cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Emotion Development in Infancy through the Lens of Culture

The goal of this review is to consider how culture impacts the socialization of emotion development in infancy, and infants’ and young children’s subsequent outcomes. First, we argue that parents’ socialization decisions are embedded within cultural structures, beliefs, and practices. Second, we identify five broad cultural frames (collectivism/individualism; power distance; children’s place in family and culture; ways children learn; and value of emotional experience and expression) that help to organize current and future research. For each frame, we discuss the impact on parents’ socialization practices and infants’ subsequent outcomes relating to emotion-related experience, expression, and understanding. We also generate testable hypotheses to further our understanding of the relationships between the five frames and emotion development in infancy.
A weakly homogeneous rigid space

Abstract A space is weakly homogeneous if every pair of points have homeomorphic neighborhoods. A space is rigid if it has no self-homeomorphisms. We construct a weakly homogeneous rigid space. Unlike previously known examples, ours is constructed in ZF.
Gauge-Invariant Decomposition of Nucleon Spin

I introduce a gauge-invariant decomposition of the nucleon spin into quark helicity, quark orbital, and gluon contributions. The total quark (and hence the quark orbital) contribution is shown to be measurable through virtual Compton scattering in a special kinematic region where single quark scattering dominates. This deeply virtual Compton scattering has much potential to unravel the quark and gluon structure of the nucleon.
Relative Bioavailability of Meprobamate Tablets in Humans

The relative bioavailability of 400-mg meprobamate tablets manufactured by 11 different firms was evaluated in two groups of healthy male subjects. Each group of six subjects received a reference standard product and five test products given at 1-week intervals. Plasma meprobamate concentrations at 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 24, and 32 hr after dosing were determined using a GLC assay. Analysis of variance of the plasma level-time profiles revealed no statistically significant differences between any of the products in terms of plasma levels at the various sample times, time of peak plasma level, peak plasma level, and area under the plasma level-time curve. It was concluded that the 11 400-mg products could be considered bioequivalent.
Seismic data interpolation and noise attenuation with plane-wave destructor filters

Plane-wave destructor filters originate from a local plane-wave model for characterizing seismic data. These filters can be thought of a T -X analog of F-X prediction-error filters and as an alternative to T -X prediction-error filters. The filters are constructed with the help of an implicit finite-difference scheme for the local plane-wave equation. On several synthetic and real-data examples, I demonstrate an excellent performance of finite-difference planewave destructor filters in such applications as data interpolation and noise attenuation.
Ownership Structure, Potential Competition, and the Free-Rider Problem in Tender Offers

Bagnoli and Lipman (1988) have shown that ownership structure is a significant determinant of the division of the gains in tender offers. This article extends their model to allow for potential competition and for the bidder to acquire a toehold. We show that for some optimal bids, the number of shares expected to be tendered is "less" than the number required for control. Moreover, announcement day returns are predicted to vary cross-sectionally as they reflect both the degree to which the bid is anticipated and the bargaining power of the target's shareholders. We show that "free-rider" type results in which the target's shareholders capture all of the gains are due to extreme modeling assumptions. Copyright 1994 by Oxford University Press.
Ligand Customization and DNA Functionalization of Gold Nanorods via Round-Trip Phase Transfer Ligand Exchange

Customizable ligand exchange of gold nanorods (NRs) is described. NRs are synthesized with the cationic surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) which is exchanged with thiolated ligands that enable suspension in buffer. Exchange is achieved by a two phase extraction. First, CTAB is removed from the NR-CTAB by extracting the NRs into an organic phase via the ligand dodecanethiol (DDT). The NR-DDT are then extracted into an aqueous phase by mercaptocarboxylic acids (MCA), HS−(CH2)n−COOH (n = 5, 10, and 15). Ligands can be further customized to thiolated poly(ethylene glycol), PEGMW (MW = 356, 5000, and 1000). Ligand-exchanged NRs (NR-MCA and NR-PEGMW) are stable in buffer, do not aggregate, and do not change size upon ligand exchange. They can be run in agarose gel electrophoresis with narrow bands, indicating uniform charge distribution and enabling quantitative analysis. DNA functionalization of NR-MCA is straightforward and quantifiable, with minimal nonspecific adsorption.
Differential Mobilization of Subsets of Progenitor Cells from the Bone Marrow

Summary G-CSF stimulates mobilization of hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) from bone marrow by disrupting the CXCR4/SDF-1α retention axis. We show here that distinct factors and mechanisms regulate the mobilization of endothelial (EPCs) and stromal progenitor cells (SPCs). Pretreatment of mice with VEGF did not disrupt the CXCR4/SDF-1α chemokine axis but stimulated entry of HPCs into the cell cycle via VEGFR1, reducing their migratory capacity in vitro and suppressing their mobilization in vivo. In contrast, VEGF pretreatment enhanced EPC mobilization via VEGFR2 in response to CXCR4 antagonism. Furthermore, SPC mobilization was detected when the CXCR4 antagonist was administered to mice pretreated with VEGF, but not G-CSF. Thus, differential mobilization of progenitor cell subsets is dependent upon the cytokine milieu that regulates cell retention and proliferation. These findings may inform studies investigating mechanisms that regulate progenitor cell recruitment in disease and can be exploited to provide efficacious stem cell therapy for tissue regeneration.
Microfabricated capillary array electrophoresis DNA analysis systems

Microfabricated "laboratory-on-a-chip" systems are revolutionizing all aspects of genetic analysis. The development of capillary array electrophoresis (CAE) microchannel plate devices makes possible the performance of 96 or more high-speed separations in parallel on a single wafer-scale device. The fluorescently labeled DNA samples are detected within the microchannels with a novel four-color rotary confocal fluorescence scanner. The capabilities of this system for genotyping are demonstrated through multiplex separations of short tandem repeat and hereditary haemochromatosis allele-specific amplicons. Furthermore, with newly developed folded channel designs that maintain high resolution, these CAE microplate systems are used to perform 96 high-quality DNA sequencing separations in parallel to approximately 500 bases per capillary in less than 30 min. These densely packed microfabricated device technologies will facilitate the even more rapid collection of vast amounts of genetic data in the future.
Prediction of tree diameter growth using quantile regression and mixed-effects models

A tree diameter growth function is an important component of an individual-tree model. This function can be considered as a mixed-effects model, in which a diameter measurement can be used to calibrate (or localize) the equation to produce improved diameter predictions for the same tree in the future. Another approach considered in this study involved a system of quantile regressions, in which future diameters can be determined through interpolation, based on a current diameter measurement. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of quantile regression and mixed-effects models in predicting tree diameter growth. Tree diameter at the end of each growth period was predicted from diameter at the beginning of the period by use of one of the four methods: the mixed-effects model and three quantile regression methods that were based on nine quantiles, five quantiles, and three quantiles. The mixed-effects model performed as well as the three quantile regression methods, based on the mean absolute difference and fit index, but was far superior in terms of the mean difference. The mixed-effects model produced an unbiased prediction of future diameter, up to ten years into the future, when calibrated with a current diameter measurement.
Bilayer molecular solar cells on spin-coated TiO2 substrates

Solar cells with 20 nm films of molecular semiconductors can be constructed without electrical shorts by depositing the organic layers onto spin-coated films of TiO2. The photovoltaic characteristics of a bilayer cell consisting of perylene bis(phenethylimide) and zinc phthalocyanine were measured and compared to those of the individual layers. The bilayer was much more efficient than either individual monolayer but did not behave as a classical p-n junction. It exhibited a short circuit photocurrent density of 1.5 mA/cm2 and a wavelength-averaged short circuit quantum yield of 18% under 1 sun conditions.
The similarities between the activities of the calcium activated sarcoplasmic factor and the kinase activating factor from rabbit skeletal muscle

The similarity, that has been suggested by other investigators, between the kinase activating factor (KAF) and the calcium activated sarcoplasmic factor (CASF) of rabbit skeletal muscle is extended through a comparison of enzyme activities. Proteolytic activity on casein, the ability to activate skeletal muscle glycogen phosphorylase b kinase, inhibition by bovine heart KAF inhibitor and effects on myofibrillar integrity were examined using these two skeletal muscle proteases and a typical bacterial protease isolated from Pseudomonas perolens (ATCC 10757). The study demonstrated that the skeletal muscle proteases have more in common with each other than either protease has with the bacterial protease. The ability to influence the integrity of the myofibril was demonstrated by phase-contrast microscopy and SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The KAF and CASF demonstrated similar effects that again differed from the bacterial protease effects.
Development, characterization, and applications of a novel estrogen receptor beta monoclonal antibody

The role of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) in breast cancer has been studied extensively, and its protein expression is prognostic and a primary determinant of endocrine sensitivity. However, much less is known about the role of ERβ and its relevance remains unclear due to the publication of conflicting reports. Here, we provide evidence that much of this controversy may be explained by variability in antibody sensitivity and specificity and describe the development, characterization, and potential applications of a novel monoclonal antibody targeting full-length human ERβ and its splice variant forms. Specifically, we demonstrate that a number of commercially available ERβ antibodies are insensitive for ERβ and exhibit significant cross-reaction with ERα. However, our newly developed MC10 ERβ antibody is shown to be highly specific and sensitive for detection of full-length ERβ and its variant forms. Strong and variable staining patterns for endogenous levels of ERβ protein were detected in normal human tissues and breast tumors using the MC10 antibody. Importantly, ERβ was shown to be expressed in a limited cohort of both ERα positive and ERα negative breast tumors. Taken together, these data demonstrate that the use of poorly validated ERβ antibodies is likely to explain much of the controversy in the field with regard to the biological relevance of ERβ in breast cancer. The use of the MC10 antibody, in combination with highly specific antibodies targeting only full-length ERβ, is likely to provide additional discriminatory features in breast cancers that may be useful in predicting response to therapy.
Ornithine Decarboxylase in Skin

Ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) was discovered in animal tissues in 1968 [1,2] and interest in its activity and regulation has led to a rapidly and still expanding literature on the enzyme. Several comprehensive reviews have already appeared [3–6]. This article emphasizes our current knowledge of ODC in mammalian skin. The involvement of ODC in tumor promotion will be discussed only briefly, since several recent monographs review this subject [7]. The extensive literature on ODC in tissue culture systems will be omitted for the sake of brevity. Ornithine decarboxylase is the first enzyme in the biosynthetic pathway for the polyamines, putrescine, spermidine and spermine (Fig. 1). Putrescine is the immediate product of ODC; and spermidine and spermine are synthesized from putrescine by the addition of aminopropyl groups generated by the enzyme S-adenosyl-L-methionine decarboxylase. The polyamines spermidine and spermine are polycationic molecules which interact strongly with nucleic acids. Polyamines stabilize the structure of both DNA and RNA and also participate in many enzymatic reactions involving nucleic acids, such as transfer RNA aminoacylation, protein synthesis and RNA transcription [4,5]. Intracellular levels of polyamines and their biosynthetic enzymes are generally found to correlate with growth, though a cause and effect relationship has not been proven. Since ODC is the rate-limiting enzyme for polyamine synthesis, its control has been of primary interest and importance in most studies.
Species diversity in North American temperate forests

Samples from temperate forest communities across the North American continent were analysed for correlations of plant species diversity with environment and community structure. Alpha diversity relationships are complicated by different vegetation patterns and community history. The differences in community diversity patterns may be due to the independent evolution of communities in different regions. Results of analyses were: 1) on a continental scale plant species diversity is related to mean annual temperature, but not precipitation; 2) diversity is substantially greater in continental climates than in maritime regions; 3) diversity-community structure relationships are generally weak, except 4) there is an inverse relationship between diversity and abundance of conifer tree species. Attempts to relate diversity to environmental parameters with multiple regression techniques met with only moderate success.
Reactive power control of photovoltaic systems based on the voltage sensitivity analysis

This paper addresses the voltage fluctuations caused by the output variability of photovoltaic (PV) systems. Due to the significant line resistances inside a distribution network, variations in the active power produced by a PV system can lead to fluctuations in bus voltages and result in the excessive tap-change operations of voltage regulation devices. Based on the voltage sensitivity analysis, the paper presents a reactive power control method for PV systems to mitigate the voltage fluctuations. The method is local and obviates the need for remote measurements. Also, the method considers the loss associated with the reactive power production. The performance of the method is illustrated on the IEEE-123 bus distribution network. Measurements from two actual PV systems are taken into account and the wavelet based fluctuation power index is used to evaluate the method performance. Simulations (in OpenDSS) are presented to assess the voltage regulation characteristics under different load conditions.
3+1 multijunction testing and operations platform for improved PV and TPV efficiencies

A new testing platform for semiconductor solar devices and solar concentration applications has been developed. By separating the solar radiation into two beams using a dichroic lens, simultaneous operation of a photovoltaic (PV) and a thermophotovoltaic (TPV) cell is made possible. Photons with a wavelength shorter than 1100 nm are reflected onto a PV cell; whereas the remaining solar spectrum is refracted towards a TPV cell. This testing platform takes advantage of auto-tracking and focusing capabilities using a digital mount and photoresistors. Alternative solutions to cooling problems have also been offered. Various concentration ratios, incident light intensities, acceptance angles and spot sizes can be achieved due to the versatile nature of this device. Issues with mismatching lattice constants have also been addressed through spectrum splitting. This design, when operated at its full capacity with a 3-junction PV cell and a TPV cell, allows for exciting new possibilities in high efficiency solar cell technology. These possibilities include the 3+1 hybrid multijunction cell design which could lead to higher overall efficiencies than conventional concentrators.
Digital super-regulation of an on-line time-of-flight system

Abstract System gain and baseline drifts are monitored using events of known time, and the original time channel of each event corrected and rounded to an integer by a statistical process.
Ambient data analysis for robust and efficient structural identification

Various uncertainties involved in the structural modeling and experiment processes greatly limit the application of the system identification (St-Id) technology on the real-life structural health monitoring and risk-based decision making. An efficient St-Id method is proposed to accurately identify structural modal parameters by using ambient test data with various uncertainties. The random decrement technique is first applied to reduce random errors by averaging the test data. Subsequently, a high order Vector Backward Auto-Regressive (VBAR) model is proposed to identify structural modal parameters. The merit of the VBAR model is that it awards a determine way to separate the system modes consisting of structural parameters and the extraneous modes arising due to uncertainties. The ambient vibration data from a cantilever beam experiment is employed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed St-Id method.
Constraints on singularities under Ricci curvature bounds

Abstract We announce results giving constraints on the singularities of spaces which are Gromov-Hausdorf'f limits of sequences of Riemannian manifolds whose Ricci curvature and volume are bounded from below and whose curvature tensor is bounded in an integral sense.
Modeling air quality during the California Regional PM10/PM2.5 Air Quality Study (CPRAQS) using the UCD/CIT Source Oriented Air Quality Model – Part II. Regional source apportionment of primary airborne particulate matter

Abstract A comprehensive air quality modeling project was carried out to simulate regional source contributions to primary airborne particle concentrations in California's central Valley. A 3-week stagnation episode lasting from December 15, 2000 to January 7, 2001, was chosen for study using the air quality and meteorological data collected during the California Regional PM10/PM2.5 Air Quality Study (CRPAQS). The UCD/CIT source oriented air quality model was applied to this episode using both the source-oriented external mixture configuration and an internal mixture with artificial tracers so that source contribution information could be retrieved in less time. The majority of the predicted and measured primary airborne particulate matter mass was composed of elemental carbon (EC) and organic carbon (OC). Previous work has shown that base case EC and OC predictions made by the UCD/CIT model are in good agreement with observations. Model results from the current study show that the highest EC and OC concentrations occur in urban areas and along transportation corridors where primary emissions are largest. Lower concentrations of primary EC and OC are predicted at rural locations in the San Joaquin Valley (SJV). Source contributions predicted by the UCD/CIT air quality model were compared to receptor-oriented source apportionment results produced by the Chemical Mass Balance (CMB) model at Fresno and Angiola. The relative contributions from major sources predicted by the UCD/CIT model agree with the CMB model results, building confidence in the accuracy of the UCD/CIT model predictions at locations where the CMB results are not available. Wood smoke was identified as the major regional source of primary OC in airborne particles in the winter SJV episode, accounting for approximately 50% of the total PM2.5. Diesel engines were also found to be a significant contributor to primary PM2.5 OC and the largest contributor to the predicted PM2.5 EC averaged over a typical day. EC contributions from wood smoke increased at night and sometimes reached as high as 40% of the total PM2.5 EC. The contribution of fugitive dust to primary PM2.5 mass was also predicted to be significant, especially in rural areas, but this result is likely biased high by the lack of an appropriate diurnal profile for dust emissions. The results of the current study suggest that reductions in wood burning and diesel engine activity would reduce the regional concentration of primary PM2.5 during severe winter stagnation events in the SJV.
Rap1 Activation Plays a Regulatory Role in Pancreatic Amylase Secretion

Rap1 is a member of the Ras superfamily of small GTP-binding proteins and is localized on pancreatic zymogen granules. The current study was designed to determine whether GTP-Rap1 is involved in the regulation of amylase secretion. Rap1A/B and the two Rap1 guanine nucleotide exchange factors, Epac1 and CalDAG-GEF III, were identified in mouse pancreatic acini. A fraction of both Rap1 and Epac1 colocalized with amylase in zymogen granules, but only Rap1 was integral to the zymogen granule membranes. Stimulation with cholecystokinin (CCK), carbachol, and vasoactive intestinal peptide all induced Rap1 activation, as did calcium ionophore A23187, phorbol ester, forskolin, 8-bromo-cyclic AMP, and the Epac-specific cAMP analog 8-pCPT-2′-O-Me-cAMP. The phospholipase C inhibitor U-73122 abolished carbachol- but not forskolin-induced Rap1 activation. Co-stimulation with carbachol and 8-pCPT-2′-O-Me-cAMP led to an additive effect on Rap1 activation, whereas a synergistic effect was seen on amylase release. Although the protein kinase A inhibitor H-89 abolished forskolin-stimulated CREB phosphorylation, it did not modify forskolin-induced GTP-Rap1 levels, excluding PKA participation. Overexpression of Rap1 GTPase-activating protein, which blocked Rap1 activation, reduced the effect of 8-bromo-cyclic AMP, 8-pCPT-2′-O-Me-cAMP, and vasoactive intestinal peptide on amylase release by 60% and reduced CCK- as well as carbachol-stimulated pancreatic amylase release by 40%. These findings indicate that GTP-Rap1 is required for pancreatic amylase release. Rap1 activation not only mediates the cAMP-evoked response via Epac1 but is also involved in CCK- and carbachol-induced amylase release, with their action most likely mediated by CalDAG-GEF III.
Adjusting to Widowhood: Do Social Networks Really Make It Easier?

Positive and negative aspects of relations with friends and family were examined among groups of widows in focus-group discussions, where relationships mentioned were coded as positive or negative. Approximately 40% of all mentions were negative, with family members receiving more negative mentions. Family relations showed commitments involving both problematic obligations and an inability to avoid undesirable behavior. Non-family relations showed flexibility, with increases in positive relationships and decreases in negative ones.
Differences in the Bioenergetic Response of the Isolated Perfused Rat Heart to Selective β1- and β2-Adrenergic Receptor Stimulation

Background— In the heart, striking functional differences exist after stimulation of the β1- and β2-adrenergic receptor (AR) subtypes. These may be linked to differences in metabolic response during β1- and β2-AR stimulation. Methods and Results— The relation between work and metabolism was examined during selective β1- and β2-AR stimulation (β1 and β2 groups, respectively) in the isolated perfused rat heart. Measurements were made of rate-pressure product (RPP=LV developed pressure × heart rate), phosphorus-containing metabolites, and pH by 31P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and of O2 consumption by fiber-optic oximetry. Experiments were performed under high constant flow (HCF) and under flow-limiting conditions (constant pressure, CP). Despite substantially greater RPP increases relative to baseline during β1-AR (HCF, 475%; CP, 150%) than β2-AR (HCF, 90%; CP, 72%) stimulation, the relative decrease in the intracellular energy charge relative to baseline was similar for the β1 (HCF, 49%; CP, 64%...
Model Predictive Control of an Electro-Hydraulic Powertrain With Energy Storage

This paper presents a model predictive control approach to solving the energy management problem within a series hydraulic hybrid powertrain. The hydraulic hybrid utilizes a high pressure accumulator for energy storage which has superior power density than conventional battery technology. This makes fluid power attractive for urban driving applications in which there are frequent starts and stops and large startup power demands. Model predictive control was chosen for control design because this technique requires no information about the future drive cycle, which can be highly uncertain in urban settings. The proposed control strategy was validated experimentally using an electro-hydraulic powertrain testbed which includes energy storage. The experimental study demonstrates the controller’s ability to track a reference trajectory while achieving efficient engine operation.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Near-infrared spectroscopy for divertor plasma diagnosis and control in DIII-D tokamak.

New near infrared (NIR) spectroscopic measurements performed in the DIII-D tokamak divertor plasma suggest new viable diagnostic applications: divertor recycling and low-Z impurity flux measurements, a spectral survey for divertor Thomson scattering (DTS) diagnostic, and Te monitoring for divertor detachment control. A commercial 0.3 m spectrometer coupled to an imaging lens via optical fiber and a InGaAs 1024 pixel array detector enabled deuterium and impurity emission measurements in the range 800–2300 nm. The first full NIR survey identified D, He, B, Li, C, N, O, Ne lines and provided plasma Te, ne estimates from deuterium Paschen and Brackett series intensity and Stark line broadening analysis. The range 1.000–1.060 mm was surveyed in high-density and neon seeded divertor plasmas for spectral background emission studies for λ = 1.064 μm laser-based DTS development. The ratio of adjacent deuterium Paschen-α and Brackett Br9 lines in recombining divertor plasmas is studied for divertor Te monitoring ai...
Spectra and structure of phosphorus‐boron compounds. XV:vibrational studies of substituted P ‐ Hexamethylcyclotriborophosphanes

The infrared spectra (3500−30 cm−1) of solid hexa-substituted P-hexamethylcyclotriborophosphanes [(CH3)2PBX2]3 where X = F, Cl, Br, I and CH3 and some corresponding B-monosubstituted and disubstituted species have been recorded. The Raman spectra (3500−10 cm−1) of the corresponding solids have also been investigated. The vibrational spectra of the hexa-substituted compounds could best be interpreted on the basis of C3ν molecular symmetry. The observed intermolecular vibrations for these solids indicate little factor group effects. The vibrational spectra of the corresponding B-monosubstituted compounds were very similar to those for the parent molecules with the addition of three ‘new’ B-X motions. The molecular symmetries are discussed in relation to a recent nuclear magnetic resonance study.
Infrared studies of chain folding in polymers. VI. Polyhexamethylene adipamide and its cyclic oligomers

Abstract The 1224 and 1323 cm−1 infrared bands in nylon 66 have previously been assigned to a unique conformation in a tightly folded chain with adjacent reentry. The unique conformation in the fold giving rise to these bands is a nitrogen-methylene bond that is between cis and trans. Models of the cyclic monomer and dimer of Nylon 66 indicate that this type of nitrogen-methylene bond exists in these compounds also. Since these cyclic oligomers must exhibit “adjacent reentry,” the fact that the 1224 and 1323cm−1 bands appear with greatly enhanced intensity in the infrared spectra of these compounds strongly supports the original assignment of these bands. It should be noted that in the infrared spectra of the linear oligomers these bands are absent.
Looking into the future: big full containerships and their arrival to South American ports

The global and regional economic growth seen in the past decades has triggered a major transformation of the maritime transport sector, the ports, and the logistics. Regarding shipping in particular, ships of a growing size are being allocated to container transport with increasing frequency. This size enlargement has a strategic implication in the planning of ports and its services and related activities. Considering historical data, it can be observed that the large vessels which travel the main maritime routes of worldwide trade need progressively fewer years to reach the coasts of South America. This paper seeks to determine the time span before the largest vessels of the present time (with an average 13 000 TEUS) will reach the South American coasts. Different models were estimated, considering the following factors as explanatory variables for the international maximum vessel size: maritime trade, global economic activity, time span between the appearance of vessels navigating the maritime routes of...
Plastic injection micromachining of millimeter and sub-millimeter rectangular waveguide filters

In this paper, plastic microinjection molded WR-3 rectangular metalized waveguides are demonstrated. The process is simple to implement and allows fabrication of complex 3D structures. Different types of waveguide filters are fabricated using this process and measured results are reported. Simulation results show that filters with good performance in the millimeter and sub-millimeter wave range can be attained using the proposed process. Preliminary measured results on fabricated filters are presented.
Mortalin, apoptosis, and neurodegeneration.

Mortalin is a highly conserved heat-shock chaperone usually found in multiple subcellular locations. It has several binding partners and has been implicated in various functions ranging from stress response, control of cell proliferation, and inhibition/prevention of apoptosis. The activity of this protein involves different structural and functional mechanisms, and minor alterations in its expression level may lead to serious biological consequences, including neurodegeneration. In this article we review the most current data associated with mortalin’s binding partners and how these protein-protein interactions may be implicated in apoptosis and neurodegeneration. A complete understanding of the molecular pathways in which mortalin is involved is important for the development of therapeutic strategies for cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.
Frequency of germline PTEN mutations in differentiated thyroid cancer.

Background: Differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) is seen in 3%–10% of individuals carrying a germline PTEN mutation. Patients with PTEN mutations are at risk for additional neoplasms as are their affected offspring. However, the frequency of PTEN mutations among DTC cases has not been systematically analyzed. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of PTEN mutations in an unselected group of patients with DTC and to identify whether additional clinical features might indicate the need for referral for genetic counseling and possible testing. Methods: We collected personal medical and family history information, head circumference data, and blood from 259 consecutively identified clinic-based patients with DTC, unselected for personal or family history. Individuals were categorized for diagnostic criteria for Cowden syndrome (CS) using the 2009 National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines and underwent germline PTEN mutation analysis. Results: Two of the 259 patients (0.8%), wi...
Woody biomass availability for bioethanol conversion in Mississippi

Abstract This study evaluated woody biomass from logging residues, small-diameter trees, mill residues, and urban waste as a feedstock for cellulosic ethanol conversion in Mississippi. The focus on Mississippi was to assess in-state regional variations and provide specific information of biomass estimates for those facilities interested in locating in Mississippi. Supply and cost of four woody biomass sources were derived from Forest Inventory Analysis (FIA) information, a recent forest inventory conducted by the Mississippi Institute for Forest Inventory, and primary production costs. According to our analysis, about 4.0 million dry tons of woody biomass are available for production of up to 1.2 billion liters of ethanol each year in Mississippi. The feedstock consists of 69% logging residues, 21% small-diameter trees, 7% urban waste, and 3% mill residues. Of the total, 3.1 million dry tons (930 million liters of ethanol) can be produced for $34 dry ton−1 or less. Woody biomass from small-diameter trees is more expensive than other sources of biomass. Transportation costs accounted for the majority of total production costs. A sensitivity analysis indicates that the largest impacts in production costs of ethanol come from stumpage price of woody biomass and technological efficiency. These results provide a valuable decision support tool for resource managers and industries in identifying parameters that affect resource magnitude, type, and location of woody biomass feedstocks in Mississippi.
Photoreaction Injection Molding of Biomaterial Microstructures

Reaction injection molding using in situ photoinduced polymer macromer gelation in microfluidic channels was applied to the fabrication of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogel microstructures. These hydrogel microstructures were fabricated using poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) microchannels as mold inserts alone or in combination with photolithography. These microstructures were formed by flowing a gel precursor solution through the microfluidic network, exposing to light, and finally removing the PDMS mold. Microchannels as narrow as 10 μm wide could be used for molding PEG hydrogels, and the resulting three-dimensional hydrogel microstructures did not delaminate from substrates treated with 3-(trichlorosilyl)propyl methacrylate, a gel adhesion promoter. By exploitation of the laminar flow and poor mixing conditions in a microfluidic channel, single microstructures with heterogeneous chemistries were also created, using peptide-modified structures to promote cell adhesion as a model.
Technical challenges and recent developments in underwater imaging

The need for improved vision in various undersea applications has been recognized for decades. Improvements in underwater cameras and lenses have followed similar improvements in land-based cameras, but limitations associated with the image transfer characteristics of the medium have been primary obstacles in developing high performance systems. The application of lasers to the imaging formation process has provided a means of acquiring long range images and has, at least partially, formed the basis for the development of high power blue- green laser technology. Unlike atmospheric applications, underwater images can be formed only over small distances -- perhaps only tens of meters. Distance is primarily determined by the optical power available, the system geometry, the detection means, and (primarily by) the optical attenuation of the medium. The attenuation is governed by absorption and scattering processes which act to either remove or redirect photons originating from the source of illumination. In spite of the limitations imposed by these effects, considerable progress has been made over the past several years toward increasing the image formation range and image quality. These gains have been made through the use of nonconventional image formation techniques and laser technology. This paper reviews the classically described methodologies for underwater image formation, as well as their limitations, and discusses recent developments that extend imaging capability beyond the construction of 2-dimensional reflectance maps. For example, a system under development produces three-dimensional maps of the image space using a scanning laser configuration. The scene is viewed from a separate location to provide depth information via triangulation. The detector provides an estimate of position of the apparent landing spot of the laser beam for each scan angle from which a depth estimate is calculated. The system is designed to scan a 20 X 20 degree field-of-view at distances from 0.5 to 1.5 meters with a resolution of about 1 millimeter.
A raman spectral study of hydrated niobium phosphate (NbPO5) phases

Abstract Raman spectra were measured for a hydrated NbPO 5 phase after heating at various temperatures. Analyses of the spectra suggest that hydrogen phosphate groups were present in the materials heated at the lower temperatures (25, 105, and 195°C), consistent with earlier infrared spectral studies. Interlamellar water could be detected in the samples that were unheated or heated in this investigation below 1000°C which form NbO bonds with Nb ions in the layers, replacing the van der Waal NbO bonds between layers.
The effects of PGE1 on lymphocytes in NZB/W mice.

Abstract In female NZB/W mice, PGE 1 has been shown to prolong survival and markedly reduce deposition of immune complexes in renal glomeruli. To further evaluate the pharmacological effects of this agent, lymphoid cellularity and the responses of spleen cells to polyclonal mitogens were sequentially evaluated. Experimental animals were treated with PGE 1 , 200 μg twice daily, starting at 2 months of age. In the control series, there was a progressive involution of the thymus, an age-related increase in splenic lymphoid cells and a decrease in responses of spleen cells to PHA and Con A. Animals treated with PGE 1 showed an accelerated rate of thymic involution. In addition, treatment severely limited the splenic hyperplasia and preserved the reactivity of spleen cells to T-cell mitogens. As a result, the number and responses of splenic T and B cells in 10-month-old treated mice did not significantly differ from 2-month-old control animals. These lymphoid changes may be important factors in the ability of PGE 1 to alter this immunologically related disease.
K → ππ decays with domain wall fermions: lattice matrix elements

Abstract We present a lattice calculation of the K → π and K → 0 matrix elements of the ΔS = 1 effective weak Hamiltonian which can be used to determine ϵ′/ϵ and the ΔI = 1 2 rule for K decays in the Standard Model. The matrix elements for K → ππ decays are related to K → π and K → 0 using lowest order chiral perturbation theory. We also present results for the kaon B parameter, BK. Our quenched domain wall fermion simulation was done at β = 6.0 (a−1 ≈ 2 GeV), lattice size 163 × 32 × 16, and domain wall height M5 = 1.8.
Testing for the Structure of the Career Decision Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form Among Chinese College Students

This study examines the factor structure of the Career Decision Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form (CDSES-SF) among Chinese college students. Two samples of college students from China were used. The o...
Diurnal blood pressure pattern and development of prehypertension or hypertension in young adults: the CARDIA study

Nondippers (people whose sleep systolic blood pressure [SBP] fails to decrease >10% from daytime SBP) have increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The prevalence of nondipping in younger adults has not been well studied, nor has its value for predicting hypertension. We examined the prevalence of nondipping in a substudy of the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Study. We used Cox regression to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) conferred by nondipping for incident prehypertension or hypertension (preHTN/HTN) over 15 years. Of the 264 nonhypertensive participants at baseline, 118 (45%) were nondippers. Blacks were more likely than whites to be nondippers (52% versus 33%, P = .004). The incidence rate of preHTN/HTN was 29.2/1000 person-years among dippers and 36.2/1000 person-years among nondippers. Compared with those in the lowest quartile of nighttime to daytime SBP, those in the highest quartile were more likely to develop preHTN/HTN (HR 1.61; P = .06), but this relationship was attenuated after adjustment (HR 1.34; P = .27). Our results demonstrate that nondipping is common in young, nonhypertensive adults, and is more common in blacks than whites. Nondipping might predate a meaningful clinically detected increase in BP in some people, but more research in larger study samples is needed.
Non-invasive, optical monitoring and characterization of biochemical changes during stem cell differentiation

Multi-photon excited fluorescence microscopy was utilized to monitor the biochemical changes associated with the development of silk-based engineered constructs into functional adipose tissue. Based on the intrinsic fluorescence of NADH and FAD, cells within vascularized adipose tissue demonstrated significantly higher metabolic activity than cells in non-vascularized control tissue.
Bioengineering and Bioinformatics Summer Institutes: Meeting Modern Challenges in Undergraduate Summer Research

Summer undergraduate research programs in science and engineering facilitate research progress for faculty and provide a close-ended research experience for students, which can prepare them for careers in industry, medicine, and academia. However, ensuring these outcomes is a challenge when the students arrive ill-prepared for substantive research or if projects are ill-defined or impractical for a typical 10-wk summer. We describe how the new Bioengineering and Bioinformatics Summer Institutes (BBSI), developed in response to a call for proposals by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation (NSF), provide an impetus for the enhancement of traditional undergraduate research experiences with intense didactic training in particular skills and technologies. Such didactic components provide highly focused and qualified students for summer research with the goal of ensuring increased student satisfaction with research and mentor satisfaction with student productivity. As an example, we focus on our experiences with the Penn State Biomaterials and Bionanotechnology Summer Institute (PSU-BBSI), which trains undergraduates in core technologies in surface characterization, computational modeling, cell biology, and fabrication to prepare them for student-centered research projects in the role of materials in guiding cell biology.
1-D, 2-D, and 3-D analytical solutions of unsaturated flow in groundwater

An excellent tool for checking numerical models of unsaturated flow in groundwater is analytical solutions. However, because of the highly nonlinear nature of the governing partial differential equation, only a limited number of analytical solutions are available. This paper first gives some simple 1-D solutions. Next, by use of a transformation, the nonlinear partial differential equation is converted to a linear one for a specific form of the moisture content vs. pressure head and relative hydraulic conductivity vs. pressure head curves. This allows both 2-D and 3-D solutions to be derived, which is done in this paper. Finally, computations from a finite element computer program are compared with results from one of the analytical solutions to illustrate the use of the derived equations.
Responses of American Alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) to Environmental Conditions: Implications for Population and Ecosystem Monitoring

Accurate monitoring of wildlife populations is critical for species management and conservation. If management practices are based on inaccurate data, managers might not be implementing management strategies appropriately, which can have severe ecological consequences. We used a generalized linear mixed-model analysis to predict and explain the relative abundance of American Alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) within inland freshwater wetlands. Models were developed for three alligator age classes: hatchlings (#30.5 cm total length (TL)), subadults (30.6-182.9 cm TL), and adults ($183 cm TL). Independent variables included environmental parameters that we measured during nighttime surveys. We conducted 135 nighttime alligator surveys, and recorded 7689 observations of alligators in three study lakes. We found that the relative abundance of alligators is variable among age classes and lakes. Final models for each age class differed when lakes were analyzed separately compared with when lakes were combined into one analysis; models differed across age classes as well. These results indicate that alligator occurrence and relative abundance is multifaceted and complex. Survey techniques should accurately quantify age- and population- specific data. Managers and scientists should target particular age classes during surveys on the basis of prevailing environmental conditions.
FDRA: a software-pipelining algorithm for embedded VLIW processors

The paper presents a novel software-pipelining algorithm suitable for optimizing compilers targeting embedded VLIW processors. The proposed algorithm is different from previous approaches in that it can effectively handle code size constraints along with latency and resource constraints. Experimental results are presented showing that FDRA's solutions to the "traditional" software-pipelining problem, which considers latency minimization under resource constraints only, have similar quality to those produced by the best state-of-the-art algorithms. Additionally, it is argued that FDRA's novel ability to explicitly consider code size constraints allows embedded system designers to explore performance vs. code size trade-offs, both unquestionably important figures of merit for embedded software.
Integrating computer engineering education with a platform for learning

Computer engineering is predominately taught in a way that separates topics into seemingly unrelated islands of information, where each island is the class in which the topic is presented. When viewed across classes, the topics seem to have little relation to each other. The way topics are presented ignores the need for connection and for integration, which should be at the core of an engineering education [Van Heuvelen, 1991]. Using a platform for learning across the entire computer engineering curriculum, topics in different classes which seem disconnected can be placed into a unifying framework under which all the topics can be blended into a coherent whole. The platform acts as the consistent reference point that connects the spectrum of topics throughout the curriculum. In the spring of 2002, a new platform for learning, called a Tekbot was integrated into the computer engineering curriculum at Oregon State University. This paper describes how the integration of topics has improved the curriculum and paints a roadmap of how the platform will be used across the computer engineering curriculum.
Optical excitations in organic dendrimers investigated by time-resolved and nonlinear optical spectroscopy.

Our research is concerned with the optical properties of covalently bound branched multichromophore systems. The presence of strong intramolecular interactions in dendrimers and other branched macromolecules has stimulated new approaches toward improved energy transfer and light-emitting and enhanced nonlinear optical materials, as well as the possibility of delocalized (exciton) excitations in molecular aggregates. This Account summarizes some of our investigations, which combine the use of different time-resolved techniques to examine the dynamics in organic (conjugated) branched structures and provide important structure−function correlations necessary for applications.