cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Decreased attractivity in female garter snakes treated with an aromatase inhibitor

Most experimental studies on sexual signal regulation via hormone manipulation have focused on male signals, yet female signals demonstrate substantial phenotypic variation and hormone-dependent expression. Female red-sided garter snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis) produce a skin-based sex pheromone used by males in mate selection. The principle female sex steroid, 17 β-estradiol, controls pheromone production in snakes, but studies manipulating female garter snakes have produced conflicting results, relied on behavioral tests with males in the laboratory, and did not quantify pheromone expression. Because aromatase is the terminal enzyme in estradiol biosynthesis, we hypothesized that female garter snakes rely on aromatase to ultimately control pheromone production during the annual cycle of this species. To test this, we used a known pharmacological inhibitor of aromatase, fadrozole (FAD). Wild-caught female garter snakes were chronically treated via subcutaneous injections of either FAD (1.0 mg kg-1 ) or saline (control) for six months in the laboratory during the active period of the annual cycle then hibernated. In two separate field bioassays the next spring at the den site, FAD females received approximately 50% less courtship from wild, sexually active male garter snakes compared to SHAM females. Pheromone analysis revealed that four of the largest, unsaturated methyl ketones were specifically downregulated in FAD females, indicating that aromatase action is a crucial, permissive step in the maintenance of female attractivity.
Entropic (de)stabilization of surface-bound peptides conjugated with polymers

In many emerging biotechnologies, functional proteins must maintain their native structures on or near interfaces (e.g., tethered peptide arrays, protein coated nanoparticles, and amphiphilic peptide micelles). Because the presence of a surface is known to dramatically alter the thermostability of tethered proteins, strategies to stabilize surface-bound proteins are highly sought. Here, we show that polymer conjugation allows for significant control over the secondary structure and thermostability of a model surface-tethered peptide. We use molecular dynamics simulations to examine the folding behavior of a coarse-grained helical peptide that is conjugated to polymers of various lengths and at various conjugation sites. These polymer variations reveal surprisingly diverse behavior, with some stabilizing and some destabilizing the native helical fold. We show that ideal-chain polymer entropies explain these varied effects and can quantitatively predict shifts in folding temperature. We then develop a generic theoretical model, based on ideal-chain entropies, that predicts critical lengths for conjugated polymers to effect changes in the folding of a surface-bound protein. These results may inform new design strategies for the stabilization of surface-associated proteins important for a range technological applications.
Treating Your Divorced Ex-Spouse with C.A.R.E.

Abstract Approximately 1,914,400 men and women and 1,5000,000 children (most of them younger than eight years of age) are affected by divorce each year. The psychological, social and environmental impact of divorce on children is fraught with intense feelings, anxiety, and trauma. Children's emotional and economic stability is better maintained when both parents continue to play an active and positive role in their lives. In order to accomplish this after the divorce, the parents must be able to effectively communicate with each other. What is the best way to get the point across to parents that are divorcing that they need to be civil and communicate with each other? This manuscript demonstrates a model showing ex-spouses how they can “CARE” for each other for the best interest of communication about the children.
An ammonia-water mixture properties correlation for efficient two-phase computations

Two equations quantifying vapor-liquid equilibrium properties of ammonia-water mixtures are presented. Alternative polynomial correlations in the literature show thermodynamically inconsistent oscillatory behavior at high ammonia concentrations, and violate energy constraints because the bubble and dew lines cross and also fail to meet at pure components. This undesirable behavior can cause iterative models to diverge. A curve-fitting procedure that forces the bubble and dew lines to meet at pure-component compositions is developed and numerical techniques are employed to reduce the oscillatory behavior close to the pure-substance values. In addition, an improved data set selection is chosen by reviewing and incorporating recent literature reports. The equations presented are an improvement over prior polynomial expressions for vapor-liquid properties of the ammonia-water mixture, and are meant for industrial calculations in absorption refrigeration systems for pressures between 0.05 and 2 MPa (7.25 and 2...
A comparative study of cubic B4N4 and C8

Abstract We report density functional (BLYP, B3LYP, and B3PW91), MP2, MP4, configuration interaction (CISD) and (QCISD), and coupled cluster (CCSD) electronic structure calculations on the highly symmetric cubic forms of carbon and boron nitride. Based on these calculations, the experimental IR assignment of simple cubic B4N4 needs reassessment. The cubic C8 structure is about 103 kcal mol−1 above the cyclic planar structure at the QCISD/DZP level, which differs considerably from an earlier MP2/6-31G∗ determination of 65 kcal mol−1. As expected, the B–N single-bond character is longer than the C–C bond. Atomization energies for both clusters are reported.
Abstract IA26: Pancreatic adenocarcinoma and altered whole-body metabolism

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer mortality in the United States, and the vast majority of patients live less than 12 months. A defining feature of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is its relationship with altered systemic metabolism. The risk of developing PDAC is increased among individuals with chronic obesity, hyperglycemia, and hyperinsulinemia. Furthermore, weight loss and new-onset diabetes frequently develop within the 2 years before diagnosis, and PDAC is strongly associated with development of cachexia and muscle loss (sarcopenia), which impair patient quality of life and survival. We hypothesized that alterations in whole-body metabolism could be detected in patients with pancreatic cancer prior to diagnosis, with potential utility for disease screening and identifying novel treatment approaches. To investigate this hypothesis, circulating metabolites were profiled in prediagnostic plasma from pancreatic cancer cases and matched controls using a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS) metabolomics platform. In nearly 1,500 participants from four prospective cohort studies, we identified metabolites associated with future pancreatic cancer diagnosis independent of known measures of obesity, energy balance and insulin resistance. Experimental studies indicate that multiple years elapse between formation of the initial PDAC clone and development of cells with the capacity for metastatic spread. Thus, we considered whether the circulating metabolites identified in humans were also seen in mice with early pancreatic cancers and used labeled metabolites to trace the source of metabolic alterations in model systems. This work indicates that systemic metabolic alterations can be seen in humans and model systems prior to pancreatic cancer diagnosis, with implications for understanding the biology of early pancreatic tumors and host-tumor interactions. Citation Format: Brian M. Wolpin. Pancreatic adenocarcinoma and altered whole-body metabolism. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Pancreatic Cancer: Innovations in Research and Treatment; May 18-21, 2014; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(13 Suppl):Abstract nr IA26.
Arrests Among Youth after Out-of-Home Mental Health Treatment: Comparisons Across Community and Residential Treatment Settings

Background: Youth with mental health needs that require out-of-home treatment receive services in three settings in Florida: community-based group homes and foster family settings, and inpatient group facilities. Research suggests that youth in group settings have poorer criminal justice outcomes. Such differences are attributed to the negative peer effects in group environments. Aims: To compare arrest rates during and after out-of-home treatment for youth across the three settings. In addition, to determine whether the higher arrest rate after youth received therapeutic group home services was due to the group setting or the higher rate of arrests during treatment. Methods: Florida Medicaid claims data were analyzed to identify youth who received out-of-home care from 2003-2007. Propensity score matching accounted for observed differences between youth in different treatment settings. Results: Arrest rates for youth in therapeutic group home care were higher during and after treatment. Arrests during the treatment episode accounted for a substantial portion of the difference in arrests after out-of-home treatment. The group versus non-group nature of the treatment setting was not a strong determinant of arrest after the treatment episode. Conclusions and implications for practice: Youth with histories of delinquency may be better served in therapeutic foster care settings than group home settings. Therapeutic foster care settings reduce the negative peer effects associated with group treatment. Outcomes for non-delinquent youth receiving group home services may also improve is the absence of negative peer effects.
Deformation Microstructure Developed during Fatigue Crack Propagation in Type 316 Stainless Steel at 593 C.

Abstract : The failure modes and dislocation substructure produced by fatigue crack propagation at 593 C in fast neutron irradiated and unirradiated Type 316 stainless steel were studied. The results indicate that the dislocation substrate produced by the crack propagation during both cyclic and combined cyclic-static loading conditions was directly dependent on the extent of matrix deformation as reflected by the mode of crack propagation. The results are consistent with the activation of either grain boundary or matrix mechanisms for deformation, as related to loading conditions, at the temperature investigated. The influence of neutron irradiation was to alter the operation of the basic deformation mechanisms by the increased difficulty of matrix dislocation motion resulting from the irradiation-induced defect production. (Author)
Patient-Controlled Drug Delivery for Acute Postoperative Pain Management: A Review of Current and Emerging Technologies

Postoperative pain management has dramatically improved with the advent of patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) delivery. The optimal PCA system would encompass several key characteristics, including consistent efficacy across a number of surgeries; safety of both the analgesic drug delivered and the delivery system; ease of setup, maintenance, and administration; patient comfort during analgesic delivery; avoidance of analgesic gaps; minimal invasiveness; and it would be associated with high patient satisfaction. Existing PCA modalities (using intravenous or epidural routes) encompass some of these characteristics (e.g., they have demonstrated efficacy across a number of surgeries); however, they are limited by the need for an indwelling catheter and the time and resources required for system setup and use. Device programming-related medication errors by hospital staff are an unfortunate risk, and could lead to significant harm. New PCA technologies are on the horizon that address some of the limitations to existing modalities; however, the added complexity of these newer systems are a concern, and their benefits and drawbacks remain to be assessed. These technologies include “smart” intravenous PCA infusion pumps to improve the safety of analgesic administration; needle-free options, such as the fentanyl HCl iontophoretic transdermal system for transdermal delivery; and a number of PCA devices for intranasal delivery, as well as several new options for patient-controlled regional analgesia. This review will discuss the benefits and drawbacks of both existing and emerging PCA modalities in the context of the ideal PCA system, and provide a critical evaluation of their use in postoperative settings.
In Vitro and In Vivo Protection of Stellate Cells from Apoptosis by Leptin

Hepatic fibrogenesis is reduced in the absence of leptin. We hypothesized that leptin protects hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) from apoptosis and tested this in in vitro and in vivo systems. (i) Fas ligand (fas-L)-mediated apoptosis was induced in vitro in activated HSCs in the absence and presence of leptin. (ii) HSC apoptosis was also induced by UV irradiation in the absence and presence of leptin. (iii) Fas-L-mediated apoptosis was induced in vitro in HSCs from db/db mice in the absence and presence of leptin. (iv) Liver fibrosis was induced in wt and db/db mice. (v) Liver fibrosis was induced in wild-type mice with TAA, and mice received additional leptin or a control solution. HSC apoptosis was assessed by TUNEL staining. Western blot for α-SMA was used to determine differences in HSC activation. Results were as follows. (i) Fas-L induced significant apoptosis of HSC, and preincubation with leptin reduced this approximately threefold. (ii) Leptin provided no protection from UV-induced apoptosis. (iii) HSCs from db/db mice were not protected by leptin against fas-L-induced apoptosis. (iv) TAA-induced fibrosis was significantly less in db/db mice compared to wild type. (v) Wild-type mice receiving leptin had less apoptosis and more α-SMA than controls. We conclude that leptin protects HSC from in vitro and in vivo apoptosis. The antiapoptotic effect of leptin requires the long form of the leptin receptor and interacts with the apoptotic pathway proximal to mitochondrial activation.
Molecular cloning and characterization of the bovine tuftelin gene

Abstract The bovine tuftelin gene was cloned and its structure determined by DNA sequence analysis and comparison to that of bovine tuftelin cDNA. The analyses demonstrated that the cDNA contains a 1014-bp open reading frame encoding a protein of 338 residues with a calculated mol. wt of 38630 and an isoelectric point of 5.85. These results differ from those previously published, (1991) which contained a different conceptual amino acid sequence for the carboxy terminal region and identified a different termination codon. The protein does not appear to share homology or domain motifs with any other known protein. The gene consists of 13 exons ranging in size from 66 to 1531 bp, the latter containing the encoded carboxyterminal and 3' untranslated regions. The exons are embedded in more than 28 kbp of genomic DNA. Codons are generally not divided at exon/intron borders. Several alternatively spliced transcripts were identified by DNA sequence analysis of the isolated products produced by reverse transcriptase/polymerase chain reaction.
The Self in Action: An Emerging Link Between Self-Beliefs and Behaviors in Middle Childhood

— For many decades, an important goal of psychological research has been to understand the link between self-beliefs and behaviors and functioning. This article considers converging evidence from diverse fields that a developmental shift in this linkage occurs in middle childhood—that, around age 8, children become more likely to use knowledge about their own selves to actively evaluate and reflect on their thoughts and behavior. This shift has implications for understanding the importance of potential age-related cognitive changes in the understanding of the self; it also has methodological implications regarding the appropriate age to collect self-evaluative data on young children.
Cytologically proved malignant pleural effusions: distribution of transudates and exudates

Purpose This study attempts to determine the distribution of transudates vs exudates in pathologically proved malignant pleural effusions and the necessity for cytologic studies in patients with a transudative effusion. Materials and Methods A retrospective review of all cytologically positive malignant pleural effusions was performed at Duke University Medical Center over an 18-month period. All effusions were characterized as a transudate or an exudate based on standard criteria, including lactate dehydrogenase and protein values. Results Ninety-eight patients with a mean age of 62 years were identified as having a cytologically positive malignant pleural effusion and blood chemistry values available to distinguish an exudate from transudate. Ninety-seven patients (99%, 95% confidence interval; 0.94 to 0.99) had criteria for an exudative effusion. One patient (1%) with diffuse metastatic lung cancer had a borderline transudate and was in congestive heart failure at the time of thoracentesis. Conclusions Cytologically positive pleural effusions for malignancy are almost always exudates. Cytologic evaluation for malignant cells of a transudative pleural effusion is not recommended.
Sexuality in a blue-green alga: genetic recombination in Anacystis nidulans.

KUMAR1 reported the results of an investigation which seemed to demonstrate, for the first time, genetic recombination in the blue–green alga, Anacystis nidulans. This conclusion was based on an experiment in which a streptomycin-resistant and a penicillin-resistant strain were cultured together in the absence of antibiotics. Subculture of this mixture into liquid medium containing both antibiotics resulted in the growth of an apparently doubly resistant, recombinant strain. Because resistant clones had not been isolated, these results did not unequivocably demonstrate genetic recombination. Pikalek2 repeated Kumar's experiments and contested his conclusions by showing that the medium in which the apparently recombinant cells were growing lacked penicillin. He concluded that the observed growth was due to non-metabolizing streptomycin-resistant cells which were able to survive in penicillin for the short time before the decay of this antibiotic.
Analysis of the temperature rise in PIN diodes caused by microwave pulse dissipation

With the increasing use of PIN diodes in high power, microwave switching components, knowledge of the diode transient thermal response to such pulse dissipation becomes of increasing importance. Thermal models for the microwave dissipation within the diode are proposed for both the forward and reverse biased states. Based on these models, both the maximum and junction temperature step responses and pulse waveforms are determined for both bias states. For the forward bias state, the maximum temperature occurs near the center of the dissipation or I-region and for a step increase in dissipation, initially increases linearly with time then levels off to a constant difference with respect to the junctions. Under the same conditions, the junction temperature (relative to an appropriate heat sink) initially increases linearly also followed by a square root dependence to the steady-state value. The total response is therefore characterized by two fundamental thermal time constants and thermal resistances corresponding to the dissipative and conductive regions. Of major importance is the substantial calculated temperature differences which can occur between the center of the I-region and the junction where the temperature is normally experimentally monitored. For the reverse bias state, the maximum temperature occurs at the junctions because of the more localized dissipation and follows the square root dependence to the steady-state value. With knowledge of the diode thermal parameters, the relations given, and quantitative substantiation of the model proposed, the transient temperature response, together with its imposed component design limitations, are now obtainable.
Deriving Information about Architecture from Activity Patterns in Coupled Cell Systems

In coupled networks, the properties of the constituent elements (cells), their interactions, and the coupling architecture combine to determine the possible coherent states that may arise. In this work, we examine what can be said about the coupling architecture of a network based on an observed polysynchronous activity pattern, in which cells form multiple synchronized clusters. Specifically, we derive a linear relation, the solutions of which are precisely those coupling architectures that are robustly compatible with a given polysynchronous state. We analyze this relation under the assumption that the network consists of either a ring of identical cells or a double ring of two interacting cell populations. Comparison of these cases shows that coupling of an "observed" layer of cells to a second "hidden" layer can significantly broaden the range of architectures that support certain clustering patterns in the observed cells.
UV stars and the interstellar medium - A statistical time-dependent model

A statistical time-dependent model for the effects on the interstellar gas of the ionizing radiation from UV stars is presented. The radiation from the stars is assumed to be emitted as monochromatic bursts at random times and locations. The thermal and ionization history of the gas is followed in a Monte Carlo simulation. Probability densities as well as mean values for the ionization fraction, temperature, and other observable quantities are derived. The fluctuations in observed quantities due to the stochastic nature of the model are estimated. Models of the interstellar medium perpendicular to the galactic plane are developed and compared with observations. The action of the UV stars can explain the bulk properties of the interstellar gas toward the galactic poles and is consistent with the Copernicus satellite observations toward lambda Scorpii.
Ergonomics Interventions in the Manual Harvest of Wine Grapes

Winegrape operations, especially at harvest, produce a high incidence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders, predominantly involving back injury. The Agricultural Ergonomics Research Center of the University of California initiated a study of vineyard operations and recruited four cooperating growers representing 191 permanent workers. The goal was to develop, field-test, and evaluate interventions to reduce ergonomics risk factors for WRMSD's during winegrape harvest. We assessed pre- and post-intervention injury records and other indicators of musculoskeletal symptoms to monitor the impact of interventions on involved workers, and used biomechanical, metabolic, and postural analyses to evaluate the effectiveness of various approaches for handling cut grapes during vineyard harvest. We introduced a smaller, lighter tote bin with improved handles, reducing the average full bin load from 25.5 kg to 20.9 kg. The proportion of workers reporting pain lasting more than a week dropped from 61% to 26%. Biome...
Dietary therapy in diabetes mellitus. Is there a single best diet

The ideal diet for diabetic patients remains to be determined. Recommendations generally call for low-fat high-carbohydrate diets. The primary purpose of this recommendation is to reduce the risk for coronary heart disease, a major killer of diabetic patients. Some investigators also suggest that high-carbohydrate diets also improve glucose tolerance, even in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Another potential advantage of a low-fat diet (high percentage of carbohydrate) is that it may promote weight reduction. High-fat diets are thought by many investigators to stimulate weight gain. Thus, in obese NIDDM patients a trial of a low-fat weight-reduction diet may be worthwhile. However, if after an adequate trial of this diet, weight reduction is not achieved, this suggests that the patient is consuming large quantities of carbohydrates. The continued feeding of a high-carbohydrate diet to a persistently obese patient with NIDDM may have several untoward effects. For example, it can heighten hyperglycemia, raise plasma triglycerides, and lower high-density lipoproteins. In such dietary failures, it may be better to replace carbohydrate with fat to avoid these responses. Ideally, the fat should not raise the serum cholesterol level, and hence it should be unsaturated. Monounsaturated fatty acids seem preferable to polyunsaturated fatty acids, because polyunsaturates may increase the risk for cancer or promote the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein, another potentially atherogenic change. Many NIDDM patients, particularly obese patients in the earlier stages of diabetes, tolerate weight-maintenance high-carbohydrate diets without deterioration of glucose tolerance. However, as their insulin reserve declines, high-carbohydrate diets may further raise glucose levels, and a lower-carbohydrate diet seems preferable. The same may be true for nonobese patients with NIDDM; the predominant defect in many of these patients is a deficient secretion of insulin. Replacement of carbohydrates by monounsaturated fatty acids in the latter two groups of patients may be advantageous. In summary, the best dietary approach in obese patients with NIDDM, who are relatively early in the course of their disease, is to attempt weight reduction with a lowfat diet. However, if this diet should fail, it probably would be better to reduce carbohydrate intake and replace some of it with monounsaturates. Likewise, in more advanced NIDDM, with deficiency of insulin secretion, high-carbohydrate diets probably should be avoided, because they accentuate hyperglycemia. Therefore, the ideal diet for diabetic patients may depend on the presence or absence of obesity, the response to a weight-reduction diet, and the stage of progression of β-cell dysfunction.
Demonstration of advanced underwater sensors for military and civilian applications

Many operations undertaken by the Defense Department must cope with the active or residual effects of a variety of methods of warfare that a defender can use to inhibit maritime use of the oceans. Prominent cases encountered by the naval forces are mien warfare, salvage and recovery operations, and debris clearance. The office of Naval Research has sponsored development of a family of underwater object location sensors which have a strongly enhanced capability to detect, classify, and identify underwater objects of interest. Use of these sensors in a military exercise, in an operation to locate debris from the Swissair crash, and in a test to demonstrate technology for underwater debris location is described.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The Short Physical Performance Battery as a Predictor of Functional Capacity after Stroke

Background The short physical performance battery is a widely used instrument for quantifying lower extremity function in older adults. However, its utility for predicting endurance-based measures of functional performance that are more difficult to conduct in clinical settings is unknown. An understanding of this could be particularly relevant in mobility impaired stroke survivors, for whom establishing the predictive strength of simpler to perform measures would aid in tracking broader categories of functional disability. This cross-sectional study was conducted to determine whether the short physical performance battery is related to functional measures with a strong endurance component. Methods Functional measures (short physical performance battery, peak aerobic capacity, and 6-minute walk) were obtained and compared for the first time in stroke survivors with hemiparetic gait. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to assess strength of the relationships (α P Results Forty-three stroke participants performed a standardized short physical performance battery. Forty-one of the subjects completed a 6-minute walk, and 40 completed a peak treadmill test. Mean short physical performance battery (6.3 ± 2.5 [mean ± SD]), 6-minute walk (242 ± 115 meters), and peak aerobic capacity (17.4 ± 5.4 mL/kg/min) indicated subjects had moderate to severely impaired lower extremity functional performance. The short physical performance battery was related to both 6-minute walk (r = 0.76; P P Conclusions Our results show that the short physical performance battery may be reflective of endurance-based, longer-distance performance measures that would be difficult to perform in standard clinical stroke settings. Additional studies are needed to explore the value of using the short physical performance battery to assess rehabilitation-related functional progression after stroke.
Enhancement of single motor unit activity in the human extraocular electromyogram.

Abstract Comparison of the frequency spectra of the single motor unit potential and interference electromyogram from human extraocular muscle has allowed us to construct a filter to enhance these potentials in the presence of interference background activity. The relationships between horizontal eye position and single motor unit activity obtained from filtered data compare favorably with brain stem single unit recordings.
169Tm Mössbauer effect studies of rare-earth amorphous alloys

Tm-M amorphous alloys with M=Cu, Al, Ag, and Fe have been studied using the Mossbauer effect in169Tm over a temperature range of 0.05 K to room temperature. The spectra for all alloys are strikingly similar, in contrast to those of the crystalline counterparts. The most notable feature of all spectra taken at temperatures below about 30 K is the existence of two distinct subspectra, one with high magnetic hyperfine field that shows no sign of electronic relaxation effects, and the other with low (or zero) field. The origin of the two component subspectra and their temperature dependences is still an open question.
High voltage breakdown studies of sol-gel MgO-ZrO2 insulation coatings under various pressures at 298 K and 77 K

Abstract High voltage breakdown (HV bd ) tests were performed to investigate electrical properties of high temperature MgO–ZrO 2 insulation coatings on long-length stainless steel (SS) tapes under various pressures at room temperature (298 K) and liquid nitrogen temperature (77 K) for applications of HTS/LTS coils and magnets. After solutions were prepared from Mg and Zr based precursors, solvent and chelating agent, the coating were fabricated on SS substrates using reel-to-reel sol–gel technique. Coating thicknesses for 4, 8, and 9 dippings were about 7, 12, and 13 μm, respectively, and thickness of epoxy-impregnated samples (stycast 2850 FT/24 LV) were measured to be 32 μm. The pressure from 0 GPa to 0.54 GPa was applied on to test couples, the stycast thicknesses between the layers were varied 32–20 μm. Thickness of the coatings and epoxy-impregnated using stycast were determined by using environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM). The resistance, capacitance, and HV bd of the samples were measured by using standard machines HP 439 a high resistance meter, 161 analog digital capacitance meter and model 200–02R high voltage power supply, respectively. Electric strength and dielectric constant were calculated at 298 and 77 K under various pressures. The high HV bd , and electric strength values of the samples were 2.84 kV and 45.91 kV/mm, respectively. ESEM observation revealed that arcing spots in the insulation coatings become larger and deeper for higher HV bd ’s.
Concordant regulation of translation and mRNA abundance for hundreds of targets of a human microRNA.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression posttranscriptionally by interfering with a target mRNA's translation, stability, or both. We sought to dissect the respective contributions of translational inhibition and mRNA decay to microRNA regulation. We identified direct targets of a specific miRNA, miR-124, by virtue of their association with Argonaute proteins, core components of miRNA effector complexes, in response to miR-124 transfection in human tissue culture cells. In parallel, we assessed mRNA levels and obtained translation profiles using a novel global approach to analyze polysomes separated on sucrose gradients. Analysis of translation profiles for ∼8,000 genes in these proliferative human cells revealed that basic features of translation are similar to those previously observed in rapidly growing Saccharomyces cerevisiae. For ∼600 mRNAs specifically recruited to Argonaute proteins by miR-124, we found reductions in both the mRNA abundance and inferred translation rate spanning a large dynamic range. The changes in mRNA levels of these miR-124 targets were larger than the changes in translation, with average decreases of 35% and 12%, respectively. Further, there was no identifiable subgroup of mRNA targets for which the translational response was dominant. Both ribosome occupancy (the fraction of a given gene's transcripts associated with ribosomes) and ribosome density (the average number of ribosomes bound per unit length of coding sequence) were selectively reduced for hundreds of miR-124 targets by the presence of miR-124. Changes in protein abundance inferred from the observed changes in mRNA abundance and translation profiles closely matched changes directly determined by Western analysis for 11 of 12 proteins, suggesting that our assays captured most of miR-124–mediated regulation. These results suggest that miRNAs inhibit translation initiation or stimulate ribosome drop-off preferentially near the start site and are not consistent with inhibition of polypeptide elongation, or nascent polypeptide degradation contributing significantly to miRNA-mediated regulation in proliferating HEK293T cells. The observation of concordant changes in mRNA abundance and translational rate for hundreds of miR-124 targets is consistent with a functional link between these two regulatory outcomes of miRNA targeting, and the well-documented interrelationship between translation and mRNA decay.
A revised estimate of Pacific‐North America motion and implications for Western North America Plate boundary zone tectonics

Marine magnetic profiles from the Gulf of Californa are studied in order to revise the estimate of Pacific-North America motion. It is found that since 3 Ma spreading has averaged 48 mm/yr, consistent with a new global plate motion model derived without any data. The present data suggest that strike-slip motion on faults west of the San Andreas is less than previously thought, reducing the San Andreas discrepancy with geodetic, seismological, and other geologic observations.
Conditional scores and optimal scores for generalized linear measurement-error models

Abstract : This paper studies estimation of the parameters of generalized linear models in canonical form when the explanatory vector is measured with independent normal error. For the functional case, i.e., when the explanatory vectors are fixed constants, unbiased score functions are obtained by conditioning on certain sufficient statistics. This work generalizes results obtained for logistic regression. In the case that the explanatory vectors are independent and identically distributed with unknown distribtuion, efficient score functions are obtained using the theory developed in Begun et al. (1983). Keywords: Conditional score function; Efficient score function; Functional model; Generalized linear model; Measurement error; Structural model.
The Postwar Legacy of Architectural Research

This article contributes to the current discussion of design as research by examining the ideological basis for the enthusiastic pursuit of scientific research in architecture in the postwar period. The concept of “research” was steeped in theory and ideology, but the research itself was shaped by the research economy—its policies and its institutions. Three very different case studies illustrate this phenomenon and demonstrate the importance of considering the research economy as a factor shaping the direction of architectural research.
Model systems in photoelectrochemical energy conversion

Abstract Several model photoelectrochemical energy conversion systems are devised and analyzed, based on properties of liquid junction-solid state semi-conductor photoactive “membranes”. The systems are classified in terms of the following output objectives: electric power, short term chemical energy storage, desalted water from a saline source, acid-base production from a saline source, and hydrogen and oxygen from water. Multicompartment photoelectrochemical cells designed to achieve these objectives are made from various combinations of the photoactive component and ion selective membranes. All of the objectives are projected as technically feasible, but only the electric power and desalting are projected as economically feasible based on state-of-the-art technology. The properties of conceptual new solid state membranes needed to meet economic objectives in the other cases are analyzed.
The dimensions of source credibility of television newscasters.

The author asked 596 undergraduate students to view kinescopes of three “off the air” local newscasts and evaluate each of the newscasters on a fifty-five item semantic differential instrument. None of the subjects were familiar with either the newscasters or the content of the messages. The three newscasters varied a great deal in their “styles” of news delivery. The resulting 1, 782 instruments were factor analyzed separately and pooled. By inspection, there were no significant differences in factor structure or loadings among the three newscasts. The pooled factor analysis identified the three major dimensions of source credibility as a reliable-logical or validity of the message factor; a showmanship, dynamism, or entertainment factor; and a trustworthiness dimension. As sub-factors accounting for a portion of the residue after extracting the first three factors, the author identifies a morality, bodily skill, data evaluation, speed, and extroversion dimension. These sub-factors are probably unique to the newscasting communication situation.
Ribosome exchange revisited: a mechanism for translation-coupled ribosome detachment from the ER membrane

In current models, ribosome release from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is coupled to the termination of protein translation. Thus, coincident with termination, membrane-bound ribosomes dissociate into their component subunits and are released into the cytosol. Here, we review past and current data and propose that the affinity of the ribosome for the ER membrane is decreased during translation, with ribosome release occurring when a membrane-bound ribosome is engaged in the synthesis of a protein lacking a signal sequence. Our model emphasizes a role for the conformation of the large ribosomal subunit in the regulation of membrane affinity and provides a mechanism for translation-coupled ribosome release.
A porous body model for predicting temperature distribution in wire-wrapped rod assemblies operating in combined forced and free convection

Abstract Based on a model analogous to that of heat transfer in a porous body, a method for predicting temperature distribution in wire-wrapped assemblies operating in forced convection (negligible free convection) was developed in a previous paper. In this paper the method is extended to assemblies operating in mixed convection (combined free and forced convection). The results obtained from this analysis were found to predict available data with a precision equal to that from presently available more complex analysis methods. A new criterion based on the value of a modified Grashof number Gr c ∗ has been developed to determine if an assembly with given geometry and operating conditions is in forced convection or in mixed convection.
Skin2TM: An in vitro model to assess cutaneous immunotoxicity

Abstract The skin serves as a complex barrier protecting the internal environment against external factors (e.g. bacteria, viruses, environmental toxins and UV light). For the epidermis to produce the most effective toxicological, immunological and biochemical barrier, the major cell types of the epidermis (i.e. keratinocytes) and in the dermis (i.e. fibroblasts) must function together in a dynamic integrated fashion. Furthermore, epidermal-dermal intercellular biochemical signals such as interleukins (IL), cytokines and other growth factors provide the skin with local homoeostatic signals to ensure the skin's immune integrity in response to a variety of environmental insults. Other investigators have shown that exposure of the skin to long-wave ultraviolet light (UVA) and mid-range ultraviolet light (UVB) can alter epidermal immune functions, including epidermal cytokine (e.g. IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-10 and GM-CSF) levels. The studies reported here use a co-culture system of dermal fibroblasts and well differentiated epidermal layers with an attached stratum corneum to form an in vitro human skin analogue. Baseline endogenous levels of IL-1α and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were detected by using commercially available ELISA kits. The tissue substrates were exposed to UVA/UVB light (280–400 nm). The UV light was administered by a Dermsol 3 mercury halide solar simulator configured with filters to remove energy levels below 280 nm and above 410 nm. Skin tissue irradiated at 4J/cm2 revealed a significant increase in IL-1α and TNF-α in comparison with non-UV irradiated tissue. Additional experiments revealed that the topical administration of indomethacin (0.1 to 10mg/ml) to the skin tissue ameliorated the up-regulation of these immune cytokines following UV irradiation. The use of such an in vitro co-culture system may provide researchers with a unique method to quantify mechanistically immunotoxicological events in the skin after exposure to ultraviolet light.
Human-Machine Trust, Bias and Automated Decision Aid Acceptance

Technological advancements have had a monumental impact on business processes in diverse environments. This study investigates the role of trust and bias on technology acceptance in the medical environment via a two-phase study. In phase one, we assess the impact of user experience on levels of human-machine trust and bias towards automated decision aids (ADAs). In phase two, we explore the impact of human-machine trust and bias towards automation on actual ADA usage. The results indicate that experienced nurses have higher levels of trust and positive bias towards automation; yet, novice nurses are more likely to accept information from an ADA.
Effects of salinity on the toxicity and biotransformation of L-selenomethionine in Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) embryos: mechanisms of oxidative stress.

Abstract Previous studies in mammals have shown that organoselenium depletes the cellular antioxidant, glutathione (GSH) due to activation of organoselenides to organoselenoxides by flavin-containing monooxygenases (FMO). Since FMO tends to be induced in euryhaline fish exposed to hypersaline conditions, the developmental toxicity of salinity and organoselenium was examined in the euryhaline fish Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes). FMO activity, GSH, and selenium concentrations in Japanese medaka embryos were measured following a 24-h exposure to 0.05 mM l -selenomethionine (SeMet) under different saline conditions: freshwater (
Thermodynamic modeling of chemical equilibria in metal extraction

Abstract Models of equilibrium extraction data are being developed for use in computer simulations of metal extraction processes. The correlations are based on chemical mass action principles in which the effects of metal complexation and aqueous phase activity coefficients are considered. Activity coefficients in mixed electrolyte solutions at high ionic strengths are calculated using methods available in the literature. This modeling approach is demonstrated for HNO3 extraction with both the PUREX and TRUEX solvents and for Am3+ extraction by octylphenyl-N, N-diisobutylcarbamoylmethylphosphine oxide, which is the primary extractant in the TRUEX solvent.
Targeting NOX enzymes in the central nervous system: therapeutic opportunities

Among the pathogenic mechanisms underlying central nervous system (CNS) diseases, oxidative stress is almost invariably described. For this reason, numerous attempts have been made to decrease reactive oxygen species (ROS) with the administration of antioxidants as potential therapies for CNS disorders. However, such treatments have always failed in clinical trials. Targeting specific sources of reactive oxygen species in the CNS (e.g. NOX enzymes) represents an alternative promising option. Indeed, NOX enzymes are major generators of ROS, which regulate progression of CNS disorders as diverse as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, schizophrenia, Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, and stroke. On the other hand, in autoimmune demyelinating diseases, ROS generated by NOX enzymes are protective, presumably by dampening the specific immune response. In this review, we discuss the possibility of developing therapeutics targeting NADPH oxidase (NOX) enzymes for the treatment of different CNS pathologies. Specific compounds able to modulate the activation of NOX enzymes, and the consequent production of ROS, could fill the need for disease-modifying drugs for many incurable CNS pathologies.
Direct tests of the role of membrane lipid composition in low-temperature-induced photoinhibition and chilling sensitivity in plants and cyanobacteria.

ve plants, whereas wheatandArabidopsis thaliana areexamples ofchilling-toleran t species. Because ofthepronounced effects oftemperature ontheinvitro phase properties of lipids andtheobservation that membrane lipid composition maybealtered inresponse tochanges ingrowth temperature, there hasbeensustained interest inthe possible roleofvariation inmembrane lipid composition asa causal factor in chilling sensitivity. Although ithasnot beenpossible toestablish simple correlations between total membrane lipid composition ofdifferent plantspecies and chilling sensitivity (2), interest intheconcepthasbeensustained bythepossibility that theamountofaquantitatively minor constituent might haveamajoreffect on thephysical properties ofoneormore membranes. Recently, theisolation ofmutantsofplants andcyanobacteria with specific alterations inmembranelipid composition andtheisolation ofsomeof thegenesthatcontrol membranelipid fatty acidcomposition havecreated new opportunities todirectly test this andrelated concepts concerning thephysiological importance ofmembranelipid composition (reviewed inref. 3).Asexemplified bythearticle byMoonetal.(4)inthis issue oftheProceedings, these lines of inquiry haverecently produced several important newinsights intotheroleof lipid composition inpotentiating lowtemperature-induced injury andhavelaid a newfoundation forinvestigating the mechanistic basis forsomeaspects ofchillinginjury. RoleofDisaturated Phosphatidylglycerol (PG)