cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Perturbations of strain and rotation in a nodular slate

Abstract Strain is estimated at the hinge and in one limb of an anticline by the measurement of phyllosilicate preferred orientation in the matrix of a nodular, calcareous slate at three-dimensional grid points. We calculate an average strain for each and also the average shapes of the calcite-cemented nodules, which we explain by a strain distinct from that of the matrix acting on originally oblate spheroidal concretions. Cleavage folia show symptoms of stress solution, and the nodular concretions are capped by strain shadows almost free of cleavage; the nodules were stiffer than the matrix during most of the deformation history. Near the concretions the strain is too inhomogeneous at a small scale to allow the resolution of details of the strain field.The local strain we take to be the compound of the average and a perturbing strain. The strain perturbations are not random but statistically share their intermediate principal axis; these axes are less tightly clustered in the hinge than in the limb. The axes of local rotations that are concomitant with the perturbing strains also have only a slight preferred orientation in the hinge, but they are statistically aligned in the limb. There, all axes lie near the cleavage great circle, and they cluster near the fold axis. The regularity of the rotation axes indicates a history of simple, flexural shear in the limb, with the local rotations caused by retardations or accelerations of the shear rate near stiff nodules. Comparisons between the mean strain in hinge and limb, strained nodule shapes, strain perturbations and perturbing rotations allow recognition of several distinct episodes of strain: (1) 40% compaction; (2) 9% homogeneous bedding-parallel contraction; (3) buckling; and (4) a further 33% bedding-parallel contraction in the hinge and 37% approximately bedding-normal contraction in the limb. Volume loss was greatest near the concretions, both during compaction and later by stress solution; the limb lost 13% more volume than the hinge.
Structural and Dynamic Analysis of Residual Dipolar Coupling Data for Proteins

The measurement of residual dipolar couplings in weakly aligned proteins can potentially provide unique information on their structure and dynamics in the solution state. The challenge is to extract the information of interest from the measurements, which normally reflect a convolution of the structural and dynamic properties. We discuss here a formalism which allows a first order separation of their effects, and thus, a simultaneous extraction of structural and motional parameters from residual dipolar coupling data. We introduce some terminology, namely a generalized degree of order, which is necessary for a meaningful discussion of the effects of motion on residual dipolar coupling measurements. We also illustrate this new methodology using an extensive set of residual dipolar coupling measurements made on (15)N,(13)C-labeled human ubiquitin solvated in a dilute bicelle solution. Our results support a solution structure of ubiquitin which on average agrees well with the X-ray structure (Vijay-Kumar, et al., J. Mol. Biol. 1987, 194, 531--544) for the protein core. However, the data are also consistent with a dynamic model of ubiquitin, exhibiting variable amplitudes, and anisotropy, of internal motions. This work suggests the possibility of primary use of residual dipolar couplings in characterizing both structure and anisotropic internal motions of proteins in the solution state.
First evaluation of new undergraduate space research projects

Abstract Several new research projects in space and atmospheric sciences are described that were designed to involve under graduate physics majors. Three individual students worked on each different projects: (1) a study of astronomical observations on a balloon or aircraft platform; (2) analysis and visualization of global atmospheric data sets obtained by satellite and models; (3) the design and construction of a calibration system for rocket-borne instrumentation. At the end of their projects, students were asked to evaluate their research experiences based on a set of questions. The summarized comments from students, research advisor and funding director expose strengths and weaknesses of the research and explain which projects and activities are likely to be more suitable for undergraduates and have a positive impact on potential scientific careers.
Metabolism of the heart and brain during hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass

The alterations in tissue metabolism induced by hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass are not completely known. Phosphorus-31 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy was used to determine the effect of hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass on energy states and intracellular pH of the heart and brain. Sheep were instrumented for cardiopulmonary bypass and had a radiofrequency coil placed over either the heart or skull. The animals were placed in a 4.7-T magnet at 37 degrees C and spectra obtained. The animals were cooled on cardiopulmonary bypass to either 26 degrees C (n = 17) or 18 degrees C (n = 14) for brain studies and to 26 degrees C (n = 12) for heart studies. Hypothermia increased the phosphocreatine/adenosine triphosphate ratio in the heart (2.38 +/- 0.23 versus 3.18 +/- 0.37, 37 degrees versus 26 degrees C, respectively, p = 0.03). The brain phosphocreatine/adenosine triphosphate ratio increased from 1.70 +/- 0.09 at 37 degrees C to 2.00 +/- 0.12 at 26 degrees C (p = 0.009) and 2.10 +/- 0.07 at 18 degrees C (p = 0.0001). Intracellular pH increased during hypothermia (heart: 7.05 +/- 0.02 to 7.18 +/- 0.02, 37 degrees versus 26 degrees C, p = 0.0001; and brain: 7.07 +/- 0.02 versus 7.32 +/- 0.02, 37 degrees versus 18 degrees C, p = 0.0001). The adenosine triphosphate resonance position is known to be sensitive to magnesium binding as well as temperature and was shifted upfield (p less than 0.01) in both the heart and brain. This effect could be totally explained by the temperature dependence of this process.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Motivations and demographics of I-6 and traditional 5+2 cardiothoracic surgery resident applicants: insights from an academic training program.

Background The introduction of the integrated 6-year cardiothoracic surgery residency (I-6) has changed the training paradigm for future cardiothoracic surgeons. Increased interest in these programs emphasizes the need for an understanding of the applicant pool and of their differences from the traditional trainee (5+2). Methods National trends (National Resident Matching Program data), objective (Electronic Residency Application Services documents, United States Medical Licensing Examination [USMLE] scores, transcripts) and subjective metrics (interviews, personal statements, and recommendation letters) were evaluated for invited applicants for I-6 and 5+2 positions in 2010, 2011, and 2012. Demographics and motivations for specialty selection were determined. Statistical analyses were performed with Student's t test for continuous variables and Fisher's exact test for categoric variables. Results The number of applicants completing the match for I-6 positions each year was as follows: 2010, 74 (49 United States [US]); 2011, 74 (53 US); 2012, 80 (59 US). The number completing the match for 5+2 positions was as follows: 2010, 93 (67 US); 2011, 87 (55 US); 2012, 90 (63 US). For I-6 positions we interviewed 9 candidates in 2010, 17 in 2011, and 16 in 2012; for the 5+2 program we interviewed 14 candidates in 2010, 17 in 2011, and 13 in 2012. Both groups had a similar percentage of female applicants, number of US medical graduates, additional degrees, and membership in Alpha Omega Alpha. The I-6 applicants were younger (mean age, 27.4 years), were less likely to take time off for research (43.5% vs 72.7%), were less published, and had higher surgery clinical honors and USMLE scores. The 5+2 applicants were less likely to have done a cardiothoracic medical school rotation and had done senior-level rotations on general thoracic during residency; yet, only 29.5% had done a senior level cardiac rotation. The most frequently cited motivation was a clinical encounter during a cardiothoracic rotation for both (94.9% I-6 applicants, 88.6% 5+2 applicants). The I-6 applicants had more interest in minimally invasive techniques. There were no differences in the influence of a mentor or a desire for an academic career. Conclusions Institutional strategies to increase medical student and general surgery resident exposure to cardiothoracic surgery clinically will optimize our ability to attract and train the best candidates in our specialty.
Effects of the electric field poling procedure on electro-optic coefficient for guest-host nonlinear optic polymers

The procedure for increasing the temperature and electric field to set poling conditions for guest-host nonlinear optic polymers was evaluated. Specifically, the order of the two variables was alternated and the poling efficiency was evaluated by comparing the electro-optic coefficient, r33 for both procedures. Two host polymers, poly(methyl)methacrylate (PMMA) and poly[bisphenol A carbonate-co-4,4'(3,3,5-triethyl cyclohexylidene) diphenol] (APC) were doped with 10% (by weight) of the chromophore disperse red 1 (DR1). Single layer films were spin deposited onto a glass substrate with patterned indium tin oxide (ITO) as the bottom electrode and patterned gold as the top electrode. With the final set poling temperature and electric field held constant, each system was poled under two different poling procedures. The first procedure was to increase the temperature at a constant rate first and then increase the electric field at a constant rate to the final set poling conditions, and conversely, the second procedure was to increase the electric field at a constant rate, at room temperature, first and then increase the temperature at a constant rate to the final set poling conditions. An increase in poling efficiency was found for the 'Voltage then Temperature' procedure in both guest-host systems with an increase in r33 values of 38% to 43%. While this dramatic increase is not expected for every system, it shows that there is an additional variable of poling procedure that can be modified for enhancing the efficiency of poling.
Cellular immune response to the hepatitis C virus

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is most often clinically inapparent and rarely associated with symptoms of acute hepatitis. Most patients, however, fail to resolve the acute infection and proceed to develop chronic hepatitis with the risk of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma later in life. Since the kinetics of the earliest events of virus-host interaction are likely to determine the outcome of infection, research has focused on the characterization of the strength and kinetics of the antiviral immune response in different stages of disease. The identification of the immunological correlates of viral clearance is pivotal for the development of vaccines and efficient therapies.
A model system for mineral facies in pelitic schists

The system Na2O-K2O-Al2O2-SiO2-H2O contains many mineral phases of major importance in the diagenesis and metamorphism of shales and sandstones, as well as in felsic igneous rocks and their metamorphic derivatives. It is thus a useful model-system containing many of the key equilibria of concern in the genesis of such rocks. It is also a system for which extensive experimental and thermodynamic data are available.
Development of microsatellite loci for the western slimy salamander ( Plethodon albagula ) using 454 sequencing

Terrestrial salamanders of the genus Plethodon are closely tied to abiotic environmental habitat features and are particularly sensitive to land use and habitat change. To better understand the effects of land use and habitat fragmentation on population genetic characteristics, we screened 137 primers developed from 454 sequence libraries, and developed 27 microsatellite primers for the western slimy salamander, Plethodon albagula. Twenty-two of these primers cross-amplified in P. shermani. These new loci will be invaluable tools to study habitat variables affecting gene flow, population genetic structure, and genetic diversity across heterogeneous landscapes.
Developing a benefits counseling website for Veterans using Motivational Interviewing techniques

Implementing web-based Motivational Interviewing can be challenging.Veterans expressed dissatisfaction with the Compensation process.Veterans desire additional assistance throughout the Compensation application process. Understanding Veterans' narrated experience as they navigate a web-based intervention is important because it can inform the content, layout and format of these therapies. Using the "Think Aloud" method, twenty-five Veterans of military service expressed thoughts and reactions while navigating through a web-based Motivational Interviewing intervention. The intervention encouraged Veterans applying for Compensation for military-related psychiatric conditions to engage in work related activities. They then completed quantitative ratings of the site. Overall, the site was rated highly, and ratings were in the neutral range as to whether internet delivery of the material was preferable to in-person counseling. Comments revealed the complexity of adapting Motivational Interviewing for a web-based intervention. The intervention provided reflections and non-judgmental statements to Veterans accustomed to more directive statements, and receiving reflections from a computer-therapist evoked mixed responses. Veterans answered questions with intuitive formats quickly, and usually did not read directions concerning how to answer questions. Veterans felt frustrated by the lack of support throughout the Compensation process. They advocated for further development of this web-based intervention as a support for people awaiting their claim determination.
The Effect of Tegaserod on Esophageal Submucosal Glands Bicarbonate and Mucin Secretion

Tegaserod, a 5-HT4 partial agonist, was shown to reduce esophageal acid exposure in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease; however, its mechanism of action is poorly understood. Therefore, we have examined the effect of tegaserod on luminal bicarbonate and mucin secretion in the isolated perfused pig esophagus. We also studied its role in esophageal protection using SMG-bearing pig esophagus in comparison to the rabbit esophagus, which is devoid of them. The tissues were mounted in Ussing chambers, and acid injury was replicated by exposing the lumen to acid (pH 1.6) or acid/pepsin (pH 2.5). In pig esophagus, tegaserod increased bicarbonate secretion, but had no effect on basal mucin secretion. In Ussing chambers, tegaserod reduced injury to pig, but not rabbit esophagus exposed to acid (pH 2.5) plus pepsin. These results indicate that tegaserod stimulates SMG bicarbonate secretion, an effect that likely accounts for the observed protection against acid–pepsin injury to pig, but not rabbit, esophagus.
MODELS FOR SUPPLY CHAIN VENDOR SELECTION IN E-MARKETS

ABSTRACT One of the projected applications of internet technology, in the product manufacturing industry, is the procurement of parts from suppliers through E-Markets. In an E-Market the manufacturer or buyer and the supplier will be linked up through a web based electronic exchange, which acts as a cyber intermediary. The primary motivation for the evolution of this form of parts procurement is that the resulting disintermediation and global networking will significantly reduce procurement costs. More importantly, it is expected that less resourceful manufacturers will be able to establish effective supply chains in less time and less cost as compared to large global reach manufacturers. A key question in this proposition is how does the manufacturer identify candidate suppliers and then select the best set of suppliers from the proposals presented to it by the E-Market. In this paper we present first a schema for constructing an E-Market and second a model to support the supplier selection decision. The...
The role of activity in corpus callosum development in the visual cortex

Many previous models have explained how ocular dominance- and orientation selective columns could develop in the visual cortex. However, few models have investigated the topographic arrangement of interhemispheric connections between primary visual areas. A model of the development of corpus callosum connections in cat visual cortex was presented by Hely (1999). The model showed how the observed hour-glass pattern of callosal receptive field (RF) positions arises as a consequence of the retinotopic mapping onto the cortex. In the cat, callosal connections only form between cells with visual field RFs located close to the vertical meridian. In contrast in rat visual cortex, callosal connections also form between cells with RFs in the peripheral visual field. This cannot be accounted for using a Hebbian rule based on spatial information alone. The current generic model of primary visual cortex was extended by including optic-flow/motion information. This extra input enabled cells with peripheral RFs fields in the medial cortex to make connections to the opposite hemisphere. The results from the model suggest that in some species motion information may affect the development of connections in primary visual cortex.
Physiological Stress Responses in Wild and Hatchery-Reared Rainbow Trout

Abstract Stress-induced changes in plasma cortisol, glucose, and chloride were more extreme in wild rainbow trout Salmo gairdneri than in hatchery-reared fish subjected to confinement in a net and to electroshock. During 12 h of net confinement, plasma cortisol increased from resting levels of 10 ng/mL to 480 ng/mL in wild fish, and from 2 ng/mL to 155 ng/mL in hatchery fish. Plasma glucose was also higher in wild fish, increasing from 55 to 284 mg/dL, versus an increase from 58 to 196 mg/dL in hatchery fish. Plasma chloride decreased from resting levels of 132–135 meq/L to 53 meq/L in wild fish (and it continued a decline to 33 meq/L during the first 24 h after confinement), but only to 102 meq/L in hatchery fish. Both wild and hatchery-reared fish required more than 24 h after they were removed from the net to recover resting levels of plasma constituents. Plasma concentrations of cortisol, glucose, and chloride were less altered in response to electroshock than they were in response to net confinement....
Long-run dynamics of black and official exchange rates

Abstract This paper examines the relationships among black and official foreign exchange rates. Its primary purpose is to investigate the way in which black and official markets process information. Application of cointegration tests to the Turkish markets for US dollars and West German marks in the mid 1980s indicates that the two black markets are efficient information processors. For the black and official markets of each currency, evidence is found suggesting the possibility of overshooting by the black exchange rate. This inefficiency may not be able to be arbitraged away because of restrictions on capital flows through official channels.
Possibilistic search trees

We introduce the concept of a possibilistic search tree. Such trees make use of fuzzy methods and the theory of possibility. They are built using the possibilistic request frequencies of applicable records relevant to a specified search. A corresponding possibilistic average search time measure is presented. Examples of possibilistic search trees with their respective possibilistic average search trees with their corresponding probabilistic measures are evaluated. Some techniques for obtaining the possibilistic record request frequencies relevant to a specified search are examined.
Surgical treatment of renal cell carcinoma involving the inferior vena cava

Abstract Renal cell carcinoma extends into the inferior vena cava in 5% of patients undergoing exploratory surgery for this malignancy. If the tumor is left unresected, death within 1 year is certain. In addition, caval occlusion may result in massive lower extremity edema, ascites, hepatic failure, and pulmonary embolus. During the past 17 years, 12 patients with renal cell carcinoma extending into the inferior vena cava were treated at a single institution by radical nephrectomy and caval tumor extraction. There were 10 men (83%) and ages ranged from 50 to 78 years (mean 63 years). There was one operative death (8%) caused by refractory coagulopathy. Long-term follow-up was achieved for all survivors. One- and 3-year survival rates by life-table method were 73% and 27%, respectively. Mean survival time after resection was 32 months. Careful preoperative planning is essential. The optimal approach for venacaval tumor extraction or resection is dictated by the cephalad extent of tumor seen on preoperative thoracoabdominal CT scan, ultrasound, or inferior venacavography. Disease limited to the infrahepatic vena cava is best approached with a thoracoabdominal incision through the eighth intercostal space. Extension of tumor to the hepatic veins or right atrium requires median sternotomy in combination with an abdominal incision for complete removal. An ellipse of vena cava around the origin of the renal vein is excised with the specimen. The resultant incision is closed by lateral phleborrhaphy. Late sequelae of the mild caval narrowing were not observed. An aggressive multispecialty surgical policy for caval extraction and resection of renal cell carcinoma resulted in extended patient survival and excellent palliation. (J VASC SURG 1987;6:566-71.)
Pharmacological Exploitation of the α1-Adrenoreceptor Antagonist Doxazosin to Develop a Novel Class of Antitumor Agents That Block Intracellular Protein Kinase B/Akt Activation

The α1-adrenoreceptor antagonist doxazosin induces apoptosis in malignant cells with moderate potency via an α1-adrenoreceptor-independent mechanism. Here, we demonstrate that the ability of doxazosin to induce apoptosis in PC-3 prostate cancer cells was, in part, attributable to the inhibition of protein kinase B (PKB)/Akt activation. The separation of the effect of doxazosin on apoptosis from its original pharmacological activity provides molecular underpinnings to develop novel antitumor agents. Replacement of the (2,3-dihydro-benzo[1,4]dioxane)-carbonyl moiety of doxazosin with aryl-sulfonyl functions dramatically improves the potency in facilitating Akt deactivation and inducing apoptosis. The optimal compounds, 33 and 44, were effective in apoptosis induction at low micromolar concentrations irrespective of androgen dependency and p53 functional status. Both agents were active in suppressing the growth of a panel of 60 cancer-cell lines with IC50 values of 2.2 and 1.5 μM, respectively. Together, the...
New glutaraldehyde fixation procedures

Improvements in glutaraldehyde fixation were obtained by means of two new procedures. The first consists of an immersion of the specimens in glutaraldehyde solution buffered to pH 7 followed by raising the pH in steps to pH 8. The second consists of an immersion of the specimens in glutaraldehyde solution at room temperature and then warming the solution to 45°C. Wash, postfixation, dehydration, and embedding are done by the usual methods. The raising of pH during glutaraldehyde fixation was performed to test whether or not synthesis of glutaraldehyde polymers within the tissue could improve the cross-linking. It is known in fact that glutaraldehyde polymerizes in alkaline solutions by means of aldol condensation. The products are α—β unsaturated aldehydes. Our hypothesis is that the improvement in fixation is due to (a) better penetration of the fixative because of the presence of monomers or short polymers in glutaraldehyde at neutral pH; (b) better cross-linking resulting from the synthesis within the tissue of polymers of different length in alkaline pH. The improvement resulting from warming may also be caused by the same mechanism.
Achievable Rates for Multiuser Interference Relay Channel

We consider the interference relay channel (IRC) where a single relay assists the communications between multiple source-destination links under the half-duplex (HD) constraint. We assume each source has an independent message and its transmitted signal may cause interference at the other destinations. We assume each node only estimates its backward channels and has no knowledge of its forward channels as well as the other links. The role of the relay is to generate signals to cooperate with the intended signal and mitigate the interference at all destinations. Specifically, we propose coding schemes and transmission strategies for 2-user AWGN IRC with two sourcedestination pairs. We compare the performance of the proposed IRC coding schemes with that of a TDMA strategy where each source-destination pair communicates in alternative time slots with the assistance of the relay. Our simulation results based on practical turbo codes as underlying constituent codes show that the proposed transmission strategies result in a significant performance improvement over TDMA strategy in terms of outage probability and throughput.
Study of transaldolase deficiency in urine samples by capillary LC-MS/MS.

Transaldolase (TAL) is a key enzyme of the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP). TAL deficiency is a newly recognized cause of liver cirrhosis. We have developed an ion-pair LC separation combined with negative ion electrospray MS/MS detection method to assess PPP metabolites in urine samples from TAL-deficient mice. Sedoheptulose 7-phosphate (S7P), C5-polyols D-arabitol and D-ribitol, and 6-phosphogluconate (6PG) levels were markedly increased in urine of TAL-deficient mice with respect to those of wild-type and heterozygote littermates. The detection limits of S7P, D-arabitol, and 6PG were 0.15 ± 0.015 pmol, 3.5 ± 0.41 pmol, and 0.61 ± 0.055 pmol, respectively. The limit of quantitation was 0.4 ± 0.024 nmol/ml for S7P, 1.6 ± 0.11 nmol/ml for 6PG and 10 ± 0.7 nmol/ml for D-arabitol. Additional metabolites, hexose 6-phosphates (m/z 259), D-ribose 5-phosphate and D-xylulose 5-phosphate (m/z 229), D-fructose 1,6-diphosphate (m/z 339), C6-polyols (m/z 181) and GSSG (m/z 611), that have been positively identified in mouse urine, showed similar levels in control and TAL-deficient mice.
Relations between choice and latency measures in a selective learning paradigm

Abstract Three experiments were run in a two-response selective learning paradigm to ascertain relations between (1) choice and latency on trials with both alternatives available, and (2) latency when only one alternative is available, with one alternative reinforced with greater probability. Variations used rats or pigeons, spatial or visual discrimination. One class of models of choice, accumulator models with absolute thresholds (Audley and Pike, British Journal of Mathematical and Statistical Psychology 1965, 18, 207), was examined in light of the data. Simple accumulator models, without interference between subprocesses leading to choice of the different alternatives, are clearly inadequate. An extension of Audley's accumulator model with interference (Psychological Review 1960, 67 1) makes predictions which deviate from those of the simple accumulator in the same fashion as do the data. Any attempt to account for the data by an accumulator model must provide for interference; further study of accumulators with interference would seem warranted.
The study of surface transformation of pulsed laser deposited hydroxyapatite coatings.

Hydroxyapatite (HA) coatings generally exhibit very good biocompatibility owing to their compositional resemblance to the natural hard tissue and to bioactive properties that are directly related to surface transformations in physiological fluids. In this study, two types of porous HA coatings produced with pulsed laser deposition were tested with respect to their dissolution/reprecipitation in a semidynamic simulated physiological solution. Coatings with higher porosity produced with a 355-nm wavelength laser exhibited significant reprecipitation earlier than those produced with a 266-nm wavelength laser. The dissolution of the non-HA phases played a major role in the reprecipitation of HA-like material as indicated by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The coatings' Ca/P ratio became closer to the theoretical value of HA. The newly formed HA had imperfect crystal structure and/or small crystal size as suggested by XRD. The reprecipitation resulted in a very dense morphology as shown by scanning electron microscopy, suggesting a mechanically strong structure after reprecipitation. Despite undergoing dissolution and reprecipitation, the coatings showed sufficient stability in the solution, as XRD and energy-dispersive X-ray studies indicated no significant loss of the coatings. The stability of these HA coatings and their ability to cause reprecipitation of HA in the simulated physiological solution showed the potential of these coatings for clinical applications.
Reversible cellular automata and chemical turbulence

Abstract We present a class of reversible cellular automata which display soliton-mediated phase transitions and chemical turbulence. This class is defined as the reversible extension of simple reaction-diffusion models of excitable media such as the Schlogl and Greenberg-Hastings models. The phenomenology of these models is discussed in terms of dimensionality, neighborhood and number of states. Reversibility imposes constraints and introduces conservation laws that give rise to invariant quantities.
Delayed effects of exercise on the plasma leptin concentration.

Recent studies have concluded that a single exercise session has no immediate effect on the plasma concentration of leptin, a putative satiety factor. We tested the hypothesis that an increase in energy expenditure would decrease the leptin concentration but the effects would be manifest in a 48-hour period following exercise. Eleven active males completed two treadmill exercise sessions with different energy expenditure (800 or 1,500 kcal) at 70% maximal 0 2 consumption (Vo 2max ). Subjects maintained constant energy intake on the day before, the day of, and 2 days after exercise, as verified by dietary recall. Compared with preexercise in either exercise session, there were no differences in plasma leptin concentrations following exercise (0 and 24 hours postexercise) except at 48 hours postexercise, where an approximately 30% decrease ( P P P P r = .49, P
Fungal physiology and the origins of molecular biology

Molecular biology has several distinct origins, but especially important are those contributed by fungal and yeast physiology, biochemistry and genetics. From the first gene action studies that became the basis of our understanding of the relationship between genes and proteins, through chromosome structure, mitochondrial genetics and membrane biogenesis, gene silencing and circadian clocks, studies with these organisms have yielded basic insight into these processes applicable to all eukaryotes. Examples are cited of pioneering studies with fungi that have stimulated new research in clinical medicine and agriculture; these studies include sexual interactions, cell stress responses, the cytoskeleton and pathogenesis. Studies with the yeasts and fungi have been effective in applying the techniques and insights gained from other types of experimental systems to research in fungal cell signalling, cell development and hyphal morphogenesis.
Optimal utilization of a breast care advanced practice clinician.

Abstract Background Incorporation of “lean” business philosophy within health care has the goal of adding value by reducing cost and improving quality. Applying these principles to the role of Advance Practice Clinicians (APCs) is relevant because they have become essential members of the healthcare team. Methods An independent surgical breast care clinic directed by an APC was created with measurements of success to include the following: time to obtain an appointment, financial viability, and patient/APC/MD satisfaction. Results During the study period, there was a trend toward a decreased median time to obtain an appointment. Monthly APC charges increased from $388 to $30,800. The mean provider satisfaction score by Press Ganey was 96% for the APC and 95.8% for the surgeon. Both clinicians expressed significant satisfaction with clinic development. Conclusions Overall, initiation of an APC breast clinic met the proposed goals of success. The use of lean philosophy demonstrates that implementation of change can result in added value in patient care.
Influence of Defect Clusters on the Performance of Silicon Solar Cells

Improvements in the techniques for the growth of Si substrates, used for commercial solar cells, have yielded wafers that exhibit low average defect density × typically less than 10 5 cm −2 . We have observed that low defect density leads to the formation of defect clusters. This defect configuration influences the device performance in a unique way × by primarily degrading the voltage-related parameters. We discuss the nature of the defect clusters and show that they constitute regions of high carrier recombination. Network modeling is used to show that, in a device, these regions act as shunts that dissipate power generated within the cell.
Environmental cleanup using plants: biotechnological advances and ecological considerations

Plants and their associated microbes can be used in the cleanup and prevention of environmental pollution. This relatively new and growing technology uses natural processes to break down, stabilize, or accumulate pollutants. Knowledge of the biochemical processes involved may lead to the development of more efficient plants and better management practices. One approach for improving the efficiency of phytoremediation includes developing transgenic plants. Here, we give an overview of phytoremediation methods and their associated biological processes, and discuss approaches that have been used successfully to breed transgenic plants with advanced phytoremediation properties. Much is still unknown about the ecological implications of phytoremediation, especially when using transgenic plants. Phytoremediation-related processes can change the location or chemical makeup of contaminants; the question is how those processes will affect the interactions among organisms in the ecosystem, and how transgenic plants...
Acute, same-day effects of antecedent exercise on counterregulatory responses to subsequent hypoglycemia in type 1 diabetes mellitus

Exercise-induced hypoglycemia can occur within hours after exercise in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) patients. This study tested the hypothesis that an acute exercise bout causes (within hours) b...
Managing distributed objects in peer-to-peer systems

Peer-to-peer systems that dynamically organize, interact and share resources are increasingly being deployed in large-scale environments. The location, intermittent connectivity, and organization of the peers have significant impact on meeting the quality of service requirements of distributed applications. This article presents the design, implementation, and empirical evaluation of a middleware architecture for managing distributed objects in peer-to-peer systems. The architecture consists of a self-organizing infrastructure that uses only local knowledge to dynamically form overlays of multiple peers and respond to changing processing and networking conditions; and a management layer that monitors the behavior of the applications transparently, schedules object invocations over multiple machines, and obtains accurate resource projections. The system works in a two-level feedback loop structure that uses measurements of elapsed time and resource loads to refine the initial estimates and revise the peer connections. Our empirical evaluation shows that the system manipulates the peer connections dynamically in response to changes in resource utilization to meet application end-to-end soft real-time requirements.
A Study of the CdS/CuIn(Ga)Se2 Interface in Thin Film Solar Cells

In this paper the authors describe research efforts directed towards the understanding of the CdS/CuInGaSe{sub 2} junctions and, specifically, the interaction of the chemical bath with the CuInGaSe{sub 2} (CIGS). They find that Cd and S diffuse into the absorber during the CdS growth. Heating the absorbers in Cd partial baths resulted in a significant improvement in the ZnO/CIGS device properties. Photoluminescence measurements indicate that the effect of Cd is very similar to that of chemical bath deposition (CBD) CdS.
Endotoxin Reduction in Dust from Heated Cotton Fibers

Cotton was heated in a gas-fired pilot plant dryer at temperatures previously shown to reduce endotoxin levels in fiber. Heating at 255°C for 20 seconds reduced the endotoxin content of dust collected from the fibers by 90% as measured by the Limulus amebocyte lysate assay. However, heat detoxification at 255°C had a detrimental effect on fiber physical properties as evaluated by high volume instrument testing, with a 24% reduction in fiber strength, a 6% reduction in length, and a 7% reduction in uniformity index. Dust release from cotton heated at 255°C was three times that from unheated cotton.
Relationships Between Health Problems and School Adjustment of Young Children

One hundred and seventy-nine first to fourth graders who had experienced one or more of six health problems were judged by classroom teachers to have more serious school adjustment problems and fewer school competencies than a demographically matched peer group of 710 youngsters who had not experienced such problems. Within the health-problem sample, children with multiple problems were rated as more maladjusted and less competent than those who had experienced only one problem. There were several adjustment differences among subgroups of youngsters who experienced specific types of health problems.
Convexity Bias in Eurodollar Futures Prices: A Dimension-Free HJM Criterion

In the theory of interest rate futures, the difference between the futures rate and forward rate is called the “convexity bias,” and there are several widely offered reasons why the convexity bias should be positive. Nevertheless, it is not infrequent that the empirical the bias is observed to be negative. Moreover, in its most general form, the benchmark Heath–Jarrow–Morton (HJM) term structure model is agnostic on the question of the sign of the bias; it allows for models where the convexity bias can be positive or negative. In partial support of the practitioner’s arguments, we develop a simple scalar condition within the HJM framework that suffices to guarantee that the convexity bias is positive. Moreover, when we check this condition on the LIBOR futures data, we find strong empirical support for the new condition. The empirical validity of the sufficient condition and the periodic observation of negative bias, therefore leads one to a paradoxical situation where either (1) there are arbitrage possibilities or (2) a large subclass of HJM models provide interest rate dynamics that fail to capture a fundamental feature of LIBOR futures.
The impact of telecommunications on transportation: Future trends

Telecommunications technology is undergoing a dramatic transformation. Telecommunications services and products are multiplying rapidly. Transportation will feel both positive and negative impacts from these telecommunications developments. On the one hand, existing transportation services will be improved, and innovative transportation techniques will be made possible. On the other hand, new telecommunications services may partially substitute for traditional transportation modes for some applications. This paper discusses some possible impacts of telecommunications on transportation in the future, with emphasis on the potential substitution effects.
The Configuration Space Approach to Robot Path Planning

Graphically simulated configuration maps are used to plan manipulator paths in two-dimensions. Configuration maps represent a transformation of the Cartesian workspace into the manipulator joint coordinates, identifying both the free space and the space occupied by obstacles. Visual examination of the configuration map allows simulation users to plan collision-free paths by maneuvering the manipulator point along a series of path line segments which connect starting and final manipulator configurations. A PUMA 600 revolute manipulator experimentally verifies one such path planned through a congested workspace.
The Intergenerational Transmission of Low Self-control

There is a vast line of literature showing that antisocial behaviors and personality traits are transmitted across generational lines. Given the ascendancy of Gottfredson and Hirschi’s general theory of crime, it is somewhat surprising that no research has examined whether levels of self-control are passed from parent to child. The authors examine this possibility by analyzing data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study. The results of the analysis revealed that maternal levels of self-control and paternal levels of self-control were predictive of the child’s levels of self-control. Supplemental analysis revealed that these effects were not mediated by key criminogenic risk factors. Moreover, there was also evidence indicating that people mate assortatively on a range of antisocial characteristics, including low self-control. Implications of the study are noted and discussed.
In Vitro Reconstitution of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa Nonribosomal Peptide Synthesis of Pyochelin: Characterization of Backbone Tailoring Thiazoline Reductase and N-Methyltransferase Activities†

During iron starvation the Gram-negative pathogenic bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa makes the nonribosomal peptide siderophore pyochelin by a four protein, 11 domain assembly line, involving a cascade of acyl-S-enzyme intermediates on the PchE and PchF subunits that are elongated, heterocyclized, reduced, and N-methylated before release. Purified PchG is shown to be an NADPH-dependent reductase for the hydroxyphenylbisthiazoline-S-PchF acyl enzyme, regiospecifically converting one of the dihydroheterocyclic thiazoline rings to a thiazolidine. The K(m) for the PchG protein is 1 microM, and the k(cat) for throughput to pyochelin is 2 min(-1). The nitrogen of the newly generated thiazolidine ring can be N-methylated upon addition of SAM, to yield the mature pyochelin chain still tethered as a pyochelinyl-S-PchF at the PCP domain. A presumed methyltransferase (MT) domain embedded in the PchF subunit catalyzes this N-methylation. Mutation of a conserved G to R in the MT core motif abolishes MT activity and subsequent chain release from PchF. The thioesterase (TE) domain of PchF catalyzes hydrolytic release of the fully mature pyochelinyl chain to produce the pyochelin siderophore at a rate of 2 min(-1), at least 30-40-fold faster than in the absence of hydroxyphenylbisthiazolinyl-COOH (HPTT-COOH) chain reduction and N-methylation. A mutation in the PchF TE domain does not catalyze autodeacylation and release of the pyochelinyl-S-enzyme. Thus, full reconstitution of the nonribosomal peptide synthetase assembly line by purified protein components has been obtained for production of this tandem bisheterocyclic siderophore.
Development of Inductive Receiving Water Model for Application in TMDLs

Various receiving water models, such as HSPF, WASP5, and CE-QUAL are frequently used in the development of TMDLs, especially in the context of nutrient loadings and DO impacts. In most cases, such models can be extremely data intensive and difficult to use. This paper will discuss the development of two inductive models for DO response to nutrient loadings and its application in the development of a nutrient TMDL for the DO impaired Beargrass Creek in Louisville Kentucky. The associated models were developed using two separate AI modeling techniques: artificial neural networks and genetic programming/genetic algorithms. Data for use in constructing the two models was obtained from continuous water quality monitors that were strategically placed in the downstream reaches of the watershed as well as other discrete sampling for water quality constituents. Modeling of the system response was complicated by backwater effects from the Ohio River. The paper discusses the utility and advantages of use of inductive approach when adequate data sets are readily available.
Social Cognition in Schizophrenia, Part 1: Performance Across Phase of Illness

Social cognitive impairments are consistently reported in schizophrenia and are associated with functional outcome. We currently know very little about whether these impairments are stable over the course of illness. In the current study, 3 different aspects of social cognition were assessed (emotion processing, Theory of Mind [ToM], and social relationship perception) at 3 distinct developmental phases of illness: prodromal, first episode, and chronic. In this cross-sectional study, participants included 50 individuals with the prodromal risk syndrome for psychosis and 34 demographically comparable controls, 81 first-episode schizophrenia patients and 46 demographically comparable controls, and 53 chronic schizophrenia patients and 47 demographically comparable controls. Outcome measures included total and subtest scores on 3 specialized measures of social cognition: (1) emotion processing assessed with the Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test, (2) ToM assessed with The Awareness of Social Inference Test, and (3) social relationship perception assessed the Relationships Across Domains Test. Social cognitive performance was impaired across all domains of social cognition and in all clinical samples. Group differences in performance were comparable across phase of illness, with no evidence of progression or improvement. Age had no significant effect on performance for either the clinical or the comparison groups. The findings suggest that social cognition in these 3 domains fits a stable pattern that has outcome and treatment implications. An accompanying article prospectively examines the longitudinal stability of social cognition and prediction of functional outcome in the first-episode sample.
Increased susceptibility of Huh7 cells to HCV replication does not require mutations in RIG-I.

Background: The cytosolic retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I) is a pattern recognition receptor that senses HCV double-stranded RNA and triggers type I interferon pathways. The clone Huh7.5 of human hepatoma Huh7 cells contains a mutation in RIG-I that is believed to be responsible for the improved replication of HCV in these cells relative to the parental strain. We hypothesized that, in addition to RIG-I, other determinant(s) outside the RIG-I coding sequence are involved in limiting HCV replication in cell culture. To test our hypothesis, we analyzed Huh7 cell clones that support the efficient replication of HCV and analyzed the RIG-I gene. Results: One clone, termed Huh7D, was more permissive for HCV replication and more efficient for HCV-neomycin and HCV-hygromycin based replicon colony formation than parental Huh7 cells. Nucleotide sequence analysis of the RIG-I mRNA coding region from Huh7D cells showed no mutations relative to Huh7 parental cells. Conclusions: We derived a new Huh7 cell line, Huh7D, which is more permissive for HCV replication than parental Huh7 cells. The higher permissiveness of Huh7D cells is not due to mutations in the RIG-I protein, indicating that cellular determinants other than the RIG-I amino-acid sequence are responsible for controlling HCV replication. In addition, we have selected Huh7 cells resistant to hygromycin via newly generated HCV-replicons carrying the hygromycin resistant gene. Further studies on Huh7D cells will allow the identification of cellular factors that increased the susceptibility to HCV infection, which could be targeted for anti-HCV therapies.