cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Tetra-aspartate Motif in the Activation Peptide of Human Cationic Trypsinogen Is Essential for Autoactivation Control but Not for Enteropeptidase Recognition

The activation peptide of vertebrate trypsinogens contains a highly conserved tetra-aspartate sequence (Asp(19-22) in humans) preceding the Lys-Ile scissile bond. A large body of research has defined the primary role of this acidic motif as a specific recognition site for enteropeptidase, the physiological activator of trypsinogen. In addition, the acidic stretch was shown to contribute to the suppression of autoactivation. In the present study, we determined the relative importance of these two activation peptide functions in human cationic trypsinogen. Individual Ala replacements of Asp(19-22) had minimal or no effect on trypsinogen activation catalyzed by human enteropeptidase. Strikingly, a tetra-Ala(19-22) trypsinogen mutant devoid of acidic residues in the activation peptide was still a highly specific substrate for human, but not for bovine, enteropeptidase. In contrast, an intact Asp(19-22) motif was critical for autoactivation control. Thus, single Ala mutations of Asp(19), Asp(20) and Asp(21) resulted in 2-3-fold increased autoactivation, whereas the Asp(22) --> Ala mutant autoactivated at a 66-fold increased rate. These effects were multiplicative in the tri-Ala(19-21) and tetra-Ala(19-22) mutants. Structural modeling revealed that the conserved hydrophobic S2 subsite of trypsin and the unique Asp(218), which forms part of the S3-S4 subsite, participate in distinct inhibitory interactions with the activation peptide. Finally, mutagenesis studies confirmed the significance of the negative charge of Asp(218) in autoactivation control. The results demonstrate that in human cationic trypsinogen the Asp(19-22) motif per se is not required for enteropeptidase recognition, whereas it is essential for maximal suppression of autoactivation. The evolutionary selection of Asp(218), which is absent in the large majority of vertebrate trypsins, provides an additional mechanism of autoactivation control in the human pancreas.
Why Spelling Errors Matter: Online Company Reviews and Organizational Attraction

This study examined the effects of quality (spelling errors vs. no spelling errors) and valence (positive vs. negative) of online company reviews on organizational attraction. One hundred and sixty-one participants were told to imagine they were searching for a job and were then randomly assigned to read one of four online company reviews, which were formatted similar to Glassdoor.com reviews. Overall, results indicated that participants who viewed a company review with no spelling errors rated their organizational attraction more aligned with the valence of the review than participants who viewed a company review with spelling errors. In other words, participants who viewed positive reviews with no spelling errors rated general company attractiveness, job pursuit intentions, and company prestige higher than participants who viewed positive reviews with spelling errors. Similar results were found for the negative review, with the exception of company prestige. Specifically, participants who viewed the negative review with no spelling errors rated the company’s attractiveness and their job pursuit intentions lower than participants who viewed the negative review that had spelling errors. Overall, the current findings suggest that an organization will appear more attractive to potential applicants if current or former employees write positive, high-quality reviews about the company.
Integrated Data-Driven Process Monitoring and Explicit Fault-Tolerant Multiparametric Control

We propose a novel active fault-tolerant control strategy that combines machine learning based process monitoring and explicit/multiparametric model predictive control (mp-MPC). The strategy features (i) data-driven fault detection and diagnosis models by using the support vector machine (SVM) algorithm, (ii) ranking via a nonlinear, kernel-dependent, SVM-based feature selection algorithm, (iii) data-driven regression models for fault magnitude estimation via the random forest algorithm, and (iv) a parametric optimization and control (PAROC) framework for the design of the explicit/multiparametric model predictive controller. The resulting explicit control strategies correspond to affine functions of the system states and the magnitude of the detected fault. A semibatch process, an example for penicillin production, is presented to demonstrate how the proposed framework ensures smart operation for which rapid switches between a priori computed explicit control action strategies are enabled by continuous process monitoring information.
Characterization and application of fluidic properties of trinucleotide repeat sequences by wax-on-plastic microfluidics

Trinucleotide repeat (TNR) sequences introduce sequence-directed flexibility in the genomic makeup of all living species leading to unique non-canonical structure formation. In humans, the expansions of TNR sequences are responsible for almost 24 neurodegenerative and neuromuscular diseases because their unique structures disrupt cell functions. The biophysical studies of these sequences affect their electrophoretic mobility and spectroscopic signatures. Here, we demonstrate a novel strategy to characterize and discriminate the TNR sequences by monitoring their capillary flow in the absence of an external driving force using wax-on-plastic microchannels. The wax-on-plastic microfluidic system translates the sequence-directed flexibility of TNR into differential flow dynamics. Several variables were used to characterize sequences including concentration, single- vs. double-stranded samples, type of repeat sequence, length of the repeat sequence, presence of mismatches in duplex, and presence of metal ion. All these variables were found to influence the flow velocities of TNR sequences as these factors directly affect the structural flexibility of TNR at the molecular level. An overall trend was observed as the higher flexibility in the TNR structure leads to lower capillary flow. After testing samples derived from relevant cells harboring expanded TNR sequences, it is concluded that this approach may transform into a reagent-free and pump-free biosensing platform to detect microsatellite expansion diseases.
Comparison of Local Powers of Some Exact Tests for a Common Normal Mean with Unequal Variances

The inferential problem of drawing inference about a common mean \(\mu \) of several independent normal populations with unequal variances has drawn universal attention, and there are many exact tests for testing a null hypothesis \(H_0: \mu =\mu _{0}\) against both-sided alternatives. In this paper, we provide a review of their local power and a comparison. It turns out that, in the case of equal sample size, a uniform comparison and ordering of the exact tests based on their local power can be carried out even when the variances are unknown.
Post-TACE changes in ADC histogram predict overall and transplant-free survival in patients with well-defined HCC: a retrospective cohort with up to 10 years follow-up

To evaluate the role of change in apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) histogram after the first transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in predicting overall and transplant-free survival in well-circumscribed hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Institution database was searched for HCC patients who got conventional TACE during 2005–2016. One hundred four patients with well-circumscribed HCC and complete pre- and post-TACE liver MRI were included. Volumetric MRI metrics including tumor volume, mean ADC, skewness, and kurtosis of ADC histograms were measured. Univariate and multivariable Cox models were used to test the independent role of change in imaging parameters to predict survival. P values < 0.05 were considered significant. In total, 367 person-years follow-up data were analyzed. After adjusting for baseline liver function, tumor volume, and treatment modality, incremental percent change in ADC (ΔADC) was an independent predictor of longer overall and transplant-free survival (p = 0.009). Overall, a decrease in ADC-kurtosis (ΔkADC) showed a strong role in predicting longer survival (p = 0.021). Patients in the responder group (ΔADC ≥ 35%) had the best survival profile, compared with non-responders (ΔADC < 35%) (p < 0.001). ΔkADC, as an indicator of change in tissue homogeneity, could distinguish between poor and fair survival in non-responders (p < 0.001). It was not a measure of difference among responders (p = 0.244). Non-responders with ΔkADC ≥ 1 (homogeneous post-TACE tumor) had the worst survival outcome (HR = 5.70, p < 0.001), and non-responders with ΔkADC < 1 had a fair survival outcome (HR = 2.51, p = 0.029), compared with responders. Changes in mean ADC and ADC kurtosis, as a measure of change in tissue heterogeneity, can be used to predict overall and transplant-free survival in well-circumscribed HCC, in order to monitor early response to TACE and identify patients with treatment failure and poor survival outcome. • Changes in the mean and kurtosis of ADC histograms, as the measures of change in tissue heterogeneity, can be used to predict overall and transplant-free survival in patients with well-defined HCC. • A ≥ 35% increase in volumetric ADC after TACE is an independent predictor of good survival, regardless of the change in ADC histogram kurtosis. • In patients with < 35% ADC change, a decrease in ADC histogram kurtosis indicates partial response and fair survival, while ∆kurtosis ≥ 1 correlates with the worst survival outcome.
Investigation of Cracks Observed in Underwater Bridge Seal Structures and Crack Control by Means of Material Design

AbstractA large number of cracks were observed in a bridge seal structure during an underwater inspection. The seal is 13.2 m long, 5.9 m wide, and 6.8 m deep and thus is considered mass concret...
Decadent Developmentalism: The Political Economy of Democratic Brazil

Brazil features regularly in global comparisons of large developing economies. Yet since the 1980s, the country has been caught in a low-level equilibrium, marked by lackluster growth and destructive inequality. One cause is the country's enduring commitment to a set of ideas and institutions labelled developmentalism. This book argues that developmentalism has endured, despite hyperactive reform, because institutional complementarities across economic and political spheres sustain and drive key actors and strategies that are individually advantageous, but collectively suboptimal. Although there has been incremental evolution in some institutions, complementarities across institutions sustain a pattern of 'decadent developmentalism' that swamps systemic change. Breaking new ground, Taylor shows how macroeconomic and microeconomic institutions are tightly interwoven with patterns of executive-legislative relations, bureaucratic autonomy, and oversight. His analysis of institutional complementarities across these five dimensions is relevant not only to Brazil but also to the broader study of comparative political economy.
Does information sharing always improve team decision making? An examination of the hidden profile condition in new product development

Abstract This research examines the effects of information sharing and information use on team decision making. While past studies are based on an implicit assumption that information sharing always leads to information use and optimal decision outcomes, the authors argue that this assumption is applicable only when information is equally distributed among decision makers in a team. By adopting the hidden profile paradigm, the authors suggest that when information is unequally distributed, information sharing does not facilitate optimal decision making. In the meantime, they find that team functional diversity is a main factor worsening the hidden profile situation—that is, when decision makers are diverse in terms of their functional backgrounds, the facilitating effect of information sharing decreases. Results indicate that information use, rather than information sharing, is the ultimate gateway that leads decision makers to optimal decision outcomes.
Role Stereotypes in Television Advertisements

The extent of gender role stereotyping in French and English television advertising in Canada is compared to that previously found in the U.S. and in Mexico. Even after removing advertisements for clothing and personal and beauty products, the extent of role bias in Canada in 1989 is no better than that in the U.S. and in Mexico in 1984, although it is manifested in different ways.
STAT2 is required for TLR-induced cross-presentation (APP3P.109)

Type I Interferons (IFNs) are one of the principal mediators in cross-presentation of exogenous antigens to prime CD8+ T cells. Toll-like receptor (TLR) stimulation enhances cross-presentation in dendritic cells (DCs), however, the molecular mediators involved in TLR-induced cross-presentation remain to be elucidated. Since STAT2 is a critical signaling component in the canonical signaling pathway downstream of type I IFN receptor, we hypothesized that TLR-induced cross-presentation may require STAT2. We generated an in vitro model of murine conventional DCs, the bone marrow derived DCs (BMDCs) from WT and STAT2KO mice, and found that STAT2 deficiency did not affect GMCSF-dependent DC development in vitro. Yet upon TLR stimulation, we found STAT2 deficiency impaired the type I IFN response as postulated, including reduction in costimulatory molecules (MHC Class I and CD86), and in the up-regulation of IFN-stimulated genes. Furthermore, STAT2KO DCs were impaired in their expression of signal 3 cytokines, such as IL-12, upon TLR stimuli. To complement our findings, we performed in vitro cross-presentation assays using OT-I TCR transgenic (Tg) T cells, and found that both proliferation and IFN-γ production of CD8+ Tg T cells were reduced when primed with LPS- or CpG-induced STAT2KO BMDCs cross-presenting OVA. Hence, our current data demonstrate that STAT2/type I IFNs axis is essential for TLR4 and 9-induced cross-presentation.
The challenge of standoff explosives detection

While there currently are a number of effective technologies and methodologies for explosive screening when close proximity to the person, package, or vehicle being screened is feasible, the problem of detecting explosives at significant standoff distances remains one of the most difficult - and most important - challenges confronting physical security specialists. Among the major detection techniques, trace detection suffers from the fact that available vapor plumes are normally too dilute for detection at appreciable standoff under all but the most favorable conditions, and probing bulk techniques suffer from an intrinsic 1/r/sup 4/ fall-off of the signal intensity with distance. Research into potential means of standoff detection is necessary to try to address this important problem. This paper presents an overview of detection technologies that could prove useful in certain standoff detection applications, along with comments on future research needs. A distinction is made between remote detection, in which the personnel searching for explosives maintain a safe standoff distance from the object being screened but where a sampling and/or detection unit may approach the object closely, and true standoff detection, where both the personnel and the sampling/detection equipment maintain a large standoff distance.
Insulating magnetism in vacancy-ordered K0.8Fe1.6Se2

We unveil the novel physical origin of the insulating block checkerboard antiferromagnetism in vacancy-ordered K2Fe4Se5. Our first-principles electronic structure analysis reveals its incompatibility with a simple Fermi-surface nesting or Mott insulator scenario, and suggests the picture of coexisting itinerant and localized electronic states. Consistently, we demonstrate that it can be unified with the metallic collinear or bicollinear antiferromagnetism of the vacancy-free parent compounds LaOFeAs, BaFe2As2, or FeTe in the spin-fermion model. These results indicate that the blocking effects of Hund's rule coupling and the resulting electron correlation are crucial to the electronic and magnetic structures of iron-based superconductors.
Chromophores of allophycocyanin and R-phycocyanin.

The biliprotein allophycocyanin was purified from Phormidium luridum, Anabaena variabilis and Plectonema boryanum. R-phycocyanin was purified from Rhodymenia palmata. The chromophores were cleaved from the denatured protein by methanol hydrolysis. They were purified and crystallized as the dimethyl esters. Chromatographic and absorption-spectral (visible–ultraviolet and infrared) comparisons with reference material have established phycocyanobilin as the chromophore of allophycocyanin. Phycocyanobilin and phycoerythrobilin were shown to be the chromophores of R-phycocyanin.
Perioperative goal-directed therapy and postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing high-risk abdominal surgery: a historical-prospective, comparative effectiveness study

Perioperative goal-directed therapy (PGDT) may improve postoperative outcome in high-risk surgery patients but its adoption has been slow. In 2012, we initiated a performance improvement (PI) project focusing on the implementation of PGDT during high-risk abdominal surgeries. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of this intervention. This is a historical prospective quality improvement study. The goal of this initiative was to standardize the way fluid management and hemodynamic optimization are conducted during high-risk abdominal surgery in the Departments of Anesthesiology and Surgery at the University of California Irvine. For fluid management, the protocol consisted in standardized baseline crystalloid administration of 3 ml/kg/hour and any additional boluses based on PGDT. The impact of the intervention was assessed on the length of stay in the hospital (LOS) and post-operative complications (NSQIP database). In the 1 year pre- and post-implementation periods, 128 and 202 patients were included. The average volume of fluid administered during the case was 9.9 (7.1–13.0) ml/kg/hour in the pre-implementation period and 6.6 (4.7–9.5) ml/kg/hour in the post-implementation period (p < 0.01). LOS decreased from 10 (6–16) days to 7 (5–11) days (p = 0.0001). Based on the multiple linear regression analysis, the estimated coefficient for intervention was 0.203 (SE = 0.054, p = 0.0002) indicating that, with the other conditions being held the same, introducing intervention reduced LOS by 18 % (95 % confidence interval 9–27 %). The incidence of NSQIP complications decreased from 39 % to 25 % (p = 0.04). These results suggest that the implementation of a PI program focusing on the implementation of PGDT can transform fluid administration patterns and improve postoperative outcome in patients undergoing high-risk abdominal surgeries. Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02057653 . Registered 17 December 2013.
Comparison of systematic roost searches and acoustic detection to determine occupancy of rare forest bats

Despite recent increases in conservation interest, the distribution, habitat needs, and conservation priorities remain poorly understood for many animal species, including forest bats. In some cases, little quantitative information exists about appropriate survey methods to determine occupancy or abundance of bats in forest systems. We quantitatively compared detection probabilities between 2 commonly used survey techniques for 2 bat species that are closely associated with bottomland hardwood stands in the southeastern United States. Passive acoustic surveys of echolocation calls were more likely than systematic roost searches to detect both Rafinesque's big-eared bats (Corynorhinus rafinesquii) and southeastern myotis (Myotis austroriparius) at 7 study areas in eastern Texas. Our results confirmed that numerous repeat visits (>15 acoustic-survey-nights) are necessary to have high confidence in detecting Rafinesque's big-eared bats; however, southeastern myotis were easier to detect. Our results emphasize the importance of quantitatively assessing survey methods prior to designing or implementing widespread survey programs for bats. © 2013 The Wildlife Society
On the influence of ionic strength on the equilibrium constant of an ion-molecule reaction

Abstract Concentration formation constants for the 18-crown-6-sodium ion complex in anhydrous methanol solutions were measured as a function of the ionic strength of the solution. The Kc values remained reasonably constant for Ic ⩽ 0.05 mol dm−3 At higher ionic strengths the Kc values begin to decrease. The infinite-dilution formation constant was 2.2 × 104.
The proton magnetic resonance spectrum of 1,3-butadiene oriented in a nematic mesophase

Abstract The proton magnetic resonance spectrum of 1,3-butadiene oriented in a nematic mesophase has been recorded and completely analyzed in terms of the proton-proton dipolar coupling constants and anisotropic chemical shifts. The NMR spectral parameters indicate that, in the liquid crystalline phase, the molecule is present in the s-trans conformation, and that it is preferentially oriented with its longest axis parallel to the magnetic field. The internuclear proton distances derived from the NMR experiment are reported and compared with the corresponding structural data obtained from electron diffraction studies.
Macroborings and Epizoans on Late Cretaceous Rudists from West Coast Active-Margin Environments: ABSTRACT

Rudists are a major component of Cretaceous carbonate strata. Studies of rudists from these strata have demonstrated that epizoans are sparse but macroborings are relatively common. Previous studies have not been made of macroborings and epizoans on rudists from nearshore, elastic, active-margin environments. Beds of the Rosario Formation lower sandstone containing the late Campanian rudist Coralliochama orcutti crop out along the northern coast of Punta Banda on the Pacific coast of Baja California, Mexico. Serial sections of rudist skeletons from this area show that borings include Entobia and varying forms of Trypanites, while epizoans include serpulid worms, the bivalve Acila and juvenile Coralliochama. Macroborings occur on 30% of examined specimens, primarily on the upper portion of the attached valve and on the free valve, while epizoans are found on 10% of examined specimens, typically from the middle third to the commissure of the attached valve and on the free valve. Only a small portion of the skeleton may be covered by epizoans, and some boring and encrusting appears to have oc urred during life. Inhibition by rudists of epizonas, a concept proposed by Kauffman and Sohl, probably was not as effective in Coralliochama as in rudists from Antillean reefs. In addition, Coralliochama appears to be more heavily bored than Antillean reef rudists. These results aid in understanding the broad environmental range of Late Cretaceous rudists and the adaptive response to this range. Rudists of clastic environments may have been more susceptible to boring and encrustation than those from reef associations. End_of_Article - Last_Page 452------------
The Integrin α9β1 Contributes to Granulopoiesis by Enhancing Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor Receptor Signaling

The integrin α9β1 is widely expressed on neutrophils, smooth muscle, hepatocytes, endothelia, and some epithelia. We now show that mice lacking this integrin have a dramatic defect in neutrophil development, with decreased numbers of granulocyte precursors in bone marrow and impaired differentiation of bone marrow cells into granulocytes. In response to granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), α9-deficient bone marrow cells or human bone marrow cells incubated with α9β1-blocking antibody demonstrated decreased phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 and extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase. These effects depended on the α9 subunit cytoplasmic domain, which was required for formation of a physical complex between α9β1 and ligated G-CSF receptor. Integrin α9β1 was required for granulopoiesis and played a permissive role in the G-CSF-signaling pathway, suggesting that this integrin could play an important role in disorders of granulocyte development and other conditions characterized by defective G-CSF signaling.
The effect of partial reinforcement on extinction in avoidance conditioning

The effect of partial reinforcement on extinction was investigated in avoidance conditioning in which a nonreinforced trial was defined by delayed CS termination as well as shock ommission. Partial reinforcement significantly increased resistance to extinction. A group given conventional extinction with shock ommission but immediate response contingent CS termination showed little decrement in responding.
Tumor necrosis factor-induced neonatal pulmonary hypertension: effects of dazmegrel pretreatment.

ABSTRACT: The endogenously produced cytokine, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), has been shown in adult animal models to be associated with many of the pathophysiologic effects of sepsis, including systemic hypotension and hemorrhagic necrosis. TNF-α can induce the release of various vasoactive arachidonic acid metabolites, suggesting that TNF-α may act either directly or via intermediary substances in producing its effects. The pathophysiologic role of TNF-α in neonatal sepsis, especially its potential effect on pulmonary vascular tone, is presently unknown. To assess the role of TNF-α in neonatal sepsis, 19 piglets (19 ± 5 d old) were anesthetized, intubated, paralyzed, mechanically ventilated, and catheterized to assess pulmonary and systemic vascular hemodynamics and pulmonary gas exchange. The multiple inert gas elimination technique was used to assess ventilation perfusion matching. A 30-min infusion of human recombinant TNF-α (250 μg/kg total dose) was administered to animals pretreated with either 10 mg/kg dazmegrel, a thromboxane synthase inhibitor (n = 9) or placebo (n = 10). TNF-α alone induced a prompt and sustained rise in pulmonary arterial pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance that continued at least for 2 h after onset of the infusion. In contrast, the animals pretreated with dazmegrel demonstrated no rise in pulmonary vascular resistance until 2 h after the onset of the infusion. Neither group of animals demonstrated a significant decline in arterial or evidence from inert gas analysis of VA/Q mismatching or increase in intrapulmonary shunt. We conclude that human recombinant TNF-α induces an acute and sustained elevation in Ppa and PVR without the concomitant development of hypoxemia or intrapulmonary shunt. The pulmonary hypertension is blocked acutely by the putative TxA2 synthase inhibitor, dazmegrel.
Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Placement During Pregnancy: A Case Series of Five Patients

Complications of portal hypertension, such as variceal hemorrhage and ascites, are associated with significant increases in both mortality and complications during pregnancy. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is a well-established procedure for treating portal hypertension, but the safety of TIPS during pregnancy is largely unknown. In this series, we review five patients who underwent TIPS placement while pregnant and describe their clinical outcomes. Five pregnant patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension underwent elective TIPS for complications of portal hypertension (four for secondary prevention of variceal bleeding and one for refractory ascites). Outcomes measured were recurrent bleeding episodes or need for further paracenteses during pregnancy, estimated radiation dose to the fetus and gestational age at delivery. All patients were followed after delivery to evaluate technical and clinical success of the procedure. All five patients survived pregnancy and went on to deliver successfully. When TIPS was performed for secondary prevention of variceal bleeding (n = 4), no patients demonstrated variceal bleeding after TIPS placement. When TIPS was performed for refractory ascites (n = 1), no further paracenteses were required. All patients delivered successfully, albeit prematurely. Average radiation dose estimated to the fetus was 16.3 mGy. This series suggests that TIPS can be performed in selective pregnant patients with portal hypertension, with little added risk to the mother or fetus.
Synergistic Activity of Trovafloxacin with Other Agents Against Gram-positive and -negative Organisms

The synergistic activity of trovafloxacin with other agents against 55 Gram-positive and -negative bacteria was determined by checkerboard titration. Synergistic fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) indices ( 4.0) were observed.
ATP (Mg2+) induced inhibition of cyclic AMP reactivity with a skeletal muscle protein kinase

Abstract Exposure of a skeletal muscle protein kinase (peak I DEAE fraction) to μmolar ATP in the presence of Mg2+ before initiating the binding reaction or the cAMP activable phosphotransferase reaction with cAMP increases the requirement for this cyclic nucleotide in both events about 10 fold. The binding of ATP (Mg2+) to a protein in the kinase preparation was shown by Millipore and Sephadex filtration to parallel the inhibitory effect of the triphosphate. The value of Ks for ATP was in the 10−7 M range and 50% inhibition of cAMP (10−8 M) binding occurred at approximately 2 × 10−7 M ATP. ATP binding activity was associated with protein peaks exhibiting both cAMP binding and phosphotransferase activity after subjecting the kinase (holoenzyme) to sedimentation in sucrose density gradients or electrophoresis by electrofocusing.
Semi-automatic ontology extraction to create draft topic maps

Topic maps are a Semantic Web technology that provides a human-oriented mechanism to encode knowledge by organizing web information around topics. Studies have shown, however, that authors face major difficulties in constructing topic maps. This paper discusses an approach to automatic construction of a "draft" topic map for the authors to start with. The idea is to extract topic map constructs by crawling a website and parsing its pages. We propose a set of heuristics that can be used for extracting semantic information from the HTML markup of the web pages. We have used this approach to design and implement a plug-in for the topic map editor TM4L that automatically extracts topics and relationships from a website specified by the author. An evaluation of the proposed approach in terms of Recall and Precision of the extracted data is presented.
The dislocation microstructure of aluminum

Aluminum of 99.999 pct purity was deformed in torsion at 644 K and an equivalent uniaxial strain rate of 5.04 × 10−4 s−1 to various steady-state strains up to 16.33. The subgrain size and density of dislocations not associated with subgrain boundaries remained fixed throughout the wide steady-state strain range. The subgrain boundaries, however, underwent two important changes. At the onset of steady state (e ~0.2) all of the subgrain boundaries had relatively small misorientation angles averaging about 0.5 deg. With increased strain, however, an increasing fraction of the subgrain facets were high-angle boundaries. At strains greater than about four nearly a third of the boundaries were high-angle. In specimens with both types of boundaries, the high-angle boundaries have misorientation angles (θ) greater than 10 deg, while θ for low-angle boundaries is nearly always less than 3 deg. Only rarely do subgrain boundaries have misorientation angles between 3 deg and 10 deg. In aluminum, the increased high-angle boundary area at larger strains originates from the extension of the initial boundaries through the mechanism, recently introduced by others, of “geometric dynamic recrystallization” in aluminum. The average misorientation across low-angle boundaries initially increases during steady state but eventually reaches a maximum value of about 1.2 deg at e ≃ 1.2. Since the flow stress stays nearly constant, the dramatic changes in the character of the subgrain boundaries that are observed during steady state suggest that the details of the boundaries arenot an important consideration in the rate-controlling process for creep.
Telomeres and double-strand breaks - all's well that "ends" well. ...

Abstract Bailey, S. Telomeres and Double-Strand Breaks – All's Well that “Ends” Well. … Radiat. Res. 169, 1–7 (2008). Sometimes one's life (including one's science) makes a lot more sense when viewed from the perspective of time, reflected back on over a number of years. That has indeed been the case for me. Strangely enough, the story begins with chromosomes and “ends” with telomeres, both at Colorado State University. And, just as with chromosomes, a lot happened in between. Telomeres were first identified based on their function—they protected the physical ends of chromosomes from interaction with broken DNA ends created by ionizing radiation. While I was at Los Alamos National Laboratory, the sequence of human telomeres was discovered, making probes available that allowed us to re-examine and provide direct support of these early observations; thus began my fascination with telomeres. Chromosome orientation in situ hybridization (CO-FISH) also came onto the scene while I was in Los Alamos. This strand...
Challenge episodes over middle age: A person-centered study of aging well in poor health.

Abstract We studied subjective well-being (SWB) as a dynamic system, focusing on change processes in women who faced mid-life challenges of poor health. To examine both general and age-specific effects, we focused on two groups of ill women and compared each of them to healthy controls: the early-onset ill experienced their health challenge at 52 (i.e., normatively early) and the late-onset ill later at 61. Our 20-year longitudinal design combined quantitative and idiographic life data, testing hypotheses about frequent handicaps of ill people, how SWB can be recovered, and how the nature of stresses and recovery processes varies with period of life. Results suggest that processes of aging and development helped the early-onset ill to overcome handicaps through emphasis on generativity and the late-onset ill to regain involvement in life.
Detection limits for organic salts in secondary ion mass spectrometry

Abstract Trimethylisopropylammonium iodide is detected at the picogram level by secondary ion mass spectrometry (s.i.m.s.). The intact organic cation can be monitored; the effects of experimental conditions on its abundance are discussed. Mixtures of organic salts can be analyzed without matrix effects at 1:100 weight ratios.The effects of other matrices and the mechanism of sputtering are considered. S.i.m.s. provides greater sensitivity for direct ionization of polyatomic salts than for cationization of molecules.
Theory of Gearing

Basic mathematical problems on the theory of gearing are covered in this book, such as the necessary and sufficient conditions of envelope existence, relations between principal curvatures and directions for surfaces of mating gears. Also included are singularities of surfaces accompanied by undercutting the process of generation, the phenomena of envelope of lines of contact, and the principles for generation of conjugate surfaces. Special attention is given to the algorithms for computer aided simulation of meshing and tooth contact. This edition was complemented with the results of research recently performed by the author and his doctoral students. The book contains sample problems and also problems for the reader to solve.
Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin alters rat hypothalamic endorphin and mu opioid receptors

Abstract The present study was undertaken to assess if hypothalamic β-endorphin (βE) and/or brain mu opioid receptors are associated with 2, 3, 7, 8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) (50 μg/kg)-induced hypophagia and body weight decline in rats. Hypothalamic βE concentrations were initially increased to 166% of controls on day 1, and then were depressed to 39% and 49% of control values on days 2 and 3, respectively. Brain mu opioid receptor number was increased 60% in TCDD-treated rats at day 3 without a change in the binding affinity. Food-restricted rats did not exhibit changes in hypothalamic βE concentrations or brain mu opioid receptor number. These results indicate that TCDD causes early perturbations in hypothalamic βE concentrations and brain mu receptor number, which may contribute to the mechanisms by which TCDD leads to decreased food intake and progressive weight loss.
How to select tools for microcontroller software

The factors that determine the choice of tools are identified. Symbolic versus source-level debugging, programming language tradeoffs, and assembler features are examined. The use of CASE (computer-aided software engineering) tools is briefly considered. >
Flow Control About an Airborne Laser Turret

A high-energy laser system inflicts damage on a target by radiating large amounts of thermal energy onto a small area. Airflow about a laser pointer-tracker turret on an aircraft may be unsteady, causing problems in laser beam propagation. These problems are jitter, which is vibration of the laser beam, and optical path distortions. Several airflow control techniques were considered as possible means of suppressing the unsteady flow. A hollow fairing with suction inlets located behind the turret combined with fuselage boundary-layer suction at the turret base was selected as a method of flow control. A 0.3 scale model of the turret and fairing was tested in a wind tunnel at the Naval Postgraduate School. Various turret/fairing geometrical parameters were investigated, as well as flow rates through the suction apparatus. A condition of steady flow around the turret with minimum suction requirements was sought. A turret with 0.427 m diam was tested in the Naval Postgraduate School 1.525 xl.525-m wind tunnel at a Reynolds number of 300,000. The Reynolds number was defined as VD/v, where V is tunnel velocity, D is turret diameter, and v is kinematic viscosity, all quantities being measured in consistent units. Steady flow was achieved with a flow factor F equal to 0.4. F is the ratio A^ /At, where A^ is area of streamtube at freestream conditions entering the suction inlets, and At is the projected area of laser turret.
Effects of Pulsed-D.C. Discharge Plasma Actuators in a Separated Low Pressure Turbine Boundary Layer (Postprint)

Abstract : A pulsed DC dielectric barrier discharge plasma actuator is investigated to reattach the simulated separated flow of a highly loaded turbine blade suction surface. Pulse rates of 25, 50, 75, and 100 pulses per second were investigated at a nominal constant pulse power of 8.5 kW for a constant pulse width of 250 ns. The separation of the flat plate boundary layer is induced with an adverse free stream pressure gradient distribution from an upper wall. Phase-locked particle image velocimetry (PIV) was used to obtain two-dimensional velocity field measurements at 6 to 24 equally spaced phase-angles, depending on the pulse rate. At a pulse rate of 100 pulses per second the 70% velocity contour in the boundary layer was moved closer to the wall by 39%, compared to the unforced case, 15 mm downstream of the actuator.
Ultra-light-weight composites from bamboo strips and polypropylene web with exceptional flexural properties

Abstract Fine bamboo strips (BSs) have been laid on polypropylene (PP) web, stacked, and compression molded to prepare unconsolidated light-weight (0.312 g/cm 3 ) composites. Composite properties are superior compared with jute-based composites and bamboo strips show potential to replace fiberglass or polyurethane in composites. Flexural strength, modulus, offset yield load, and Noise Reduction Coefficient (NR) of the BS–PP composites are 5.8×, 2.9×, 6.5×, and 1.4× higher, respectively, compared to jute–PP composites. Bamboo-based non-consolidated composites with excellent mechanical and sound absorption properties utilizing the methods described in this research provide an opportunity to manufacture functional composites with bio-based materials leading to reduction of environmental pollution and sustainable manufacturing.
A steroid/thyroid hormone receptor superfamily member in Drosophila melanogaster that shares extensive sequence similarity with a mammalian homologue

Abstract A gene in Drosophila melanogaster that maps cytologically to 2C1-3 on the distal portion of the X-chromosome encodes a member of the steroid/thyroid hormone receptor superfamily. The gene was isolated from an embryonic cDNA library using an oligonucleotide probe that specifies the consensus amino acid sequence in the DNA-binding domain of several human receptors. The conceptual amino acid sequence of 2C reveals at least four regions of homology that are shared with all identified vertebrate receptors. Region I includes the two cysteine-cysteine zinc fingers that comprise a DNA-binding domain which typifies all members of the superfamily. In addition, three regions (Regions II-IV) in the carboxy-terminal portion of the protein that encode the putative hormone-binding domain of the 2C gene product resemble similar sequences in vertebrate steroid/thyroid hormone receptors. The similarity suggests that this Drosophila receptor possesses many of the regulatory functions attributed to these regions in vertebrate counterparts. A portion of Region II also resembles part of the human c-jun oncoprotein's leucine zipper, which in turn, has been demonstrated to be the heterodimerization site between the jun and fos oncoproteins. The 2C receptor-like protein most resembles the mouse H2RII binding protein, a member of the superfamily which has been implicated in the regulation of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I gene expression. These two gene products are 83% identical in the DNA-binding domain and 50% identical in the putative hormone-binding domain, although no ligand has been identified for either protein. The high degree of similarity in the hormone-binding domain between the 2C protein and the H2RII binding protein outside regions II-IV suggests specific functional roles which are not shared by other members of the superfamily.
Ultrastructural studies of the superior cervical trunk of the mouse: Distribution, cytochemistry and stability of fibrous elements in preganglionic fibers

The ultrastructure of axons in the preganglionic cervical sympathetic trunk of the mouse is described with emphasis on the number, distribution and stability of fibrous elements in the axoplasm. Neurofilaments outnumbered microtubules in myelinated and non-myelinated axons of all sizes, and the ratio of neurofilaments to microtubules in non-myelinated axons at each point studied was fairly consistent and independent of axonal diameter. The density of neurofilaments and microtubules, however, was greater in axons of progressively smaller diameter. In non-myelinated axons and small myelinated axons neurofilaments were uniformly distributed throughout the axoplasm resulting in minimum and maximum interfilament distances of 300 angstrom and 500 angstrom respectively; the spacing of fibrous elements within any one axon was dependent upon its diameter and position with respect to the superior cervical ganglion in the preganglionic trunk. The maximum interfilament distance was also found in large myelinated axons where neurofilaments, occurring in fascicles, were separated by distances of approximately 500 angstroms. Cytochemical staining of axons with lanthanum hydroxide, ruthenium red or alkaline bismuth delineated the delicate filamentous matrix interconnecting microtubules, neurofilaments and other organelles in the axoplasm. Alkaline bismuth stain was most intense in myelinated axons where heaviest deposition of reaction product was associated with neurofilaments. Treatment in vitro of the cervical sympathetic trunk with 5 X 10(-5) M vinblastine sulfate dissociated microtubules and induced formation of crystalline arrays of "tubular" elements. A uniform center to center spacing of 250-300 angstrom was found for crystalloids in non-myelinted axons; however, in myelinated axons the center to center spacing was not uniform and varied in the range 300-600 angstrom. Neurofilaments and their surface projections were unaffected by vinblastine. Fixation in the presence of lanthanum enhanced delineation of crystalloid elements. Exposure of 0-4 degrees C for up to three hours had no consistent effect on microtubules or neurofilaments. In contrast, cold treatment disrupted the delicate axonal matrix and resulted in the formation of aggregates of coarse flocculent material in the axoplasm.
Cocaine self-administration alters the locomotor response to microinjection of bicuculline into the ventral tegmental area of rats.

Abstract Several studies indicate that repeated administration of cocaine can alter GABA A receptor function, particularly in the mesolimbic pathway. The purpose of the present study was to assess the effect of cocaine self-administration on GABA A receptor activity in the ventral tegmental area (VTA), measured by bicuculline-induced rotational behavior. In order to test whether the hypothesized alteration in GABA A receptor function persisted during withdrawal, rats were tested when drug-naive and at two time points after cocaine self-administration. Eighteen rats were implanted with intrajugular catheters and unilateral guide shafts aimed at the VTA. Microinjection of the GABA A receptor antagonist bicuculline (10, 25 and 50 ng) produced a dose-dependent turning behavior in a direction ipsilateral to the side of the injection. A subset of six rats was given up to 2 weeks exposure to intravenous cocaine by self-administration and was tested for bicuculline-induced rotations early in withdrawal (24 h) and again at a late withdrawal time point (between 11 and 14 days after the last cocaine session). Cocaine self-administration reduced sensitivity to bicuculline-induced rotations at the early but not at the late withdrawal point, when compared to sensitivity in drug-naive animals. A separate control study that was conducted in seven rats determined that repeated injections of bicuculline in the cocaine self-administration animals was not the cause of the decrease in behavioral response to bicuculline at the early withdrawal time point. These results suggest that exposure to cocaine via self-administration reduces the function of GABA A receptors in the ventral midbrain, but this reduction in receptor sensitivity did not persist beyond 10 days of withdrawal from cocaine.
Does a Nationalist Card Make for a Weak Hand?: Economic Decline and Shared Pain

This article tests theories of group threat, competition, contact, and shared pain. The author argues that economic downturns undermine rather than increase support for prejudice. The absolute pain of a recession is felt by all groups in society, even if the relative costs are often distributed unevenly across groups. While nationalists can scapegoat minorities for economic woes, competing elites have incentives to adopt economic frames that focus on individual suffering. Empirical support comes from a subnational research design that includes quantitative data from Latvia’s 565 localities and from a qualitative analysis of the framing techniques adopted by Latvian political parties.