cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Engineering new bone tissue in vitro on highly porous poly(α-hydroxyl acids)/hydroxyapatite composite scaffolds

Engineering new bone tissue with cells and a synthetic extracellular matrix (scaffolding) represents a new approach for the regeneration of mineralized tissues compared with the transplantation of bone (autografts or allografts). In the present work, highly porous poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) and PLLA/hydroxyapatite (HAP) composite scaffolds were prepared with a thermally induced phase separation technique. The scaffolds were seeded with osteoblastic cells and cultured in vitro. In the pure PLLA scaffolds, the osteoblasts attached primarily on the outer surface of the polymer. In contrast, the osteoblasts penetrated deep into the PLLA/HAP scaffolds and were uniformly distributed. The osteoblast survival percentage in the PLLA/HAP scaffolds was superior to that in the PLLA scaffolds. The osteoblasts proliferated in both types of the scaffolds, but the cell number was always higher in the PLLA/HAP composite scaffolds during 6 weeks of in vitro cultivation. Bone-specific markers (mRNAs encoding bone sialoprotein and osteocalcin) were expressed more abundantly in the PLLA/HAP composite scaffolds than in the PLLA scaffolds. The new tissue increased continuously in the PLLA/HAP composite scaffolds, whereas new tissue formed only near the surface of pure PLLA scaffolds. These results demonstrate that HAP imparts osteoconductivity and the highly porous PLLA/HAP composite scaffolds are superior to pure PLLA scaffolds for bone tissue engineering. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 54: 284–293, 2001
On mixing high-speed updates and in-memory queries: A big-data architecture for real-time analytics

Up-to-date business intelligence has become a critical differentiator for the modern data-driven highly engaged enterprise. It requires rapid integration of new information on a continuous basis for subsequent analyses. ETL-based and traditionally batch-processing oriented methods of absorbing changes into a relational database schema take time, and are therefore incompatible with very low-latency demands of realtime analytics. Instead, in-memory clustered stores that employ tunable consistency mechanisms are becoming attractive since they dispense with the need to transform and transit data between storage layouts and tiers. When data is updated infrequently, in-memory approaches such as RDD transformations in Spark can suffice, but as updates become frequent, such in-memory approaches need to be extended to support dynamic datasets. This paper describes a few key additional requirements that result from having to support in-memory processing of data while updates proceed concurrently. The paper describes Real-time Analytics Foundation (RAF), an architecture to meet the new requirements. Performance of an early implementation of RAF is also described: for an unaudited TPC-H derived workload, RAF shows a node-to-node scaling ratio of 88% at 8 nodes, and for a query equivalent to Q6 in the TPC-H set, RAF is able to show 9x improvement over that of Hive-Hadoop. The paper also describes two RAF based solutions that are being put together by two independent software vendors in China.
Solid-state electronics and single-molecule biophysics

Biomolecular systems are traditionally studied using ensemble measurements and fluorescence-based detection. Among the most common in vitro applications are DNA microarrays to identify target gene expression profiles [1] and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) to identify proteins [2]. While much can be determined with ensemble measurements, scientific and technological interest is rapidly moving to single-molecule techniques. When probing at the single-molecule level, observations can be made about the inter- and intramolecular dynamics that are usually hidden in ensemble measurements. In molecular diagnostic, single-molecule techniques often do not require amplification and simplify sample preparation. The most popular single-molecule techniques based on fluorescence [3, 4] are fundamentally limited in resolution and bandwidth by the countable number of photons emitted by a single fluorophore (typically on the order of 2500 photons/sec). Instrumentation is complex, expensive, and large-formfactor. Furthermore, most optical probes photobleach, limiting observation times and pump powers. Single-molecule measurements of the kinetics of fast biomolecular processes are often unavailable through fluorescent techniques, as they lack the required temporal resolution.
A non-destructive technique for measuring ceramic porosity using liquid nitrogen

Because porosity can affect a wide range of performance attributes in vessels, its measurement has become an important component of ceramic technological studies. To measure ceramic porosity, archaeologists have borrowed well-established methods from the material sciences. However, these methods can have drawbacks for archaeological applications including the potential to damage archaeological residues contained within the sherd, the need for expensive equipment, and/or the use of hazardous materials. In this paper we introduce a new, non-destructive method for measuring porosity based on the infusion of liquid nitrogen into the sherd. A comparison of results obtained from this method with those obtained from other approaches indicates that the technique produces reliable results.
Bone mineral density variation in men is influenced by sex-specific and non sex-specific quantitative trait loci.

Introduction A major predictor of age-related osteoporotic fracture is peak areal bone mineral density (aBMD) which is a highly heritable trait. However, few linkage and association studies have been performed in men to identify the genes contributing to normal variation in aBMD. The aim of this study was to perform a genome wide scan in healthy men to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) that were significantly linked to aBMD and to test whether any of these might be sex-specific.
Becoming T. rex

Gigantic, ferocious, long-dead animals like Tyrannosaurus rex never fail to capture people's attention, and the discovery of a new tyrannosaur—giant or otherwise—is always big news. On page 418 of this issue, Sereno et al. ( 1 ) report on a spectacular skeleton of a new genus and species near the ancestry of the group including T. rex and its closest relatives, the Tyrannosauridae. At an estimated 3 m total length, Raptorex kriegsteini is much smaller than the largest T. rex [12.8 m long ( 2 )] and other tyrannosaurids, but has several key features previously known only in this family. Raptorex thus provides a glimpse at how tyrannosaurids evolved.
Biomolecular processing of optical signals. Part II : Simulation tool for analysis and design

A highly flexible simulation tool has been developed to study biomolecular information processing. The system is designed to study the interplay of conformation, kinetics, structure, and dynamics in complex biochemical networks. As described in Part I of this two part paper optical signals may be used for tailoring initial conditions and harvesting the resulting output. Part II presents the architecture of the simulator and describes sample runs that indicate how it can be used to investigate structure changes in natural biological information processing and their potential significance for information technology applications.
A novel mononuclear gold(I) complex: Synthesis and x-ray structure of [Au{P(C6H5)3}3][SiF5] · 1.5 CH2Cl2†

Tris(triphenylphosphine)gold(I)-pentafluorosilicate(IV) ([Au{P(C6H5)3}3][SiF5]) was prepared and the structure was determined by single crystal x-ray diffraction. The complex crystallizes in the triclinic space group P1 (No. 2). The lattice constants are a = 14.634(2) A, b = 17.180(2) A, c = 22.212(3) A, α = 86.48(1)°, β = 78.95(1)°, γ = 83.99(1)°. Number of molecules per cell: Z = 4. The gold atoms are coordinated to three triphenylphosphine ligands to form the trigonal planar cation [Au{P(C6H5)3}3]+. Separated from the cation is the [SiF5]− anion which is regular trigonal bipyramidal coordinated. No interactions between the fluorine atoms and the gold atoms were observed. Ein neuer einkerniger Gold(I)-Komplex: Synthese und Rontgen-Struktur von [Au{P(C6H5)3}3][SiF5] · 1,5 CH2Cl2 Tris(triphenylphosphan)gold(I)-pentafluorosilicat ([Au{P(C6H5)3}3][SiF5]) wurde dargestellt und durch eine Einkristallstrukturanalyse charakterisiert. Der Komplex kristallisiert triklin, Raumtemperatur P1 (Nr. 2) mit a = 14,634(2) A, b = 17,180(2) A, c = 22,212(3) A, α = 86,48(1)°, β = 78,95(1)°, γ = 83,99(1)°, Z = 4. Die Goldatome sind von je drei Triphenylphosphin-Liganden koordiniert zum trigonal-planaren [Au{P(C6H5)3}3]+-Kation. Getrennt davon liegt das trigonal-bipyramidale Anion [SiF5]− vor. Zwischen den Fluor- und Goldatomen wird keine Wechselwirkung beobachtet.
A proposed syntax for Minimotif Semantics, version 1

One of the most important developments in bioinformatics over the past few decades has been the observation that short linear peptide sequences (minimotifs) mediate many classes of cellular functions such as protein-protein interactions, molecular trafficking and post-translational modifications. As both the creators and curators of a database which catalogues minimotifs, Minimotif Miner, the authors have a unique perspective on the commonalities of the many functional roles of minimotifs. There is an obvious usefulness in standardizing functional annotations both in allowing for the facile exchange of data between various bioinformatics resources, as well as the internal clustering of sets of related data elements. With these two purposes in mind, the authors provide a proposed syntax for minimotif semantics primarily useful for functional annotation. Herein, we present a structured syntax of minimotifs and their functional annotation. A syntax-based model of minimotif function with established minimotif sequence definitions was implemented using a relational database management system (RDBMS). To assess the usefulness of our standardized semantics, a series of database queries and stored procedures were used to classify SH3 domain binding minimotifs into 10 groups spanning 700 unique binding sequences. Our derived minimotif syntax is currently being used to normalize minimotif covalent chemistry and functional definitions within the MnM database. Analysis of SH3 binding minimotif data spanning many different studies within our database reveals unique attributes and frequencies which can be used to classify different types of binding minimotifs. Implementation of the syntax in the relational database enables the application of many different analysis protocols of minimotif data and is an important tool that will help to better understand specificity of minimotif-driven molecular interactions with proteins.
Lung niches for the generation and maintenance of tissue-resident memory T cells

The extent to which tissue-specific viral infections generate memory T cells specifically adapted to and maintained within the target infection site is unknown. Here, we show that respiratory virus-specific memory T cells in mice and humans are generated and maintained in compartmentalized niches in lungs, distinct from populations in lymphoid tissue or circulation. Using a polyclonal mouse model of influenza infection combined with an in vivo antibody labeling approach and confocal imaging, we identify a spatially distinct niche in the lung where influenza-specific T-cell responses are expanded and maintained long term as tissue-resident memory (T(RM)) CD4 and CD8 T cells. Lung T(RM) are further distinguished from circulating memory subsets in lung and spleen based on CD69 expression and persistence independent of lymphoid stores. In humans, influenza-specific T cells are enriched within the lung T(RM) subset, whereas memory CD8 T cells specific for the systemic virus cytomegalovirus are distributed in both lung and spleen, suggesting that the site of infection affects T(RM) generation. Our findings reveal a precise spatial organization to virus-specific T-cell memory, determined by the site of the initial infection, with important implications for the development of targeted strategies to boost immunity at appropriate tissue sites.
Functional Interdependence and Product Similarity Based on Customer Needs

In this paper, related product functions are determined for a group of approximately 70 consumer products. Using customer need data, a new matrix approach is introduced to identify these relationships. Techniques are then created for determining product similarity. These techniques are clarified and validated through three case studies, including beverage brewers and material-removal products. The results of these case studies are argued to have significant impact on design-by-analogy procedures, bench- marking methods, mass customization strategies and modular design. The paper concludes with a discussion of applications and related procedures for product development.
Random-tiling quasicrystal.

The quasicrystalline phase in the two-dimensional model explored by Widom, Strandburg, and Swendsen is shown by analysis of size dependence to be very well described by a random-tiling model in which a class of configurations corresponding to tilings of the plane with rhombuses are assumed to occur with equal weight. The existence of the quasicrystalline phase in this system is thus due to entropic effects. Despite the inherent phason disorder, the system is shown to possess quasi-long-range translational order. The phason elastic constant is obtained from the simulation and is temperature independent to within our statistical errors within the quasicrystalline phase. The value is in good agreement with transfer-matrix calculations for the appropriate random tilings and with Monte Carlo simulations for random tilings. The behavior of the system for temperatures above and below the random-tiling phase is briefly discussed.
Limitations of meta-analysis in the evaluation of the effects of psychological therapy

Abstract Available meta-analyses have rather consistently shown that behavioral treatments are significantly more effective than alternative forms of psychotherapy. Nevertheless, the limitations of meta-analysis have thus far served more to obfuscate than to clarify the evaluation of therapy outcome. The practice of including methodologically poor studies in meta-analyses is criticized. Different attempts to counter this criticism are reviewed and found wanting. The many statistical, conceptual, and clinical problems inherent in deriving useful units of analysis (effect sizes) for the meta-analysis are highlighted. Finally, the various descriptive and potentially predictive functions of meta-analysis are discussed and compared with the contributions of conventional reviews of the treatment literature. It is concluded that neither the superiority of the former nor the alleged inadequacy of the latter have been logically or empirically demonstrated.
Experiments in optics for younger students by and for older students

Under the auspices of a joint NSF/DOE grant for science and mathematics, the Electrical Engineering Department of the Engineering School at Western New England College developed a program of instruction in optics and optical applications for local Junior High School students. College level juniors and professors in the electrical engineering department, after the juniors had taken a one semester introductory course in optics and electro-optics, served as instructors in teaching and laboratory instruction in such diverse areas as solar cells/light detection, light sources, simple optics, optical fibers, liquid crystals, and lasers. Concepts such as seismic monitoring, Fourier transforms, power generation, information transfer, and many other applications were explained at level by the college students to the junior high school students with great effectiveness. Students at the lower level caught the enthusiasm of those at the upper level and learned with retention. Seven years into the program, the pros and cons are presented, the now- college bound students and their observations are detailed, and the learning experience for all is assessed, with scenarios for alternate programs suggested.
The observed day-to-day variability of mars atmospheric water vapor

The present evaluation of Viking water column abundance measurements of the Martian atmosphere notes observed changes to be due to atmospheric water vapor vertical column abundance variations, as well as to apparent changes resulting from abundance changes of atmospheric aerosols, relative vertical distribution changes of water vapor and aerosol, or systematic viewing-geometry variations. Variability noted in several major regions by visible and thermal-IR observations is found to very accurately coincide with the occurrence of water ice clouds and hazes.
A note on collinearity, bootstrapping, and cross-validation

Abstract A simulation study comparing several techniques for selection of the ridge regression parameter is described. Analysis strategies are suggested for data with various degrees of noise and collinearity. A method that combines bootstrapping and cross-validation is highlighted.
A Nearly Optimal Existence Result for Slightly Perturbed 3-D Vortex Sheets

Abstract In this article, we study existence of analytic solution for slightly perturbed three-dimensional vortex sheets in the absence of surface tension. The key in our analysis is to derive a local leading order system, which captures the leading order behavior of the full three-dimensional vortex sheet equation. This is accomplished by a series of changes of variables, for both dependent and independent variables in order to single out the leading order contributions of the 3-D vortex sheet equations. The changes of variables are guided by properties of certain singular integral operators. Moreover, by using the extended abstract Cauchy-Kowalewski theorem, we can control the growth of the nonlinear nonlocal terms. For small initial analytic data, we show that the existence time can be sufficiently close to the time of singularity formation. Thus our existence result is nearly optimal.
Integrin-mediated Migration of Murine B82L Fibroblasts Is Dependent on the Expression of an Intact Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor *

To evaluate the mechanisms by which epidermal growth factor (EGF) regulates actin-based cellular processes such as cell migration, we first examined the effects of EGF on cell adhesion, which is essential for cell migration. In mouse B82L fibroblasts transfected with the full-length EGF receptor, EGF promotes cell rounding and attenuates cell spreading on fibronectin, laminin, and vitronectin, and thus appears to reduce the strength of cell adhesion. Moreover, EGF synergizes with multiple extracellular matrix (ECM) components in the promotion of integrin-mediated cell migration of several different cell types, including fibroblasts and various carcinoma and osteosarcoma cell lines. Interestingly, co-presentation (co-positioning) of EGF with laminin or fibronectin is essential for EGF-stimulated migration. When EGF is mixed with the cells instead of the ECM components, it has little effect on cell migration. These results suggest that co-presentation of EGF with ECM components can enhance the polarization events required for directional cell movement. To identify the EGF receptor elements critical for the EGF stimulation of cell migration, B82L fibroblasts were transfected with either mutated or wild-type EGF receptors. Surprisingly, we found that B82L-Parental cells that lack the EGF receptor are not able to migrate to fibronectin, even though they can adhere to fibronectin. However, the introduction of wild-type EGF receptors into these fibroblasts enables them to migrate toward fibronectin even in the absence of EGF. The requirement of the EGF receptor for cell migration does not appear to result from the secretion of EGF or TGF-α by the cells transfected with the EGF receptor. Furthermore, cells expressing EGF receptors that are kinase-inactive, or C-terminally truncated, exhibit little migration toward fibronectin, indicating that an intact EGF receptor kinase is required for fibronectin-induced cell migration. In addition, neutralizing anti-EGF receptor antibodies attenuate cell migration in the presence of EGF, and inhibit migration to fibronectin or laminin alone. These results further suggest that the EGF receptor is downstream of integrin activation in the signal transduction pathways leading to fibroblast migration.
Online Tools Help Get Scientists and Educators on the Same Page

As part of its effort to foster substantive dialogue between scientists and educators, the Centers for Ocean Sciences Education Excellence—Ocean Systems (COSEE-OS), a center in the COSEE network, has developed an applied concept-mapping process and a related suite of interactive multimedia tools that focus on ocean and climate concepts. The resulting maps illustrate connections among concepts related to ocean and climate science. These tools, developed over the past 3 years, help scientists see and graphically display relationships among the concepts in their field, and help them communicate those concepts clearly and logically to educators and other scientists. COSEE-OS research has indicated that concept mapping benefits scientists by identifying what they do and do not explain well to educators. Evaluation studies conducted by COSEE-OS external evaluator Ted Repa include interviews with scientists and survey responses of the educators who participate in COSEE-OS workshops. By continuously improving its workshop design and suite of interactive communication tools, COSEE-OS strives to increase the levels of collaboration between scientists and educators by fostering peer-to-peer learning environments.
Content-Driven Literacy: One Approach to Urban Secondary Teacher Education

In an attempt to address perceived shortcomings in traditional content-area literacy preparation, an interdisciplinary group of teacher education faculty developed an approach called “content-driven literacy” (CDL), which was applied to the design of courses to prepare preservice secondary science and social studies teachers. This article describes the development and implementation of the CDL course work and its five elements: reading and writing embedded in subject matter, explicit instruction, planning and modification of literacy instruction, research-based instruction, and the use of diverse content-area texts. The types of knowledge the preservice teacher participants gained from this approach and implications for secondary content instruction are discussed.
Crossing Internal Career Boundaries: The State of Research on Subjective Career Transitions

Today's dynamic and constantly changing business environment is a catalyst for change in the subjective career. These subjective career transitions are an important aspect of career development, and failure to manage them effectively carries profound consequences for both the individual and the organization. This review examines the current status of research on subjective career transitions, and seeks to encourage ongoing research by: (I) identifying gaps in current understandings of subjective career transitions; (2) integrating existing theory on work role transitions with a model of career stages as an illustration of theory-based research on subjective career transitions; and (3) developing research propositions based on this integration as a partial guide for future research.
The effects of polarizing currents on cell potentials and their significance in the interpretation of central nervous system activity.

Abstract Since no potential could be recorded from the medium surrounding a cell which was uniformly and synchronously active over its whole surface, potentials recorded across cell layers represent the difference in activity at apical and basal regions. Since potentials led from simple cell layers are effectively monophasic, the conduction time along the soma is a minor factor in determining the form of the record. Diphasic records are inferred to be summations of cell discharges some of which, represented predominantly in one phase, have a difference of potential of one polarity, others represented chiefly in the other phase having a potential difference of opposite polarity. If this is valid, potential differences of opposite polarity must be exhibited by cortical pyramids with a uniform anatomical orientation. A difference in the distribution or intensity of response of apical and basal dendrites is suggested as a possible factor. Polarization from an external source across a simple cell layer may either increase the amplitude of the monophasic difference of potential led from across it, or decrease and finally reverse its sign; presumably by altering the relative amplitudes of electrical activity at the two poles of the cells, but without blocking conduction from pre- to post-synaptic axons. The interpretation of this fact involves that polarizing currents act on cells essentially as they do on peripheral nerve axons. The change in polarity of record is in a direction opposite to the sign of the polarizing current. Polarization of optic tract axons may result in prolonged after-effects, negative under anodal polarization and positive under cathodal. This is interpreted as representing a repolarization, after discharge during the spike of the externally applied component of membrane charge, along with its resting metabolically induced component. This effect also occurs at axon end-arborizations, and changes in synaptic conduction may be assigned to such effects of sufficient intensity as well as to polarization of post-synaptic dendrites in the same region. Under polarizing currents the changes in amplitude and reversals of sign of the cortical alpha rhythm, of evoked potentials from shocks to the optic nerve including the evoked alpha waves, evoked potentials from the superior colliculus, strychnine spikes, and paroxysmal spikes of cortex set up by repetitive stimulation or otherwise all may be accounted for by the interpretation offered for the effects of polarization at the geniculate.
On Satir's Use of Self

SUMMARY One of Virginia Satir's greatest gifts to the world was the use of herself as an instrument of healing. By daring to use all of her-self-body, mind and spirit-the connections Virginia made with others were warm and real. Besides being authentically caring, Satir worked out of a pluralistic and comprehensive theoretical base to individualize each intervention. By co-creating strong, trusting relationships she inspirited others with her own life-force energy, and enabled them to become more fully human. Able to put her own ego needs aside, Virginia modeled how to join common sense with a sense of high purpose.
A microprocessor survey course for learning advanced computer architecture

A course that surveys state-of-the-art microprocessors offers an excellent forum for students to see how computer architecture techniques are employed in practice and for them to gain a detailed knowledge of the state of the art in microprocessor design. The University of Virginia has developed such a course, organized around student presentations and a substantial research project. The course can accommodate a range of students, from advanced undergraduates to senior graduate students. The course can also be easily adapted to a survey of embedded processors or DSPs. This paper describes the course and lessons learned.
A genetic screen for mutants defective in IAA1-LUC degradation in Arabidopsis thaliana reveals an important requirement for TOPOISOMERASE6B in auxin physiology

Many plant growth and developmental processes are modulated by the hormone auxin. Auxin-modulated proteolysis of Aux/IAAs, a family of transcriptional repressors, represents a major mode of auxin action. Auxin facilitates the interaction of Aux/IAAs with TIR1/AFB F-box proteins, promoting their ubiquitination by the SCFTIR1/AFB ubiquitin E3 ligase leading to subsequent degradation by the 26S proteasome. To identify new genes regulating Aux/IAA proteolysis in Arabidopsis thaliana, we took a genetic approach, identifying individuals with altered degradation of an IAA1-luciferase fusion protein (IAA1-LUC). A mutant with 2-fold slower IAA1-LUC degradation rate compared with wild-type was isolated. Positional cloning identified the mutant as an allele of TOPOISOMERASE6B, named top6b-7. TOP6B encodes a subunit of a plant and archea-specific enzyme regulating endoreduplication, DNA damage repair and transcription in plants. T-DNA insertion alleles (top6b-8 and top6b-9) were also analyzed. top6b-7 seedlings are less sensitive to exogenous auxin than wild-type siblings in primary root growth assays, and experiments with DR5:GUS. Additionally, top6b-7 seedlings have a 40% reduction in the amount of endogenous IAA. These data suggest that increased IAA1-LUC half-life in top6b-7 probably results from a combination of both lower endogenous IAA levels and reduced sensitivity to auxin.
Phase relations in the Li 2 O − V 2 O 3 − V 2 O 5 system at 700 ° C : Correlations with magnetic-defect concentration in heavy fermion Li V 2 O 4

The phase relations in the ${\mathrm{Li}}_{2}\mathrm{O}\text{\ensuremath{-}}{\mathrm{V}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}\text{\ensuremath{-}}{\mathrm{V}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{5}$ ternary system at $700\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}\mathrm{C}$ for compositions in equilibrium with $\mathrm{Li}{\mathrm{V}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{4}$ are reported. This study clarified the synthesis conditions under which low and high magnetic defect concentrations can be obtained within the spinel structure of $\mathrm{Li}{\mathrm{V}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{4}$. We confirmed that the $\mathrm{Li}{\mathrm{V}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{4}$ phase can be obtained containing low $(0.006\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{mol}\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}%)$ to high $(0.83\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{mol}\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}%)$ magnetic defect concentrations ${n}_{\text{defect}}$ and with consistently high magnetic defect spin $S$ values between 3 and 6.5. The high ${n}_{\text{defect}}$ values were obtained in the $\mathrm{Li}{\mathrm{V}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{4}$ phase in equilibrium with ${\mathrm{V}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$, ${\mathrm{Li}}_{3}\mathrm{V}{\mathrm{O}}_{4}$, or $\mathrm{Li}\mathrm{V}{\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ and the low values in the $\mathrm{Li}{\mathrm{V}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{4}$ phase in equilibrium with ${\mathrm{V}}_{3}{\mathrm{O}}_{5}$. A model is suggested to explain this correlation.
Multiple kinase pathways mediate the early sciatic ligation-associated activation of CREB in the rat spinal dorsal horn

Phosphorylation of the cyclic AMP response element-binding protein (CREB) in the spinal dorsal horn may critically contribute to chronic pain following peripheral nerve injury. We employed inhibitors and activators of protein kinase A (PKA), protein kinase C (PKC), extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) and calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII) to examine whether these kinases individually or in concert mediate the increase in CREB phosphorylation that is evident as early as 2 h after loose ligation of the sciatic nerve. Specific inhibitors of each kinase significantly attenuated the ligation-associated CREB phosphorylation when compared to saline-treated animals. Combined application of the ERK1/2 and CaMKII inhibitors also attenuated the ligation-associated CREB activation but not to a greater extent than either inhibitor alone. Specific activators of PKA, PKC and ERK1/2 elicited significant increases in CREB phosphorylation 2 h after drug application in the spinal dorsal horn of control, peripherally uninjured animals. Pre-treatment of animals with the ERK1/2 inhibitor abolished the increases elicited by either the PKA or the PKC activator. Significant increases in ERK1/2 phosphorylation were also detected 2 h after sciatic ligation confirming a role for the ERK pathway in injury-related responses in the dorsal horn. Each kinase inhibitor significantly attenuated the ligation-associated activation of ERK1/2 as well. These data suggest that early, sciatic ligation-elicited phosphorylation of CREB in the spinal dorsal horn is mediated by multiple kinase pathways, and that PKA, PKC and CaMKII activate CREB at least in part by way of the ERK pathway.
Update on Antiviral Agents

Recent evidence indicates that many of the characteristics of herpes simplex virus (HSV) ocular disease are determined by the genome of the virus strain. The type and severity of epithelial disease, as well as the morphology of the lesions, have been demonstrated to be genetically controlled, and the region of the viral DNA responsible for these aspects of the disease has been identified. In addition, the frequency of reactivation of the latent virus may be inherent in the genetic makeup of the virus, although host factors appear to influence the appearance of frank disease. Drugs for the treatment of epithelial herpes inhibit virus replication in the host cells; the newest and most effective drug, trifluridine, heals 97% of epithelial lesions within two weeks. The place of thymidine kinase selective drugs in ophthalmology has not been determined. There are, as yet, no drugs specific for stromal herpes, and no drugs have been shown to eradicate the latent virus from the ganglia or to prevent the recurrence of ocular herpetic disease.
On the simplicity of the even CAR algebra and free field models

An example of a local rings system where the quasilocal algebra is a simple countably generatedC*-algebra with unit is provided by the “local observables” for the free Fermi field.
Is quenching of electronically excited NO2 by N2 an important atmospheric source of N2O

Abstract Context Abstract: The atmospheric budget of N2O, a greenhouse gas and the dominant source of total reactive nitrogen to the stratosphere, remains a controversial subject. Gas-phase atmospheric chemical sources of N2O are not well documented, but studies of atmospheric N2O samples show a mass-independent heavy oxygen isotope enrichment which is suggestive of the existence of missing in situ sources or sinks. We have studied N2O production from the reaction of electronically excited NO2 with N2. Contrary to earlier findings, our results show that this process is an insignificant source of atmospheric N2O. Main Abstract: Production of N2O as a product of the collisional deactivation of electronically excited NO2 by N2 has been investigated with the goal of establishing the importance of this process in the atmospheric N2O budget. The experimental approach minimizes potential interferences from heterogeneous reactions, multiphoton processes, and self-quenching. At the 95% confidence limit, we find that the quantum yield for production of N2O from 488 nm photolysis of 60 Torr of 0.1% NO2 in N2 is less than 4 × 10−8, i.e., at least 10,000 times smaller than a previously published value; this result suggests that quenching of electronically excited NO2 by N2 is unimportant as a source of atmospheric N2O.
Effect of transforming growth factor-β1 and -β2 on Schwann cell proliferation on neurites

Mechanisms regulating Schwann cell proliferation during development are unclear. Schwann cell division is known to be driven by an unidentified mitogen present on the surface of axons, but it is not known whether other molecules play a role in regulating this proliferation. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) which is found in the developing peripheral nervous system (PNS) and is mitogenic for neuron-free Schwann cells in vitro could be involved. We have investigated the effects of TGF-beta 1, TGF-beta 2 and antibodies to TGF-beta 1 and TGF-beta 2 on axon driven Schwann cell proliferation. Rat embryonic dorsal root ganglion neurons (DRG) neurons and Schwann cells from the sciatic nerve were isolated, purified and recombined in vitro. Confirming earlier reports by others, we observed that TGF-beta 1 and TGF-beta 2 added to the culture medium stimulated the proliferation of Schwann cells in the absence of neurons. However, when added to neuron-Schwann cell co-cultures, TGF beta caused a variable response ranging from no effect to moderate inhibition of Schwann cell proliferation in different experiments. A stimulation of Schwann cell proliferation by TGF beta was never observed in neuron-Schwann cell co-cultures. Antibodies to TGF-beta 1 and TGF-beta 2 did not influence axon driven Schwann cell proliferation. To further determine the role of TGF-beta in Schwann cell proliferation and myelination, we studied Schwann cell proliferation in cultures from mice in which the TGF-beta 1 gene was delected by homologous recombination. Neuron-Schwann cell cultures from wild-type, heterozygous and homozygous mice were used. No differences were observed in either Schwann cell proliferation or myelination between cultures obtained from homozygous mutants and their heterozygous and wild-type controls. These findings suggest that TGF-beta does not function as a part of the mitogenic mechanism presented by neurons to Schwann cells, but that the presence of active TGF beta in the cellular environment might regulate the degree of proliferation induced by neuronal contact.
Fatal thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus

An immunologic mechanism, possibly immune complex mediated, has been suggested as the basis for the pathogenesis of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). The evidence supporting this concept has been the association of TTP with systemic lupus erythematosus and the successful therapy of TTP by plasmapheresis. However, most investigators have failed to demonstrate elevated circulating immune complexes during the course of TTP. This report describes a young woman with systemic lupus who developed TTP as a terminal event. Elevated levels of immune complexes were associated with periods of active lupus but were not detectable at the time she developed TTP.
Transferring Subcultural Knowledge On-Line: Practices and Beliefs of Persistent Digital Pirates

Criminal subcultures form around deviant behaviors as a consequence of persistent interactions with like-minded others who facilitate the transmission of norms, values, and belief. Although researchers have explored social interactions in the real world, few have considered how learning occurs through virtual interactions. We address the role of on-line interactions in spreading subcultural knowledge by interviewing 34 persistent digital pirates and performing a non-participant ethnography of an on-line forum devoted to piracy. Our results show that through on-line interactions, pirates learn the norms and values of digital piracy, including how to recognize and avoid risks associated with pirating and how to make sense of and justify their actions. They did not see themselves as members of a piracy subculture, however. These findings show that subcultural knowledge can be transmitted through on-line interactions, even when participants do not fully invest in the group.
Thermooxidative stability of cyclic polyhydric alcohol esters

The effect of the chemical structure of 2,2,5,5-tetramethylcyclopentanol, 2,2,6,6-tetramethylcyclohexanol, 1,1-dimethyl-3-cyclohexene, and 2,2,-dimethyl-(2,2,1)-bicyclo-5-heptene based on C3–C8 aliphatic monocarboxylic acids and their phosphorus-and silicon-containing derivatives on the thermooxidative stability was investigated. The characteristics established allow synthesizing the esters purposefully and selectively, which suggests them as the base and components for promising lube oils.
Evaluation of an Emerging Market in Subsurface Utility Engineering

Subsurface utility engineering ~SUE! is a fast growing industry segment in the civil engineering arena. Subsurface utility engineering is gaining credibility as a significant tool to reduce the risk from informational uncertainty associated with underground facilities in a construction project. Subsurface utility engineering can minimize the risk primarily through mapping existing underground utility facilities, utilizing surface geophysical technologies, surveying and data management systems. This paper presents a comprehensive evaluation of SUE to facilitate a better understanding of this emerging industry by the many in the construction domain that are relatively unfamiliar with it. Topics investigated include quality levels in SUE, incorporation of SUE strategy at different stages in the construction project, and cost-benefit analysis of SUE based on 71 actual construction projects where SUE was employed. In addition, the results obtained from questionnaire surveys of State Departments of Transportation ~DOTs! and the SUE industry are analyzed, which reveal the trend of state DOTs in the use of SUE and various aspects of SUE business in private sectors.
Sedimentary processes at the base of a West Antarctic ice stream; constraints from textural and compositional properties of subglacial debris

Samples of sediments from beneath Ice Stream B (at camp UpB), West Antarctica, provide the first opportunity to study the relationship between sediment properties and physical conditions in a sub-ice-stream environment. Piston coring in holes bored by hot-water drilling yielded five 1-3 m long, undisturbed subglacial sediment cores. We analyzed granulometry, composition, and particle morphology in these cores. The UpB cores are composed of a clay-rich, unsorted diamicton containing rare marine diatoms. Sedimentary particles in these cores bear no evidence of the recent crushing or abrasion that is common in other subglacial sedimentary environments. The presence of reworked diatoms and their state of preservation, as well as the relative spatial homogeneity of this diamicton, suggest that the UpB cores sampled a several-meter-thick till layer and not in situ glacimarine sediments. The till does incorporate material recycled from the subjacent poorly indurated Tertiary glacimarine sediments of the Ross Sea sedimentary basin, which extends beneath this part of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet. We propose that the lack of significant comminution in the UpB till is ultimately due to its setting over these easily erodible, clay-rich source sediments. The resulting fine-grained till matrix inhibits glacial comminution, because it facilitates buildup of high pore-water pressures and hinders interparticle stress concentrations. Our observations are consistent with the conjecture that subglacial deformation of weak, fine-grained tills does not produce significant comminution of till debris (Elson 1988). Based on our findings, we hypothesize that extensive layers of weak till may develop preferentially where ice overrides preexisting, poorly indurated, fine-grained sediments. Since such weak till layers create a permissive condition for ice streaming, sub-glacial geology may have an indirect but strong control over the location, extent, and basal mechanics of ice streams.
Automatic generation of thin film process flows. I. Basic algorithms

This paper is the first in a series of two papers describing the algorithms used in the development of MISTIC (Michigan synthesis tools for integrated circuits). MISTIC is a planar device process compiler that generates process flows for thin film devices from schematics of their structure. This software uses a laboratory specific database of process recipes to produce process flows for a specific set of laboratory resources (furnaces, etchers, lithography equipment, etc.) and generates process statistics that help to choose the most suitable process flow in a comparative manner. The process compiler is augmented by several auxiliary modules: a device builder, process viewer, and database editor thus forming a self-contained process design environment. This paper concentrates on the algorithms used to construct process flows from schematic device representations. The compiler algorithms first extract a directed graph representation of the device organization stored in the form of a restricted square boolean matrix. This matrix is used to generate linear ordered lists of device layers which serve as footprints for the construction of process flows. Process flows are then constructed from these lists through a series of conversions, expansions, and insertions of process steps.
From Scalar Semantics to Implicature: Children's Interpretation of Aspectuals.

One of the tasks of language learning is the discovery of the intricate division of labour between the lexical-semantic content of an expression and the pragmatic inferences the expression can be used to convey. Here we investigate experimentally the development of the semantics-pragmatics interface, focusing on Greek-speaking five-year-olds' interpretation of aspectual expressions such as arxizo ('start') and degree modifiers such as miso ('half') and mexri ti mesi ('halfway'). Such expressions are known to give rise to scalar inferences cross-linguistically: for instance, start, even though compatible with expressions denoting completion (e.g. finish), is typically taken to implicate non-completion. Overall, our experiments reveal that children have limited success in deriving scalar implicatures from the use of aspectual verbs but they succeed with 'discrete' degree modifiers such as 'half'. Furthermore, children are better at spontaneously computing scalar implicatures than judging the pragmatic appropriateness of scalar statements. Finally, children can suspend scalar implicatures in environments where they are not supported. We discuss implications of these results for the scope and limitations of children's ability to both acquire the lexical semantics of aspectuals and to compute implicatures as part of what the speaker means.
Heat shock protein 70 binds its own messenger ribonucleic acid as part of a gene expression self-limiting mechanism

Expression of heat shock proteins is a cellular response to a variety of stressors. HSP70, the major stress-induced heat shock protein, is involved in repair and protection after the insult. However, the prolonged presence of this protein is detrimental. Consequently, Hsp70 expression must be tightly regulated. We have previously shown an increase in the degradation of Hsp70 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) paralleling the accumulation of HSP70. Incubation of cells with transcriptional and translational inhibitors after heat shock resulted in a significant reduction in Hsp70 mRNA degradation. These observations suggest that newly synthesized, stress-induced factors might be involved in the decay of Hsp70 mRNA. We found that HSP70 binds directly to Hsp70 mRNA, as demonstrated by immunoprecipitation. This observation was confirmed by RNA gel-shift assays. These results are evidence for a novel and likely direct interaction between HSP70 and Hsp70 mRNA in cells after stress. This interaction may be part of a self-limiting mechanism to reduce HSP70 production, thus avoiding potential toxic effects of this protein in the absence of stress.
Care of common endocrine problems in Cuba.

This discussion of the treatment of common endocrine conditions in Cuba is based on information gathered in discussions held with eight endocrinology professors from the National Institutes of Endocrinology and Metabolism (NIEMH) in Habana and with physicians at other facilities during several meetings of our People-to-People Ambassador endocrinology delegation held in the provinces of Habana and Trinidad in Cuba on December 8–15, 2001. Information obtained was subsequently verified through review of published Cuban endocrinology literature and public health statistics from 1995–2002. This manuscript shows the importance of economic status in a country with modern medicine.