cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Molecular Mobility, Ion Mobility, and Mobile Ion Concentration in Poly(ethylene oxide)-Based Polyurethane Ionomers

The segmental and local chain dynamics as well as the transport of Na+ and Li+ cations in a series of model poly(ethylene oxide)-based polyurethane ionomers is investigated using dielectric relaxation spectroscopy. A physical model of electrode polarization is employed to separately determine mobile ion concentration and ion mobility in these single-ion conductors. A model including unpaired ions, separated ion pairs, and contact ion pairs is used to reconcile the very small fraction of free ions obtained using the electrode polarization model with those of previous studies of ion association in polyether-based single-ion conducting and salt-containing systems.
A Spatial Analysis of Loop Closing Among Recycling, Remanufacturing, and Waste Treatment Firms in Texas

Summary Industrial ecology has emerged as a key strategy for improving environmental conditions. A central element of industrial ecology is the concept of closing the loop in material use (cycling) by directing used material and products (wastes) back to production processes. This article examines the issue of geographic scale and loop closing for heterogeneous wastes through an analysis of the location and materials flows of a set of recycling, remanufacturing, recycling manufacturing, and waste treatment (RRWT) firms in Texas. The results suggest that there is no preferable scale at which loop closing should be organized. RRWT firms are ubiquitous and operate successfully throughout the settlement hierarchy. The cycling boundaries of RRWT firms are dependent primarily upon how and where their products are redirected to production processes rather than the firm's location in the settlement hierarchy. In other words, loop closing is dominated by the spatial economic logic of the transactions of the firm involved. These results suggest that we cannot assign loop closing to any particular spatial scale a priori nor can we conceive of closing the loop via RRWT firms in terms of monolithic networks bounded in space or place with internal material flows.
Fermi Surface of Beryllium and Its Pressure Dependence

The Fermi surface of beryllium has been throughly investigated by means of the de Haas-van Alphen effect, and the frequencies, though substantially in agreement with earlier measurements, have been obtained to greater accuracy. This has made it possible to construct a nonlocal pseudopotential model for the Fermi surface, in which the Fourier coefficients of the crystal potential are treated as parameters to be evaluated by fitting to the experimental data. In this way, all the principal cross sections of the surface have been fitted to within 1%, using only five adjustable parameters. Comparison of calculated cyclotron masses for these cross sections with the masses determined from the temperature dependence of the dHvA amplitudes indicates that the mass is enhanced about 20% by many-body interactions neglected in the model. Finally, the pressure dependence of the Fermi surface has been calculated and compared with some available experimental measurements.
Finding the G spot on fusion machinery

Activation of G protein–coupled receptors can inhibit secretion of neurotransmittters and hormones. Two recent reports in Nature Neuroscience show that this inhibition is due to Gβγ binding to SNAP-25, directly blocking the vesicle fusion machinery.
Modulation of Growth Factor/Cytokine Synthesis and Signaling by 1α,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3: Implications in Cell Growth and Differentiation

Distinct from its classic functions in the regulation of calcium and phosphorus metabolism as a systemic hormone, 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) [1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3)] is involved in the local control and regulation of cellular growth and differentiation in various tissues, including epidermis (keratinocytes) and bone (osteoblasts and osteoclasts). In this review, the impact of 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) on growth factor/cytokine synthesis and signaling is discussed, particularly as it pertains to bone cells and keratinocytes. 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) not only regulates growth factor/cytokine synthesis but may also alter growth factor signaling. Recently discovered examples for such interactions are the interactions between the vitamin D receptor and the mothers against decapentaplegic-related proteins that function downstream of TGFbeta receptors. Inhibitory effects of 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) on keratinocytes through TGFbeta activation and IL-1alpha, IL-6, and IL-8 suppression may provide a rationale for its beneficial effects in the treatment of hyperproliferative skin disorders, whereas stimulatory effects through the epidermal growth factor-related family members and platelet-derived growth factor may be operative in its beneficial effects in skin atrophy and wound healing. Modulation of cytokines and growth factors by 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) during bone remodeling plays an important role in the coupling of osteoblastic bone formation with osteoclastic resorption to maintain bone mass.
Perspectives on Project Athena

An overview of the evolution and current status of MIT's Project Athena is presented. Athena's distributed workstation computing system is described, and its attributes of coherence and ubiquity are critiqued. A summary is given of Athena's 125 curriculum development experiments including their diverse nature, the challenges of courseware development and delivery, and indications of effectiveness. Athena is described from a student's viewpoint. Finally, various lessons learned from running a large scale campus computing project are summarized.
Supplemental thyroid hormones and molting in turkey breeder hens

The objective of the current study was to determine whether thyroid physiology may affect molting time in turkeys. Two trials using approximately 144 hens were conducted to elucidate thyroidal factors that limit the molting process. Thyroid hormones or a thyroid blocker (thiouracil) were given to the hens during a molt by supplementing the diet with thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), or thiouracil. Supplementing with T4 reduced the number of days to return to egg production, whereas supplementing with thiouracil or T3 prolonged days to first egg. The observations support previous suggestions of separate functions for T3 and T4 during molting. As had been observed many times previously, the feeding of thiouracil delayed the molt but did not completely stop the molting process. The hens fed thiouracil returned to 50% egg production nearly 10 d after the control group, whereas T3 prolonged the return to 50% egg production nearly 1 wk later. The data indicate the endogenous low levels of T4, but not T3 in modern strains of turkeys may contribute to a relatively longer molting period of turkey breeder hens induced to molt out of season.
Learner Fit in Scaling Up Automated Writing Evaluation

Valid evaluations of automated writing evaluation AWE design, development, and implementation should integrate the learners' perspective in order to ensure the attainment of desired outcomes. This paper explores the learner fit quality of the Research Writing Tutor RWT, an emerging AWE tool tested with L2 writers at an early stage of its development. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the authors sought to answer questions regarding the nature of learners' interactional modifications with RWT and their perceptions of appropriateness of its feedback about the communicative effectiveness of research article Introductions discourse. The findings reveal that RWT's move, step, and sentence-level feedback provides various opportunities for learners to engage with the revision task at a useful level of difficulty and to stimulate interaction appropriate to their individual characteristics. The authors also discuss insights about usefulness, user-friendliness, and trust as important concepts inherent to appropriateness.
Application of alumoxane nanoparticles as precursors for 3D alumina features

Acetate- and methoxy(ethoxyethoxy)acetate-functionalized alumina nanoparticles (A-alumoxane and MEEA-alumoxane, respectively) have been investigated as processable, water soluble precursors to 3-dimensional (3D) ceramic features. The ceramic features were formed by slip-casting aqueous solutions of the alumoxanes into polydimethylsiloxane molds, into which negative images of the desired features were molded. The features ranged from 50 to 450 μm in width and approximately 70 μm in depth. Drying the aqueous solution, and removal from the molds revealed free-standing thin film ‘green bodies’ on which are the positive images of the features, which upon firing (1200°C) resulted in their conversion to α-alumina. The formation of the ‘green body’ upon drying of the alumoxane solution and its sintering to ceramic was studied with regard to shrinkage and cracking. Ceramic 3D features formed from A-alumoxane faithfully reproduced the dimensions of the green body. However, shrinkage and cracking during the drying phase was observed. In contrast, MEEA-alumoxane was found to remain ‘plastic’ in its green body state, allowing for the retention of large features, but the shrinkage upon sintering (due to MEEA-alumoxane’s lower ceramic yield) was often accompanied by cracking of features. Physical mixtures of the two alumoxanes were investigated to determine optimum conditions for the controlled fabrication of ceramic features. The best combination of properties was obtained for a 2:1 mixture of A-alumoxane and MEEA-alumoxane. If metal-doped MEEA-alumoxane was employed, the appropriate aluminate ceramic was formed. Green body and ceramic samples were characterized by SEM, XRD, BET, and Vickers hardness measurements.
A coupled seismic-geotechnical approach to site-specific strong motion

At Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) we have developed a new approach to provide estimates of incident strong ground-motion time-histories at bedrock, which are specific to a site. The estimates involve the recording of small earthquakes at the site, both at bedrock and at the surface, from specific faults in the region. The method also involves the definition of rupture scenarios for those faults. The estimates are obtained for earthquakes of specified moment magnitude (energy release). The new approach is a coupled seismic-geotechnical method. Besides its advantage of giving site-specific time-histories, this approach has the added benefit of providing an optimized definition of the dynamic geotechnical site properties which will be used to calculate shear wave propagation in the soils, from the estimated bedrock motions. This method is intended to replace state-ofpractice approaches in which the site motion estimation may involve data from distant locations and faults having nothing to do with the specific site. The procedure is demonstrated at the Painter Street bridge site in Rio Dell, CA, for which we provide a range of surface motions corresponding to an earthquake of magnitude 7 on the subducting plate underlying this region. These calculated motions bracket the records of the Petrolia event ( M = 7) measured near the site.
Stress and plasma corticosterone levels in the american alligator—relationships with stocking density and nesting success

Abstract 1. 1. Blood samples were taken from captive and wild adult alligators for evaluation of baseline plasma corticosterone levels. Adult male alligators were found to have significantly higher plasma corticosterone levels than adult female alligators in captive and wild populations. 2. 2. Captive adult alligators maintained at high stocking densities had plasma corticosterone levels higher than those adult alligators maintained at lower stocking densities, which had lower plasma corticosterone levels comparable to levels found in the wild population. 3. 3. Higher levels of plasma corticosterone in captive female alligators correlated with lower nesting success. 4. 4. No differences were noted in plasma corticosterone of adult females actively defending their nests compared to females sampled that were not in nest attendance. 5. 5. The use of plasma corticosterone levels as an index of stress for monitoring and managing wild and captive commercial populations of alligators is discussed.
Certify, Blink, Hire: An Examination of the Process and Tools of Teacher Screening and Selection

While much has been written about the process of employee selection in other occupations, there has been little discussion on the process and tools of teacher selection and why it occurs as it does. To understand this question, we conduct an extensive literature review in which we compare teacher hiring with hiring in other occupations. We also present findings from a study of school principals and district administrators in a midsized Florida school district. Our results suggest that the screening and selection process in teaching is not much different from occupations that have similar levels of job complexity. A theory emerges from the review and analysis that explains the process and reliance on certain tools in teacher hiring. The theory focuses especially on the costs of various tools and processes, the types and quality of information that come from them, and the distinctive features of teaching as an occupation and schools as organizations.
Can coatings for foods and beverages: issues and options

Canned foods and beverages constitute a major part of the global food supply. Consumers expect canned foods and beverages to maintain their flavour, texture and colour and be free of illness-causing pathogens. This is generally accomplished by coating can interiors with protective resins. With recent calls for the removal of commonly used epoxy resins, an understanding of the availability, technological feasibility and health profiles of alternative coating options is needed. Some of this information is publicly available but more research and dialogue are needed in order to make informed decisions about coating alternatives’ technological feasibility, risks and benefits.
Interleukin-6 causes endothelial barrier dysfunction via the protein kinase C pathway.

Background. Elevated levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) have been identified in a variety of systemic inflammatory states that are associated with endothelial barrier dysfunction, but the specific effect of IL-6 on endothelial permeability and the mechanism of action have not been fully examined. The current study evaluated the effect of IL-6 on endothelial permeability and on the distribution of the tight junctional protein ZO-1 and cytoskeletal actin. We also assessed the role of protein kinase C (PKC) in this process. Methods. Confluent monolayers of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (n = 6) were exposed to IL-6 (50–500 ng/ml) in the presence or absence of the PKC inhibitor Go6976 (0.1 μM). Transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) was measured at the onset of exposure and at 6-h intervals and compared with that of control cells using ANOVA with a Bonferroni multiple comparison test. Additional monolayers were exposed to IL-6, stained for ZO-1 and F-actin, and evaluated via fluorescence microscopy. Results. Interleukin-6 increased endothelial permeability as measured by TEER in a dose- and time-dependent manner. In the presence of PKC inhibitor, the IL-6-mediated increase in permeability was attenuated (18-h TEER 73% of control with IL-6 exposure vs 95% of control with IL-6 + Go6976 inhibitor, P < 0.01). Microscopy revealed that permeability changes were accompanied by a redistribution of the tight junctional protein ZO-1 and cytoskeletal actin, increased cell contraction, and disorganization of the intercellular borders. Conclusions. The inflammatory cytokine IL-6 is an important mediator of increased endothelial permeability via alterations in the ultrastructural distribution of tight junctions and morphologic changes in cell shape. PKC is a critical intracellular messenger in these IL-6-mediated changes. A better understanding of this mechanism should allow the determination of rational treatment strategies for endothelial barrier dysfunction which occurs in inflammatory states.
Time-domain analysis of high-Q antennas

The transient response of antennas becomes significant when antennas are used in a time-varying fashion. Radiation properties of the antennas are usually defined, calculated, and measured in the frequency domain and/or the steady-state time-harmonic regime. Frequency-domain analysis characterizes the antenna irrespective of the physical time-dependent aspects and neglects the transient properties of the antenna. When it is required to switch between different narrowband radiation mechanisms or different sources in a time-varying radiation configuration, it is important to have a comprehensive knowledge of the transient behavior of the antenna. In a high-Q antenna, an extensive amount of energy must be stored in the near-field before effective far-field radiation begins. The higher Q factor results in a longer time duration for the antenna to reach the maximum radiation efficiency. In a switched-antenna application, this transient effect dominates the performance of the antenna if the switching period is not long enough to let the near field build up the entire stored energy.
Annual cycle of magmatic CO2 in a tree-kill soil at Mammoth Mountain, California: Implications for soil acidification

Time-series sensor data reveal significant short-term and seasonal variations of magmatic CO 2 in soil over a 12 month period in 1995–1996 at the largest tree-kill site on Mammoth Mountain, central-eastern California. Short-term variations leading to ground-level soil CO 2 concentrations hazardous and lethal to humans were triggered by shallow faulting in the absence of increased seismicity or intrusion, consistent with tapping a reservoir of accumulated CO 2 , rather than direct magma degassing. Hydrologic processes closely modulated seasonal variations in CO 2 concentrations, which rose to 65%–100% in soil gas under winter snowpack and plunged more than 25% in just days as the CO 2 dissolved in spring snowmelt. The high efflux of CO 2 through the tree-kill soils acts as an open-system CO 2 buffer causing infiltration of waters with pH values commonly of H+ ṁha −1 ṁyr −1 , mobilization of toxic Al 3+ , and long-term decline of soil fertility.
Integrin αvβ3 targeted therapy for Kaposi’s sarcoma with an in vitro evolved antibody

Here, we define integrin alpha(v)beta3 as a molecular target for antibody therapy for Kaposi's sarcoma (KS). We previously reported, using a new phage display strategy based on designed combinatorial V gene libraries, the humanization of mouse monoclonal antibody LM609 directed to human integrin alpha(v)beta3. In the present study, we describe the in vitro affinity maturation of humanized LM609 by using a phage display strategy for the sequential and parallel optimization of three complementarity determining regions of the antibody molecule. The evolved Fab had an affinity of 150 pM and was converted into IgG1 by use of a new mammalian expression vector. The resulting whole antibody, designated JC-7U IgG1, was found to selectively target human KS in a nude mouse model and inhibit tumor growth at a therapeutically relevant dose. Because of its high affinity and its high degree of humanization, JC-7U IgG1 is an excellent drug candidate for therapeutic applications that involve integrin alpha(v)beta3 as the molecular target. Of particular interest is therapy for KS, breast cancer, melanoma, and other cancers in which integrin alpha(v)beta3 is expressed on both angiogenic endothelial cells and tumor cells, which would allow a dual antiangiogenic and antitumor strike with a single drug.
Decomposing observations of high‐frequency radar‐derived surface currents by their forcing mechanisms: Locally wind‐driven surface currents

[1] The wind impulse response function and transfer function for high-frequency radar-derived surface currents off southern San Diego are calculated using several local wind observations. The spatial map of the transfer function reflects the influence of the coast on wind-current dynamics. Near the coast (within 20 km from the shoreline), the amplitudes of the transfer function at inertial and diurnal frequencies are reduced due to effects of coastline and bottom bathymetry. Meanwhile, the amplitude of low-frequency currents increases near the coast, which is attributed to the local geostrophic balance between cross-shore pressure gradients against the coast and currents. Locally wind-driven surface currents are estimated from the data-derived response function, and their power spectrum shows a strong diurnal peak superposed on a red spectrum, similar to the spectra of observed winds. Current magnitudes and veering angles to a quasi-steady wind are typically 2–5% of the wind speed and vary 50°–90° to the right of the wind, respectively. A wind skill map is introduced to present the fractional variance of surface currents explained by local winds as a verification tool for wind data quality and relevance. Moreover, the transfer functions in summer and winter are presented to examine the seasonal variation in ocean surface current response to the wind associated with stratification change.
The Optimal Management of Hairy Cell Leukaemia

Hairy cell leukaemia is an uncommon B cell chronic lymphoproliferative disorder characterised by circulating lymphocytes displaying prominent cytoplasmic projections. Therapy is initiated for severe cytopenias or recurrent infections. Splenectomy, the first standard treatment, is now less commonly used as primary treatment. Interferon-alpha (IFN alpha) induces partial responses in most patients but complete responses in only a few. Adverse effects from IFN alpha are common but not life-threatening. The ability of two newer purine analogues, pentostatin (2'-deoxycoformycin) and cladribine (2-chlorodeoxyadenosine), to induce long-lasting complete remissions in the majority of patients has revolutionised the treatment of this disease. Cladribine is emerging as the treatment of choice because of its favourable toxicity profile, brief duration of treatment, high percentage of unmaintained complete remissions and low incidence of relapse.
A Directional and Latitude Survey of Cosmic Rays at High Altitudes

The directional distribution of cosmic rays at atmospheric depths of 15 to 25 g/${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ has been measured with large counter telescopes carried by constant-level plastic balloons at geomagnetic latitudes of 0\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}, 20\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}, 30\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}, and 40\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}. From the vertical flux measurements an energy spectrum for primary protons is obtained which has the form $N(E)=\frac{0.27}{{E}^{1.9}}$, where $N(E)$ is the number of particles in unit energy range at the energy $E$. The corresponding formula for primaries consisting entirely of alpha-particles is $N(E)=\frac{0.32}{{E}^{1.81}}$. The power law can be fitted between about 1 and 14 Bev, but there is good evidence that the spectrum flattens out below 1 Bev and becomes steeper at high energies. The total incident energy calculated under the assumption that the measured flux at 15 g/${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ consists of primaries is two times greater than the total incident energy appearing as atmospheric ionization.The east-west asymmetry values reach a maximum of 0.53\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.05 at the equator and decrease to 0.24\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.09 at 40\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} geomagnetic latitude. The asymmetry to be expected from the latitude effect if all primaries are positive, reaches 1.20 at the equator, and at all latitudes and zenith angles is considerably higher than the observed asymmetry. It is not possible to decide on the basis of the present experiments whether this discrepancy arises from atmospheric effects or from a sizable fraction of negative primaries.
An experimental analysis of the protection of Amphiprion xanthurus Cuvier & Valenciennes and some other anemone fishes from sea anemones

Abstract Protection from the nematocysts of sea anemones is acquired by anemone fishes by acclimation; initially, anemone fishes are stung but after acclimation are protected. It has been found that an unacclimated anemone fish is stung by sea anemones either with or without acclimated fish, while an acclimated fish is stung by neither. If the surface of a partially or fully acclimated anemone fish is wiped off, the fish immediately loses its protection and is again stung. Pieces of Amphiprion skin as well as dead Amphiprion with the surface mucous coat undisturbed are protected from their anemones. These data show that an acclimated anemone fish is protected from sea anemones due to something associated with its epidermal mucous coat and that this protection is acquired during acclimation.
Minimum energy requirements of information transfer and computing

The minimum energy requirements of information transfer and computing are estimated from the time-energy uncertainty relation.
Amorphous silicon films and solar cells deposited by HWCVD at ultra-high deposition rates

Abstract The deposition conditions for hydrogenated amorphous silicon, deposited by hot wire chemical vapor deposition, are linked to the film structure as we increase deposition rates (Rd) to >100 A/s. At low Rd ( 100 A/s), optimum films are deposited under silane depletion conditions as high as 75–80%, and all structural properties except for the SAXS results once again indicate a compact material. We relate changes in the film electronic structure (Urbach edge) with increasing Rd to the increase in the SAXS signals, and note the invariance of the saturated defect density versus Rd, discussing reasons why these microvoids do not play a role in the Staebler–Wronski effect for these films. Finally, we present device results over the whole range of Rd that we have studied and suggest why, at high Rd, device quality films can be deposited at such high silane depletions.
The Computation of Optimum Linear Taxation

The equitable sharing of the benefits arising from planned development is a subject of lively contemporary debate. One of the tasks being carried out by the System and Decision Sciences Area of the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) concerns the treatment of planning and redustribution problems in ways that can provide some guidance to decision makers in the formulation of economic policy. This report examines the first part of a study undertaken to assess the redistributive leverage provided by different instruments of planning. It is devoted specifically to the analysis and computation of optimal redistributive policies in small, general equilibrium models of economic planning.
SOAR and the polybasic STIM1 domains gate and regulate Orai channels

Influx of Ca(2+) through store-operated Ca(2+) channels (SOCs) is a central component of receptor-evoked Ca(2+) signals. Orai channels are SOCs that are gated by STIM1, a Ca(2+) sensor located in the ER but how it gates and regulates the Orai channels is unknown. Here, we report the molecular basis for gating of Orais by STIM1. All Orai channels are fully activated by the conserved STIM1 amino acid fragment 344-442, which we termed SOAR (the STIM1 Orai activating region). SOAR acts in combination with STIM1 (450-485) to regulate the strength of interaction with Orai1. Activation of Orai1 by SOAR recapitulates all the kinetic properties of Orai1 activation by STIM1. However, mutations of STIM1 within SOAR prevent activation of Orai1 but not co-clustering of STIM1 and Orai1 in response to Ca(2+) store depletion, indicating that STIM1-Orai1 co-clustering is not sufficient for Orai1 activation. An intact carboxy terminus alpha-helicial region of Orai is required for activation by SOAR. Deleting most of the Orai1 amino terminus impaired Orai1 activation by STIM1, but Orai1(Delta1-73) interacted with and was fully activated by SOAR. Accordingly, the characteristic inward rectification of Orai is mediated by an interaction between the polybasic STIM1 (672-685) and a Pro-rich region in the N terminus of Orai1. Hence, the essential properties of Orai1 function can be rationalized by interactions with discrete regions of STIM1.
Enzymes of salvage and de novo pathways of synthesis of pyrimidine nucleotides in human colorectal adenocarcinomas.

The activity of uridine-cytidine kinase (Urd-Cyd kinase). a key enzyme in the salvage of pyrimidine nucleosides, averaged 0.86 +/- 0.16 (S.E.M.) nmole uridine phosphates . min-1 . (mg protein)-1 in fifty-three specimens of human colorectal adenocarcinomas. The activity of fluorouracil phosphoribosyltransferase (FUPRTase) in thirty-five carcinoma specimens averaged only 0.19 +/- 0.07 nmole fluorouridine phosphates . min-1 . (mg protein)-1. The activity of the last enzyme in the de novo pathway of biosynthesis of UMP, i.e. orotidine 5'-monophosphate (OMP) decarboxylase, averaged 0.21 +/- 0.04 nmole CO2 . min-1 . (mg protein)-1. The activity of Urd-Cyd kinase was increased approximately 2.3-fold, and that of OMP decarboxylase by about 91%, while that of FUPRTase was increased by only 27%, as compared to that of normal human colonic mucosa. Of the colorectal carcinomas studied, 72% were moderately differentiated, 21% poorly differentiated, and 7% well differentiated. The mean diameter of the fifty-three carcinomas was 5.5 cm, and pathologic staging led to classification of 15% as Dukes' A, 36% as Dukes' B, 47% as Dukes' C, and 2% as carcinoma in situ. No correlations between the level of the enzyme activities studied and any pathologic characteristics of the carcinomas could be discerned.
Three Distinct Genes in Human DNA Related to the Transforming Genes of Mammalian Sarcoma Retroviruses

Southern blot hybridization was used to identify human and other vertebrate DNA sequences that were homologous to cloned DNA fragments containing the oncogenic nucleic acid sequences of three different type C mammalian retroviruses (simian sarcoma virus, the Snyder-Theilen strain of feline sarcoma virus, and the Harvey strain of murine sarcoma virus). Each onc gene counterpart has a single genetic locus, which probably contains non-onc intervening sequences. The human DNA sequences may represent genes important to cell growth or cell differentiation, or both. Their identification and isolation may allow elucidation of their role in these processes and in neoplasias.
Chicken Acrosin: Extraction and Purification

Abstract The objective of the present research was to identify a procedure whereby chicken acrosin could be purified. Acrosin, as evidenced by amidase activity, was extracted with urea most efficiently at a concentration of 6 M. Extraction efficiency was enhanced by spermatozoal lysis prior to admixture with 6 M urea. Lysis was induced by passage of spermatozoal suspensions through a French pressure cell. Acrosin was purified by using gel filtration, chromatofocusing, and affinity chromatography. Based on amidase activity, a 19-fold purification was obtained with a 28% recovery. Native electrophoresis resolved two major protein bands with proteolytic activity. The methods described afford the procurement of milligram amounts of chicken acrosin.
A numerical model for wind-borne compact debris trajectory estimation: Part 1 - Probabilistic analysis of trajectory in the proximity of tall buildings

Abstract This paper describes the development of a numerical algorithm for investigating the probability of wind-borne compact debris, impacting on the vertical facade of tall buildings. A uniform wind field with constant velocity was employed; turbulence effects were neglected. The trajectory of compact debris was estimated by solving the three-dimensional (3D) equations of motion of the object, immersed in uniform wind field; simulation results were compared to experimental data, derived from literature. Random parameters were selected to estimate the trajectory and to derive “Iso-probability Impact Contours”, using Monte Carlo simulation. These contours describe the probability associated with “randomly flying” debris, as they impact against a cladding on the vertical facade, conditional on the initial position of the object relative to the structure. These contours were developed for two different cases, “Quasi-2D” and “Fully 3D”, to account for wind directionality. Moreover, a “Universal Probability Curve”, describing the probability of impact for compact objects against the facade of a benchmark tall building, was developed in two-dimensional (2D). It was proven that this curve is universal and can be used independently of wind velocity.
Testing Contrarian Strategies in the National Football League

There is evidence that stock market investors overreact to stocks that have been identified as winners and losers. This article examines whether contrarian strategies of selling (betting against) winners and buying (betting on) losers are successful in the gambling market for professional football. Contrary to the stock market, National Football League betting is found to be highly efficient. Because risk is constant for all football wagers, results support the argument that abnormal returns paid to contrarian stock market investors may be attributed to the higher risk incurred.
A caspase cleavage fragment of p115 induces fragmentation of the Golgi apparatus and apoptosis

In mammalian cells, the Golgi apparatus undergoes extensive fragmentation during apoptosis. p115 is a key vesicle tethering protein required for maintaining the structural organization of the Golgi apparatus. Here, we demonstrate that p115 was cleaved during apoptosis by caspases 3 and 8. Compared with control cells expressing native p115, those expressing a cleavage-resistant form of p115 delayed Golgi fragmentation during apoptosis. Expression of cDNAs encoding full-length or an NH2-terminal caspase cleavage fragment of p115 had no effect on Golgi morphology. In contrast, expression of the COOH-terminal caspase cleavage product of p115 itself caused Golgi fragmentation. Furthermore, this fragment translocated to the nucleus and its expression was sufficient to induce apoptosis. Most significantly, in vivo expression of the COOH-terminal fragment in the presence of caspase inhibitors, or upon coexpression with a cleavage-resistant mutant of p115, showed that p115 degradation plays a key role in amplifying the apoptotic response independently of Golgi fragmentation.
Memantine improves buprenorphine/naloxone treatment for opioid dependent young adults.

Abstract Background Opioid use disorders are considered a serious public health problem among young adults. Current treatment is limited to long-term opioid substitution therapy, with high relapse rates after discontinuation. This study evaluated the co-administration of memantine to brief buprenorphine pharmacotherapy as a treatment alternative. Methods 13-week double-blind placebo-controlled trial evaluating 80 young adult opioid dependent participants treated with buprenorphine/naloxone 16–4 mg/day and randomized to memantine (15 mg or 30 mg) or placebo. Primary outcomes were a change in the weekly mean proportion of opioid use, and cumulative abstinence rates after rapid buprenorphine discontinuation on week 9. Results Treatment retention was not significantly different between groups. The memantine 30 mg group was significantly less likely to relapse and to use opioids after buprenorphine discontinuation. Among participants abstinent on week 8, those in the memantine 30 mg group (81.9%) were significantly less likely to relapse after buprenorphine was discontinued compared to the placebo group (30%) ( p p Conclusions Memantine 30 mg significantly improved short-term treatment with buprenorphine/naloxone for opioid dependent young adults by reducing relapse and opioid use after buprenorphine discontinuation. Combined short-term treatment with buprenorphine/naloxone may be an effective alternative treatment to long-term methadone or buprenorphine maintenance in young adults.
Effects of environmental change on emerging parasitic diseases.

Ecological disturbances exert an influence on the emergence and proliferation of malaria and zoonotic parasitic diseases, including, Leishmaniasis, cryptosporidiosis, giardiasis, trypanosomiasis, schistosomiasis, filariasis, onchocerciasis, and loiasis. Each environmental change, whether occurring as a natural phenomenon or through human intervention, changes the ecological balance and context within which disease hosts or vectors and parasites breed, develop, and transmit disease. Each species occupies a particular ecological niche and vector species sub-populations are distinct behaviourally and genetically as they adapt to man-made environments. Most zoonotic parasites display three distinct life cycles: sylvatic, zoonotic, and anthroponotic. In adapting to changed environmental conditions, including reduced nonhuman population and increased human population, some vectors display conversion from a primarily zoophyllic to primarily anthrophyllic orientation. Deforestation and ensuing changes in landuse, human settlement, commercial development, road construction, water control systems (dams, canals, irrigation systems, reservoirs), and climate, singly, and in combination have been accompanied by global increases in morbidity and mortality from emergent parasitic disease. The replacement of forests with crop farming, ranching, and raising small animals can create supportive habitats for parasites and their host vectors. When the landuse of deforested areas changes, the pattern of human settlement is altered and habitat fragmentation may provide opportunities for exchange and transmission of parasites to the heretofore uninfected humans. Construction of water control projects can lead to shifts in such vector populations as snails and mosquitoes and their parasites. Construction of roads in previously inaccessible forested areas can lead to erosion, and stagnant ponds by blocking the flow of streams when the water rises during the rainy season. The combined effects of environmentally detrimental changes in local landuse and alterations in global climate disrupt the natural ecosystem and can increase the risk of transmission of parasitic diseases to the human population. q 2000 Australian Society for Parasitology Inc. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Separating the determinants of phylogenetic community structure

The role of competition in forbidding similar species from co-occurring has long been debated. A difficulty in identifying this repulsion of similar species is that similar species share similar environmental requirements and hence show an attraction to communities where these requirements are met. To disentangle these opposing patterns, we use phylogenetic relatedness as an objective metric of species similarities. Studying 11 sunfishes (Centrarchidae) from 890 lakes, we first show no phylogenetic pattern in the raw community data. We then regressed sunfish presence/absence against seven environmental variables and show that lakes with similar water clarity and latitude likely contain closely related species. After statistically removing the environmental effects, phylogenetic repulsion was apparent, with closely related sunfishes less likely to co-occur. Thus, both phylogenetic attraction, driven by environmental filtering, and phylogenetic repulsion, possibly caused by competition, simultaneously occur and obscure one another in the overall phylogenetic structure of sunfish communities.
Measurement of the Frequency Correlation Function of Fading Channels Using AM Stations as Signal Sources

Measurements of the statistical characteristics of a proposed HF channel are usually required before such a channel is designed. These measurements require an elaborate test setup with test transmitters at the proposed transmitting sites. This work is therefore both time consuming and expensive, particularly when alternative locations are considered. This paper describes a method which allows the signals radiated from an AM transmitter to be used for determination of the frequency correlation function for the channel. The method is based on the fact that the frequency functions of the upper sideband (USB) and lower sideband (LSB) of an AM signal are complex conjugates. The received signal is filtered into its USB, carrier, and LSB components. The USB and LSB signals are synchronously demodulated. Since the two signals are transmitted on different frequencies, they can be used for frequency correlation determinations. The modulating signal can, in most cases, be considered as random noise. Its effects are removed by normalization.
Sea ice convergence along the Arctic coasts of Greenland and the Canadian Arctic Archipelago: Variability and extremes (1992–2014)

After the summer of 2013, a convergence-induced tail in the thickness distribution of the ice cover is found along the Arctic coasts of Greenland and Canadian Arctic Archipelago. Prompted by this, a normalized ice convergence index (ICI) is introduced to examine the variability and extremes in convergence in a 23 year record (1992–2014) of monthly ice drift. Large-scale composites of circulation patterns, characteristic of regional convergence and divergence, are examined. Indeed, the ICI shows the June 2013 convergence event to be an extreme (i.e., ICI > 2). Furthermore, there is a cluster of 9 months over a 17 month period with positive ICIs (i.e., >1) following the record summer minimum ice extent (SMIE) in 2012; the imprint of ice dynamics from this cluster of positive ICIs likely contributed to higher SMIEs in 2013 and 2014. The impact of convergence on SMIE is discussed, and the increase in Arctic ice volume in 2013 is underscored.
Air quality and radiative forcing impacts of anthropogenic volatile organic compound emissions from ten world regions

Abstract. Non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs) influence air quality and global climate change through their effects on secondary air pollutants and climate forcers. Here we simulate the air quality and radiative forcing (RF) impacts of changes in ozone, methane, and sulfate from halving anthropogenic NMVOC emissions globally and from 10 regions individually, using a global chemical transport model and a standalone radiative transfer model. Halving global NMVOC emissions decreases global annual average tropospheric methane and ozone by 36.6 ppbv and 3.3 Tg, respectively, and surface ozone by 0.67 ppbv. All regional reductions slow the production of peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN), resulting in regional to intercontinental PAN decreases and regional NOx increases. These NOx increases drive tropospheric ozone increases nearby or downwind of source regions in the Southern Hemisphere (South America, Southeast Asia, Africa, and Australia). Some regions' NMVOC emissions contribute importantly to air pollution in other regions, such as East Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, whose impact on US surface ozone is 43%, 34%, and 34% of North America's impact. Global and regional NMVOC reductions produce widespread negative net RFs (cooling) across both hemispheres from tropospheric ozone and methane decreases, and regional warming and cooling from changes in tropospheric ozone and sulfate (via several oxidation pathways). The 100 yr and 20 yr global warming potentials (GWP100, GWP20) are 2.36 and 5.83 for the global reduction, and 0.079 to 6.05 and −1.13 to 18.9 among the 10 regions. The NMVOC RF and GWP estimates are generally lower than previously modeled estimates, due to the greater NMVOC/NOx emissions ratios simulated, which result in less sensitivity to NMVOC emissions changes and smaller global O3 burden responses, in addition to differences in the representation of NMVOCs and oxidation chemistry among models. Accounting for a fuller set of RF contributions may change the relative magnitude of each region's impacts. The large variability in the RF and GWP of NMVOCs among regions suggest that regionally specific metrics may be necessary to include NMVOCs in multi-gas climate trading schemes.
Rahnella aquatilis, a bacterium isolated from soybean rhizosphere, can solubilize hydroxyapatite

A diazotropic bacterium, ISL19, has been isolated from soybean rhizosphere. ISL19 grows well at 30°C and utilizes diverse carbon sources for its growth. This Gram-negative bacterium is rod-shaped, is about 2–3 μm in size and contains several flagella. On the basis of its cellular fatty acid profile, its carbon utilization pattern, and the nucleotide sequence of a conserved segment of a 16S rRNA gene, ISL19 has been identified as Rahnella aquatilis. This bacterium exhibited a strong ability to solubilize hydroxyapatite and dicalcium phosphate in the external culture medium. The solubilization of hydroxyapatite was associated with a drop in the pH of the culture medium. The change in the pH value showed an inverse correlation with the soluble phosphorus concentration. Analysis of the culture medium by high pressure liquid chromatography identified gluconic acid as the main organic acid released by R. aquatilis.
A Song for My Supper: More Tales of the Field

This essay tries to be true to a podium talk I presented at a conference in March, 2008. But, of necessity, certain consolidation liberties are taken. Beginning with a brief and broad treatment of ...
On the Coordinated Random Group Replacement Policy in Multivariate Repairable Systems

We study a system with multiple components and preventive maintenance. At predetermined times, some of the components are replaced with new ones. We permit the set of components that are chosen for replacement to be random and study the effect of dependency in this selection. For example, we show that it is often better to have simultaneous replacements of components, rather than replacing each component independently of the others. We also show that preventive maintenance only makes sense for components whose lifetimes are new-better-than-used (NBU).
A PROCEDURE FOR THE SIMPLIFICATION AND ASSESSMENT OF LAB PARAMETERS IN CLINICAL TRIALS

The article introduces two concepts which simplify the display and interpretation of lab data monitoring. The two concepts are: (1) a normalization (or standardization) of each lab value so that it can be interpreted without reference to its normal range and (2) a multivariate scoring system that combines lab parameters into functionally related groups. The technique is demonstrated with real clinical data. Several functional group scores are evaluated and a Global Score produced for individual patients at each time point. The Global Score, viewed over the course of therapy, presents a concise review of drug safety (or toxicity) for each patient and for the study as a whole. Examples will illustrate that the global score can be used as “a safety measure.”
Tensile and Compressive Notched Strength of PEEK Matrix Composite Laminates

Some quasi-isotropic and orthotropic laminates of the XAS/APC-1 and AS4/APC-2 material systems containing a circular opening or a slanted crack have been tested under tensile and compressive load. ...
Genetic Control of Floral Morph in Tristylous Pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata L.)

Pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata L.) is a diploid (2n = 2x = 16) tristylous aquatic perennial. Populations usually contain 3 floral morphs that differ reciprocally in style length and anther height (referred to as the long-, mid-, and short-styled morphs, hereafter L-, M-, and S-morphs). The floral polymorphism promotes disassortative mating among the 3 floral morphs and is maintained in populations by negative frequency-dependent selection. The objective of this study was to determine the number of loci, number of alleles, and gene action controlling floral morph in pickerelweed. Three parental lines (one each of the L-, M-, and S-morph) were used to create S 1 and F 1 populations. F 2 populations were produced through self-pollination of F 1 plants. Progeny ratios of S 1 , F 1 , and F 2 generations revealed that tristyly is controlled by 2 diallelic loci (S and M) with dominant gene action. The S locus is epistatic to the M locus, with the S-morph produced by plants with the dominant S allele (genotype S _ _ _). Plants with recessive alleles at the S locus were either L-morph (ssmm) or M-morph (ssM_). The results of this experiment demonstrate that the inheritance of tristyly in pickerelweed is the same as previously reported for several tristylous species in the Lythraceae and Oxalidaceae.