cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hypothalamic dopaminergic neurons in transgenic dwarf mice: Histofluorescence, immunocytochemical, and in situ hybridization studies

Spontaneous dwarf mice, in which both growth hormone (GH) and prolactin (PRL) are undetectable, are severely deficient in the PRL-inhibiting catecholamine dopamine (DA), as well as its synthetic enzyme, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), in the basal hypothalamus (Phelps et al., Cell Tissue Res., 240:19-25, 1985; Phelps, Brain Res., 416:354-358, 1987). In contrast, transgenically constructed dwarf mice (Behringer et al., Genes Dev., 2:453-461, 1988) show complete ablation of pituitary GH cells, but PRL cells are retained at a level of approximately 10% of normal. In order to determine the feedback effect of this reduced, rather than absent, PRL on hypothalamic DA neurons, brains of transgenic dwarf mice were examined for catecholamine transmitters by histofluorescence, for the synthetic enzyme TH by immunocytochemistry, and for TH mRNA expression by in situ hybridization. DA histofluorescence in transgenic dwarfs was comparable to that of normal littermate mice in nonpituitary regulating areas (perikarya of zona incerta [A13] of hypothalamus and in midbrain substantia nigra area [A9]). Arcuate nucleus (A12) DA neurons that inhibit PRL secretion, however, showed dim to absent fluorescence in perikarya and in external median eminence terminals in dwarfs. There were reduced (P less than 0.05) numbers of A12 TH-immunoreactive neurons in transgenic dwarfs, to approximately 60% of those in normal mice. In contrast, TH-positive neurons in other hypothalamic areas (A13, A14) had average populations equivalent to those in normal mice. Quantification of TH mRNA abundance by in situ hybridization using both image analysis of hybridization over the arcuate nucleus, and grain counts per individual A12 cell in this nucleus, indicated that relative mRNA levels were the same in normal and transgenic dwarfs. The observations indicate that reduction in pituitary PRL is accompanied by defective expression in hypothalamic tuberoinfundibular neurons, which is severe at the DA neurotransmitter level, significant regarding observable TH immunoreactivity, and undetectable with regard to TH mRNA expression. Collectively, the findings suggest that posttranscriptional processes are involved with the mediation of PRL feedback upon hypothalamic neurons. Technically and quantitatively, the report presents the feasibility of simultaneous evaluation of transmitter histofluorescence, synthetic enzyme immunocytochemistry, and mRNA expression in individual animals.
Complex Responses Within A Desert Bee Guild (Hymenoptera: Apiformes) To Urban Habitat Fragmentation

Urbanization within the Tucson Basin of Arizona during the past 50+ years has fragmented the original desert scrub into patches of different sizes and ages. These remnant patches and the surrounding desert are dominated by Larrea tridentata (creosote bush), a long-lived shrub whose flowers are visited by > 120 native bee species across its range. Twenty-one of these bee species restrict their pollen foraging to L. tridentata. To evaluate the response of this bee fauna to fragmentation, we compared species incidence and abundance patterns for the bee guild visiting L. tridentata at 59 habitat fragments of known size (0.002-5 ha) and age (up to 70 years), and in adjacent desert. The 62 bee species caught during this study responded to fragmentation heterogeneously and not in direct relation to their abundance or incidence in undisturbed desert. Few species found outside the city were entirely absent from urban fragments. Species of ground-nesting L. tridentata specialists were underrepresented in smaller fragments and less abundant in the smaller and older fragments. In contrast, cavity-nesting bees (including one L. tridentata specialist) were overrepresented in the habitat fragments, probably due to enhanced nesting opportunities available in the urban matrix. Small-bodied bee species were no more likely than larger bodied species to be absent from the smaller fragments. The introduced European honey bee, Apis mellifera, was a minor faunal element at > 90% of the fragments and exerted little if any influence on the response of native bee species to fragmentation. Overall, bee response to urban habitat fragmentation was best predicted by ecological traits associated with nesting and dietary breadth. Had species been treated as individual units in the analyses, or pooled together into one analysis, these response patterns may not have been apparent. Pollination interactions with this floral host are probably not adversely affected in this system because of its longevity and ability to attract diverse pollinators but will demand careful further study to understand.
Effects of hypoxia and HIFs on cancer metabolism.

Cancer cells are characterized by rapid proliferation and require adaptive metabolic responses to allow continued biosynthesis and cell growth in the setting of decreased oxygen (O2) and nutrient availability. The hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) are a common link between adaptation to low O2, changes in cancer metabolism, and malignant progression. The HIF-α subunits differentially regulate metabolic enzymes and other key factors involved in glycolysis, changes in redox status, and oxidative phosphorylation. Importantly, metabolic changes can, in turn, regulate HIF activity. Finally, changes in metabolism under hypoxia lead to important crosstalk between cancer cells and the stromal compartment of the microenvironment.
Distinct Mechanisms for Synchronization and Temporal Patterning of Odor-Encoding Neural Assemblies

Stimulus-evoked oscillatory synchronization of neural assemblies and temporal patterns of neuronal activity have been observed in many sensory systems, such as the visual and auditory cortices of mammals or the olfactory system of insects. In the locust olfactory system, single odor puffs cause the immediate formation of odor-specific neural assemblies, defined both by their transient synchronized firing and their progressive transformation over the course of a response. The application of an antagonist of ionotropic γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors to the first olfactory relay neuropil selectively blocked the fast inhibitory synapse between local and projection neurons. This manipulation abolished the synchronization of the odor-coding neural ensembles but did not affect each neuron's temporal response patterns to odors, even when these patterns contained periods of inhibition. Fast GABA-mediated inhibition, therefore, appears to underlie neuronal synchronization but not response tuning in this olfactory system. The selective desynchronization of stimulus-evoked oscillating neural assemblies in vivo is now possible, enabling direct functional tests of their significance for sensation and perception.
Interspersing easy math problems among challenging problems: detection of interspersal effects in whole-class applications

Interspersing easy problems among challenging problems has been shown to both increase students’ preference for completing math worksheets and the fluency with which they complete challenging problems. Although early research examining the interspersal procedure in mathematics was conducted with college-age students, there are a growing number of studies utilizing the interspersal procedure in elementary and secondary school settings. A particular concern with existing research however is whether the beneficial effects are maintained across multiple sessions and whether effects generalize when implemented with large groups of students. The current study addressed this concern by administering both control and interspersal math worksheets consisting of instructionally relevant problems to 75 fourth grade students across four sessions. Because students’ instructional levels differed, analyses were conducted separately for students identified as fluent and less fluent based upon student performance on the control worksheet administered during session 1. Dependent measures included digits correct and problems correct as well as students’ responses to four preference questions following each session. Although results differ from previous research in that students completed significantly more digits correct on control worksheets, explanations of these differences are examined and implications are discussed.
Solid-state superionic stamping with silver iodide–silver metaphosphate glass

This paper demonstrates and analyzes the new use of the glassy solid electrolyte AgI–AgPO3 for direct nanopatterning of thin silver films with feature resolutions of 30 nm. AgI–AgPO3 has a high room temperature ionic conductivity with Ag + as the mobile ion, leading to silver etch/patterning rates of up to 20 nm s − 1 at an applied bias of 300 mV. The glass can be melt-processed at temperatures below 200 °C, providing a facile and economical pathway for creating large area stamps, including the 25 mm2 stamps shown in this study. Further, the glass is sufficiently transparent to permit integration with existing tools such as aligners and imprint tools, enabling high overlay registration accuracy and facilitating insertion into multi-step fabrication recipes.
Fluorine nuclear magnetic resonance spectra of rabbit carbonmonoxyhemoglobin.

Abstract Carbonmonoxyhemoglobin prepared from protein isolated from rabbits maintained on a diet supplemented with 4-fluorophenylalanine (Phe (4F)) has been studied by fluorine NMR spectroscopy. Substitution of Phe(4F) appears to take place randomly at the sixteen nonequivalent phenylalanine positions of the globins; examination of hybrid hemoglobins in which only one type of globin chain contained the fluorinated amino acid, as well as changes in the spectrum upon exposure to oxygen, aided in the assignment of fluorine resonances from the α- or β-globin chains. The effects of modification of Cys-β-93 with a spin label and variation of pH and sample temperature on the spectrum were also examined. These data in association with theoretical estimates of aromatic ring current and van der Waals effects on chemical shifts were used to support tentative assignments of several signals observed to specific amino acid residues. Evidence suggesting the presence of two conformational forms of the protein, possibly due to disorder of the heme groups, is described.
Simultaneous generation of slow and fast light for Raman coupled beams

This paper presents an experiment to realize both slow and fast light effects simultaneously using the Raman gain and pump depletion in an atomic vapor. Heterodyne phase measurement shows the opposite dispersion characteristics at pump and probe frequencies. Optical pulse propagations in the vapor medium also confirm the slow and fast light effects due to these dispersions. The method being experimentally simple, and allowing the use of intense pulses experiencing anomalous dispersion via the fast light, can be applied in rotation sensing and broadband detection schemes proposed recently.
Blocking glucocorticoid and enhancing estrogenic genomic signaling protects against cerebral ischemia.

Glucocorticoids (GCs) and estrogen can modulate neuron death and dysfunction during neurological insults. Glucocorticoids are adrenal steroids secreted during stress, and hypersecretion of GCs during cerebral ischemia compromises the ability of hippocampal and cortical neurons to survive. In contrast, estrogen can be neuroprotective after cerebral ischemia. Here we evaluate the protective potential of a herpes viral vector expressing a chimeric receptor (ER/GR), which is composed of the ligand-binding domain of the GC receptor (GR) and the DNA-binding domain of the estrogen receptor-α (ER). This novel receptor can transduce an endangering GC signal into a protective estrogenic one. Using an in vitro oxygen glucose deprivation model (OGD), GCs exacerbated neuron death in primary cortical cultures, and this worsening effect was completely blocked by ER/GR expression. Moreover, blocking GC actions with a vector expressing a dominant negative GC receptor promoted neuron survival during postischemia, but not p...
FAST NEUTRON CAPTURE IN RHENIUM

Abstract Using an activation method, the neutron capture cross section of 185 Re and 187 Re, and the cross section for the production of the 18·7-min state of 188 Re have been measured as a function of neutron energy between 4 keV and 2·6 MeV.
Evolution and applications of radiochemical procedures: From Marie Curie to Darleane Hoffman

Marie Curie carried out the first radiochemical separations which eventually lead to the discovery of polonium and radium, two new elements. Nearly a century later Darleane Hoffman and her collaborators are devising new radiochemical separation procedures for studying the chemical properties of newly discovered transactinide elements. Safety requirements as well as changes necessitated by fast decaying radionuclides have transformed the nature of radiochemical separations. Further, applications in a wide variety of areas such as analysis of trace lements in food to radioimmunoassay have broadened the use of radiochemical separations. Examples of some early, historically important, radiochemical separations are described in this article. In addition, recent trends in the use of radiochemical separations in neutron activation analysis. in dating applications. in fission product studies and in the study of transactinide elements are briefly described with specific examples.
In vitro monitoring of oxidative processes with self-aggregating gold nanoparticles using all-optical photoacoustic spectroscopy

In this work, the assembly of gold nanoparticles of (AuNPs) is used to detect the presence of the biomolecule glutathione (GSH) using a novel technique called "all-optical photoacoustic spectroscopy" (AOPAS). The AOPAS technique coupled with AuNPs forms the basis of a biosensing technique capable of probing the dynamic evolution of nano-bio interfaces within a microscopic volume. Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectra were measured to describe the kinetics governing the interparticle interactions by monitoring the AuNPs assembly and evolution of the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band. A comparison of the same dynamic evolution of AuNPs assembly was performed using the AOPAS technique to confirm the validity of this method. The fundamental study is complemented by a demonstration of the performance of this biosensing technique in the presence of cell culture medium containing fetal bovine serum (FBS), which forms a protein corona on the surface of the AuNPs. This work demonstrates that the in vitro monitoring capabilities of the AOPAS provides sensitive measurement at the microscopic level and low nanoparticle concentrations without the artifacts limiting the use of conventional biosensing methods, such as fluorescent indicators. The AOPAS technique not only provides a facile approach for in vitro biosensing, but also shed a light on the real-time detection of thiol containing oxidative stress biomarkers in live systems using AuNPs.
Matrix isolation study of the photochemical reaction of cyclohexane and cyclohexene with CrCl2O2

Abstract The matrix isolation technique, combined with infrared spectroscopy, has been used to characterize the products of the photochemical reactions of cyclohexane and cyclohexene with CrCl 2 O 2 . While initial twin jet deposition of the reagents led to no visible changes in the recorded spectra, strong product bands were noted following irradiation with light of λ > 300 nm. The irradiation was shown to lead to oxygen atom transfer, forming complexes between cyclic alcohol derivatives and CrCl 2 O, although complexes between ring expansion products and CrCl 2 O could not be ruled out. This latter result could arise from C–C bond activation and oxygen atom insertion into a C–C bond. For the cyclohexene system, the cyclohexanone–CrCl 2 O complex was also observed. The identification of the complexes was further supported by isotopic labeling ( 2 H) and by density functional calculations at the B3LYP/6-311G++(d,2p) level.
Potentiation of effect of PKA stimulation of Xenopus CFTR by activation of PKC: role of NBD2

Activity of the human (h) cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) channel is predominantly regulated by PKA-mediated phosphorylation. In contrast, Xenopus (X)CFTR is more respons...
Passive Star Based Optical Network For Automotive Applications

Fiber optic networks in the telecommunications and Local Area Network (LAN) applications are typically active networks (point to point fiber optic links interconnected using active devices). Short distance automotive networks have a sufficient flux budget to allow passive optical distribution. This paper reviews the differences between Telecommunications, LAN, and automotive network applications. The benefits of a passive star architecture will be described and a passive star implementation, based on large diameter plastic fibers, will be described.
Liberal-Idealism: A Constructivist Critique

Recently, scholars have connected US constructivism to liberal-idealism. International relations theorists have branded US constructivists as “liberal theorists” for three notable reasons: (1) realists apply an “idealist” tag on constructivism so that it can efficiently be dismissed as a form of theoretical naivete, (2) rational choice empiricists are motivated with amending constructivist assumptions to make them viable for quantitative analysis; and (3) certain constructivist scholars have attempted to build bridges with rationalist scholarship, especially on epistemological terms, and this “bridge-building” has opened a door for a liberal–constructivist synergy. This essay demonstrates how constructivism can, and must, be distinguished from liberalism. It uses the recent Iraq War to illustrate three constructivist critiques of an important liberal theory: democratic peace “theory.” The three critiques are (1) ontological—liberal democratic peace researchers' focus on events leads to an incomplete understanding of processes, structures, and agency; (2) epistemological—unlike constructivism, liberal democratic peace research fails to acknowledge the contamination of subject and object or that state agents use theory to inform their actions; thus the traditionally positivist emphasis on outcomes instead of processes makes for faulty conclusions; and (3) normative—liberalism's radical celebration of the individual desocializes states thereby inhibiting, in structurationist terms, the reflexive monitoring of actions. The essay concludes with some general theoretical statements about democratic peace's future as a paradigm for research.
Concepts of Process in Social Science Explanations

Social scientists using one or another concept of process have paid little attention to underlying issues of methodology and explanation. Commonly, the concept used is a loose one. When it is not, there often are other problems, such as errors of reification and of assuming that events sometimes connected in a sequence are invariably thus connected. While it may be useful to retain the term " process" for some sequences of intelligibly connected actions and events, causal explanation must be sought with respect to the events constituting processes rather than with respect to processes regarded as unitary entities.
Is there an association with constitutional structural chromosomal abnormalities and hematologic neoplastic process? A short review

The occasional observation of constitutional chromosomal abnormalities in patients with a malignant disease has led to a number of studies on their potential role in cancer development. Investigations of families with hereditary cancers and constitutional chromosomal abnormalities have been key observations leading to the molecular identification of specific genes implicated in tumorigenesis. Large studies have been reported on the incidence of constitutional chromosomal aberrations in patients with hematologic malignancies, but they could not confirm an increased risk for hematologic malignancy among carriers of structural chromosomal changes. However, it is of particular interest that constitutional structural aberrations with breakpoints similar to leukemia-associated specific breakpoints have been reported in patients with hematologic malignancies. Because of insufficient data, it remains still unclear if these aberrations represent random events or are associated with malignancy. There has been a substantial discussion about mechanisms involved in constitutional structural chromosomal changes in the literature. The documentation of more patients with constitutional structural chromosomal changes could be of major importance. Most importantly, the molecular investigation of chromosomal regions involved in rearrangements could give useful information on the genetic events underlying constitutional anomalies, contributing to isolation of genes important in the development of the neoplastic process. Regarding constitutional anomalies in patients with hematologic disorders, a survey of the cytogenetic data of our cytogenetics unit is herein also presented.
Impact of preoperative renal dysfunction on long-term survival for patients undergoing aortic valve replacement.

Background The impact of the degrees of renal dysfunction (RD) after aortic valve replacement (AVR) has not been well described. The purpose of this study was to compare patients undergoing AVR with a range of renal function from normal to dialysis-dependence. Methods A retrospective review of 2,408 patients undergoing AVR with or without coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) from January 1996 to March 2009 was performed. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was estimated for patients using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formula. Multivariable logistic and Cox regression methods were used to determine the independent association of GFR with outcomes. Adjusted odds ratios were calculated for in-hospital outcomes, and Kaplan-Meier curves were created to estimate long-term survival. Results In all, 1,512 patients (62.8%) had isolated AVR, and 896 (37.2%) underwent AVR plus CABG. Preoperative RD was common among all patients: 1,148 of 2,408 (47.7%) with mild RD (GFR 60 to 90 mL · min −1 · 1.73 m −2 ), 644 of 2,408 (26.7%) moderate RD (GFR 30 to 59 mL · min −1 · 1.73 m −2 ), 59 of 2,408 (2.5%) severe RD (GFR 15 to 30 mL · min −1 · 1.73 m −2 ), and 114 (4.7%) with kidney failure (GFR p Conclusions Preoperative RD is common among the AVR population and is associated with diminished long-term survival. The association between RD and worse outcomes after AVR surgery has significant clinical implications.
Modeling Differential Binding of α4β2 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor with Agonists and Antagonists

Three-dimensional structures of both the open- and closed-channel states of α4β2 receptor have been modeled and used to study their binding with representative agonists and antagonists. The obtained binding structures and free energies consistently reveal that antagonists bind more favorably with the closed-channel state and agonists bind more favorably with the open-channel state. The computational insights have led us to propose a computational strategy and protocol predicting whether a receptor ligand is an agonist or antagonist. Using the computational protocol, one only needs to calculate the relative binding free energies for a ligand binding with the open- and closed-channel structures. The ligand is predicted to be an agonist if the binding free energy calculated for the ligand binding with the open-channel state is significantly lower than that for its binding with the closed-channel state. If the binding free energy of a ligand with the open-channel state is higher than that with the closed-chan...
Discontinuous progressing waves for semilinear systems

(1985). Discontinuous progressing waves for semilinear systems. Communications in Partial Differential Equations: Vol. 10, No. 9, pp. 1033-1075.
Large-Scale Climate Controls of Interior Alaska River Ice Breakup

Frozen rivers in the Arctic serve as critical highways because of the lack of roads; therefore, it is important to understand the key mechanisms that control the timing of river ice breakup. The relationships between springtime Interior Alaska river ice breakup date and the large-scale climate are investigated for the Yukon, Tanana, Kuskokwim, and Chena Rivers for the 1949‐2008 period. The most important climate factor that determines breakup is April‐May surface air temperatures (SATs). Breakup tends to occur earlier when Alaska April‐May SATs and riverflow are above normal. Spring SATs are influenced by storms approaching thestatefromtheGulfofAlaska,whicharepartoflarge-scaleclimateanomaliesthatcomparefavorably with ENSO. During the warm phase of ENSO fewer storms travel into the Gulf of Alaska during the spring, resulting in a decrease of cloud cover over Alaska, which increases surface solar insolation. This results in warmer-than-average springtime SATs and an earlier breakup date. The opposite holds true for the cold phaseofENSO.IncreasedwintertimeprecipitationoverAlaskahasasecondaryimpactonearlierbreakupby increasing spring river discharge. Improved springtime Alaska temperature predictions would enhance the ability to forecast the timing of river ice breakup.
Recent insights into the integration of the intestinal epithelium within the mucosal environment in health and disease

Recent insights into the integration of the intestinal epithelium within the mucosal environment in health and disease
Iron-catalyzed lipid peroxidation in aortic cells in vitro: protective effect of extracellular magnesium

Abstract Low serum Mg 2+ has been associated with an increased incidence of cardiovascular pathology in human populations. We investigated the effect of extracellular Mg 2+ on Fe-catalyzed lipid peroxidation in rat aortic segments and in human aortic smooth muscle cells. Products of phospholipid oxidation [malonaldehyde (MDA) and 4-hydroxyalkenals (4-HA)], loss of fatty acyl double bonds (by proton-NMR) and glutathione levels indicated that exogenous ferric ions were several-fold more effective than ferrous ions in causing lipid peroxidation. Increased peroxidation was detectable at 3+ . Exogenous ferric iron-ionophore, 8-hydroxyquinoline, did not increase peroxidation by ferric ion, suggesting that Fe-catalyzed lipid peroxidation occurred at the cell surface. As ionized serum [Mg 2+ ] o was lowered from the physiological (0.7–0.96mM) into the pathophysiological range (0.3–0.5mM) in Fe 3+ -containing medium, MDA/4-HA levels increased two to three-fold, with a concomitant loss of fatty acyl double bonds and decreased extracellular glutathione. Conversely, MDA/4-HA decreased as ionized Mg 2+ was increased, accompanied by a rise in extracellular glutathione. The results indicate that Mg 2+ protects aortic cell plasma membranes from ferric iron-catalyzed lipid peroxidation and that this is a contributing factor in the protective action of ionized Mg 2+ on the cardiovascular system.
Immunoelectrophoretic analysis of renal and intestinal brush border converting enzyme

Antibodies raised against purified hog renal or intestinal brush border protein or against purified hog kidney angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE) were used to characterize renal and intestinal brush border ACE by techniques of differential solubilization, fused-rocket, line absorption and crossed-immunoelectrophoresis. Renal ACE is immunologically identical to intestinal ACE. ACE is present as a major intrinsic protein of renal brush border and a minor intrinsic protein of intestinal brush border. Renal and intestinal brush border ACE could be solubilized by detergent and/or papain. The electrophoretic mobilities of the papain-treated forms of ACE were greater than the detergent-treated forms. This increased mobility was associated with the removal of a small, non-antigenic component of the enzyme. Thus, like several other intrinsic brush border peptidases, ACE is bound to renal and intestinal brush border by a small hydrophobic anchor.
Practical Applications of Advanced Statistical Models in Reliability Data Analysis

The purpose of this paper is to share some practical applications of advanced probabilistic models in reliability data analysis. In particular, we will focus on reliability models with fixed and time-dependent covariates. While these models are popular in biological and medical studies, their application in engineering reliability data analysis is still limited. As a special advanced topic, we also discuss a new approach to model/estimate MTTF using Pade approximation.
Seasonal parameterizations of the tau-omega model using the ComRAD ground-based SMAP simulator

NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) mission is scheduled for launch in November 2014. In the prelaunch time frame, the SMAP team has focused on improving retrieval algorithms for the various SMAP baseline data products. The SMAP passive-only soil moisture product depends on accurate parameterization of the tau-omega model to achieve the required accuracy in soil moisture retrieval. During a field experiment (APEX12) conducted in the summer of 2012 under dry conditions in Maryland, the ComRAD truck-based SMAP simulator collected active/passive microwave time series data at the SMAP incident angle of 40° over corn and soybeans throughout the crop growth cycle. A similar experiment was conducted only over corn in 2002 under normal moist conditions. Data from these two experiments will be analyzed and compared to evaluate how changes in vegetation conditions throughout the growing season in both a drought and normal year can affect parameterizations in the tau-omega model for more accurate soil moisture retrieval.
A simple preconditioner for electric‐field integral equations

A preconditioner is applied to the electric-field integral equation, to improve the convergence of iterative integral-equation solvers, such as the conjugate-gradient (CG) method. The preconditioner accounts for (expansion function)–(testing function) interactions in the vicinity of a given basis function, requiring order N complexity for N unknowns. Example results are presented for microwave scattering calculations for targets in the vicinity of a half space (soil), with results computed via a multilevel fast multipole algorithm. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 30: 51–54, 2001.
Proteomic analysis reveals metabolic and regulatory systems involved in the syntrophic and axenic lifestyle of Syntrophomonas wolfei

Microbial syntrophy is a vital metabolic interaction necessary for the complete oxidation of organic biomass to methane in all-anaerobic ecosystems. However, this process is thermodynamically constrained and represents an ecosystem-level metabolic bottleneck. To gain insight into the physiology of this process, a shotgun proteomics approach was used to quantify the protein landscape of the model syntrophic metabolizer, Syntrophomonas wolfei, grown axenically and syntrophically with Methanospirillum hungatei. Remarkably, the abundance of most proteins as represented by normalized spectral abundance factor (NSAF) value changed very little between the pure and coculture growth conditions. Among the most abundant proteins detected were GroEL and GroES chaperonins, a small heat shock protein, and proteins involved in electron transfer, beta-oxidation, and ATP synthesis. Several putative energy conservation enzyme systems that utilize NADH and ferredoxin were present. The abundance of an EtfAB2 and the membrane-bound iron-sulfur oxidoreductase (Swol_0698 gene product) delineated a potential conduit for electron transfer between acyl-CoA dehydrogenases and membrane redox carriers. Proteins detected only when S. wolfei was grown with M. hungatei included a zinc-dependent dehydrogenase with a GroES domain, whose gene is present in genomes in many organisms capable of syntrophy, and transcriptional regulators responsive to environmental stimuli or the physiological status of the cell. The proteomic analysis revealed an emphasis on macromolecular stability and energy metabolism by S. wolfei and presence of regulatory mechanisms responsive to external stimuli and cellular physiological status.
Effects of submicron particles on formation of micron‐sized particles during long‐term storage of an interferon‐beta‐1a solution

ABSTRACT We present evidence that homogeneous submicron particles can influence the growth rate of larger particles upon long-term storage in a temperature-dependent manner. Interferon-beta-1a was thermally stressed at 50°C for 6 h and characterized using nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), microflow digital imaging (MFI), and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. This study showed selective formation of submicron particles exhibiting a perturbed protein conformation. These thermally induced submicron particles were spiked into an unstressed solution at three levels, and then monitored for micron-sized particle formation upon storage at 5°C and 25°C for 12 months. The resulting particle growth effects were temperature dependent. NTA and MFI results at 5°C showed little evidence that initial submicron particle levels impacted particle growth across the range ~0.03–25 μm. In contrast, MFI results at 25°C indicated that particle growth in the 1–10 μm size range correlated strongly with initial submicron particle levels, and particle counts in the 10–25 μm size range were highest after 12 months for the samples with highest initial submicron particle content. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 102:347–351, 2013
The Persistence And Japan's Trade Surplus

In this study we use tiem-series data to examine the persistence of Japanese trade balance surplus and the existence of a J-curve effect for the period 1975 (I)–1990(I). We extend the earlier studies by applying the Shiller lag model to the first differences of the variables that are subject to a unite root process. The empirical findings support the J-curve effect for Japan and also illustrate that it take 13 quarters before the full effect of an exchange rate change on the trade balance is realized. The results also suggest that in 1985(I), for example, a once-and for -all real currency appreciation of 36.2 percent would remove the average quarterly real trade balance surplus of 2.5 trillion yen in 13 quartets, ceteris paribys.[F30]
Enzymatic profile of Prototheca species

The enzymatic profiles of algae of genus Prototheca were studied using 19 substrates included in the API ZYM system. Chymotrypsin and β-glucuronidase were not detected. Of the enzymes detected the major percentages were alkaline phosphatase, esterase (C4), lipase esterase (C8), acid phosphatase and phosphoamidase.
Advanced Electronic Driver for Power LEDs with Integrated Colour Management

Compared to conventional lighting devices, light emitting diodes (LEDs) have the well-known advantages of ruggedness and extended lifetime. Furthermore, a combination of red, green and blue (RGB) LEDs can generate light with an adjustable colour. An inconvenient property of LED lighting is the dependence of light output on temperature and lifetime thus resulting in varying chromaticity and luminance. Colour-filtered sensors and an appropriate feedback loop to regulate the LED current will solve this problem, but aging of the colour filters might still introduce unwanted colour shifts. This paper presents a novel driving scheme for RGB LEDs that eliminates the need for colour-filtered sensors and reduces the number of light sensor channels by a factor of three. In order to prove the feasibility of the concept, a buck-derived switchmode current source with integrated colour management has been built up and tested. It can deliver up to 4 times 30 W and will keep the colour coordinates stable within an Deltau'v' of 0.004. Large backlighting units can easily be built by using several of these drivers
Proportionate Affine Projection Sign Algorithms for Network Echo Cancellation

Two proportionate affine projection sign algorithms (APSAs) are proposed for network echo cancellation (NEC) applications where the impulse response is often real-valued with sparse coefficients and long filter length. The proposed proportionate-type algorithms can achieve fast convergence and low steady-state misalignment by adopting a proportionate regularization matrix to the APSA. Benefiting from the characteristics of l1-norm optimization, affine projection, and proportionate matrix, the new algorithms are more robust to impulsive interferences and colored input than the proportionate least mean squares (PNLMS) algorithm and the robust proportionate affine projection algorithm (Robust PAPA). The new algorithms also achieve much faster convergence rate in sparse impulse responses than the original APSA and the normalized sign algorithm (NSA). The new algorithms are robust to all types of NEC impulse response with different sparseness without the need to change parameters or estimate the sparseness of the impulse response. The computational complexity of the new algorithms is lower than the affine projection algorithm (APA) family due to the elimination of the matrix inversion.
Calculus removal with diamond-coated ultrasonic inserts in vitro.

Background: Efficient calculus removal is a primary goal in periodontal therapy. Diamond-coated ultrasonic inserts (DIs) offer promise for improved scaling and were evaluated in vitro.Methods: Extracted human teeth with moderate to severe calculus had areas of calculus (∼5 × 5 mm) delineated with small burs. Each calculus area was treated under 2.5× magnification to the point of visible root cleanliness with sharp Gracey curets (hand instruments [HIs]), plain ultrasonic inserts (PIs), or ultrasonic inserts with fine-grit diamond coating; the latter two were used in a magnetostrictive ultrasonic instrument at a medium power setting. Each curet or insert was used for four teeth and then replaced by a new instrument. The time needed to clean each tooth/surface was recorded. The total area treated and the area of the residual calculus were calculated using an imaging analysis program.Results: The mean time required for clinical calculus removal was 29.7 seconds for DIs, 91.9 seconds for PIs, and 49.8 seconds ...
Optimal sensor management under energy and reliability constraints

In this work, we address the problem of maximizing the lifetime of an application that requires a minimum level of quality of service from a network of energy-constrained wireless sensors. The problem is formulated as a generalized maximum flow graph problem with additional constraints and an optimal solution is found through linear programming. The result of the optimization is a schedule that determines the mode that all sensors should operate in and allows redundant sensors to turn off and conserve energy whenever possible. We show through simulations of typical sensing applications that by intelligently managing sensors, application lifetime can be extended by up to a factor of 2 in some cases.
Vascular Stiffness: Its Measurement and Significance for Epidemiologic and Outcome Studies

Arterial stiffness is recognized increasingly as an important component in the determination of cardiovascular risk, particularly in chronic kidney disease and ESRD populations. Although the technique has been around for nearly 100 yr, in the past 20 to 25 yr, pragmatic noninvasive approaches have allowed the incorporation of arterial stiffness measurements, usually in the form of aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV), into clinical assessment of patients. In populations with high cardiovascular risk, especially those with ESRD, aortic PWV measurements provide predictive utility independent of the standard brachial arterial BP measurements. This review briefly discusses the history of vascular dynamics, the determinants of PWV, and some of the available technologies in current use and concludes with a section on the relevance of arterial stiffness measurements in populations of particular interest to nephrologists.
Ethylenediamine-modified activated carbon for aqueous lead adsorption

This study is to develop a carbon-based adsorbent containing multiple functional ligands for effective removal of lead ions from aqueous media. Activated carbon was oxidized by nitric acid, followed by chlorination with thionyl chloride and reaction with ethylenediamine. Modified activated carbon (MAC) was characterized using scanning electron microscopy in conjunction of energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and potentiometric titration. Surface characterizations confirmed that carboxyl, amine, and chlorine functional groups were effectively introduced onto the carbon surface by the treatments. The modifications lowered the pH at the point of zero charge (pHpzc) from 9.6 to 2.55 and resulted in more negatively charged surfaces. Adsorptive experiments showed that aqueous Pb removal by MAC was faster, with a 62% higher capacity than the original activated carbon (60.2 vs. 37.2 mg g−1).
Computer Science in Physics

This talk describes how techniques developed by Computer Scientists have helped our understanding of certain problems in statistical physics which involve randomness and "frustration". Examples will be given from two problems that have been widely studied: the "spin glass" and the "random field model".
An examination of the decline in fear and disgust during exposure-based treatment

It has been suggested that disgust plays a prominent role in the fear of spiders. Participants (N=27) displaying marked spider fear were provided 30 min of self-directed in vivo exposure to an actual tarantula, during which time their fear and disgust levels were assessed repeatedly. Growth curve analyses were then conducted to examine the decay slopes in both fear and disgust and their relationship. Consistent with prediction, exposure led to significant declines in both spider fear and spider-specific disgust but not in global disgust sensitivity. However, the decay slope observed for fear was significantly greater than that for disgust. Further analyses revealed that the reduction in disgust during treatment remained significant even after controlling for change in fear; and similarly, change in fear remained significant even after controlling for change in disgust. Contrary to prediction, disgust levels at pretreatment did not moderate the level of fear activation or fear reduction during treatment. Theoretical and clinical implications of the findings are discussed.
Patterns in Early Embryonic Motility: Effects of Size and Environmental Temperature on Vertical Velocities of Sinking and Swimming Echinoid Blastulae

Early embryonic swimming is widespread among marine invertebrates, but quantitative information about swimming behaviors is scarce. Swimming may affect encounters with predators, positioning in the water column, and nutrient absorption. Measured rates and patterns of swimming and sinking for blastulae of four eastern Pacific echinoid species show that sinking speeds equal or exceed swimming speeds. Swimming speed scaled negatively with embryo size, though sinking speed did not scale with size. Analysis of swimming paths of Strongylocentrotus fran- ciscanus revealed a temperature dependency in swimming pattern that affected speed of upward movement. Sinking speeds were significantly greater at 10 °C than at 14 °C for blastulae of all four species examined. In Dendraster ex- centricus, killing the blastulae annulled this temperature effect, indicating an active density regulation by these em- bryos. Finally, measurements of particle velocities around sinking and swimming D. excentricus blastulae show that swimming creates a more localized disturbance than sink- ing. Embryonic swimming may therefore decrease rather than increase encounters with pelagic predators. Results from subsequent experiments in which embryos were reared in low-oxygen environments suggest that any oxygen-ab- sorption advantages of swimming have little, if any, effect on the development of D. excentricus embryos.
Antigenic Variation in Lentiviral Diseases

of replication of the agent are pitted against a multitude of host-defense mechanisms. The immune system is the most effective of the antiviral host defenses and usually succeeds in eliminating pathogens after brief periods of infection. Failure to cure infection indi­ cates a shift in favor of the virus, and this involves either some novel mechanism of viral replication that eludes the immune system or a defect in the immune system, often virus induced, that interferes with antiviral functions. This review examines one mode of viral persistence in which normal replication of the agent can occur in the functionally competent immune environment. The basic mechanism of this process is mutation of the virus genome with attendant alteration in surface antigens permitting escape from immune control. The lentiviruses are a unique group of agents that elude the host defense systems and that not only persist indefinitely in the infected animal but replicate continuously, often in the face of competent immune responses (1-3). These agents are nononcogenic retroviruses that infect cells of the immune system. They are host species-specific and are transmitted hori­ zontally from individual to individual in body fluids. The viruses belong to a taxonomic group that includes visna-maedi virus of sheep, caprine arthritis encephalitis virus (CAEV) of goats, equine infectious anemia virus
Missteps in Team Leadership: The Experiences of Six Novice Teachers in Three Urban Middle Schools.

This study explores novice teachers’ experiences as team leaders for school-community partnerships. Six focal teachers who were enrolled in an MA program in teacher development and leadership were recruited for the study. The focal teachers volunteered to serve as leaders of a reading-focused community involvement activity as members of their schools’ improvement teams. Based on the focal teachers’ experiences, this article describes obstacles to collaboration and three responses to these obstacles (neglecting the process to get the job done, doing too much with too little, and failing to follow through) that influenced the outcomes of the activities. These findings are discussed in light of current school reform efforts that rely on team structures and approaches.
Analysis and optimization of a rateless coded joint relay system

We consider the code design for a half-duplex 4-node joint relay system with two sources, one relay, and one destination. The relay combines the information from both sources and transmits it to the destination together with both sources. We consider two coding schemes for information combining at the relay, namely, the superposition coding (SC) and the Raptor coding (RC). The Raptor codes are employed at the sources as well as the relay. The relay and the destination perform iterative a posteriori probability (APP) detection and soft Raptor decoding. For both SC and RC, the profiles for Raptor codes are optimized based on the extrinsic information transfer (EXIT) function analysis. For both the additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) and block fading channels, the joint relay system with optimized profiles exhibits significant performance gains over that employing the code profile optimized for either the singleuser AWGN channel or the 2-user multiple-access channel.
Earth summit implementation: progress since Rio

Abstract The paper reviews and assesses the major developments in post-Earth Summit implementation that have taken place in the years following the Rio conference, with an emphasis on changes in the area of oceans and coasts. Implementation progress is assessed through examination of changes in the following variables: level of awareness of sustainable development issues; creation or modification of institutions at international and national levels; money flows; UN practices; capacity building; and NGO involvement.