cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effects of neurotensin, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide and other neuropeptides on the secretion of somatostatin from cerebral cortical cells

We have examined the effects of several neuropeptides on the release of immunoreactive somatostatin from cerebral cortical cells in vitro. Neurotensin and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide induced large increases in somatostatin release, whereas cholecystokinin, gonadotropin releasing hormone and Met-enkephalin induced only modest increases. Thyrotropin releasing hormone and insulin had no effect. These results demonstrate a complex interaction amongst neuropeptides in the cerebral cortex, which must be considered in future studies of the roles of peptides in cortical function.
An approach to the classification of Utah mine spoils and tailings based on surface hydrology and erosion

The physical similarities among mine spoils may be strongly influenced by the geologic source of the spoils where overburden is produced from areas of simple geologic structure. Textures and bulk densities are influenced by the methods of handling the materials during mining and disposal operations. Where these influences are the same in more than one mining site, surface hydrology and erosion parameters are often similar. A specific tailing deposit may be highly variable with respect to the physical and chemical characteristics produced by methods of ore treatment and concentration. This variability makes it difficult to classify tailings based on surface hydrology and erosion. Hydrologic characteristics of spoil deposits as related to future successful rehabilitation may be improved by (1) conducting mining activities to permit identification and segregation of favorable overburden strata for use in revegetation, (2) reconstituting soil for optimum plant growth, (3) shaping spoils to be compatible with surrounding topography, (4) mulching with organic materials, and (5) avoiding or ameliorating compaction of the soil-spoil surface.
Richard Bradley's understanding of biological productivity: A study of eighteenth-century ecological ideas

Bradley succeeded in conceptualizing biological productivity in terms—monetary investment vs. profit—that could be applied to organisms as different in form and habitat as trees, grapevines, and crayfish.41 This form of measurement was not precise enough to have served as a basis for actual comparisons of production rate. His way of thinking, however, could have been applied with other terms of measurement once the usefulness of such measurements had been realized. The realization that production rate is an important factor is implicit in his discussions, but for his purposes, yearly yields were generally sufficiently precise determinations. Although Bradley drew substantially upon the contributions of others, his writings represent a significant beginning for productivity ecology. All of the kinds of investigations that he reported could have been extended, rendered more precise, and formed the basis of ecological generalizations during the eighteenth century. There were, however, certain conceptual limitations imposed by a lack of relevant knowledge in physiology and in physical science. A good understanding of productivity ultimately depends upon an understanding of metabolism, which in turn depends upon an understanding of photosynthesis, respiration, biochemistry, and the first and second laws of thermodynamics. The essential knowledge of these subjects would not be available until decades after Bradley's time.
Using a genetically targeted sensor to investigate the role of presenilin-1 in ER Ca2+ levels and dynamics

The ER plays a fundamental role in storing cellular Ca2+, generating Ca2+ signals, and modulating Ca2+ in both the cytosol and mitochondria. Genetically encoded Ca2+ sensors can be explicitly targeted to the ER to directly define Ca2+ levels and monitor fluxes of Ca2+ within this organelle. In this study we use an ER-targeted Ca2+ sensor to define both the level and dynamics of ER Ca2+ in cells expressing mutant presenilin proteins. Growing evidence suggests the enigmatic presenilin-1 plays a role in regulating ER Ca2+. Presenilin-1 was initially identified in a screen for genetic causes of inherited familial Alzheimer's disease (fAD). The connection between presenilin-1, calcium regulation, and Alzheimer's disease may provide the key to understanding the long-observed, but poorly understood, link between Alzheimer's disease and Ca2+ dysregulation. In this study we examined seven fAD-causing mutations in presenilin-1 to define how they influence ER Ca2+ levels and dynamics. We observed that some, but not all, mutations in PS1 decrease the level of Ca2+ within the ER and this difference depends on the enzymatic activity of PS1. Two mutations tested altered the kinetics of Ca2+ release from the ER upon ATP stimulation, resulting in faster spiking. Combined, these results indicate that mutations in PS1 can alter the balance of Ca2+ in cells and have the potential to influence the nature of Ca2+ signals.
Views on Abortion: A Comparison of Female Genetic Counselors and Women from the General Population

While literature characterizing individual genetic counselors’ abortion attitudes is sparse, the National Society of Genetic Counselors takes a clear stance for reproductive autonomy. To determine genetic counselors’ views, this study compared (1) genetic counselors’ abortion attitudes to those of women from the general population and (2) genetic counselors’ professional abortion attitudes to their personal abortion attitudes. Genetic counselors were invited to complete an online survey. Response rate was 44.3% (709/1,601). Compared to women from the general population, female genetic counselors were significantly more likely to agree abortion should be an option in all cases (p < .001). Controlling for other possible confounders, regression analyses revealed that being a genetic counselor, religious service attendance and age were significantly predictive of abortion attitudes. Although the vast majority of genetic counselors agree that abortion should be available, they are significantly less likely to personally consider abortion under all circumstances presented (p < .001), and the percentage of genetic counselors who would consider terminating in the case of a severe birth defect is similar to studies of other women.
Overexpression of the FAD3 Desaturase Gene in a Mutant of Arabidopsis

A mutant of Arabidopsis contained increased levels of 18:3 fatty acids and correspondingly decreased levels of 18:2. The fatty acid phenotype was strongly expressed in root and seed tissues and this observation, together with other data, suggested that the mutation leads to increased activity of the endoplasmic reticulum 18:2 desaturase encoded by the FAD3 gene. Gel-blot analysis of RNA from wild-type and mutant plants established that FAD3 transcript levels were increased 80% in the mutant relative to the wild type. Genetic analysis demonstrated a linkage between the new mutation and the fad3 locus. Linkage of the mutation to fad3 raises the possibility that the lesion is an alteration to the promoter or another regulatory region of the FAD3 gene, which results in increased transcription.
Comparison of the Probing Behaviors of Empoasca fabae and E. kraemeri (Homoptera: Cicadellidae) on Resistant and Susceptible Cultivars of Common Beans

The probing behaviors of two leafhoppers, Empoasca fabae (Harris) and E. kraemeri (Ross & Moore), feeding on susceptible (‘Porrillo Sintetico’) and resistant (‘EMP-84‘) Common beans, Phaseolus vulgaris L., were studied using an AC electronic monitoring system (EMS) (McLean & Kinsey 1964). The behaviors of the two species were generally similar. For both species, three probing behaviors were dominant in duration and number of probes: (1) multiple-cell laceration probing, represented by the Ia waveform, (2) singlecell puncture probing, Ib and (3) still-stylet ingestion, Ic. On the susceptible cultivar, multiple-cell laceration was dominant for both species, in duration and number of probes. Both species made more probes, all of medium to long duration, in interveinal areas. When feeding on veins, they chose larger over smaller veins and made fewer probes (all of short duration). However, E. kraemeri made significantly more, short-duration laceration probes than did E. fabae . When feeding on the resistant and susceptible cultivars was Compared, there was no significant difference in the duration of probing by an average insect in either species. Yet, there were significant differences in types of probing behavior exhibited on the two hosts, primarily because of a decrease in the number of short-duration probes containing multiple-cell laceration probing on the resistant cultivar, ‘EMP-84’. There was also a proportionate increase in the number of longer probes containing single-cell puncture probing and still-stylet ingestion. Fewer mechanical punctures were made and, possibly, less saliva was injected into ‘EMP-84’ than ‘Porrillo Sintetico’ plants. Thus, on ‘EMP-84’, a switch in behavior occurred from multiple-cell laceration probing, which was more abundant on the susceptible cultivar and may be more damaging, to still-stylet ingestion or Single-cell puncture probing, currently thought to be less damaging probing styles. The results show that Empoasca spp. leafhoppers did not reject the resistant plant, nor to our knowledge, was the resistant plant itself tolerant to the effects of feeding in the customary sense. Instead, ‘EMP-84’ may exhibit a new mechanism of tolerance, wherein the attacking leafhoppers were stimulated to feed in a less damaging manner.
The effect of GABA on the binding of 3H-flunitrazepam in mouse brains during development

Abstract Studies of the benzodiazepine (BZD) and GABA receptors during development have shown similarities in their receptor densities (relative to adult levels) during the early neonatal period. GABA can increase the affinity of BZD receptor binding. It is important to know whether this functional relationship exists in the fetal and neonatal periods. Saturation isotherms for 3 H-flunitrazepam (FLU) binding, using mouse brain homogenates from different ages, were assayed in the presence of either 10 μM GABA or 100 μM (+) bicuculline (BC). Clonazepam was used as the displacer. GABA increased the affinity of FLU binding, while BC decreased the affinity. An ANOVA indicated that there were no differences in the K D 's between ages and the pooled results are: 1.05 nM, for NO GABA; 0.51 nM for 10 μM GABA; 0.55 nM for NO BC; and 1.76 nM for 100 μM BC. To see if the BZD receptor was differentially sensitive to GABA during development, dose-response curves for the GABA effect were run at fetal, neonatal, and adult ages. The results show that the concentration of GABA causing a half maximal increase in FLU binding was nearly equal at all ages (≈1. μM). The dissociation kinetics of the GABA effect on FLU binding were also investigated. A significant decrease in k −1 was seen: 0.055 min −1 for NO GABA, and 0.030 min −1 for 10 μM GABA.
Effect of Fire Extinguishing Agents on Combustion of Sucrose

Although sucrose and cellulose are both carbohydrates of basically similar composition, the very materials which have been found to be most effective in preventing flaming combustion of cellulose are also effective in causing sugar cubes to support flame.
Nucleation and growth of kink bands

Abstract The geometric and strain properties of an ideal kink band in a perfectly plastic material with one slip surface are determined and two plausible modes by which a kink band can grow while maintaining these properties are presented. The first mode involves change in the orientation of the boundary surface of the kink band as it broadens. In the second mode the initial orientation of this boundary surface is maintained during broadening. A theoretical model is proposed for kink band formation in three stages: first, in an elastically strained material with a suitably oriented planar anisotropy; a small nucleus is either present or develops, and grows in thickness by one or the other or by both of the growth modes; second, as some critical thickness is reached, this nucleus propagates longitudinally until the excessive elastic distortion surrounding its ends is sufficiently relieved, or until the boundary of the body is reached; and third, the band widens by lateral migration of its boundaries, most probably by mode 2 growth. It is proposed that the direction of longitudinal propagation—and hence the orientation of the kink band with respect to principal normal stress—is decided by the value of a, the kink angle, in the nucleus at the time the critical thickness for propagation is reached. A further proposal is that this value of a is in turn decided by a principle of maximum plastic work: the instantaneous increment in strain or in volume within a nucleus is always the one for which the instantaneous increment in plastic work is a maximum at constant deviatoric stress. Calculations based on this theory for the two growth modes working either separately or together as competing processes yield three models of kink band nucleation in reasonable agreement with published experimental data. The most appealing of these models physically is one in which early mode 1 growth is replaced by mode 2 growth as the increments in mechanical work for the two modes become equal.
Reflex rhythm induced by concurrent excitation and inhibition

In a paper on “Antagonism between Reflex Inhibition and Reflex Excitation,” Sherrington has shown that the combined effects of excitatory and inhibitory stimuli produce a response intermediate between those of the two stimuli acting singly. Prof. Cannon, of Harvard, called my attention to certain minute oscillations which occur in Sherrington’s myograph line where it represents the response of muscle to the combined effects of the opposed stimuli, and suggested that these might have an important significance. They might mean that the nerve impulses in breaking through the opposition imposed by inhibition were subjected to a condition analogous to a stream of air passing out from a tube under water. It seemed possible that just as the air bubbles will be larger and more infrequent if the opening of the tube be deeply submerged than if near the surface, so the nerve impulses might be rendered more intense and more infrequent in overcoming the opposing influence of inhibition. On account of the impossibility of recording nerve impulses with the myograph I have planned to investigate the question by electrical methods. But in the course of another series of experiments I have obtained records whose bearing on the problem renders them of interest.
Isolation and characterization of a phosphorylated intermediate in the (Na+ + K+) system-dependent ATPase

Summary 1. A phosphorylated intermediate material in the (Na + + K + )-dependent ATPase (ATP phosphohydrolase, EC 3.6.1.3) transport system was solubilized by peptic digestion and.subjected to paper electrophoresis. 2. Brief digestion released one fragment which moved toward the cathode. Prolonged digestion converted this fragment into two subfragments. 3. The subfragments and the parent material were characterized as probably being acyl phosphates by their lability in strong acid and at neutral and alkaline pH, by their ease of methanolysis or ethanolysis, by their lability in the presence of hydroxylamine or molybdate, and by their response to bivalent ions. 4. The mol. wt. of the subfragments was estimated to be about 2200 by gel filtration. 5. The subfragments could be oxidized with performic acid or acetylated with acetic anhydride. 6. The subfragments were not soluble in ether.
Silicon carbonitride ceramics produced by pyrolysis of polymer ceramic precursor

Two processing routes were explored to produce crack-free amorphous Si–N–C ceramics by pyrolysis of polyureasilazane ceramic precursor. Using a warm-pressing/ pyrolysis route, a ceramic body with certain amount of open porosity was produced; densification behavior during pyrolysis was examined. A prepyrolysis/binding/pyrolysis route was also developed. Ceramics formed using this route were characterized by higher density, lower volume shrinkage during consolidation, and larger viable material size. Open porosity was essentially absent in consolidated amorphous materials produced by this second route. Recrystallization of the consolidated amorphous ceramics resulted in a Si3N4/SiC nanocomposite with both silicon nitride and silicon carbide grains in the nanometric size range.
Robustness of Tropospheric Temperature Trends from MSU Channels 2 and 4

Abstract Tropospheric temperature trends based on Microwave Sounding Unit (MSU) channel 2 data are susceptible to contamination from strong stratospheric cooling. Recently, Fu et al. devised a method of removing the stratospheric contamination by linearly combining data from MSU channels 2 and 4. In this study the sensitivity of the weights of the two channels in the retrieval algorithm for the tropospheric temperatures to the choice of period of record used in the analysis and to the choice of training dataset is examined. The weights derived using monthly temperature anomalies are within about 10% of those obtained by Fu et al. irrespective of the choice of analysis period or training dataset. The trend errors in the retrieved global-mean tropospheric temperatures tested using two independent radiosonde datasets are less than about 0.01 K decade−1 for all time periods of 25 yr or longer with different starting and ending years during 1958–2004. It is found that the retrievals are more robust if they are...
A Convex Guidance Algorithm for Formation Reconfiguration

In this paper, a reconfiguration guidance algorithm for formation flying spacecraft is presented. The formation reconfiguration guidance problem is first formulated as a continuous-time minimum-fuel or minimum-energy optimal control problem with collision avoidance and control constraints. The optimal control problem is then discretized to obtain a finite dimensional parameter optimization problem. In this formulation, the collision avoidance constraints are imposed via separating planes between each pair of spacecraft. A heuristic is introduced to choose these separating planes that leads to the convexification of the collision avoidance constraints. Additionally, convex constraints are imposed to guarantee that no collisions occur between discrete time samples. The resulting finite dimensional optimization problem is a second order cone program, for which standard algorithms can compute the global optimum with deterministic convergence and a prescribed level of accuracy. Consequently, the formation reconfiguration algorithm can be implemented onboard a spacecraft for real-time operations.
Disruptive Effects of Stimulus Intensity on Two Variations of a Temporal Discrimination Procedure

Previous reports using stimulus intensity changes to disrupt temporal discrimination have shown shifts in the psychophysical curve for time, while studies using other disruptors have shown a flattening of the curve. The current study investigated the impact of increases and decreases in stimulus intensity on temporal discrimination in pigeons, to determine if a flattening of the curve could be extended to this disruptor. The brightness of the sample to be timed was manipulated under two procedural variations, in which the response alternatives were differentiated by color or location. Results showed that all subjects in the color procedure, and one in the location procedure, showed a flattening of the psychophysical curve when they experienced increased stimulus intensity in descending order. No subjects exposed to an ascending order of stimulus intensities, and none of the other subjects in the location procedure, showed any impact of changed stimulus intensity. Minimal disruption was found when test sessions presented decreased stimulus intensity levels in a second series. These results, together with those using other types of disruptors, add to the evidence of a flattening of the psychophysical curve when temporal discrimination is disrupted.
A high-resolution capacitative imaging sensor for manufacturing applications

A high-resolution capacitive image sensing technique for measuring edge and surface profiles during manufacturing processes has been invented. A prototype device utilizing this technique consists of two 500- mu m-diameter electrodes fabricated on a printed circuit board with a 250- mu m gap between them. As the device is mechanically scanned over the workpiece, the spatial variations in the edge or surface to be measured interfere with an electric field imposed between the electrodes, altering the mutual capacitance. The sensor functions as a near-field proximity sensor, producing range images of surface imperfections. This sensor has been used in applications requiring a preview image of burns on the edge of a machined part and other processes requiring an inspection image after automated deburring operations. >
The costs of conflict: A choice-theoretic, equilibrium analysis

In models of (destructive) armed conflict, it is standard to account for the endogeneity of arming allocations made by incumbent government and rebel parties. Indeed, standard contest-theoretic (microeconomic) models of behavior recognize that allocations change with shifts in marginal benefit or marginal cost. Taking governments and rebels as responsive to such shifts, the present study applies standard, contest-theoretic, equilibrium analysis to the Smith et al. (2014) model of conflict and cooperation. This alternative solution methodology yields starkly different results. Within the present analysis, there does not exist greater scope for cooperation given endogenously-destructive arming rather than exogenously-destructive arming.
A derivation of the equations for multi-phase transport

Abstract A general form of the equations for multi-phase transport is derived and applied to the particular case of mass transport. In the development, particular attention is paid to the proper allocation of the transport mechanisms between convection and diffusion. Furthermore, a new definition of the tortuosity vector is proposed which accounts for a decreased diffusion rate due to the geometry of the system.
Robust Bayes classifiers

Abstract Naive Bayes classifiers provide an efficient and scalable approach to supervised classification problems. When some entries in the training set are missing, methods exist to learn these classifiers under some assumptions about the pattern of missing data. Unfortunately, reliable information about the pattern of missing data may be not readily available and recent experimental results show that the enforcement of an incorrect assumption about the pattern of missing data produces a dramatic decrease in accuracy of the classifier. This paper introduces a Robust Bayes Classifier ( rbc ) able to handle incomplete databases with no assumption about the pattern of missing data. In order to avoid assumptions, the rbc bounds all the possible probability estimates within intervals using a specialized estimation method. These intervals are then used to classify new cases by computing intervals on the posterior probability distributions over the classes given a new case and by ranking the intervals according to some criteria. We provide two scoring methods to rank intervals and a decision theoretic approach to trade off the risk of an erroneous classification and the choice of not classifying unequivocally a case. This decision theoretic approach can also be used to assess the opportunity of adopting assumptions about the pattern of missing data. The proposed approach is evaluated on twenty publicly available databases.
Nuclearity and cooperativity effects in binuclear catalysts and cocatalysts for olefin polymerization

A series of bimetallic organo-group 4 “constrained geometry” catalysts and binuclear bisborane and bisborate cocatalysts have been synthesized to probe catalyst center–catalyst center cooperativity effects on olefin enchainment in homogenous olefin polymerization and copolymerization processes. Significant nuclearity effects are found versus mononuclear controls, and the effect can be correlated with metal–metal approach distances and ion pairing effects. Novel polymer structures can be obtained by using such binuclear catalyst/cocatalyst systems.
Orthogonal mapping: A computer program for quantifying shape differences

Abstract Quantitative differences in the shape of two or more objects can be obtained by Orthogonal Mapping provided coincidental or analogous points can be identified on each object. The least-squares difference between each set of analogous points is determined by use of a projective transformation of a set of measured points which involves the rotation, translocation, and scaling of these points relative to a set of fixed points.
Technological Advances in the Surgical Treatment of Movement Disorders

Technological innovations have driven the advancement of the surgical treatment of movement disorders, from the invention of the stereotactic frame to the adaptation of deep brain stimulation (DBS). Along these lines, this review will describe recent advances in inserting neuromodulation modalities, including DBS, to the target, and in the delivery of therapy at the target. Recent radiological advances are altering the way that DBS leads are targeted and inserted, by refining the ability to visualize the subcortical targets using high-field strength magnetic resonance imaging and other innovations, such as diffusion tensor imaging, and the development of novel targeting devices enabling purely anatomical implantations without the need for neurophysiological monitoring. New portable computed tomography scanners also are facilitating lead implantation without monitoring, as well as improving radiological verification of DBS lead location. Advances in neurophysiological mapping include efforts to develop automatic target verification algorithms, and probabilistic maps to guide target selection. The delivery of therapy at the target is being improved by the development of the next generation of internal pulse generators (IPGs). These include constant current devices that mitigate the variability introduced by impedance changes of the stimulated tissue and, in the near future, devices that deliver novel stimulation patterns with improved efficiency. Closed-loop adaptive IPGs are being tested, which may tailor stimulation to ongoing changes in the nervous system, reflected in biomarkers continuously recorded by the devices. Finer-grained DBS leads, in conjunction with new IPGs and advanced programming tools, may offer improved outcomes via current steering algorithms. Finally, even thermocoagulation—essentially replaced by DBS—is being advanced by new minimally-invasive approaches that may improve this therapy for selected patients in whom it may be preferred. Functional neurosurgery has a history of being driven by technological innovation, a tradition that continues into its future.
Mandibular reconstruction of a partial hemimandibulectomy in a dog with severe malocclusion.

Objective— To report treatment of severe mandibular malocclusion (after left partial hemimandibulectomy, ∼7 cm gap). Study Design— Clinical report. Animals— A 14-month-old golden retriever. Methods— After corrective osteotomy of the right horizontal mandibular ramus, normal occlusion was reestablished and temporarily maintained while both mandibles were stabilized by miniplates on the lateral alveolar surface spanning the bilateral mandibular defects (right=1.5 cm, left=7 cm). A fenestrated, monocortical rib graft was positioned beneath the left gingival surface to protect the synthetic graft, which was secured to the miniplate. A mandibular reconstruction plate (right) and a locking mandibular reconstruction plate (left) were secured to the ventral borders of the mandibles. Recombinant bone morphogenetic protein-2 delivered in collagen tricalcium phosphate sponges (rhBMP-2 collagen-TCP sponge) was inserted into both mandibular defects. Results— New bone formation was identified at 3 months and bony remodeling was evident at recheck examinations up to 4 years. Scintigraphy (6 months, 1 year) confirmed graft revascularization and viability. Bone collected (1 year) from the left defect site had robust new bone formation and evidence of continued remodeling. Only minor complications were encountered during the postoperative period and were easily resolved. Conclusions— Reconstruction of a large mandibular defect was facilitated by use of an osteoinductive factor (rhBMP-2 collagen-TCP sponge) as a graft substitute. Clinical Relevance— One-step salvage and reconstruction facilitated by use of an osteoinductive factor, as a graft substitute, may be an alternative strategy for repair of large mandibular defects.
The criterion a problem revisited: Controversies and challenges in defining and measuring psychological trauma

The Criterion A problem in the field of traumatic stress refers to the stressor criterion for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and involves a number of fundamental issues regarding the definition and measurement of psychological trauma. These issues first emerged with the introduction of PTSD as a diagnostic category in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Third Edition (DSM-III; American Psychiatric Association, 1980) and continue to generate considerable controversy. In this article, the authors provide an update on the Criterion A problem, with particular emphasis on the evolution of the DSM definition of the stressor criterion and the ongoing debate regarding broad versus narrow conceptualizations of traumatic events.
Sedation Strategies Using Bispectral Index Monitors

S edating patients has always been challenging for healthcare professionals, particularly since there is a narrow margin of error. It is all too easy to cross the line from conscious sedation into deep sedation, which can jeopardize the patient’s ability to breathe on his or her own as well as affect the overall vital signs. Administration of anesthetic, dissociative, and sedating agents is currently based on the measured responses of patient populations. However, many factors may alter the actual clinical effect of the administered drugs, including: • Individual patient responses vary greatly (‘‘patient variability’’). • Agents in combination may have synergistic effects. • Plasma concentrations of intravenous (IV) agents cannot be monitored—kinetics vary widely. • Pharmacological requirements are often altered during the course of a procedure. • Drugs are titrated based on cardiovascular responses, which may not actually relate to sedation depth. • The use of multiple agents often leads to a dissociation between the brain—a key target organ for anesthesia—and the cardiovascular system.
An experimental study of GFP-based FRET, with application to intrinsically unstructured proteins

We have experimentally studied the fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between green fluorescent protein (GFP) molecules by inserting folded or intrinsically unstructured proteins between CyPet and Ypet. We discovered that most of the enhanced FRET signal previously reported for this pair was due to enhanced dimerization, so we engineered a monomerizing mutation into each. An insert containing a single fibronectin type III domain (3.7 nm end-to-end) gave a moderate FRET signal while a two-domain insert (7.0 nm) gave no FRET. We then tested unstructured proteins of various lengths, including the charged-plus-PQ domain of ZipA, the tail domain of α-adducin, and the C-terminal tail domain of FtsZ. The structures of these FRET constructs were also studied by electron microscopy and sedimentation. A 12 amino acid linker and the N-terminal 33 amino acids of the charged domain of the ZipA gave strong FRET signals. The C-terminal 33 amino acids of the PQ domain of the ZipA and several unstructured proteins with 66–68 amino acids gave moderate FRET signals. The 150 amino acid charged-plus-PQ construct gave a barely detectable FRET signal. FRET efficiency was calculated from the decreased donor emission to estimate the distance between donor and acceptor. The donor–acceptor distance varied for unstructured inserts of the same length, suggesting that they had variable stiffness (persistence length). We conclude that GFP-based FRET can be useful for studying intrinsically unstructured proteins, and we present a range of calibrated protein inserts to experimentally determine the distances that can be studied.
ON THE USE OF COLOR IMAGING IN EXPERIMENTAL APPLICATIONS

In this paper, some considerations regarding the use of color digital imaging systems in experimental mechanics applications have been discussed. Two examples in the areas of photoelastic fringe analysis and machining chip color classification were presented. The author feels that the increasing availability of affordable color imaging systems will allow the discovery of many interesting applications in the areas of experimental mechanics and engineering.
Comparison of Several Enzymes and Components of Milk, Blood, and Tissues Between Cows and Ewes

Abstract Two ewes and three cows were compared in certain biochemical parameters which might help to explain the greater content of protein and fat in milk of the ewe. Ewe's milk contained 1.25 times as much protein as cow's milk. The RNA/DNA ratio, leucine incorporation, acetate supply, and substrate supply (α-amino nitrogen) all were consistent with higher levels of protein in ewe's milk. The fat concentration in ewe's milk was 2.3 times more than that of cow's milk, and the activity of the glyceride synthetase complex in ewe mammary tissues was three times that of cow mammary tissues. However, lipoprotein lipase activity in mammary tissue of the cow was 13 times that of the ewe, although transfer of blood fat to milk was about the same for both species. Hepatic glyceride synthetase, adipose lipoprotein lipase, and fatty acid release from adipose tissue were greater in the cow than the ewe. Mammary tissue from ewes compared to cows removed more acetate from blood plasma but incorporated less 14 C-acetate into lipid, which indicates a greater nonfat use of acetate by ewes. Mammary glyceride synthetase activity offered the only biochemical explanation for the greater fat content of ewe's milk.
Construction Engineering Requirements for Integrating Laser Scanning Technology and Building Information Modeling

Laser scanning for rapid spatial data acquisition is an established technology in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) sector with a wide range of applications. An understanding of the wide variation of technical requirements and considerations associated with these applications is critical to decision making about laser-scanning implementation on projects. Furthermore, significant industry transformations in the use of building information modeling present extraordinary opportunities for AEC professionals to employ the use of laser scanning in the context of holistic, collaborative workflows grounded in three-dimensional model-based design. This report analyzes the construction engineering requirements of laser scanning technology for applications across all phases of the project life cycle and proposes a multidisciplinary framework to integrate applications of laser scanning technology with the fundamentals of three-dimensional model-based design.
Postoperative Surveillance for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Resected With Curative Intent: Developing a Patient-Centered Approach

Local recurrence or the development of metachronous cancer after surgical therapy for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is not uncommon, and these conditions are often amenable to curative therapy. Predictors of recurrence based on surgical, patient, and pathologic factors are well known. A literature search was performed for articles regarding identification or treatment with curative intent of early local recurrence or metachronous cancer after resection of NSCLC. A patient-centered algorithm for surveillance after resection can be developed based on both risk of recurrence and potential benefit from further treatment to optimize individual follow-up algorithms.
A closure study of aerosol mass concentration measurements: Comparison of values obtained with filters and by direct measurements of mass distributions

Abstract We compare measurements of aerosol mass concentrations obtained gravimetrically using Teflon coated glass fiber filters and by integrating mass distributions measured with the differential mobility analyzer–aerosol particle mass analyzer (DMA–APM) technique (Aerosol Sci. Technol. 36 (2002) 227). The DMA–APM technique measures the distribution of particle mass as a function of mobility size for particles of arbitrary shape and composition (Relationship between particle mass and mobility, and between aerodynamic and mobility size distributions for diesel exhaust particles, Environ. Sci. Technol., 2003). Because DMA–APM measurements are made on particles suspended in the air, data are not affected by volatilization or adsorption that can affect the accuracy of the filter measurements. We show that the average ratio of the filter to DMA–APM mass concentrations for laboratory-generated dioctyl sebacate (DOS) and sodium chloride (NaCl) aerosols is 1.14±0.28, and they are well correlated (R2>0.97). For diesel exhaust aerosols from an engine operating at 75% load, the two techniques agreed well with the average ratio of 0.98±0.20. When the engine was operated at a low (10%) load, mass concentrations measured with the filter were 2.13±0.54 times higher than values measured with the DMA–APM. We believe that the higher filter loading may be due to the adsorption of condensable vapors, which are emitted at higher rates under low engine load conditions. Measurements in which the condensable organics were removed with a catalytic stripper show much better agreement between the filter and DMA–APM, which support the hypothesis that vapor adsorption leads to artificially high filter data for low-load measurements. We conclude that the DMA–APM technique can be used to evaluate the accuracy of filter samples that may be affected by sampling artifacts, and to measure mass distributions with high time resolution for sub-0.5 μm aerosols.
Improved emergency myelopoiesis and survival in neonatal sepsis by caspase-1/11 ablation

Over one million newborns die annually from sepsis with the highest mortality in premature and low-birthweight infants. The inflammasome plays a central role in the regulation of innate immunity and inflammation, and is presumed to be involved in protective immunity, in large part through the caspase-1-dependent activation of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-18. Studies in endotoxic shock, however, suggest that endogenous caspase-1 activity and the inflammasome contribute to mortality primarily by promoting excessive systemic inflammatory responses. We examined whether caspase-1 and the inflammasome also regulate neonatal inflammation, host protective immunity and myelopoiesis during polymicrobial sepsis. Neonatal (5-7 days) C57BL/6 and caspase-1/11(-/-) mice underwent a low-lethality caecal slurry model of intra-abdominal sepsis (LD25-45 ). Ablation of caspase-1/11, but not apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD domain or nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), improved neonatal survival following septic challenge compared with wild-type mice (P < 0·001), with decreased concentrations of inflammatory cytokines in the serum and peritoneum. Surprisingly, caspase-1/11(-/-) neonates also exhibited increased bone marrow and splenic haematopoietic stem cell expansion (P < 0·001), and increased concentrations of granulocyte and macrophage colony-stimulating factors in the peritoneum (P < 0·001) after sepsis. Ablation of caspase-1/11 signalling was also associated with increased recruitment of peritoneal macrophages and neutrophils (P < 0·001), increased phagocytosis by neutrophils (P = 0·003), and decreased bacterial colonization (P = 0·02) in the peritoneum. These findings suggest that endogenous caspase-1/11 activity, independent of the NLRP3 inflammasome, not only promotes the magnitude of the inflammatory response, but also suppresses protective immunity in the neonate, so contributing to innate immune dysfunction and poor survival in neonatal sepsis.
Evidence for a significant timer error on a linear accelerator: consequences for a special therapy application

A significant timer error has been found on a linear accelerator used for intra-operative radiation therapy. Since typical treatment doses range up to 20 Gy, calibrations that do not account for this effect can incur a large dosimetry error. The effect is dose rate dependent, but energy independent. For a dose rate of 900 cGy min, the error in dose calibration varies between 2 and 3% for an average of 2.5%. At dose rates of 600 and 300 cGy min, the error was 1.7% and 0.8% respectively. The average timer error at 900 cGy min was found to be monitor units. It is argued that even a small timer error has serious dosimetry consequences for the implementation of intensity modulated radiation therapy.
Inhibition of IMPDH by Mycophenolic Acid: Dissection of Forward and Reverse Pathways Using Capillary Electrophoresis

The objective of this work was to contribute to the understanding of mechanisms for IMPDH inhibition. We over-expressed hamster type II IMPDH in Escherichia coli, purified the protein to apparent homogeneity, and used capillary electrophoresis to quantify enzyme turnover events accompanying inhibition by mycophenolic acid (MPA). We dissected two convergent pathways leading to MPA-inhibition; a rapid "forward" pathway beginning with substrates and linked to enzyme catalysis, and a slower "reverse" pathway apparently not involving catalysis. MPA-inhibition occurred rapidly in the forward direction by interrupting the enzyme turnover cycle, after IMP and NAD+ binding, after hydride transfer, and after NADH release. Slow inhibition, without substrate turnover, was achieved by incubating free enzyme with excess XMP and MPA. We propose that mycophenolic acid inhibits IMPDH by trapping a transient covalent product of the hydride transfer reaction (IMPDH approximately XMP*) before a final hydrolysis step that precedes XMP and enzyme release in the forward reaction pathway. Understanding the ligand occupancy of the protein has also proven important for producing homogeneous, chemically defined complexes for structural studies. IMPDH samples inhibited by MPA in the forward and reverse pathways yielded similar, high-quality crystals that are currently undergoing X-ray diffraction analyses.
The relation between limb loading and control parameters of gait initiation in persons with stroke

Abstract Objective: This study investigated the relation between limb loading and selected characteristics of gait initiation in patients after stroke. Subjects and Setting: Thirteen patients attending a rehabilitation clinic volunteered for the study. Design: For the description of clinical features, patients were divided into two groups dependent on the amount of body weight shared by the involved limb during stance before gait initiation. Main Outcome Measures: Patients performed six trials of gait initiation with either their involved or noninvolved limb on a force platform. Peak ground reaction forces and bilateral tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius electromyographic (EMG) activity were used for group comparison. Results: All patients showed the correct loading and unloading characteristics in the vertical and medial-lateral direction during gait initiation. Strong correlations were noted between initial limb loading and ground reaction forces during gait initiation ( r = .79 to .95). Changes in ground reaction forces were significantly less ( p Conclusion: This study suggests that there is a correlation between symmetrical weight bearing and the ability to provide those forces than generate forward momentum in the initiation of gait.
Modeling in the Physical Domain: An Optimization-Based Approach

With the increasing complexity of dynamic systems, model reduction has become an attractive research topic. A very useful type of reduced models is obtained by removing as many physical components as possible from the original model, known as model reduction in the physical domain. Many results have been achieved in this area during past decades. Nonetheless, the newest developments in engineering practice as well as in theoretical research have brought about further challenges and opportunities. This paper expands the scope of model reduction in physical domain, and proposes a criterion based on the H∞ norm of certain error model is proposed. The model reduction problem is then formulated as an optimization problem with bilinear matrix inequality (BMI) constraints, which can be solved with various processes. Several examples are presented to illustrate the use of the proposed model reduction scheme.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Increasing validity in the evaluation of new distance learning technologies

In the development of distance learning, advances in cognitive science merge with new technology to deliver instruction worldwide. However, one major difficulty in evaluating the efficacy of these tools is determining which elements of instruction truly lead to observed changes in student performance. The purpose of this paper is to briefly review current use of various research methods for evaluating instructional technologies, discuss previous solutions to balancing the conflicting demands of internal and external validity, and then to propose a new research design that achieves this goal in a manner compatible with many instructional technology applications. The design, called a Strand of Pearls design, leverages the practice of delivering instruction in sequential modules to generate robust findings for which claims of internal validity, external validity, and maximal generalizability can be made.
Professional women's retirement adjustment: the experience of reestablishing order

Abstract Twenty-four interviews with 14 retired professional women were conducted and the results were presented as a four-stage process model [Price, C.A., 1998. Women and retirement: the unexplored transition. New York, Garland]. Because retirement adjustment for professional women has been a topic largely overlooked, the data pertaining to the women's adjustment experiences were reexamined in light of current literature and within the frameworks of identity theory and role theory. Retirement adjustment, for these women, was influenced by the following factors: (1) role expansion, (2) maintaining a sense of self, (3) reestablishing structure through time, and (4) community involvement. Results indicate that adjustment to retirement, for professional women, may be enhanced by utilizing work-related skills, maintaining active lifestyles, and nourishing individual self-concepts to counter the loss of former professional roles.
The Structures of Summer Convective Clouds in Eastern Montana. I: Natural Clouds

Abstract The microstructures and precipitation-producing mechanisms in 93 clouds in the vicinity of Miles City, Montana have been explored through airborne measurements. Small cumulus and cumulus complexes contained high cloud particle concentrations and had narrow particle size spectra; broader spectra and lower particle concentrations were measured in embedded cumulus. Ice particle concentrations in the small and embedded cumulus were generally <1 l−1, although they occasionally reached 10's l−1; these clouds precipitated only occasionally. Ice enhancement processes appeared to work particularly effectively in the cumulus complexes where the average concentrations of ice particles often reached 100's l−1; these clouds generally precipitated. Ice mass concentrations ranged from values of ∼0.001 g m−3 in the small developing cumulus to ∼6 g m−3 in some of the cumulus complexes. The size spectra of the precipitable particles generally followed an exponential distribution; their growth was dominated by ice-...