cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identification and expression of PBAN/diapause hormone and GPCRs from Aedes aegypti

Neuropeptides control various physiological functions and constitute more than 90% of insect hormones. The pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide (PBAN)/pyrokinin family is a major group of insect neuropeptides and is well conserved in Insecta. This family of peptides has at least two closely related G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) activated by PBAN and a diapause hormone (DH). They have been shown to control several biological activities including pheromone production and diapause induction in moths. However, beyond some moth species, the biological function(s) of PBAN/pyrokinin peptides are largely unknown although these peptides are found in all insects. In this study we identified and characterized PBAN/pyrokinin peptides and corresponding GPCRs from the mosquito, Aedes aegypti. Ae. aegypti PBAN mRNA encodes four putative peptides including PBAN and DH, and is expressed in females and males during all life stages. The PBAN receptor (PBAN-R) and the DH receptor (DH-R) were functionally expressed and confirmed through binding assays with PBAN and DH peptides. These receptors are differentially expressed from eggs to adults with the relative gene expression of the PBAN-R significantly lower during the 4th instar larval (L4) and pupal (P1-P2) stages compared to the 2nd and 3rd instar larval stages (L2 and L3). However, DH-R expression level is consistently 4-10 times higher than the PBAN-R in the same period, suggesting that PBAN-R is downregulated in the late larval and pupal stages, whereas DH-R stays upregulated throughout all developmental stages. PBAN/pyrokinin mRNA expression remains high in all stages since it produces PBAN and DH peptides. This study provides the foundation for determining the function(s) of the PBAN/pyrokinin peptides in mosquitoes and establishes data critical to the development of methods for disruption of these hormone actions as a novel strategy for mosquito control.
Sums of Semiprime, Z, and D L-Ideals in a Class of F-Rings

In this paper it is shown that there is a large class of f-rings in which the sum of any two semiprime i-ideals is semiprime. This result is used to give a class of commutative f-rings with identity element in which the sum of any two z-ideals which are i-ideals is a z-ideal and the sum of any two d-ideals is a d-ideal.
Retrospective and prospective decomposition analysis of Chinese manufacturing energy use and policy implications

Abstract Aims The industrial sector dominates the China's total energy consumption, accounting for about 70% of energy use in 2010. Hence, this study aims to investigate the development path of China's industrial sector which will greatly affect future energy demand and dynamics of not only China, but the entire world. Scope This study analyzes energy use and the economic structure of the Chinese manufacturing sector. The retrospective (1995–2010) and prospective (2010–2020) decomposition analyses are conducted for manufacturing sectors in order to show how different factors (production growth, structural change, and energy intensity change) influenced industrial energy use trends in China over the last 15 years and how they will do so up to 2020. Conclusions The forward looking (prospective) decomposition analyses are conducted for three different scenarios. The scenario analysis indicates that if China wants to realize structural change in the manufacturing sector by shifting from energy-intensive and polluting industries to less energy-intensive industries, the value added average annual growth rates (AAGRs) to 2015 and 2020 should be more in line with those shown in scenario 3. The assumed value added AAGRs for scenario 3 are relatively realistic and are informed by possible growth that is foreseen for each subsector.
High attenuation pericardial fluid on CT following cardiac catheterization

High-density pericardial fluid may be seen on noncontrast CT performed following cardiac catheterization (CC), raising the possibility of hemopericardium. Our goal was to determine the clinical course and associations of incidentally discovered high-attenuation pericardial fluid on noncontrast CT performed soon after CC. Hospital database search over a 7.5-year period identified 211 patients who underwent CT of the chest and/or abdomen within 60 h before or after CC, 150 having CC first. Pericardial fluid volume and attenuation as well as relevant laboratory and clinical parameters were recorded. Bivariate associations with average pericardial fluid attenuation (HUavg) were assessed. Using the 61 patients with CT before CC as controls, 44 of the patients with CC first had attenuation values greater than the mean + 2SD of 22.6 Hounsfield unit (HU) and 19 had attenuation values greater than the maximum control patient value of 39.8 HU. All patients with incidental finding of high-density pericardial fluid followed a benign course. Bivariate correlations showed time gap between CC and CT (rho = −0.50, p < 0.001), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (rho = −0.24, p = 0.004), and female gender (median (IQR) 17.4 (13.6, 29.6) vs. 15.8 (9.9, 23.7), p = 0.02) to be associated with HUavg. In multiple linear regression analysis, only time gap and female gender were independently significantly associated with average attenuation (both p < 0.001). The finding that patients with incidentally discovered high-density pericardial fluid followed an uneventful course suggests a benign etiology such as vicarious excretion, and in patients who are otherwise stable, observation rather than immediate intervention should be considered.
Phospholipid vesicles increase the survival of freeze-dried human red blood cells

Abstract In a previous report [Z. Torok, G. Satpathy, M. Banerjee, R. Bali, E. Little, R. Novaes, H. Van Ly, D. Dwyre, A. Kheirolomoom, F. Tablin, J.H. Crowe, N.M. Tsvetkova, Preservation of trehalose loaded red blood cells by lyophilization, Cell Preservation Technol. 3 (2005) 96–111.], we presented a method for preserving human red blood cells (RBCs) by loading them with trehalose and then freeze-drying. We have now improved that method, based on the discovery that addition of phospholipid vesicles to the lyophilization buffer substantially reduces hemolysis of freeze-dried RBCs after rehydration. The surviving cells synthesize 2,3-DPG, have low levels of methemoglobin, and have preserved morphology. Among the lipid species we studied, unsaturated PCs were found to be most effective in suppressing hemoglobin leakage. RBC–vesicle interactions depend on vesicle size and structure; unilamellar liposomes with average diameter of less than 300 nm were more effective in reducing the hemolysis than multilamellar vesicles. Trehalose loaded RBCs demonstrated high survival and low levels of methemoglobin during 10 weeks of storage at 4 °C in the dry state when lyophilized in the presence of liposomes.
A 3 KW pulsed, 10% duty cycle, high gain X-band helix TWT

This paper describes the design and performance of a 3 00 W average, X-band travelling wave tube. The beam is formed with a shadow gridded gun and focused with periodic permanent magnets. Although designed for a narrow-band radar application, peak power of over 3 KW is obtained over the band 7 to 11 GHz. A peak power level of over 4 KW is obtained with optimum adjustment. Gain at saturated output power varies from over 60 db at 7 GHz to 48 db at 11 GHz. Basic efficiency over 20% and depressed collector efficiency of 3 0% is achieved. Excellent stability against oscillation is achieved at all power levels. This is obtained by the use of a fastwave backward wave oscillation suppression technique. The rf design, including oscillation suppression, was carried out with the aid of a large signal computer simulation program. Thermal design includes a special helix support technique which provides high thermal conductivity with minimum dielectric loading of the slow wave structure. Prototype tubes were operated in air cooled ebullient packages, however the high efficiency of this tube would allow cooling by conduction to a base plate.
LATENCY OF THE AUTOKINETIC EFFECT AS A FUNCTION OF PREEXPOSURE.

The writers (1963) and others (Chaplin, 1955; Voth, 1941) have reported differences between males and females in the latency and magnitude of autokinetic movement. This study assessed the latency of autokinesis for males and females who had previously experienced the effect. Thirty male and 30 female Kent State University students were used as Ss. The procedure was similar to that of the writers' study noted above, except that each S experienced the autokinetic effect under fused ( 10 cps above CFF) and flickering (10 cps below CFF) conditions before the administration of the test trials. In the pre-trials, no S required more than 5 min, to perceive the effect. The light was presented co the right eye of S in a standard flicker-fusion apparatus. The mean latency of autokinesis for the males was 17.4 sec. in the flicker and 25.3 sec. in the fused condition. The mean latency for the females was 17.1 sec. in the flicker and 26.5 sec. in the fused condition. An analysis of variance was performed on these data utilizing a repeated measures model as described by Edwards (1950, p. 295). The results of the analysis demonstrated no significant difference between males and females (F SO), a significant difference between flicker and fused conditions (F = 17.40, df = 1, p SO). These findings suggest that there may be no basic difference between men and women in the appreciation of autokinesis and that differences in naive Ss are a function of the greater responsiveness of females to E's initial instructions.
AFLATOXIN, ASPERGILLUS, MAIZE, AND THE RELEVANCE TO ALTERNATIVE FUELS (OR AFLATOXIN: WHAT IS IT, CAN WE GET RID OF IT, AND SHOULD THE ETHANOL INDUSTRY CARE?)

The contamination of agricultural commodities by Aspergillus flavus and its subsequent production of aflatoxin is a well-known problem. The resulting aflatoxin contamination, if undetected, results in fatal health issues for both humans and animals. To prevent these effects regulatory limits on aflatoxin levels are enforced both domestically and internationally. These regulations result in the loss of contaminated commodities, which is an economic hardship to producers and local and national economies. Multiple relationships between fungi, substrate, and the environment have been investigated in efforts to design strategies to reduce the economic and health impacts associated with aflatoxin, including investigations of the life cycle of Aspergillus, fungal vectoring, fungal pathogenicity, biocontrol, host resistance, and decontamination of the infected crops. However, due to the complicated interactions of environment, host, and pathogen, the Aspergillus-host interaction is still poorly understood; thus, ...
ACCEPTABILITY OF ONE-HOUR ROLLS MADE WITH SWEET WHEY AS THE LIQUID INGREDIENT

The purpose of this study was to test overall acceptance, texture and general appearance of 1-hr buttermilk rolls formulated by substituting sweet liquid whey for buttermilk. Three recipes of rolls with 100% buttermilk (B), 50% buttermilk and 50% whey (BW), and 100% whey (W) as the liquid ingredient were tasted by 11 panelists on four occasions. No difference existed for general acceptance or appearance in any treatment roll, but W rolls received a more favorable rating for texture (P ≤ 0.05) than BW or B rolls. Liquid whey incorporated into rolls could improve diets high in carbohydrate, alleviate pollution, and conserve energy and water for bread and cheese industries.
Experimental Coulomb displacement energies between analog energy levels of isobaric nuclei with A = 3 to A = 238

Abstract Presented here is a summary of the literature, up to January 31, 1974, on the excitation energies of analog energy levels in isobaric nuclei with A = 3 to A = 238. The summary was prepared to provide up-to-date values of the Coulomb displacement energies between accessible members of isospin multiplets. The results are presented in tabular form.
14-3-3theta Protects against Neurotoxicity in a Cellular Parkinson's Disease Model through Inhibition of the Apoptotic Factor Bax

Disruption of 14-3-3 function by alpha-synuclein has been implicated in Parkinson's disease. As 14-3-3s are important regulators of cell death pathways, disruption of 14-3-3s could result in the release of pro-apoptotic factors, such as Bax. We have previously shown that overexpression of 14-3-3θ reduces cell loss in response to rotenone and MPP(+) in dopaminergic cell culture and reduces cell loss in transgenic C. elegans that overexpress alpha-synuclein. In this study, we investigate the mechanism for 14-3-3θ's neuroprotection against rotenone toxicity. While 14-3-3s can inhibit many pro-apoptotic factors, we demonstrate that inhibition of one factor in particular, Bax, is important to 14-3-3s' protection against rotenone toxicity in dopaminergic cells. We found that 14-3-3θ overexpression reduced Bax activation and downstream signaling events, including cytochrome C release and caspase 3 activation. Pharmacological inhibition or shRNA knockdown of Bax provided protection against rotenone, comparable to 14-3-3θ's neuroprotective effects. A 14-3-3θ mutant incapable of binding Bax failed to protect against rotenone. These data suggest that 14-3-3θ's neuroprotective effects against rotenone are at least partially mediated by Bax inhibition and point to a potential therapeutic role of 14-3-3s in Parkinson's disease.
Social networks in adult life and a preliminary examination of the convoy model.

This paper examines the social support networks of older adults. Based upon the Kahn and Antonucci (1980) life course social support model, a national sample of adults aged 50 and older (N = 718) was interviewed, generating support networks consisting of an average of 8.9 members. The respondents were asked questions of the structural (e.g., age, sex, closeness, years known, proximity, and frequency of contact) and functional (number and type of supports provided and received) characteristics of their social networks. These characteristics and relationships are described in detail.
Chaos and the transition to ventricular fibrillation: A new approach to antiarrhythmic drug evaluation

Abstract—Sudden cardiac death resulting from ventricular fibrillation can be separated into 2 components: initiation of tachycardia and degeneration of tachycardia to fibrillation. Clinical drug studies such as CAST and SWORD demonstrated that focusing exclusively on the first component is inadequate as a therapeutic modality. The hope for developing effective pharmacological therapy rests on a comprehensive understanding of the second component, the transition from tachycardia to fibrillation. We summarize evidence that the transition from tachycardia to fibrillation is a transition to spatiotemporal chaos, with similarities to the quasiperiodic transition to chaos seen in fluid turbulence. In this scenario, chaos results from the interaction of multiple causally independent oscillatory motions. Simulations in 2-dimensional cardiac tissue suggest that the destabilizing oscillatory motions during spiral-wave reentry arise from restitution properties of action potential duration and conduction velocity. Th...
Contact model for the prediction of NMR N-H order parameters in globular proteins.

An analytical relationship is presented for the estimation of NMR S2 order parameters of N−HN vectors of the protein backbone from high-resolution protein structures. The relationship solely depends on close contacts of the peptide plane to the rest of the protein. Application of the relationship to a number of proteins with high-resolution X-ray and NMR structures yields S2 values that are in good agreement with the ones determined from experimental relaxation data.
The flavonoids casticin and artemetin are poorly extracted and are unstable in an Artemisia annua tea infusion.

A number of flavonoids including casticin and artemetin from Artemisia annua have shown synergism with artemisinin against Plasmodium falciparum , but it is unclear if the flavonoids are also extracted into a tea infusion of the plant. Using a tea infusion preparation protocol that was reported to be highly effective for artemisinin extraction, we measured casticin and artemetin extraction. There was only a 1.8 % recovery of casticin in the infusion while artemetin was undetectable. After 24 hr storage at room temperature, casticin yield declined by 40 %. These results show that although a tea infusion of the plant may extract artemisinin, the polymethoxylated flavonoids casticin and artemetin are poorly extracted and lost with storage at room temperature and thus, the tea infusion appears to lose synergistic value.
Role distancing: Differentiating the role of the elderly from the person

Elderly participants in an “extended care” class at a senior citizen's center were observed to determine if some of them could continually distance themselves from the “client” role. Although earlier research suggests that people can use role distancing techniques to disassociate themselves successfully fromoccasionally played roles or certain aspects of a role, it is unclear whether or how people successfully disassociate themselvescontinually from enacted roles. Using a symbolic interactionist's definition of role, this paper attempts to 1) classify the circumstances which give rise to both occasional and continual role distancing; 2) specify the conditions under which disassociation from continually enacted roles may be successful; and 3) suggest the relevance of the data to studies on low-status occupations, deviance, and role theory.
Early foreign language education and metalinguistic development: A study of monolingual, bilingual and trilingual children on noun definition tasks

Studies with bilingual and multilingual subjects suggest that bilingualism and multilingualism foster the development of certain aspects of children’s metalinguistic skills. The purpose of the present study was to find out if learning foreign languages facilitates children’s metalinguistic ability to define words. It compared Bulgarian monolingual, bilingual and trilingual subjects on their word-definition performance in the L1. The relationship between L1 definition performance, L2/L3 proficiency, and L2/L3 definition performance within the bilingual and trilingual groups was also investigated. The study found that early foreign language education has a positive effect on the quality of children’s definitions in their L1. The bilingual and trilingual children performed significantly better than the monolingual children. The results specific to the bilingual and trilingual groups showed that second/third language proficiency was a significant and powerful predictor of the performance of the bilingual and trilingual subjects on the word-definition tasks in their second/third language. L1 word-definition ability was a weaker predictor of the subjects’ performance on the word-definition task in their second or third language. However, in the case of genetically closely related languages (Bulgarian and Russian) the transfer was easier as compared to genetically more distanced languages (Bulgarian and English).
Basal gastric acid secretion in nonulcer dyspepsia with or without duodenitis.

Nonulcer dyspepsia with or without duodenitis and duodenal ulcer disease are often considered to be a spectrum of the same acid-peptic process. Some reports evaluating basal gastric acid secretion in nonulcer dyspepsia and duodenal ulcer disease have supported that impression; however, results from different studies have been mixed. In order to compare basal gastric secretory profiles in nonulcer dyspepsia and duodenal ulcer disease, we determined basal acid outputs in 66 consecutive patients with the diagnosis of nonulcer dyspepsia. All patients with nonulcer dyspepsia had at least a three-month history of epigastric abdominal pain, and all had negative upper gastrointestinal endoscopies except for 14 with duodenitis. The 66 patients with nonulcer dyspepsia were compared to 40 asymptomatic normal subjects and 114 patients with endoscopically documented duodenal ulcer disease. There was no significant difference in mean basal acid output among all 66 patients with nonulcer dyspepsia (2.9±2.7 meq/hr),the group of normal subjects (3.2±2.7 meq/hr),the 14 patients with nonulcer dyspepsia with duodenitis (3.0±2.1 meq/hr),and the 52 patients with nonulcer dyspepsia without duodenitis (2.9±2.9 meq/hr).However, mean basal acid output of the patients with duodenal ulcer disease (9.1±7.6 meq/hr)was significantly higher than all the other groups (P <0.001).The gastric acid secretory profiles determined in this study do not appear to support the view that nonulcer dyspepsia with or without duodenitis and duodenal ulcer disease are a spectrum of the same acidpeptide process.
Evaluating Performance of Composite Materials for MHK Applications

Montana State University (MSU) has a compilation of material systems, environmental chambers, and mechanical testing equipment to determine composite materials performance and failure characteristics. Mechanical characterization of composite systems will provide direct quantification of the materials under consideration for Marine Hydro Kinetic (MHK) designs that were initially developed for the wind turbine industry. The work presented herein represents the testing protocol development and initial results to support investigations on the effect of sea water absorption on material strength. A testing protocol for environmental effects has been developed for the resin infused in-house fabricated laminates. Unidirectional ([0] and [90]) test samples of 2-mm and 6-mm thickness were be submerged for 1000 hours in synthetic sea water at 40°C with the weight recorded at time intervals over the entire period. After 1000 hours of conditioning, coupons were placed in the synthetic sea water at 20°C until testing. Static compressive and tensile strength properties at temperatures of 5°C, 20°C and 40°C were collected. These initial results show trends of reduced tensile and compressive strength with increasing moisture and temperature in the 0° (longitudinal) direction. In the 90° (transverse) direction, compression strength decreases but tensile strength is little affected as temperature and moisture increase. Elastic modulus (E) is little affected in the longitudinal direction but decreases in the transverse direction.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Identification and activation of Src family kinases in primary megakaryocytes.

Abstract Objectives We have recently shown that the Src family of tyrosine kinases (SFKs) are activated by TPO stimulation in both primary megakaryocytic progenitors and a hematopoietic cells line (BaF3) expressing the TPO receptor (Mpl). In this study, we examine which of the eight Src family members are expressed in primary megakaryocytes (MKs) and determine which of these become activated in response to TPO. Materials and methods High-density oligonucleotide microarrays were used to compare the gene expression profiles of Src kinases from undifferentiated hematopoietic progenitors (CD34+/CD38lo) and after in vitro megakaryocytic differentiation. Western blot analysis of lysates from purified, mature murine MKs identified which of SFKs are present. Finally, in vitro kinase assays determined which of the SFKs in primary MKs are activated by TPO stimulation. Results Array profiles demonstrate that Fyn, Lyn, Fgr, Hck, Src, and Yes are all expressed in cultured human MKs (Fyn, Lyn > Src, Yes, Fgr, Hck). Similarly, Western blots of murine MKs identified the same six SFKs (Fyn, Fgr, Hck, Lyn, Src, and Yes). Of these, only Fyn and Lyn demonstrate increased kinase activity after TPO stimulation. Interestingly, gene expression analysis indicates that, among the SFKs, Fyn expression is uniquely upregulated during MK development. Conclusion These results provide the first direct evidence that two Src kinases are activated in primary MKs, Fyn and Lyn. The fact that only Fyn expression is significantly upregulated during MK differentiation suggests variable gene regulation. Specificity of the TPO signaling cascade is demonstrated by the selective activation of Fyn and Lyn.
Studies on cardiac myosin light chains: Comparison of the sequences of cardiac and skeletal myosin LC-2

Abstract Partial sequence analysis of bovine cardiac myosin LC-2 indicates that it is closely related to LC-2, the “DTNB light chain” of skeletal muscle myosin. The results suggest that myosins from a variety of sources have related light chains of two distinct types, although the sizes and properties of the light chains can vary substantially.
Preliminary data concerning the test-retest and parallel-forms reliability of the randt memory test

Abstract The Randt Memory Test was designed to measure a fairly broad range of memory functions, including immediate recall and retrieval from long-term memory storage. Five alternate forms of the Randt are available to minimize the possibility of practice effects. However, its test-retest and parallel-form reliability have not been sufficiently investigated. In Study 1, the test-retest reliability of Form A of the Randt across 1 - and 2-week intervals was investigated with 56 undergraduate university students. Results indicated significant increases in the mean scores obtained on the retest occasion for both 1- and 2-week retest intervals. The effect of the length of retest interval was not significant. In Study 2, the parallel-form reliability of Forms A and B of the Randt was investigated. Results of the analyses indicated no significant differences between scores obtained from Form A and Form B. Overall, the results of the two studies indicated the presence of significant practice effects for Form A o...
Thermal properties of graphene and nanostructured carbon materials

Recent years have seen a rapid growth of interest by the scientific and engineering communities in the thermal properties of materials. Heat removal has become a crucial issue for continuing progress in the electronic industry, and thermal conduction in low-dimensional structures has revealed truly intriguing features. Carbon allotropes and their derivatives occupy a unique place in terms of their ability to conduct heat. The room-temperature thermal conductivity of carbon materials span an extraordinary large range--of over five orders of magnitude--from the lowest in amorphous carbons to the highest in graphene and carbon nanotubes. Here, I review the thermal properties of carbon materials focusing on recent results for graphene, carbon nanotubes and nanostructured carbon materials with different degrees of disorder. Special attention is given to the unusual size dependence of heat conduction in two-dimensional crystals and, specifically, in graphene. I also describe the prospects of applications of graphene and carbon materials for thermal management of electronics.
MACA: A privacy-preserving multi-factor cloud authentication system utilizing big data

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is an approach to user validation that requires the presentation of two or more authentication factors. Given the popularity of cloud systems, MFA systems become vital in authenticating users. However, MFA approaches are highly intrusive and expose users’ sensitive information to untrusted cloud servers that can keep physically identifying elements of users, long after the user ends the relationship with the cloud. To address these concerns in this work, we present a privacy-preserving multi-factor authentication system utilizing the features of big data called MACA. In MACA, the first factor is a password while the second factor is a hybrid profile of user behavior. The hybrid profile is based on users’ integrated behavior, which includes both host-based characteristics and network flow-based features. MACA is the first MFA that considers both user privacy and usability combining big data features (26 total configurable features). Furthermore, we adopt fuzzy hashing and fully homomorphic encryption (FHE) to protect users’ sensitive profiles and to handle the varying nature of the user profiles. We evaluate the performance of our proposed approach through experiments with several public datasets. Our results show that our proposed system can successfully validate legitimate users while detecting impostors.
Carbocation NMR isotope shifts analogous to inverse γ-deuterium isotope effects

Abstract Long-range NMR isotope shifts due to γ-deuteration in carbocations are upfield, in contrast to β-deuteration effects. Such behavior is analogous to kinetic and equilibrium isotope effects in carbocation-forming reactions.
Second-order properties for multiple-bilinear models

Abstract Bilinear models which are defined as input-output (noise-observation in time series analysis) systems being linear with respect to each of the input and output when the other is fixed, arise in a natural way from basic principles in chemistry, physics, engineering, and several other fields of science. Most of the cases contain multiple output with interaction. In time series analysis it is necessary to consider the influence of other related time series to describe the structure of the model properly. The multiple bilinear models were recently investigated in the time domain. The method that was used only gives a sufficient condition and asymptotic results concerning the stationarity and the second-order properties. We deal with the frequency domain method, i.e., using the Wiener-Ito spectral representation, to describe the second-order properties, as this method was shown more informative in the scalar case. We give a necessary and sufficient condition for the second-order stationarity of multiple bilinear models in terms of the spectral radius of a particular matrix involving the coefficients of the model. The exact form of the spectral density function shows that there is no way one can discriminate between a linear (non-Gaussian) and a bilinear model based on the second-order properties of the process.
THE DETERMINANTS OF STATE MANUFACTURING GROWTH RATES: A TWO‐DIGIT‐LEVEL ANALYSIS

. This paper analyzes 1954–1987 state manufacturing employment growth in 19 two-digit industries. Markets were found to be the strongest influence in 18 industries. Labor was the second strongest, followed by a threshold variable. Weaker influences were resources, taxes, and amenities. Regional values for the market, labor, and threshold variables corresponded well with regional employment change in the Manufacturing Belt and all other regions of the U.S.
Lateralization of the epileptogenic focus in temporal lobe epilepsy by scalp P300

Abstract The P300 is a cognitive event-related potential partially generated by the amygdala/hippocampus complex, the most common source of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). In order to test the hypothesis that scalp P300 amplitude is reduced ipsilateral to the epileptogenic focus in TLE, we performed a prospective study of 15 subjects with TLE and compared the lateralizing ability of scalp P300 to interictal EEG. P300 asymmetries in TLE were compared with asymmetries in a control group. P300 amplitude was significantly attenuated ipsilateral to the epileptic focus. P300 amplitude reduction correctly lateralized the focus in 82% of the cases ( p = 0.02). We conclude that scalp P300 accurately lateralizes the epileptogenic focus in TLE. Further studies are needed to define the potential role of P300 in the presurgical evaluation of TLE.
Rings of single-walled carbon nanotubes

Among the most studied processes of self-organization1, 2 are the coiling and ring formation of biopolymers such as DNA and proteins. These processes are complex, involving several different types of interaction. We have found that single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs), which are renowned for their extremely high flexural rigidity3, 4, can also be induced to organize themselves into rings or coils, with high yields of up to 50%. But unlike coils of biopolymers, in which hydrogen bonding and ionic interactions are usually involved, coils of nanotubes can be stabilized by van der Waals forces alone.
Interpretation and Epistemic Evaluation in Goldman’s Descriptive Epistemology

One branch of Alvin Goldman's proposed scientific epistemology is devoted to the scientific study of how folk epistemic evaluators acquire and deploy the concepts of knowledge and justified belief. The author argues that such a descriptive epistemology, as Goldman calls it, requires a more sophisticated theory of interpretation than is provided by the simulation theory Goldman adopts. The author also argues that any adequate account of folk epistemic concepts must reconstruct the intersubjective conceptual roles those concepts play in discursive practices. In other words, descriptive epistemology also requires a theory of communicative action and an account of the practical abilities agents must have to engage in discursive practices.
Arabidopsis disrupted in SQD2 encoding sulfolipid synthase is impaired in phosphate-limited growth.

The sulfolipid sulfoquinovosyldiacylglycerol is one of the three nonphosphorous glycolipids that provide the bulk of the structural lipids in photosynthetic membranes of seed plants. Unlike the galactolipids, sulfolipid is anionic at physiological pH because of its 6-deoxy-6-sulfonate-glucose (sulfoquinovose) head group. The biosynthesis of this lipid proceeds in two steps: first, the assembly of UDP-sulfoquinovose from UDP-glucose and sulfite, and second, the transfer of the sulfoquinovose moiety from UDP-sulfoquinovose to diacylglycerol. The first reaction is catalyzed by the SQD1 protein in Arabidopsis. Here we describe the identification of the SQD2 gene of Arabidopsis. We propose that this gene encodes the sulfoquinovosyltransferase catalyzing the second step of sulfolipid biosynthesis. Expression of SQD1 and SQD2 in Escherichia coli reconstituted plant sulfolipid biosynthesis in this bacterium. Insertion of a transfer DNA into this gene in Arabidopsis led to complete lack of sulfolipid in the respective sqd2 mutant. This mutant showed reduced growth under phosphate-limited growth conditions. The results support the hypothesis that sulfolipid can function as a substitute of anionic phospholipids under phosphate-limited growth conditions. Along with phosphatidylglycerol, sulfolipid contributes to maintaining a negatively charged lipid–water interface, which presumably is required for proper function of photosynthetic membranes.
Carcinoma of the pylorus simulating benign duo denal obstruction.

Carcinoma of the pylorus may simulate benign duodenal obstruction. Three cases that illustrate some of the pitfalls in the differential diagnosis of duodenal ulcer or pyloric carcinoma are presented. In case 1, medical treatment brought relief of the obstruction, but the correct diagnosis was delayed four and a half months because of inadequate visualization in the progress roentgenologic examinations of the pylorus and the duodenal bulb, and of the lack of cooperation of the patient. In case 2, medical treatment brought no relief of an obstruction associated with a presumed duodenal ulcer of five years' duration, and pyloric carcinoma was found at operation. In case 3, medical treatment brought relief of an obstruction in a patient with a history of duodenal ulcer of 40 years' duration, but the progress roentgenologic examination suggested pyloric carcinoma, which was confirmed at operation. Complete reliance cannot be placed on a history of duodenal ulcer. Persistent obstruction despite intensive medical treatment is suggestive of pyloric carcinoma and makes operation advisable. The relief of the obstruction, conversely, does not rule out pyloric carcinoma. It is urged that the physician who is medically treating a patient with pyloric obstruction assume the responsibility of making satisfactory progress roentgenologic examinations of the stomach to establish the presence or absence of pyloric carcinoma. Adequate findings usually can be obtained after 14 days of intensive medical treatment.
A fluorescent hPept1 transporter substrate for uptake screening.

Purpose. To synthesize fluorescent analogues of hPept1 substrates, FITC-Val-OCH3, Lys-FITC-OH, and Lys-FITC-OCH3, and to characterize their hPept1 transporter-mediated uptake.
Lowering β-Amyloid Levels Rescues Learning and Memory in a Down Syndrome Mouse Model

β-amyloid levels are elevated in Down syndrome (DS) patients throughout life and are believed to cause Alzheimer's disease (AD) in adult members of this population. However, it is not known if β-amyloid contributes to intellectual disability in younger individuals. We used a γ-secretase inhibitor to lower β-amyloid levels in young mice that model DS. This treatment corrected learning deficits characteristic of these mice, suggesting that β-amyloid-lowering therapies might improve cognitive function in young DS patients.
Two Conserved Residues Are Important for Inducing Highly Ordered Membrane Domains by the Transmembrane Domain of Influenza Hemagglutinin

The interaction with lipids of a synthetic peptide corresponding to the transmembrane domain of influenza hemagglutinin was investigated by means of electron spin resonance. A detailed analysis of the electron spin resonance spectra from spin-labeled phospholipids revealed that the major effect of the peptide on the dynamic membrane structure is to induce highly ordered membrane domains that are associated with electrostatic interactions between the peptide and negatively charged lipids. Two highly conserved residues in the peptide were identified as being important for the membrane ordering effect. Aggregation of large unilamellar vesicles induced by the peptide was also found to be correlated with the membrane ordering effect of the peptide, indicating that an increase in membrane ordering, i.e., membrane dehydration, is important for vesicle aggregation. The possibility that hydrophobic interaction between the highly ordered membrane domains plays a role in vesicle aggregation and viral fusion is discussed.
Survivable Traffic Grooming in Elastic Optical Networks—Shared Protection

This study investigates the survivable traffic grooming problem for elastic optical networks with flexible spectrum grid employing new transmission technologies. In such networks, instead of following the traditional fixed ITU-T wavelength grid, optical transponders are capable of properly tuning their rates, and consequently their spectrum occupation, by introducing the fine-granular spectrum unit, called a frequency slot. The number of contiguous frequency slots allocated to an optical path (i.e., lightpath) is adjusted to the current network flow. In this study, we propose a novel shared protection specific to elastic networks, namely, elastic separate-protection-at-connection (ESPAC). It not only provides traditional backup sharing, but also offers a new opportunity of spectrum sharing enabled by the elasticity of the transponders: 1) if the working paths of two connections are link disjoint physically, and 2) if their backup paths traverse two lightpaths which are adjacent on a fiber link, then the two backup lightpaths can share spectrum. The new opportunity of spectrum sharing is realized by using First-Fit to assign working traffic and Last-Fit to assign backup traffic, and allowing spectrum overlap between adjacent backup wavelengths. The elasticity of the transponder enables the expansion and contraction of the lightpaths, thus when a single failure occurs in the network, lightpaths carrying backup flows can be tuned to appropriate rates in such a way that the overlap spectrum is used by only one of the adjacent lightpaths. The results show ESPAC is very spectrum efficient in elastic network setting.
Two-year changes in bone mineral density and T scores in patients treated at a pharmacist-run teriparatide clinic

Study Objectives. To determine changes in bone mineral density (BMD) and T scores of patients after 2 years of teriparatide therapy, and to determine the number of fractures that occurred during therapy. Design. Prospective, observational study. Setting. Pharmacist-run teriparatide clinic in a private-practice endocrinology group. Patients. Sixty patients with osteoporosis who experienced fractures or adverse events while receiving antiresorptive therapy and were referred by the endocrinologists to the clinic between January 1, 2002, and January 1, 2004. Intervention. After a 1-hour counseling and training session with a clinical pharmacist, patients self-administered subcutaneous teriparatide 20 μg/day for the next 2 years. Measurements and Main Results. Primary outcome measures were dual x-ray absorptiometry–determined BMDs and T scores for the total hip, spine, and wrist at baseline and at 1 and 2 years. Patients' BMDs for the hip significantly increased by 3.5% at 1 year and by 3.9% at 2 years. In addition, BMD for the spine significantly increased by 7.2% at 1 year and 10.9% at 2 years. In 56 (93%) patients, BMD for the spine increased after 2 years of treatment. For the wrist, BMD decreased by 0.75% at 1 year and by 2.4% at 2 years, but the change was only significant at 2 years (p=0.011). At both 1 and 2 years, T scores for the total hip and spine significantly improved from baseline (p≤0.019), whereas T scores for the wrist significantly declined after 2 years of therapy (p<0.003). No new fractures were documented in any of the patients. Conclusion. In patients with osteoporosis, the use of teriparatide in a pharmacist-run clinic significantly increased BMD at the total hip and spinal sites and significantly decreased BMD in the wrist.
Atomic interface between microwave and optical photons

A complete physical approach to quantum information requires a robust interface among flying qubits, long-lifetime memory, and computational qubits. Here we present a unified interface for microwave and optical photons, potentially connecting engineerable quantum devices such as superconducting qubits at long distances through optical photons. Our approach uses an ultracold ensemble of atoms for two purposes: quantum memory and to transduce excitations between the two frequency domains. Using coherent control techniques, we examine an approach for converting and storing quantum information between microwave photons in superconducting resonators, ensembles of ultracold atoms, and optical photons, as well as a method for transferring information between two resonators.
Acute colonic diverticulitis in a community-based hospital: CT evaluation in 138 patients.

The purpose of this research is to retrospectively analyze computed tomography (CT) findings of patients with acute colonic diverticulitis presented to a community-based hospital. During a 1-year period from May 2004 to April 2005, CT scans of 138 patients [mean age 62.3 years (SD 14.9), range 30–100 years] with clinical diagnosis of diverticulitis were analyzed. Of the 138 patients, 136 CT scans were performed with oral and intravenous contrast administration except in two patients who received only oral contrast. Twenty-eight patients (28/138, 20.3%) had diverticulosis, 77 (77/138, 55.8%) had uncomplicated diverticulitis, and 33 (33/138, 23.9%) had complications. Left-sided diverticulitis predominated (137/138, 99.3%). Colonic diverticula were identified in almost every patient (136/138, 98.6%); the majority had moderate colonic wall thickening (82/110, 74.5%) and moderate pericolonic inflammation (65/110, 59.1%). Isolated extraluminal air bubbles (19/33, 57.6%) were the most commonly seen complication, followed by abscess (15/33, 45.5%). Bowel obstruction (2/33, 6.1%) and pylephlebitis (1/33, 3.0%) were less commonly seen but were observed as significant abnormalities. Complicated diverticulitis was less prevalent in this community hospital setting, in contrast with referral medical centers. Common CT findings of diverticulitis included presence of diverticula, moderate wall thickening, and pericolonic inflammation. Isolated air bubbles were the most commonly seen complication followed by abscess.
Rewiring Old Architecture: Why U.S. Courts Have Been So Slow and Uneven in Their Take-up of Digital Technology

Given the centrality of information and communication to the activities and institutions of law and government it is not surprising that during the early turbulent days of the digital revolution enthusiasts imagined that the new technology would work dramatic changes on this critical sphere, changes far greater in magnitude than those flowing from such past innovations as calculators, tape recorders, or copy machines. Students of government and consultants drew analogies between transformations taking place in the private sector (the emergence of e-commerce and distributed, virtual enterprises) and what governments might or should or would become (e-government). Greater efficiency, improved accessibility and performance, and even gains in public accountability were predicted. Judged against such visions and the changes digital technology has brought about in important commercial areas over the past decade, the take-up of digital technology by U.S. courts has been both slow and uneven. This article examines some of the institutional factors that have produced this result. Three applications of the new technology to the work of courts furnish the basis for this investigation. In order, the article examines the extent to which U.S. court systems have: 1) adopted new modes of case citation that are independent of print law reports; 2) assured the availability of adequate and consistent online legal information to judges; and 3) transformed litigation from a process carried out by means of paper filings, paper orders and judgments, held and ultimately archived in official paper records to one reliant on electronic filings and data.
Collaborative signal and information processing: an information-directed approach

This paper describes information-based approaches to processing and organizing spatially distributed, multimodal sensor data in a sensor network. Energy-constrained networked sensing systems must rely on collaborative signal and information processing (CSIP) to dynamically allocate resources, maintain multiple sensing foci, and attend to new stimuli of interest, all based on task requirements and resource constraints. Target tracking is an essential capability for sensor networks and is used as a canonical problem for studying information organization problems in CSIP. After formulating a CSIP tracking problem in a distributed constrained optimization framework, the paper describes information-driven sensor query and other techniques for tracking individual targets as well as combinatorial tracking problems such as counting targets. Results from simulations and experimental implementations have demonstrated that these information-based approaches are scalable and make efficient use of scarce sensing and communication resources.