cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Proximity relationships between engineered cysteine residues in chicken skeletal myosin regulatory light chain. A resonance energy transfer study.

Resonance energy transfer was used to measure the distances between pairs of cysteines, Cys2 and Cys155 and Cys73 and Cys155, in recombinant chicken skeletal myosin regulatory light chains in the free and bound states. The fluorescent and nonfluorescent probes N-iodoacetyl-N′-(5-sulfo-1-naphthyl)ethylenediamine and N-(4-dimethylamino-3,5-dinitrophenyl)maleimide were used as the donor and the acceptor, respectively. The distance between Cys2 and Cys155 was measured to be 35 and 30 A in the absence and presence of myosin heavy chain, respectively, suggesting a slightly more compact structure for the light chain in the bound state. The distance between Cys73 and Cys155 measured in a similar manner was 31 and 30 A in the free and bound states, respectively; this latter value is in good agreement with that derived from crystallographic structures. For heavy chain-bound light chains, no measurable distance changes were detected with the binding of ATP or actin. These results show that no gross structural changes occur within the regulatory light chain during the contraction cycle, but that resonance energy transfer between other sites could be used to monitor potential changes in the myosin head upon the binding of nucleotides and actin.
Evaporation: Processes, Bulk Microstructures, and Mechanical Properties

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews the evaporation technologies, theory and mechanisms, processes, deposition of various types of materials, the evolution of the microstructure and its relationship to the properties of the deposits, preparation of high-purity metals, current and future applications, and cost analysis. Physical vapor deposition (PVD) technology consists of the techniques of evaporation, ion plating and sputtering. It is used to deposit films and coatings or self-supported shapes such as sheet, foil, and tubing. The thickness of the deposits can vary from angstroms to millimeters. The wide variety of applications of these techniques ranges from decorative to utilitarian over significant segments of the engineering, chemical, nuclear, microelectronics and related industries. Their use has been increasing at a very rapid rate since modern technology demands multiple, and often conflicting, sets of properties from engineering materials, e.g., combinations of two or more of the following: high-temperature strength, impact strength, specific optical, electrical or magnetic properties, wear resistance, ability to be fabricated into complex shapes, biocompatibility, cost, etc. A single or monolithic material cannot meet such demands in high-technology applications. The solution is, therefore, a composite material, i.e. a core material and a coating each having the requisite properties to fulfill the specifications. PVD technology is very versatile, enabling one to deposit virtually every type of inorganic material – metals, alloys, compounds and mixtures thereof, as well as some organic materials. The thickness limits for thin and thick films are somewhat arbitrary.
Integrative Art of Modern Thailand.

Integrative Art of Modern Thailand. Phoebe Apperson Hearst Museum of Anthropology, University of California, Berkeley (October 19 - December 15, 1991); Elvehjem Museum of Art, University of Wisconsin, Madison (February 8 - April 12, 1992); Art Museum, Arizona State University, Tempe (May 24 - August 2, 1992); Burke Museum, University of Washington, Seattle (September 16 - December 15,1992); Bowers Museum, Santa Ana, CA (January 15 - March 15,1993).
Mathematical reasoning: induction, deduction and beyond

Abstract Mathematics used to be portrayed as a deductive science. Stemming from Polya (1954), however, is a philosophical movement which broadens the concept of mathematical reasoning to include inductive or quasi-empirical methods. Interest in inductive methods is a welcome turn from foundationalism toward a philosophy grounded in mathematical practice. Regrettably, though, the conception of mathematical reasoning embraced by quasi-empiricists is still too narrow to include the sort of thought-experiment which Mueller describes as traditional mathematical proof (Mueller, 1969, p. 295) and which Lakatos examines in Proofs and refutations (Lakatos, 1976). This paper extends the concept of mathematical reasoning along two further dimensions to accommodate thought-experiment.
Adjuvants in Veterinary Vaccines: Modes of Action and Adverse Effects

Vaccine adjuvants are chemicals, microbial components, or mammalian proteins that enhance the immune response to vaccine antigens. Interest in reducing vaccine-related adverse effects and inducing specific types of immunity has led to the development of numerous new adjuvants. Adjuvants in development or in experimental and commercial vaccines include aluminum salts (alum), oil emulsions, saponins, immune-stimulating complexes (ISCOMs), liposomes, microparticles, nonionic block copolymers, derivatized polysaccharides, cytokines, and a wide variety of bacterial derivatives. The mechanisms of action of these diverse compounds vary, as does their induction of cell-mediated and antibody responses. Factors influencing the selection of an adjuvant include animal species, specific pathogen, vaccine antigen, route of immunization, and type of immunity needed.
Regeneration growth in different light environments of mixed species, multiaged, mountainous forests of Romania

Growth of regenerating trees in different light environments was studied for the mountainous, mixed-species forests in the Carpathian Mountains of Romania. The primary species in these mixtures were silver fir (Abies alba Mill.), European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst). Seedlings/saplings of these species were selected and measured in different stands from two different geographical locations. Regenerating trees were measured for height and diameter growth during the summer of 2002. For each seedling/sapling, percentage of above canopy light (PACL) and stand basal area (BA) were used to assess available and occupied growing space respectively. Regeneration growth was compared against these two variables and regression relationships were developed. Using these models, we predicted the dynamics of regeneration as both growth and species composition. Our results showed that in low-light environments (PACL 30 m2/ha), shade tolerant fir and beech clearly outcompeted the spruce. Therefore, in dense stands, spruce could be eliminated by the shade tolerant species. For intermediate levels of cover (PACL=35–70%; BA=15–35 m2/ha) the spruce grew at comparable rates as the beech and fir. All three species showed similar growth rates in open conditions (PACL>80–90%; BA<15–20 m2/ha) with the spruce having a tendency to outgrow the others. However, in terms of establishment, such conditions favor spruce and inhibit fir and beech.
SEROLOGIC SURVEY OF NEOTROPICAL BATS IN GUATEMALA FOR VIRUS ANTIBODIES

Neotropical bats were collected from different life zones in Guatemala in 1983 and 1984 to determine the presence and distribution of antibody against 10 viruses. Bats were collected with mist nets at 13 sites in eight departments and 332 serum specimens were obtained for testing for neutralizing (N) antibody by the plaque-reduction neutralization test. Eighty-seven (26%) of the 332 bats from 16 (38%) of 42 bat species sampled were serologically positive for five of six arboviruses and for two other viruses tested. Antibodies against Venezuelan equine encephalitis (VEE) variant I-A/B, eastern equine encephalitis, western equine encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, vesicular stomatitis, Tacaribe, and Rio Bravo viruses were detected in resident species of bats. However, N antibodies against the enzootic strain of VEE (Mena II, variant I-E) or Nepuyo viruses were not detected.
The nave of the Madeleine of Vézelay

The structure of the nave of the abbey church of the Madeleine of Vezelay has experienced gross horizontal displacements at the pier tops and vertical displacements at the crown of the arches. Although the use of elastic homogeneous material models does not explain the magnitude of the deformations of the nave structure, the magnitude and character of the observed deformations can be explained by removing the tensile capacity of the joints and using the plastic deformation characteristics of the lime mortar materials used in the construction of the structure.
Social ecology and police discretion: The influence of district crime, cynicism, and workload on the vigor of police response

Abstract This study provided a partial test of Klinger's (1997) postulations on the ecological correlates of police vigor using data drawn from the Project on Policing Neighborhoods (POPN). Klinger's theory hypothesized that a form of police behavior he called vigor would vary inversely with district crime levels because officers would be more cynical of residents, view crime as normal, perceive victims as less deserving, and have less time to devote to calls in high crime districts. Although data limitations precluded a full test, the current study examined two of the four mediating variables (officer cynicism and district workload) and their influence on the crime/vigor relationship. Findings revealed variables other than those examined might mediate the effect of district crime on vigor or the relationship between district crime and vigor might be spurious. Implications for future research and theoretical development are discussed.
Writing in an upper-level CS course

This paper discusses the use of writing as a teaching approach for an upper level computer science course. In describing my experiences, I hope to encourage those schools/teachers who are considering incorporating writing into such a course. Many different kinds of writing are compared and contrasted. Attention is paid to practicalities of the writing process and of the demands made of faculty in these writing-based courses.
A zinc-binding dual-specificity YVH1 phosphatase in the malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, and its interaction with the nuclear protein, pescadillo☆

Abstract Biochemical evidence revealed protein tyrosine kinase and phosphatase activities in the human malarial parasite Plasmodium falciparum, a member of the Apicomplexa. A novel cDNA sequence of a dual-specificity phosphatase was identified in both sexual and asexual stages of P. falciparum, and named PfYVH1, since the predicted primary structure of the 278-amino acid polypeptide showed significant similarity to the human and yeast YVH1 phosphatases. The N-terminal half of PfYVH1 contained a conserved tyrosine phosphatase catalytic domain within a dual-specificity phosphatase domain. The C-terminal region, consisting of one histidine and eight cysteines, represented a zinc-binding domain with a potentially unconventional architecture. Recombinant PfYVH1 contained 2 mol of zinc per mol protein and dephosphorylated both phosphoserine and phosphotyrosine residues. Mutation of specific Cys residues in the putative zinc finger region abolished zinc binding and drastically reduced phosphatase activity, suggesting an allosteric role of zinc in catalysis. PfYVH1 was expressed in essentially all erythrocytic stages of the parasite, and shuttled between the nucleus and the cytoplasm in a stage-specific manner. A Plasmodium ortholog of the nuclear pescadillo protein (PfPES) was also characterized and shown to interact with PfYVH1, thus implicating PfYVH1 in the regulation of parasitic development. PfYVH1 represents the first dual-specificity zinc-finger phosphatase characterized in the protozoan kingdom.
Improving Retail Manpower Planning with a Quasi-Subjective Waiting Line Model

One of the most fruitful approaches for increasing marketing productivity is through more efficient manpower planning. This is particularly true in the labor intensive sectors of marketing such as retailing, particularly the retail department store. Waiting line models offer a high degree of potential for more effective manpower planning in the retail department store. The department store, however, presents a particular set of problems which make applications of waiting line models to manpower planning fairly complex. This complexity stems from two major sources: 1) consumer shopping behavior and 2) sales personnel management practices. This article discusses these problems and presents a model by which they can be handled for retail department stores. A detailed example illustrating the model's application is also provided.
Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography and fundus autofluorescence characteristics in patients with fundus albipunctatus and retinitis punctata albescens.

Purpose: Fundus albipunctatus is a form of congenital stationary night blindness characterized by an early onset and nonprogressive impairment of night vision and the presence of numerous dull-white punctate lesions scattered throughout the fundus, while retinitis punctata albescens patients often show similar fundus changes but manifest a severe and progressive hereditary retinal dystrophy.Conclusions: In this study, we report the optical coherence tomography and fundus autofluorescence measurements in patients with these hereditary night blinding diseases.
The Stuarts in Italy 1719–1766: A Royal Court in Permanent Exile. By Edward Corp. (New York, NY: Cambridge University Press, 2011. Pp. xi, 416. $99.00.)

This is a very narrow study with wide implications. Work on the Jacobites (descendants of the Stuart James II) has been largely a cottage industry, but Edward Corp makes a powerful argument in this...
Factor-dependent binding of Rauscher leukemia virus RNA to ribosomes.

Abstract Rauscher leukemia virus (RLV)-3H-RNA was shown to bind to ribosomes with the sedimentation properties of polyribosomes when incubated in a cell-free amino acid incorporation system derived from RLV-infected JLS-V5 cells. The binding of RLV-3H-RNA to ribosomes requires factors present in the high-salt wash of JLS-V5 polyribosomes, and is inhibited by aurintricarboxylic acid (ATA). The RLV-3H-RNA-ribosome complexes are sensitive to ribonucleases (RNase), ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA), and puromycin.
Combined hyperspectral and thermal imaging for improved land surface flux estimation

We present a new approach for estimating land surface fluxes using remote sensing optical and thermal IR observations. We employ an artificial neural network and train it with a radiosity reflectance model. We then apply the network without retraining to extract geometrical view factors from AVIRIS imagery. We use the retrieved view factors and in- situ meteorological data to drive a surface energy balance model. Theoretical directional view factors were retrieved with an average absolute error of 15 percent. Hemispherical view factors were retrieved with a root mean square error of 6 percent. Surface net radiation estimated using the AVIRIS imagery and the surface energy balance model varied form 520 W m-2 to 650 W m-2 and are consistent with tower measurements. The retrieved view factors may also be used to model mixed pixel response for directional thermal IR data.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Equivalence among isotropy subgroups of space groups

We discuss the physical interpretation of equivalence among isotropy subgroups of space groups in the context of phase transition in solids. We give some examples from the literature and point out the different ways in which the question of equivalence has been applied.
Role of trace element partition coefficients in models of andesite genesis

Abstract Orogenic andesite magmas probably evolve at 1100 to 900°C, have between 1 and 5 wt. % H 2 O and f O 2 above the NiNiO buffer during phenocryst precipitation and may be saturated with a second fluid phase prior to eruption. Consequently, many solid/liquid trace element partition coefficients appropriate to andesites are higher than for basalts, perhaps due to the presence of fewer octahedrally coordinated sites in andesite liquids as well as to lower temperatures. Simple quantitative interpretation of trace element concentration data for orogenic andesites in general or for most specific suites is not possible using available partition coefficients. Fractional crystallization models involving magnetite or amphibole or both seem less at odds with available data than do models invoking equilibration with subducted oceanic crust or overlying peridotite. Critical choices between simple models, or identification of supplementary or more complex processes, require a more rigorous data base than presently available.
SU-FF-J-101: Is Daily Image-Guided Patient Positioning Necessary for Lung Irradiation?

Purpose:Image‐guidedradiotherapy(IGRT) delivers unwanted and unnegligible dose during the imaging process and requires additional resources. In this work, we determine whether it is necessary to use IGRT daily for lung irradiation. Method and Materials:Image and couch shift data for 27 lungtumor patients treated with conventional fractionation schemes, using MV cone‐beam CT (MVCBCT) for patient positioning, were analyzed. Among these patients, 13 (group I) received MVCBCT for each fraction (326 scans). The rest (group II, 14 patients) received MVCBCT for each fraction in the first and the last week of the treatment and only one scan per week in between (158 scans). Group II was treated when IGRT first became available and the variability in setup was being assessed. All patients were immobilized with alpha cradle during planning CT simulation and treatment. MVCBCTs were registered with the planning CT based on bony anatomy alignment. The components of planning‐target‐volume (PTV) margin to account for setup errors were calculated, using a four‐parameter population margin recipe. Results: Random errors along anterior‐posterior (AP), left‐right (LR) and superior‐inferior (SI) were found to be 2.9 mm, 3.1 mm, 4.4 mm for group I and 2.5 mm, 3.1 mm, 3.9 mm for group II. Systematic errors along AP, LR and SI were 2.3 mm, 2.3 mm, 2.7 mm for group I and 1.9 mm, 1.8 mm, 3.9 mm for group II. The resulting PTV margins were 10.0 mm, 6.8 mm, 10.5 mm for group I and 6.2 mm, 6.9 mm, 10.5 mm for group II. The margin difference along AP was statistically significant (p=0.003). Conclusion: The frequency of IGRT positioning depends on the PTV margin used. For lung irradiation using alpha cradle immobilization, an additional margin of 3 mm along the AP direction may be needed if IGRT repositioning is not used daily.
Himalapyrochroa gibbosa, a New Genus and Species of Fire-Colored Beetle (Coleoptera: Pyrochroidae: Pyrochroinae) from Darjeeling, India

Abstract Himalapyrochroa gibbosa, a new genus and species of heteromerous Coleoptera, is described from a single male taken at Tonglu-Garibas, in the Himalayan Mountains, near Darjeeling, India. Gross anatomy of the genitalia suggests possible affinities between Himalapyrochroa and the pyrochroine genera Neopyrochroa Blair (North America), Phyllocladus Blair (Asia), and Pseudodendroides Blair (Asia), all of which have widely separated, distomesally toothed parameres. The shallow, rather indistinct nature of the cranial pit apparatus of Himalapyrochroa is, however, more similar to that of Pyrochroa (primarily Europe) and Eupyrochroa (Asia).
Silent Myocardial Ischemia

Excerpt To the Editor:In his article on silent myocardial ischemia, Dr. Cohn (1) clearly describes the mechanisms, diagnosis, and prognosis of this condition. In his recommendations for screening a...
Abstract 1008: Concomitant HDAC and PI3K-AKT pathway inhibition as a new therapeutic strategy for prostate cancer.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC Background: Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most prevalent cancer in men in the United States. Prostate cancer patients that progress to a lethal phenotype are currently treated with chemotherapy, second generation androgen therapies and immunotherapy. Unfortunately, patient response is not often durable; therefore novel treatments are urgently needed. Histone deacetylases (HDACs) have shown to be up-regulated in PCa. Preclinical data indicates that HDAC inhibitors induce apoptosis in androgen receptor (AR)-positive cells. Unfortunately, HDACi display minimal clinical benefit. From this, we propose that combination of HDACi with novel targeted therapies will result in greater therapeutic efficacy. Methods: PC3, PC3AR and PtenCaP8 PCa cell lines treated with panobinostat (HDACi) and BEZ235 (PI3K-mTORC1 inhibitor) as single treatment or in combination for 48 hours. Cell death/apoptosis was assessed by loss of cell membrane integrity, phosphotidylserine exposure, cell cycle and caspase activation by flow cytometry. Expression levels of activated AKT were assessed by immunoblot. Results: Panobinostat induces cell death/apoptosis greater in PC3AR than parental PC3 cells by increasing subG1 population (47.8±9.3 vs. 11.1±2.8,), phosphotidylserine exposeure (41.4±3.0 vs. 21±7.2,) and caspase activation (57.3±0.9 vs. 12.0 ±4.1,) respectively. Moreover, PC3AR cells treated with panobinostat results in loss of AKT activation, but not in PC3 cells. Further, combination of panobinostat with BEZ235 increases greater cell apoptosis in PC3AR cells compared to panobinostat single agent (30.6±1.9 vs. 19.9±1.4) and in PtenCaP8 cells (42.0±6.5 vs. 29.4±2.2). Western blotting also shows that combination treatment leads to loss of AKT activation compared to panobinostat and BEZ235 as a single agent. Conclusions: Overall, our results suggest that inhibition of HDACs induces greater cell death associated with loss of AKT activation in AR-positive cells, but not in AR-null cells. Also, combination of HDAC inhibitor and PI3K-mTORC1 inhibitor has more effective cell cytotoxicity compared to single agent, suggesting that inhibition of HDACs and PI3K-mTORC1 will exhibit greater therapeutic efficacy. In future work, combination of panobinostat with BEZ235 will be investigated in preclinical animal models to propose this therapy combination for clinical trials in patients with lethal PCa. Citation Format: Sheng-Yu Ku, Roberto Pili, Leigh Ellis. Concomitant HDAC and PI3K-AKT pathway inhibition as a new therapeutic strategy for prostate cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1008. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-1008
Value in radiology.

When we set policies, whether at the level of individual practices, institutions, communities, or whole societies, we need to do so in ways that recognize and reward high value.
Deep drilling to the magmatic environment in Long Valley Caldera

Earthquakes, ground uplift, and increased hydrothermal activity are only the most recent examples of the intense tectonic and volcanic activity that has occurred at Long Valley caldera, Calif., over the last 3 million years. A large number of geophysical experiments, conducted by several hundred investigators over the past few years, clearly indicate that a major body of magma exists within the central part of the caldera at drillable depths of 4–5 km. Plans are underway to drill toward and eventually into this magma body.
Complex Polarization Response in Plasmonic Nanospirals

Archimedean nanospirals exhibit many far-field resonances that result from the lack of symmetry and strong intra-spiral plasmonic interactions. Here, we present a computational study, with corroborating experimental results, on the plasmonic response of the 4π Archimedean spiral as a function of incident polarization, for spirals in which the largest linear dimension is less than 550 nm. We discuss the modulation of the near-field structure for linearly and circularly polarized light in typical nanospiral configurations. Computational studies of the near-field distributions excited by circularly polarized light illustrate the effects of chirality on plasmonic mechanisms, while rotation of linearly polarized light provides a detailed view of the effects of broken symmetry on nanospiral fields in any given direction in the plane of the spiral. The rotational geometry exhibits a preference for circular polarization that increases near-field enhancement compared to excitation with linearly polarized light and exchanges near-field configurations and resonant modes. By analyzing the effects of polarization and wavelength on the near-field configurations, we also show how the nanospiral could be deployed in applications such as tunable near-field enhancement of nonlinear optical signals from chiral molecules.
The development and validation of a comorbidity index for prostate cancer among Black men

Abstract Background and Objectives The purpose of this study was to develop a comorbidity index specific to Black Men with prostate cancer, because certain comorbidities and prostate cancer are particularly prevalent among this racial group. Methods This research used the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)–Medicare-linked database to develop an index of comorbidity burden based on survival, and the presence/absence of comorbid illness in 2,931 Black males diagnosed with prostate cancer. Comorbidity burden was recognized using inpatient, outpatient, and physician claims for a 2-year period prior to the diagnosis of prostate cancer. We compared five different statistical models, each with two-way, three-way, and/or four-way interactions among the comorbidities, and selected the model with only two-way interactions as the optimal choice. We demonstrated the utility of refining the simplest model, with 27 comorbidity categories only, by adjusting for the number of different diagnoses within statistically significant categories.
Multimedia and its impact on training engineers

This article presents empirical research conducted on the effectiveness of the Advanced Technology Classroom (a computer‐integrated, multimedia learning environment) on engineering‐based curriculum. Multimedia offers the opportunity to enhance learning through greater audiovisual perceptions and interactive participation. Effectiveness of the ATC multimedia system was determined through a series of empirical studies that compared instruction with multimedia to traditional instruction methods. Courses in production/operations management and mechanics of materials were chosen for examination using undergraduate engineering students. The research findings suggest that multimedia is an applicable, pedagogical tool for use in training engineers.
Electroluminescence from Nanocrystals in an Electromigrated Gap Composed of Two Different Metals

We present a technique for making nanoscale gaps with work function offsets based on electromigrating leads composed of two different metals. Electroluminescence spectra from plain metal gaps with and without CdSe/ZnS (core/shell) nanocrystals are qualitatively very similar and exhibit features that are much broader than the photoluminescence spectra obtained from the same nanocrystals. These observations can be explained by inelastic scattering of conduction electrons in the metal leads or by electroluminescence from small metallic clusters that can form during the fabrication process. However, electroluminescence that spectrally coincides with nanocrystal photoluminescence can be observed in devices containing nanocrystals formed by electromigrating Pt leads bridged with small indium islands. This suggests that electromigrating leads made of different metals is a promising route to fabricating nanoscale gaps with work function offsets for optoelectronic devices.
A Case of Carcinosarcoma of the Parotid Gland

Carcinosarcoma is an extremely rare tumor, composed of a mixture of both carcinomatous and sarcomatous elements. The two-thirds are derived from the parotid gland. Because carcinosarcoma is highly aggressive malignant tumor with high local recurrence and poor survival rates, the combination of radical surgical excision and chemotherapy or radiotherapy is regarded as treatment of choice. However, treatment protocol has not been established. A 73-year-old man presented with a painful mass in the left parotid gland that had been rapidly enlarging for 2 weeks. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy was performed and it showed atypical epithelium. Superficial parotidectomy and modified radical neck dissection were performed for the left parotid gland cancer. The pathological diagnosis was carcinosarcoma and sequential chemoradiotherapy was performed. After a clinical follow-up of 30 months, he has remained free of disease. Based on our experience, we suggest that conservative surgical procedure could be one of the effective therapies.� Korean J Otorhinolaryngol-Head Neck Surg 2012;55:118-22
Conjoining mathematical empiricism with mathematical realism : Maddy's account of set perception revisited

Penelope Maddy’s original solution to the dilemma posed by Benacerraf in his (1973) ‘Mathematical Truth’ was to reconcile mathematical empiricism with mathematical realism by arguing that we can perceive realistically construed sets. Though her hypothesis has attracted considerable critical attention, much of it, in my view, misses the point. In this paper I vigorously defend Maddy’s (1990) account against published criticisms, not because I think it is true, but because these criticisms have functioned to obscure a more fundamental issue that is well worth addressing: in general – and not only in the mathematical domain – empiricism and realism simply cannot be reconciled by means of an account of perception anything like Maddy’s. But because Maddy’s account of perception is so plausible, this conclusion raises the specter of the broader incompatibility of realism and empiricism, which contemporary philosophers are frequently at pains to forget.
Review of methanol and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as alternative for transportation fuels

Concern over the environment and a potential oil shortage has resulted in an intensified research for alternative fuels for the transportation sector. Two fuels given strong consideration are methanol and compressed natural gas (CNG). This paper is a comprehensive comparative study of methanol and CNG as transportation fuels. The physical properties of methanol and CNG are discussed. The various concerns, such as source and potential fuel supply, safety, toxicity and health hazards, engine performance and emissions, fuel storage, fuel tank and refueling of these alternative fuels are addressed briefly in this paper. The authors find that no single alternative fuel is best in all categories. The merits and drawbacks of each fuel are tabulated and the vehicle characteristics are compared with gasoline. The study concludes that the neat methanol may be considered as an alternative for passenger cars and CNG may be considered for fleets, light and heavy-duty vehicles as the best near-term solution.
Living related liver transplantation in infants and children: report of anesthetic care and early postoperative morbidity and mortality.

Abstract Study Objective: To determine those infants at high risk for perioperative complications and mortality following living, related liver transplantation. Design: Retrospective chart review. Setting: Large metropolitan teaching hospital. Measurements and Main Results: The charts and anesthetic records of the 12 infants and children who received the left lateral hepatic segment from a living relative the past 2 years at our institution were reviewed. The records were examined to determine the causes of perioperative morbidity and to identify patients at high risk for serious complications and mortality. All infants and children (mean ± SD age, 29 ± 30 months; weight, 13.6 ± 6.8 kg) survived the operation (8.3 ± 1.7 hours) without intraoperative complications. The average blood loss, including 500 mL of recipient blood used to flush the liver before reperfusion, was 1483 ± 873 mL (119 ± 70 mL/kg). Three infants developed portal vein thrombosis, and one of these infants also had hepatic artery thrombosis. The risk of vessel thrombosis was significantly higher (3/3 vs. 0/9; p 0.0045) in infants less than 9 kg body weight, as was the risk of death (2/3 vs. 0/9; p 0.045). Both children who died had vascular thrombosis. Other serious complications were bleeding, 6; infection, 7; acute rejection, 3; and bile leak, 2. Conclusions: Infants and children can successfully undergo living, related liver transplantation. However, the risks of vascular complications and death are greater in infants less than 9 kg body weight.
Metabolism resistant isothiazolone inhibitors of cartilage breakdown

Abstract A series of 2-(arylmethyl)pyridoisothiazolones is reported that inhibit the IL-1 β induced breakdown of bovine nasal septum cartilage in an organ culture assay. The synthesis and preliminary SAR of these compounds are described. These compounds represent a novel, non-peptide lead series approach to the mediation of the chronic cartilage breakdown associated with arthritic disease. These compounds are relatively resistant to reductive metabolism by liver microsomal preparations and appear to inhibit cartilage breakdown by interfering with the proteolytic activation of matrix metalloproteinases.
Spin scavenging analysis of myoglobin protein-centered radicals using stable nitroxide radicals: characterization of oxoammonium cation-induced modifications.

Spin scavenging combined with chromatographic and mass spectrometric procedures can, in principle, be employed to detect and identify protein-based radicals within complex biological matrices. This approach is based on the well-known ability of stable synthetic nitroxide radicals to scavenge carbon-centered radicals, forming stable diamagnetic addition products. Hence, characterization of these addition products would allow for the identification of specific free radicals. In the present work, we have explored the use of the stable nitroxide radical 4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine 1-oxyl (TEMPOL) in scavenging protein-based radicals generated in a horse heart metmyoglobin/hydrogen peroxide (metMb/H2O2) system. Inclusion of a substoichiometric amount of TEMPOL in the metMb/H2O2 system resulted in a complete loss of peroxyl and tyrosyl radical signals and effectively inhibited the formation of oxidatively damaged heme species, as monitored by electron paramagnetic resonance and reversed-phase liquid...
Zonal stratification and geographic clustering of a species-rich chironomid community in freshwater coastal rock pools

Chironomidae are typically abundant in freshwater habitats and can be good indicators of ecological health. Coastal rock pools of barrier islands were sampled to determine how communities varied spatially between two horizontal zones, defined by wave disturbance and distance from shore, and from island-to-island. Pupal exuviae were collected monthly from pool surfaces to assess species composition, true community richness, and alpha and beta diversity. Cluster analyses were used to determine geographic community variation. A majority of species were rare, while three species dominated relative abundances. Zonal differences were significant, diversity was greater in near-shore pools overall, and few species occurred in both zones. Communities were more species-rich than expected based on prior studies in similar habitats. Community clusters were not strongly differentiated but suggested increased dispersal challenges at wider gaps between islands. Higher diversity near the shore and geographic clustering of communities are important to consider when planning for remediation activities following pollution events such as ship groundings or oil spills. In general, baseline coastal studies and conservation planning should consider aquatic invertebrates when pool habitats are present.
Molecular basis for substrate specificity of protein kinases and phosphatases

Regulation of various metabolic processes occurs by the phosphorylation/dephosphorylation of enzymes. Both the protein kinases that catalyze the phosphorylations and the protein phosphatases that catalyze the dephosphorylations display relatively broad specificity, reacting with a number of distinct sites in target enzymes. In this way changes in the activity of a particular kinase or phosphatase can cause coordinated and pleiotropic responses. However, the kinases and phosphatases do not exhibit a one-to-one correspondence in their reactions. Residues at different positions may be phosphorylated by a single kinase, yet dephosphorylated by different individual phosphatases. Conversely, sites which are substrates for different individual kinases may be dephosphorylated by a single phosphatase. In exploring the molecular basis for these differences this article shows that whereas kinases react with specific primary structures that often times appear as beta bends, the phosphatases recognize higher order structure, less strictly ruled by amino acid sequence surrounding the phosphorylated site. The differences, seen in the ability of these enzymes to utilize synthetic peptide substrates, might be rationalized in terms of function. Kinases need protruding segments of structure that can be enwrapped to exclude water, thereby minimizing ATP hydrolysis and enhancing phosphotransferase activity. On the other hand phosphatases are hydrolytic enzymes that may operate especially well on protein interfaces. Hydrolytic action often measured with p-nitrophenylphosphate is not necessarily indicative of a protein phosphatase and consideration of the mechanism reveals why this substrate can be misleading.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
In-situ microwave characterization of planar/nonplanar specimens

Microwave Nondestructive Evaluation (NDE) offers an attractive alternative to ultrasonic NDE. Using the free space spot focused antenna system developed by CEEAM, it is possible to perform non-contact, non-destructive evaluation of homogeneous, inhomogeneous, composite and anisotriophic materials as a function of frequency and temperature. Vary little sample preparation is required and the technique presented here leads itself to in situ process monitoring during manufacture and quality control of finished products. The material being evaluated may be planar or nonplanar. Reflection and/or transmission measurements may be used to reconstruct the material property tensors. Although microwaves cannot pass through metals, this technique has been used very successfully to evaluate the surface resistivity/conductivity of thin film metal coatings. Unlike ultrasonic measurements which may be limited by temperature, the free space microwave system has been used successfully temperature up to 1000 degree(s)C. In this respect, the free space microwave NDE system is a far cry from conventional methods such as coaxial and waveguide methods as well as the cavity resonance technique, all of which require sample preparation and hence, cannot be used for in situ inspection. Being a noncontact method this system can be used to characterize both liquids and solids. In this paper, the technique and the system will be described and the results will illustrate the versatility and user friendliness of the free space microwave system. In a comparison paper, we describe how this system can be adapted as a non-destructive point to point inspection system for locating flaws, manufacturing defects, delamination and disbonding, accurate thickness measurements, surface profiling, etc. of materials in sheet form or objects of complex shape.
Muscarinic receptor function and acetylcholinesterase activity after chronic administration of tacrine to mice at therapeutic drug concentrations.

We administered 9-amino-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroacridine (THA, TacrineTM) to mice in doses (0.3-3 mg/kg) which have been shown to enhance cognition. Animals were sacrificed at various time points
Quantum Zeno subspace and entangled Bose-Einstein condensates

We discuss a proposal for the efficient generation of the maximally entangled atomic N-GHZ state in a spinor-1 condensate by driving internal state atomic Raman transitions using (classical) laser fields. We illustrate the dynamics in terms of a quantum Zeno subspace and identify the resultant atomic elastic collision in facilitating the deterministic entanglement creation. Our proposal can be readily implemented in several laboratories where ferromagnetic spinor condensates (of Rb-87 atoms) are investigated.
Transients in 2-Phase Synchronous Machines

The analytical study of 3-phase synchronous machines has been well covered by man authors,1,2,3,4 Not so much attention has been devoted to the 2-phase machine because much of the development of the methods of analysis occurred after the trend away from 2-phase systems was well established. Although the present use of 2-phase generators represents a small percentage of total generation, it is believed that there is some justification for analytical study of 2-phase machine performance. Such a study has value for the 2-phase systems now in use, and it has value in an analytical sense by showing how the relations developed for 3-phase generators may be adapted to generators with a different number of phases. The discussion in this paper is confined to L-connected, or quarter-phase machines with salient poles and without damper windings. It is limited to short-circuit or transient conditions. The inductances are defined and the relations expressing the variations of the several inductances of the windings are developed. The general fluxlinkage equations for all windings are determined in terms of stator and rotor currents. With this basis the operation of the machine under all possible short-circuit conditions is considered with the object of determining the transient and steady-state currents. The possible short-circuit conditions for the L-connected quarter-phase machine are the double line-to-neutral fault, the line-to-line fault, and the single line-to-neutral fault. The equations developed are compared with similar relations for 3-phase machines to show the similarities and the differences.
Improving the Capacity for Strategic Anticipation

Scholars such as Ansoff and Porter suggest that firms that align their business strategies with the requirements of the environment will perform better than firms that are not aligned. The challeng...
Isotopic composition of the Martian atmosphere

Results from the neutral mass spectrometer carried on the aeroshell of Viking 1 show evidence for NO in the upper atmosphere of Mars and indicate that the isotopic composition of carbon and oxygen is similar to that of Earth. Mars is enriched in ^(15)N relative to Earth by about 75 percent, a consequence of escape that implies an initial abundance of nitrogen equivalent to a partial pressure of at least 2 millibars. The initial abundance of oxygen present either as CO_2 or H_2O must be equivalent to an exchangeable atmospheric pressure of at least 2 bars in order to inhibit escape-related enrichment of ^(18)O.
Differential Regulation of Androgen Receptor by PIM-1 Kinases via Phosphorylation-dependent Recruitment of Distinct Ubiquitin E3 Ligases

Androgen receptor (AR) plays a pivotal role in prostate cancer. Regulation of AR transcriptional activity by post-translational modifications, such as phosphorylation by multiple kinases, is well documented. Here, we report that two PIM-1 kinase isoforms which are up-regulated during prostate cancer progression, namely PIM-1S and PIM-1L, modulate AR stability and transcriptional activity through differentially phosphorylating AR at serine 213 (Ser-213) and threonine 850 (Thr-850). Although both kinases are capable of interacting with and phosphorylating AR at Ser-213, only PIM-1L could phosphorylate Thr-850. We also showed that PIM-1S induced Ser-213 phosphorylation destabilizes AR by recruiting the ubiquitin E3 ligase Mdm2 and promotes AR degradation in a cell cycle-dependent manner, while PIM-1L-induced Thr-850 phosphorylation stabilizes AR by recruiting the ubiquitin E3 ligase RNF6 and promotes AR-mediated transcription under low-androgen conditions. Furthermore, both PIM-1 isoforms could promote prostate cancer cell growth under low-androgen conditions. Our data suggest that these kinases regulate AR stability and transcriptional activity through recruitment of different functional partners in a phosphorylation-dependent manner. As AR turnover has been previously shown to be critical for cell cycle progression in prostate cancer cells, PIM-1 kinase isoforms may promote prostate cancer cell growth, at least in part, through modulating AR activity via distinct mechanisms.
Magnetic X-Ray Circular Dichroism in Fe Co Pt Multilayers

Magnetic x-ray circular dichroism in x-ray absorption has been used to investigate the ternary multilayer system, Fe Co Pt. Samples were prepared by planar magnetron sputter deposition and carefully characterized, using a variety of techniques such as grazing-incidence and high-angle x-ray scattering, Auger depth profiling and cross-section transmission electron microscopy. As previously reported, the Fe9.5{Angstrom} Pt9.5{Angstrom} exhibits a large dichroism in the Fe 2p absorption. Interestingly while the Co9.5{Angstrom} Pt9.5{Angstrom} has no measurable dichroism, the Fe4.7{Angstrom} Co4.7{Angstrom} Pt9.5{Angstrom} sample has a dichroism at both the Fe 2p and Co 2p absorption edges. These and other results are compared to slab calculation predictions. Possible explanations are discussed.
Effect of carbon black structure on low‐strain conductivity of polypropylene and low‐density polyethylene composites

The influences of carbon black (CB) structure on the percolation threshold, mechanical properties, and strain-resistivity response of polymer composites are studied. Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polypropylene (PP) samples were blended with five different types of CB differing in structure. Relatively low strains were studied; the maximum strain was 10%. It was found that the CB concentration for maximum strain-sensitivity of the electrical conductivity is higher for low structure carbon blacks but is essentially independent of the CB structure for medium- to high-structure carbon blacks. However, the composite containing the largest particle size carbon black clearly showed the highest strain-sensitivity to electrical conduction. The mechanical properties and sensitivity of electrical resistivity to tensile strain of the filled composites examined in the study are also presented and discussed. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Acoustic modulation of immediate early gene expression in the auditory midbrain of female túngara frogs

To better understand the molecular consequences of auditory processing in frogs, we investigated the acoustic modulation of two immediate early genes (IEGs), egr-1 and fos, in the auditory midbrain of female tungara frogs. Since tungara frog egr-1 had already been identified, we first isolated a tungara-specific fos clone using degenerate PCR followed by Rapid Amplification of cDNA Ends. In order to examine the temporal kinetics of acoustically modulated IEG mRNA expression, we first acoustically isolated females collected from a mating chorus and analyzed the decline in IEG expression in the torus semicircularis (homolog of the inferior colliculus). We found that IEG mRNA levels declined rapidly and reached baseline within 2 h. Next, we presented females with a 30-min recording of a mating chorus and analyzed IEG expression following different survival times. We found that IEG expression increased within 15-30 min of sound presentation but, compared to other vertebrates, in the tungara frog it took longer to reach the highest and lowest mRNA levels in response to sound and isolation, respectively. We also found that acoustic stimulation of egr-1 and fos differed in the three subdivisions of the torus semicircularis, suggesting that, as in birds, the two genes could provide largely different information when used in IEG mapping studies. While our results confirm the generality of sensory-induced IEG expression in vertebrates, whether the longer time course of IEG expression that we observed represents a species difference in the mechanisms of IEG transcription awaits further study.