cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Epidermal growth factor receptor-dependent Akt activation by oxidative stress enhances cell survival

The serine/threonine kinase Akt (also known as protein kinase B) is activated in response to various stimuli by a mechanism involving phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3-K). Akt provides a survival signal that protects cells from apoptosis induced by growth factor withdrawal, but its function in other forms of stress is less clear. Here we investigated the role of PI3-K/Akt during the cellular response to oxidant injury. H(2)O(2) treatment elevated Akt activity in multiple cell types in a time- (5-30 min) and dose (400 microM-2 mm)-dependent manner. Expression of a dominant negative mutant of p85 (regulatory component of PI3-K) and treatment with inhibitors of PI3-K (wortmannin and LY294002) prevented H(2)O(2)-induced Akt activation. Akt activation by H(2)O(2) also depended on epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling; H(2)O(2) treatment led to EGFR phosphorylation, and inhibition of EGFR activation prevented Akt activation by H(2)O(2). As H(2)O(2) causes apoptosis of HeLa cells, we investigated whether alterations of PI3-K/Akt signaling would affect this response. Wortmannin and LY294002 treatment significantly enhanced H(2)O(2)-induced apoptosis, whereas expression of exogenous myristoylated Akt (an activated form) inhibited cell death. Constitutive expression of v-Akt likewise enhanced survival of H(2)O(2)-treated NIH3T3 cells. These results suggest that H(2)O(2) activates Akt via an EGFR/PI3-K-dependent pathway and that elevated Akt activity confers protection against oxidative stress-induced apoptosis.
Selenium and the genesis of murine mammary tumors.

One hundred forty-seven female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 5 groups and at 60 days of age were treated i.g. with 5 mg of 7,12-dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA) suspended in 1.0 ml of sesame oil. Selenium (Se), as selenium dioxide (SeO2), was administered in the drinking water to 4 of the 5 groups (30 rats/group) at 2 doses (2 and 4 mg/l) from 30-90 days of age (series 1) and from 90-150 days of age (series 2) prior to the onset of palpable mammary tumors. One group of rats (27 rats) served as controls. All rats were palpated weekly for mammary tumors and sacrificed 28 weeks after DMBA treatment. Total number of palpable mammary carcinomas which developed in each group were: controls, 60; series 1, 2 mg Se dose, 27, 4 mg Se dose, 29; series 2, 2 mg Se dose, 24, 4 mg Se dose, 32. Each dose level of Se in each series significantly (P less than 0.05) reduced the incidence of mammary carcinomas. These results provided evidence that Se can inhibit the early promoting phases of polycyclic hydrocarbon induced mammary carcinogenesis in female rats. Two hundred twenty-six nulliparous and 99 multiparous GR mice were treated daily with estrogen and progesterone for 13-16 weeks. Se (SeO2) was administered in the drinking water (2 mg/l) to one-half of these mice. Total number of mammary carcinomas in control nulliparous and multiparous mice were 119 and 90, respectively; in Se treated nulliparous and multiparous mice, 113 and 81, respectively. Se did not significantly effect mammary carcinoma incidence in hormone treated nulliparous and multiparous GR mice.
On the Weinstein-Aronszajn formula

(with poles counted as zeros of negative multiplicity). This result was extended by KURODA [12] to perturbations V in the trace class cg 1. We shall generalize this result in several directions. In the first place, we shall consider possibly unbounded symmetric perturbations of the form V=B*A, where the operator Q(z)=AG(z)B is compact. (See [3, 5, 9, 11, 13] and the references given in these papers.) In this case, we show that in the neighborhood of any point 2o as above, a meromorphic function A (z) can be defined which serves the same purpose as the Weinstein determinant. The proof uses a construction of STEINBERG [15]. This is carried out in w167 1-2. In w 4, we extend Kuroda's result by showing that if Q(z)e<gp for somep, 1 __<p< oo, then we may choose at all points
Linkage Effects on Binding Affinity and Activation of GPR30 and Estrogen Receptors ERα/β with Tridentate Pyridin-2-yl Hydrazine Tricarbonyl−Re/99mTc(I) Chelates

We describe a new structural class of neutral tridentate pyridin-2-yl hydrazine chelates for labeling with tricarbonyl Re/99mTc(I) under aqueous conditions and investigate the receptor binding of synthetic estradiol derivatives with the novel G-protein-coupled receptor GPR30 and estrogen receptors ERalpha/beta. The steroid linkage affected the affinity and selectivity of estrogen binding with these receptors. Fluorescence assays based on calcium signaling demonstrate that membrane-permeable chelates 2 and 3 interact with the receptors in whole cells. These results suggest that in vitro assays will facilitate the development of targeted imaging agents for intracellular receptors and the feasibility of targeting GPR30 and ERalpha/beta for diagnostic tumor imaging.
Contingent valuation experiments for strategic behavior

Abstract The existence and extent of strategic disclosures in field contingent valuation surveys have been debated but few empirical studies are available. This paper summarizes the results of an experiment to identify strategic behavior using alternative disclosure mechanisms with closed-ended and open-ended formats. In addition, the experiment examined the effect of mechanism design on respondent's ability and willingness to disclose their personal valuation. Statistical results using censored discrete regression analysis and nonparameteric means tests provide some evidence of systematic differences due to strategic behavior. But the comparisons are inconclusive due to the significant influence of sample selection on valuation results using closed-ended formats and the inherent limitations of comparative means test procedures. Evidence from this analysis cannot refute the hypothesis that respondents try, to the best of their ability, to provide truthful information. But the procedures used to interpret this information can have a significant effect on aggregate valuation results.
Kontrakturen der bindegewebsfreien Schwanzmuskulatur der Cionalarve

1. Die bindegewebsfreien Schwanzmuskeln der Cionalarve zeigen eine deutliche Salzsaurekontraktur. 2. Das Verhalten der Schwanzmuskeln der Cionalarve gegenuber kontrakturerzeugenden Substanzen ahnelt mehr dem der Wirbeltiermuskeln als dem von Muskeln Wirbelloser. 3. Die Korpermuskulatur geschlechtsreifer Tunicaten zeigt eine ahnliche Kontrakturfahigkeit wie die Schwanzmuskeln der Cionalarve.
Effect of protein binding on drug penetration into blister fluid.

The effect of protein binding on drug penetration into blister fluid was evaluated by using cefonicid, ceftizoxime, and cefotaxime. Drug concentrations in a chamber with a high surface area/volume ratio (i.e., paper disk) follow changes in serum more closely than do those in a chamber with a low surface area/volume ratio. Both the area under the concentration-time curve ratio and the concentration ratio (by the disk method) for cefonicid were statistically lower than the ratios for ceftizoxime and cefotaxime. The high degree of protein binding of cefonicid results in the availability of less drug for diffusion to blister fluid than with the low-protein-binding ceftizoxime and cefotaxime.
Single step esterification of algae oil using mesoporous solid acid catalyst

Abstract Algae oil is an underutilized carbon neutral oil that is considered to be a drop-in replacement for transportation fuels in the future. In this work, an acid-catalyzed esterification process which uses an acid loaded KIT-5 mesoporous material was investigated for the production of algal biodiesel. The optimum conditions for transesterification of algal oil with methanol, using mesoporous framework loaded with acid catalyst, were found to be 60 °C reaction temperature, 6 hour reaction time, 1:2 vol/vol ratio of algal oil to methanol and 1.5% catalyst (w/w). Under these optimal conditions, the use of 35% phosphotungstic acid loaded KIT-5 catalyst led to a 98% conversion of algal oil to fatty acid methyl esters. Catalyst recycling and regeneration studies were also conducted.
Steel-plate composite walls: Experimental database and design for out-of-plane shear

Abstract The seismic behavior and design of steel-plate composite (SC) walls in safety-related nuclear facilities is typically governed by their in-plane shear strength and ductility. However, the out-of plane shear (and flexure) behavior can govern the design near foundations and connections where SC walls interact with other structures. The out-of-plane shear behavior of SC walls is similar to that of reinforced concrete (RC) walls, and has been evaluated experimentally by conducting beam tests in one-way bending. The beam tests were conducted on specimens that were representative of strips taken in the longitudinal and transverse directions of full-scale SC walls. This paper includes a summary of the experimental database of SC beam shear tests conducted in Japan, S. Korea, China and the US. Different loading configurations were used to test the SC beam specimens. The parameters considered were the shear span-to-depth ratio, steel faceplate thickness (reinforcement ratio), stud anchor spacing, and the presence (or absence) of shear reinforcement. The out-of-plane shear strengths from the tests in the experimental database are summarized and compared with shear strength calculations based on applicable design code equations to estimate the lower bound design shear strength of SC walls. Reliability analysis is conducted to suggest associated strength reduction ( ϕ ) factors.
A Screening-Level Model Evaluation of Atrazine in the Lake Michigan Basin

Abstract Atrazine, a widely used herbicide in the agricultural regions of the Lake Michigan basin, was selected as a priority toxic chemical for study in the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA)-sponsored Lake Michigan Mass Balance Project. A surface-water, screening-level model for atrazine in the Lake Michigan basin was developed to obtain an initial insight into its transport behavior and ultimate fate. Estimates of tributary loadings and atmospheric loadings for model computations were made for the period-of-usage of the chemical beginning in 1964. Most of these loading estimates were based on total annual usage rates in the United States. Data from the literature were used to estimate these historical loadings. Approximately 30% of the total load of atrazine entering the lake is associated with precipitation, and the remainder is from tributary loads. An unsteady-state, Water Quality Simulation Program (WASP) model based on the principle of conservation of mass, was used to predict concentrations of atrazine in Lake Michigan and Green Bay, Wisconsin. Model predictions agree with recent field-measured atrazine concentrations in the lake when atrazine is assumed to be conservative in the lake. The persistence of atrazine predicted for Lake Michigan contrasts sharply with the relatively short half-lives of the chemical measured on agricultural fields as reported in the literature. It was estimated that if loadings of atrazine were to continue into the future at a rate equivalent to that of 1993, the lake would reach a steady-state concentration of 160 ng/L in approximately 300 years.
Dual-pump CARS temperature and major species concentration measurements in counter-flow methane flames using narrowband pump and broadband Stokes lasers

Abstract Dual-pump coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) is used to measure temperature and species profiles in representative non-premixed and partially-premixed CH 4 /O 2 /N 2 flames. A new laser system has been developed to generate a tunable single-frequency beam for the second pump beam in the dual-pump N 2 –CO 2 CARS process. The second harmonic output (∼532 nm) from an injection-seeded Nd:YAG laser is used as one of the narrowband pump beams. The second single-longitudinal-mode pump beam centered near 561 nm is generated using an injection-seeded optical parametric oscillator, consisting of two non-linear β-BBO crystals, pumped using the third harmonic output (∼355 nm) of the same Nd:YAG laser. A broadband dye laser (BBDL), pumped using the second harmonic output of an unseeded Nd:YAG laser, is employed to produce the Stokes beam centered near 607 nm with full-width-at-half-maximum of ∼250 cm −1 . The three beams are focused between two opposing nozzles of a counter-flow burner facility to measure temperature and major species concentrations in a variety of CH 4 /O 2 /N 2 non-premixed and partially-premixed flames stabilized at a global strain rate of 20 s −1 at atmospheric-pressure. For the non-premixed flames, excellent agreement is observed between the measured profiles of temperature and CO 2 /N 2 concentration ratios with those calculated using an opposed-flow flame code with detailed chemistry and molecular transport submodels. For partially-premixed flames, with the rich side premixing level beyond the stable premixed flame limit, the calculations overestimate the distance between the premixed and the non-premixed flamefronts. Consequently, the calculated temperatures near the rich, premixed flame are higher than those measured. Accurate prediction of the distance between the premixed and the non-premixed flames provides an interesting challenge for future computations.
Oxidative photocatalytic degradation of benzene vapor over TiO2

The variables included in a parametric study of the photocatalytic oxidative degradation (PCO) of benzene in a closed reactor over films of Degussa P-25 TiO2 under fluorescent black-light radiation centered at 367 nm were: concentrations of benzene, O2 and water vapor; photons/sec incident on the catalyst; and temperature. Concentrations of benzene and CO2 were measured. All measurements of photocatalytic behavior were performed with freshly deposited films of P-25 which had been preconditioned by irradiating for 15 h while flowing 80 ml min−1 of dry air through the reactor. It was found that water vapor promoted the dark-evolution of CO2 and inhibited the dark-adsorption of benzene by the preconditioned catalyst. Under irradiation, water vapor promoted the formation of CO2 and the initial removal of benzene. Dark-adsorption of benzene increased linearly with concentration of benzene vapor. The initial rate of photocatalytic removal of benzene was first order in concentration of benzene vapor but the higher the initial concentration of benzene the more the rate of its removal diminished as reaction proceeded. Photocatalytic production of CO2 lagged far behind removal of benzene. The initial rates of photocatalytic removal of benzene vapor and generation of CO2 were, respectively, independent of concentration of O2 from 800 ppmv to 100% and approximately one-third order in O2. The initial kinetic orders in number of photons/sec entering the reactor of removal of vaporized benzene and generation of CO, over the range (7–42) × 10−8 Einstein s−1 were, respectively, 1.85 ± .03 and 1.60 ± .07 in air into which 0.44 mmol of water had been injected and 1.59 ± .07 and 1.41 ± .05 in dry air. Over the range 15–70 °C, the rate of removal of benzene did not vary significantly with temperature in the presence or absence of water vapor while the rate of generation of CO2 varied in a way corresponding, respectively, to EA = 3.9 ± 0.4 and 9.4 ± 0.9 kJ mol −1 in the presence and absence of water vapor. Mechanistic implications of the data are discussed.
Operating Experience with the Cryogenic Systems for a Superconducting Cyclotron

The successful operation of the superconducting cyclotron cryogenic system has been primarily dependent on understanding and improving its performance. In particular, operating experience with a superconducting magnet coil, a vacuum cryopanel, and a cryogenic distribution system has been gained during the past three years. The coil cryostat cooldown, boiloff rate, warmup, eddy current pulse, median plane heat leak, and helium leakage into the cryostat vacuum jacket have been measured. The vacuum cryopanel cooldown rate, heat load, pumping speed and long term gas storage have been determined. The present measurements have been conducted with simple independent transfer lines. A subcooled cryogenic distribution system, with parallel branches, has been designed and is presently under construction.
Cross-Conjugated Oligothiophenes Derived from the (C2S)n Helix: Asymmetric Synthesis and Structure of Carbon−Sulfur [11]Helicene

(-)-Sparteine-mediated asymmetric synthesis of di-n-octyl-substituted carbon-sulfur [11]helicene, a helical (C2S)n beta-undecathiophene, is described. The atom-efficient routes rely on one-step tri-annelation or two-step di- and mono-annelation to provide enantiomeric excess of (+)- or (-)-[11]helicene, respectively. X-ray structures for homologous [11] and [7]helicenes indicate similar helical curvatures. The optical band gap, Eg approximately 3.5 eV, is estimated for the (C2S)n helix polymer, with onset of electron localization at n </= 7.
Spirituality/religiosity promotes acceptance-based responding and 12-step involvement.

Abstract Background Previous investigations have observed that spirituality/religiosity (S/R) is associated with enhanced 12-step involvement. However, relatively few studies have attempted to examine the mechanisms for this effect. For the present investigation, we examined whether acceptance-based responding (ABR) – awareness or acknowledgement of internal experiences that allows one to consider and perform potentially adaptive responses – accounted for the effect of S/R on 12-step self-help group involvement 2 years after a treatment episode. Methods Data were collected as part of a multi-site treatment outcome study with 3698 substance-dependent male veterans recruited at baseline. Assessments were conducted at baseline, discharge, 1-year follow-up, and 2-year follow-up. We utilized structural equation modeling to examine the relationships among latent variables of S/R, ABR, and 12-step involvement over time. Results In the final model, S/R was not directly related to 12-step involvement at 2-year follow-up. However, S/R predicted enhanced ABR at 1-year follow-up after accounting for discharge levels of ABR. In turn, ABR at 1-year follow-up predicted increased 12-step involvement at 2-year follow-up after accounting for discharge levels of 12-step involvement. Conclusions S/R promotes the use of post-treatment self-regulation skills that, in turn, directly contribute to ongoing 12-step self-help group involvement.
Utilisation des stentgrafts dans les traumatismes du membre inférieur

Rationnelle Le stenting endovasculaire permanent devient reconnu comme methode sure et efficace pour traiter differentes maladies arterielles. La litterature sur son utilisation en traumatologie est rare, bien que les indications de son utilisation continuent a evoluer. Methodes Nous avons retrospectivement passe en revue tous les traumatismes penetrants des membres traites par voie endovasculaire dans notre centre medical entre 2005 et 2008. Resultats Nous presentons trois patients avec trois lesions arterielles differentes de l’artere femorale superficielle (SFA) qui ont ete provoquees par des traumatismes penetrants. Les lesions arterielles etaient un faux anevrysme de la SFA a mi-cuisse, une rupture intimale de la SFA distale, et une fistule arterioveineuse impliquant la SFA et la veine femorale superficielle. Tous ont ete traites avec des stents recouverts de polytetrafluoroethylene expanse avec d’excellents resultats a court terme. Une approche percutanee a ce probleme peut reduire le saignement, diminuer la duree du sejour, induire moins de lesions iatrogenes des nerfs, et faciliter un temps de retablissement plus court, par rapport aux approches ouvertes. Conclusions Des stents couverts pour des lesions arterielles traumatiques des membres ont ete employes avec d’excellents resultats et aucune morbidite dans cette petite serie de patients. Les solutions endovasculaires pour les lesions arterielles des membres justifient une evaluation des resultats a court et a long terme.
Quantitative evolutionary genomics: differential gene expression and male reproductive success in Drosophila melanogaster

We combined traditional quantitative genetics and oligonucleotide microarrays to examine within-population genetic variation in a trait closely related to fitness. The trait, male reproductive success under competitive conditions (MCRS), is of central importance to both life-history and sexual-selection theory. We identified 27 candidate genes whose expression levels were associated with within-population variation in MCRS. "High" MCRS was associated with low expression of a cytochrome P450 that causes pesticide resistance, suggesting a fitness cost to resistance. Two groups of metabolic proteins (glutathione transferases and phosphatases) were significantly over-represented, and a large portion of the candidates are genes involved in oxidative stress resistance, energy acquisition or energy storage. Genes expressed in accessory glands and testes were not over-represented among differentially expressed genes, but testis-expressed genes were significantly more likely to be upregulated in high MCRS genotypes. Finally, nine candidate genes that we identified had no previous functional annotation, and this experiment suggests that they play a role in male reproductive success.
Spatiotemporal distributions of ambient oxides of nitrogen, with implications for exposure inequality and urban design

Intra-urban differences in concentrations of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and exposure disparities in the Tampa area were investigated across temporal scales through emissions estimation, dispersion modeling, and analysis of residential subpopulation exposures. A hybrid estimation method was applied to provide link-level hourly on-road mobile source emissions. Ambient concentrations in 2002 at 1 km resolution were estimated using the CALPUFF dispersion model. Results were combined with residential demographic data at the block-group level, to investigate exposures and inequality for select racioethnic, age, and income population subgroups. Results indicate that on-road mobile sources contributed disproportionately to ground-level concentrations and dominated the spatial footprint across temporal scales (annual average to maximum hour). The black, lower income (less than $40K annually), and Hispanic subgroups had higher estimated exposures than the county average; the white and higher income (greater than $60K...
Studies of finite element proceduresan evaluation of preconditioned iterative solvers

Abstract In this paper we study the use of conjugate gradient iterative solution techniques for the solution of sparse systems of algebraic equations generated by the problem ADINA [K.J. Bathe, Nucl. Engng Des . 98 , 57–67 (1986)], as well as those resulting from a finite element discretization of fluid flow problems. The symmetric positive definite systems generated by ADINA for static structural analysis are solved with a conjugate gradient iterative method with incomplete Cholesky preconditioning. A biconjugate gradient method is used with incomplete LU factorization as a preconditioner to solve the equations with nonsymmetric coefficient matrices arising in the analysis of a fluid flow problem. The results of our numerical experiments show that preconditioned iterative methods can have significant advantages over direct methods in the solution of large, sparse systems of equations arising in 3D static structural analysis. However, the equations arising in fluid flow analysis are not as amenable to iterative solution techniques of the kind described in this paper.
Spine regeneration in larvae of the crab, Rhithropanopeus harrisii

Dorsal spines were removed from intermolt first instar larvae of Rhithropanopeus harrisii. The wound was immediately closed by hemocytemediated clot formation. Epidermal cells from regions adjacent to the spine then formed a continuous, single-cell-thick layer beneath the clot. During premolt of the first instar, the distal cells formed a new spine tip by apical extensions. Regenerating spines underwent enhanced growth during the first two instars; this resulted in a normal-sized spine by the third instar. Determination of cell density in regenerating spines indicated that the enhanced growth during reeneration was due to increased cell division during the first two instars. Spine regeneration had no effect on duration of the molt cycle, onset of premolt, or metamorphosis.
Efficient and scalable all-to-all personalized exchange for InfiniBand-based clusters

The all-to-all personalized exchange is the most dense collective communication function offered by the MPI specification. The operation involves every process sending a different message to all other participating processes. This collective operation is essential for many parallel scientific applications. With increasing system and message sizes, it becomes challenging to offer a fast, scalable and efficient implementation of this operation. InfiniBand is an emerging modern interconnect. It offers very low latency, high bandwidth and one-sided operations like RDMA write. Its advanced features like RDMA write gather allow us to design and implement all-to-all algorithms much more efficiently than in the past. Our aim in This work is to design efficient and scalable implementations of traditional personalized exchange algorithms. We present two novel approaches towards designing all-to-all algorithms for short and long messages respectively. The hypercube RDMA write gather and direct eager schemes effectively leverage the RDMA and RDMA with write gather mechanisms offered by InfiniBand. Performance evaluation of our design and implementation reveals that it is able to reduce the all-to-all communication time by upto a factor of 3.07 for 32 byte messages on a 16 node InfiniBand cluster. Our analytical models suggest that the proposed designs perform 64% better on InfiniBand clusters with 1024 nodes for 4k message size.
Isolation and Characterization of a Genetically Tractable Photoautotrophic Fe(II)-Oxidizing Bacterium, Rhodopseudomonas palustris Strain TIE-1

We report the isolation and characterization of a phototrophic ferrous iron [Fe(II)]-oxidizing bacterium named TIE-1 that differs from other Fe(II)-oxidizing phototrophs in that it is genetically tractable. Under anaerobic conditions, TIE-1 grows photoautotrophically with Fe(II), H2, or thiosulfate as the electron donor and photoheterotrophically with a variety of organic carbon sources. TIE-1 also grows chemoheterotrophically in the dark. This isolate appears to be a new strain of the purple nonsulfur bacterial species Rhodopseudomonas palustris, based on physiological and phylogenetic analysis. Fe(II) oxidation is optimal at pH 6.5 to 6.9. The mineral products of Fe(II) oxidation are pH dependent: below pH 7.0 goethite (α-FeOOH) forms, and above pH 7.2 magnetite (Fe3O4) forms. TIE-1 forms colonies on agar plates and is sensitive to a variety of antibiotics. A hyperactive mariner transposon is capable of random insertion into the chromosome with a transposition frequency of ∼10−5. To identify components involved in phototrophic Fe(II) oxidation, mutants of TIE-1 were generated by transposon mutagenesis and screened for defects in Fe(II) oxidation in a cell suspension assay. Among approximately 12,000 mutants screened, 6 were identified that are specifically impaired in Fe(II) oxidation. Five of these mutants have independent disruptions in a gene that is predicted to encode an integral membrane protein that appears to be part of an ABC transport system; the sixth mutant has an insertion in a gene that is a homolog of CobS, an enzyme involved in cobalamin (vitamin B12) biosynthesis.
Not All False Memories Are Created Equal: The Neural Basis of False Recognition

False recognition, a type of memory distortion where one claims to remember something that never happened, can occur in response to items that are similar but not identical to previously seen items (i.e., related false recognition) or in response to novel items (i.e., unrelated false recognition). It is unknown whether these 2 types of memory errors arise from the same or distinct neural substrates. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, we compared the neural activity associated with true recognition, related false recognition, and unrelated false recognition for abstract shapes. True recognition and related false recognition were associated with similar patterns of neural activity, including activity in the prefrontal cortex, the parietal cortex, and the medial temporal lobe. By contrast, unrelated false recognition was associated with activity in language-processing regions. These results indicate that false recognition is not a unitary phenomenon, but rather can reflect the operation of 2 distinct cognitive and neural processes.
Anchimeric assistance in the fragmentation of protonated glycol derivatives in a flowing afterglow

A series of monomethyl, monoacyl glycols was protonated in a flowing afterglow system. In the subsequent fragmentation reactions acetic acid was found to be a better leaving group than methanol, but the acetoxy group was shown to participate in methanol expulsion under certain conditions. The effects of leaving group ability, anchimeric assistance, stereochemistry and steric hindrance on the fragmentation patterns of the protonated molecular ions are discussed.
Exploring a Distance Education Partnership Between Historically Black Colleges and Universitiesand African Universities

This article proposes the formation of time-honored cooperative and educational partnerships between historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in the United States and universities in Africa using state-of-the art technology. Emerging electronic communication implements and the availability of information driven by the various campus networks should be key resources to support these collaborative efforts. The potential benefits of the information superhighway for the African continent and participating HBCUs can be immense. An advanced information infrastructure will enable the future African labor force to compete and win in the global economy, generating competitive and gainful employment opportunities for the African people as well as economic development and growth for the continent. Moreover, such a joint venture will, in many ways, provide African Americans with additional opportunities to connect to their roots.
Gauging Military Vehicle Mobility Through Many-Body Dynamics Simulation

This paper describes a modeling, simulation, and visualization framework aimed at enabling physics-based analysis of ground vehicle mobility. This framework, called Chrono, has been built to leverage parallel computing both on distributed and shared memory architectures. Chrono is both modular and extensible. Modularity stems from the design decision to build vertical applications whose goal is to reduce the end-to-end time from vision-to-model-to-solution-tovisualization for a targeted application field. The extensibility is a consequence of the design of the foundation modules, which can be enhanced with new features that benefit all the vertical applications. Two factors motivated the development of Chrono. First, there is a manifest need of modeling approaches and simulation tools to support mobility analysis on deformable terrain. Second, the hardware available today has improved to a point where the amount of sheer computer power, the memory size, and the available software stack (productivity tools and programming languages) support computing on a scale that allows integrating highly accurate vehicle dynamics and physics-based terramechanics models. Although commercial software is available nowadays for simulating vehicle and tire models that operate on paved roads; deformable terrain models that complement the fidelity of present day vehicle and tire models have been lacking due to the complexity of soil behavior. This paper demonstrates Chrono’s ability to handle these difficult mobility situations through several simulations, including: (i) urban operations, (ii) muddy terrain operations, (iii) gravel slope operations, and (iv) river fording.
The effects of a cyclo-oxygenase II inhibitor on placental artery production of thromboxane and prostacyclin.

Abstract Objective The study was undertaken to determine the effects of a cyclo-oxygenase II inhibitor on fetoplacental artery production of prostacyclin and thromboxane A 2 . Study design Eight placentas were obtained from normal parturients at delivery and four chorionic plate arteries were dissected from each placenta. Arteries were incubated in media alone, media plus angiotensin II (1×10 −10 mol), media plus rofecoxib (300 ng/mL), or media plus angiotensin II and rofecoxib. Serial samples were assayed for metabolites of thromboxane B 2 and prostacyclin by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results were compared by analysis of variance, and P Results At 24 hours, 6-keto-prostaglandin F 1α levels in the rofecoxib group (1.74±1.39 ng/mg tissue, P P 2 levels were lower in the angiotensin II group (0.65±0.33 ng/mg tissue) than the control group (1.22±0.70 ng/mg tissue, P Conclusion Cyclo-oxygenase II inhibition decreases the production of prostacyclin in fetoplacental arteries and alters the normal ratio of thromboxane A 2 to prostacyclin.
A refinement for the Rayleigh radiance computation with variation of the atmospheric pressure

The Rayleigh scattering radiance at the top of the atmosphere (TOA) depends on the surface atmospheric pressure. In processing the Coastal Zone Color Scanner (CZCS) imagery, Gordon et al. (Applied Optics, 27, 862–871, 1988) developed a simple formula to account for the Rayleigh radiance changes with the variation of the surface atmospheric pressure. For the atmospheric pressure changes within ±3%, the accuracy of the Gordon et al. (1988) formula in computing the Rayleigh radiance is usually within 0.4%, 0.3%, 0.15% and 0.05% for the wavelengths 412, 443, 555 and 865 nm, respectively. This could result in up to ∼3% uncertainty in the derived water‐leaving radiance at the blue wavelengths for very clear atmospheres. To improve the performance, a refinement to the Gordon et al. (1988) formula is developed based on the radiative transfer simulations. The refined scheme can produce Rayleigh radiance with an uncertainty within 0.1% (often within 0.05%) at the blue, while uncertainty is within 0.05% for the gree...
Ion Pairing of Hydrophilic Analytes with Surfactants to Enhance FABMS Spectra

Abstract Recently the use of ion-pairing of inorganic and organic ions to ionic surfactants has been exploited in Fast Atom Bombardment Mass Spectrometry (FAB-MS) in order to increase secondary ion emission. Hydrophilic organic ions, such as 6-aminopenicillanic acid (6-APA), can be selectively ‘bound’ to the surface of a hydrophilic FAB matrix such as glycerol via interaction with an ionic surfactant of opposite charge. Thus, ion-pairing of analyte to surfactant allows for utilization of the surface specificity of FAB. In order to assess the utility and limitations of ion-pairing in FAB, we studied the secondary ion emission characteristics of a cation exchange model system consisting of the quaternary ammonium salt choline chloride (CC), the surfactant octyl sodium sulfate (OSS), and glycerol. Large, weakly solvated ions such as the tetramethylammonium ion of choline readily exchange sodium from sulfonate based cation exchange resins. Cation affinity for sulfate in increasing order is Li+< H+< Na+< NH4 +...
Direct Flame Synthesis of Carbon Nanotubes on Metal Alloys and Metal Oxides

*† ‡ § Various morphologies of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are grown catalytically on metal alloy probes and metal-oxide materials in counterflow diffusion flames using methane as fuel. It is found that multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) are grown from metal-alloy probes while both MWNTs and single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) are obtained from the metal-oxide materials. CNT growth and morphologies are investigated as functions of local gas-phase temperatures, C-related species concentrations (e.g. C2H2, CO), sampling positions, C2H2 adding to the fuel, and probe compositions. CNTs grow optimally in non-sooty regions of the flames. C2H2 addition is found to promote direct synthesis of vertically well-aligned MWNTs with uniform diameters from Ni/Cr/Fe.
Automated validation of genetic variants from large databases

Summary: Accurate annotations of genomic variants are necessary to achieve full-genome clinical interpretations that are scientifically sound and medically relevant. Many disease associations, especially those reported before the completion of the HGP, are limited in applicability because of potential inconsistencies with our current standards for genomic coordinates, nomenclature and gene structure. In an effort to validate and link variants from the medical genetics literature to an unambiguous reference for each variant, we developed a software pipeline and reviewed 68 641 single amino acid mutations from Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM), Human Gene Mutation Database (HGMD) and dbSNP. The frequency of unresolved mutation annotations varied widely among the databases, ranging from 4 to 23%. A taxonomy of primary causes for unresolved mutations was produced. Availability: This program is freely available from the web site ( http://safegene.hms.harvard.edu/aa2nt/). Contact:mt153@hms.harvard.edu; mark_tong2009@yahoo.com Supplementary information:Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
The Overall Effect of the Business Cycle on Crime

This paper analyses the 13 business cycles since 1933 to provide evidence on the old question of whether recessions cause crime. Using data from the United States, we find that recessions are consistently associated with an uptick in burglary and robbery, and a reduction in theft of motor vehicles. There is no statistical association with homicide. These patterns are suggestive of the relative importance of the various channels by which economic conditions influence crime.
Genetic determinants of biofilm development of opaque and translucent Vibrio parahaemolyticus

Vibrio parahaemolyticus isolates display variation in colony morphology, alternating between opaque (OP) and translucent (TR) cell types. Phase variation is the consequence of genetic alterations in the locus encoding the quorum sensing output regulator OpaR. Here, we show that both cell types form stable, but distinguishable biofilms that differ with respect to attachment and detachment profiles to polystyrene, pellicle formation and stability at the air/medium interface, and submerged biofilm architecture and dispersion at a solid/liquid interface. The pellicle, which is a cohesive mat of cells, was exploited to identify mutants having altered or defective biofilm formation. Transposon insertion mutants were obtained with defects in genes affecting multiple cell surface characteristics, including extracellular polysaccharide, mannose-sensitive haemagglutinin type 4 pili and polar (but not lateral) flagella. Other insertions disrupted genes coding for potential secreted proteins or transporters of secreted proteins, specifically haemolysin co-regulated protein and an RTX toxin-like membrane fusion transporter, as well as potential modifiers of cell surface molecules (nagAC operon). The pellicle screen also identified mutants with lesions in regulatory genes encoding H-NS, a CsgD-like repressor and an AraC-like protein. This work initiates the characterization of V. parahaemolyticus biofilm formation in the OP and TR cell types and identifies a diverse repertoire of cell surface elements that participate in determining multicellular architecture.
Some Enzyme Activities in the Testate Amoeba Netzelia tuberculata1

. Testate amoebae occur in diverse environments including well aerated streams and anoxic bottom sediments. They consume a wide variety of food including algal prey, bacteria, and detritus. Since little is known about the physiological ecology of many of these widespread organisms, some respiratory and digestive enzyme activities were assessed using Netzelia tuberculata, which is readily cultivated in the laboratory. Activities, expressed as units/μg protein are as follows: acid aryl phosphatase, 19.0 × 10−1; acid protease, 26 × 10−3; cytochrome oxidase, 2.3 × 10−4; and lactate dehydrogenase, 3.6 × 10−4. No amylase was detected in these specimens, which may help to explain why starch grains, apparently consumed from algal prey, are expelled from the cytoplasm and used as wall-construction particles.
Postmodernism and Planning

Postmodernism seems able to embrace any discourse on style, architecture, literature, with equal facility. Yet its erratic and chameleon-like form renders it susceptible to quick dismissal. In this...
Factors Associated with Occurrence and Recovery of Nonambulatory Dairy Cows in the United States

The primary objective of this study was to compare characteristics of US dairy operations that had one or more nonambulatory cows (unable to rise for any period of time) (cases) with operations that had no nonambulatory cows (controls) during 2004. A secondary objective was to describe factors associated with recovery of the last nonambulatory cow on the operation during 2004. Case dairy operations (n = 1,822) more often fed a total mixed ration [odds ratio (OR) = 2.0; confidence interval (CI): 1.1-3.4], produced more than 9,090 kg of milk (OR = 2.8; CI: 1.8-4.5), and were more likely to be of medium to large herd size (100 or more head of adult cows, OR = 3.7; CI: 2.2-6.2) compared with control dairies (n = 151). Compared with operations where the predominant flooring surface on which lactating cows stood or walked in winter was pasture, operations where pasture was not the predominant surface were at increased risk of having nonambulatory cows (OR = 4.7; CI: 2.2-10.2). Cows nonambulatory for less than 24 h were more likely to recover compared with cows nonambulatory for 24 h or more (OR = 3.0; CI: 2.0-4.4). Cows that received calcium, phosphorus, or potassium while non-ambulatory were more likely to recover (OR = 3.6; CI: 2.1-6.1) than cattle that did not receive these treatments. Cattle that were not repositioned periodically were more likely to recover (OR = 2.1; CI: 1.4-3.1), as were cattle that were not treated by a veterinarian before becoming nonambulatory (OR = 1.9; CI: 1.1-3.3). These findings are consistent with prolonged recumbency and prior history of health issues, respectively. Nonambulatory cattle with hypocalcemia were more likely to recover (OR = 6.0; CI: 3.4-10.7) compared with nonambulatory cows with all other causes of a nonambulatory condition (analyzed collectively as a single variable but including cancer, clinical mastitis, digestive conditions, metabolic imbalances, neurological problems, respiratory disease, other, unknown). The results of this study reveal that the majority of US dairy operations have at least one nonambulatory dairy cow over the course of a year. Additionally, individual animal factors associated with being nonambulatory may lead to improved identification and treatment of animals that are nonambulatory for a prolonged period. From the perspective of recovery, considering euthanasia is appropriate for cows that have been nonambulatory for more than 24 h.
Shared Ligands Between Organic Anion Transporters (OAT1 and OAT6) and Odorant Receptors

The multispecific organic anion drug transporters OAT6 (SLC22A20) and OAT1 (SLC22A6) are expressed in nasal epithelial cells and both can bind odorants. Sequence analysis of OAT6 revealed an evolutionarily conserved 79-amino acid (AA) fragment present not only in OAT6 but also in other SLC22 transporters, such as the organic anion transporter (OAT), organic carnitine transporter (OCTN), and organic cation transporter (OCT) subfamilies. A similar fragment is also conserved in some odorant receptors (ORs) in both humans and rodents. This fragment is located in regions believed to be important for ligand/substrate preference and recognition in both classes of proteins, raising the possibility that it may be part of a potential common ligand/substrate recognition site in certain ORs and SLC22 transporters. In silico screening of an odorant database containing known OR ligands with a pharmacophore hypothesis (generated from a set of odorants known to bind OAT6 and/or OAT1), followed by in vitro uptake assays in transfected cells, identified OR ligands capable of inhibiting OAT6- and/or OAT1-mediated transport, albeit with different affinities. The conservation of the AA fragments between these two different classes of proteins, together with their coexpression in olfactory as well as other tissues, suggests the possibility that ORs and SLC22 transporters function in concert, and raises the question as to whether these transporters function in remote sensing and signaling and/or as transceptors.
Multimodal swallowing evaluation with high-resolution manometry reveals subtle swallowing changes in early and mid-stage Parkinson disease

Background Parkinson disease (PD) has detrimental effects on swallowing function. Treatment options are largely behavioral; thus, patients would benefit from an earlier start to therapy. Early swallowing changes in PD are not well-known, so patients do not typically receive swallowing treatment until later in the progression of PD.
Microfluidic Devices in Nanotechnology: Fundamental ConceptsEdited by Challa S. Kumar, Wiley, Hoboken, NJ, 2010, 350 pages, ISBN: 978-0-470-47227-9. Microfluidic Devices in Nanotechnology: Fundamental Concepts

The field of micro fluidics has specifically during the last two decades seen phenomenal growth with a gradually increasing applications in disciplines ranging from basic sciences to the most engin...
Insect Pathology: Challenge, Achievement, and Promise

In these days when many societies and scientific organizations are conferring awards and according honors to their members, it seems customary for the recipient to assume a substantial degree of nonchalance or sophistication, and to accept these honors with supreme self-confidence. In the present instance, however, and with all due respect to the selecting Committee, for me to assume such self-confidence would be not only indecorous but hypocritical as well. Therefore, without any attempt at such sophistication may I express my sincere gratitude and thanks to the Society, and to the sponsors of the Memorial Lecture, for this honor, and for this opportunity to share with you some thoughts pertinent to my field of principal interest.
Making the grade: Judicial behavior in civil protection order hearings for intimate partner violence

In the USA, civil protection orders, commonly known as restraining orders, have been underutilized as a means of protecting victims of intimate partner violence. It has been proposed that part of t...
Interaction energy of nonidentical atoms

There are different results in the literature for the interaction energy of two separated nonidentical atoms in the case when one of the atoms is prepared in an excited state. Moreover, there are different ways to define this interaction energy. If the interaction energy is defined as a shift in the energy of the initial state of the combined atomic system, it is possible to carry out a time-dependent calculation that provides an unambiguous method for obtaining this shift. The time-dependent calculations lead to an interaction energy that is an oscillatory function of the interatomic separation, in contrast to the nonoscillatory behavior that is predicted using an alternative theory based on time-independent perturbation theory.