. Though other divalent cations can replace Ca2+ (i.e., Sr2+, Mn2+, Zn2+), there is no effect of Ba2+. Analysis by electron microscopy indicates that the in vitro assay also mimics the cytoskeletal rearrangements and granule centralization that occurs upon platelet activation in vivo. Antibody inhibition studies show that PF4 release requires the general membrane fusion protein N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor (NSF) and well as the target membrane SNAP receptors (t-SNAREs), syntaxin 2, 4, and SNAP-23. As shown by electron microscopy, the anti-t-SNARE antibodies block granule to target membrane fusion. This finding is unique in that it is the first report of a role for two syntaxins in the same exocytosis event.
CONSIDERATIONS FOR OPENING NEW ACCESS HOLES IN CURVED BOX GIRDERS

Access hatches (holes) in curved-box-girder bridges are usually provided in the bottom flange immediately before or after an expansion joint. If additional access hatches are required after the bridge is built, they must be placed in such a way that (1) they satisfy such important practical constraints as feasibility, accessibility, water leakage, traffic impact, and unauthorized access, and (2) they do not adversely affect the structural behavior of the bridge—i.e., their installation should not impair serviceability or decrease ultimate strength or fatigue life. This paper discusses both of these issues and proposes approaches that are suitable for identifying appropriate locations for access hole placement. The proposed approaches are used to investigate seven curved-box-girder bridges located in the state of Florida. One of the bridges is chosen for further study using a detailed finite-element model. The numerical model is used to confirm the proposed methods and to further investigate the effects of...
Not macro, not micro, but meso: Three coarse-grained methods for thermodynamic properties of partially structured fluids

Abstract Macroscopic thermodynamics (e.g., classical equations of state) cannot provide an adequate description of the equilibrium properties of complex fluids or of simple fluids under near-microscopic constraints; such fluids have partial structure. Microscopic thermodynamics, through atomistic-level theory or simulations, can give such a description in principle, but the required calculations are often excessive and the required detailed atomic information may not be available. Mesothermodynamics provides an intermediate method by describing fluids on a scale that reflects the fluid's significant (but not detailed) properties as determined by whatever is responsible for partial structure. Mesothermodynamics is not new but has made remarkable progress. To introduce its achievements to a wide audience, three examples are presented: phase transitions in a diblock copolymer; liquid–liquid equilibria in a binary mixture confined within a narrow pore; and pattern recognition by adsorption of a statistically-characterized heteropolymer on a statistically-characterized surface. Each example uses a somewhat different method: Landau expansion, density-functional theory and field theory. All three examples show that mesothermodynamics can yield analytic results for the phase behavior of partially-structured fluids. Mesothermodynamics provides a powerful tool for development of new materials and for calculating thermodynamic properties of fluids under geometric constraints such as interfaces.
Internet-enabled coordination in the supply chain

Abstract The Internet fosters the integration of business processes across the supply chain by facilitating the information flows necessary for coordinating business activities. However, the Internet also supports the use of market mechanisms, such as auctions, that foster price competition. Using market mechanisms is less likely to generate a sustainable competitive advantage, but they might offer the opportunity to purchase some items at a lower price. Managers have the challenge of selecting the Internet-enabled coordination mechanism that best fits the needs of a variety of business situations in the supply chain. The authors present a framework to assist managers with this decision.
Visual Representations of Genetic Engineering and Genetically Modified Organisms in the Online Media

Although images of biotechnology saturate the media, do they accurately portray the science and the process? A content analysis of web images collected over a seven-day period was conducted. The results show an abundance of visuals in personal and special interest group websites, stock photos, and cartoon banks. Images with a negative valence trounced those with a positive tone. The visuals presented a range of perspectives on genetic engineering, but many failed the accuracy test.
Quantifying Student Learning: How to Analyze Assessment Data

Educational research can be diffi cult to conduct because of the restrictions placed on research with human subjects. Experimental manipulations are limited, and random sampling is nearly impossible to achieve in a natural classroom setting. In addition, pre-test scores are usually correlated with post-test scores. As a result, Simpson’s paradox can confound results obtained through ANOVAs and T tests. In this article I will (1) show calculations and analyses commonly used in educational literature, (2) discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the methods, and (3) encourage researchers to think as carefully about experimental design in educational research as they do in their ecological research. There are a lot of similarities in the restrictions posed by educational research and fi eld experiments in sensitive systems. As ecologists we should be able to use our expertise to construct valid, effective studies of student learning under the diffi cult conditions imposed by human subjects research.
Aldosterone and potassium secretion by the cortical collecting duct

Aldosterone and potassium secretion by the cortical collecting duct. Background Aldosterone has been implicated in the regulation of both Na and K concentrations in the plasma. Release of the hormone is known to be stimulated by high plasma K, and infusion of aldosterone lowers plasma K. However, the correlation between changes in mineralocorticoid levels and rates of K secretion is not perfect, suggesting that other factors may be involved. Methods Patch-clamp recordings were made of K-channel activity in the split-open cortical collecting tubule of the rat. Estimates of channel density were made in cell-attached patches on the luminal membrane of principal cells of this segment. Results Most of the K conductance of the apical membrane is mediated through low-conductance "SK" channels. The number of conducting SK channels is increased when animals are placed on a high-K diet. However, increasing plasma aldosterone levels by infusion of the hormone or by sodium restriction failed to change the number of active channels. Conclusions At least two circulating factors are required for the regulation of renal K secretion by the cortical collecting tubule. Aldosterone mainly stimulates secretion by increasing the driving force for K movement through apical channels. A second, as yet unidentified, factor increases the number of conducting K channels.
Low-dose cyclosporine therapy combined with standard immunosuppression in pediatric renal transplantation*

A new immunosuppressive regimen combining anti-lymphocyte globulin, azathioprine,prednisone, and low doses of cyclosporine was used in 28 children aged 9 months to 17 years (mean 5.8 years) who recelved primary renal allografts between July 1, 1984, and September 25, 1986. After a mean follow-up of 17.3 months, the patient and graft survival is 100% (18 of 18) for mismatched related kidneys, and 90% (nine of 10) for cadaver kidneys. The single graft failure was the result of a death from technical complications. Serum creatinine concentration after transplantation ranged from 0.3 to 1.7 mg/dL (mean 0.85 mg/dL). The probability of a rejection episode in the first year was 45% and 60% for mismatched-related and cadaver kidneys, respectively. Cyclosporine nephrotoxicity was recognized in only one (3.7%) of 27 children, and was rapidly reversed after cyclosporine was discontinued. An initial group of nine children was weaned from cyclosporine therapy 6 to 12 months after transplantation, but two (22%) had rejection episodes. Our preliminary experience suggests that the use of a guadruple immunosuppressive regimen for both living related and cadaver renal transplants in children is associated with an improved graft function rate and a low incidence of complications.
Tribological performance of magnetic thin-film glass disks: its relation to surface roughness and lubricant structure and its thickness

Chemically strengthened glass substrates have recently been used in the construction of magnetic thin-film rigid disks for their rigidity, shock resistance, and smoothness over commonly used Ni-P coated aluminum substrates. The effects of disk roughness, lubricant film thickness and viscosity on coefficients of static and kinetic friction and on disk durability were investigated for disks constructed with glass substrates with three roughnesses, as well as for aluminum-substrate disks with one roughness for comparison purposes. Three nonpolar and one polar perfluoropolyether lubricants with wide range of viscosities were chosen in the experiment. Disks were lubricated using a dip-coating technique with 1 to 10 nm thickness. Coefficients of static and kinetic friction and durability of each of the disks were measured. It was found that above a critical lubricant-film thickness, coefficient of static (stiction) and kinetic friction increased rapidly with increasing lubricant-film thickness and decreasing lubricant viscosity. The critical film thickness was approximately proportional to the lubricant viscosity and disk roughness. The friction force increase was more rapid for a smoother disk. The disk durability increased with decreasing disk roughness and lubricant viscosity, and with increasing lubricant thickness. For glass-substrate disks, the polar lubricant provided best disk durability among the four lubricants tested. Failure mechanisms for glass-substrate and aluminium-substrate disks appear to be similar, however, aluminum-substrate disk exhibited better disk durability, as compared to glass-substrate disk. These experimental observations are attributed to the interplay of meniscus formation around contacting and near-contacting asperities, lubricant depletion and/or migration at contacting asperities, as well as ploughing of contacting asperities. For the first time, a kinetic meniscus model to account for time and viscosity dependence of meniscus formation is presented, which explains the experimental trends.
Texture Analysis Of Diagnostic Tray Images By Use Of Fractals

In this work a discrete fractional Brownian motion (FBM) model is applied to xray images as a measure of the regional texture. FBM is a generalization of ordinary Wiener-Levy Brownian motion. A Parameter H is introduced which describes the roughness of the realizations. Using generated realizations, a Cramer-Rao bound for the variance of an estimate of Hwas evaluated using asymptotic statistics. The results show that the accuracy of the estimate is independent of the true H. A maximum likelihood estimator is derived for H and applied to the data sets The results were close to the C-R bound. The MLE is then applied to sequences of digital coronary angiograms. The results show that the H parameter is a useful index by which to segment vessels from background noise.
Globin synthesis during erythroid cell maturation in alpha thalassemia

Globin chain synthesis was examined in erythroid cells of increasing maturity, fractionated from bone marrow of two patients with hemoglobin H disease and in one a thalassemia 1 heterozygote. In contrast to β thalassemia where a gradient of α/β chain ratios increasing with erythroid cell maturation is observed, in a thalassemia the α/β chain ratio remains constant throughout maturation. This finding suggests that in a thalassemia there is no modification of the imbalance in globin chain synthesis either by increased α chain production or decreased β chain synthesis in erythroid precursors. Furthermore, the constant α/β ratio reflects a limited degree of β chain destruction, indicating that the ability of the excess β chains to associate into tetramers protects them from proteolytic digestion.
A comparison of low birth weight, perinatal mortality, and infant mortality between first and second births to women 17 years old and younger.

Several studies and vital statistics reports have indicated that second pregnancies in the young adolescent have worse outcomes than first pregnancies. This study compared the birth weights and mortality rates of first and second births to 407 teenagers who were 17 years old at the time of the second delivery. Contrary to previous studies, the mean birth weight was significantly lower for first births than for second births (p = 0.0001), even though patients registered for care earlier with their first pregnancy. The perinatal and infant mortality rates for first births were nearly double the rates for second births.
A Primer for Physical Examination of the Elbow

The elbow is a complex joint consisting of 3 separate but important articulations: the ulnohumeral, radiohumeral, and proximal radioulnar joints. The elbow assists in positioning the hand in space through 2 important motions, flexion-extension and pronation-supination. Although the elbow is not a weightbearing joint, it is subjected to significant loads, especially in overhead and throwing athletes. An accurate knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the elbow joint is critical for conducting a focused physical examination and arriving at an accurate diagnosis. The goal of this article is to review general and focused physical examination of the elbow in a systematic manner based on medial, lateral, anterior, and posterior aspects.
The efficacy of barium-enema examinations in patients with anorectal disease

This retrospective study examines the value of an air contrast barium enema examination in detecting proximal neoplasia in the patient presenting with benign anorectal disease as determined by history, physical examination, rigid, and flexible sigmoidoscopy. In 428 of these patients, the roentgenographic studies showed proximal colonic cancer or polyps in less than 1 percent of patients reviewed. In addition, a review of 402 patients with known colon and rectal cancer were surveyed using the same criteria for diagnosis, and less than 1 percent were misinterpreted as having benign anorectal disease
Parents' and students' reports of parenting: which are more reliably associated with college student drinking?

Abstract Recent efforts to reduce college student heavy episodic drinking have examined parental influences, with the goal of continually refining parent-based interventions (PBIs). This research has primarily relied on student-reported data, which is often cited as a methodological limitation although the degree to which parent- and student-reported data on parenting behaviors correspond is unknown. The goals of the present study were to assess the level of consistency between parent- and student-reported data for commonly examined parenting constructs and compare their associations with college student drinking. Data were collected from a sample of 145 parent–student dyads using a longitudinal design. At baseline, parents and students reported on parental monitoring, approval of light and moderate/heavy drinking, and permissiveness. At a 10-month follow up, students reported on their typical weekly drinking and consequences. Parents' and students' reports of parenting behavior at baseline were compared and their associations with student drinking and consequences at follow up were assessed. Agreement between parents' and students' reports of parenting was fair to moderate, with intraclass correlation coefficients ranging from .34 to .61. Student-reported data were more reliably associated with student drinking at follow up. Studies examining parent influences on college student drinking, including research on PBIs, do not appear to be limited by using student-reported data. Implications for future research are discussed.
A SEMI‐DISTRIBUTED ADAPTIVE MODEL FOR REAL‐TIME FLOOD FORECASTING

: A semi-distributed deterministic model for real-time flood forecasting in large basins is proposed. Variability of rainfall and losses in space is preserved and the effective rainfall-direct runoff model segment based on the Clark procedure is incorporated. The distribution of losses in space is assumed proportional to rainfall intensity and their evolution in time is represented by the φ-index; furthermore, an initial period without production of effective rainfall is considered. The first estimation of losses and the associated forecasts of flow are performed at the time corresponding to the first rise observed in the hydrograph. Then the forecasts of flow are corrected at each subsequent time step through the updating of the φ-index. The model was tested by using rainfall-runoff events observed on two Italian basins and the predictions of flow for lead times up to six hours agree reasonably well with the observations in each event. For example, for the coefficient of persistence, which compares the model forecasts with those generated by the no-model assumption, appreciable positive values were computed. In particular, for the larger basin with an area of 4,147 km2, the mean values were 0.4, 0.4 and 0.5 for forecast lead times of two hours, four hours and six hours, respectively. Good performance of the model is also shown by a comparison of its flow predictions with those derived from a unit hydrograph based model
Nutrition of Populus deltoides plantations during maximum production

Abstract Maximum annual production (19 Mg ha −1 ) of Populus deltoides plantations in the Lower Mississippi River Valley is attained near the end of their first decade of development, which is also when the mass of the forest floor, understory and overstory canopy approach a steady state. Annual above-ground net primary production at this stage of development is partitioned into 87% overstory and 13% understory, and annual increases in the permanent tissues of the standing crop immobilize from 13 to 27% of the nutrients in flux. Above-ground nutrient pools in the standing crop (68 Mg ha −1 ) were about 60% of those estimated for the system at carrying capacity and, depending on the nutrient, represented 1–10% of the system's total, the remainder being in the soil (0–120 cm). The cycling of nutrients in these rapidly accumulating systems is already well developed, and is dominated by the fluxes of the biogeochemical cycle (55–97% of the requirements) and is rapid. Thus, demands on the soil nutrient pools during maximum rates of production are relatively modest, since steady-state levels of the canopy have already been attained, and such demands only replace nutrients retained in the annual increments of woody tissues.
Heat Transfer and Friction in Channels With Two Opposite Rib-Roughened Walls

Etude experimentale d'un ecoulement d'air turbulent dans des conduites carrees avec 2 parois opposees a nervures en vue de determiner l'influence des rapports pas/hauteur des nervures et hauteur nervure/diametre equivalent sur le coefficient de frottement et les coefficients de transfert de chaleur pour un nombre de Reynolds variant de 7000 a 90000
Monte Carlo Based Null Distribution for an Alternative Goodness-of-Fit Test Statistic in IRT Models

Assessing the correspondence between model predictions and observed data is a recommended procedure for justifying the application of an IRT model. However, with shorter tests, current goodness-of-fit procedures that assume precise point estimates of ability, are inappropriate. The present paper describes a goodness-of-fit statistic that considers the imprecision with which ability is estimated and involves constructing item fit tables based on each examinee's posterior distribution of ability, given the likelihood of their response pattern and an assumed marginal ability distribution. However, the posterior expectations that are computed are dependent and the distribution of the goodness-of-fit statistic is unknown. The present paper also describes a Monte Carlo resampling procedure that can be used to assess the significance of the fit statistic and compares this method with a previously used method. The results indicate that the method described herein is an effective and reasonably simple procedure for assessing the validity of applying IRT models when ability estimates are imprecise.
Worldmaking, Self and Identity

Both papers, Chandler (2000) and Shotter (2000), are concerned with ‘worldmaking’. Chandler focuses on the relationship between cultural vitality and the development of robust identities; Shotter, ...
“A Labor of Death and a Labor against Death”: Scott’s Cenotaphic Paratexts

Shortly before his death, Walter Scott began work on a new edition of his collected works that came to be known as the Magnum Opus edition (1830). For this edition, Scott added paratexts in the form of notes, new introductions, a new general preface and so on. The Magnum Opus apparatus thus adds yet another layer to the already ornate framing apparatus and paratextual glosses Scott had included with the original publication of the Waverley Novels. This essay argues that these paratexts must be seen as essential components of his historiography. Through the paratexts, Scott offers a complex reading of his own historiographic work, one that denies any simple claims to recapturing or revivifying the past in favor of an honest reckoning with the way in which all historical projects become cenotaphic replacements for that which they seek to memorialize.
Crystal Structures of Cyclophilin a Complexed with Cyclosporin a and N-Methyl-4-[(E)-2-Butenyl]-4,4-Dimethylthreonine Cyclosporin A.

Abstract Background Cyclophilin (CyP) is a ubiquitous intracellular protein that binds the immunosuppressive drug cyclosporin A (CsA). CyP–CsA forms a ternary complex with calcineurin and thereby inhibits T-cell activation. CyP also has enzymatic activity, catalyzing the cis-trans isomerization of peptidyl– prolyl amide bonds. Results We have determined the structure of human cyclophilin A (CyPA) complexed with CsA to 2.1 a resolution. We also report here the structure of CyPA complexed with an analog of CsA, N -methyl-4-[(E)-2-butenyl]-4,4-dimethylthreonine CsA (MeBm 2 t1-CsA), which binds less well to CyPA, but has increased immunosuppressive activity. Comparison of these structures with previously determined structures of unligated CyPA and CyPA complexed with a candidate substrate for the isomerase activity, the dipeptide AlaPro, reveals that subtle conformational changes occur in both CsA and CyPA on complex formation. Conclusions MeBm 2 t1-CsA binds to CyPA in an essentially similar manner to CsA. The 100-fold weaker affinity of its binding may be attributable to the close contact between MeBmt1 and the active site residue Ala103 of CyPA, which causes small conformational changes in both protein and drug. One change, the slight movement of MeLeu6 in CsA relative to MeBm 2 t1-CsA, may be at least partially responsible for the higher affinity of the CyPA– MeBm 2 t1-CsA complex for calcineurin. Our comparison between CyPA–CsA and CyPA–AlaPro suggests that CsA is probably not an analog of the natural substrate, confirming that the catalytic activity of CyPA is not related to its role in immunosuppression either structurally or functionally.
Effects of zinc on responses of skeletal muscle.

Zn++ potentiates the twitch tension of the frog's sartorius muscle by as much as two to three times, and prolongs twitch time parameters. Tetanus tension is unchanged, but fusion frequency is reduced. Thus, the basic mechanical effect of Zn++ is prolongation, but not intensification, of the active state. Threshold effects appear at about 0.005 mM Zn++, and maximal changes at 0.05 mM. In 0.05 mM, potentiation begins after a delay of about 1 min. and develops with half-time of 6 min.; full changes reverse in pure Ringer's with halftime of 60 min. Diffusion theory analysis of these kinetics indicates that the potentiating action of zinc involves special features not found in potentiation by anions: a primary membrane action is not excluded, but Zn++ may have to penetrate to and act at sarcoplasmic reticular or myoplasmic sites. Zn++ does induce excitatory membrane effects: the fall of the action potential is slowed and the refractory period is increased about four times; but excitability as such is not changed. Unique chemical features of Zn++ are discussed in relation to possible mechanisms of its action on muscle fibers.
Transcatheter Amplatzer Device Closure of Atrial Septal Defect and Patent Foramen Ovale in Patients With Presumed Paradoxical Embolism

Objective To review our experience with, and profile the safety and efficacy of, the Amplatzer PFO (patent foramen ovale) occluder (APO) and Amplatzer septal occluder (ASO) used to close PFO and/or atrial septal defect (ASD) in patients with paradoxical embolism (PE). Patients and Methods Between April 1998 and November 2002, 103 patients at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn, and Scottsdale, Ariz, mean age 52.4 years, with presumed PE (transient ischemic attack [n=22], stroke [n=77], or peripheral emboli [n=4]) underwent transcatheter device closure of PFO (n=81), ASD (n=12), and ASD/PFO (n=10) with 106 devices (APO [n=22] or ASO [n=84]). Results All devices deployed successfully, and no patients died. Procedural complications included atrial fibrillation (n=2), vessel injury (n=3), profound sinus node dysfunction (n=1), and device embolization with successful retrieval (n=1). At 3 months, 7 of 95 monitored patients had trivial residual shunt; at 12 months, 2 of 28 monitored patients had trivial residual shunt. Three patients had recurrent events—2 transient ischemic attacks and 1 retinal artery occlusion—at a mean ± SD follow-up of 8.3±8.1 months (range, 1-34 months). None of these 3 patients had residual shunt or evidence of intracardiac thrombus. The average annual recurrence of all events was 3.6% at 23 months. The overall mean ± SD freedom from recurrence of all events was 98.9%±1.2% and 83.8%±10.2% at 12 and 29 months of follow-up, respectively. Conclusions Transcatheter device closure of PFO and/or ASD with use of APO/ASO in patients with presumed PE is effective and safe. Recurrent events may occur in the absence of a residual shunt.
End to end modeling for variability and reliability analysis of thin film photovoltaics

We present an end-to-end modeling framework, spanning the device, module and also system levels, for analyzing thin film photovoltaics (PV). This approach is based on embedding a detailed, statistically relevant, physics based equivalent circuit into module and array level simulations. This approach enables us to analyze key variability and reliability issues in thin film PV, and allows us to interpret their effect on process yield and intrinsic module lifetimes. Our results suggest that the time-zero gap between cell and module efficiencies, a key variability concern for thin-film PV, can be attributed to process-related shunts with log-normal PDF distributed randomly across the cell surface. Similarly, this end-to-end simulation approach allows us to investigate the reliability issues caused by partial shadowing in thin film modules, especially in context of array configurations. These results provide important insights into its nature and consequences of shadow degradation on long term system performance. This work showcases the importance of an integrated analysis in case of thin film PV, because traditional approaches used to Silicon PV to tackle reliability/variability issues cannot be applied directly to such systems.
Thermal transitions of proteins.

Abstract A new method for monitoring the thermal transitions of proteins is described. An unbuffered solution of native protein shows a significant and fairly abrupt change in pH as the protein becomes heat denatured. Suitable plots permit the “melting point” of the protein to be assigned. Twenty proteins have been studied with emphasis on egg albumin. The transition temperature of egg albumin is independent of protein concentration, of pH in the neutral zone, is moderately dependent on the rate of heating, increases with increasing NaCl concentration, varies inversely with the guanidine hydrochloride concentration. There is more than a 35 °C spread in the melting temperatures of the various proteins and no apparent relation exists between the melting temperature of a protein and structural features of the protein.
Velocity overshoot of electrons and holes in Si inversion layers

Abstract Velocity overshoot of inversion layer electrons and holes is studied experimentally and analytically in special test structures with nominally uniform electric field. The data were used to calibrate energy relaxation parameters in a commercial simulator MEDICI ver. 2.0. We propose an analytical model for velocity overshoot and show that it agrees well with experimental data. The amount of hole velocity overshoot is small.
INCIDENCE, SIGNIFICANCE, AND KINETIC MECHANISM RESPONSIBLE FOR LEUKEMOID REACTIONS IN PATIENTS IN THE NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT: A PROSPECTIVE EVALUATION. † 1180

INCIDENCE, SIGNIFICANCE, AND KINETIC MECHANISM RESPONSIBLE FOR LEUKEMOID REACTIONS IN PATIENTS IN THE NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT: A PROSPECTIVE EVALUATION. † 1180
Modeling the visual search patterns of mammographers as a Markov process

A stochastic model, based on a Markov process, is developed for predicting visual search patterns of mammographers. Data for the model comes from tests where mammographic experts searched conventional screen film mammograms for microcalcifications. A three state model is proposed: (1) long dwells, (2) short dwells, and (3) no dwells, or periods of rapid eye movement. Steady state transition probabilities are reached within fourteen iterations.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The in vitro formation of intermolecular cross-links in chick skin collagen

Abstract Purified chick skin collagen was aggregated into native type fibrils in vitro and the intermolecular cross-links were stabilized by reduction with NaBT 4 . Ion exchange chromatography and scintillation spectrometry of the resulting insoluble collagen after acid or alkaline hydrolysis indicated the presence of ϵ-hydroxylysinonorleucine, lysinonorleucine and a third radioactive component of unknown structure eluting near histidine. The intramolecular cross-link, the aldol condensation product of two residues of α-aminoadipic δ-semialdehyde was no longer detectable in these reconstituted fibrils. Data presented here suggest that the intermolecular cross-link formation closely involves the intramolecular cross-link.
An optimized contention protocol for broadband networks

This paper describes the concepts underlying an alternative link-level protocol for broadband local networks. The protocol uses implicit slotting of the contention channel to support larger networks, improve performance, and provide reliable distributed collision recognition without reinforcement. It is designed such that compatible interfaces to existing CSMA/CD-based systems can be provided.
Characterization of the interaction between Rfa1 and Rad24 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Maintaining the integrity of the genome requires the high fidelity duplication of the genome and the ability of the cell to recognize and repair DNA lesions. The heterotrimeric single stranded DNA (ssDNA) binding complex Replication Protein A (RPA) is central to multiple DNA processes, which are coordinated by RPA through its ssDNA binding function and through multiple protein-protein interactions. Many RPA interacting proteins have been reported through large genetic and physical screens; however, the number of interactions that have been further characterized is limited. To gain a better understanding of how RPA functions in DNA replication, repair, and cell cycle regulation and to identify other potential functions of RPA, a yeast two hybrid screen was performed using the yeast 70 kDa subunit, Replication Factor A1 (Rfa1), as a bait protein. Analysis of 136 interaction candidates resulted in the identification of 37 potential interacting partners, including the cell cycle regulatory protein and DNA damage clamp loader Rad24. The Rfa1-Rad24 interaction is not dependent on ssDNA binding. However, this interaction appears affected by DNA damage. The regions of both Rfa1 and Rad24 important for this interaction were identified, and the region of Rad24 identified is distinct from the region reported to be important for its interaction with Rfc2 5. This suggests that Rad24-Rfc2-5 (Rad24-RFC) recruitment to DNA damage substrates by RPA occurs, at least partially, through an interaction between the N terminus of Rfa1 and the C terminus of Rad24. The predicted structure and location of the Rad24 C-terminus is consistent with a model in which RPA interacts with a damage substrate, loads Rad24-RFC at the 5’ junction, and then releases the Rad24-RFC complex to allow for proper loading and function of the DNA damage clamp.
Copper Plated Microchannel Heat Exchanger for MEMS Application

Demand for increased density circuit architecture, micro- and nano-scale devices, and the overall down-scaling of system components has driven research into understanding transport phenomena at reduced scales. One method to enhance transport processes is the utilization of mini-, micro-, or nano-channels which drive uniform temperature and velocity profiles throughout the system. This work specifically examines a unique heat exchanger. The exchanger is developed as a closed system, with 300μm width channels, fabricated entirely with copper.The heat exchanger has been designed for widespread use in varied environments. Further, the exchanger is working fluid non-specific, allowing for different fluids to be specified for various temperature ranges. The system design can be used equally well as a standalone heat exchanger or coupled with another device to provide a thermal energy storage system.Fabricating the heat exchanger with copper for the substrate as well as the channels themselves allows the exchanger to maintain a high thermal conductivity which aides in the fluid energy transference. The exchanger was fabricated to be a closed system removing any excess equipment such as pumps. In testing, the exchanger showed thermal absorption of 2.2kW/m2 given input of 2.63kW/m2 and working fluid amounts of 37μL. The general design and use of copper in the exchanger allowed maximum absorption of 84% of the input with operation below the boiling point of the working fluid.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Transcription profiling of C/EBP targets identifies Per2 as a gene implicated in myeloid leukemia

CCAAT/enhancer-binding proteins (C/EBPs) are a family of transcription factors that regulate cell growth and differentiation in numerous cell types. To identify novel C/EBP-target genes, we performed transcriptional profiling using inducible NIH 3T3 cell lines expressing 1 of 4 members of the C/EBP family. Functional analysis revealed a previously unknown link between C/EBP proteins and circadian clock genes. Our microarray data showed that the expression levels of 2 core components of the circadian network, Per2 and Rev-Erbalpha, were significantly altered by C/EBPs. Recent studies suggested that Per2 behaves as a tumor suppressor gene in mice. Therefore, we focused our additional studies on Per2. We showed that Per2 expression is up-regulated by C/EBPalpha and C/EBPepsilon. Per2 levels were reduced in lymphoma cell lines and in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patient samples. In addition, we generated stable K562 cells that expressed an inducible Per2 gene. Induction of Per2 expression resulted in growth inhibition, cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and loss of clonogenic ability. These results suggest that Per2 is a downstream C/EBPalpha-target gene involved in AML, and its disruption might be involved in initiation and/or progression of AML.
Can Couples Assessment and Feedback Improve Relationships? Assessment as a Brief Relationship Enrichment Procedure

Many counseling psychologists provide marital assistance to couples who have relationship problems and those who seek to enrich their relationships. The authors investigated the effects of individualized relationship assessment and feedback in relation to merely completing written questionnaires about the relationships on couples' satisfaction and commitment. Student couples (N = 48; 26 married. 15 cohabiting, 7 engaged) participated either in (a) 3 sessions of assessment feedback (n = 28) or (b) written assessment only (n = 20). Assessment-feedback couples improved more over time than did written-assessment-only couples. The authors concluded that assessment and feedback produce small positive changes in already well-functioning relationships. Those changes may account for a substantial proportion of the changes produced by relationship enrichment programs.