cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Beam and Stay of the Taub Universe

The single mode of gravitational radiation that activates the otherwise empty Taub model universe has the longest possible wavelength that will fit into that universe and an amplitude just sufficient to curve the geometry up into closure, via its “effective” content of mass energy, both kinetic and potential. A parameter m' of time asymmetry in the Taub family of models allows one to adjust the ratio kinetic/potential at the phase of time asymmetry. A sufficiently extreme value of this parameter, m' = 10 12 , gives a universe that will live as long as a typical Friedmann “dust-dominated” model (“stay”) = 60 × 19 9 years, but will have a volume-at-maximum expansion smaller by a factor of 4.8 × 10 10 , or a (“beam”) = [(π/2) (volume at maximum)] 1/3 that is smaller than that of the Friedmann model by a factor of 3.64 × 10 3 . If with a universe so small it is nevertheless possible to secure a stretch of time quite adequate for the development of life, it is not clear what is the point of a larger universe. Neither is it clear how the anthropic principle of Dicke and Carter is to come to terms with this “missed chance for economy.”
Analyses of Multi-dimensional Single Cell Trajectories Quantify Transition Paths Between Nonequilibrium Steady States

ABSTRACT A problem ubiquitous in almost all scientific areas is escape from a metastable state, or relaxation from one stationary distribution to a new one1. More than a century of studies lead to celebrated theoretical and computational developments such as the transition state theory and reactive flux formulation. Modern transition path sampling and transition path theory focus on an ensemble of trajectories that connect the initial and final states in a state space2, 3. However, it is generally unfeasible to experimentally observe these trajectories in multiple dimensions and compare to theoretical results. Here we report and analyze single cell trajectories of human A549 cells undergoing TGF-β induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in a combined morphology and protein texture space obtained through time lapse imaging. From the trajectories we identify parallel reaction paths with corresponding reaction coordinates and quasi-potentials. Studying cell phenotypic transition dynamics will provide testing grounds for nonequilibrium reaction rate theories.
Total Marrow and Lymphoid Irradiation in Haploidentical Hematopoietic Cell Transplant

Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) is the only available option for potential cure of high-risk hematological malignancies. Only about half of the candidates for HCT would have a human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matched sibling donor (MSD) or an HLA-matched unrelated donor (MUD) available for transplant. Haploidentical donors (HAPLO) have been used for transplantation with safe and comparable outcome to matched donor HCT. Haploidentical HCT (HaploHCT) has extended availability of transplant to patients with lower chances of finding matched donor including minorities. Further optimization is needed to improve upon potential risks of relapse. In this chapter, we review the use of total marrow and lymphoid irradiation (TMLI) in the setting of HaploHCT.
Diabetes and Smoking as the Potential Risk Factors for Peri-implant Diseases

Peri-implantitis is a plaque-associated pathological condition with inflammation in the peri-implant mucosa and progressive loss of supporting bone. Identification of the players involved in development and progression of peri-implantitis continue to be investigated, diabetes and smoking remain the two risk factors that appear to play direct roles in this disease process. Diabetes is a growing disease world-wide that increases the inflammatory response through upregulation of advanced glycated end products (AGEs) and their receptors, delays wound healing by induction of hypoxic conditions and inhibition of cellular chemotaxis, and may also impair osseointegration by affecting osteoblastic differentiation and matrix production. These factors affect both onset and progression of peri-implant disease. Furthermore, tobacco/nicotine smoking mechanistically delays wound healing by inducing local tissue hypoxia and increasing activity of matrix metalloproteases. Local tissue hypoxia can also impair dental implant osseointegration, which can affect onset and progression of peri-implant diseases in susceptible individuals. Thus, treatment of patients with dental implants, systemic conditions and environmental habits must absolutely be discussed with patients when treatment planning dental restorative options, as they can affect both short- and long-term therapeutic outcomes. Specific to peri-implant diseases, controlling diabetic status and promoting smoking cessation are imperative tasks to achieve predictable implant therapeutics.
Variation in ride-hailing trips in Chengdu, China

Abstract We investigate various spatial, economic, and land-use factors associated with the generation of trips for ride-hailing services in Chengdu, China. Using one month of data for DiDi Chuxing trips in Chengdu, we characterize the unique pattern of TNC ride-hailing trips over space and for different time periods. We examine the association between the generation of ride-hailing trips and spatial characteristics, including population density, floor-area ratio, housing prices, road networks, the proximity of public transit, land use mix, and points of interests. We estimate “global” regression models and “local” Geographically Weighted Regression models that account for the spatial variation of each factor on trip generation. Results suggest that population density, local road density, floor-area ratio, housing price, and the proximity to subways have positive associations with DiDi trip generation. We also examine the spatial variation associated with the local population density coefficients which vary throughout the city.
An Upsurge of SARS CoV-2 B.1.1.7 Variant in Pakistan

The emergence of a more transmissible variant of SARS-CoV-2 (B1.1.7) in the United Kingdom (UK) during late 2020 has raised major public health concerns. Several mutations have been reported in the genome of the B.1.1.7 variant including the N501Y and 69-70deletion in the Spike that has implications on virus transmissibility and diagnostics. Although the B.1.1.7 variant has been reported from several countries, only two cases have been identified through whole-genome sequencing from Pakistan. We used a two-step strategy for the detection of B.1.1.7 with initial screening through ThermoFisher TaqPath SARS-CoV-2 kit followed by partial sequencing of Spike (S) gene of samples having spike gene target failure (SGTF) on real-time PCR. From January 01, 2021, to February 21, 2021, a total of 2,650 samples were tested for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 using TaqPath kit and 70.4% (n=1,867) showed amplification of all the 3 genes (S, N, and ORF). Notably, 29.6% (n=783) samples had the spike gene target failure (SGTF). The SGTF cases were detected at a low frequency during the first three weeks of January (n=10, n=13, and n=1 respectively) however, the cases started to increase in the last week. During February, 726 (93%) cases of SGTF was reported with a peak (n=345) found during the 3rd week. Based on the partial sequencing of spike gene of SGTF samples (n=15), 93% (n=14) showed the characteristic N501Y, A570D, P681H, and T716I mutations found in the B.1.1.7 variant. Our findings highlight the high prevalence of B.1.1.7 in Pakistan and warrant large scale genomic surveillance and strengthening of laboratory network in the country.
Cortical gray matter structure in boys with Klinefelter syndrome.

Abstract Klinefelter syndrome (KS, 47,XXY) is a common sex chromosome aneuploidy in males that is associated with a wide range of cognitive, social and emotional characteristics. The neural bases of these symptoms, however, are unclear. Brain structure in 19 pre- or early-pubertal boys with KS (11.5 ± 1.8 years) and 22 typically developing (control) boys (8.1 ± 2.3 years) was examined using surface-based analyses of cortical gray matter volume, thickness and surface area. Boys in the KS group were treatment-naive with respect to testosterone replacement therapy. Reduced volume in the insula and dorsomedial prefrontal cortex was observed in the KS relative to the TD group, as well as increased volume in the parietal, occipital and motor regions. Further inspection of surface-based metrics indicated that whereas KS-associated increases in volume were driven by differences in thickness, KS-associated reductions in volume were associated with decreases in surface area. Exploratory analyses additionally indicated several correlations between brain structure and behavior, providing initial support for a neural basis of cognitive and emotional symptoms of this condition. Taken together, these data add support for a neuroanatomical phenotype of KS and extend previous studies through clarifying the precise neuroanatomical structural characteristics of that give rise to volumetric alterations.
National trends in emergency department closures, mergers, and utilization, 2005-2015.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To describe nationwide hospital-based emergency department (ED) closures and mergers, as well as the utilization of emergency departments and inpatient beds, over time and across varying geographic areas in the United States. METHODS: Observational analysis of the American Hospital Association (AHA) Annual Survey from 2005 to 2015. Primary outcomes were hospital-based ED closure and merger. Secondary outcomes were yearly ED visits per hospital-based ED and yearly hospital admissions per hospital bed. RESULTS: The total number of hospital-based EDs decreased from 4,500 in 2005 to 4,460 in 2015, with 200 closures, 138 mergers, and 160 new hospital-based EDs. While yearly ED visits per hospital-based ED exhibited a 28.6% relative increase (from 25,083 to 32,248), yearly hospital admissions per hospital bed had a 3.3% relative increase (from 45.4 to 43.9) from 2005 to 2015. The number of hospital admissions and hospital beds did not change significantly in urban areas and declined in rural areas. ED visits grew more uniformly across urban and rural areas. CONCLUSIONS: The number of hospital-based ED closures is small when accounting for mergers, but occurs as many more patients are presenting to a stable number of EDs in larger health systems, though rural areas may differentially affected. EDs were managing accelerating patient volumes alongside stagnant inpatient bed capacity.
The Write-On Competition: A Guide for Law Students

Many law students enter the law review write-on competition uninformed and unprepared. This essay is designed to help students become familiar with how the competition works, how to prepare for it, and how to write a winning submission paper.
Hardware simulation of an adaptive control algorithm

This paper describes the parallel hardware simulation of an adaptive control algorithm. Currently, many modern control systems are designed based on mathematical models. The developed algorithms normally work well in software simulation. However, when implemented into a real-world system, some algorithms appear vulnerable to external disturbance and model imperfection. In this paper, we introduce a hardware-in-the-loop simulation. The simulation test bed, consisting of a Spartan II FPGA board and a PIC 18F452 microcontroller, is coimplemented using both hardware and software and run in a real-time environment. Simulation result demonstrates the effectiveness of the real-time test bed to evaluate an ADALINE based adaptive control algorithm. Further, it can show some problems in physical implementation of the algorithm.
Research experiences at all levels: from K-12 through Ph.D. and beyond

This presentation focuses on vertical and horizontal research on stochastic theory and control. In ten poster presentations the importance of the vertical and horizontal teaching and research is shown. Through those ten posters prepared by undergraduate, graduate, K-12 students and established researchers the development of complexity of control problems and their solutions are presented.
Abstract T P43: Detection of Advanced Leukoaraiosis Does Not Augment Imaging-Enhanced Prediction of Early Stroke Risk in Transient Ischemic Attack

Background: The risk of stroke following transient ischemic attack (TIA) is high in patients with evidence of transient symptoms with infarction (TSI) on CT or diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). The extent to which leukoaraiosis augments imaging-based risk prediction is unresolved. We sought to determine whether the presence of advanced leukoaraiosis improves the predictive performance of early CT and MR-based neuroimaging modalities in patients diagnosed with clinical TIA. Methods: We retrospectively identified 37 cases of 30-day recurrent stroke that had MRI performed within 1 day of presentation, and compared to 43 patients without recurrence from a larger cohort of 1250 patients admitted to the hospital from a single emergency department with suspected TIA between 1/1/2000 and 7/16/2011. In all subjects (n=80), CT and MR (DWI and T2Flair)images were reviewed by a physician reader blinded to outcome and graded for the presence of abnormalities such as acute infarction, prior infarction, and advanced leu...
Women's Influence on Chrétien de Troyes

After researching tourbadours, historical women, and the French courts of love, I came to the conclusion that Guinevere is a fictional character in Chretien de Troyes Lancelot or The Knight of the Cart.
Recurrent hemorrhage into the pancreatic duct from a splenic artery aneurysm.

Abstract We describe a case of upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage secondary to splenic artery aneurysm-pancreatic duct fistula, with associated partial common bile duct obstruction and pancreatitis. The literature is reviewed briefly in order to stress distinctive clinical features and caveats in diagnosis. Angiography is the most definitive diagnostic study; surgical resection is curative.
Characterization of glass surfaces by electron spectroscopy

Abstract Commercial glasses typically consist of many metal oxides and the surface composition of a glass article can be very different from that of its interior due to vaporization, surface migration, etc., during fabrication. At the same time the chemical make-up of the surface is extremely important in any commercial application, directly affecting the strength and durability of the product. Analytical techniques capable of examining the surface composition have been limited, however, and classical methods of chemical analysis have never been able to supply the desired information. This paper contains a review of analytical procedures that have been used for glass surface analysis and explores the potential of several recently developed techniques. These include the Electron Microprobe, Electron Spectroscopy for Chemical Analysis (ESCA), Auger Electron Spectroscopy, Ion Scattering Spectroscopy and Secondary Ion Mass Analysis. The use of Electron Spectroscopy in the study of glass compositions common to the glass fiber industry will be explored in depth.
INFLORESCENCE PATTERNS AND SEXUAL EXPRESSION IN BEGONIA SEMPERFLORENS

STUDIES OF sexual expression in the plant kingdom have been concerned especially with genera and species that are partly or completely dioecious. This is true of the\lower groups and applies to the flowering plants as well, even though with them rigid separation of the sexes in the mature plants is distinctly exceptional. In Begonia semperftorens, Link & Otto, staminate and pistillate flowers normally occur not merely on the same plant, but in the same inflorescence. Since the flowers bear but one type of sporophyll with remarkable constancy, this species in its monoecism may well illustrate one of the stages preceding dioecism. In angiosperms dioecious to varying degrees it has been demonstrated repeatedly that the nature of the flower may be influenced by external conditions. Accordingly, Begonia semperfiorens was studied as a form suitable to cast light upon two problems. The first is the determination of the number and distribution of staminate and pistillate flowers within individual inflorescences and the analysis of the external architecture of the resulting patterns in such flower clusters. The effect of soil fertility, as one of the environmental factors, on the production of the two kinds of flowers, here in the same plant and inflorescence, in comparison with dioecious forms, constitutes the second. LITERATUJRE REVIEW-.The general characters of the inflorescence and flowers of Begonia were considered briefly in the older literature by Wydler (1851, 1878), and the family was treated in monogfraphic form by Klotzsch (1854). Eichler's (1878) classical presentation gave a brief resume of some of the cardinal features of the flowers and inflorescence, including a partial diagram of the inflorescence of Begonia semperflorens. The general validity of the cincinnus as a fundamental type in this genus was strongly questioned by Benecke (1882), but Eichler's conclusion has since been supported in the extensive consideration of both the racemose and cymose types of inflorescences of this family by Irmscher (1914). 'Goebel (1910) considered the floral variations at some length, suggesting, with Benecke, that the four-parted perianth of the staminate flowers is derived from the five-parted type illustrated by the pistillate. He also knew the cymose kind of inflorescence. The flowers were further considered by Sandt (1921). Digests of the extensive literature have been given by Warburg(1894), and more recently in comprehensive fashion by Irmscher (1925). Unusual flowers of Begonia, bearing both stamens and pistils, have been described by Hooker (1860), Crocker (1861), Masters (1869), Mliuller (1870, 1871), Magnus (1884),
A bound on the total size of a cut cover

A cycle cover (cut cover) of a graph G is a collection of cycles (cuts) of G that covers every edge of G at least once. The total size of a cycle cover (cut cover) is the sum of the number of edges of the cycles (cuts) in the cover. We discuss several results for cycle covers and the corresponding results for cut covers. Our main result is that every connected graph on n vertices and e edges has a cut cover of total size at most 2e-n+1 with equality precisely when every block of the graph is an odd cycle or a complete graph (other than K"4 or K"8). This corresponds to the result of Fan [J. Combin. Theory Ser. B 74 (1998) 353-367] that every graph without cut-edges has a cycle cover of total size at most e+n-1.
Expatriate development: the use of 360‐degree feedback

This article first reviews the status of expatriate training and the need to evaluate the transfer of this training to expatriate managers on‐the‐job in a foreign culture. A multisource or 360‐degree feedback system is proposed as both a way to evaluate expatriate cultural training at the behavioral and performance levels, as well as a way to develop expatriates to make them more effective once in the local culture. A proposed expatriate management effectiveness questionnaire (EMEQ) is described in terms of its theoretical foundation and specific scales, and how it could be used in a multisource feedback program for the effective development of expatriate managers.
Influence of Stiffness, Monomer Structure, and Energetic Asymmetries on Polymer Blend Miscibilities: Applications to Polyolefins

The generalization of the lattice cluster theory (LCT) to include explicit trans−gauche energy differences is applied to study the combined influences of chain stiffness disparities, monomer molecular structures, energetic asymmetries, and nonrandom mixing on the miscibilities of binary polymer blends. The combination of all these relevant physical features within a single theory enables testing various divergent suggestions concerning the dominant physical factors governing the miscibility of polyolefin blends. Thus, tests are presented of models ascribing the observed miscibility patterns in polyolefin blends solely to entropic factors (stiffness disparities) or solely to enthalpic factors (solubility parameter models). The LCT computations demonstrate the combined importance of both factors, as well as several others arising from monomer molecular structures and compressibility. An important and highly nontrivial ingredient in these tests is the novel computation of the mean square radius of gyration f...
17-β-Estradiol regulates expression of genes that function in macrophage activation and cholesterol homeostasis

Macrophage activation and cholesterol processing can be affected by changes in estrogen concentrations. However, there is a paucity of information about the genes and mechanisms regulating this estrogen effect. In primary monocyte-derived macrophages we detected transcript and protein for estrogen receptor beta (ERbeta). Determination of genes regulated by estrogen was completed using cDNA arrays and semiquantitative RT-PCR on RNA isolated from macrophages cultured in serum free media containing (5-10) x 10(-9)M 17-beta-estradiol and subsequently deprived of estrogen for a 24h period. The data indicate that the transcript levels of interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra), beta 2-microglobulin, annexin XI and the LXR(alpha) receptor significantly increased and that Ly-GDI transcript levels significantly decreased after estrogen withdrawal; data congruent with estrogen depletion regulating macrophage inflammatory and biochemical processes. Treatment of THP-1 cells with phorbol 12-myristate-13-acetate in the presence or absence of estrogen indicate that differentiation to a macrophage-like cell type was a prerequisite for production of the estrogen response. In addition, experiments using cycloheximide treatment, that blocks nascent protein synthesis, indicated that estrogen withdrawal affected the transcript levels of LXR(alpha) and IL-1ra through dissimilar pathways.
THE IMPACT of FINANCIAL SERVICES GLOBALIZATION UPON the CARIBBEAN COMMON MARKET

This article tests three hypotheses concerning the policy effects of foreign exchange market liberalization and exchange controls in the three Caribbean Common Market countries of Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, and Barbados during the 1990s. It concludes that these cases do not show either monetary or fiscal policy to be particularly effective, when foreign exchange markets are liberalized before a functional bank regulatory system is put in place. These cases also imply that given the challenges posed by financial services globalization, the need for informed judgment by governments regarding the pace and scope of financial sector liberalization will remain critical, particularly within small developing countries.
Relativistic calculations of dielectronic recombination coefficients for the Ne isoelectronic sequence.

Dielectronic recombination coefficients for ground-state ions of the Ne isoelectronic sequence have been calculated for seven ions, with atomic number 18\ensuremath{\le}Z\ensuremath{\le}54, in the isolated resonance approximation, for temperatures in the range 0.2\ensuremath{\le}T\ensuremath{\le}6 keV. The Auger and radiative rates of each doubly excited state were evaluated explicitly by using the multiconfiguration Dirac-Fock model. The calculations were performed with intermediate coupling. The effect of the configuration interaction was also included for the low-lying doubly excited states. The effect of Coster-Kronig-type transitions on the dielectronic rate coefficients has been found to be very significant for low-Z ions. However, it is quite small for medium and heavy ions. The effect of relativity on the total dielec- tronic coefficient and dielectronic satellite spectra is also discussed.
A baculovirus from the mosquito Wyeomyia smithii.

Abstract A Baculovirus was found in larvae of the pitcher plant mosquito Wyeomyia smithii. This virus is similar in size and appearance to Baculoviruses from other mosquitoes. A unique feature of the virus is the formation of polymorphic inclusions. The prepatent period for this virus in W. smithii is 3–5 days.
Magnetic resonance hysterography and hysterosalpingography using hyperpolarized3He: Demonstration of feasibility in an animal model

Assessment of the uterine cavity and patency of the fallopian tubes remains a difficult goal with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The purpose of this paper is to describe the development of a new magnetic resonance hysterography (MR-HG) and hysterosalpingography (MR-HSG) technique employing hyperpolarized 3He. Two-dimensional (2D) and 3D gradient-echo imaging sequences were developed and optimized using a phantom. An optimized sequence was then applied in swine cadavers. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2000;12:1009–1013. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Trends in design and performance of commercially available reverse osmosis modules

Abstract In an effort to rationalize the specifications supplied with commercially available reverse osmosis modules, the author compiled nominal performance data on 145 modules offered by 12 manufacturers. Because test conditions varied considerably, the production rates were recalculated in terms of capacity per day, per unit of pressure in excess of osmotic pressure, and also in terms of capacity per day, per unit excess pressure, per unit volume of the membrane module. This latter parameter, which may be termed “pragmatic flux”, can be plotted versus percent salt rejection, module length, and module diameter for various families of modules to illustrate advantages and limitations of scale-up in different membrane systems.
Cigarette Smoking and Adolescent Psychosocial Development

The major goal of the present paper is to examine the acquisition of cigarette smoking within the context of normal social development in adolescence. The study employed a cohort-sequential design and investigated the following variables: parent and peer smoking, parent and peer attitudes toward smoking, motivation to comply with parents and peers, and parent and peer supportiveness and strictness. The results indicated that adolescence is a time of increasing peer orientation. However, this increase in peer influence is not at the expense of parental influence, casting doubt on a "hydraulic" model of social influence during adolescence. A second important finding concerned the course of adolescent development toward increased "deviance proneness." Finally, the current study answered specific questions about the antecedents and consequences of adolescent cigarette smoking. Peer and parent attitudes were related to the initial onset of smoking but not the later transition to regular smoking. This suggests ...
Nicotine improves antisaccade task performance without affecting prosaccades.

Although there is ample evidence for a cognitive-attentional benefit of the stimulant nicotine, the source of this benefit is not as well understood. One approach is to address what aspects of performance nicotine affects at a functional systems level. It is currently debated whether the benefits produced by nicotine are the effect of enhanced higher cognitive function or reflect an overall increase in general arousal. In order to address this question, the effects of nicotine on two simple eye movement tasks were studied: the saccade (S) and antisaccade (AS) tasks. Because the S and AS tasks utilize identical sensory stimuli (peripheral targets) and require identical motor responses (eye movements) but differ significantly in their cognitive demands, the use of these two tasks should enable a parsing of nicotine effects on cognitive versus sensory-motor processes. In this study, the S and AS tasks were performed by two experimental groups, task naive subjects and highly practised subjects. For the first group, that of the task naive subjects, nicotine gum administration resulted in a decrease in AS errors. For the second group, that of two experienced subjects tested repeatedly over a 3 week period, nicotine also produced a significant decrease in AS task errors, as well as resulting in a significant decrease in AS response times. Neither task naive nor experienced subjects showed any effects of nicotine on the S task. Examining the effects of nicotine on highly controlled and constrained tasks such as the S and AS task may provide another level of insight into the mechanisms underlying the beneficial cognitive effects of nicotine. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fluorescence enhancement of Rhodamine B by monodispersed silver nanoparticles

Abstract A strong enhancement in fluorescence of Rhodamine B dye in the vicinity of silver monodisperse nanoparticles is presented. The fluorescence of the dye increased as much as by 23 times in the presence of monodispersed silver nanoparticles. The fluorescence enhancement due to monodispersed silver nanoparticles was about 2–3 times larger than in the presence of polydispersed silver nanoparticles. The additional enhancement is explained in terms of emergence of uniform and large local electromagnetic field induced by surface plasmon resonance around an ensemble of monodispersed silver nanoparticles.
Constructing connectivity: conservation corridors and conservation politics in East African rangelands.

Conservation corridors are perhaps the most visible expression of the new landscape conservation boom. Seen as the essential connecting structure across increasingly fragmented landscapes, corridors offer a structural solution to the complex problem of maintaining functional ecological connectivity. Yet the ability of corridors to connect landscapes and wildlife populations functionally remains unknown. Why then are corridors so popular in academic, practitioner, and policy circles? To explore this question I utilize two concepts—boundary objects and standardized packages—from science and technology studies to show how corridors are being constructed both as naturally occurring entities and as the best possible conservation solution, in some cases foreclosing other possibilities. The flexibility of the term (as a boundary object) combined with a standard set of tools, methods, and theories to support it, makes corridors an accessible concept across social worlds. A case study of the Tarangire Manyara Ecos...
Isoform-dependent activation of adenylyl cyclase by proteolysis

Recent findings have suggested that the cellular proteolytic system plays a major role in the regulation of various intra- and extra-cellular signaling. It was previously shown that proteolytic treatment of adenylyl cyclase leads to the activation of this enzyme. We demonstrate that this activation occurs in an adenylyl cyclase isoform-dependent manner. The type II isoform was strongly activated (∼500%), the type III isoform was modestly activated (∼30%), and the type V isoform was inhibited by trypsin. Activation of type II adenylyl cyclase occurred in trypsin dose- and time-dependent manners and was blocked by a trypsin inhibitor in a dose-dependent manner. Other proteases, such as thrombin and plasminogen, similarly activated the type II isoform, but not the others. Our data suggest that proteolytic activation is an isoform- and thus cell type-dependent mechanism of altering adenylyl cyclase catalytic activity.
A sweet link between TGFβ and vascular disease

Mutations in SCL2A10, encoding a glucose transporter, result in arterial tortuosity syndrome, indicating a link between glucose metabolism and angiopathic changes. Intriguingly, some of the phenotypic effects of SCL2A10 ablation may be mediated by upregulation of TGFβ signaling, suggesting new approaches for therapy of aortic aneurysm.
Phospholipids alter tau conformation, phosphorylation, proteolysis, and association with microtubules: Implication for tau function under normal and degenerative conditions

Discerning the in situ functions of the microtubule-associated protein (MAP) tau is of interest both in terms of neuronal differentiation and homeostasis as well as in terms of neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease. In the present study, exposure to excess phosphatidyl serine (PS) for <1 min induced antigenic alterations in multiple N-terminal, C-terminal and central epitopes of purified human brain tau. Notably, “AD-like” epitopes (PHF-1, ALZ-50, AT-8) were decreased by PS; other epitopes (e.g., 5E2, Tau-1) increased and others remained relatively unchanged. Inclusion of γ-AT[32P] during incubations did not reveal any contaminating kinase activity. Direct addition of chloroform:methanol (CM; the initial PS solvent) demonstrated that these changes were not derived from CM-mediated tau denaturation. Phosphatidyl choline induced similar antigenic changes, while phosphatidyl inositol did not. PS inhibited MAP-kinase generation of phospho-dependent tau epitopes and incorporation of phosphates by tau. Inclusion of PS during coincubation of tau and tubulin reduced the extent of cosedimentation of tau with MTs. Finally, PS enhanced the ability of calpain-mediated tau proteolysis. These data suggest that tau antigenicity in situ may be derived from phospholipid-dependent alterations in tau conformation in addition to tau phosphorylation state. These data further suggest that disruption of the normal association of tau with phospholipids may foster accumulation of tau and, in doing so, render tau more susceptible to hyperphosphorylation. J. Neurosci. Res. 50:114–122, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Feature extraction for cellular shape analysis in high-content screening (HCS) applications

Detailed information on cellular and sub-cellular interactions can be extracted from large-scale data sets through the application of image processing and analysis techniques from computer vision and pattern recognition. An automated, high-speed method for analysis of cellular systems in 2D includes boundary analysis of the cells and may be extended to texture (content) analysis or further. The overall goal of such analysis is to reach conclusions as to the physiological state and behavior of the cells. In this paper, we focus on shape analysis of cells, as shape is an effective factor for quantification of the many apparent physiological changes. We explore shape analysis techniques, including geometric (regular), Zernike, and Krawtchouk moment invariants. We also report on our investigation of the effects of resolution changes (in imaging systems) on the descriptors of cell shape in terms of stability and consistence of these moment invariants. Our results show that Krawtchouk moment invariants are better cell shape descriptors compared to geometric moment invariants in low resolution images.
Model simulation of the effects of climate variability and change on lake ice in central Alaska, USA

The Canadian Lake Ice Model (CLIMo) is used to simulate the effects of climate variability and change on lake ice phenology (freeze-up (FU), break-up (BU), ice-cover duration) and total thickness and composition (snow ice, congelation ice) in central Alaska, USA. The model results suggest that, due to the Pacific Decadal Oscillation shift that occurred in 1976, the ice-cover duration is shorter (4 days) due to earlier BU in spring, and thinner (0.05 m) due to a reduction in the formation of snow ice. Sensitivity tests indicate that air-temperature changes cause the duration change, and snow-depth changes cause the total ice-thickness and composition change. The role of annual and monthly air- temperature and snow-depth changes is examined further in a series of experiments designed to elucidate the possible effects of future climate change. Air temperature is varied in 18C increments between -4 and +48C, and snow depth is varied in 25% increments between -100% and +100% of the long-term averages for 1952-75 and 1977-2000. The FU and BU dates (ice duration) are most affected by annual air-temperature change. Total ice thickness and composition are most affected by annual and monthly snow-depth change. A key finding is that snow-depth increases cause total ice thickness to increase as a consequence of increased snow-ice formation on top of the ice cover at the expense of congelation-ice formation at the bottom of the ice cover.
Is the sphere organelle/coiled body a universal nuclear component?

We present evidence for the essential homology of four nuclear organelles that have previously been described under four different names: coiled bodies in mammalian somatic nuclei, prenucleolar bodies in nuclei assembled in vitro in Xenopus egg extract, sphere organelles in amphibian germinal vesicles (GVs), and Binnenkorper in insect GVs. Each of these organelles contains coilin or a coilin-related protein plus a variety of small nuclear ribonucleoproteins. We suggest that the sphere organelle/coiled body is a “universal” nuclear component in the sense that it is involved in common nuclear processes and hence will be found in one form or another in most eukaryotic cells. We postulate that it functions in the assembly and sorting of snRNP complexes for three RNA processing pathways: pre-mRNA splicing, rRNA processing, and histone pre-mRNA 3′ end formation. Specifically, the sphere organelle/coiled body may be the initial site for assembly of processing complexes, which are then sorted to other places in the nucleus, where the actual RNA processing takes place. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Schistosoma mansoni: cytotoxicity of hemocytes from susceptible snail hosts for sporocysts in plasma from resistant Biomphalaria glabrata.

Abstract Sporocysts of Schistosoma mansoni (PR1 strain) survive and grow in Biomphalaria glabrata PR albino strain snails, whereas they are encapsulated and die in B. glabrata 10R2 strain snails. These processes also occur in an in vitro system in which the only living cells are those of sporocysts and snail hemolymph. Hemocytes of the susceptible snail are normally not effective in damaging sporocysts. However, when the encounter occurred in the presence of cell-free plasma from resistant snails, previously impotent hemocytes severely damaged sporocysts in 24 hr. The cytotoxic capacity of resistant strain hemocytes was not altered by plasma from susceptible snails. Furthermore, it was retained even when plasma was replaced by culture medium free of snail components. The nature of the plasma factor(s) which facilitated damage by otherwise impotent hemocytes is discussed, and evidence is evaluated for the hypothesis that snail resistance is dependent upon the specificity of cytophilic factors present both in the plasma and on the hemocyte plasma membranes.
Mass spectrometry studies of the ionization of organic molecules by low-energy positrons

Abstract Positrons having energies in the range of 2.0–10 eV have been used to ionize large organic molecules. For positrons having energies above 2–3 eV ionization occurs by positronium formation. In this paper new results are reported that describe the ionization of molecules at energy below the positronium formation threshold. Contrary to expectations, ionization by positrons having energies below the positronium threshold has been found to induce extensive fragmentation in sigma-bonded molecules. The necessary energy for ionizing the molecules and inducing fragmentation is supplied through the positron-electron annihilation process.
Small angle and wide angle x‐ray pole figure studies on simultaneous biaxially stretched poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) films

Biaxially oriented poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) films have been characterized by small angle and wide angle x-ray scattering. The films were studied at various rotational angles to the impinging beam and orientations relative to axes in three directions in the film were obtained. Pole figures were developed for both the major small angle scattering peak and wide angle diffraction peaks. These are used to interpret structural changes in the films associated with various degrees of biaxial stretching and subsequent constrained annealing.
Predicting the Distribution of the Amphibian Pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in the New World

One application of ecological niche modeling is predicting suitable areas for the establishment of invasive species. Herein, I model the fundamental niche of the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, a pathogen linked to amphibian declines on several continents. Niche models were generated with the Genetic Algorithm of Rule-Set Prediction using point distribution data of the pathogen and digital maps of environmental variables integrated in a GIS environment. The distribution of regions suitable for B. dendrobatidis in the New World is extensive and includes significant portions of: (1) Sierra Madre Occidental pine-oak forest; (2) Sonoran and Sinaloan dry forest; (3) Veracruz moist forest; (4) Central America east from the Isthmus of Tehuantepec; (5) Caribbean Islands; (6) temperate forest in Chile and western Argentina south of latitude 30°S; (7) Andes above 1000 m of altitude in Venezuela, Colombia, and Ecuador; (8) eastern slopes of the Andes in Peru and Bolivia; (9) Brazilian Atlantic forest; (10) Uruguay, Paraguay, and northeastern Argentina; (11) southwestern and Madeira-Tapajos Amazonian tropical rainforests. The regions with the highest suitability for B. dendrobatidis include habitats that contain the world's most diverse amphibian faunas. Models were built with New World localities, but also showed strong predictability for B. dendrobatidis localities in the Old World. Out of a total of 59 reported Old World localities for B. dendrobatidis, 56 occurred within regions with high predicted suitability. I also present analyses of the environmental envelope of B. dendrobatidis and discuss the implications of the results for the conservation of amphibians in the neotropics.
Three new species of Orthaea (Ericaceae: Vaccinieae)

Three new species of Orthaea (Ericaceae: Vaccinieae) from the Andes of Colombia and Peru are described: Orthaea bullata, Orthaea carnosiflora, and Orthaea medusula. Their taxonomic affinities are discussed. Their diagnostic characters are illustrated through line drawings and photographs of living plants and ethanol-preserved specimens.
Extensive vascular calcification in a patient with perinatally acquired AIDS

Extensive vascular calcification in an 8-year-old girl with perinatally acquired AIDS is reported. Complicating factors included cardiomyopathy, chronic lung disease, disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), and wasting syndrome with total nutrition dependence. Plain abdominal films and CT of the abdomen immediately prior to her death revealed dense calcification of major vessels. Autopsy revealed calcification in the media of most major vessels typical of HIV arteriopathy. A review of the literature failed to reveal a description of similar vascular calcifications in pediatric AIDS.
Signal processing techniques for absolute displacement/strain sensing using a fiber interferometer

Abstract We present two displacement sensing techniques which rely on amplitude variations of Bessel frequency components contained in the photodetected output of a phase modulated two-beam interferometer. Experimental results demonstrate demodulated output signals that correspond to the absolute optical path difference between the two arms of an interferometer. Optical displacements over a 50 mm range have been recorded with a resolution of 25 microns. Both approaches are suitable for passive remote sensing applications.
Neutrophil Responsiveness to Chemoattractant Tripeptide in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Neutrophils isolated from medication-free rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients were assayed for responsiveness to the bacterial chemoattractant tripeptide formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (f-Met-Leu-Phe). Rheumatoid arthritis neutrophil preparations contained significantly lower percentages of rapidly migrating cells. This relative hyporesponsiveness of RA neutrophils was related to impaired sensing of chemotactic gradients. Rheumatoid neutrophil abnormalities in sensing of and responding to chemotactic gradients were not associated with resting or f-Met-Leu-Phe-induced changes in arachidonic acid metabolism.
A 10 μm Cutpoint ambient aerosol sampling inlet

Abstract An ambient air sampling inlet was developed which has a cutpoint of 10 ± 0.5 μm aerodynamic diameter and an effectiveness curve slope of 1.58. The unit is designed to operate at a flow rate of 113/min −1. Tests in a wind tunnel at speeds of 2, 8 and 24 km h −1 showed there to be no substantial variation in cutpoint with wind speed. In tests with 10.6 μm particles at a wind speed of 24 km h −1 the sampler orientation was varied to simulate wind angles of attack. For the sampler axis at − 10, 0 and + 10° from the vertical direction, the range of effectiveness values was only from 42.2 to 45.5 per cent. Under static conditions (no wind) the unit was checked for dry particle bounce with plant pollens and glass beads. The results showed there to be no bounce problems for these materials. Finally, the collection filters were examined for uniformity of deposits associated with the collection of 10.6 μm particles. No significant variation of deposit density was noted.
Visual salience as a search category in a kanji dictionary in interactive Japanese: Understanding written Japanese

Abstract This paper presents in detail some aspects of the design of an on-line kanji dictionary and its extensive search functions as implemented in Interactive Japanese: Understanding Written Japanese, an exploratory, hypertext CALI material for developing reading skills in Japanese. This paper first explains how kanji (Chinese characters used in the Japanese writing system) are organized in a traditional printed dictionary. After a discussion of the shortcomings of the traditional dictionaries for a student of Japanese, this paper will discuss the on-line kanji dictionary on the Understanding Written Japanese system. The dictionary simulates the usual look-up methods of a printed dictionary (i.e. look-up via reading, number of strokes, and radical of the kanji), but incorporates for the first time a search method via kanji components—a method based on visual salience of kanji components. This on-line kanji dictionary, with a search domain of kanji components based on visual salience as well as other search domains, represents a significant improvement to the traditional dictionary design and contributes to the enrichment of the student-controlled, exploratory instructional environment.
Fast Speed Expansion Technique for the Transient Analysis of Automotive Clutches

The transient modal analysis method (TMA) has been used to solve the inhomogeneous (loaded) transient thermoelastic contact problem (ITTEC). In the TMA method, the solution of the inhomogeneous transient problem is expressed in modal coordinates, corresponding to eigenfunctions of the homogeneous (unloaded) problem. However, for the large-scale ITTEC problem, this method is found to be extremely time-consuming, because of the computation-intensive of the eigen-solutions. This paper describes a new approach to solve the large-scale ITTEC problem with a dramatic reduction in computational complexity. The method is referred to as fast speed expansion method (FSE). With the FSE method, full eigen-solutions are performed only at a limited number of sparsely located speeds. For speeds between these speeds, eigenvectors are solved by linear interpolation, while the eigenvalues are computed from Taylor series. The method is illustrated with application to an automotive clutches.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Point-of-Care Testing for Disasters: Needs Assessment, Strategic Planning, and Future Design

Objective evidence-based national surveys serve as a first step in identifying suitable point-of-care device designs, effective test clusters, and environmental operating conditions. Preliminary survey results show the need for point-of-care testing (POCT) devices using test clusters that specifically detect pathogens found in disaster scenarios. Hurricane Katrina, the tsunami in southeast Asia, and the current influenza pandemic (H1N1, "swine flu") vividly illustrate lack of national and global preparedness. Gap analysis of current POCT devices versus survey results reveals how POCT needs can be fulfilled. Future thinking will help avoid the worst consequences of disasters on the horizon, such as extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis and pandemic influenzas. A global effort must be made to improve POC technologies to rapidly diagnose and treat patients to improve triaging, on-site decision making, and, ultimately, economic and medical outcomes.