cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Role of the major histocompatibility complex class II transmembrane region in antigen presentation and intracellular trafficking

While a sorting signal in the cytoplasmic tail of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules is known to influence their endocytic transport, potential effects of the transmembrane (TM) domain of the MHC class II molecules on endocytic transport remain unclear. We have examined the role of the TM domain by comparing antigen-presenting functions of the wildtype (WT) I-Ab and mutant (MT) I-Ab molecule substituted in the beta-chain TM with alpha chain TM. A20 cells transfected with WT I-Ab were able to present antigen (hen egg lysozyme) better to some hybridomas, while those transfected with MT I-Ab consistently outperformed WT for other hybridomas recognizing different epitopes. This difference in antigen processing and presentation is not caused by the differences in H-2M (DM) requirement or association with Ii. The time required for processing of specific epitopes appears to be different, suggesting sequential involvement of various endocytic compartments in the antigen processing. Although both WT and MT molecules were found in the early endocytic (transferrin receptor-rich) compartments, MT molecules accumulated in these compartments in higher quantities for longer time periods. Similarly, the MT molecule is retained for a longer time period than WT in late endocytic (LAMP-1 associated) compartments. Together, our data indicate an important role of the TM domain of the MHC class II molecules in the intracellular trafficking and, consequently, antigen processing and presentation.
An Earth system model of intermediate complexity: Simulation of the role of ocean mixing parameterizations and climate change in estimated uptake for natural and bomb radiocarbon and anthropogenic CO2

[1] We examine the sensitivity of simultaneous simulation of climate, natural 14C, bomb 14C, and anthropogenic CO2 uptake to the choice of three different ocean mixing schemes: horizontal/vertical mixing (HV), isopycnal mixing (ISO), and Gent-McWilliams mixing (GM) using an Earth system model of intermediate complexity, Integrated Science Assessment Model-2.5D (ISAM-2.5D). Our modeling results suggest that the HV scheme greatly underestimates the observed values of natural 14C in the deep ocean, while the ISO and GM schemes yield more realistic results by simulating increased amounts of natural 14C values through enhanced vertical diffusion and deep water formation. The GM scheme further improves the ISO-based natural 14C distribution in the Southern Ocean and the deep Pacific and Indian oceans through a more realistic simulation of the Southern Ocean circulation. The model simulated global uptake of anthropogenic CO2 for the 1980s ranges between 1.8 and 2.3 PgC/yr, largely consistent with data-based estimates and OGCM results. The ISAM-2.5D simulated oceanic uptake of 14C and CO2 is highest for the ISO scheme and lowest for the HV scheme, with the largest discrepancies occurring among different mixing schemes found in the Southern Ocean. However, no single mixing scheme is more successful than the others in simulating GEOSECS-measured uptake of bomb 14C and anthropogenic CO2 for various ocean basins. Climate change is found to reduce CO2 uptake by 7–9% and 6–8% for the 1980s and over the period 1765–1990, mainly as a result of decreased CO2 solubility associated with increased sea surface temperatures. However, the effect of climate change on bomb 14C uptake is negligible.
The direct-indirect transition in In1−xGaxP

Abstract Data (300°K) are presented on laser quality liquid phase epitaxial (LPE) In 1− x Ga x P , grown on lattice-matched {100} GaAs 1− y P y substrates, confirming a theoretical account presented by Altarelli that the direct-indirect transition occurs at x c ≈ 0.74. Photoluminescence data show that crystals ranging in composition from x = 0.52 to x = 0.70, all of which operate as lasers at 77°K, exhibit the same decrease in luminescence intensity from 77 to 300°K, indicating that x c > 0.70 at 300°K. The steep I–V characteristics (at 77 and 300°K) of Zn-diffused diodes prepared on crystals of composition x = 0.70 in contrast to the significantly more resistive behavior of x = 0.74 crystals is consistent also with the assignment x c > 0.70. The Λ band edge (300°K), determined by the photoluminescence data points, intersects the X band edge (300°K) at x c ≈ 0.74. A discussion, in terms of the problems inherent in In 1− x Ga x P crystals growth and quality, is presented to reconcile the difference in the crossover value ( x c ≈ 0.74) reported here on laser crystals and the lower value ( x c ≈ 0.63) of some other recent reports.
1141249685 MyD88‐positive ovarian cancer cells regulate monocyte migration and differentiation

Background: The presence of immune infiltrate in tumor sites has been thought to represent an immune response against the tumor. However, new evidences indicate that these immune cells may be supporting tumor growth rather than inhibiting it. Previously, we described a sub-group of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) cells that express TLR-4 and MyD88 and produce several cytokines and chemokines. We hypothesize that EOC cells could recruit immune cells and induce their differentiation toward tumor-supporting immune cells. The objective of this study is to determine the consequence of an activated TLR-4-MyD88 signaling pathway on migration and differentiation of the monocyte-like THP-1 cells. Materials and Methods: R182 (MyD88-positive) and CP70 (MyD88-negative) EOC cells were incubated in the presence or absence of 10 μg/mL LPS for 48 hr and cell-free conditioned media (CM) was prepared. THP-1 cells were incubated in 50% CM for 24 hr. Cytokine profile (IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, MIF, MCP-1, GROα, RANTES, IFNγ, and TNFα) of cell-free supernatants and THP-1 lysates was characterized using Beadlyte Human Multicytokine kit and xMAP technology. Migration assay was performed using QCM 24-well Colorimetric Cell Migration Assay kit. Results: THP-1 cells migrate towards R182- and CP70-CM equally. However, enhanced migration was observed towards CM from LPS-treated-R182 (45%) than towards CM from LPS-treated CP70 (9%). When incubated with CM from LPS-treated-R182, THP-1 cells express a cytokine profile characteristic of M2 macrophages (high levels of MCP-1, MIF and IL-6). This was not observed when THP-1 was incubated with LPS alone or with CM from LPS-treated–CP70. Conclusion: In the present study we demonstrate that EOC cells have the capacity to attract THP-1 cells. Furthermore, we demonstrate that MyD88+ EOC cells are able to differentiate THP-1 cells into growth-promoting macrophages and establish a pro-tumor environment that can induce cancer cell proliferation. Our data suggest that cancer cells have the ability to attract and ‘educate’ immune cells to support its growth.
Reduced high-affinity α1-adrenoceptors in liver of senescent rats: implications of assessment at various temperatures

1. We investigated the changes occurring as a result of aging in alpha 1-adrenoceptors in the livers of Fisher 344 females rats. For comparison, we also measured beta-adrenoceptors in this tissue. Three age groups were studied, including young adults (aged 6 months), mature adults (aged 16 months) and senescent animals (aged 25 months). 2. The density of alpha 1-receptors was measured by use of [3H]-prazosin and was found to be reduced 39% (P less than 0.01) at 25 months compared with 6 months. The percentage of alpha 1-receptors displaying high affinity for adrenaline was also reduced from 85.6% at 6 months to 51.6% at 25 months (P less than 0.02). 3. In contrast, the density of beta-receptors, which was measured with [125I]-iodocyanopindolol, was increased 104% between 6 months and 25 months. The affinity of both alpha 1- and beta-adrenoceptors for antagonists was unchanged with age. 4. We found that receptor affinity for agonists may be measured accurately in binding studies conducted at 4 degrees C or 25 degrees C, but that the apparent affinity for agonist was artifactually reduced in studies conducted at 37 degrees C. This effect is poorly reversible, in that reduced agonist-affinity is also observed in tissue which has been incubated at 37 degrees C and then cooled to 4 degrees C before performing the binding studies. 5. It is concluded that liver alpha 1-adrenoceptor function is reduced and beta-adrenoceptor function increased in senescence.
A novel method for reducing harmonics in series-connected rectifiers

A novel method for reducing harmonics in series-connected converters is proposed in this paper. Pulse multiplication for parallel-connected converters is usually easier to achieve because of the interphase transformer, which is absent in the series-connected converters. The proposed method in this paper adopts an averaging inductor to the series-connected converters and thus simplifies the pulse multiplication circuit greatly. The principle of this method is demonstrated by a three-thyristor switching circuit scheme, which can make a 12-pulse double bridge converter to operate at 36 pulses. Simulation results reinforce the theoretical work. Only slight changes are needed for the proposed method to reach higher pulse operations. This makes this method even more attractive when high-pulse operation is desired. The configurations of two-thyristor and four-thyristor switching schemes are also given.
SPECTRAL IMAGING AND ANALYSIS TO YIELD TISSUE OPTICAL PROPERTIES

An introduction to the basics of spectral imaging as applied to biological tissues is presented. An example of a spectral image of a face is used to demonstrate the data and spectral analysis that specify the melanin content (M), blood content (B), tissue oxygen saturation (S), water content (W), fraction of scattering due to Rayleigh scattering (f) and due to Mie scattering (1 - f), and the reduced scattering coefficient at 500-nm wavelength (μ′s 500 nm). The sensitivity of reflectance spectra to variation in the various parameters is illustrated.
Bowtie factors of Toeplitz matrices by means of split algorithms

The bowtie factorization of a Toeplitz correlation matrix R and its inverse is introduced. The term bowtie describes the pattern of the factoring matrices. Several mathematical properties of bowtie matrices are described, including their close relation with block triangular matrices. The bowtie factors of the inverse R can be computed using a vector version of the split Levinson algorithm, restricted to orders with the same parity as n, the dimension of R. The bowtie factors of R can be computed using split vector versions of the Schur algorithm. The orthogonal factorization of the underlying data matrix Y can also be computed by the split versions of the lattice algorithm, producing a bowtie orthogonal factor of Y. >
Iron Causes Interactions of TAK1, p21ras, and Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase in Caveolae to Activate IκB Kinase in Hepatic Macrophages

We recently discovered a novel signaling phenomenon involving a rapid and transient rise in intracellular low molecular weight iron complex(es) in activation of IkappaB kinase (IKK) in hepatic macrophages. We also showed direct treatment with ferrous iron substitutes for this event to activate IKK. The present study used this model to identify upstream kinases responsible for IKK activation. IKK activation induced by iron is abrogated by overexpression of a dominant negative mutant (DN) for transforming growth factor beta-activated kinase-1 (TAK1), NF-kappaB-inducing kinase, or phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and by treatment with the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) kinase-1 (MEK1) inhibitor. Iron increases AKT phosphorylation that is prevented by DNTAK1 or DNp21ras. Iron causes ERK1/2 phosphorylation that is attenuated by DN-PI3K, prevented by DNp21ras, but unaffected by DNTAK1. Iron-induced TAK1 activity is not affected by the PI3K or MEK1 inhibitor, suggesting TAK1 is upstream of PI3K and MEK1. Iron increases interactions of TAK1 and PI3K with p21ras as demonstrated by co-immunoprecipitation and co-localization of these proteins with caveolin-1 as shown by immunofluorescent microscopy. Finally, filipin III, a caveolae inhibitor, abrogates iron-induced TAK1 and IKK activation. In conclusion, MEK1, TAK1, NF-kappa-inducing kinase, and PI3K are required for iron-induced IKK activation in hepatic macrophages and TAK1, PI3K, and p21ras physically interact in caveolae to initiate signal transduction.
A zyxin head–tail interaction regulates zyxin–VASP complex formation

Abstract Zyxin is an adhesion protein that regulates actin assembly by binding to VASP family members through N-terminal proline-rich motifs. Evidence suggests that zyxin’s C-terminal LIM domains function as a negative regulator of zyxin–VASP complexes. Zyxin LIM domains access to binding partners is negatively regulated by an unknown mechanism. One possibility is that zyxin LIM domains mediate a head–tail interaction, blocking interactions with other proteins. Such a mechanism might prevent both zyxin–VASP complexes activity and LIM domain access. In this report, the effect of LIM domains on zyxin–VASP complex assembly is defined. We find that zyxin LIM domains associate with zyxin’s VASP binding sites, preventing zyxin from binding to PKA-phosphorylated VASP. Unphosphorylated VASP overcomes the head–tail interaction, a result of a direct interaction with the LIM domain region. Zyxin, like a growing number of actin regulators, is controlled by intramolecular interactions.
Evaluation of Forages in the Laboratory. II. Simplified Artificial Rumen Procedure for Obtaining Repeatable Estimates of Forage Nutritive Value

Summary The usual artificial rumen procedure has been simplified and adapted to give repeatable estimates of forage nutritive value. A 1-g sample of the ground forage was fermented in a 125-ml Erlenmeyer flask containing 30ml of McDougall's artificial sheep saliva adjusted to pH 6.7 and 25ml of strained rumen fluid obtained from a fistulated cow fed and managed in a standardized manner. Immediately after the addition of all contents the flask was flushed with CO 2 , capped with a Bunsen valve, and incubated at 39C for 24 hr. The per cent forage cellulose digested in this manner was significantly correlated with TDN, DDM, DE (calories per gram), and the digestion coefficient of energy determined in conventional animal digestibility trials. The artificial rumen method and prediction equation given in this paper yielded DE estimates on 19 forages which, when compared with the animal DE values, showed a coefficient of variation of 5.2%. The inclusion of a standard forage in each trial allowed adjustments to be made so that cellulose digestion obtained on two different days had a coefficient of variation of only 1.59%. It was found that the crude protein and digestible protein content of hays are highly correlated (r = 0.999) and that the latter could be estimated from the former with a resultant standard error of 0.25 and coefficient of variation of 2.26%.
Suppression of multiferroic order in hexagonal YMn1−xInxO3 ceramics

Abstract We have investigated the effects of substituting In for Mn on the antiferromagnetic phase transition in Y MnO3 using magnetic, dielectric, and specific heat measurements. We prepared a set of isostructural phase pure hexagonal Y Mn1−xInxO3 samples having x = 0 to x = 0.9 , which exhibit a systematic decrease of the antiferromagnetic ordering temperature with increasing In content. The multiferroic phase, which develops below T N , appears to be completely suppressed for x ≥ 0.5 in the temperature range investigated, which can be attributed solely to the dilution of magnetic interactions as the crystal structure remains hexagonal. Similarly to previous reports, we find an enhancement of the magnetocapacitive coupling on dilution with non-magnetic ions.
Index sets related to prompt simplicity

Abstract The notion of prompt simplicity is of current interest in recursive function theory. In this paper, we obtain classifications in the arithmetical hierarchy of the index sets corresponding to the promptly simple sets and the sets of promptly simple degree.
Model‐based performance assessment

(1997). Model‐based performance assessment. Theory Into Practice: Vol. 36, New Directions in Student Assessment, pp. 247-254.
Proliferative inhibition of human breast carcinoma cells by high concentration estradiol does not alter radiosensitivity.

The proliferation of ER+ malignant mammary epithelial cells (MMEC), MCF-7 and T-47D, was markedly inhibited by 10µM 17β-estradiol (E2), while the ER− line, MDA-MB-231, was minimally affected. This concentration of E2 did not alter the proportion of non-viable cells or the plating efficiency. The decrease in proliferation was not associated with any consistent alteration in the cell kinetic profile between lines, though there was clearly no dominant cell cycle re-assortment after a two day incubation. Colony forming ability after exposure to ionizing irradiation was compared for proliferating and confluent MMEC to cells incubated in 10µM E2 for two days. The presence of E2 resulted in no significant differences for any of the linear quadratic curve fitting parameters or for mean inactivation doses for both subconfluent and confluent cultures. Further, 10µM E2 had no effect on the ability of cells to recover from split radiation fractions. There were no differences in the amount of DNA single strand break induction with E2, but there was a significant shortening in the repair halftime with E2 for the ER− MDA-MB-231 cells. Though high concentrations of E2 can markedly inhibit the proliferation of ER+ MMEC, this does not alter sensitivity to ionizing irradiation.
Reducing the Cobalt Inventory in Light Water Reactors

Reducing the cobalt content of materials used in nuclear power plants is one approach to controlling the radiation fields responsible for occupational radiation exposure; corrosion of steam generator tubing is the primary source in pressurized water reactors (PWRs). Wear of the cobalt-base alloys used to hardface valves (especially feedwater regulator valves) and as pins and rollers in control blades are the primary boiling water reactor (BWR) sources. Routine valve maintenance can also be a significant source of cobalt. Wear, mechanical property, and corrosion measurements led to the selection of Nitronic-60/CFA and PH 13-8 Mo/Inconel X-750 as low-cobalt alloys for use as pin/roller combinations. These alloys are currently being tested in two commercial BWRs. Measurements show that Type 440C stainless steel wears less than the cobalt-base alloys in BWR feedwater regulator valves. Sliding wear tests performed at room temperature in simulated PWR water showed that Colmonoy 74 and 84, Deloro 40, and Vertx 4776 are attractive low-cobalt hardfacing alloys if the applied loads are less than or equal to103 MPa. The cobalt-base alloys performed best at high loads (207 MPa). Ongoing laboratory studies address the development and evaluation of cobalt-free iron-base hardfacing alloys and seek to improve the wear resistance ofmore » cobalt-base alloys by using lasers. Reducing cobalt impurity levels in core components that are periodically discharged should also help reduce radiation fields and disposal costs.« less
A new beginning, a fond farewell

I am writing this column in my last month as President of ACM. It's been a great opportunity to support the Association's many successful programs and to expand and firmly establish new directions. Much has been accomplished, much remains to be done.
Modelling cardiac fluid dynamics and diastolic function

Two complementary mathematical modelling approaches are covered. They contrast the degree of mathematical and computational sophistication that can be applied to cardiovascular physiology problems and they highlight the differences between a fluid dynamic versus kinematic (lumped parameter) approach. McQueen & Peskin model cardiovascular tissue as being incompressible, having essentially uniform mass density, and apply a modified form of the Navier–Stokes equations to the four chambered heart and great vessels. Using a supercomputer their solution provides fluid, wall and valve motion as a function of space and time. Their computed results are consistent with flow attributes observed in vivo via cardiac MRI. Kovacs focuses on the physiology of diastole. The suction pump attribute of the filling ventricle is modelled as a damped harmonic oscillator. The model predicts transmitral flow–velocity as a function of time. Using the contour of the clinical Doppler echocardiographic Eand A–wave as input, unique solution of Newton9s Law allows solution of the ‘inverse problem’ of diastole. The model quantifies diastolic function in terms of model parameters accounting for (lumped) chamber stiffness, chamber viscoelasticity and filling volume. The model permits derivation of novel (thermodynamic) indexes of diastolic function, facilitates non–invasive quantitation of diastolic function and can predict ‘new’ physiology from first principles.
An overview of the theory of hydrocodes

Abstract Hydrocodes are large computer programs that can be used to simulate numerically highly dynamic events, particularly those which include shocks. Lagrangian and Eulerian descriptions are reviewed, and advantages and disadvantages are summarized. The question of how to best represent the continuum equations on a finite computer is answered by summarizing the topics of accuracy and stability. The concept of artificial viscosity is introduced to permit the continuum code to deal with the discontinuities of shocks. Finally, a review of the treatment of materials, i.e., equation of state and constitutive response, including failure, is presented.
UPTAKE OF METAL IONS BY A NEW CHELATING ION EXCHANGE RESIN. PART 3: PROTONATION CONSTANTS VIA POTENTIOMETRIC TITRATION AND SOLID STATE 31P NMR SPECTROSCOPY

Abstract A new chelating ion exchange resin which incorporates methylenediphosphonate, carboxylate, and sulfonate functional groups in a polystyrene-divinylbenzene matrix has been prepared. This resin exhibits exceptionally high affinity for polyvalent cations even from moderately acidic aqueous media. Metal ion coordination occurs primarily at the diphosphonate group with the secondary binding sites contributing to charge neutralization when necessary and possible, and to increasing hydrophilicity of the resin pores. In the present investigation, the protonation equilibria of the phosphonate groups in the resin are investigated via potentiometric titration and solid-state 31P NMR spectroscopy of the resin. Intrinsic equilibrium constants for the first two diphosphonate protonation reactions are pk47equal; 10.47 and pK3 = 7.24. The last two protons added to the diphosphonate group are acidic having pKa values less than 2.5. These protonation constants are consistent with those reported previously for mono...
Compositing. 1. Theory

Associating a pixel's color with its opacity is the basis for a compositing function that is simple, elegant, and general. However, there are more reasons than mere prettiness to store pixels this way. One of the most important anti-aliening tools in computer graphics comes from a generalization of the simple act of storing a pixel into a frame buffer. Several people simultaneously discovered the usefulness of this operation, so it goes by several names: matting, image compositing, alpha blending, overlaying, or lerping. It was most completely codified in a previous paper by Porter and Duff (1984), where they call it the over operator. The author shows a new way to derive the over operator and describes some implementation details that he has found useful. >
Capturing structure and function in an embryonic heart with biophotonic tools

Disturbed cardiac function (flow, excitation, contraction, calcium transients) at an early stage of development has been shown to correlate with and may lead to cellular/molecular, functional and structural cardiac anomalies at later stages culminating in the congenital heart defects (CHDs) that present at birth. It is not surprising that cardiac function, which drives embryonic and extraembryonic circulation, is also connected to neural and placental development. While our knowledge of molecular and cellular steps in cardiac development is growing rapidly, our understanding of the role of cardiovascular function in the embryo is still rudimentary. One reason for the scanty information in this area is that the tools to study early cardiac function are limited. Recently developed and adapted Biophotonic tools may overcome the challenges of studying the tiny fragile beating heart. In this chapter, the strengths and limitations of Biophotonic tools will be described with emphasis on Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). OCT can be used for detailed structural and functional studies of the tubular and looping avian embryo heart under physiological conditions. The same hearts can be subsequently rapidly and quantitatively phenotyped at a later stage using OCT. When combined with other tools such as Optimal Mapping (OM) and Optical Pacing (OP), OCT has the potential to reveal in spatial and temporal detail the biophysical changes that can potentially impact mechanotransduction pathways. This information may provide better explanations for the etiology of the CHDs when interwoven with our understanding of the multiple molecular pathways that have been described to be involved. Examples of application of these tools to study the etiology of CHDs are presented. Directions for future directions and advances in the use of Biophotonic tools are discussed.
Spectroscopic Analysis of Dried Manures. Near- versus Mid-Infrared Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy for the Analysis of Dried Dairy Manures:

The objective was to examine and compare the ability of near- and mid-infrared diffuse reflectance spectroscopy to determine the composition of dried dairy manures. Samples (n = 99) were dried at 60°C, ground and scanned in the near-infrared in a rotating sample cup on a Foss-NIRSystems model 6500 scanning monochromator, and in the mid-infrared on a Digilab FTS60 Fourier transform spectrometer using a custom-made sample transport device. While near-infrared calibrations for various measures of fibre composition (neutral detergent fibre etc.) were found to be possible, the results were generally less accurate than found for similar determinations in forages. Results based on mid-infrared spectra were sometimes better, and sometimes worse then near-infrared results, but again were not as accurate as found with forages. Overall, a clear advantage was not demonstrated for either region. Examination of the composition of the dried manures indicated that high ash contents (8-52% of dry matter) might be the cause for the decrease in calibration accuracy. However, a comparison of calibrations based on dry matter to those based on an ash-free basis showed no clear advantage for either means of computation. Accurate determination of minerals such as K or P was not possible using either spectral range (calibrations for K may be useful for gross segregation). In conclusion, while near- and mid-infrared calibrations appear feasible for determining the composition of dried dairy manures, better reference methods appear to be needed.
Cultural beliefs and attitudes of Black and Hispanic college-age women toward exercise.

The purpose of this study was to examine the cultural knowledge that informs exercise behaviors among Black and Hispanic college-age women. Focus groups were conducted among 26 Black or Hispanic female college students. Questions were based on constructs from social cognitive theory. Data were analyzed using content analysis. Latinas were found to be more likely to view vigorous exercise as “unfeminine” and cited family responsibilities as barriers. Black women enjoyed the competition and camaraderie of exercise, but felt pressure to conform to White standards of beauty. There appear to be distinct differences in the cultural beliefs that inform exercise behaviors among these women.
Designing and using integrated data collection and analysis tools: challenges and considerations

Abstract This paper describes the design and evolution of mi integrated set of computer-aided usability engineering (CAUSE) tools for data collection and analysis. The tools were designed to collect and analyse observational, video, and system event data in both the usability laboratory and in the field. Three generations of tools are described and the problems with each generation are discussed. Solutions to the problems arc presented, where available. Conclusions about the strengths and weaknesses of particular types of data, CAUSE tool design, and the importance of multiple data sources are drawn. An agenda for future work is also outlined.
Joint Trajectories of Smoking and Depressive Mood: Associations With Later Low Perceived Self-Control and Low Well-Being

This longitudinal study examines comorbid trajectories of cigarette smoking and depressive mood from adolescence to adulthood and its association with low perceived self-control and low well-being in adulthood. Participants (N = 607) were interviewed at 6 time waves. Growth mixture modeling (GMM) determined membership in joint trajectory groups of comorbid smoking and depressive mood ranging from mean age 14 to mean age 32 years. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the associations between earlier trajectory group memberships and low perceived self-control and low well-being in adulthood. Trajectory groups characterized by earlier, comorbid chronic/heavy smoking and chronic/high depressive mood were most at risk for low perceived self-control and low well-being in adulthood. Counseling for adolescents and young adults with low perceived self-control and low well-being should address smoking and depressive mood. Interventions to reduce smoking and depressive mood may result in increased sel...
“counting” by pigeons: Discrimination of the number of biologically relevant sequential events

Numerical competence has been studied in animals under a variety of conditions, but only a few experiments have reported animals’ ability to detect absolute number. Capaldi and Miller (1988) tested rats’ ability to detect absolute number by using biologically important events—the number of reinforced runs followed by a nonreinforced run—and found that the rats ran significantly slower on the nonreinforced run. In the present experiments, we used a similar procedure. Pigeons were given a sequence of trials in which responding on the first three trials ended in reinforcement but responding on the fourth trial did not (RRRN). When the response requirement on each trial was a single peck (Experiment 1), we found no significant increase in latency to peck on the fourth trial. When the response requirement was increased to 10 pecks (Experiment 2), however, the time to complete the peck requirement was significantly longer on the nonreinforced trial than on the reinforced trials. Tests for control by time, number of responses, and amount of food consumed indicated that the pigeons were using primarily the number of reinforcements obtained in each sequence as a cue for nonreinforcement. This procedure represents a sensitive and efficient method for studying numerical competence in animals.
Erratum to “Biomechanical analysis of differing pedicle screw insertion angles” [Clinical Biomechanics 22 (2007) 385–391]

Erratum Erratum to ‘‘Biomechanical analysis of differing pedicle screw insertion angles” [Clinical Biomechanics 22 (2007) 385–391] William Sterba , Do-Gyoon Kim *, David P. Fyhrie , Yener N. Yeni , Rahul Vaidya a Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Henry Ford Hospital, 2799 West Grand Blvd, Detroit, MI 48202, USA Orthopaedic Research Laboratories, UC Davis, School of Medicine, 4635 Second Avenue, Room 2000, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
EERAID: energy efficient redundant and inexpensive disk array

Recent research works have been presented on conserving energy for multi-disk systems either at a single disk drive level or at a storage system level and thereby having certain limitations. This paper studies several new redundancy-based, power-aware, I/O request scheduling and cache management policies at the RAID controller level to build energy-efficient RAID systems, by exploiting the redundant information and destage issues of the array for two popular RAID levels, RAID 1 and RAID 5. For RAID 1, we develop a Windowed Round Robin (WRR) request scheduling policy; for RAID 5, we introduce a N-chance Power Aware cache replacement algorithm (NPA) for writes and a Power-Directed, Transformable (PDT) request scheduling policy for reads. Trace-driven simulation proves EERAID saves much more energy than legacy RAIDs and existing solutions.
Raphe unit activity in freely moving cats: Effects of phasic auditory and visual stimuli

The effects of phasic auditory or visual stimuli upon the single unit activity of serotonergic neurons within the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) were studied in freely moving cats. The predominant response to auditory stimulation (86% of the cells) was excitation, with a mean latency of 40 +/- 3 ms (S.E.M.) and a mean duration of 64 +/- 4 ms. This was typically followed by a longer period (206 +/- 32 ms) with unit activity below the baseline level. This did not appear to be a stimulus-induced inhibition of unit activity, however, since its duration closely corresponded to the normal interspike interval for that particular neuron. The response to repetitive auditory stimulation showed no evidence of habituation and was even present during sleep. A similar response, although generally of lesser magnitude, was evoked by a phasic visual stimulation in 64% of the cells tested. The mean latency for the response to visual stimulation was 53 +/- 4 ms, the mean duration of excitation was 76 +/- 7 ms, and the mean duration of the subsequent suppressed period was 239 +/- 37 ms. The response to the visual stimulus also showed no evidence of habituation. These data indicate that serotonergic neurons of the DRN are driven, with similar temporal characteristics, by stimuli in two different sensory modalities. We hypothesize that these similar effects are attributable to a common excitatory input.
Techniques for integrating qualitative reasoning and symbolic computation in engineering optimization

This paper presents techniques that extend theories from the fields of artificial intelligence (AI) and engineering optimization for automating design decision making at three levels of reasoning: qualitative, functional, and numerical. Qualitative reasoning about constraint activity is implemented in SYMON (SYmbolic MONotonicity analyzer) through monotonicity analysis and the maximal activity principle. Functional reasoning is employed in SYMFUNE (SYMbolic FUNclional Evaluator) in the form of algebraic manipulations of the constraint functions and the Karush-Kuhn-Tucker optimality conditions. The techniques are applied to a parametric multiobjective optimal design problem from the literature
The association between social networks and colorectal cancer screening in American males and females: data from the 2005 Health Information National Trends Survey.

We sought to explore the relationship between social networks and colorectal cancer (CRC) screening among males and females. We examined 960 men and 1,947 women aged 50 years or older who participated in the 2005 Health Information National Trends Survey. Bivariate analysis showed that lower levels of social integration were associated with a lower likelihood of CRC screening for both genders. After controlling for sociodemographic variables, the level of social integration remained independently associated with CRC screening. The link between each component of social networks and CRC screening was also examined. Among men, those who did not have friends/family to talk to about their health were less likely to be screened (OR 0.48, 95% CI: 0.30–0.77). Among women, those who were unmarried (OR 0.67, 95% CI: 0.41–0.93), those who did not have friends/family to talk to about their health (OR 0.62, 95% CI: 0.43–0.77), and those who were not a member of any community organizations (OR 0.58, 95% CI: 0.43–0.90) were less likely to be screened. For both men and women, individuals who were socially isolated were less likely to get CRC screening compared with individuals who were less isolated. The observed gender differences indicate the need for investigation of the social context and the meaning of elements of social networks in men and women.
Universal quantum computation with two-level trapped ions

Although the initial proposal for ion trap quantum computation made use of an auxiliary internal level to perform logic between ions, this resource is not necessary in principle. Instead, one may perform such operations directly using sideband laser pulses, operating with an arbitrary (sufficiently small) Lamb-Dicke parameter. We explore the potential of this technique, showing how to perform logical operations between the internal state of an ion and the collective motional state and giving explicit constructions for a controlled-not gate between ions.
Allophycocyanin B (lambdamax 671, 618 nm): a new cyanobacterial phycobiliprotein.

A hitherto undescribed red fluorescent phycobiliprotein (maximum emission at ∼ 680 nm), characterized by long wavelength absorption maxima in the visible region at 671 nm (e=172000 M−1·cm−1 per monomer of mol. wt. 30600) and 618 nm, has been purified to homogeneity from a unicellular cyanobacterium, Synechococcus sp., and from a filamentous cyanobacterium, Anabaena variabilis. The name allophycocyanin B has been proposed for the new protein.
Gravitating toward science: Parent–child interactions at a gravitational‐wave observatory

This research examined the nature of parent–child conversations at an informal science education center housed in an active gravitational-wave observatory. Each of 20 parent–child dyads explored an interactive exhibit hall privately, without the distraction of other visitors. Parents employed a variety of strategies to support their children's understanding of unfamiliar topics, including describing evidence, giving direction, providing explanation, making connections, and eliciting predictions. Parents' education was associated with both the amount of time dyads spent exploring exhibits and the proportion of exhibits at which parents made connections to prior experiences. Parents' attitudes toward science were likewise associated with the proportion of exhibits visited. Parent–child dyads spent more time at exhibits that encouraged Active Prolonged Engagement (APE). Parents elicited predictions more often at APE exhibits, and children described evidence and gave direction more often at APE exhibits. Thus, both participant characteristics and exhibit qualities were found to contribute to parent–child interactions in an informal science setting. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci Ed93:846–858, 2009
Effects of Brook Trout Predation on a Crayfish Population

Abstract A study was made of the effect of trout predation upon the crayfish population of a marl lake. The study provided a measurement of the efficiency of energy transfer between trophic levels in the lake and the assessment of the relative importance of fish predation as an interspecies interaction. Trout fed only on crayfish less than one year old. Only trout greater than 229 mm in length fed extensively on crayfish. Trout predation accounted for the removal of less than 3% of the population of age-0.0 to 0.5-year crayfish during the period from June to January, and 16% of the population of age-0.5 to 1.0 crayfish from January to May. Crayfish were an important part of the trout diet in midwinter and late summer. Age-0 crayfish which were much larger in midwinter than in summer constituted a greater percentage of the fish diet at these times. On an annual basis trout utilized only 2.9% of the total net production and only 4.2% of the available net production of crayfish biomass in the lake. Substitut...
Optically interconnected multicomputers using inverted-graph topologies

To successfully exploit the benefits of optical technology in a tightly coupled multicomputer, the architectural design must reflect both the advantages and limitations of optics. This article describes a class of such architectures, based upon inverted-graph topologies. We consider the physical construction of these systems, demonstrating the relevant technological components necessary to manufacture a working system. We then consider sample inverted-hypercube and inverted-mesh topologies, illustrating their properties, including processor labeling, topological embeddings, and message-routing algorithms. >
Grain size and texture effects on deformation behavior of AZ31 magnesium alloy

Abstract Cold rolled AZ31 magnesium alloy sheet was subjected to friction stir processing to generate four average grain sizes ranging from 0.8 to 9.6 μm. The processed material exhibited a strong basal fiber texture with the c -axis tilted about 35–55° towards the processing direction. The grain size and texture dependence of mechanical behavior were evaluated by using tensile testing along two orthogonal directions. Remarkably high ductility of ∼65% was achieved in relatively coarse grained material that fractured without developing necking when tested in the processing direction. The ductility decreased significantly to ∼10% for ultrafine grained material as the tensile yield strength increased from ∼53 MPa to ∼180 MPa. Grain size had limited influence on ductility of processed material tested in transverse direction, but reduced the uniform elongation to ∼2% for ultrafine grained material which exhibited ∼320 MPa yield strength. Accompanying the significant anisotropy in tensile strength in two directions, the deformation of processed AZ31 in the processing direction was mainly accommodated through basal slip and extension twinning (except for ultrafine grained material); however, the deformation of material in transverse direction was dominated by non-basal slip. Influences of grain size and texture on mechanical behavior were studied in terms of work-hardening and deformation mechanisms.
Negotiating Multiple Identities: How African-American Gay and Bisexual Men Persist at a Predominantly White Institution

This consensual qualitative research (CQR) study explores factors contributing to the persistence of African-American gay and bisexual men at a predominately White institution (PWI). Eight participants consistently noted that involvement with an African-American community was crucial to navigating the challenges of attending a PWI. Participants reported that their racial identity was more salient than their sexual orientation in creating social support, and they described feeling uncomfortable using lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) resources. Implications, including education about sexual orientation within African-American campus communities, LGBT outreach to communities of color, and continued institutional support for African-American campus organizations, are discussed.
Preclinical cardiac safety assessment of drugs.

The heart is a frequent site of toxicity of pharmaceutical compounds in humans, and when developing a new drug it is critical to conduct a thorough preclinical evaluation of its possible adverse effects on cardiac structure and function. Changes in cardiac morphology such as myocardial necrosis, hypertrophy or valvulopathy are assessed in regulatory toxicity studies in laboratory animals, although specific models may be needed for a more accurate detection of the risk. The potential proarrhythmic risk of new drugs is a major subject of concern and needs to be fully addressed before treatment of volunteers or patients takes place. In vitro assays are conducted to determine the effects on cardiac ion channels, in particular IKr potassium channel antagonism. Prolongation of the QT interval is assessed in vivo, generally in telemetered dogs. Together, these two tests are considered to detect most arrhythmic drugs. The results of this core battery can be refined by additional studies, in particular assays on isolated cardiac tissues determining changes in cardiac action potential duration, shape and variability over time. Triggering of arrhythmia is assessed in hypokalaemic dogs with artificially created bradycardia, or in vitro in isolated whole hearts. The proarrhythmic risk of the new compound is then evaluated by integrating the results of these different tests. Drug adverse effects on cardiac electrophysiological function, in particular impulse formation and conduction, are evaluated through changes in ECG, generally recorded in dogs, pigs or monkeys. Changes in cardiac contractility occurring either as a primary effect of the drug on cardiac function or as a consequence of cardiac lesions should also be carefully assessed. In telemetered or anaesthetised animals, cardiac contractility is evaluated by measurement of left ventricular pressure and its first derivative over time. Echocardiography allows non-invasive measurement of drug-induced changes in ventricular wall movements and cardiac haemodynamics indicative of effects on contractility.
Blood Lead Concentrations < 10 μg/dL and Child Intelligence at 6 Years of Age

Cohort studies of children during the 1980s in North America, Europe, and Australia documented that blood lead concentrations of at least 10 μg/dL are inversely associated with cognitive test scores in children (Needleman and Gatsonis 1990; Pocock et al. 1994; Schwartz 1994). These findings led to the 1991 revision of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) definition of an elevated blood lead concentration, which was lowered from 25 to 10 μg/dL (CDC 1991). Accumulating evidence since 1991 suggests that children’s intellectual ability is adversely affected at blood lead concentrations < 10 μg/dL (Bellinger and Needleman 2003; Canfield et al. 2003a, 2004; Chiodo et al. 2004; Lanphear et al. 2000, 2005; Schnaas et al. 2006; Schwartz 1994; Surkan et al. 2007; Tellez-Rojo et al. 2006). To examine some of this evidence in detail, a working group (Weitzman et al. 2004) was convened by the CDC, and the fifth revision of the CDC’s Preventing Lead Poisoning in Young Children was issued in 2005 (CDC 2005b). The working group concluded that the “overall weight of evidence supports an inverse association between blood lead levels < 10 μg/dL and the cognitive function of children,” with the caveat that the available data were limited by the small number of “directly relevant cohort studies”—studies that include multiple measures of lead exposure throughout early life and key covariate information to reduce the potential for residual confounding (CDC 2005b). Despite the conclusions reached by the working group, the CDC definition of an elevated blood lead level was not lowered at that time (CDC 2005b). This report, based on a prospective study that includes eight measures of children’s blood lead concentrations from 6 months to 6 years of age and that includes measures of key potential confounders in the lead–IQ relation, meets the criteria for a study that is directly relevant to assess questions of possible cognitive effects of lead exposure at blood lead concentrations < 10 μg/dL.
Adaptive grid refinement for numerical weather prediction

Abstract An adaptive atmospheric flow model is described and results of integrations with this model are presented. The adaptive technique employed is that of Berger and Oliger. The technique uses a finite difference method to integrate the dynamical equations first on a coarse grid and then on finer grids which have been placed based on a Richardson-type estimate of the truncation error in the coarse grid solution. By correctly coupling the integrations on the various grids, periodically re-estimating the error, and recreating the finer grids, uniformily accurate solutions are economically produced. The “primitive” hydrostatic equations of meteorology are solved for the advection of a barotropic cyclone and for the development of a baroclinic disturbance which results from the perturbation of an unstable jet. These integrations demonstrate the feasibility of using multiple, rotated, overlapping fine grids. Direct computations of the truncation error are used to confirm the accuracy of the Richardson-type truncation error estimates.