cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Immunodeficiency: when T cells are stuck at home

A flurry of studies has suggested the importance of the actin regulator coronin 1A in lymphocyte development. Now, mutants of this regulator are shown to cause immunodeficiency in both mice and humans.
Paleontology at the high table

In the 1970s, a group of ‘Young Turks’ laid out a new agenda for paleontology, with the deliberate aim of bringing it squarely within the frame of evolutionary biology. In this they were building on the pioneering work of their predecessors – Simpson, Newell and others, but there is no denying that their efforts resulted in a new research program and community that thrives to this day. Their success was confirmed when, in 1984, John Maynard Smith welcomed paleontologists back to the ‘high table’ of evolutionary biology.
Impact of 24‐hr in‐hospital interventional cardiology team on timeliness of reperfusion for ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction

Objective: We studied the effect of 24 hr a day, 7 days a week interventional cardiology staff on door-to-balloon (D2B) time and mortality in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Background: Any delay in PPCI in acute STEMI is associated with higher mortality and, therefore, time to treatment should be as short as possible. Despite the use of several strategies, goal D2B time of <90 min remains elusive. Methods: The study examined 790 consecutive STEMI patients treated with PPCI as the reperfusion therapy of choice. Patients were grouped into a pre-24×7 and post-24×7 cohort to study the impact of the new protocol on D2B time and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and mortality. Results: Median D2B time decreased from 99 min in the pre-24×7 group to 55 min in the post-24×7 group (P = 0.001) and was not influenced by time of day or day of week. Adjusted for patient and clinical characteristics, the pre-24×7 group had increased in-hospital cardiovascular mortality (odds ratio 1.94, 95% confidence interval 0.95–3.94; P = 0.048) and MACE (odds ratio 1.66, 95% confidence interval 1.10–2.49; P = 0.009) compared with the post-24×7 group. Prolonged D2B time was also associated with higher 1-year overall mortality in the pre-24×7 group compared with the post-24×7 group (12.8% vs. 8.1%; hazard ratio 1.17, 95% confidence interval 1.04–2.66; P = 0.044). Conclusions: Round-the-clock, in-hospital interventional cardiology team consistently and significantly reduces D2B time, in-hospital cardiovascular mortality, MACE, and 1-year mortality in patients with STEMI. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Transport and metabolism of 2-deoxy-D-glucose by Rhodotorula glutinis.

Abstract 2-Deoxy- d -glucose transport by Rhodotorula glutinis is an active process. The intracellular concentration of free deoxyglucose after 15 min incubation of Rhodotorula cells with this sugar was 230 times the extracellular concentration. Although cell extracts at this time contained more 2-deoxy- d -glucose 6-phosphate than deoxyglucose, pulse-labelling experiments demonstrated that deoxyglucose is transported as the free sugar and subsequently phosphorylated. After transport, Rhodotorula cells metabolize deoxyglucose. The major metabolites during 30–90 min incubations were determined to be 2-deoxy- d -glucose 6-phosphate, 2-deoxy- d -glucitol, 2-deoxy- d -gluconate and 2,2′-dideoxy-α,α′-trehalose. Rhodotorula glutinis also degrades deoxyglucose to CO 2 . The concentrations of intermediates in this pathway were too low to detect and resolve in extracts of control cells. In 2,4-dinitrophenol-poisoned cells, however, it appears that deoxyglucose degradation is restricted largely to loss of C-1 as CO 2 and it was possible to identify 1-deoxy- d -ribulose 5-phosphate as an intermediate presumably arising from metabolism of deoxyglucose by the oxidative portion of the hexose monophosphate pathway.
Fixed abrasive grinding of CVD SiC mirrors

Abstract A strategy for machining ceramic (silicon carbide) mirrors is described. By taking advantage of the relative ductility of ceramics compared with that of glass, it is shown that fixed-abrasive, ultraprecision grinding is a viable fabrication process for high-performance aspheric mirrors. Also, it is shown that ductile grinding of ceramic substrates can produce optical quality surfaces, particularly in infrared applications. Laboratory-scale ductile-regime grinding of chemically vapor deposited silicon carbide is described, as is a scale-up of the technology to a commercially available ultraprecision machine tool that has been retrofitted for grinding aspheric ceramic components.
Voltammetric Characterization of Soluble Polyacetylene Derivatives Obtained from the Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization (ROMP) of Substituted Cyclooctatetraenes

Abstract : High molecular weight, amorphous, partially substituted polyacetylenes (poly-RCOT) have been prepared using the ring-opening metathesis polymerization of substituted cyclooctetraenes. Spin-cast films of these polymers yielded unusually sharp, well-defined reversible electrochemistry for oxidative and reductive doping processes. As the substituent on the polymer chain was varied (R = alkyl, tert-butoxy, trimethylsilyl, and p-X-phenyl), the potentials for oxidative and reductive doping changed by 0.3 V. In addition, the separation between the oxidative and reductive doping processes varied from 1.66 V to > 2.0 V. Coulometry suggested that the reversible doping step represented a transfer of 1 electron for every 13-15 double bonds of the polymer. In contrast, the electrochemistry of predominantly- cis poly-RCOT films was irreversible, and indicated the presence of an electrochemical cis-trans isomerization on the first voltammetric sweep through either reductive or oxidative doping. Spectroelectrochemical studies indicated that the electrochemically doped poly- RCOT materials R=sec-butyl, (CH3)3Si) possessed mid-gap transitions at energies of 0.8-0.9 eV. The redox chemistry of the soluble, poly-RCOT (R=sec-butyl, (CH3) 3Si) species in CH2Cl2 solution was also investigated. Voltammetric studies showed that both the reductive and oxidative doping processes were chemically irreversible, and indicated that the dissolved polymers were electroactive over a wide range of potentials.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging-based Multiparametric Systolic Strain Analysis and Regional Contractile Heterogeneity in Patients With Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Background Myocardial systolic strain patterns in dilated cardiomyopathy are considered non-homogeneous but have not been investigated with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based multiparametric systolic strain analysis. Left ventricular (LV) 3-dimensional (3D) multiparametric systolic strain analysis is sensitive to regional contractility and is generated from sequential MRI of tissue-tagging gridline-point displacements. Methods Sixty normal human volunteers underwent MRI-based 3D systolic strain analysis to supply normal average and standard deviation values for each of three strain parameters at each of 15,300 individual LV grid-points. Patient-specific multiparametric systolic strain data from each dilated cardiomyopathy patient (n = 10) were then subjected to a point-by-point comparison (n = 15,300 LV points) to the normal strain database for three individual strain components (45,900 database comparisons per patient). The resulting composite multiparametric Z-score values (standard deviation from normal average) were color contour mapped over patient-specific 3D LV geometry to detect the normalized regional contractile patterns associated with dilated cardiomyopathy. Results Average multiparametric strain Z-score values varied significantly according to ventricular level (p = 0.001) and region (p = 0.003). Apical Z-scores were significantly less than those in both the base (p = 0.037) and mid-ventricle (p = 0.002), whereas anterolateral wall Z-scores were less than those in the anteroseptal (p = 0.023) and posteroseptal walls (p = 0.028). Conclusions MRI-based multiparametric systolic strain analysis suggests that myocardial systolic strain in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy has a heterogeneous regional distribution and, on average, falls almost 2 standard deviations from normal.
Familial cutaneous collagenoma: genetic studies on a family.

SUMMARY Familial cutaneous collagenoma is an inherited condition characterized by the presence of multiple dermal nodules symmetrically distributed on the trunk and upper arms. In this study, six patients, the proband, his four siblings and a niece, representing a kindred of fifty-two subjects, were examined for aymptomatic cutaneous nodules mainly on the back and chest. The individual lesions varying from a few millimetres to several centimetres in size, were indurated, and showed minimal epidermal changes. Histologically, the nodules were characterized by an excessive accumulation of dense, coarse collagen fibres in the dermis. The elastic fibres appeared diminished in number, and in some areas they were abnormally thin and fragmented. The lesions, therefore, were connective tissue naevi of the collagen type. On the basis of the family history and histological observations the patients were diagnosed as having familial cutaneous collagenoma. Examination of the family pedigree indicated that the dermal nodules in familial cutaneous collagenoma were inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. It was also observed that the lesions had an onset at the age of 15 to 19 years, and their number increased significantly during pregnancy. It is conceivable that familial cutaneous collagenoma is an inherited condition whose expression may be under a hormonal control.
Detoxification of biomass hydrolysates by reactive membrane extraction

Abstract Economical conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into biofuels is essential to reduce the world's dependence on fossil fuels. The typical biochemical process for biomass conversion includes a thermochemical pretreatment step to improve enzymatic cellulose hydrolysis and to release hemicellulosic sugars from the polymer matrix. However compounds that are toxic to microorganisms in subsequent fermentation steps may also be released. This work investigates the use of membrane extraction to detoxify or remove these toxic compounds from corn stover hydrolysates pretreated using dilute sulphuric acid. Extraction of sulphuric, acetic, formic and levulinic acid as well as 5-hydroxymethylfurfural and furfural has been investigated. Octanol and oelyl alcohol were used as organic phase solvents. Alamine 336 was used as the aliphatic amine extractant. Reactive extraction of sulphuric, acetic, formic and levulinc acid was observed while 5-hydroxymethylfurfural and furfural were extracted due to their distribution in the organic solvent. Significant removal of all toxic compounds investigated was obtained as well an increase in pH from 1.0 to 5.0. As small quantities of the organic phase transferred into the hydrolysate during extraction, the toxicity of the organic phase must be considered. As it is likely that detoxification will require the use of another unit operation in combination with membrane extraction, the economical viability of the combined process must be considered.
Implications of conjugal role segregation for extrafamilial relationships: A network model

The present paper derives an intrafamily interaction network from the conjugal role segregation and examines the consequences of the density of interaction and of the individual positions in the network for the external relationships of the family. It is shown that the less cohesive interaction network within the family with the segregated conjugal roles leads to the extensive involvement in extrafamilial relationships and that the position of mother/wife as a liaison person within the family results in the pivotal position of women in maintaining extrafamilial kinship.
On the Capacity of Single-Hop Slotted ALOHA Networks for Various Traffic Matrices and Transmission Strategies

In this paper we formulate a general model of the capacity of single-hop slotted ALOHA networks. We find that the capacity can be expressed as a function of the nodal degree (i.e., number of nodes within range of a transmitter). We than evaluate this model for various traffic matrices. In order to satisfy the requirements of a given traffic matrix, the transmission power is selected accordingly and this determines the degree of the nodes and, hence, the network performance. Finally we compare our results to simulation studies.
EFFECT OF AMYGDALOID LESIONS ON AVOIDANCE BEHAVIOR AND VISUAL DISCRIMINATION IN CATS.

Abstract Twenty-six cats with small bilateral lesions in various parts of the amygdaloid complex were studied behaviorally in active-avoidance, passive-avoidance and visual-discrimination tests. The acquisition of an active-avoidance response is impaired following lesions in the rostral part of the lateral nucleus as well as by lesions in an area containing the ventral amygdalofugal fibers which project from this part of the amygdaloid complex. This area has been identified as a “flight zone” in previous stimulation and ablation experiments. Passive avoidance, by contrast, is impaired when lesions encroach upon the medial nucleus or the stria terminalis, or both. No impairment in visual discrimination was found in any of the lesioned animals.
The spatial structure of turbulence at production wavenumbers using orthonormal wavelets

Orthonormal wavelet expansions are applied to surface-layer measurements of vertical wind speed under various atmospheric, stability conditions. The orthonormal wavelet transform allows for the unfolding of these measurements into space and scale simultaneously to reveal the large intermittent behavior in space for the turbulent production wavenumbers. Both Fourier and wavelet power spectra indicated the existence of a −1 power law for the vertical velocity measurements at the production wavenumbers. The −1 power law in the turbulent production range was derived from surface-layer similarity theory. A dimensionless skewness, structure function is applied to the wavelet decomposed vertical velocity field to trace the destruction of the shear-or buoyancy-induced anisotropy under various stability conditions. The structure skewness function revealed shear- or buoyancy-induced eddy asymmetry dependence on stability at each scale within the −1 power-law wavenumber range with more isotropy during propagation from smaller to larger wavenumbers. The asymmetry of these events at the turbulent production wavenumbers appeared very localized in space, as well as in scale, and could be described with a simple eddy-overturning model. It is demonstrated that the wavelet transform is suitable for such analysis.
Auditory Cortical Activity During Cochlear Implant-Mediated Perception of Spoken Language, Melody, and Rhythm

Despite the significant advances in language perception for cochlear implant (CI) recipients, music perception continues to be a major challenge for implant-mediated listening. Our understanding of the neural mechanisms that underlie successful implant listening remains limited. To our knowledge, this study represents the first neuroimaging investigation of music perception in CI users, with the hypothesis that CI subjects would demonstrate greater auditory cortical activation than normal hearing controls. H215O positron emission tomography (PET) was used here to assess auditory cortical activation patterns in ten postlingually deafened CI patients and ten normal hearing control subjects. Subjects were presented with language, melody, and rhythm tasks during scanning. Our results show significant auditory cortical activation in implant subjects in comparison to control subjects for language, melody, and rhythm. The greatest activity in CI users compared to controls was seen for language tasks, which is thought to reflect both implant and neural specializations for language processing. For musical stimuli, PET scanning revealed significantly greater activation during rhythm perception in CI subjects (compared to control subjects), and the least activation during melody perception, which was the most difficult task for CI users. These results may suggest a possible relationship between auditory performance and degree of auditory cortical activation in implant recipients that deserves further study.
Bloodmeal, livestock feed and investment opportunities in Nigeria and elsewhere

Abstract Nigeria's livestock industry is presently facing feed problems arising from inadequate feed ingredients, particularly bloodmeal. However, large quantities of animal blood are currently being wasted in abattoirs throughout the country. Apart from the environmental problems and health hazards this creates, it is an economic waste as the blood could be used to produce the needed bloodmeal at a very low cost. This paper shows the level of profitability of investment opportunities in bloodmeal to be very high in Nigeria. Other developing countries can adopt this strategy not only for the development of their livestock industry but also as a way of substituting for imports as well as increasing their export base through the use of biological wastes.
Cellulose synthesis: Cloning in silico

Cellulose is a major component of plant cell walls, but identification of the enzymes that synthesize it has proven difficult. Now, however, several candidate proteins with sequence homology to bacterial cellulose synthases have been identified by partial sequencing of anonymous cDNA clones from cotton fibers.
Effects of color and odor on judgments of sweetness among children and adults

Abstract Judgments in one sensory modality or dimension are often affected by information in other sensory dimensions even if they do not physically or physiologically interact. Examples of such psychological contextual effects are the enhancing effects of color and odor on judgments of sweetness. Children might be expected to be more influenced by irrelevant dimensions and thus might show increased context effects when asked about specific attributes. Two experiments investigated the effect of color change in a fruit beverage on sweetness judgements and the effects of an added aromatic flavor (vanilla) on judgments of sweetness, creaminess and liking of milk. Three groups of American children were tested, in age groups of 5 to 7, 8 to 10 and 11 to 14-years-old, and their responses and contextual effects were compared to those of adults. The strongest and most consistent effect across age groups was the enhancement of rated sweetness by added vanilla flavor in milk. Children did not show the expected effect of darker red colors raising sweetness judgments in the fruit beverage, and the 11 to 14-year-old group showed a trend in the opposite direction from adults (lighter red color judged as sweeter). The concept of sweetness may be more strongly associated to sweet aroma characteristics at an early age than to specific colors. The differences between adults and the 11 to 14-year-old group could arise from a number of sources, including product experiences, developmental and/ or cohort effects, and are worthy of further study.
The quintuple product identity and shifted partition functions

Abstract The purpose of this paper is two-fold. First, a new proof of the Quintuple Product Identity is given. Next, the method of this proof is used to establish certain shifted partition identities extending earlier results that the author had obtained by analyzing the Gollnitz-Gordon and Rogers-Ramanujan identities.
Volunteering in the United States in the Aftermath of the Foreclosure Crisis

When crises hit communities, some expect a withdrawal from community involvement while others predict the disaster will inspire more volunteers to help. Case studies and anecdotal reports in the media suggest that the pro-social response predominates, but this has not been demonstrated scientifically. We analyze data from 120 U.S. metropolitan areas (2007-2009) to assess the association between the recent housing crisis on volunteering. Although foreclosures increased in most areas, the crisis hit some cities harder than others. Using fixed-effects models, we find that cities experiencing increases in foreclosures exhibited increases in volunteering rates. Furthermore, we observe that volunteering among homeowners increased in response to the foreclosures, but the rate for renters was unaffected. We conclude that residents of communities afflicted by the economic crisis respond in a pro-social manner, but this response tends to occur among residents of communities most affected by the crisis or most likel...
Proteasome inhibition induces both pro- and anti-cell death pathways in prostate cancer cells

The proteasome-mediated protein degradation is critical for regulation of a variety of cellular processes, including cell cycle, cell death, differentiation and immune response. Proteasome inhibitors have recently been shown to be potent anti-cancer agents against a variety of cancer cells. Our study demonstrated that proteasome inhibitor MG132 (carbobenzoxy-L-leucyle-L-leucyl-L-leucinal) was a potent death-inducing agent for PC3 prostate cancer cells. MG132-induced cell death was partially inhibited by pan-caspase inhibitor zAVD-fmk and translational inhibitor cycloheximide. To understand the signaling pathways of proteasome inhibitor-induced cell death, we performed gene profiling study using Affymetrix human DNA microarrays to identify the genes whose expression was affected by proteasome inhibitor MG132 in PC3 cells. The genes with more than threefold increased expression induced by MG132 were functionally categorized into the following groups: heat shock and chaperone proteins, ubiquitination and protein degradation, transcription/translation factors, cell death and cell cycle arrest, signaling molecules and enzymes, and secreted cytokines. Among them, heat shock proteins and anti-oxidant enzymes may promote cell survival, while pro-death proteins such as GADD45B and STK17a may promote cell death. Interestingly, expression of a few autophagic genes was elevated by MG132 treatment. Furthermore, autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine partially inhibited MG132-induced cell death, indicating that autophagic cell death may contribute to MG132-induced cell death. Taken together, our results demonstrated that proteasome inhibition elicits activation of multiple signaling pathways in prostate cancer cells.
Respiratory responses to chemical activation of left ventricular receptors.

Abstract Respiratory responses to chemical activation of receptors in the left ventricle were measured in anesthetized cats. Application of capsaicin (10 μg) or bradykinin (500 ng) to the serosal surface of the left ventricle caused increases in phrenic nerve activity and in arterial pressyre. These responses persisted after cervical vagotomy and after bilateral transection of the carotid sinus nerves. Bilateral stellate ganglionectomy abolished the respiratory responses to capsaicin and bradykinin. In addition, stellate ganglionectomy prevented the arterial pressure response to bradykinin; however, a slight increase in arterial pressure occurred with application of capsaicin. It is concluded that activation of sympathetic afferents orginating in the left ventricle caused an increase in respiratory output.
Solvent extraction of scandium, yttrium and lanthanum by the monoalkyl orthophosphoric acids

The extraction of scandium(III), yttrium(III), and lanthanum(III) into an amyl alcohol solution containing the mono(n-alkyl) orthophosphoric acid, H/sub 2/RPO/sub 4/, from an aqueous HNO/sub 3/ solution was investigated. The variation of the distribution of these elements with the concentration of both HNO/sub 3/ and H/sub 2/RPO/sub 4/ indicated that the complexes, tentatively identified as Sc(HRPO/sub 4/)/sub 3/, HYb(HRPO/sub 4/)/sub 4/, and phosphoric acids were synthesized by first preparing the alkyl dichloro phosphate from the normal alcohol and phosphorus (V) oxychloride. This was hydrolyzed to the corresponding H/sub 2/RPO/sub 4/. (auth)
The assortment problem with dynamic deterministic demands and stationary stocking-substitution policies

We consider multi-period one-dimension assortment problems in which demands for all sizes meet the conditions for a dynamic demand economic lot size problem, the same set of sizes are stocked and the same substitution rules are followed in all periods (stationary stocking-substitution policies), and substitution costs have a 'scrap' component and, possibly, either unit-dependent or unit-independent fixed costs. We develop the form of an optimal solution for certain assumptions about the nature of the cost functions and for the relationships among demand patterns for the different sizes. Solution algorithms are developed for both segmented and quasi-segmented stocking-substitution policies and computation-reduction results are developed.
A Comparison of Bank and Loan NOW Account Customers

On 1 January 1981, banks and savings and loans in the United States started to compete nationwide for chequing account deposits. Prior to this date, in areas outside the New England region, banks and credit unions were the only institutions allowed to offer transaction accounts. A study carried out to compare the relative competitive advantages of banks and savings and loans institutions is reported.
Microfluidic integrated optoelectronic tweezers for single-cell preparation and analysis

We report a novel microfluidic integrated optoelectronic tweezers (OET) platform for single-cell sample preparation and analysis. Integration of OET and microfluidics is achieved by embedding single-wall carbon nanotube (SWNT) electrodes into multilayer PDMS structures. This integrated platform allows users to selectively pick up individual cells from a population with light beams based on their optical signatures such as size, shape, and fluorescence, and transport them into isolated chambers using light induced dielectrophoretic forces. Isolated cells can be encapsulated into nanoliter liquid plugs and transported out of the platform for downstream molecule analysis using standard commercial instruments.
Fast maximum-likelihood image-restoration algorithms for three- dimensional fluorescence microscopy

We have evaluated three constrained, iterative restoration algorithms to find a fast, reliable algorithm for maximum-likelihood estimation of fluorescence microscopic images. Two algorithms used a Gaussian approximation to Poisson statistics, with variances computed assuming Poisson noise for the images. The third method used Csiszar’s information-divergence (I-divergence) discrepancy measure. Each method included a nonnegativity constraint and a penalty term for regularization; optimization was performed with a conjugate gradient method. Performance of the methods was analyzed with simulated as well as biological images and the results compared with those obtained with the expectation-maximization–maximum-likelihood (EM-ML) algorithm. The I-divergence-based algorithm converged fastest and produced images similar to those restored by EM-ML as measured by several metrics. For a noiseless simulated specimen, the number of iterations required for the EM-ML method to reach a given log-likelihood value was approximately the square of the number required for the I-divergence-based method to reach the same value.
Bass's first stable range condition

Let R be an associative ring with unit. Bass’s lowest (the first) stable range condition [l] asserts the following: if a and b in R satisfy Ra + R& = R, then there exists C in R with a + tb left invertible (that is, R(a + tb) = R; Theorem 2.6 below says that the requirement that a + tb be a unit is not really stronger). More exactly, this is the ‘left’ version of the condition, and there is a symmetric ‘right’ version; but the two versions are in fact equivalent (see Theorem 2.1 below). For brevity, we call a ring satisfying the condition a B-ring. The expression ‘stable range (or rank) of R is l’, or ‘w(R) s I’, or ‘a ring of stable range 1’ is used for this in [19] and other places. In this note known results are collected and a little information is added on Brings. We do not introduce here Bass’s higher stable range conditions (see [I, 3, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16-20, 221) which follow from the first one by [19, Theorem 11, or nonassociative B-rings (see [4, 51, where ‘ring of stable range 2’ means a ring satisfying the first stable range condition). A nice geometric characterization of B-rings is given in [21]. The note was inspired by (and called after) an old unpublished paper by I. Kaplansky which contains Theorems 2.4, 2.6, 2.8, and 5.3, so I dedicate it to him. I thank him for permition to publish his results and pointing out the paper [6] (which contains Theorems 2.2, 2.7, and the equivalence of 5.3(a) with 5.3(d); a ring has ‘substitution property’ in the sense of [6] if and only if it is a B-ring), R. Herman for discussions of the stable range of P-algebras, and a referee for suggestions.
Pairing tests to determine mating compatibility in Phellinus weirii

Pairings of single-spore (Douglas-fir and western redcedar) isolates of Phellinus weirii from the same basidiocarp produce a wide variety of reactions, from formation of darkly pigmented barrage lines to no visible change in morphology. In contrast, pairings of single-spore isolates from different basidiocarps result in little or no line formation while heterokaryon-homokaryon (vegetative × single-spore isolate) pairings result in strong barrage line formation. Mating compatibility of any single-spore isolates may thus be determined by pairing the isolates, then back-pairing the interacted mycelium with a homokaryon from a different basidiocarp. If the initial pairing was compatible, a strong barrage line appears in the back-pairing. If the initial pairing was incompatible, no line appears. Using this method, it was determined that the genetic system governing mating compatibility in P. weirii is bipolar (governed by a single gene locus) and multiallelic.
Reasons in Action

AbstractWhen an agent performs an action because she takes something as a reason to do so, does she take it as a normative reason for the action or as an explanatory reason? In Reasons Without Rationalism, Setiya criticizes the normative view and advances a version of the explanatory view. I defend a version of the normative view against Setiya's criticisms and show that Setiya's explanatory account has two major flaws: it raises questions that it cannot answer about the occurrence of one motivational ‘because’ within the scope of another; and it cannot accommodate the fact that, if an agent can φ for the reason that p, then she could take p as a reason to φ without φ-ing.
Freeze-fracture analysis of isolated liver mitochondria in different metabolic states

Isolated liver mitochondria were crosslinked with glutaraldehyde during different respiratory states and then analyzed either by freeze-fracturing, or in thin sections prepared according to a low denaturation embedding technique. In freeze-fractured material, large intracristal spaces were found in 86% of the mitochondria freshly isolated in a sucrose medium. These results were in good agreement with mitochondria analyzed in thin sections, in which case 88% of the mitochondria contained intracristal spaces. In freeze-fractured mitochondria, only 24% of the mitochondria crosslinked after 3 min in respiratory state 4 contained intracristal spaces, while 36% of the mitochondria contained intracristal spaces during state 3. These values compared favorably with those obtained in embedded material in which case 21 and 41% of the mitochondria contained intracristal spaces during states 3 and 4, respectively. The agreement between the observations made with the two methods demonstrated that the disappearance of intracristal spaces is independent of the embedding technique, and is not a special effect caused by dehydration in ethylene glycol.
Structure-activity relationship studies of the lipophilic tail region of sphingosine kinase 2 inhibitors.

Abstract Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is a ubiquitous, endogenous small molecule that is synthesized by two isoforms of sphingosine kinase (SphK1 and 2). Intervention of the S1P signaling pathway has attracted significant attention because alteration of S1P levels is linked to several disease states including cancer, fibrosis, and sickle cell disease. While intense investigations have focused on developing SphK1 inhibitors, only a limited number of SphK2-selective agents have been reported. Herein, we report our investigations on the structure–activity relationship studies of the lipophilic tail region of SLR080811, a SphK2-selective inhibitor. Our studies demonstrate that the internal phenyl ring is a key structural feature that is essential in the SLR080811 scaffold. Further, we show the dependence of SphK2 activity and selectivity on alkyl tail length, suggesting a larger lipid binding pocket in SphK2 compared to SphK1.
Epitaxial growth of 3C-SiC on Si(001) using hexamethyldisilane and comparison with growth on Si(111)

Abstract Growth of 3C-SiC on Si substrates has been carried out by atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition using hexamethyldisilane as the source and a H 2 /Ar gas mixture as the carrier gas. No separate carbonization step was used. Single crystalline 3C-SiC on Si(001) was grown using a two-step growth technique. For Si(001) substrates, the nucleation stage was optimum in the temperature range 1250–1300°C for a growth time of approximately 2 min. A high concentration of H 2 (12%) in the carrier gas favored epitaxial growth on these substrates. On the other hand, the optimum temperature range for the nucleation stage on Si(111) was 1150–1200°C and the optimum time for the nucleation stage was longer (∼5 min). Additionally, it was possible to achieve single crystallinity on Si(111) substrates with a lower H 2 content (8%) in the carrier gas. The second stage of growth (at higher temperature of ∼1380°C) was identical for both substrate orientations. The difference in the nucleation stage can be attributed to the lower surface free energy of the Si(111) substrate resulting in a smaller critical cluster size. Additionally, the presence of microtwins in the nucleated clusters enhances growth of the SiC(111) oriented nuclei on Si(001) substrates.
Optical Data Links – Technology for Reliability and Free Space Links

Abstract We discuss the advantages of various kinds of light modulators with respect to Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Lasers (VCSELs) in terms of potential reliability, radiation hardness, and low power consumption. We also discuss free space optical links which could use these modulators as well as MEMS mirrors and other technology which we are developing.
Induction of Tissue Factor Expression in Human Endothelial Cells by CD40 Ligand Is Mediated via Activator Protein 1, Nuclear Factor κB, and Egr-1

Induction of tissue factor expression in endothelial cells via ligation of CD40 probably figures prominently in the pathogenesis of prevalent inflammatory diseases, including atherosclerosis. However, the molecular mechanisms of tissue factor gene expression triggered by CD40 ligand (CD40L) in this cell type remain unknown. We demonstrate here that the tissue factor promoter region −278 bp to +121 bp contains the CD40L-responsive elements, consisting of activator protein 1 (AP-1)±, nuclear factor (NF) κB-, and Egr-1-binding sites. Mutations of either the AP-1- or NF-κB-binding sites markedly reduced the CD40L-dependent promoter activation. The AP-1 and NF-κB sites displayed constitutive and CD40L-enhanceable DNA binding activity, respectively. Of note, mutation of the Egr-1-binding sites, previously not associated with CD40 signaling, impaired activation of the tissue factor promoter. Accordingly, CD40L strongly induced Egr-1 protein expression and DNA binding activity to all three bindings sites. In contrast to CD40L, other established inducers of tissue factor in endothelial cells, interleukin-1β or tumor necrosis factor α, did not increase the expression of Egr-1. In conclusion, induction of tissue factor gene expression in human endothelial cells by CD40L involves AP-1 and NF-κB as well as Egr-1, a pathway previously not implicated in CD40 signaling and distinct from that employed by certain other proinflammatory cytokines.
Changes during development in transport processes of the blood-brain barrier

Abstract The permeability of the blood-brain barrier to several classes of compounds was studied in rats between the ages of 15 days and 9 weeks. 14 C-labelled test substances were injected simultaneously with two reference isotopes, 3 H 2 O and 113m In-labelled EDTA, into the common carotid artery followed by decapitation 10 s later. There was evidence that a monocarboxylic acid transport system in 15 to 23 day-old rats had a capacity at least six times greater than that present in adult animals. l -Lactate and acetate showed the highest permeability. At all ages there was a constant ratio between l -lactate and (−) d -3-hydroxybutyrate values. d -Glucose permeability increased with age, while that of several amino acids tested was the same in young and adults rats.
Cutaneous diseases in Asians

According to the US Census 2000, Asian Americans comprise 4.2% of the United States population. There has been little research performed into the incidence of skin disease in the sizeable Asian community in the United States. As a result, much of the information contained in this article is derived from the handful of articles addressing specific skin conditions in Asians and from peer and personal experiences. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first review in the English literature that describes the clinical overview of cutaneous diseases in Asians.
In vivo analysis of mechanical wall stress and abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture risk.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to calculate abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) wall stresses in vivo for ruptured, symptomatic, and electively repaired AAAs with three-dimensional computer modeling techniques, computed tomographic scan data, and blood pressure and to compare wall stress with current clinical indices related to rupture risk. Methods: CT scans were analyzed for 48 patients with AAAs: 18 AAAs that ruptured (n = 10) or were urgently repaired for symptoms (n = 8) and 30 AAAs large enough to merit elective repair within 12 weeks of the CT scan. Three-dimensional computer models of AAAs were reconstructed from CT scan data. The stress distribution on the AAA as a result of geometry and blood pressure was computationally determined with finite element analysis with a hyperelastic nonlinear model that depicted the mechanical behavior of the AAA wall. Results: Peak wall stress (maximal stress on the AAA surface) was significantly different between groups (ruptured, 47.7 ± 6 N/cm2; emergent symptomatic, 47.5 ± 4 N/cm2; elective repair, 36.9 ± 2 N/cm2; P = .03), with no significant difference in blood pressure (P = .2) or AAA diameter (P = .1). Because of trends toward differences in diameter, comparison was made only with diameter-matched subjects. Even with identical mean diameters, ruptured/symptomatic AAAs had a significantly higher peak wall stress (46.8 ± 4.5 N/cm2 versus 38.1 ± 1.3 N/cm2; P = .05). Maximal wall stress predicted risk of rupture better than the LaPlace equation (20.7 ± 5.7 N/cm2 versus 18.8 ± 2.9 N/cm2; P = .2) or other proposed indices of rupture risk. The smallest ruptured AAA was 4.8 cm, but this aneurysm had a stress equivalent to the average electively repaired 6.3-cm AAA. Conclusion: Peak wall stresses calculated in vivo for AAAs near the time of rupture were significantly higher than peak stresses for electively repaired AAAs, even when matched for maximal diameter. Calculation of wall stress with computer modeling of three-dimensional AAA geometry appears to assess rupture risk more accurately than AAA diameter or other previously proposed clinical indices. Stress analysis is practical and feasible and may become an important clinical tool for evaluation of AAA rupture risk. (J Vasc Surg 2002;36:589-97.)
Variations in Density and Chemical Composition of White-Tailed Deer Antlers

Eighteen sets of cast antlers were collected from seven male white-tailed deer, Odocoileus virginianus , maintained on a high nutritional plane. Density and chemical compositional differences were found to occur among deer and as a result of age and portion of antler analyzed. Antler density varied among deer, tended to decrease with age, and was lower along the length of the main beam than along the tines or at the antler tips. Chemical composition also varied among deer. Various elements were affected in differing ways by increases in age. Possible physiological and morphological reasons for these differences are discussed and a hypothesis regarding their behavioral significance is proposed.
Synthesis and biological activity of some diphenylphosphine derivatives.

As part of a program designed to evaluate pharmacological activity among phosphines, 3-dimethylaminopropyldiphenylphosphine (III) and the corresponding oxide (IV) and sulfide (V) were prepared. Activity cage studies revealed that these substances caused a marked reduction in spontaneous activity in mice at dose levels which do not show generalized toxicity.
In Vitro Response of Cotyledon Explants of Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) Cultured in Different Concentrations of BAP

This experiment was carried out to study the embryogenic response of cashew ( Anacardium occidentale L.) cotyledon explants cultured in different concentrations of BAP under in vitro conditions. Sterilized cotyledon segments (10 mm long, 5 mm width) were cultured on full strength MS basal medium containing various concentrations (0-10 mg/L) of BAP. The result revealed the medium without BAP exhibited profuse root organogenesis which decreased with the increase in the concentration of BAP. Greenish or yellowish white nodular structures appeared on the edge of the surface concentrated towards the convex side of the explants. Consequently, these structures gave rise to somatic embryoids and the degree of embryoid formation increased with the increasing concentration of BAP. MS medium with 8 mg/L BAP was the most optimal concentration for the induction of somatic embryos among the tested. Cytological study confirmed the development of somatic embryoids directly from cultured cotyledon explants. Journal of Food and Agriculture 2010 Vol. 03, No. 1 & 2, Page 7-13 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/jfa.v3i1-2.5165
Temperature and Pressure Dependence of Branched Pentaerythritol Ester Density

Synthetic lubricants, which seem to be the most compatible oils with new refrigerants, are generally mixtures of pure components. At the moment, the literature reports only few works concerning experimental measurements and modeling of the volumetric properties for these fluids. The present study was conceived to measure the pρT behavior in the liquid phase of three branched pentaerythritol tetraalkyl esters (PEBMs), i.e. 2-methylbutyric ester oil (PEBM5), 2-methylpentanoic ester oil (PEBM6), and 2-methylhexanoic ester oil (PEBM7). They are commonly used as precursors for the commercial polyol ester (POE) lubricants. The measurements were executed by means of a vibrating tube densimeter along four isotherms, for T = (283 to 343) K and p = (0 to 17) MPa. The validation of the experimental procedure was made by measuring the density of liquid decane along six isotherms, for T = (283 to 333) K and p = (0 to 35) MPa, and comparing the results with the literature. A dedicated equation of state, derived from th...
Paying back to borrow more: Reputation and bank credit access in early America

Abstract The birth of commercial banking in New England after the American Revolution provides an important case to examine banking development under asymmetric information. Similar to credit markets in developing countries today, bank borrowers of early America usually had little or no collateral. This paper uses a unique data set based on loans between 1803 and 1833 for Plymouth Bank to examine bank lending policies in the absence of collateral. Empirical evidence suggests that borrowers with little collateral established their credit-worthiness through repeated interaction with banks.
Semiconducting Polymer and Hydrogenated Amorphous Silicon Heterojunction Solar Cells

In this work, we report on investigation of p-type semiconducting polymer, (poly(3,4 polyethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate)) (PEDOT:PSS) as the p-layer in NIP and PIN hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) solar cells. The rectification ratio of solution-casted diode is ∼ 10, it increases to 3×104 when PEDOT:PSS is deposited by Spin Coating technique. We observed additional photovoltaic effect when light is illuminated through polymer side. So far, best solar cells characteristics observed for PEDOT:PSS/a-Si:H hybrid solar cells are Voc ≈ 720 mV and Jsc ≈ 1 - 2 mA/cm2.
Influence of thermode size for detecting heat pain dysfunction in a capsaicin model of epidermal nerve fiber loss.

Abstract Quantitative sensory testing of heat pain sensation has become an important tool to evaluate small caliber afferent nerve function in peripheral neuropathy. In earlier studies, we found that topical application of capsaicin in humans results in the loss of epidermal nerve fibers (ENFs) with a corresponding decrease in detection of heat pain sensation. Capsaicin may therefore be a useful model for developing optimal psychophysical testing procedures for detection of neuropathy in its early stages. Here we determined the influence of thermal probe (thermode) size in detecting the diminished heat pain sensation following capsaicin application. Twelve healthy volunteers applied 0.075% capsaicin topically to the volar forearm four times daily for 7 days. Psychophysical measures of heat pain, mechanical (sharp) pain, and tactile threshold were obtained daily from untreated control skin and from capsaicin-treated skin during capsaicin application, and once weekly for 5 weeks following discontinuation of capsaicin. Heat pain sensation was assessed using a large (30×30 mm) and small (3×3 mm) thermode and different algorithms to assess pain threshold and suprathreshold heat pain. Skin biopsies were obtained and were processed for immunohistochemical localization of (ENFs) using the pan neuronal marker protein gene product 9.5. Capsaicin produced a rapid decrease in the number of ENFs, with nearly complete disappearance after 3 days of treatment. Heat pain evoked by the small, but not the large, thermode decreased dramatically after capsaicin treatment. The sensation of heat pain returned toward normal after 2–3 weeks following discontinuation of capsaicin treatment concordant with gradual reinnervation of the epidermis. Regression analysis indicated that the sensation of heat pain evoked by the small thermode correlated much better with the number of ENFs than heat pain evoked by the large thermode. The detection of sharp pain decreased moderately after capsaicin treatment. Assessment of heat pain sensation using small thermodes has potential for detecting sensory deficits in early stages of small fiber neuropathy.
The LOCUS distributed operating system

LOCUS is a distributed operating system which supports transparent access to data through a network wide filesystem, permits automatic replication of storage, supports transparent distributed process execution, supplies a number of high reliability functions such as nested transactions, and is upward compatible with Unix. Partitioned operation of subnet's and their dynamic merge is also supported.The system has been operational for about two years at UCLA and extensive experience in its use has been obtained. The complete system architecture is outlined in this paper, and that experience is summarized.
Quantum probability density function (QPDF) method

This paper develops the Quantum Probability Density Function (QPDF) method to describe the evolution of quantum probability density functions in space and time. The QPDF method has been applied to derive QPDF equations for quantum scalar particles. The formulations relate probability theory and quantum uncertainty and thereby provide insight into the quantum theory and the quantum fluid approach of quantum mechanics. The QPDF approach can be applied to problems in quantum communications, quantum imaging, and quantum computing.