cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
PCR-Based Assays for the Detection of Puccinia horiana on Chrysanthemums

Puccinia horiana, the causal agent of chrysanthemum white rust, is a pathogen of quarantine status in many countries where Chrysanthemum × morifolium cultivars are grown. Historically, identification protocols for white rust relied upon macroscopic symptom development and microscopic examination of infected leaves for teliospores. Symptoms become visible 7 to 10 days after initial infection under favorable conditions followed by the production of telia. Infected plants can therefore evade detection before symptoms and fruiting bodies are evident. Conventional and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays were developed to detect P. horiana using primers designed to amplify portions of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions of the nuclear ribosomal DNA (rDNA). The species-specific primers could detect the pathogen from 1 ng of DNA isolated from infected leaf tissue in conventional PCR assays and from 1 pg in real-time PCR assays. While both assays were capable of detecting P. horiana in symptomatic tissue, the greater sensitivity offered by the real-time PCR assay makes it more reliable for detecting the pathogen during the latent stage of infection. The P. horiana primers did not amplify the rDNA target using DNA isolated from leaf tissue infected with P. chrysanthemi.
Reciprocal regulation by estradiol 17-beta of ezrin and cadherin-catenin complexes in pituitary GH3 cells.

The antiestrogen, ICI 182780, and estradiol-17β (E2) regulate cadherin-mediated cell adhesion in pituitary GH3 cells. Using a cDNA expression array to screen for E2-regulated genes that are associated with the cytoskeleton, we observed that E2 stimulated ezrin gene expression and confirmed that ezrin gene expression is regulated pretranslationally by ICI 182780 versus E2. E2 increased ezrin protein levels in whole-cell lysates and in the cytoskeletal-associated, detergent-insoluble fraction. Confocal microscopy revealed that ezrin was associated with free apical membranes of E2-treated cells. E2 decreased N-cadherin and β-catenin levels and induced a redistribution of p120ctn to the cytoplasm. In GH3 transfectants overexpressing E-cadherin, E2 had no effect on adhesiveness or on E-cadherin and p120ctn distribution, but increased levels of active ezrin. Ezrin was concentrated at free and apical membranes. These studies provide the first demonstration of the regulation of ezrin by E2 and show that the ER signaling pathway coordinately regulates two cytoskeletal-associated protein complexes, with mutually exclusive cellular distributions, in a reciprocal manner. These findings indicate that E2 enriches the cell membrane with ezrin-membrane protein complexes by both increasing ezrin expression and by enlarging the relative area of nonadhesive membrane to which ezrin is targeted.
BDNF and Huntingtin protein modifications by manganese: implications for striatal medium spiny neuron pathology in manganese neurotoxicity

High levels of manganese (Mn) exposure decrease striatal medium spiny neuron (MSN) dendritic length and spine density, but the mechanism(s) are not known. The Huntingtin (HTT) gene has been functionally linked to cortical brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) support of striatal MSNs via phosphorylation at serine 421. In Huntington's disease, pathogenic CAG repeat expansions of HTT decrease synthesis and disrupt transport of cortical-striatal BDNF, which may contribute to disease, and Mn is a putative environmental modifier of Huntington's disease pathology. Thus, we tested the hypothesis that changes in MSN dendritic morphology Mn due to exposure are associated with decreased BDNF levels and alterations in Htt protein. We report that BDNF levels are decreased in the striatum of Mn-exposed non-human primates and in the cerebral cortex and striatum of mice exposed to Mn. Furthermore, proBDNF and mature BDNF concentrations in primary cortical and hippocampal neuron cultures were decreased by exposure to Mn confirming the in vivo findings. Mn exposure decreased serine 421 phosphorylation of Htt in cortical and hippocampal neurons and increased total Htt levels. These data strongly support the hypothesis that Mn-exposure-related MSN pathology is associated with decreased BDNF trophic support via alterations in Htt.
Home-based management of urinary incontinence: A pilot study with both frail and independent elders☆

Objective: The participation of older rural women and their caregivers in a pilot research study on behavioral management interventions for urinary incontinence is described. Design: A quasiexperimental design was used. Setting and Subjects: Women 55 years old and older and living in a rural county in North Florida who had episodes of urinary incontinence twice or more per week were included. Outreach was directed at two groups of elders with incontinence, those who were functioning independently and those who were frail and dependent on caregivers for assistance with activities of daily living. Methods: Behavioral management of continence comprised three techniques for the management of urinary incontinence: self-monitoring, scheduling regimens, and pelvic muscle exercise with biofeedback. Main Outcome Measures: The main outcome measures were episodes of urine loss and amount (in grams) of urine loss with time, determined with a weighed pad test. Results: Behavioral management of continence resulted in significant decrease in urinary incontinence; decreases in frequency and volume of urine loss were found among all study participants when data were analyzed. Conclusions: Although behavioral management of continence was effective in reducing incontinence among independent, community-dwelling elderly women, there was amarked lack of response to this project by frail elders and their caregivers. The same barriers to implementing time-intensive behavioral management interventions among frail elders in long-term care facilities may operate in the home setting.
Regions of time

Regions are defined and divided by boundaries at which the parameters of systems change. Thus the ecological system changes dramatically when we go from the land to the sea. There are regions of time as well as of space, bounded by dates at which the parameters of a spatial region change. This is a familiar concept in the humanities, where “periods” of history, literature, art, architecture, etc. are widely recognized. The social sciences have been slow to recognize this problem, especially econometrics and statistics. When we cross over into a new region of time, however, the immediate past is usually a poor guide to the future, and we need to look for corresponding episodes in the more distant past. Some illustrations are given from the American economy.
A multiplicative damage model for strength of fibrous composite materials

Knowledge of the tensile strength properties of a fibrous composite material is essential in the design of reliable structures from that material. Determination of statistical models for the tensile strength of a composite material which provide good fits to experimental data from tensile tests on material specimens is therefore important for engineering design. Perhaps the most commonly used statistical model is the Weibull distribution, based on 'weakest link of a chain' arguments. However, in many cases the usual Weibull distribution does not adequately fit experimental data on tensile strength for composite materials made from brittle fibers such as carbon. Here, an alternative model is developed for tensile strength of carbon composites, which is based on a multiplicative cumulative-damage approach. This approach results in a 3-parameter extension of the Birnbaum-Saunders fatigue model and incorporates the material specimen size (size effect) as a known variable. This new distribution can also be written as an inverse Gaussian-type distribution, which can be interpreted as the first passage of the accumulated damage past a damage threshold, resulting in material failure. The new model fits experimental tensile-strength data, for carbon micro-composites better than existing models, providing more accurate estimates of material strength.
Computational and Experimental Study of Supersonic Nozzle Flow and Shock Interactions

NASA has been conducting research into reducing sonic boom and changing FAA regulations to allow for supersonic commercial transport over land in the United States. This particular study looks at a plume passing through a shock generated from an aft deck on a nacelle; the aft deck is meant to represent the trailing edge of a wing. NASA Langley Research Center USM3D CFD code results are compared to the experimental data taken at the NASA Glenn Research Center 1-foot by 1-foot Supersonic Wind Tunnel. This study included examining two turbulence models along with different volume sourcing methods for grid generation. The results show that using the k-epsilon turbulence model within USM3D produced shock signatures that closely follow the experimental data at a variety of nozzle pressure ratio settings.
Kinetic sprayed rare earth iron alloy composite coatings

One unique advantage of the kinetic spray process is its ability to mix constituents that would normally react with each other to form coatings. This attribute was used to produce composite coatings with different rare earth iron alloys (REFe2) and several ductile matrices. Composite coatings of Terfenol-D [(Tb0.3Dy0.7)Fe1.9] and SmFe2 were combined with ductile matrices of aluminum, copper, iron, and molybdenum. Evidence of an induced magnetic coercivity was measured for the REFe2-Mo and Fe composite coatings. Coatings were produced on flat substrates and shafts. Coating morphology as well as the physical, magnetostrictive, and magnetic properties of these coatings are discussed.
Influence of adrenal on decidual development.

SummaryThese data show that progesterone is more effective in the production of deciduomata in ovariectomized, adrenalectomized rats than in ovariectomized rats. and that ACTH inhibits the action of progesterone by way of the adrenal cortex.
Strategies in Stable Ischemic Heart Disease: Lessons from the COURAGE and BARI-2D Trials

There is a continuing debate regarding the most effective strategy for treating stable ischemic heart disease (SIHD). Conflicting data have emerged from several small, randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses regarding the benefits of early revascularization in SIHD. Two recent multicenter, randomized trials, the Clinical Outcomes Utilizing Revascularization and Aggressive Drug Evaluation (COURAGE) trial and the Bypass Angioplasty Revascularization Investigation in Type 2 Diabetes (BARI-2D) trial, compared two management strategies in SIHD—an initial conservative approach with optimal medical therapy (OMT) versus a strategy of early revascularization in combination with OMT. COURAGE randomized SIHD patients who were candidates for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to either a strategy of early PCI in combination with OMT or OMT alone, whereas BARI-2D randomized diabetic patients with coronary artery disease to either early revascularization (PCI or coronary artery bypass surgery [CABG]) versus OMT. This review examines the principal findings of these trials, with discussion of their strengths, limitations, and applicability to the general population. The results support the hypothesis that in patients with SIHD, early revascularization with PCI in combination with OMT is not superior to OMT alone in reducing mortality and other major cardiovascular events. Subset analysis from BARI-2D did suggest that early CABG, although it did not reduce mortality, significantly reduced the rate of nonfatal myocardial infarction compared with an initial OMT approach. Based on these data, the majority of patients with SIHD should be managed initially with medical therapy, a strategy that is also the most cost effective. Revascularization can be considered for patients with severe or refractory symptoms despite a trial of medical therapy. For diabetic patients who have extensive coronary artery disease, early revascularization with CABG may be reasonable.
Simultaneous inhibition of glutathione- and thioredoxin-dependent metabolism is necessary to potentiate 17AAG-induced cancer cell killing via oxidative stress

17-Allylamino-17-demethoxygeldanamycin (17AAG) is an experimental chemotherapeutic agent believed to form free radicals in vivo, and cancer cell resistance to 17AAG is believed to be a thiol-dependent process. Inhibitors of thiol-dependent hydroperoxide metabolism [L-buthionine-S,R-sulfoximine (BSO) and auranofin] were combined with the glucose metabolism inhibitor 2-deoxy-d-glucose (2DG) to determine if 17AAG-mediated cancer cell killing could be enhanced. When 2DG (20mM, 24h), BSO (1mM, 24h), and auranofin (500nM, 3h) were combined with 17AAG, cell killing was significantly enhanced in three human cancer cell lines (PC-3, SUM159, MDA-MB-231). Furthermore, the toxicity of this drug combination was significantly greater in SUM159 human breast cancer cells, relative to HMEC normal human breast epithelial cells. Increases in toxicity seen with this drug combination also correlated with increased glutathione (GSH) and thioredoxin (Trx) oxidation and depletion. Furthermore, treatment with the thiol antioxidant NAC (15mM, 24h) was able to significantly protect from drug-induced toxicity and ameliorate GSH oxidation, Trx oxidation, and Trx depletion. These data strongly support the hypothesis that simultaneous inhibition of GSH- and Trx-dependent metabolism is necessary to sensitize human breast and prostate cancer cells to 2DG+17AAG-mediated killing via enhancement of thiol-dependent oxidative stress. These results suggest that simultaneous targeting of both GSH and Trx metabolism could represent an effective strategy for chemosensitization in human cancer cells.
The Treatment of Early-Stage Disease

For medically operable patients with stage I non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), lobectomy or pneumonectomy remains the standard of care. The utility of radiotherapy or chemotherapy after major pulmonary resection remains unproven, though clinical and biological models may identify subgroups most likely to benefit. Limited resection results in higher rates of local failure for all but the most highly selected patients, though brachytherapy may reduce this risk. In medically inoperable patients, conventional radiotherapy results in control rates less than half of that achieved by surgery. Dose escalation and hypofractionation are technically feasible with modern planning and delivery, and appear to improve control rates compared with conventional radiotherapy. Stereotactic body radiotherapy represents a major advance for the treatment of stage I NSCLC, with early reports documenting excellent control rates and a low risk of severe toxicity. In this review we address each of these points, with particular emphasis on recent or ongoing prospective trials.
Upper bound on total cross sections

It is shown, under certain assumptions, that if the Nth derivative of the absorptive part of an elastic scattering amplitude exists in the interval t1≤t≤0, then, the total cross section has the asymptotic upper bound \({}_{\sigma T}(S) < s^{1/(N + 1)} \)
Effects of weathering on the UPb ages of zircon from the Morton Gneiss, Minnesota

Abstract Weathering has caused large losses of lead from the zircon in the residual clay derived from the Morton Gneiss of southwestern Minnesota, drastically reducing the206Pb/238U and the207Pb/235U ages. The207Pb/206Pb age probably has not been significantly affected. Loss of lead by leaching during weathering has not been adequately considered in explanation of discordant ages of zircon.
Characterizing a new class of threads in scientific applications for high end supercomputers

Chip level multithreading is growing in use throughout the microprocessor world as evidenced in the Intel Pentium 4 and the upcoming innovations in the POWER architecture. These processors typically use a few coarse grain threads that can be difficult for the programmer or compiler to exploit; however, Processing in Memory (PIM) is a technology that has been explored through a long series of supercomputer projects as a facilitator for a different multithreaded execution models. In the multithreading model explored by PIMs, the threads can have radically different characteristics. Specifically, PIMs seek to exploit a large number of very fine grained threads to hide memory access latency and increase parallelism. PIM supports these small threads, or "threadlets", by providing a fast hardware synchronization mechanism, support for harware managment of creation and destruction of threads, and a "shared register" approach which extends the shared memory thread model. This paper discusses some analysis of some very large scientific codes in terms of how they might be mapped onto such a multithreading model with a focus on extremely fine grain threads.
Underwater energy harvesting from vibrations of annular ionic polymer metal composites

In this paper, we investigate the feasibility of energy harvesting from axisymmetric vibrations of annular ionic polymer metal composites (IPMCs). We consider an in-house fabricated IPMC that is clamped at its inner radius to a moving base and is free at its outer radius. We propose a physics-based model for energy harvesting from underwater vibrations, in which the IPMC is described as a thin annular plate undergoing axisymmetric vibrations with an added mass due to the encompassing fluid. Experiments are performed to elucidate the effect of the shunting resistance and the excitation frequency on energy harvesting.
Epidural analgesia compared with intravenous morphine patient-controlled analgesia: postoperative outcome measures after mastectomy with immediate TRAM flap breast reconstruction.

Background and Objectives Epidural analgesia has been shown to provide superior pain control compared with intravenous (IV) opioids after major surgical procedures. In this study, we compared the effect of epidural analgesia and IV morphine patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) on pain relief, duration of hospitalization, oral nutrition, ambulation, and side effects in patients undergoing a major surgical procedure (i.e., unilateral mastectomy with immediate transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap reconstruction). Methods Eighteen patients were prospectively randomized to receive either epidural analgesia or PCA during the postoperative period. The intensity of pain was assessed daily by a 100-mm visual analog scale. The total length of hospital stay, time to ambulation, and time to oral nutrition were recorded. Results The epidural group had significantly lower pain scores at 3 evaluation times through postoperative day number 4 (P Conclusions These results show that epidural analgesia compared with PCA offered improved pain control after breast reconstruction with immediate transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap reconstruction. It also resulted in a 25-hour reduction in time of hospitalization.
Analysis of slab-on-girder bridges

Abstract Grid models of three short-span steel girder bridges are developed and analyzed. The techniques used to develop grid models are discussed. Stresses and deflections from the grid analyses are compared to results of field load tests of the bridges. It is found for all three bridges that the grid analyses are able to reproduce the maximum measured stresses within 30%. The grid analysis results are also compared to results from the AASHTO wheel load distribution factor method for two of the bridges. The grid analysis results were found to match the measured results more closely in both cases.
New hydroxy-pyrazoline intermediates, subtle regio-selectivity and relative reaction rate variations observed during acid catalyzed and neutral pyrazole cyclization

Arylhydrazines 4 and 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds 5 react to form pyrazoles by loss of water via hydrazone isomer pairs 6 and 7 which give rise to two possible regio-isomers. Occasionally, 3-hydroxy-3,4-dihydropyrazoles or hydroxy-pyrazolines 8 and 9 are observed as stable isolatable intermediates that can be fully characterized prior to loss of the second molecule of water that gives rise to pyrazoles 10 and 11. Fully characterized examples of intermediates of type 8 and 9 are relatively rare. We studied the reaction series where R = CH3, CHF2 and CF3 and Ar = Ph and 5-methanesulfonylpyridin-2-yl, (Scheme 2), and observed differences in properties between kinetic behavior and regio-isomerism depending on the degree of electron-withdrawing capability of the R and Ar substituents. The reaction conditions that caused cyclization to pyrazoles varied from direct condensation of the hydrazine and 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds, to reactions requiring catalytic quantities of sulfuric acid to sulfuric acid in excess. Unexpected regio-selectivity was observed in the case of R = CF3 that depended upon the reaction conditions.
An innovative German quotative for reporting on embodied actions : Und ich so/und er so and I'm like/and he's like

Abstract This article presents an analysis of the German quotative und ich so ‘and I'm like’ in naturally occurring video-taped conversation. This particular quotative is used in storytellings to convey the punchline or materials contributing to the climax of a story. It introduces predominantly sound effects, body movements and gestures of the quoted speaker combined with verbal elements, thereby turning the quote into a performance. A particular quotation format is associated with the use of und ich so, one striking element of which is the unquote: the use by German speakers of suprasegmental features or other turn-exit devices to mark the end of the reported speech. The article also shows that the German quotative is the equivalent of the American English quotative be like, sharing very similar interactional functions and similar paths of grammaticalization.
DEBT MANAGEMENT FOR ECONOMIC STABILITY

s of Doctoral Dissertations 545 there will be less incentive to spend on real assets or goods of all sorts. Under this approach, the effects of changes in the liquidity structure of financial assets are diffused among all types of spending, with no particular attention being paid to long-term investment or interest rates. With the theory intact, the investigator faces the empirical question of whether the maturity structure of the debt contributes significantly to the determination of the level and structure of interest rates and/or spending? An answer to this question was sought by using multiple regression and, in one instance, a simultaneous equations system. The average length of time to maturity of the marketable debt was used as an index of the "liquidity" of the debt. In one group of experiments, attempts were made to estimate the level of spending from the money supply, time deposits, total debt outside the banks, and the average maturity of the debt. This follows a "quantity-theory" approach. The regressions indicate that lengthening the debt reduces spending and that a 4.6-month lengthening of the debt could offset the effect on spending of an increase in the seasonally adjusted money supply of $1 billion. In another experiment it was found that the spread between shortand long-term interest rates increases by 3.5 basis points whenever the average maturity of the debt increases by one month. A simultaneous equations system sorted out the effect of the Treasury's interest-cost minimization objectives on the long-term interest rate and indicated that, ceteris paribus, an increase in the corporate bond rate of 44.3 basis points accompanies a one-month increase in average maturity. Of course, statistical analysis is not conclusive-only indicative. Here the consistent support for the theory found in the statistics cannot easily be dismissed. It appears, then, that a debt policy that attempts to minimize interest costs to the taxpayer can be judged appropriately only in terms of the simultaneous contribution it makes toward the difficulty of attaining stabilization objectives. This content downloaded from 157.55.39.191 on Tue, 11 Oct 2016 04:56:32 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor.org/terms
I. ESSAY: Observations From The Program On Chronic Mental Illness

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) Program on Chronic Mental Illness has come to an end. Launched in December 1986, it was the foundation’s first multisite national venture into mental health care. The program sought to establish improved systems of care for persons with serious and long-term mental disorders in nine major cities across the country. Now, almost six years later, the grant period has ended, and it is time to take stock. The nine demonstration programs are still intact, with more than 250 staff in place at the sites. Throughout the program’s lifetime it received $22.5 million in RWJF grant funds, $9 million in foundation loan funds to stimulate housing development, and 1,200 Section 8 housing certificates, issued by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). One view of the impact of this program is offered by Howard Goldman and his colleagues, based on a formal evaluation funded by RWJF and a consortium of federal agencies.’ But there is another view of the program’s impact: the subjective impressions of the national program office staff and the staff at the nine demonstration sites. This perspective has been enriched by RWJF’s style of grant management, which is to fund a partnership between the national program office (typically in a university) and the demonstration sites. Instead of awarding the grant and coming back later to assess the results, RWJF requires that each demonstration site develop its program in collaboration with the national program staff. The national office maintains constant contact with the sites to monitor progress and solve immediate problems and carries out numerous site visits, with special conferences among the sites and other direct contact as needed. This management style affords the national program staff an intimate view of the demonstration sites and an opportunity to compare them as they face common situations.
Uniocular nystagmus in monocular visual loss.

Uniocular nystagmus was studied by electro-oculography in ten patients with monocular visual loss caused by ocular and optic nerve lesions. In these patients, visual loss was congenital or acquired in childhood or adult life. In all patients the oscillations were present in the primary position of gaze and were vertical, pendular, and of variable and low frequency (less than, or equal to, 1.0 Hz) and amplitude (usually less than 5°). Refixation saccades, smooth pursuit, optokinetic nystagmus, and vestibuloocular responses to rotation in the horizontal and vertical planes were within normal limits. The irregularity, low frequency, and low amplitude of this form of nystagmus cause it to often be missed during casual clinical examination, but easily differentiate it from other causes of uniocular nystagmus.
What is Weak Ground

Kit Fine, in "The Pure Logic of Ground", has made a seminal attempt at formalizing the notion of ground. Fine ties the formal treatment of grounding to the notion of a weak ground. Formalization of this sort is supposed to bring clarity and precision to our theorizing. Unfortunately, as I will argue, it's not clear what weak ground is. I review five alternative explanations of the idea, and argue that none of them are ultimately satisfactory. I close by outlining a more complicated explanation of the notion that turns out to be more satisfactory. A number of contemporary metaphysicians are exploring the nature and uses of a phenomenon known as grounding. These thinkers link grounding to a certain kind of explanation. Philosophers and scientists are fond of asking for explanations of this kind: “In virtue of what is murder wrong?” “In virtue of what am I justified in believing that I have hands?” “What makes gravity such a weak force?” Each question sets the stage for a more or less familiar ongoing research program. Each question calls for an explanation. A correct answer to each question will tell us which are the facts in virtue of which something is the case. In general, the facts that ground a given fact are the facts in virtue of which that fact obtains. 1 Enthusiasts of grounding agree that facts may ground other facts, but they split on whether grounding relates things other than facts; Schaffer [2009] contends that it does, and Fine [2001, 2012] disagrees. If Schaffer is correct, then Fine’s formal treatment of ground may be incomplete. I take no stand on this dispute here. Fine also argues in [Fine, 2001] that, strictly speaking, we don’t need to reify facts and claim that grounding is a relation between them in order to give a theory of ground; we may instead treat talk of grounding’s being a relation between facts as a mere fa con de parler. We should formalize our theory of ground by appeal to sentential operators which do not pick out any relation, and whose arguments, semantically speaking, do not pick out some special category of entity. According to Fine, the logical Essays Philos (2013) 14:1 deRosset | 8 Though the study of grounding is still in the early stages, Kit Fine, in “The Pure Logic of Ground” [Fine, 2012], has made a seminal attempt at formalization. Formalization of this sort is supposed to bring clarity and precision to our theorizing, as it has to the study of other metaphysically important phenomena, like modality and vagueness. Unfortunately, as I will argue, Fine ties the formal treatment of grounding to the notion of a weak ground, and it is not clear what that notion comes to. Weak Ground in the Pure Logic of Ground In Fine’s system, which he calls the pure logic of ground (PLG), grounding claims vary along two independent axes: (i) a grounding claim may either be partial or full; and (ii) it may either be strict or weak. There are thus four types of grounding claim in Fine’s system. Corresponding to each type of grounding claim is an operator in the language of PLG:
A Generalized Infinite Integral Theorem

A generalized infinite integral theorem and its transform and applications are presented in this paper in such form that it becomes unnecessary to use Duhamel's theorem. The treatment embodies extensions to Heavisides methods of circuit analysis, thereby simplifying materially the mathematics of operational methods and giving a clearer insight into the connection between the physics and mathematics of transients. Extensions to Heavisides expansion theorem also are given.
Combined Theoretical and Experimental Study of Band-Edge Control of Si through Surface Functionalization

The band-edge positions of H-, Cl-, Br-, methyl-, and ethyl-terminated Si(111) surfaces were investigated through a combination of density functional theory (DFT) and many-body perturbation theory, as well as by photoelectron spectroscopy and electrical device measurements. The calculated trends in surface potential shifts as a function of the adsorbate type and coverage are consistent with the calculated strength and direction of the dipole moment of the adsorbate radicals in conjunction with simple electronegativity-based expectations. The quasi-particle energies, such as the ionization potential (IP), that were calculated by use of many-body perturbation theory were in good agreement with experiment. The IP values that were calculated by DFT exhibited substantial errors, but nevertheless, the IP differences, i.e., IPR–Si(111)–IPH–Si(111), computed using DFT were in good agreement with spectroscopic and electrical measurements.
The acoustic startle response in DBA/2 and C57BL/6 mice: relationship to auditory neuronal response properties and hearing impairment

The acoustic startle response (ASR) was elicited with tone pips in sensorineural hearing-impaired DBA/2 mice and in non-impaired C57BL/6 mice. The influence of stimulus frequency and intensity on ASR amplitude varied as a function of both strain and age. Previous neurophysiological findings indicate that ASR amplitude is correlated with the proportion of neurons in the cochlear nucleus and inferior colliculus that respond to the ASR stimulus frequencies and to the excitability of neurons in these structures. ASR amplitude is not highly correlated with threshold sensitivity. These observations suggest several neural correlates of ASR amplitude and have implications regarding central neuronal response properties associated with sensorineural hearing loss.
The effects of tubule orientation on fatigue crack growth in dentin.

The fracture of restored teeth is a significant obstacle to lifelong oral health. Recent studies suggest that fatigue cracks originate at flaws introduced during cavity preparation and that fatigue crack growth is a principle cause of restored tooth fractures. In this study, the rate of fatigue crack growth in bovine dentin was estimated under mode I cyclic loading. Double cantilever beam (DCB) specimens were obtained from bovine molars and subjected to high cycle fatigue loading (105 80%). Although the crack growth rates varied considerably, there was no significant dependence on tubule orientation or tubule density. However, specific features of the fracture surfaces and tendencies for crack curving away from the tubules suggested preferential fatigue crack growth perpendicular to the dentin tubules. Results from this study are being used to guide an experimental investigation of fatigue crack growth in human dentin. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 67A: 78–86, 2003
Design and Analysis of a Robust Pipelined Memory System

Many network processing applications require wirespeed access to large data structures or a large amount of flow-level data, but the capacity of SRAMs is woefully inadequate in many cases. In this paper, we analyze a robust pipelined memory architecture that can emulate an ideal SRAM by guaranteeing with very high probability that the output sequence produced by the pipelined memory architecture is the same as the one produced by an ideal SRAM under the same sequence of memory read and write operations, except time-shifted by a fixed pipeline delay of &#916;. The design is based on the interleaving of DRAM banks together with the use of a reservation table that serves in part as a data cache. In contrast to prior interleaved memory solutions, our design is robust even under adversarial memory access patterns, which we demonstrate through a rigorous worst-case theoretical analysis using a combination of convex ordering and large deviation theory.
Three-point bending : An alternative method to measure tensile properties in fruit and vegetables

Tensile mechanical properties of fruit and vegetable tissue are likely to have a significant effect on fruit and vegetable quality evaluations. Very few studies have been made of tensile material properties because sample preparation for uniaxial tensile testing of fruit and vegetable tissue is difficult. Three-point bending is an alternative experimental method to measure tensile elastic modulus. In this study a derivation of bending theory was developed and used in conjunction with a three-point bending procedure using digital image-based analysis to locate the neutral axis of the material. Mechanics of materials theory and concepts were used to determine a relationship between the location of the neutral axis and the ratio of compressive elastic modulus to tensile elastic modulus. The procedure to locate the neutral axis and the derivation to determine the tensile elastic modulus were verified using a homogeneous cork-based material which exhibited distinctly different compressive and tensile properties. Tensile elastic modulus measured using the bending apparatus agreed closely (within 1%) to tensile elastic modulus measured using a uniaxial tension apparatus. This experimental method is well suited to measure tensile properties in many fruit and vegetables.
Surface-induced dissociation on a MALDI-ion mobility-orthogonal time-of-flight mass spectrometer: sequencing peptides from an "in-solution" protein digest.

Peptide sequencing by surface-induced dissociation (SID) on a MALDI-ion mobility-orthogonal TOF mass spectrometer is demonstrated. SID of approximately 100-fmol amounts of model peptides HLGLAR (m/z 666.8), gramicidin S (m/z 1142.5), and bovine insulin b chain (m/z 3495.5) was accomplished using hydrocarbon-coated gold grids and approximately 20-eV collision energies. The current version of the instrument achieves a mobility resolution of approximately 20 and TOF mass resolution better than 200. Peptide sequences of four peptides from a tryptic digest of cytochrome c (approximately 1 pmol deposited) were obtained. The advantage of IM-SID-o-TOF-MS is that a single experiment can be used to simultaneously measure the molecular weights of the tryptic peptide fragments (e.g., peptide mass mapping) and partial sequence analysis, (e.g., real-time tandem mass spectrometry.)
The role of personality traits and profiles in posttrauma comorbidity.

Many service members experience symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after deployment. PTSD can vary widely in its presentation and associated features, such as comorbid conditions. Research has shown that veterans with PTSD and an internalizing personality profile are more likely to experience internalizing comorbidity (e.g., anxiety, depression), whereas veterans with PTSD and an externalizing personality profile are more likely to experience externalizing comorbidity (e.g., substance abuse, aggression). To date, however, this research has been limited by a focus on diagnosable disorders and personality categories. In a nonclinical sample of 224 National Guard/Reserve service members who had served since 2001, we explored whether personality traits (measured continuously) moderated associations of PTSD symptom severity with the severity of internalizing (depression, anxiety) and externalizing (alcohol abuse, aggression) symptoms. Results showed that the association of PTSD with anxiety was s...
Steroid hormone levels in calling males and males practicing alternative non-calling mating tactics in the green treefrog, Hyla cinerea

Circulating glucocorticoids and androgens often figure prominently in mating tactic expression in vertebrates. In anuran amphibians (frogs and toads), for example, recent models predict that the depletion of energy reserves during vocalization will result in increased glucocorticoid levels; high glucocorticoids are expected to negatively affect androgen level to mediate transitions from calling to non-calling behavior. Consistent with these predictions, we show that male green treefrogs (Hyla cinerea) adopting an alternative non-calling "satellite" mating tactic were in poorer condition and had higher circulating corticosterone levels and lower androgen levels than calling males. Body condition was inversely related to corticosterone level and positively related to testosterone, but not dihydrotestosterone, level. Corticosterone level was inversely related to testosterone level but not dihydrotestosterone level. Lastly, we show that calling males that were involved in aggressive bouts had higher corticosterone levels than calling males that were not involved in aggressive bouts. Our results are thus consistent with the prediction that aggressive interactions with conspecific males contribute to high corticosterone levels in satellite males that were observed to lose aggressive contests with larger calling males.
A comparison of early versus late conversion from intravenous to oral therapy in the treatment of septic arthritis.

Background Clinical outcomes of children with bacterial septic arthritis, common in the pediatric age group, are often satisfactory with early recognition, prompt surgical drainage, and appropriate antibiotic therapy. However, the optimal duration and route of antibiotic administration for treatment of septic arthritis continues to be debated, as traditional treatment favored longer intravenous (IV) therapies yet oral regimens are increasingly available that are more cost effective, safe and produce satisfactory disease resolution. Methods Records of 186 patients from two children's hospitals, one that was thought to convert from IV to oral antibiotic therapy considerably earlier than the other, treated between 1985 and 1995 for bacterial septic arthritis were reviewed. Patients with concurrent osteomyelitis were excluded. Results Patients at Hospital #1 were converted to oral antibiotics after 7.4+/-7.4 days of IV antibiotic therapy and at Hospital #2 after 18.6+/-13.6 (P 0.05) and to normalization of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (35.7+/-19.7 d vs. 33.8+/-44.9 d, P>0.05) in the patients converted to oral therapy early compared to those converted late. One case of mild avascular necrosis with no clinical disability developed in a patient from Hospital #2. Conclusions We conclude that the clinical outcome in patients with septic arthritis converted to oral antibiotic therapy early in their treatment based on defined criteria was similar to those converted late.
Rapid purification of cotton seed membrane-bound N-acylphosphatidylethanolamine synthase by immobilized artificial membrane chromatography.

N-Acylphosphatidylethanolamine synthase (NAPES) is a membrane-bound enzyme present in cotton seedlings at a concentration of ⩽0.02% of the total protein. NAPES was purified to electrophoretic homogeneity in a single chromatographic step using immobilized artificial membrane (IAM) chromatography. The IAM column used for NAPES purification was etherIAM.PEC10/C3 and this surface contains a monolayer of immobilized phosphatidylethanolamine (PE). Since PE is an analogue of the natural substrate for NAPES, etherIAM.PEC10/C3 columns function as an affinity column for this enzyme. Detergent-solubilized microsomal proteins from cotton were loaded on to the etherIAM.PEC10/C3 column and eluted with buffered mobile phases containing 0.2 mM dimyristoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DMPE) and 2 mM dodecylmaltoside. Little NAPES functional activity eluted if DMPE was removed from the mobile phase. Mobile phase DMPE is also a substrate for NAPES, and therefore both the mobile phase and IAM surface contains NAPES substrates. Mobile phase DMPE may function as both a surfactant-type affinity displacing ligand effecting protein elution and also a stabilizing factor of NAPES functional activity. The loading capacity on semi-preparative etherIAM.PEC10/C3 (6.5 × 1.0 cm) columns was ca. 5 mg of total detergent solubilized microsomal proteins, and protein recovery was quantitative. This one-step IAM purification of NAPES resulted in a single band on silver-stained polyacrylamide gels, and 3940 fold increase in NAPES specific activity. The molecular mass of the purified NAPES protein is 64 000. 125I labeled [12-(4-azidosalicyl)amino]dodecanoic acid is a photoreactive fatty acid substrate of NAPES that was used to confirm protein purity.
The glucose signaling network in yeast

Abstract Background Most cells possess a sophisticated mechanism for sensing glucose and responding to it appropriately. Glucose sensing and signaling in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae represent an important paradigm for understanding how extracellular signals lead to changes in the gene expression program in eukaryotes. Scope of review This review focuses on the yeast glucose sensing and signaling pathways that operate in a highly regulated and cooperative manner to bring about glucose-induction of HXT gene expression. Major conclusions The yeast cells possess a family of glucose transporters ( HXT s), with different kinetic properties. They employ three major glucose signaling pathways—Rgt2/Snf3, AMPK, and cAMP-PKA—to express only those transporters best suited for the amounts of glucose available. We discuss the current understanding of how these pathways are integrated into a regulatory network to ensure efficient uptake and utilization of glucose. General significance Elucidating the role of multiple glucose signals and pathways involved in glucose uptake and metabolism in yeast may reveal the molecular basis of glucose homeostasis in humans, especially under pathological conditions, such as hyperglycemia in diabetics and the elevated rate of glycolysis observed in many solid tumors.
Chemical cues for sea lamprey migration.

During the past century, the sea lamprey colonized the Great Lakes of North America and decimated the commercial fishing industry. The isolation and characterization of a migratory pheromone from the sea lamprey expands options for control of this invading species.
Employee engagement and manager self‐efficacy

Although technology still dominates, human resources and how they are managed is receiving increased attention in the analysis of gaining competitive advantage. Yet, many complex questions remain. This study first examines the theoretical understanding of employee engagement. Then an empirical investigation is made of the role that a wide variety of managers’ (n = 170) psychological state of self‐efficacy plays in the relationship between their employees’ (average of about 16 per manager) measured engagement and a multiple measure (self, subordinates and peers) of the managers’ effectiveness. Results of the statistical analysis indicate that the manager’s self‐efficacy is a partial mediator of the relationship between his or her employees’ engagement and the manager’s rated effectiveness. Overall, these findings suggest that both employee engagement and manager self‐efficacy are important antecedents that together may more positively influence manager effectiveness than either predictor by itself. Implications for effective management development and practice are discussed.
Does Saccharomyces need an organized nucleolus

The ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes of most eukaryotic organisms are arranged in one or more tandem arrays, often termed nucleolar organizer regions. The biological implications of this tandem organization are not known. We have tested the requirement for such a chromosomal organization by directly comparing the transcription and processing of rRNA in isogenic strains ofSaccharomyces cerevisiae that differ only in the organization of their rRNA genes. Strain L-1489 carries theRDN locus, consisting of 100–150 copies of the rRNA genes in a tandem array on chromosome XII. Strain L-1521 has a complete deletion of theRDN array, but carries many copies of a plasmid that includes a single rRNA gene. While this strain grows reasonably well, the average transcriptional activity of the plasmid genes is substantially less than that of the chromosomal copies. However, there is little difference in the processing of the 35S pre-rRNA to the mature 25S:5.8S and 18S products. Thus, neither a chromosomal location nor a tandem repeat of the rRNA genes is important for the assembly and function of the many protein and RNA molecules necessary for the processing of the rRNA transcripts. We investigated the consequence of a dispersed gene arrangement on nucleolar structure. Immunofluorescence microscopy revealed that in strain L-1521 the yeast fibrillarin, Nop1p, rather than being confined to a defined nucleolus at the edge of the nucleus as it is in cells with the normal arrangement of rRNA genes, is spread throughout the nucleus. This observation implies that each plasmid rRNA gene can serve as a nucleolar organizer. Finally, data from pulse-labeling experiments show that the repression of rRNA transcription due to failure of the secretory pathway is independent of whether the rRNA genes are at theRDN locus on chromosome XII or on plasmids. This result suggests that the regulation of rRNA transcription occurs at the level of soluble factors rather than chromatin structure.
Perturbation theory for exchange forces, II

Abstract The mathematical problems associated with the development of a satisfactory perturbation theory for exchange forces are discussed. Different treatments give different results for the second order energy. Many of the ideas expressed are the result of a series of seminars at the University of Wisconsin in which Jansen, Epstein, Byers Brown, Certain, Buckingham, Harriman, Micha, Levine and Eliason participated.