cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fibrinogen Ledyard (A alpha Arg16----Cys): biochemical and physiologic characterization.

Fibrinogen Ledyard was discovered in a 10-year-old boy with a mild bleeding history. His father had the same defect and a bleeding history after surgery. Both patients were heterozygous. The plasma fibrinogen concentration was normal immunologically (335 mg/dL) and very low functionally (52 mg/dL). Purified fibrinogen Ledyard had a prolonged polymerization, which was somewhat corrected by addition of Ca2+ ions. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analyses of the fibrinopeptides released by thrombin showed 1 mol of fibrinopeptide A (FPA) and 2 mol of fibrinopeptide B (FPB) released per mole of fibrinogen Ledyard. Steady-state kinetic parameters were evaluated for release of FPA by thrombin. When the concentration of fibrinogen Ledyard was corrected to 50% of total protein, because only 50% of fibrinogen Ledyard can release FPA, the kinetic constants were similar to those of control fibrinogen (Km = 7.5 mumol/L for A alpha chain, kcat = 54 s-1). This finding indicates that the cleavage site of the A alpha chain in these abnormal molecules may not interact with the catalytic site of thrombin. The three chains of fibrinogen Ledyard were isolated on reverse-phase C4-HPLC. The sequence of the amino terminus of A alpha chain showed that Arg in position 16 was replaced by Cys in the abnormal molecules. Approximately half of fibrinogen Ledyard (52%) was clotted by reptilase, suggesting that fibrinogen Ledyard may consist of 50% normal homodimers (A alpha Arg16 . A alpha Arg16) and 50% abnormal homodimers (A alpha Cys16 . A alpha Cys16). Abnormal molecules could form disulfide bond between the A alpha Cys16 residues. Thus, the abnormal molecules have a different structure that does not bind to thrombin. Probably the abnormality of polymerization of fibrinogen Ledyard results from the interaction of the abnormal molecules with normal fibrin monomers, so that the growth of fibrin protofibrils is inhibited. This abnormal fibrinogen supports adenosine diphosphate-induced platelet aggregation in a normal manner.
Moral Psychology in Plato’s Apology

In this essay, we argue that several passages in Plato’s Apology, cannot be appropriately understood by what has come to be the most widely accepted interpretation of what is called “Socratic intellectualism.” According to this view, Socrates saw no role in the explanation of human behavior for such psychological factors as appetites or passions/emotions. We claim, on the contrary, that the passages we consider in Plato’s Apology, actually reveal that Socrates was quite ready to explain human behavior in precisely the way this interpretation claims he would not (or could not) do. We then provide an understanding of what Socrates is saying in these passages that makes much better sense of them but also continues to depict Socratic moral psychology as intellectualist, insofar as it remains true in our account that all human agents always act in ways that reflect their beliefs about what is best for them at the time of action.
Cellular Signals Mediating Growth Arrest After Polyamine Depletion

The natural polyamines spermidine and spermine and their precursor putrescine are ubiquitous organic cations of low molecular weight in eukaryotic cells and are intimately involved in distinct cellular functions (1,2). For many years, regulation of cellular polyamines has been recognized to be the central convergence point for multiple signaling pathways driving different cellular functions. It has been shown that increased levels of cellular polyamines, either synthesized endogenously or supplied exogenously, are essential for the stimulation of cell proliferation, and that depletion of cellular polyamines inhibits cell proliferation and causes G1 phase growth arrest in a variety of cell types (1, 2, 3). To define the exact role of polyamines in cell proliferation at the molecular level, an increasing body of evidence indicates that polyamines regulate cell proliferation by virtue of their ability to modulate expression of various growth-related genes.
Cone-beam CT measurements of distal tibio-fibular syndesmosis in asymptomatic uninjured ankles: does weight-bearing matter?

To evaluate the influence of weight-bearing (WB) load in standard axial ankle syndesmotic measurements using cone beam CT (CBCT) examination of asymptomatic uninjured ankles. In this IRB approved, prospective study, patients with previous unilateral ankle fractures were recruited. We simultaneously scanned the injured ankles and asymptomatic contralateral ankles of 27 patients in both WB and NWB modes. For this study, only asymptomatic contralateral ankles with normal plain radiographs were included. Twelve standardized syndesmosis measurements at two axial planes (10 mm above the tibial plafond and 5 mm below the talar dome) were obtained by two expert readers using a custom CBCT viewer with the capability for geometric measurements between user-identified anatomical landmarks. Inter-reader reliability between two readers was obtained using the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). We compared the WB and NWB measurements using paired t test. Significant agreement was observed between two readers for both WB and NWB measurements (p <0.05). ICC values for WB and NWB measurements had a range of 50–95 and 31–71 respectively. Mean values of the medial clear space on WB images (1.75, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.6, 1.9) were significantly lower than on NWB images (2.05, 95% CI: 1.8, 2.2) measurements (p <0.001). There was no significant difference between the remaining WB and NWB measurements. Measurements obtained from WB images are reliable. Except for the medial clear space, no significant difference in syndesmotic measurements were observed during the WB mode of CBCT acquisition, implying that the tibio-fibular relationship remains unchanged when the physiological axial weight-bearing load is applied.
MIST1, an Inductive Signal for Salivary Amylase in Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Sjogren’s syndrome (SjS) is an autoimmune disease that destroys the salivary glands and results in severe dry mouth. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation has been recently proposed as a promising therapy for restoring cells in multiple degenerative diseases. We have recently utilized advanced proteomics biochemical assays to identify the key molecules involved in the mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) of co-cultured mouse bone-marrow-derived MSCs mMSCs with primary salivary gland cells. Among the multiple transcription factors (TFs) that were differentially expressed, two major TFs were selected: muscle, intestine, and stomach expression-1 (MIST1) and transcription factor E2a (TCF3). These factors were assessed in the current study for their ability to drive the expression of acinar cell marker, alpha-salivary amylase 1 (AMY1), and ductal cell marker, cytokeratin19 (CK19), in vitro. Overexpression of MIST1-induced AMY1 expression while it had little effect on CK19 expression. In contrast, TCF3 induced neither of those cellular markers. Furthermore, we have identified that mMSCs express muscarinic-type 3 receptor (M3R) mainly in the cytoplasm and aquaporin 5 (AQP5) in the nucleus. While MIST1 did not alter M3R levels in mMSCs, a TCF3 overexpression downregulated M3R expressions in mMSCs. The mechanisms for such differential regulation of glandular markers by these TFs warrant further investigation.
From Racial Resistance to Racial Consciousness: Engaging White STEM Faculty in Pedagogical Transformation:

Professor Arnie Copper is among the many science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) faculty who view the learning of STEM curriculum as an intellectual exercise that is race-neutral. ...
Extracellular Matrix Signaling Through β3 Integrin Mediates Cocaine Cue-Induced Transient Synaptic Plasticity and Relapse.

Abstract Background Cue-induced relapse to drug use is a primary symptom of cocaine addiction. Cue-induced transient excitatory synaptic potentiation (t-SP) induced in the nucleus accumbens mediates cued cocaine seeking in rat models of relapse. Cue-induced t-SP depends on extracellular signaling by matrix metalloproteases (MMPs), but it is unknown how this catalytic activity communicates with nucleus accumbens neurons to induce t-SP and cocaine seeking. Methods Male Sprague Dawley rats (N = 125) were trained to self-administer cocaine, after which self-administration was extinguished and then reinstated by cocaine-conditioned cues. We used a morpholino antisense strategy to knock down the β1 or β3 integrin subunits or inhibitors to prevent phosphorylation of the integrin signaling kinases focal adhesion kinase (FAK) or integrin-linked kinase. We quantified protein changes with immunoblotting and t-SP by measuring dendritic spine morphology and alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid/N-methyl-D-aspartate glutamate currents. Integrin signaling was stimulated by microinjecting an MMP activator or integrin peptide ligand into the accumbens. Results Knockdown of β3 integrin or FAK inhibitor, but not β1 integrin or integrin-linked kinase inhibitor, prevented cue-induced cocaine seeking but not sucrose seeking. β3 integrin knockdown prevented t-SP as measured by preventing the cue-induced increases in both alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid/N-methyl-D-aspartate glutamate ratio and spine head diameter. Activating MMP gelatinases with tissue plasminogen activator potentiated cue-induced reinstatement, which was prevented by β3 integrin knockdown and FAK inhibition. Stimulating integrin receptors with the RGD ligand liberated by MMP gelatinase activity also potentiated cued cocaine seeking. Conclusions Activation of MMP gelatinase in the extracellular space is necessary for and potentiates cued cocaine seeking. This extracellular catalysis stimulates β3 integrins and activates FAK to induce t-SP and promote cue-induced cocaine seeking.
BRCA1/2 and multigene panel testing among metastatic breast, pancreas, prostate, and ovarian cancer patients.

e13160Background: Given the availability of targeted therapies such as PARP inhibitors, patients with metastatic breast, pancreas, prostate, and ovarian cancer are recommended to have germline gene...
Tensions Between Learning Models and Engaging in Modeling: Exploring Implications for Science Classrooms

The ability to develop and use models to explain phenomena is a key component of the Next Generation Science Standards, and without examples of what modeling instruction looks like in the reality of classrooms, it will be difficult for us as a field to understand how to move forward in designing curricula that foreground the practice in ways that align with the epistemic commitments of modeling. In this article, we illustrate examples drawn from a model-based curriculum development project to problematize and bring to the fore issues and tensions we observed through the course of modeling instruction. In doing so, we argue that instruction that is model-based may not be actualizing modeling as an epistemic practice to support student sensemaking. We suggest that this kind of enactment may be a result of the tensions between viewing models as content to be learned and modeling as a scientific practice in which the end products are not known ahead of time. We discuss the implications of our analysis for teacher learning and curriculum development.
Diffusion and Chemotaxis

Diffusion is the movement of particles from high concentration to low concentration. It arises from the fact that all particles are constantly moving in random directions. Biological organisms, for instance, cells, move not only at random but also in response to the environment. This response often involves directed movement toward external stimulus or away from it. Such a movement is call “taxis.” Chemotaxis is a movement in response to chemical gradient, and haptotaxis is a response to adhesive gradient. Biological examples of chemotaxis and haptotaxis abound. In this chapter we give two examples of chemotaxis. The first example has to do with movement of amoebas during one phase of their lifecycle. The second example is concerned with the movement of endothelial cells in response to stimulus secreted by tumor cells. But first we need to develop general mathematical models of diffusion and chemotaxis.
The Mystery of Chemotherapy Brain: Kynurenines, Tubulin and Biophoton Release

The majority of patients receiving chemotherapy experience post-chemotherapy cognitive impairment, sometimes referred to as "chemo brain" or "chemo fog." The cognitive impairment associated with this syndrome can be severe, and can sometimes last for many years after therapy discontinuation. Despite extensive investigations, its etiology is unknown. We argue that chemo brain results from damage to tubulin within microtubules. This damage can occur directly from tubulin inhibitors such as taxanes, epothilones or vinca alkaloids. Other chemotherapies stimulate increased mitochondrial activity and biophoton release. This results in abnormal tryptophan metabolism and excess production of neurotoxic kynurenines, which, in turn, damage microtubules.
Tensor Veli Palatinopexy as a Novel Treatment for Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: A Cadaveric Feasibility Study:

ObjectiveTo demonstrate the feasibility of a novel procedure whereby a suture is placed transorally in the tensor veli palatini muscle to tighten it, thereby dilating the cartilaginous portion of t...
Contract labor migration as an agent of revolutionary change in the Danish West Indies

The following article examines the post-emancipation labor contract migration (1848–1917) from the eastern Caribbean islands to the Danish West Indies. This migration was intended to fill a labor v...
Trends in Abusive and Nonabusive Injury Hospitalizations in Young Children in Texas, 2004-2018.

Hospitalization data provide context to understanding abusive and non-abusive injuries and how these hospitalizations change over time. The purpose of this study was to utilize Texas inpatient hosp...
Functional Circuitry of Neuro-Immune Communication in the Mesenteric Lymph Node and Spleen

The peripheral nervous system is an active participant in immune responses capable of blocking aberrant activation of a variety of immune cells. As one of these neuro-immune circuits, the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway has been well established to reduce the severity of several immunopathologies. While the activation of this pathway by vagal nerve stimulation requires both sympathetic innervation of the spleen the neuro-immune circuitry remains highly controversial. Neuro-immune pathways in other lymphoid tissues such as mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) that are critical to the surveillance of the small intestine and proximal colon have not been assessed. Using conditionally expressed Channelrhodopsin, selective stimulation of sympathetic post-ganglionic neurons in the superior mesenteric ganglion prevented LPS-induced TNFα production in the spleen and MLN but not the inguinal LN. Site selective stimulation of the SMG induced norepinephrine that resulted in β2 adrenergic receptors (β2AR) acetylcholine release in MLN and spleen. Using selective optogenetic blockade applied at the SMG, we determined that electrical VNS-evoked release of norepinephrine and acetylcholine in the MLN and spleen could be inhibited and restored LPS induced TNFα production. These studies identify the superior mesenteric ganglion as a critical node in the inhibition of immune function in the MLN and the spleen.
Kunti: The Many Journeys of the Quintessential Mother

Kunti is the mother of Pandavas and also provides the most central link of the Mahabharata through her relationship to the Yadavas, which brought Krishna firmly into their family. Kunti’s life is riddled with numerous untoward incidents, marking her deviance from the norm right from the beginning of her life. She went into exile two times, bringing back two different results. Examining Kunti’s story helps understand the early gender norms and women’s negotiations circumscribing the norms.
Mental Healthcare Utilization of Transgender Youth Before and After Affirming Treatment

ABSTRACT Objective Transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) adolescents experience increased mental health risk compared to cisgender peers. Limited research suggests improved outcomes following gender-affirmation. This study examined mental healthcare and psychotropic medication utilization among TGD youth compared to their siblings without gender-related diagnoses and explored utilization patterns following gender-affirming care. Method This retrospective cohort study used military healthcare data from 2010–2018 to identify mental healthcare diagnoses and visits, and psychotropic medication prescriptions among TGD youth who received care for gender dysphoria before age 18, and their siblings. Logistic and Poisson regression analyses compared mental health diagnosis, visits, and psychotropic prescriptions of TGD youth to their siblings, and compared healthcare utilization pre- and post-initiation of gender-affirming pharmaceuticals among TGD adolescents. Results 3,754 TGD adolescents and 6,603 cisgender siblings were included. TGD adolescents were more likely to have a mental health diagnosis (OR 5.45, 95% CI [4.77–6.24]), use more mental healthcare services (IRR 2.22; 95% CI [2.00–2.46]), and be prescribed more psychotropic medications (IRR = 2.57; 95% CI [2.36–2.80]) compared to siblings. The most pronounced increases in mental healthcare were for adjustment, anxiety, mood, personality, psychotic disorders, and suicidal ideation/attempted suicide. The most pronounced increased in psychotropic medication were in SNRIs, sleep medications, anti-psychotics and lithium. Among 963 TGD youth (Mage: 18.2) using gender-affirming pharmaceuticals, mental healthcare did not significantly change (IRR = 1.09, 95% CI [0.95–1.25]) and psychotropic medications increased (IRR = 1.67, 95% CI [1.46–1.91]) following gender-affirming pharmaceutical initiation; older age was associated with decreased care and prescriptions. Conclusion Results support clinical mental health screening recommendations for TGD youth. Further research is needed to elucidate the longer-term impact of medical affirmation on mental health, including family and social factors associated with the persistence and discontinuation of mental healthcare needs among TGD youth. Hisle-Gorman E, Schvey NA, Adirim TA, et al. Mental Healthcare Utilization of Transgender Youth Before and After Affirming Treatment. J Sex Med 2021;18:1444–1454.
Show gestures direct attention to word–object relations in typically developing and Autistic Spectrum Disorder children

Abstract Previous research by Rader and Zukow-Goldring (2010, 2012, 2015) on word learning found that infants benefit from a speaker's use of a show gesture. Here we examined whether this benefit exists in typically developing (TD) children aged 24.2–76.7 months, as well as in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) aged 5.8–8.2 years. While we recorded eye gaze, children viewed a video showing a speaker introducing two novel objects with nonce words. In the show condition, the speaker moved the object in synchrony with her speech, while in the static condition she held the object stationary. After the speaker introduced the objects, we assessed word learning. Analysis of word learning found that the TD toddlers and the ASD children benefited from the show condition, while preschool and elementary-aged TD children learned equally well in both gesture conditions. We propose that show gestures present metamodal information specifying word reference relationships and that this information is used by TD toddlers and older ASD children in learning words.
The Use of Calcium Entry Blockers in Congestive Heart Failure

Patients with severe congestive heart failure operate on a depressed ventricular function curve [28]. They experience symptoms and signs due to: (1) an inadequate cardiac output (especially with exercise) and/or (2) an increase in ventricular filling pressure. Low-output symptoms and signs result from redistribution of an inadequate cardiac output and include fatigue, pallor, and a decreased urinary output. Congestive symptoms and signs result from an increase in pulmonary and systemic venous pressure and fluid accumulation in tissues. The following may occur: shortness of breath from pulmonary congestion (pulmonary edema), edema in dependent portions of the body, hepatic enlargement and tenderness due to congestion, as well as ascites and pleural effusions.
A tale of two mechanisms: Strain-softening versus strain-hardening in single crystals under small stressed volumes

Abstract Pre-straining defect-free single crystals will introduce heterogeneous dislocation nucleation sources that reduce the measured strength from the theoretical value, while pre-straining bulk samples will lead to strain hardening. Their competition is investigated by nanoindentation pop-in tests on variously pre-strained Mo single crystals with several indenter radii (∼micrometer). Pre-straining primarily shifts deformation mechanism from homogeneous dislocation nucleation to a stochastic behavior, while strain hardening plays a secondary role, as summarized in a master plot of pop-in strength versus normalized indenter radius.
Finite Element Modeling of the Bulk Magnitization of Railroad Wheels to Improve Test Conditions for Magnetoacoustic Residual Stress Measurements

The magnetoacoustic measurement technique has been used successfully for residual stress measurements in laboratory samples[l-4]. However, when used to field test samples with complex geometries, such as railroad wheels, the sensitivity of the method declines dramatically[5,6]. It has been suggested that the decrease in performance may be due, in part, to an insufficient or nonuniform magnetic induction in the test sample[6]. The purpose of this paper is to optimize the test conditions by using finite element modeling to predict the distribution of the induced bulk magnetization of railroad wheels. The results suggest that it is possible to obtain a sufficiently large and uniform bulk magnetization by altering the shape of the electromagnet used in the tests. Consequently, problems associated with bulk magnetization can be overcome, and should not prohibit the magnetoacoustic technique from being used to make residual stress measurements in railroad wheels.
DATA‐DRIVEN DELIVERY OF IMPLEMENTATION SUPPORTS IN A MULTI‐TIERED FRAMEWORK: A PILOT STUDY

For multi-tiered systems of support, such as Response-to-Intervention and Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports, to effectively impact student outcomes, interventions delivered across the tiers must be implemented as planned (i.e., with adequate treatment integrity). However, research suggests that most school personnel struggle to deliver interventions with treatment integrity, which negatively impacts the potential effectiveness of these interventions. Numerous strategies to support treatment integrity have been developed, but no guidance has been provided regarding how to efficiently and effectively use them. The purpose of this study was to conduct a pilot evaluation of these strategies delivered through a Multi-Tiered Implementation Supports framework; that is, proactive, feasible treatment integrity strategies were initially delivered to all implementers and based on their responsiveness, increasingly intensive implementation supports were provided as needed. Results suggest that (a) all teachers responded to these supports, but response magnitude was different across teachers and supports; (b) higher levels of treatment integrity generally were associated with fewer disruptive behaviors; and (c) the duration of these support strategies increased across tiers. Future directions for research and implications for the feasible provision of implementation support in schools are described.
The Promise and Limits of Financial Engineering in Emerging Markets

This chapter considers why quality enhancement is sometimes, but not always, available for emerging-market financial instruments. It concludes that sometimes, but not always, economies of scope will permit quality enhancement to be provided at a cost lower than the associated benefit. These economies of scope are available when political risk is below a certain level; if political risk is, or is perceived to be, at or above that level, quality enhancement will not be available, except on terms likely not to be worthwhile for an emerging-market firm. More broadly, the increment of quality enhancement that can be exploited is limited. However, financial engineering has shown some promise in increasing the exploitable increment.
Clustering structured web sources: a schema-based, model-differentiation approach

The Web has been rapidly “deepened” with the prevalence of databases online On this “deep Web,” numerous sources are structured, providing schema-rich data Their schemas define the object domain and its query capabilities This paper proposes clustering sources by their query schemas, which is critical for enabling both source selection and query mediation, by organizing sources of with similar query capabilities In abstraction, this problem is essentially clustering categorical data (by viewing each query schema as a transaction) Our approach hypothesizes that “homogeneous sources” are characterized by the same hidden generative models for their schemas To find clusters governed by such statistical distributions, we propose a novel objective function, model-differentiation, which employs principled hypothesis testing to maximize statistical heterogeneity among clusters Our evaluation shows that, on clustering the Web query schemas, the model-differentiation function outperforms existing ones with the hierarchical agglomerative clustering algorithm.
EXPERIMENTAL EXAMINATION OF TRANSIENT DIRECTIONAL RESPONSE TESTS

Four tests for measuring the transient directional response of passenger cars were performed to evaluate their respective merits. The tests examined were (1) ramp-step steer test, (2) reverse steer, (3) lane change (sinusoidal steer), and (4) pseudo-random steer.
Why are theoretically perfect and efficient capital markets so imperfect and volatile in practice

The Efficient market hypothesis can be considered as part of rational economics but it does not specify at all how individuals should or will act. Therefore it might be a useful model of the functioning of the market as a whole but it does not explain the behaviors of investors as well as managers and other participants. Therefore we try to discuss the question why capital markets, which are considered as efficient and perfect in theory, are volatile and imperfect in reality. The paper responds to this question by discussing mainly the irrational behavior of people by turning into the field of psychology.
In vivo quantitation of N-3 and N-7 alkylpurines induced by alkylnitrosoureas.

Abstract Alkylation at the N -3 and N -7 sites of purines in rat mammary gland DNA induced in vivo by N -ethyl- N -nitrosourea (ENU) and N -methyl- N -nitrosourea (MNU) was quantitated using a newly developed, quantitative, and relatively rapid assay that does not require the use of radiolabeled DNA or radiolabeled alkylators. The assay was based on the selective depurination of the alkylated N -3 and N -7 purine sites in nonradiolabeled DNA followed by hydrolysis at neutral pH to form single-strand breaks in the DNA at each alkylated site. The number of single-strand breaks and thus alkyl- N -3 and alkyl- N -7-purines was determined from the number-average molecular weight of the nonradiolabeled DNA denatured by formamide and sedimented through 5 to 20% neutral sucrose gradients. It was found that MNU alkylates more effectively at the N -3 and N -7 positions of purines than ENU, as expected. These sites appeared to be lost from the rat mammary gland DNA within 24 h. These data are in agreement with those obtained using other approaches.
The HIV-positive health professional: policy options for individuals, institutions, and states. Public policy and the public--observations from the front line.

I was asked by Dr David Price to speak about the topic of assuring and calming a nervous public. The problem I was asked to address can be stated as follows: How can one develop a policy that (1) is scientifically rational; (2) protects the public; (3) protects the infected from discrimination; and (4) does not lead to undesirable derivative consequences, such as testing of all health care workers and patients. This charge is difficult in ordinary circumstances. The fear of acquiring human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease from a health care provider makes the task all the more difficult. I have no answers to the question of "what should our policy be concerning HIV-infected health care workers?" I can only offer some observations and vignettes from policy debates of the past. They may provide useful guideposts for the current discussion. My observations are influenced by past experience with the acquired
High resolution ultrasound studies of UPt3 at very low temperatures

We have performed longitudinal sound velocity and attenuation measurements on a single crystal of UPt3 between 5 mK and 700 mK. The very low temperatures reached in this experiment allow a better comparison to the theoretical predictions of the longitudinal sound attenuation for different gap states. We have also observed for the first time a significant dispersion of sound associated with the superconducting transition. Within the resolution of our ultrasonic measurements on this sample, we did not observe any manifestation of the recently reported specific heat anomaly around 18 mK1.
Characterization of long patch excision repair of DNA in ultraviolet-irradiated Escherichia coli: an inducible function under rec-lex control

Excision repair in ultraviolet-irradiated wild-type Escherichia coli produces a bimodal distribution of repair patch sizes in the DNA. Approximately 99% of the repair events result in short patches of 20-30 nucleotides produced by a constitutive repair system. The remaining 1% result in patches which are at least 1,500 nucleotides in length. This long patch repair is shown to be a damage-inducible process under control of the rec-lex regulatory circuit. The kinetics of the two processes differ; short patch synthesis begins immediately after irradiation and is virtually completed prior to synthesis of the majority of the long patches. Long patch repair synthesis is a linear function of UV dose up to a plateau at 60 J/m2, and hence each long patch event is the consequence of a single UV-induced lesion. Long patch repair does not appear to be necessarily error-prone, since no alteration in repair synthesis occurs as a result of a mutation umuC- which renders cells nonmutable by UV. Evidence is presented suggesting that DNA polymerase I is responsible for both long and short patch synthesis in wild type cells under inducing conditions. In the absence of polymerase I the constitutive patch size averages 80-90 nucleotides, and this distribution is unchanged by induction.
Parallel dynamic process simulation of a distillation column on the BBN Butterfly Parallel Processor computer

Abstract Parallel computing on multiprocessor computers having numerous independent processors has in the past generally not been explored for chemical engineering applications. As a first step in quantifying the speedup that multiprocessor computers can have on dynamic process simulation, rigorous dynamic computations for a DYFLO (Franks, 1972) process model of a methanol and water distillation column were parallelized and computed with up to 14 concurrently operating processors on a BBN Butterfly Parallel Processor computer and compared with simulation results from single processor simulations. Performance aspects on a parallel computer are discussed and speedup as a function of number of independently operating processors is reported. Results suggest that parallel computing has significant potential for speedup of dynamic simulation codes if interdependent information flows can be decoupled and if computational tasks can be generated continuously over a time stepped simulation.
Recent progress in quantum well infrared photodetectors and focal plane arrays for IR imaging applications

Abstract Rapid progress in III–V semiconductor quantum well infrared photodetectors (QWIPs) has made it possible to develop large area, uniform, high performance GaAs/AlGaAs QWIP focal plane arrays (FPAs) for staring imaging arrays applications. This paper presents the recent developments of single- and multi-color QWIPs for detection in the 3–5 μm and 8–14 μm bands. A brief description of the basic device physics and the performance of a wide variety of QWIPs using bound-to-bound (BTB), bound-to-miniband (BTM), bound-to-continuum (BTC), and bound-to-quasibound (BTQB) states transitions will be given. In addition, the strain-layer p-type QWIPs, and the two-stack and voltage-tunable multi-color QWIPs will also be discussed. Large area (256×256), highly sensitive and uniform GaAs/ALGaAs QWIP FPAs using BTM, BTC and BTQB transition schemes have been developed for staring imaging arrays use with excellent imagery.
Message in the Bottle: The Constraints of Experimentation on Model Building

Some ecologists have argued that theoretical model building in population and community ecology has gone evidentially unconstrained. In the essay, I argue that “bottle experiments” offer ecological model building evidential constraints and illustrate this by considering work on chaotic models tested by the dynamics of flour beetles. Critics reply that these experiments are importantly unlike nonmanipulated natural systems and thus do not constitute genuine tests of the models. I conclude by considering two responses to this worry and a suggestion on how to move forward on this debate.
Unique aspects of transcriptional regulation in neurons – nuances in NFκB and Sp1-related factors

The unique physiology and function of neurons create differences in their cellular physiology, including their regulation of gene expression. We began several years ago exploring the relationships between the NFκB transcription factor, neuronal survival, and glutamate receptor activation in telencephalic neurons. These studies led us to conclude that this population of cells is nearly incapable of activating the NFκB that is nonetheless expressed at reasonable levels. A subset of the κB cis elements are instead bound by members of the Sp1 family in neurons. Also surprising was our discovery that Sp1 itself, typically described as ubiquitous, is severely restricted in expression within forebrain neurons; Sp4 seems to be substituted during neuronal differentiation. These findings and their implications for neuronal differentiation – as well as potential dedifferentiation during degenerative processes – are discussed here.
Generalized Approach to SERS-Active Nanomaterials via Controlled Nanoparticle Linking, Polymer Encapsulation, and Small-Molecule Infusion

Over the past decade the emphasis on single-molecule sensitivity of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has brought to prominence the special role played by so-called SERS hot spots, oftentimes nanometer-scale junctions between nanoparticles (NPs). In this report, molecular linkers are used to mediate the assembly of NPs to dimers and small clusters. When the SERS enhancement is optimized, the aggregation process is quenched by polymer and protein stabilizers that subsequently act as encapsulants resulting in SERS substates with unprecedented enhancement uniformity, reproducibility, and stability. The polymer-stabilized NP junctions were then imprinted with a variety of small molecules that permeated the polymer coat and displaced the linker from the hot spot. The average SERS enhancement of these SERS “nanocapsules” was found to be at least 300× greater than for single NPs, while the Raman/Rayleigh scattering ratio was 104 higher for linked NPs versus nonoptimized aggregates. Single-particle stati...
Developmental and regional changes in the neurochemical profile of the rat brain determined by in vivo 1H NMR spectroscopy.

Sixteen metabolites were quantified from 11-24 micro l volumes in three different brain regions (hippocampus, striatum, and cerebral cortex) during postnatal development. Rat pups from the same litter were repeatedly measured on postnatal days 7, 10, 14, 21, and 28 using a completely noninvasive and longitudinal study design. Metabolite quantification was based on ultra-short echo-time (1)H NMR spectroscopy at 9.4 T and LCModel processing. Most of the brain metabolites were quantified with Cramer-Rao lower bounds (CRLB) less than 20%, which corresponded to an estimated concentration error <0.2 micro mol/g. Taurine and total creatine were quantified with CRLB < or = 5% from all 114 processed spectra. The resulting high reliability and reproducibility revealed significant regional and age-related changes in metabolite concentrations. The most sensitive markers for developmental and regional variations between hippocampus, striatum, and cerebral cortex were N-acetylaspartate, myo-inositol, taurine, glutamate, and choline compounds. Absolute values of metabolite concentrations were in very good agreement with previously published in vitro results based on chromatographic measurements of brain extracts. The current data may serve as a reference for studies focused on developmental defects and pathologies using neonatal rat models.
Ultraviolet-B and photosynthetically active radiation environment of inclined leaf surfaces in a maize canopy and implications for modeling

Abstract The potential increase in ultraviolet-B (UVB) flux density and potential decrease in productivity of agricultural crops due to stratospheric ozone loss requires knowledge of the characteristics of UVB flux density above and within crops. Measurements of the photosynthetically active (PAR) and UVB radiation on inclined surfaces above and within a maize (Zea mays L.) canopy were made in 1990. Sunlit surfaces within the canopy had similar UVB and PAR relative flux density levels to that above the canopy. Shaded surfaces within the canopy had very different relative flux density in the UVB and PAR as a result of differences in sky view, diffuse fraction, and orientation. These differences can be expected to result in canopy transmittance estimation errors of the order of 0.1 in the UVB and 0.05 in the PAR when one assumes an invariant diffuse radiation of leaves with differing aspect. The diffuse fraction of global radiant flux density influenced the radiation regimes present in the canopy. Two distinct radiation regimes were found for surfaces throughout the canopy in the relatively low diffuse fraction PAR waveband; a sunlit regime and a deep shade regime. Three distinct radiation regimes were evident for the relatively high diffuse fraction UVB waveband for surfaces at a height with cumulative leaf area index (LAI) of 1; a sunlit regime, a deep shade regime, and a light shade regime. At greater cumulative LAI, this additional light shade regime in the UVB was absent. Therefore, the bi-modal approach of modeling sunlit or shaded radiation regimes is adequate to estimate the photosynthetically active photon flux density throughout the canopy as well as to estimate the UVB radiant flux density when the cumulative canopy LAI was 2. At lower LAI, the UVB radiant flux density should be modeled using either a three-dimensional model or a model partitioning the gap probability into large and small gaps in the canopy. The necessity for two shade sub-models to model the UVB radiation environment apparently depends on the size distribution of gaps in the canopy.
An investigation of keypad interface security

Abstract Keypad interfaces are popular input devices for a wide variety of systems. Automatic teller machines (ATMs), point-of-sale (POS) and process control systems are just some of the applications to which these interfaces have been put. However, these systems are protected with security procedures that are substantially less sophisticated than their data processing counterparts. A theory of the search of associative memory is used to anticipate what subjects will choose for passwords or personal identification numbers (PIN). A laboratory experiment to understand how users create passwords for system access indicates that they create words or phrases when prompted for passwords and number patterns when asked for PINs. Also, when users are given visual prompting of a numeric keypad, they create longer passwords or PINs than when there is no prompt. This indicates that security can be improved by asking users to create passwords and providing users with a keypad.
Internet predictions [Guest editor's introduction]

More than a dozen leading experts give their opinions on where the Internet is headed and where it will be in the next decade in terms of technology, policy, and applications. They cover topics ranging from the Internet of Things to climate change to the digital storage of the future.
“Choose the Future Wisely”: Supporting Better Ethics Through Critical Thinking:

Most people learn and internalize their sense of ethical behavior many years before they assume positions of organizational responsibility. Continued training in ethics helps to develop new understanding and supports ethical behavior. It is also useful to increase the cognitive skills of executives making decisions affecting firms and stakeholders. One key to ethical executive decision making is the further development of critical thinking skills. This article looks at the relationship between critical thinking, organizational uncertainty, and ethical behavior. It also describes an instructional design using a series of business vignettes for executive action with uncertain functional and ethical outcomes.
How Would You Like to Be a Peasant

Until a few years ago the insufficiency of tillable land was one of south Italy's most critical problems. Today the situation has so changed that in some places, given present work habits and technology, the land supply by far exceeds the demand. The evident cause of this previously inconceivable turn of events lies in a flow from the farms which has gradually assumed the dimensions of a veritable exodus. Many towns of the south have been almost totally abandoned or at best reduced to waiting colonies of the aged, women, and children. In some places, the people depart as if a scourge were relentlessly pursuing them from the country. Thus, throughout south Italy there are numerous villages whose population has been more than halved by emigration since the end of World War II.
Performance Implications from Sizing a VM on Multi-core Systems: A Data Analytic Application's View

In this paper, we present a quantitative performance analysis of data analytics applications running on multi-core virtual machines. Such environments form the core of cloud computing. In addition, data analytics applications, such as Cassandra and Hadoop, are becoming increasingly popular on cloud computing platforms. This convergence necessitates a better understanding of the performance and cost implications of such hybrid systems. For example, the very first step in hosting applications in virtualized environments, requires the user to configure the number of virtual processors and the size of memory. To understand performance implications of this step, we benchmarked three Yahoo Cloud Serving Benchmark(YCSB) workloads in a virtualized multi-core environment. Our measurements indicate that the performance of Cassandra for YCSB workloads does not heavily depend on the processing capacity of a system, while the size of the data set is critical to performance relative to allocated memory. We also identified a strong relationship between the running time of workloads and various hardware events (last level cache loads, misses, and CPU migrations). From this analysis, we provide several suggestions to improve the performance of data analytics applications running on cloud computing environments.
Economic infrared polarizer utilizing interference effects in films of polyethylene kitchen wrap

An inexpensive, easily fabricated, high quality, large aperture, pile-of-plates type, ir polarizer has been constructed having a polarization constant and insertion loss of 98% and 20%, respectively, using films of polyethylene kitchen wrap, each film being tuned for maximum performance at 10.6 μm by stretching.
Decomposition of nitric oxide and its reduction by CO over superconducting and related cuprate catalysts

Catalytic activities of five non-conducting and three superconducting cuprates were measured for the decomposition of NO and the reduction of NO by CO. The concentration of the reactants and the space velocities approximate the conditions of automotive catalysts. In contrast to earlier results, obtained at 20 to 30 times higher partial pressures of NO and 20 to 100 times lower space velocities, none of the catalysts, including five perovskite-like cuprates, showed significant activity for the decomposition of NO at reaction temperatures up to 700 °C. All catalysts were fairly active for the reduction of NO. At temperatures above about 400 °C on the perovskite-like cuprates YBa2Cu3O7-x and Ba2CuO3.5-x , the rates for NO reduction were higher than on CuO. All catalysts lost activity for NO reduction in the presence of oxygen (oxidizing conditions).
Microfabrication of microsystem-enabled photovoltaic (MEPV) cells

Microsystem-Enabled Photovoltaic (MEPV) cells allow solar PV systems to take advantage of scaling benefits that occur as solar cells are reduced in size. We have developed MEPV cells that are 5 to 20 microns thick and down to 250 microns across. We have developed and demonstrated crystalline silicon (c-Si) cells with solar conversion efficiencies of 14.9%, and gallium arsenide (GaAs) cells with a conversion efficiency of 11.36%. In pursuing this work, we have identified over twenty scaling benefits that reduce PV system cost, improve performance, or allow new functionality. To create these cells, we have combined microfabrication techniques from various microsystem technologies. We have focused our development efforts on creating a process flow that uses standard equipment and standard wafer thicknesses, allows all high-temperature processing to be performed prior to release, and allows the remaining post-release wafer to be reprocessed and reused. The c-Si cell junctions are created using a backside point-contact PV cell process. The GaAs cells have an epitaxially grown junction. Despite the horizontal junction, these cells also are backside contacted. We provide recent developments and details for all steps of the process including junction creation, surface passivation, metallization, and release.
Gerbilline cholesteatoma development. Part II: temporal histopathologic changes in the tympanic membrane and middle ear.

Objective Determine the sequence of gross and histopathologic change to the normal middle ear (ME), tympanic membrane (TM), and external auditory canal (EAC) during spontaneous gerbilline cholesteatoma development. Study design and setting Sixty-six gerbils were examined weekly and periodically sacrificed for analysis. Results Cholesteatoma development followed this sequence: 1) slightly thickened pars flaccida (PF) without ME effusion, 2) thickened PF with ME effusion, 3) continuous buildup of EAC debris, and 4) complete occlusion of the lateral EAC. In the cholesteatoma group, keratinizing epithelium (KE) thickness was increased in all regions over normal controls and regional gradations in the TM remained the same. Conclusion Spontaneous cholesteatoma formation was significantly associated with middle ear effusion, a failure to clear canal debris with resultant retrograde thickening of the EAC, PF, and then pars tensa. Significance Inflammatory insult and alteration of the epithelial clearance mechanism appears to result in spontaneous cholesteatoma formation in gerbils as hypothesized for humans.