cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Membrane mimetic environments alter the conformation of the outer membrane protein btub

Membrane mimetic environments formed from detergents or short-chain phospholipids are widely utilized in structural studies of membrane proteins. Using site-directed spin labeling (SDSL), we show that micelle and isotropic bicellar environments alter the N-terminal region of BtuB, the outer membrane vitamin B12 transporter found in Escherichia coli. These membrane mimetic systems promote an unfolding of the N-terminus of the protein that does not occur when the protein is in either native or reconstituted bilayers. The N-terminal Ton box of BtuB has been shown to exist in two conformations, depending upon the presence or absence of substrate. However, the detergent-destabilized conformation is different from either the substrate-free or the substrate-bound form of this transporter. This example demonstrates that membrane mimetic systems will not always substitute for the lamellar bilayer environment provided by a biological membrane.
Suspicious minds: Problems of cooperation in a Lio ceremonial council

Abstract I analyze a case of rampant suspicion, and its resolution, in the council meetings of a Lio village in central Flores, eastern Indonesia. I argue that suspicion in this sociocultural setting is a mode of intersubjectivity that is neither based on nor productive of either mutual understanding or cooperation. I show how ritualized speech eased the symptoms of suspicion on the council, if only provisionally, because the performative utterance presupposed, and thus reaffirmed, a fundamentally cooperative intersubjective moral order that had been brought into question.
Servo analysis by the ritz-galerkin method

A THEORETICAL INVESTIGATION of a second order servomechanism with backlash was recently conducted. In the absence of a driving force, such a system may exhibit hunting phenomena in which the system oscillates with a certain amplitude and frequency. The Ritz-Galerkin method has been used for finding the hunting frequency and hunting amplitude of such a system. Theoretical results which were developed were found to agree with experimental results obtained by means of an electronic analog computer.
β‐Amyloid Precursor Protein Mismetabolism and Loss of Calcium Homeostasis in Alzheimer's Diseasea

The suspected involvement of the beta-amyloid precursor protein (beta APP) in the etiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been strengthened by recent genetic evidence, but pursuit of the mechanisms involved will initially require basic cell biology approaches. Several studies have concentrated on toxic activities of beta-amyloid peptide (beta AP) itself, illuminating its contributions to excitotoxicity and calcium-mediated degeneration in general. We now know that generation of beta AP from beta APP also compromises the production of an important set of trophic factors: the secreted forms of beta APP (APPS), which may act--ironically--by conferring protection from calcium-mediated insults. Therefore, conditions which contribute to the formation of beta AP (possibly including ischemia) not only produce an agent which exacerbates calcium-mediated cell death, but also reduce the levels of one of the few factors able to rescue calcium homeostasis. The implications of these postulates and their relationship to the process of aging are discussed.
Cosmic web imager

We are developing the Cosmic Web Imager (CWI) to detect and map emission from the intergalactic medium (IGM). CWI will observe the strong, redshift UV resonance lines of Lyα 1216, CIV 1550, and OVI 1033 over 3600-9000 a to trace IGM at 1 < z < 7. CWI is an integral-field spectrograph designed for the Hale Telescope at Palomar Observatory. CWI combines in a novel way three mature and extensively used instrumental techniques. The Integral Field Unit (IFU) provides a wide 2D field of view of 60 × 40 arcsec2 for observing extended emission over a large region. The spectrograph using Volume-Phase Holographic gratings have high peak diffraction efficiency and are tunable for covering a large bandpass with a single grating. A low read noise CCD combined with source/background shiftand-nod allowing control of systematics and Poisson-imited sky subtraction to observe the low surface brightness universe. With a resolution of R=10,000 CWI is sensitive to limiting surface brightness ranging from 25 - 27.5 mag/arcsec2 (10 min - 8 hours integration). Recent high resolution simulations predict Lyα Fluorescence from IGM at 100 - 1000 LU1. CWI with sensitivity of ~200 LU improves the current observational effort by an order of magnitude and enables us to explore wide range of overdensity (δ ~ 30 - 104) testing the standard model of structure formation in the universe. CWI also serves as the counter part to the balloon borne integral-field spectrograph Faint Intergalactic medium Redshifted Emission Balloon (FIREBALL) currently being built and planned to be launched in Summer 2007. FIREBALL will observe Lyα Fluorescence from IGM at z = 0.7. CWI combined with FIREBALL will enable us to observe the evolution of IGM and the low surface brightness universe.
Computer control of the Solartron 1260 Impedance Analyzer

This paper describes a program which controls the Solartron 1260 Impedance Analyzer with an 80286-based (AT-compatible) personal computer and an IEEE-488 interface. The 1260 Impedance Analyzer is capable of making complex impedance measurements on tissues, cells, and bioelectrodes. The program automates collection of four-port impedance measurements with extended data storage capabilities. Enhancements include the ability to intermix logarithmic and linear frequency steps and the capability to perform time-sequenced measurements.
Baryonic Regge Recurrences and U ( 6 ) W × O ( 2 ) W Symmetry with Applications to Decays and Photoproduction

It is shown that if ${{N}_{{\frac{5}{2}}^{+}}}^{*}(1688)$ and ${{\ensuremath{\Delta}}_{{\frac{1}{2}}^{+}}}^{*}(1920)$ are the Regge recurrences of ${N}_{{\frac{1}{2}}^{+}}(940)$ and ${\ensuremath{\Delta}}_{{\frac{3}{2}}^{+}}(1238)$, respectively, they can be classified along with other particles in the (56, 1; $L=2$) representation of the rest-symmetry group $U(6)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}U(6)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}O(3)$. The couplings of these baryons are then fixed by the collinear ${U(6)}_{W}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{O(2)}_{W}$ group. This leads to the following predictions: ${(R1) {(\frac{D}{F})}_{{{B}^{*}}_{\frac{5}{2}+}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{B}_{\frac{1}{2}+\mathrm{pseudoscalar}\mathrm{meson}}}=\frac{3}{2};}{(\mathrm{R}2) \frac{\ensuremath{\Gamma}({\ensuremath{\Delta}}^{*}(1920)\ensuremath{\rightarrow}N\ensuremath{\pi})}{\ensuremath{\Gamma}({N}^{*}(1688)\ensuremath{\rightarrow}N\ensuremath{\pi})}=1.84;}{(R3\ensuremath{-}R4) \mathrm{the}\mathrm{photoformation} (\mathrm{i}.\mathrm{e}.,\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}\mathrm{t}\mathrm{h}\mathrm{e}\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}\mathrm{p}\mathrm{r}\mathrm{o}\mathrm{c}\mathrm{e}\mathrm{s}\mathrm{s} \ensuremath{\gamma}+p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\mathrm{resonance}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}N\ensuremath{\pi}) \mathrm{of} {\ensuremath{\Delta}}^{*}(1920) \mathrm{and} {N}^{*}(1688) \mathrm{should}\mathrm{occur}\mathrm{with}\mathrm{the}\mathrm{multipole}\mathrm{ratios} {{{(\frac{{E}_{3+}}{{M}_{3+}})}_{\ensuremath{\Delta}}}^{*}}_{(1920)}=0 \mathrm{and} {(\frac{{M}_{3\ensuremath{-}}}{{E}_{3\ensuremath{-}}})}_{{N}^{*}(1688)}\ensuremath{\approx}0.1, \mathrm{respectively}.}$These predictions are shown to be in agreement with experiment. Generalizations to higher Regge recurrences are presented.
Laboratory testing of mathematical models for high-concentration fluid mud turbidity currents

The propagation characteristics of fluid mud turbidity currents were investigated experimentally and theoretically. Parameterizations for propagation phase transition times from slumping to self-similar and self-similar to viscous phases are proposed. Predictive capabilities of different mathematical models that fall into three different modeling approaches (force-balance, box, shallow water) were evaluated for fluid mud turbidity current propagation using our experimental observations. For the slumping and self-similar phases, the box and force-balance models showed superior predictive capabilities than the one-layer shallow water models with deep ambient condition. Fluid mud turbidity currents have a non-Newtonian rheology and their transition and propagation characteristics in the viscous phase differ vastly from the Newtonian currents. We derived and presented a viscous force-balance expression for the propagation of a non-Newtonian power-law fluid current. We then experimentally evaluated the predictive capability of this force-balance and the viscous shallow water model by Di Federico et al. (2006). Both models' predictions are observed to be in notably good agreement with the experimental data. The results of this study are expected to be useful for preliminary swift calculations of the fluid mud turbidity current propagation characteristics as well as in deciding whether more detailed calculations at the expense of complexity are required.
Concomitant 5-FU, hydroxyurea and cisplatin with external beam radiation therapy for locally advanced pancreatic cancer

The aim of the study was to determine the efficacy and toxicity of alternate week concurrent 5-fluorouracil, hydroxyurea, and cisplatin with radiotherapy for locally advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Patients received 5-fluorouracil, hydroxyurea and cisplatin with radiotherapy on an alternate week basis. Chemoradiotherapy was given day 1-5, and no therapy given day 6-14 for each 14 day cycle. Chemotherapy doses were as follows: hydroxyurea 1 mg every 12 h starting day 0, 5-fluorouracil 800 mg/m(2)/day for 5 days starting day 1, and cisplatin 20 mg/m(2) daily for 5 days every other cycle. A radiation dose of 6000 cGy was prescribed. Acute toxicities were monitored and therapy modified for hematologic toxicity. Nine patients enrolled, however eight were evaluable; one patient expired prior to therapy. The median radiation dose delivered was 5540 cGy. Sixty-three percent required a chemotherapy dose reduction. Fifty percent achieved local control by radiographic imaging after completion of therapy. Median survival was 12 months. Acute toxicity included: 38% grade 2-3 nausea, 37% grade 2-3 vomiting, 63% grade 2-3 mucositis, 63% grade 2-3 neutropenia, and 88% grade 3-4 thrombocytopenia. Other sequelae included hand-foot syndrome, deep venous thrombosis, hearing loss, seizures, and anorexia. Patients achieved the same median survival as compared to other reported studies of radiation therapy with single agent 5-fluorouracil. We do not recommend this protocol due to the significant toxicity. Future studies to incorporate conformal radiation therapy with more active, less toxic chemotherapeutic agents should be investigated.
The effect of processing and microstructure development on the slip and fracture behavior of the 2.1 wt pct Li AF/C-489 and 1.8 wt pct Li AF/C-458 Al-Li-Cu-X alloys

Although Al-Li-Cu alloys showed initial promise as lightweight structural materials, implementation into primary aerospace applications has been hindered due in part to their characteristic anisotropic mechanical and fracture behaviors. The Air Force recently developed two isotropic Al-Li-Cu-X alloys with 2.1 wt pct Li and 1.8 wt pct Li designated AF/C-489 and AF/C-458, respectively. The elongation at peak strength was less than the required 5 pct for the 2.1 wt pct Li variant but greater than 10 pct for the 1.8 wt pct Li alloy. The objectives of our investigations were to first identify the mechanisms for the large difference in ductility between the AF/C-489 and AF/C-458 alloys and then to develop an aging schedule to optimize the microstructure for high ductility and strength levels. Duplex and triple aging practices were designed to minimize grain boundary precipitation while encouraging matrix precipitation of the T1 (Al2CuLi) strengthening phase. Certain duplex aged conditions for the AF/C-489 alloy showed significant increases in ductility by as much as 85 pct with a small decrease of only 6.5 and 2.5 pct in yield and ultimate tensile strength, respectively. However, no significant variations were found through either duplex or triple aging practices for the AF/C-458 alloys, thus, indicating a very large processing window. Grain size and δ′ (Al3Li) volume fraction were determined to be the major cause for the differences in the mechanical properties of the two alloys.
Incompatible pathogen infection results in enhanced reactive oxygen and cell death responses in transgenic tobacco expressing a hyperactive mutant calmodulin

Transgenic tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L. cv. Wisconsin 38) lines expressing a mutant calmodulin (VU-3) that hyperactivates NAD kinase exhibit an enhanced elicitor-stimulated oxidative-burst reaction (S.A. Harding et al., 1997, EMBO J. 16: 1137–1144). VU-3 transgenic tobacco was used in the present study to investigate the relationship between calmodulin signalling, the production of active oxygen species and cell death in response to infection with an incompatible pathogen. Following P. syringae pv. syringae 61 infection, suspension cells derived from VU-3 transgenic plants exhibited a stronger oxidative burst (3- to 4-fold higher primary and secondary burst reactions), greater media alkalinization (3-fold) and more rapid cell death (4-fold greater mortality at 20 h post infection) than did infected control tobacco cells. Infection of leaf tissues with P. syringae pv. syringae 61 also resulted in an enhanced cell death response compared to control tobacco tissues. This cell death response of VU-3 leaf tissues, but not control leaf tissues, was further enhanced by the presence of 50 μM salicylic acid, suggesting that this transgenic line is more sensitive to the effects of this agent. Overall, the data support the model that calmodulin signalling pathways are involved in the plant oxidative burst and contribute to the regulation of cell death in infected plant tissues undergoing the hypersensitive response.
Timed limb coordination performance is associated with walking speed in healthy older adults: A cross-sectional exploratory study

Abstract Walking speed reflects quality of life, health status and physical function in older adults but interpreting measures of walking speed is affected by several confounders such as gender, age and height. Additionally, walking speed is influenced by neurologic conditions that impair limb coordination. In absence of defined pathology, it is less clear how varying levels of limb coordination influence walking speed. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between limb coordination and walking speed in older adults, controlling for effects of gender, age and height. Sixty-nine healthy, community-dwelling individuals over the age of 60 participated in the study. Participants completed a battery of timed upper and lower limb coordination tests. Normal and fast walking speed were measured over the inner six meters of a 10 m walkway. Correlation and regression analyses were used to examine the relationship between limb coordination performance and walking speed. Controlling for gender, age and height, variance in normal walking speed was accounted for by variance in pronation–supination performance (partial r = −0.396, partial r 2 = 0.16) and variance in fast walking speed was accounted for by variance in finger-to-nose performance (partial r = −0.356, partial r 2 = 0.13). The findings support our hypothesis that limb coordination performance would correlate with walking speed in healthy older adults. Moreover, limb coordination performance attenuated the effects of gender, age and height on walking speed. Limb coordination may be a modifiable determinant of walking speed in older adults.
Bridging barriers between paradigms: Making cognitive concepts relevant for behavior analysis

We sketch the cognitive-behavioral debate and outline the purpose of the subsequent articles. Together, these articles constitute a symposium designed to show how behavior analysts can learn from the work of cognitivists and cognitive-behavior therapists. This is done by interpreting some cognitive concepts in terms that are familiar and acceptable to behavior analysts. When behavior analysts can understand these concepts in their own terms, perhaps they can incorporate them in their language about behavior and their work with clients.
Cardiovascular Implications of Poor Sleep

Poor sleep can have many connotations, and an examination of cardiovascular relationships must be done with reference to the various definitions of poor sleep. The most common connotation of poor sleep is insomnia. Sleep may be less than optimal for a number of additional reasons, however, including lack of opportunity, fragmentation, or stress not producing traditional insomnia. This article discusses each of these types of poor sleep. This article does not discuss the relationship of medical disorders that produce insomnia to cardiovascular disease.
LONELINESS, PARASOCIAL INTERACTION, AND LOCAL TELEVISION NEWS VIEWING

A conceptual model was developed predicting parasocial interaction from both a social interaction need due to loneliness and instrumental television news use. Questionnaires were completed by 329 persons. Pearson and partial correlations supported hypotheses linking loneliness with less interpersonal communication and both loneliness and parasocial interaction with more television reliance. Loneliness and parasocial interaction were not correlated. Canonical correlation analysis supported expectations that instrumental news viewing for information was related to more parasocial interaction and perceived news realism; viewing news for exciting entertainment, news affinity, and news viewing levels correlated positively with this pattern. Ritualized news viewing for time consumption was related to more television viewing, but to less news viewing, duration, and affinity. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis identified news affinity, perceived news realism, and information news viewing motives as salient predictors of parasocial interaction with a favorite local television news personality. Implications of results were discussed in light of uses and gratifications research and communication interaction.
Characterization and Cloning of a 58/53-kDa Substrate of the Insulin Receptor Tyrosine Kinase

A monoclonal antibody has been produced which immunoprecipitates 58- and 53-kDa proteins which are rapidly tyrosine phosphorylated in insulin-treated cells. These proteins can also be tyrosine phosphorylated in vitro by the isolated human insulin receptor. Increased tyrosine phosphorylation of these proteins is also observed in cells expressing a transforming chicken c-Src (mutant Phe-527) and in cells with the activated tyrosine kinase domains of the Drosophila insulin receptor, human insulin-like growth factor I receptor, and human insulin receptor-related receptor. P58/53 did not appear to associate with either the GTPase activating protein of Ras (called GAP) or the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase by either co-immunoprecipitation experiments or in Far Westerns with the SH2 domains of these two proteins. Since p58/53 did not appear, by immunoblotting, to be related to any previously described tyrosine kinase substrate such as the SH2 containing proteins SHC and the tyrosine phosphatase Syp, the protein was purified in sufficient amounts to obtain peptide sequence. This sequence was utilized to isolate a cDNA clone that encodes a previously uncharacterized 53-kDa protein which, when expressed in mammalian cells, is tyrosine phosphorylated by the insulin receptor.
His Electrogram Alternans Reveal Dual Atrioventricular Nodal Pathway Conduction During Atrial Fibrillation The Role of Slow-Pathway Modification

Background— Traditional tools to study dual-pathway atrioventricular nodal (AVN) electrophysiology are not applicable in subjects with permanent atrial fibrillation (AF). The presence of fast-pathway (FP) and slow-pathway (SP) wavefronts and their possible modification remain uncertain in this condition. We demonstrated previously that His electrogram (HE) alternans can determine whether the FP or the SP reaches the His bundle on a beat-by-beat basis. We have now applied this novel index to monitor dual-pathway conduction and the effects of SP modification during AF. Methods and Results— In 12 rabbit AVN preparations, HE alternans were confirmed during a standard A1A2 pacing protocol. During AF, in 9 of the 12 hearts, HE alternans indicated the presence of dual pathways. Successful SP modification guided by the HE alternans eliminated the SP, resulting in a predominantly FP conduction during AF in all hearts. This increased the average His-His interval (204±14 versus 276±51 ms, P<0.001). Morphological stu...
Electromagnetic containerless reaction of samarium with cobalt for the formation of samarium-cobalt alloys

The electromagnetic levitation technique has been used to obtain nearly stoichiometric SmCo5, with the reaction temperature controlled by a gas jet. The results of several experiments carried out at a 450 kHz, 25 kw RF power levitation facility using different reaction times and cooling rates are presented. It is shown that reaction rates achieved with the levitation technique are larger than the expected diffusion rate in the system liquid samarium-solid cobalt. It is also shown that substantial mixing occurs in the RF-levitated melt.
Changing the renewable fuel standard to a renewable material standard: bioethylene case study.

The narrow scope of the U.S. renewable fuel standard (RFS2) is a missed opportunity to spur a wider range of biomass use. This is especially relevant as RFS2 targets are being missed due to demand-side limitations for ethanol consumption. This paper examines the greenhouse gas (GHG) implications of a more flexible policy based on RFS2, which includes credits for chemical use of bioethanol (to produce bioethylene). A Monte Carlo simulation is employed to estimate the life-cycle GHG emissions of conventional low-density polyethylene (LDPE), made from natural gas derived ethane (mean: 1.8 kg CO2e/kg LDPE). The life-cycle GHG emissions from bioethanol and bio-LDPE are examined for three biomass feedstocks: U.S. corn (mean: 97g CO2e/MJ and 2.6 kg CO2e/kg LDPE), U.S. switchgrass (mean: −18g CO2e/MJ and −2.9 kg CO2e/kg LDPE), and Brazilian sugar cane (mean: 33g CO2e/MJ and −1.3 kg CO2e/kg LDPE); bioproduct and fossil-product emissions are compared. Results suggest that neither corn product (bioethanol or bio-LDP...
A BIO-ELECTRIC RECORD OF HUMAN OVULATION.

A bioelectric record of human ovulation is briefly reported. A 57-hour continuous graphic record of a voltage difference existing betwe en the symphysis pubis and the vagina was obtained from a patient in whom a laparotomy was indicated. This period included a predicted time of ovulation. At noon on July 24 the vagina was negative to the symphys is about 10 mV; during the next 7 hours the vagina gradually became positive until at 7:00 it reached 30 mV; at 7:05 the recorder was thrown off scale but when the 0 point shifted it registered 70-80 mV. It steadily declined during the next 20 minutes until 7:35 when the voltage difference was 30 mV with the vagina still negative. This continued until midnight when the experiment was terminated. At laparotomy the next morning a bright punctate hemorrhage of a recently ruptured follicle was found in the left ovary. This observation confirms and extends previous studies and makes it clear that the use of the Burr-Lane-Nims technique enables one to determine with certainty and accuracy the time of ovulation in an intact human being.
Open questions about polymer interfacial diffusion

The goal of understanding diffusion in bulk has been a large part of the agenda in polymer physics from the start of our discipline. It seemed obvious to researchers, many years ago, that this and other aspects of dynamics at the level of individual molecules surely underpinned the macroscopic properties, such as viscoelasticity and other properties discussed in this viewpoint. Great names are associated with the seminal understanding of diffusion in the bulk: we have Rouse, Zimm, Doi, Edwards, and de Gennes on the theoretical side, but on the experimental side, important work has been done by so many researchers that to single out individual names would not be meaningful. Nowadays, the study of the mechanisms and timescales of polymer diffusion in solution and in melts is a developed field of study that is summarized in textbooks. Interesting modern work does continue, for example, in understanding diffusion in blends and microstructured block copolymers. Although we should never claim that our understanding is definitive, polymer science has developed a rather mature understanding of how the dynamics depend on the chain length, chain architecture, and concentration. Why is the same not so for polymer dynamics at surfaces? Ultrahigh-vacuum surface science has studied surface diffusion for many years; polymer science has not. One basic limitation has been that the needed experimental tools have not been available. It is true that methods of dynamic light scattering have given insight into the global dynamics of polymer brushes. It is also true that in the field of polymer adsorption, work has approached this question from the perspective of understanding surface on–off (adsorption–desorption) kinetics. At the same time, it is also desirable to seek an understanding of in-plane polymer diffusion at surfaces, which is a distinctly different problem. In the past, techniques imported from other fields of science have enabled important advances. Secondaryion mass spectrometry and related methods from ultrahigh-vacuum surface science have been used to measure concentration profiles in multilayer thin films spin-coated onto solid supports, from which diffusion has been cleverly inferred. Neutron reflectometry has been used to study interdiffusion in thin films. Specular X-ray scattering has allowed us to study capillary fluctuations in thin films. X-ray scattering has even been used to assess segmental equilibration. These methods refer to thin melt films on solid supports. Atomic force microscopy and surface force apparatus are much used to measure how friction and surface forces are perturbed when polymer films are very thin. Correspondence to: S. Granick (E-mail: sgranick@uiuc. edu)
Progression of ultrasound findings of fetal syphilis after maternal treatment

Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate ultrasound findings of fetal syphilis and to describe their progression after maternal treatment. Study Design This was a retrospective cohort study from September 1981 to June 2011 of seropositive women after 18 weeks of gestation who had an ultrasound before treatment to evaluate for fetal syphilis. Only those women who received treatment after the initial ultrasound scan, but before delivery, were included. If the initial ultrasound scan was abnormal, serial sonography was performed until resolution of the abnormality or delivery. Patient demographics, ultrasound findings, stage of syphilis, delivery, and infant outcomes were recorded. Standard statistical analyses were performed. Kaplan-Meier estimates were constructed to estimate time to resolution. Results Two hundred thirty-five women met the inclusion criteria; 73 of them (30%) had evidence of fetal syphilis on initial ultrasound scan. Abnormalities included hepatomegaly (79%), placentomegaly (27%), polyhydramnios (12%), ascites (10%) and abnormal middle cerebral arterial Doppler assessment (33%). After treatment, middle cerebral arterial Doppler assessment abnormalities, ascites, and polyhydramnios resolved first, followed by placentomegaly and finally hepatomegaly. Infant outcomes were available for 173 deliveries; of these, 32 infants (18%) were diagnosed with congenital syphilis. Congenital syphilis was more common when antenatal ultrasound abnormalities were present (39% vs 12%; P Conclusion Sonographic signs of fetal syphilis confer a higher risk of congenital syphilis at delivery for all maternal stages. Hepatomegaly develops early and resolves last after antepartum treatment.
Interrelationships between the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone and calcium homeostatic systems.

Blood pressure is affected by both sodium and calcium intake. To determine if there is an interaction between the regulatory mechanisms for these two cations, eight normal male volunteers received the following 1-h infusions on three different days: 1) angiotensin II (AII), 2) the synthetic 1-34 amino terminal fragment of human PTH [hPTH(1-34)], and 3) AII and hPTH(1-34) together. Blood samples were obtained at t = 0 and every 20 min during each infusion and urine was collected for 3 h both before and after the start of each infusion. Infusion of AII produced an increase in intact PTH from 18 +/- 2 to 31 +/- 4 ng/L (P < 0.05), most likely in response to a small decrease in serum ionized calcium (1.25 +/- 0.01 to 1.23 +/- 0.01 mmol/L, P < 0.05). Urinary excretion of calcium was unchanged. Infusion of hPTH(1-34) at 200 U/h increased N-terminal PTH levels (18 +/- 3 to 268 +/- 42 ng/L, P < 0.05), decreased tubular reabsorption of phosphate (0.92 +/- 0.03 to 0.82 +/- 0.11, P < 0.05), and increased urinary cAMP...
Thermal nociception and TRPV1 function are attenuated in mice lacking the nucleotide receptor P2Y2.

Recent studies indicate that ATP and UTP act at G protein-coupled (P2Y) nucleotide receptors to excite nociceptive sensory neurons; nucleotides also potentiate signaling through the pro-nociceptive capsaicin receptor, TRPV1. We demonstrate here that P2Y2 is the principal UTP receptor in somatosensory neurons: P2Y2 is highly expressed in dorsal root ganglia and P2Y2(−/−) mice showed profound deficits in UTP-evoked calcium transients and potentiation of capsaicin responses. P2Y2(−/−) mice were also deficient in the detection of painful heat: baseline thermal response latencies were increased and mutant mice failed to develop thermal hypersensitivity in response to inflammatory injury (injection of complete Freund’s adjuvant into the hindpaw). P2Y2 was the only Gq-coupled P2Y receptor examined that showed an increase in DRG mRNA levels in response to inflammation. Surprisingly, TRPV1 function was also attenuated in P2Y2(−/−) mice, as measured by the frequency and magnitude of capsaicin responses in vitro and behavioral responses to capsaicin administration in vivo. However, TRPV1 mRNA levels and immunoreactivity were not reduced, and behavioral sensitivity to capsaicin could be largely restored in P2Y2(−/−) mice by pretreatment with bradykinin, suggesting that normal function of TRPV1 requires ongoing modulation by G protein-coupled receptors. These results indicate that nucleotide signaling through P2Y2 plays a key role in thermal nociception.
Dislocation-assisted-diffusion model and the mechanism for bismuth cuprate 2212-to-2223 transformation

Abstract Recent transmission electron microscopy (TEM) experiments have shown that the transformation of the Bi cuprate 2212 phase to 2223 phase consists of random intercalation and fast growth of Ca/CuO 2 planes in the Bi-2212 matrix. This contridicts with the prediction of the conventional nucleation and growth theory. A model is proposed which considers the cylindrical void created by the edge dislocation due to the insertion of a Ca/CuO 2 plane to be a channel for fast ion diffusion. A layer-rigidity model is used to estimate the size of the void for Bi-2212/Bi-2223. The calculated void size for Bi-2212/Bi-2223 compounds is consistent with the existence of fast ion diffusion along the ab -plane. The experimentally observed time dependence of the volume fraction of Bi-2223 during the transformation is found to be consistent with a one-dimensional diffusion-controlled transformation mechanism, as predicted by our model.
Cardiac inotropic responses to calcium and forskolin are not altered by prolonged isoproterenol infusion.

Effects of prolonged isoproterenol infusion upon the density of cardiac calcium channels, calcium-mediated contractile responses, and the ability of forskolin to enhance tension development and cyclic AMP accumulation were studied in ventricular muscle preparations from Sprague-Dawley rats. Isoproterenol infusion (400 micrograms/kg per h s.c., 4 days) significantly decreased calcium channel density (Bmax) in cardiac microsomal membranes as quantified by a 32% decrease in specific [3H]nitrendipine binding sites; binding affinity (KD) was unchanged. A 57% decrease of beta-adrenoceptors confirmed homologous down regulation. To examine functional effects of decreased [3H]nitrendipine binding sites, responses to calcium, BAY K8644 and nifedipine were determined in isolated right ventricular strips. Significant decreases in basal developed tension were observed in muscles from isoproterenol-infused rats. However, concentration-dependent increases in contractility in response to CaCl2 or BAY K8644 were comparable, and the negative inotropic effect of nifedipine was unchanged. Whereas isoproterenol infusion was associated with significantly decreased basal cardiac cyclic AMP concentrations, exposure of ventricular strips from either vehicle- or isoproterenol-infused rats to 10 microM forskolin resulted in comparable increases in cyclic AMP and in developed tension. Cumulative, submaximal concentrations of forskolin also produced similar increases in contractility with maximum responses in ventricular strips from vehicle-infused animals attained at 4.4 microM forskolin. Higher concentrations resulted in automaticity. By contrast, ventricle from isoproterenol-infused animals responded to 14.4 microM forskolin with maximal increases in force of contraction.
International Labor Revitalization: Enlarging the Playing Field

This survey of international union strategies distinguishes between approaches that add microeconomic value, adjust institutional frameworks, and enlarge the “playing field” on which unions organize and represent worker interests. It considers unions' efforts across advanced capitalist economies to use the latter approach to solve public goods problems while organizing new members. This strategy is limited by difficulties of coordinating multiple social interests but holds revitalizing potential by adding social value in times of socioeconomic instability.
Optimization and challenges on TSV MEOL integration

In the development of emerging 3D IC packaging using TSV, wafer back side treatment is one of key processes. The TSV back side process called MEOL (Middle End Of Line) is a newly introduced process which is performed after front side treatment/bumping, or before chip stacking assembly. The MEOL process adapts some conventional fab processes such dry etch, PECVD, and CMP but there are some differences in the process conditions such as non-mask pattern etch, low temperature deposition of dielectric film, Cu and dielectric film polish and etc [1]. Moreover traditional processes of semiconductor packaging such as edge trim, wafer back grinding and dicing are also adapted with some modified conditions. For thin wafer handling, wafer temporary bonding and debonding processes are introduced as well. TSV MEOL process consists of the above processes and other supporting ones. These various processes should be aligned or integrated to achieve high yield thru the best optimization. So, it is very important to understand relationship among the processes how they interact each other. This paper is to describe how to optimize every single process with its process monitoring activities in terms of TSV MEOL integration and also some challenges to overcome for volume production of TSV packaging.
Mapping Distortion Correction for GMT Interferometric Test

The interferometric test for the 8.4m off-axis segment of the GMT primary mirror uses a complex null corrector that introduces a large amount of mapping distortion. This paper discusses the mapping correction for this test.
The fast adaptive ROTOR's RLS algorithm

A fast algorithm for implementation of the QR-factorization-based recursive-least-squares (RLS) adaptive filter is discussed. This fast adaptive rotors (FAR) algorithm can be implemented with a pipelined array of processors called ROTORs and CISORs. The ROTORs compute 2*2 orthogonal (Givens) rotations, and the CISORs compute the cosines and sines of the angles used in the ROTORs. The algorithm requires 4N ROTORs and 2N CISORs at each iteration to compute the solution to the RLS problem. The algorithm is numerically stable. The FAR algorithm is derived using a single generic updating formula for orthogonal matrices, which is introduced and derived. Whereas the generic updating formula is reminiscent of previous fast transversal filters and fast lattice algorithms, the set of internally propogated adaptive filter quantities is entirely different and constitutes yet another complete characterization of the RLS covariance and the forward, backward, and pinning estimation problems. >
Effects of Population Density on Tunneling by Formosan Subterranean Termite (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) Through Treated Soil

In laboratory tests, tunneling behavior of the Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki, through soil treated with chlordane, chlorpyrifos, or permethrin was significantly affected by population density. When exposed to each of these three termiticides at population densities of 0.03 or 0.003 g of termites per milliliter container volume, termites constructed a greater number of tunnels of greater length at the high population density. At a high population density, C. formosanus may be able to bridge a termiticidal barrier. A comparison among the three termiticides at low population density indicated that termites constructed significantly fewer tunnels in soil treated with permethrin; tunnel height and cumulative tunneling distance were slight, but comparable for chlorpyrifos and permethrin. The cumulative tunneling distance and maximum tunnel height were significantly greater for chlordane than the other two chemicals at low and high population densities.
Fluorescent dye adsorption on nanocarbon substrates through electrostatic interactions

Abstract Nanodiamonds (NDs) with modified surface functional groups and surface characteristics are an attractive model to understand adsorption mechanisms of molecules on substrates. The research described in this paper illustrates the binding mechanisms of fluorescent dyes to ND surfaces as these interactions are extremely useful in many biomedical ND applications. A thorough study of binding and release mechanisms was completed using an assortment of carbon based nanoparticles, including NDs, onion-like carbon, and single-wall nanohorns. Surface charge interactions were studied in combination with surface areas, configurations, and modifications in order to determine which is responsible for the largest adsorption capacity and strongest binding. Adsorption studies were carried out using UV–Vis measurements followed by maximum binding capacity determination using the Langmuir isotherm and related transform equations. Langmuir and transform calculations further reveal the specific surface area covered by adsorbents for select nanocarbon materials. In addition, cyclic voltammetry measurements confirm that dye adsorbed onto NDs exhibits equal electrochemical properties as in its unbound state.
Nuclear data sheets for A = 209

Detailed level schemes and the experimental reaction and decay data on which they are based are presented for all the nuclei with mass number A=209. The experimental data are evaluated, inconsistencies and discrepancies are noted, adopted values for level and gamma energies, gamma intensities and other nuclear properties are given. Conclusions regarding spin assignments as well as as some configuration assignments are presented.
Nuclear magnetic resonance intensities in alloys

Abstract The steady state magnetic resonances of 63Cu, 27A1 and 7Li have been studied in the majority constituents of the Cu-Ni, Cu-Au, Al-Zn and Li-Mg alloy systems, over wide ranges of composition, magnetic field and temperature. Nuclear electric quadrupole effects are most prominent. The line widths, shapes and frequencies can be qualitatively understood in simple cases, but the predictions of the general statistical problem have not been obtained. Initial intensity reductions in copper alloys are consistent with screening of excess charge by conduction electrons and enhancement by antishielding factors. The field gradients seem to be primarily of charge origin when there is a valence difference, but those arising from size differences can be comparable. The intensity falls markedly less rapidly above about 20 per cent solute in Cu-Ni and Cu-Au, and increases very strongly at about 40 per cent Ni. The anomalous intensity is believed to arise from non-cubic configurations of solute atoms which give rise to small field gradients at the central nucleus. The influence of order in Cu-Au on the intensity is described better by the conventional long range order than short range order, because the former distinguishes between the Cu and Au sublattices. The predictions are compared with effects of heat treatment.
An Analytical Study on Peeling of an Adhesively Bonded Joint Based on the Timoshenko Beam Theory

Peeling of a thin film adhesively bonded to a rigid substrate is analytically studied using the Timoshenko beam theory and a trapezoidal cohesive zone model. The film (adherend) is modeled as a Timoshenko beam on an elastic foundation, and the interaction between the adhesive and the adherend is described by a trapezoidal cohesive zone model. Three cases are considered: (1) the normal stress acting alone (mode I loading), (2) only the shear stress present (mode II loading), and (3) the normal and shear stresses co-existing (mixed mode loading) on the adhesive-adherend interface. The governing equations are derived in terms of the displacements and rotation angle of the adherend centerline in each case, which are subsequently solved to obtain closed-form solutions. These governing equations reduce to those provided in an existing model based on the Bernoulli-Euler beam theory when the normality assumption is reinstated. By applying the newly derived solutions directly, sample cases are analyzed to show the...
Extending optimization to active Mueller polarimeters

Recent years have seen the development of several new results that predict and explain the optimum configurations for passive Stokes polarimeters. Stokes polarimeters work by analyzing an unknown input Stokes vector by taking its projection on several known polarization states. The polarimeter is optimized when these states are maximally spaced on the surface of the 4-dimensional conical space of allowed polarization states. Active Mueller matrix polarimetry can be thought of as the combination of two passive polarimeters - one to generate the polarization state and one to analyze the scattered state. It is demonstrated here that an active polarimeter has maximal SNR when the polarization state generator and analyzer are each individually optimized.
The polygamous mating system of the sea spider Achelia simplissima

Most species of pycnogonids are sexually dimorphic and all have exclusive male care of the offspring, characteristics that make them essential for studies on sex-roles, sexual selection, and parental investment. However, sea spiders have been understudied because of their small size, cryptic coloration, and often patchy distribution, and little is known about their courtship and mating behaviors. The mating habits of both male and female Achelia simplissima (Hilton 1939) were studied experimentally and observationally. This species mates year-round and females commonly initiate courtship by actively ‘pumping’ their bodies near a male. When both nonparental and parental males were present, females mated significantly more often with males that were not carrying egg masses. Each mating event resulted in a single egg mass. Most often, males placed the first egg mass on their right oviger and then alternated between ovigers with subsequent matings. The newest (least developed) egg mass was always placed at th...
A comparison between direct and indirect measurements of neurotransmitter vesicle release dynamics: A computational study

Presynaptic vesicular release of neurotransmitters is a stochastic process involving complex mechanisms triggered by an elevation of calcium concentration. The mechanisms behind neurotransmitters release play a critical role in synaptic function and plasticity. Understanding its properties, both in term of its dynamics and its underlying mechanisms, may therefore help further our understanding of synaptic plasticity. However, measuring vesicle release dynamics is experimentally challenging. One experimental protocol used to determine the dynamic properties of vesicle release is to measure postsynaptic current. However, this method inherently not only captures properties of the release itself, but also the contributions from the postsynaptic receptors. Here we propose to use a synapse simulation platform known as EONS/RHENOMS to capture the functional properties of vesicle release, separate from the dynamics known to be associated with postsynaptic receptors, and compare the results with those determined experimentally. We find that despite attempts to reduce interference of postsynaptic dynamics, the receptor channel properties, particularly desensitization, may influence the overall measured results significantly. Re-estimating release rate by taking into account the contributions of postsynaptic receptors may give further insight into release dynamics and further our.
Evidence for the angular dependence of the hyperfine interactions in complex magnetic spin structures

Abstract A model emphasizing the anisotropy of the local spin polarization has been proposed in order to explain the correlation between the internal fields and magnetic moment distribution in the complex magnetic spin structure region of the Fe3−xMnxSi alloys.
In situ and ex situ investigation of ion-beam-induced amorphization in α-SiC

Abstract Single crystals of α-SiC with [0001] orientation have been irradiated at 300 K with 360 keV Ar2+ ions at an incident angle of 25°. The damage accumulation in one sample was followed in situ by Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy in channeling geometry (RBS/C) along the [1 1 02] direction until the aligned backscattering yield reached the random level throughout the irradiated layer at a fluence of 8 Ar2+ ions/nm2. Six other samples were irradiated at fluences ranging from 1 to 6 Ar2+ ions/nm2, and the damage accumulation was characterized ex situ by RBS/C along the [0001] direction. The relative disorder, as measured by RBS/C, increased with ion fluence; however, the observed rate of disordering was much lower when measured ex situ along the [0001] direction.
Effects of hyperoxia on B16-F10 cells in vivo.

Abstract The in vivo effects of hyperoxia were studied in lung colonies formed by B16–F10 melanoma cells in mice. Several antioxidant defenses were found to change with in vivo exposure: glutathione reductase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activities decreased as compared with levels in the cultured cells, glutathione peroxidase activity dramatically increased, and Mn-superoxide dismutase activity and levels of total glutathione were similar in vivo and in vitro. Exposure of tumor-bearing animals to 70%, O 2 for 3 weeks did not alter the antioxidant defenses measured in the tumors. One hundred percent O 2 exposure did not affect either initial arrest or subsequent retention of radiolabeled B16–F10 cells in the lung. Likewise, hyperoxia did not appear to alter cell division in B16–F10 cells growing in the lung. These results are consistent with our previous studies indicating that the B16–F10 cell line is resistant to levels of O 2 in vivo that adversely affect other tumor cell lines.