cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sumoylation of amyloid precursor protein negatively regulates Aβ aggregate levels

The proteolytic processing of amyloid precursor protein (APP) to produce Abeta peptides is thought to play an important role in the mechanism of Alzheimer's disease. Here, we show that lysines 587 and 595 of APP, which are immediately adjacent to the site of beta-secretase cleavage, are covalently modified by SUMO proteins in vivo. Sumoylation of these lysine residues is associated with decreased levels of Abeta aggregates. Further, overexpression of the SUMO E2 enzyme ubc9 along with SUMO-1 results in decreased levels of Abeta aggregates in cells transfected with the familial Alzheimer's disease-associated V642F mutant APP, indicating the potential of up-regulating activity of the cellular sumoylation machinery as an approach against Alzheimer's disease. The results also provide the first demonstration that the SUMO E2 enzyme (ubc9) is present within the endoplasmic reticulum, indicating how APP, and perhaps other proteins that enter this compartment, can be sumoylated.
A cellular genetics approach identifies gene-drug interactions and pinpoints drug toxicity pathway nodes.

New approaches to toxicity testing have incorporated high-throughput screening across a broad-range of in vitro assays to identify potential key events in response to chemical or drug treatment. To date, these approaches have primarily utilized repurposed drug discovery assays. In this study, we describe an approach that combines in vitro screening with genetic approaches for the experimental identification of genes and pathways involved in chemical or drug toxicity. Primary embryonic fibroblasts isolated from 32 genetically-characterized inbred mouse strains were treated in concentration-response format with 65 compounds, including pharmaceutical drugs, environmental chemicals, and compounds with known modes-of-action. Integrated cellular responses were measured at 24 and 72 hours using high-content imaging and included cell loss, membrane permeability, mitochondrial function, and apoptosis. Genetic association analysis of cross-strain differences in the cellular responses resulted in a collection of candidate loci potentially underlying the variable strain response to each chemical. As a demonstration of the approach, one candidate gene involved in rotenone sensitivity, Cybb, was experimentally validated in vitro and in vivo. Pathway analysis on the combined list of candidate loci across all chemicals identified a number of over-connected nodes that may serve as core regulatory points in toxicity pathways.
No-carrier-added [18F]fluoroarenes from the radiofluorination of diaryl sulfoxides

No-carrier-added [18F]fluoroarenes were synthesized through the radiofluorination of diaryl sulfoxides with [18F]fluoride ion. Diaryl sulfoxides bearing a para electron-withdrawing substituent readily gave the corresponding 4-[18F]fluoroarenes in high RCYs. This process broadens the scope for preparing novel 18F-labeling synthons and PET radiotracers.
Polynomial smoothing of quiet-time magnetic variations for an irregularly spaced array of sites

Both magnetospheric and solid Earth geophysicists often employ two-dimensional arrays of recording variometers to reconstruct the spatial distribution of transient magnetic field variations at the Earth's surface. These discrete data are typically interpolated over a dense grid and the results, for example, are contoured. Few studies, however, have explored the efficacy of employing various polynomial forms for interpolating the same data set, nor have they examined how regional polynomial forms relate to magnetic variation sources on a global scale. The present study addresses some of these concerns. We quantify the characteristics of various smoothed models (i.e., low-order polynomial trend surfaces) for the same data set from a subglobal network of magnetic variometers. Using a relatively quiet interval of undisturbed diurnal variation, we characterize the spatial distribution of the three individual magnetic vector components at a single instant of time—or for what we call a ‘time slice’. We then explore how our model functions are affected by the presence or absence of various site data, i.e., what is the ‘information content’ of a particular site in our array and how important is it to constraining the final smooth model function that we derive? Finally, we explore how such local model functions are affected by including data from outside the array by studying the relation between our local polynomial forms and the global source fields from which they derive.
A volume integral equation stokes solver for problems with variable coefficients

We present a novel numerical scheme for solving the Stokes equation with variable coefficients in the unit box. Our scheme is based on a volume integral equation formulation. Compared to finite element methods, our formulation decouples the velocity and pressure, generates velocity fields that are by construction divergence free to high accuracy and its performance does not depend on the order of the basis used for discretization. In addition, we employ a novel adaptive fast multipole method for volume integrals to obtain a scheme that is algorithmically optimal. Our scheme supports non-uniform discretizations and is spectrally accurate. To increase per node performance, we have integrated our code with both NVIDIA and Intel accelerators. In our largest scalability test, we solved a problem with 20 billion unknowns, using a 14-order approximation for the velocity, on 2048 nodes of the Stampede system at the Texas Advanced Computing Center. We achieved 0.656 petaFLOPS for the overall code (23% efficiency) and one petaFLOPS for the volume integrals (33% efficiency). As an application example, we simulate Stokes flow in a porous medium with highly complex pore structure using a penalty formulation to enforce the no slip condition.
Two Demonstrations of MEMS in Civil Engineering

testing of a MEMS strain sensor for rail fatigue studies and provides a comprehensive view of an overall demonstration project. The second is titled ‘‘Design of Piezoresistive MEMS-Based Accelerometer for Integration with a Wireless Sensing Unit for Structural Monitoring,’’ and is authored by Lynch, Partridge, Law, Kenny, Kiremidjian, and Carryer, from Stanford University. The paper reports on the development of an innovative MEMS accelerometer for structural monitoring, compares its performance to capacitive-type MEMS accelerometers, and describes the demonstration of a system for wireless sensing. Both papers illustrate improvements in civil engineering sensing practices that can be achieved using MEMS devices. They also illustrate steps by which researchers from different disciplines can find collaborative opportunities. Potentially, aerospace and civil engineering applications are an important market for new sensing approaches, and I wish to thank these authors for presenting their pioneering work with MEMS technologies. Irving J. Oppenheim Carnegie Mellon University
Mariculture potential of the spot prawn, Pandalus platyceros Brandt

Abstract Biological characteristics and culture methods were investigated for the spot prawn, Pandalus platyceros Brandt. Ovigerous adults were caught in the local fishery; six of these produced 2 628 to 4 669 larvae. The larval period ranged from 26 to 35 days (9.5–12.0°C). Maximum larval survival was about 70%, with mortalities being most frequent during ecdysis. The relation of wet weight (g) to carapace length (mm) for the first 26 months was calculated as log W = −3.0843 + 2.9308 log L . Prawns showed good survival between 9.5 and 21.0°C. Mortality increased sharply when temperatures exceeded 21.0°C. Salinities below 22‰ resulted in a sharp increase in mortality. A diet of brine shrimp nauplii sufficed for newly hatched larvae. Growth was enhanced when larvae were fed a unicellular algal supplement ( Phaeodactylum tricornutum ), although mortality was somewhat higher. Larvae progressed rapidly to foraging on larger brine shrimp and diced foods. Six-month-old spot prawns raised on a squid diet averaged 3.4 g, and at 1 year the mean weight was 6.3 g. A feeding experiment, incorporating 12 diets, disclosed that highest growth rates and best food conversion ratios were achieved on a combined California seamussel and giant red sea urchin diet. However, the best growth rate achieved was considered marginal for mariculture. It was concluded that unless the growth rate could be accelerated by other food formulations or culture techniques, a monoculture system for mass cultivation would not be feasible. The spot prawn may have potential in a polyculture system.
Solid-Matrix Luminescence of Heterocyclic Aromatic Amines in Glucose Glasses Prepared from a Glucose Melt

Solid-matrix luminescence of heterocyclic aromatic amines in glucose glasses obtained from a glucose melt is presented. (AIP) (c)
Representing Hindutva: Nation, Religion and Masculinity in Indian Popular Cinema, 1990 to 2003

Working with the assumption that visual culture, specifically film, draws on wider hegemonic discourses circulating within the public space to construct its own narrative, and that hegemonic definitions of the nation emerge and take shape within “public culture,” of which film is a part, this article reads six Indian films from the 1990s and the early 2000s — Roja (Mani Ratnam, 1992), Bombay (Mani Ratnam, 1995), Sarfarosh/The Patriot (John Matthew Mathan, 1999), Mission Kashmir (Vidhu Vinod Chopra, 2000), Gadar/Revolution (Anil Sharma, 2001), and Pinjar/The Cage (Chandra Prakash Dwivedi, 2003). At a time when the Hindu nationalist movement had gained momentum, this article identifies discourses that surrounded “maleness,” the nation and religion through its reading of popular cinema. The three themes that emerged from the reading of these films point to the manner in which discourses of nationalism, masculinity and religion intersected during this particular historical conjuncture in the Indian subcontine...
Photodetachment and autodetachment of the Be − ion

The metastable Be anion has been experimentally investigated using a crossed laser--negative-ion-beam apparatus. The Be(2 [sup 3][ital P]) electron affinity of 261[plus minus]10 meV has been determined by photodetached-electron spectroscopy. It is also demonstrated that the Be(2 [sup 3][ital P]) excitation energy of 2.723[plus minus]0.007 eV can be determined by means of a hybrid technique involving the use of both autodetached- and photodetached-electron spectroscopies.
Capnography and Depth of Sedation During Propofol Sedation in Children

Study objective To evaluate the relationship between continuous capnography and observed airway and respiratory adverse effects and the depth of sedation when using propofol for pediatric orthopedic procedures. Methods We administered propofol after opioid premedication in a prospective convenience sample of children undergoing orthopedic reduction in our emergency department (ED). All children received supplemental oxygen (1 L/minute by nasal cannula) and continuous capnography and had depth of sedation assessed every 2 minutes. Adverse airway or respiratory events and any associated interventions were recorded. Results Adverse airway or respiratory events with intervention occurred in 14 of the 125 enrolled children (11%; 95% confidence interval 4.0% to 14%): jaw thrust in 4, supplemental oxygen in 6, and bag-valve-mask ventilation in 4. All interventions required were brief ( Conclusion When propofol is administered for ED deep sedation to facilitate pediatric orthopedic reduction, continuous capnography detects most airway and respiratory events leading to intervention before clinical examination or pulse oximetry.
Of Headhunters and Cannibals: Migrancy, Labor, and Consumption in the Mawri Imagination

Contributors to the growing anthropological literature on globalization and modernity may have yet to agree on a satisfactory definition of what "being modern" entails, but one thing is widely shared: modernizing social forces have not reduced the world to sameness. We are now familiar with the argument that modernity is "decisively large, irregularly self-conscious and unevenly experienced" (Appadurai 1996:3)-in other words, unavoidably plural. Constantly and everywhere reinvented in contrast to that other slippery concept, tradition, modernity "has come to circulate, almost worldwide, as a metaphor of new means and ends, of new materialities and meanings" (Comaroff and Comaroff 1993:xiii). While the term itself may not withstand analytical scrutiny when dislodged from an evolutionary narrative, the diverse and multidimensional processes it seeks to describe are real enough. The impact of such processes on local and translocal identities and communities has been richly documented (Appadurai
Body Mass Index, Depression and Sexual Transmission Risk Behaviors Among HIV-Positive MSM

Depression has been shown to be a risk factor for serodiscordant unprotected anal intercourse (SDUAI) in some studies, but not others. Body mass index (BMI) has recently been associated with SDUAI; however, to date, no published study has investigated the interactive effect of depression and BMI on SDUAI. The current study assessed the association between depression, BMI, and SDUAI among HIV-positive MSM. Participants were 430 HIV-positive MSM recruited in a Boston community health center where they received primary care. Participants completed audio computer-assisted self interview (ACASI) measures. Objective height and weight and other clinical variables were accessed through participants’ electronic medical records. Depression was positively associated with SDUAI. This association was significantly moderated by BMI. Elevated levels of depression were only associated with SDUAI for underweight participants. These findings suggest that underweight, depressed HIV-positive MSM may be particularly likely to engage in SDUAI.
AIR CONTAMINANT DISTRIBUTIONS IN A COMMERCIAL LAYING HOUSE

ABSTRACT Total particle counts (TPC), carbon dioxide (CO2) levels, ammonia (NH3) levels, and room air temperature were monitored in a commercial cage laying house in Pennsylvania. The inlet and the exhaust were monitored for 24-h periods once a week from July 1989 to February 1990 while six other sampling locations in the house were monitored for 24-h periods once each six weeks. At each sampling location, air contaminant levels were measured at the alley and at each of the four cage decks. Results showed that more than 99% and 97% of total particles were smaller than 10.0 and 5.0 |im in diameter, respectively. TPC, CO2 levels, NH3 levels, and air temperature exhibited day-to-day variations but bird age effect was not significant. Mean daily TPC, CO2 levels, NH3 levels, and temperature ranged from 18 to 103 particles/mL, 553 to 4424 ppm, 9 to 54 ppm, and 17° to 30° C, respectively. Overall air quality was observed to be poorer at locations most distant from the exhaust fans. There were significant differences among locations in NH3 levels and temperature but there were no significant differences in TPCs and CO2 levels. Ventilation rate appeared to be the most important factor influencing indoor air quality. Mean TPCs were significantly higher while mean CO2 and NH3 levels were significantly lower in hot weather than in cold weather. CO2 levels and NH3 levels were highly correlated but there was little correlation between TPCs and the levels of CO2, NH3, or air temperature.
Technical factors in lower-extremity vein bypass surgery: how can we improve outcomes?

Lower-extremity vein bypass surgery has been a standard operation in the armamentarium of vascular surgeons for more than 4 decades. Yet there remains surprising heterogeneity in the utilization, techniques, and outcomes associated with this procedure in current practice. Despite improvements in surgical technique and careful postoperative surveillance, vein graft failure remains a significant clinical problem affecting up to 50% of patients within 5 years. Experience, clinical judgment, creativity, and technical precision are required to optimize long-term results. Many factors, including patient-specific comorbidities, and variable biologic responses in the venous conduit, influence the ultimate outcome. Technical factors, however, play a dominant role in determining clinical success. Multiple single-center reports, and more recent multicenter trials, have clearly demonstrated that conduit selection and quality is the most critical element. An adequate caliber (≥3.5 mm), good quality great saphenous vein is the optimal graft for infrainguinal bypass. Contralateral great saphenous vein, arm vein, and lesser saphenous vein are the next most desirable conduits. Graft configuration (reversed, nonreversed, or in situ) appears to have little influence on outcomes per se. Shorter grafts have improved patency. Inflow can be improved by surgical or endovascular means if necessary, and distal-origin grafts perform as well as those originating from the common femoral artery. The selected outflow vessel should supply unimpeded runoff to the foot, conserve conduit length, and allow for adequate soft-tissue coverage of the graft and a simplified surgical exposure. This review summarizes the data linking technical factors with graft patency, highlighting the importance of surgical judgment and operative planning in the current practice of infrainguinal bypass surgery.
Atomistic simulations of shock-induced transformations and their orientation dependence in bcc Fe single crystals

By multimillion-atom classical molecular dynamics simulations employing an embedded atom method potential, we investigate shock-induced phase transformations in body-centered cubic Fe single crystals caused by shock loading along ${[001]}_{\mathrm{bcc}}$, ${[011]}_{\mathrm{bcc}}$, and ${[111]}_{\mathrm{bcc}}$ directions. Significant dependence of the developing microstructure on the crystallographic shock direction is evident, but we see only a weak dependence of the transition pressures for the body-$\text{centered}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\text{close}$-packed and $\text{solid}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\text{melt}$ transitions on the shock direction. The Hugoniots obtained by simulations of samples with lengths approaching one micrometer are compared to experimental work for pressures and temperatures above shock-induced melting. Crystallographic relationships between the parent and product phase found in the simulations are common for martensitic transformations. We discuss the influence of different embedded atom method potentials on the dynamics of the transformation. We see solitary waves ahead of the shock front. The velocities of these waves decrease in time, such that they are absorbed into the shock front within a distance of propagation of one $\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{m}$ or less.
Modeling and NMR Studies of Somè Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons

Abstract The utility of molecular modeling in interpreting the 1H NMR spectra of selected polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons that are deformed from their normal geometries is illustrated. The application of COSY and NOESY 1H NMR spectra in conjunction with the predicted geometries of these compounds is presented as an aid to the assignment of chemical shifts and spin spin coupling interactions. It is shown that chemical intuition about anisotropic shielding effects in magnetic resonance spectra must be used with caution. Computational modeling of the three dimensional structure of PAH is a useful tool for understanding the spectroscopic and chemical behavior of PAH.
Nighttime observations of 0.2‐ to 26‐keV electrons in the South Atlantic Anomaly made by Atmosphere Explorer C

Atmosphere Explorer C satellite observations have determined that the flux of low energy ions in the South Atlantic Anomaly is much smaller than that of electrons, allowing the satellite's low-energy ion detector to monitor the high-energy background and correct the low-energy electron detector accordingly. It is shown that the electron spectra can be represented by a power law in the range 0.2-26.0 keV, with the spectral index close to -1.0, and that the mean energy flux carried by electrons in the middle of the anomaly is about 0.003 erg/sq cm/sec and may reach 5 times this value. Maps of the downward energy flux are included.
Yield of postoperative fever evaluation.

Abstract Introduction: In women undergoing major gynecologic surgeries, we wish to determine the frequency and yield of blood cultures, urine cultures, and chest x-ray as part of postoperative fever evaluation. Methods: A retrospective review of 537 consecutive patients undergoing major gynecologic surgery. Postoperative fever was any temperature ≥38°C. In patients who developed postoperative fever, it was determined if blood cultures, urine cultures, and chest x-rays were performed and how frequently these yielded positive results. Results: Two hundred eleven patients (39%) developed postoperative fever. Blood cultures were obtained in 77 of 211 (37%) febrile patients, urine cultures in 106 of 211 (50%) febrile patients, and chest x-rays in 54 of 211 (26%) febrile patients. Zero of 77 blood cultures were positive, 11 of 106 (10%) urine culture were positive, and 5 of 54 (9%) chest x-rays were positive. Logistic regression revealed that late onset fever predicted for positive urine cultures and early onset fever and advanced age predicted for pneumonia. Eighty percent of patients with pneumonia were symptomatic. Conclusion: Although postoperative fevers are routinely evaluated by blood cultures, urine cultures, and chest x-rays, they rarely yield positive results.
Methanesulfonyl fluoride (MSF) blocks scopolamine-induced amnesia in rats

Abstract —Cholinesterase inhibitors, such as physostigmine and tetrahydroaminoacridine, have been found to alleviate some of the memory deficits characteristic of senile dementia of the Alzheimer's type (SDAT). Many toxic side effects, however, have been associated with the use of these compounds. Recently, a cholinesterase inhibitor, methanesulfonyl fluoride (MSF), was discovered to have low toxicity, central nervous system (CNS) selectivity, and a long therapeutic duration. The purpose of this research was to determine if MSF (1.5 mg/kg) would be effective in reducing or blocking amnesia induced by various doses of scopolamine (0.2, 0.6, and 2.0 mg/kg). One hundred and twenty two female Sprague-Dawley albino rats were trained and retention tested in a Y- maze brightness discrimination task. MSF was highly effective in reducing scopolamine-induced amnesia.
The constant stress term

Abstract The importance of retaining the second, constant stress term of the series expansion for local stress is demonstrated both analytically and numerically. It is shown how the standard singular expressions for the stress and displacement field in the vicinity of the crack tip need to be corrected. A load applied parallel to the crack shows up solely and entirely in this constant term. Omitting this term not only denies the physical presence of such a load and hence violates the principle of the uniqueness of the solution of boundary value problems of linear elasticity, but also misleads one into thinking that load biaxiality does not influence fracture behavior. It is shown analytically and numerically that the standard expressions are correct only for equal tension-tension loading. The numerical results show that K I is independent of a horizontal load only when the constant stress term is included.
Effects of suckling and of a long interval after ovariectomy on hypothalamo-hypophyseal responsiveness to naloxone, morphine and GnRH in beef cows.

Abstract The response of serum luteinizing hormone (LH) to morphine, naloxone and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) in ovariectomized, suckled (n=4) and nonsuckled (n=3) cows was investigated. Six months after ovariectomy and calf removal, the cows were challenged with 1mg, i.v. naloxone/kg body weight and 1 mg i.v. morphine/kg body weight in a crossover design; blood was collected at 15-minute intervals for 7 hours over a 3-day period. To evaluate LH secretion and pituitary responsiveness, 5 μg of GnRH were administered at Hour 6 on Day 1. On Days 2 and 3, naloxone or morphine was administered at Hour 3, followed by GnRH (5 μg/animal) at Hour 6. Mean preinjection LH concentrations (3.6 ± 0.2 and 4.7 ± 0.2 ng/ml), LH pulse frequency (0.6 ± 0.1 and 0.8 ± 0.1 pulses/hour) and LH pulse amplitude (2.9 ± 0.5 and 2.9 ± 0.6 ng/ml) were similar for suckled and nonsuckled cows, respectively. Morphine decreased (P
Exploring Cross-Modality Affective Reactions for Audiovisual Emotion Recognition

Psycholinguistic studies on human communication have shown that during human interaction individuals tend to adapt their behaviors mimicking the spoken style, gestures, and expressions of their conversational partners. This synchronization pattern is referred to as entrainment. This study investigates the presence of entrainment at the emotion level in cross-modality settings and its implications on multimodal emotion recognition systems. The analysis explores the relationship between acoustic features of the speaker and facial expressions of the interlocutor during dyadic interactions. The analysis shows that 72 percent of the time the speakers displayed similar emotions, indicating strong mutual influence in their expressive behaviors. We also investigate the cross-modality, cross-speaker dependence, using mutual information framework. The study reveals a strong relation between facial and acoustic features of one subject with the emotional state of the other subject. It also shows strong dependence between heterogeneous modalities across conversational partners. These findings suggest that the expressive behaviors from one dialog partner provide complementary information to recognize the emotional state of the other dialog partner. The analysis motivates classification experiments exploiting cross-modality, cross-speaker information. The study presents emotion recognition experiments using the IEMOCAP and SEMAINE databases. The results demonstrate the benefit of exploiting this emotional entrainment effect, showing statistically significant improvements.
Neuroendocrine systems as targets for environmental endocrine-disrupting chemicals.

Incontrovertible scientific evidence demonstrates that environmental endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) affect reproductive function (1). Nevertheless, the mechanisms for these effects remain elusive, in part because the control of reproductive physiology is so complex. The reproductive axis of all vertebrates comprises three interdependent levels of organization: the brain (specifically the hypothalamus), the anterior pituitary gland, and the gonad (ovary or testis). Each of these levels produces unique hormones, and each level also responds to the hormones produced by the other levels. Recent studies demonstrate that the three reproductive levels are also responsive to environmental EDCs. Here, I will discuss the compelling evidence that the neuroendocrine level of the reproductive axis, namely the hypothalamus, is a target for endocrine disruption. Reproductive neuroendocrine function is driven by about 1000 neurons in the brain that synthesize and secrete a ten-amino acid peptide, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) (2). GnRH release drives reproduction throughout the life cycle and this is the primary stimulus to the rest of the reproductive axis. Using a GnRH cell line, the GT1-7 cells (3), we found that polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) (4) and organochlorine pesticides such as methoxychlor and chlorpyrifos (5) altered GnRH gene expression, GnRH peptide release, and the morphology of the GT1-7 cells. Animal models also identify GnRH neurons as targets for both natural environmental estrogens such as coumestrol (6) and for industrial contaminants and pesticides (7). Interestingly, some of these studies reveal non-linear dose-response curves that are typical of hormonally active substances (8,9). The hypothalamus is abundant in neurotransmitter and sex steroid hormone receptors that, together with GnRH neurons, form a neural network controlling reproductive physiology and behavior (10–12). Direct effects of EDCs have been shown on hypothalamic neurotransmitter systems, on the size of specific hypothalamic regions, as well as on numbers of cells expressing the estrogen receptor beta (13–15). These actions may underlie observations that prenatal exposure to low-doses of PCBs (16), or postnatal treatment with soy (17), significantly affected
Solving the strategy paradox: how to reach for the fruit without going out on a limb

Purpose – The author points out that the same strategic behaviors that are associated with great success are also associated with failure. That is, the greatest rewards pose the greatest risks. He explains how corporations should manage risk differently at different levels of responsibility using the concepts of Requisite Uncertainty and strategic flexibility.Design/methodology/approach – The author reexamines two classic examples of marketing innovation, Betamax and Microsoft, and suggests that the cases actually offer an unconventional lesson about risk/reward. To illustrate best practice he examines the case of the Johnson & Johnson Development Corporation.Findings – Companies that have achieved greatness have typically done so only at the cost of increased risk – something that has been ignored in much of established strategic thinking. The new frontier of value creation is therefore the management of risk through a portfolio of business models.Practical implications – This article describes a new met...
Modeling strength degradation in lead–rubber bearings under earthquake shaking

Lead–rubber bearings are seismic isolators that have been used extensively to protect buildings, bridges and mission-critical infrastructure from the damaging effects of earthquake shaking. Under large-displacement cyclic motion, the strength of a lead–rubber bearing reduces due to energy dissipation and the resultant heating of the lead core. This paper proposes a method to incorporate strength degradation due to lead core heating in modeling the hysteretic behavior of lead–rubber bearings. The validity of the proposed model is investigated through comparing numerical and experimental results. The model is used to examine the effects of lead core heating on the dynamic response of an isolated structure. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A mechanistic growth model of a methylotroph

Based on the biochemical knowledge of the RMP-cycle methylotrophs and the experimental results of batch and continuous culture growth of a methylotroph, L3, a simple mechanistic growth model of L3 was developed. The growth model consists of a basic structure and a regulatory structure. The basic-model structure was developed by incorporating formaldehyde as a state variable and including a lpump-and-leak' mechanism of formaldehyde transport. The regulatory-model structure was built by acknowledging growth inhibition due to formaldehyde and formaldehyde inhibition of methanol oxidation. The resulting model describes adequately the batch as well as the stable and unstable steady-state continuous culture behavior of L3 on mixtures of methanol and formaldehyde.
Remembering places: Student reliance on place in timed essays

Abstract This is the story of a research journey that follows the trail of a novel evaluand— place . I examine place as mentioned by rising juniors in timed exams. Using a hybridized methodology—the qualitative approach of a hermeneutic dialectic process as described by Guba and Lincoln (1989) , and the quantitative evidence of place mention—I query student writing to uncover motivations for reliance on place-based experience despite the absence of an explicit mention of place in the writing prompt. Finally, I consider implications for using generative prompts to elicit evidence of student learning.
Role of surface diffusion in the mechanism of surface reactions

The Langmuir-Hinshelwood-Houghen-Watson mechanism was used to further investigate the mechanism of the C - O/sub 2/ reaction. Rates of oxidation by O/sub 2/ were measured for a disk of a single crystal of carbon and of particles of the same material using a Cahn recording microbalance. The samples were reacted under a flow velocity that was high enough to eliminate the effect of gas-film resistance on the overall rate; and as soon as oxygen flow was discontinued, argon flow was introduced to maintain the constant flow volume. At 850/sup 0/C, the transient reaction rate was the same for the disc and the particle sample; but at 700/sup 0/C, the rate deviated substantially after a certain time. The surface diffusion mechanism was found to be significant under conditions of lower temperature or partial pressure. Below the threshold pressure, surface diffusion became increasingly important; and, at still lower partial pressures, it was found to be pedominant in the overall reaction. Under the conditions where surface diffusion was found to be important, two rate processes were found to operate on the basal plane; chemisorption and surface diffusion with the relative magnitudes of the two rate processes being dependent only on the nature ofmore » the surface for the C - O/sub 2/ reaction system. (BLM)« less
Structural Basis of Core Promoter Recognition in a Primitive Eukaryote

Transcription start site selection in eukaryotes is mediated through combinations of the TATA, initiator (Inr), and downstream promoter elements (DPE). In Trichomonas vaginalis, a parabasalian flagellate thought to represent an ancient eukaryote lineage, the Inr appears to be solely responsible for start site selection and is recognized by the initiator binding protein 39 kDa (IBP39). IBP39 contains an N-terminal Inr binding domain (IBD) connected via a flexible linker to a C-terminal domain (C domain). Here we present crystal structures of the apoIBD and IBD-Inr complexes and the C domain. The IBD structures reveal a winged-helix motif with prokaryotic and eukaryotic features and a scaffold similar to that of ETS-family proteins. The C domain structure and biochemical studies indicate that it interacts with the T. vaginalis RNAP II large subunit C-terminal domain. These data suggest that binding of IBP39 to the Inr directly recruits RNAP II and in this way initiates transcription.
Clinical electromyographic studies of diseases of the motor unit

Abstract The rate at which motor units initiate firing and recruit additional units was determined in muscles at intermediate stages of involvement in 16 patients with neuropathy, 10 patients with myopathy and 8 patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Mean interspike intervals for onset and recruitment for the three pathological states were as follows: Neuropathy onset (O) = 48 msec ± 17 (n = 251); recruitment (R) = 36 msec ± 12 (n = 144); myopathy (O) = 65 msec ± 11 (n = 131); (R) = 45 msec ± 8 (n = 73); ALS (O) = 64 msec ± 30 (n = 120); (R) = 42 msec ± 22 (n = 85); normal (O) = 132 msec ± 32 (n = 693); (R) = 90 msec ± 19 (n = 693). Variance was normal for both neuropathy and myopathy. Units with quite high firing rates and with moderately high firing rates were more likely to be encountered in patients with neuropathy and myopathy respectively. In patients with ALS firing rates were more likely to be increased but variance was significantly increased both for mean firing rates and firing rates of single units.
Expression and mechanical modulation of matrix metalloproteinase-1 and -2 genes in facial and cranial sutures

Craniofacial sutures create a soft tissue interface between various calvarial and facial bones. Facial and cranial sutures show differences in their surrounding anatomical structures and local mechanical strain environments. Despite previous attempts to identify the expression of matrix metalloproteinase genes (MMPs) in cranial sutures, little is known regarding whether facial and cranial sutures differ in MMP expression. We have investigated the expression of MMP-1 and MMP-2 in the premaxillomaxillary suture (PMS; facial suture) and the frontoparietal suture (FPS; cranial suture) in 32-day-old rats with or without the application of cyclic loading. Expression of MMP-1 and MMP-2 was detected by the reverse transcription/polymerase chain reaction technique. At 32 days of postnatal development (n=6), both MMP-1 and MMP-2 were reproducibly expressed in the facial PMS, in comparison with negligible MMP-1 and MMP-2 expression in the cranial FPS. In six age- and sex-matched control rats, cyclic loading at 4 Hz and 1000 mN was applied to the maxilla for two 20-min episodes within a 12-h interval. In some (but not all) cases, cyclic loading induced marked expression of MMP-1 and MMP-2 in the PMS and FPS in comparison with corresponding non-loaded controls. These data confirm our previous finding that short doses of cyclic loading upregulate MMP-2 expression in craniofacial sutures and suggest the possibility that facial and cranial sutures differ in matrix degradation rates during postnatal development.
Temperature dependence of polymer crystalline morphology in nylon 6/montmorillonite nanocomposites

Abstract The influence of nanodispersed montmorillonite layers and process history on the crystal structure of nylon 6 between room temperature and melting is examined with simultaneous small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering and modulated differential scanning calorimetry. For the examined process history, nylon 6 exhibits predominantly α-phase behavior from room temperature to melting, with a gradual shift in chain–chain and sheet–sheet spacings from ∼100°C to melting. In contrast, the presence of aluminosilicate layers stabilizes a dominant γ-crystal phase, which persists, essentially unmodified, until melting. The temperature dependence of the total crystallinity and the relative fractions of α- and γ-phases is strongly dependent on the layered silicate content and the interaction between the nylon 6 and the aluminosilicate layers. Additionally, the temperature dependence of the α- and γ-phases imply that the γ-phase is preferentially in the proximity of the silicate layers, whereas the α-phase exists away from the polymer–silicate interphase region: In general, process history and use-temperature will determine the relative fraction of the crystalline polymer phases in semi-crystalline polymer nanocomposites, and thus have significant influence on the stability of the crystalline region at elevated temperatures.
Potential infrared liquid crystals

Abstract Principles for selecting potential infrared nematic liquid crystals are described. Optical and electro-optic properties of two cyanotolanes, 4-n-alkyl-4′-cyanotolanes and three commercial liquid-crystal mixtures were chosen for evaluation. Their applications for modulating infrared radiation are addressed.
Informing Best Practices for Children in Psychiatric Crises: Perspectives and Insights From Families

Young children in psychiatric crisis present complex challenges to their families and service providers. This article presents a qualitative study of families' perspectives on the crisis that led to their child's hospitalization, as well as their experience and satisfaction with prior communitybased services including crisis services. Results of the study support the usefulness of an ecological view on child mental health emergencies, and specify the need for the development of a more family-centered, community-based crisis response system that includes secure transportation and access to “warm-line” services. To prevent or curtail hospitalization of children, families require assistance in outpatient medication management, especially timely access to psychiatric medication consults and clear information from professionals about benefits and side effects.
Jay Wright's Poetics: An Appreciation

Since the mid-sixties Jay Wright has intensely pursued an absorbing study of West African cosmologies from which he has extrapolated metaphysically the intangible qualities that make an impact on the New World's multifarious cultures and also how we look upon them. In the interview editor Charles H. Rowell conducted with him for the special Jay Wright issue of Callaloo in 1983, we encounter the artistmaker, intellect and poetical theorist confident about the criteria of his discourse and the aims of his art. Whatever rationalizations one may advance to explain his relative obscurity as an American poet, his stature as a creative intellect deserves periodical appreciation to remind us of his work's magnitude. My intention in this essay is not to indulge in an exhaustive critical study of Wright's poems and their nuances-Vera Kutzinski's discussion of Soothsayers and Omens and Dimensions of History demonstrates an astute assessment of those works (Against the American Grain 45-130); and Gerald Barrax's essay about his early poems, published in the Callaloo special issue, is also well worth reading. I will, however, retrace this ground to offer another perspective on the historical and metaphysical codes that energize his poetry. If I appear to take his later collections, Elaine's Book (1986) and Boleros (1991), for granted, this is not intentional although it will prove obvious that Wright in these is moving around in Mexico and other places in the Americas with the sensibility he attained as the initiated in the remarkable book-length poem, The Double Invention of Komo (1980). Any attempt to discuss Jay Wright's poetics must sooner or later confront the matter of audience. As an American poet of color, selfreferrec as a "black African-American" (see Rowell), Wright endures being dismissed or challenged in ways all too familiar at one time to Ralph Ellison and to Derek Walcott, when members of their communities of origin have variously accused them of being "too intellectual" if not socio-politically uncommitted. While Wright may have eluded some such public challenges, he could easily be describing himself in a 1987 essay where he mentions Robert Hayden, several of whose poems he finds to "instruct, delight and lift us":
Syrian hamster female protein : analysis of female protein primary structure and gene expression

The concentration in plasma of the female protein (FP) of the golden Syrian hamster is regulated by sex steroids and by mediators of the acute-phase response to tissue injury or inflammation. A complementary DNA (cDNA) clone corresponding to FP was isolated from a hamster liver cDNA library and used to determine the nucleotide sequence and derived amino acid sequence of native FP. The primary sequence of FP is 69 percent identical to human serum amyloid P component and 50 percent identical to human C-reactive protein. Evidence showed that sex-limited and acute-phase control of the FP gene is pretranslational. The FP protein is thus a useful model for investigating dual regulation of expression of a single gene.
Coated versus non-Proplast-coated endosseous blade-vent dental implants

In order to determine the efficacy of applying Proplast to dental endosseous bladevent implants, this material was coated on half of sixteen such implants which were bilaterally placed in the mandibles of eight rhesus monkeys. No difference in the clinical acceptability could be ascertained between the two groups. Histologic examination revealed a loose connective tissue layer around the noncoated implants which was not evident around the coated ones.
Induction of Protective CTL Responses in Newborn Mice by a Murine Retrovirus

The susceptibility of neonates to virus-induced disease is thought to reflect, in part, the immaturity of their immune systems. However, inoculation of newborn mice with low doses of Cas-Br-M murine leukemia virus induced a protective cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) response. The inability of neonates to develop a CTL response to high doses of virus was not the result of immunological immaturity but correlated with the induction of a nonprotective type 2 cytokine response. Thus, the initial viral dose is critical in the development of protective immunity in newborns.
Dispersion of nanoclays with poly(ethylene terephthalate) by melt blending and solid state polymerization

Melt intercalation of clay with poly(ethylene terephthalate; PET) was investigated in terms of PET chain mobilities, natures of clay modifiers, their affinities with PET, and nanocomposite solid state polymerization (SSP). Twin screw extrusion was used to melt blend PET resins with intrinsic viscosities of 0.48, 0.63, and 0.74 dL/g with organically modified Cloisite 10A, 15A, and 30B montmorillonite clays. Clay addition caused significant molecular weight reductions in the extruded PET nanocomposites. Rates of SSP decreased and crystallization rates increased in the presence of clay particles. Cloisite 15A blends showed no basal spacing changes, whereas the basal spacings of Cloisite 10A and Cloisite 30B nanocomposites increased after melt extrusion, indicating the presence of intercalated nanostructures. After SSP these nanocomposites also exhibited new lower angle X-ray diffraction peaks, indicating further expansion of their basal spacings. Greatest changes were seen for nanocomposites prepared from the lowest molecular weight PET and Cloisite 30B, indicating its greater affinity with PET and that shorter more mobile PET chains were better able to enter its galleries and increase basal spacing. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Simulation of edge-plasma profiles and turbulence related to L-H transitions in tokamaks

Results are presented for fluid-equation simulations of transport and turbulence in the edge region of a tokamak using the transport code UEDGE and the turbulence code BOUT. UEDGE calculates two-dimensional plasma and neutral gas profiles using empirical radial transport coefficients, while BOUT simulates three-dimensional plasma turbulence and resulting transport using experimental or UEDGE plasma profiles. Using UEDGE, the radial electric field structure near the magnetic separatrix is studied for variations of core power, anomalous perpendicular ion viscosity, νa⊥, and prompt ion loss. A BOUT simulation measures the effective νa⊥ from the calculated turbulence-induced radial ion current, giving a value similar to the ion heat diffusivity.
Facilitation of female rat lordosis behavior by hypothalamic infusion of 5-HT2A/2C receptor agonists

Ovariectomized rats were hormonally primed with 0.5 μg estradiol benzoate and 500 μg progesterone to produce two groups of rats differing in their lordosis behavior. Females with a lordosis to mount (L/M) ratio <0.5 were used to test the hypothesis that 5-HT2A/2C receptor agonists could facilitate lordosis behavior. Females with L/M ratios ≥0.5 were used to evaluate the potential suppressive effect of 5-HT2A/2C receptor compounds. Lordosis behavior was examined following bilateral infusion of drugs into the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (VMN). Drugs examined were the 5-HT2A/2C receptor agonist, (±)-1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane HCl (DOI), the 5-HT2A/2C receptor antagonist, 3-[2-[4-(4-fluorobenzoyl)-1-piperdinyl]ethyl]-2,4(1H,3H)-quinazolinedione tartrate (ketanserin tartrate), and the non-selective 5-HT receptor agents, 2-(1-piperazinyl)quinoline dimaleate (quipazine) and N-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)piperazine HCl (TFMPP). Drugs with agonist action at 5-HT2A/2C receptors increased lordosis behavior in rats with low sexual receptivity. The 5-HT2A/2C receptor antagonist, ketanserin, inhibited lordosis behavior in sexually receptive rats. DOI attenuated the lordosis-inhibiting effect of ketanserin, but ketanserin was less effective in preventing DOI from increasing lordosis behavior. These results strengthen prior inferences that activation of 5-HT2A/2C receptors can facilitate lordosis behavior and that the VMN is one site at which such facilitation can occur.
Pyrolysis of substituted phenyl β-d-glucopyranosides and 2-deoxy-α-d-arabino-hexopyranosides

Abstract Thermal analysis and parallel chemical and physical investigations of substituted phenyl β- d -glucopyranosides and the corresponding 2-deoxy-α- d compounds have shown that the pyrolytic reactions, leading to decomposition of the sugar molecule, are initiated by the cleavage of the glycosidic group. Furthermore, the thermal stability of the glycosides and kinetics of the pyrolysis process are related to the electron density of the glycosidic bond.