cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Numerical simulation of ballistic electron dynamics and heat transport in metallic targets exposed to ultrashort laser pulse

The role of ballistic electrons generated during ultrashort pulse laser (USPL) absorption in metallic targets was investigated in a wide range of laser intensities using our developed simulation package FEMTO-2D. The simulation package is based on the numerical solution of the two-temperature model with the assumption of local thermal equilibrium for electron and lattice subsystems within the simulation cell at any time step. Electron thermodynamic parameters were calculated through the processes of material transition from the cold solid state into the dense plasma state during and after the pulse based on the collision theory. The appropriate model for temperature dependent thermodynamic parameters allows defining the heat transport during an early stage of the USPL-matter interaction directly, without relying on the effective absorption depth model. The study investigated, for the first time, using integrated computer simulation the role of ballistic electrons in energy transfer and heat conduction during USPL deposition. The simulation predictions of the electron heat transport dynamics during and shortly after the laser pulse were benchmarked for the gold target against available experimental data and were able to confirm the dominant role of the ballistic electrons in the initial heat propagation within 100–120 nm of the target at laser intensities below 1013 W/cm2.
Development and validation of a mouse-based primary screening method for testing relative allergenicity of proteins from different wheat genotypes.

Abstract Background Wheat allergy is a major food allergy that has reached significant levels of global public health concern. Potential variation in allergenicity among different wheat genotypes is not well studied at present largely due to the unavailability of validated methods. Here, we developed and validated a novel mouse-based primary screening method for this purpose. Methods Groups of Balb/c mice weaned on-to a plant protein-free diet were sensitized with salt-soluble protein (SSP) extracted from AABB genotype of wheat (durum, Carpio variety). After confirming clinical sensitization for anaphylaxis, mice were boosted 7 times over a 6-month period. Using a pooled-plasma mini bank, a wheat-specific IgE-inhibition (II)-ELISA was optimized. Then the relative allergenicity of SSPs from tetraploid (AABB), hexaploid (AABBDD) and diploid (DD) wheat genotypes were determined. The IC50/IC75 values were estimated using IgE inhibition curves. Results The optimized II-ELISA with an inhibition time of 2.5 h had a co-efficient of variation of Conclusion We report a novel mouse-based primary screening method of testing relative allergenicity of wheat proteins from three different wheat genotypes for the first time. This method is expected to have broad applications in wheat allergy research.
High Afterload Driving Poor Cardiac Output in LVAD Patients is Rectified with Nitrate Therapy

Purpose There is a paucity of data describing influences on cardiac output in patients supported on LVAD therapy. We describe, for the first time, the independent impact of afterload on cardiac output in the LVAD population. Methods Between 2015 and 2018, 54 patients on LVAD therapy were evaluated with simultaneous left and right heart catheterization ramp study. All patients with significant aortic regurgitation or device malfunction/thrombosis were excluded. Hemodynamic parameters from the 30 remaining patients undergoing speed optimization were analyzed. Results Mean central aortic pressure (MAP) was 87 ± 13 mmHg at baseline and correlated significantly with RPM for each pump type (R > 0.24, p ≤ 0.05 for all). No association between MAP or RPM and cardiac index (CI) was found. However, there was a significant correlation between systemic vascular resistance (SVRi) and CI (R = -0.76, p 90, n=8) received nitrate therapy and experienced a mean increase in cardiac index from 2.3 L/min/m2 to 2.8 L/min/m2 (mean increase of 23%) at a given RPM, validating the physiologic afterload findings. Conclusion Afterload as measured by LV-EA or SVRi negatively influences cardiac output in LVAD therapy and is ameliorated by nitrates. These findings serve as a foundation to evaluate the dynamic effects of high afterload and chronic vasodilator therapy in patients with durable LVADs.
The Change Wheel: Elements of Systemic Change and How to Get Change Rolling

This note presents a framework and tool for leading fundamental systemic change in organizations and beyond. It identifies the 10 key elements of systemic change and arrays them along the spokes of a wheel, which suggests momentum and an interconnected rather than linear process for changing systems. All spokes must be engaged and then re-engaged to keep change moving. The practical model shows how spokes are related and reinforce one another and also presents a logical order for connecting them.
Five-Year Outcome of Operative and Nonoperative Management of Meniscal Tear in Persons Older Than Forty-Five Years

Objective To determine the 5-year outcome of treatment for meniscal tear in osteoarthritis. Methods We examined 5-year follow-up data from the Meniscal Tear in Osteoarthritis Research trial (METEOR) of physical therapy versus arthroscopic partial meniscectomy. We performed primary intent-to-treat (ITT) and secondary as-treated analyses. The primary outcome measure was the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) pain scale; total knee replacement (TKR) was a secondary outcome measure. We used piecewise linear mixed models to describe change in KOOS pain. We calculated 5-year cumulative TKR incidence and used a Cox model to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) for TKR, with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Results Three hundred fifty-one participants were randomized. In the ITT analysis, the KOOS pain scores were ~46 (scale of 0 [no pain] to 100 [most pain]) at baseline in both groups. Pain scores improved substantially in both groups over the first 3 months, continued to improve through the next 24 months (to ~18 in each group), and were stable at 24-60 months. Results of the as-treated analyses of the KOOS pain score were similar. Twenty-five participants (7.1% [95% CI 4.4-9.8%]) underwent TKR over 5 years. In the ITT model, the HR for TKR was 2.0 (95% CI 0.8-4.9) for subjects randomized to the arthroscopic partial meniscectomy group, compared to those randomized to the physical therapy group. In the as-treated analysis, the HR for TKR was 4.9 (95% CI 1.1-20.9) for subjects ultimately treated with arthroscopic partial meniscectomy, compared to those treated nonoperatively. Conclusion Pain improved considerably in both groups over 60 months. While ITT analysis revealed no statistically significant differences following TKR, greater frequency of TKR in those undergoing arthroscopic partial meniscectomy merits further study.
Félix y Bento: dos casos de masculinidad a-relacional en Ressurreição y Dom Casmurro

This article presents a new reading of two works by Brazilian author Joaquim Maria Machado de Assis, his first novel Ressurreicao (1872) and the later Dom Casmurro (1899). It reflects on two male protagonists, Felix and Bento, and the relationships they develop with their female partners, Capitu and Livia. Through an exploration of the psychological abuse these two men inflict on their partners and how these men conform the concept of “a-relational man” by Rainer Maria Rilke, it highlights the relevance of gender violence criticism in Machado’s works.
Elucidation of cGMP-dependent induction of mitochondrial biogenesis through PKG and p38 MAPK in the kidney.

Previous studies have shown that cGMP increases mitochondrial biogenesis (MB). Our laboratory has determined that formoterol and LY344864, agonists of the β2-adrenergic receptor and 5-HT1F receptor...
Analyzing Physical Spaces as a Means of Understanding Rhetoric

The following collaborative project is designed to encourage students to investigate how rhetoric functions in everyday locations. Specifically, this assignment prompts students to document, analyze, and present the physical design and makeup of "privately owned public spaces" (POPS), a unique categorization of community spaces that is promoted as simultaneously private and public. The benefits of completing this assignment are multifaceted: students are given the opportunity to experience learning beyond the confines of the classroom, and students are able to practice rhetorical analysis on physical locations, thereby learning how rhetoric functions beyond written or verbal discourse and attuning them to the social contexts of public spaces.
A qualitative study on participants' experiences with a community-based mindful walking intervention and mobile device activity measurement.

Abstract Background Mindful walking (MW) interventions employ mindfulness training combined with physical activity. Wearable mobile devices have been increasingly used to measure outcomes of physical activity interventions. The purpose of this study was to understand MW participants’ attitudes towards MW and the use of mobile devices in health promotion interventions, including barriers and facilitators of intervention engagement and adherence. Few qualitative studies have documented participant experience with these two types of interventions. Method The pilot study involved a randomized MW intervention including 38 participants with self-reported inadequate physical activity. Half of them were randomized to receive MW intervention plus a FitBit device and the other received the FitBit device only. We used a qualitative thematic analysis of the narrative data collected through open-ended survey questions at three time points. Participants in the MW intervention were asked to describe their experiences with MW, while all participants were asked to describe their experience with wearing the FitBit to track their step counts. Results: Participants reported a broad range of perceived benefits and challenges related to adopting the MW intervention and using the mobile device. Participants were generally willing to try to adopt the recommended MW practice and to see value of MW in increasing physical activity and improving overall health. Participants reported using a variety of additional device features beyond goal setting and step counts, indicating using the devices may have been effective in providing additional motivation for participants in meeting physical activity goals in both the control and intervention groups. While most of the feedback about MW (in the intervention group) and the device (all participants) was overwhelmingly positive, a minority of participants reported barriers such as lack of patience with meditation and discomfort with wearing the device. Conclusion Most participants in the MW intervention see the health benefits of this program and most participants using the wearable physical activity tracking device reported the motivational benefits of this device. Issues with the MW intervention (e.g., lack of patience) and the wearable device (e.g., discomfort with wearing) need to be addressed in future interventions.
Multisystem Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis in an infant

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare enigmatic disease that pre-dominantly affects children under 5 years of age. We report an interesting case of a 5 month old female diagnosed with multisystem LCH. Her disease process included osseous, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, cutaneous, hematopoietic and neurologic involvement. This case highlights the varying clinical symptoms, risk factors, pathogenesis, and management of multisystem LCH. This case also emphasizes the role of diagnostic imaging in this multifaceted disease.
Genome editor-directed in vivo library diversification

Summary The generation of a library of variant genes is a prerequisite of directed evolution, a powerful tool for biomolecular engineering. As the number of all possible sequences often far exceeds the diversity of a practical library, methods that allow efficient library diversification in living cells are essential for in vivo directed evolution technologies to effectively sample the sequence space and allow hits to emerge. While traditional whole-genome mutagenesis often results in toxicity and the emergence of “cheater” mutations, recent developments that exploit the targeting and editing abilities of genome editors to facilitate in vivo library diversification have allowed for precise mutagenesis focused on specific genes of interest, higher mutational density, and reduced the occurrence of cheater mutations. This minireview summarizes recent advances in genome editor-directed in vivo library diversification and provides an outlook on their future applications in chemical biology.
Flight system morphology and minimum flight temperature in North American cicadas (Insecta: Hemiptera: Cicadidae)

Abstract Thermal responses in cicadas have been studied for many years. The minimum flight temperature (MFT) does not show the same relationship to habitat and behavior as other thermal responses. We measured live mass, wing length, wingspan, wing area and wing loading in an attempt to correlate these morphological parameters to the MFT. We analyzed both intraspecific (in Magicicada cassinii (Fisher, 1852)) and interspecific relationships of the wing morphology and the ability of the cicadas to fly in a large number of North American cicada taxa (n=119). A total of 109 species and 10 subspecies from 17 genera, six tribes, and three subfamilies including all major North American habitats were studied. Analyses show that wing morphology (wing length, wingspan, wing area and wing loading) scales to body size as predicted by geometric similarity (all P
The future of logic synthesis and verification

Logic synthesis has been worked on for at least 40 years, and much has been accomplished, with many commercial tools developed and used pervasively. However, in light of the continual progress made in technology, more complex designs will be made and along with increased physical interactions, these will present new changes for both synthesis and verification. We discuss some areas where these problems will arise and pose some challenges for the future.
Geothermal energy: Non-electric potential in the USA

Abstract In this paper, the authors examine the energy market potential of non-electric uses of hydrothermal geothermal in the USA during the period 1985–1995. A generalized pricing model is developed for estimating a future delivered price of geothermal energy for a wide range of uses. These prices are then compared with forecast prices of alternative fuels. Market potential is then calculated as the sum of the energy demands of consumers for whom geothermal is at least price competitive. A modest contribution, one which is sensitive to government support, is expected from geothermal during the forecast period.
Optical learning machines

While learning has proven useful for some classes of problems in sequential machines, many researchers believe that the real power in learning cannot be accomplished without also mimicking natures ability to provide massive interconnections for parallel operation. Such connectionist architectures or neural networks are difficult to construct in conventional electronic technologies. The uncharged nature of photons relative to electrons leads to superior performance for moving high bandwidth signals in massive numbers in close proximity. This paper considers systems that perform learning optically. Therefore, we restrict ourselves to fairly simple algorithms with analog optical systems. Both supervised and unsupervised learning systems are reviewed. Supervised systems, because they use a teacher, are often subdivided into learning and recall. Some researchers use optics for recall and electronic computers for learning. We restrict ourselves to optical learning because it is often the case that learning in electronics is too slow and the system loses adaptability if it has to stop for long periods to retrain. >
Voltage-dependent calcium currents in Purkinje cells from rat cerebellar vermis.

Whole-cell patch clamp recording was used to characterize calcium currents in Purkinje cells dissociated from the cerebellar vermis of 1- 3-week postnatal rats. A subset of Purkinje cells had a low-threshold, transient current similar to the T-type current in peripheral neurons. All Purkinje cells had a high-threshold, slowly inactivating current. Only a small component of the high-threshold current was sensitive to dihydropyridine (DHP) antagonists or to the dihydropyridine agonist BAY K8644. omega-Conotoxin had very little effect on the high-threshold current. The results suggest that these Purkinje cells have at least three types of calcium channels: T-type channels (present in only a fraction of cells), DHP-sensitive L-type channels (contributing a small fraction of the high-threshold current), and a predominant type of high- threshold channel that is pharmacologically distinct from L-type and N- type channels characterized in peripheral neurons.
Finitely Additive Dynamic Programming

The theory of dynamic programming is formulated using finitely additive probability measures defined on sets of arbitrary cardinality. Many results from the conventional countably additive theory generalize, and the proofs are simpler.
Retinoids Accelerate B Lineage Lymphoid Differentiation

Retinoids are known to have potent effects on hemopoietic stem cell integrity, and our objective was to learn whether they influence cells destined to replenish the immune system. Total CD19+ B lineage cells increased substantially in the marrow and spleens of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA)-treated C57BL6 mice, while lymphoid progenitors were reduced. All B lymphoid progenitors were targets of ATRA in culture and overall cell yields declined without reductions in proliferation. Remarkably, ATRA shortened the time required for primitive progenitors to generate CD19+ cells. PCR analysis and a panel of retinoid acid receptor (RAR)/retinoid X receptor agonist treatments suggested that RARalpha mediates these responses. The transcription factors EBF1 and Pax-5 were elevated during treatment and ATRA had similar effects on human B cell differentiation. That is, it inhibited the expansion of human progenitor cells and accelerated their differentiation to B lineage cells. There may be previously unsuspected side effects of ATRA therapy, and the new findings suggest retinoids can normally contribute to the lymphopoietic environment in bone marrow.
Visual surveillance coverage: strategies and metrics

Many sensor systems such as security cameras and satellite photography are faced with the problem of where they should point their sensors at any given time. With directional control of the sensor, the amount of space available to cover far exceeds the field-of-view of the sensor. Given a task domain and a set of constraints, we seek coverage strategies that achieve effective area coverage of the environment. We develop metrics that measure the quality of the strategies and give a basis for comparison. In addition, we explore what it means for an area to be "covered" and how that is affected by the domain, the sensor constraints, and the algorithms. We built a testbed in which we implement and run various sensor coverage strategies and take measurements on their performance. We modeled the domain of a camera mounted on pan and tilt servos with appropriate constraints and time delays on movement. Next, we built several coverage strategies for selecting where the camera should look at any given time based on concepts such as force-mass systems, scripted movements, and the time since an area was last viewed. Finally, we describe several metrics with which we can compare the effectiveness of different coverage strategies. These metrics are based on such things as how well the whole space is covered, how relevant the covered areas are to the domain, how much time is spent acquiring data, how much time is wasted while moving the servos, and how well the strategies detect new objects moving through space.
DIFFERENTIAL CROSS SECTIONS AND POLARIZATIONS IN ELASTIC p--d SCATTERING AT MEDIUM ENERGIES.

Abstract Differential cross sections for p-d elastic scattering have been measured at 22.0, 35.0 and 46.3 MeV using the energy-analysed external proton beam of the UCLA sector-focussed cyclotron. The angular distributions cover centre-of-mass angles between 9° and 168°. At forward angles both protons and deuterons were observed using a d E /d x - E telescope counter consisting of a fully depleted surface-barrier detector ( ΔE ) and a NaI(Tl) scintillation detector. ( E ). At larger angles, protons were observed using an array of four NaI(Tl) scintillation detectors. The differential cross sections have in general a relative uncertainty less than 2%, while the absolute scale of the measurements has an uncertainty of 1.7%. The proton polarization angular distributions at 35.0 and 40.0 MeV were also measured. In this part of the experiment, the polarized proton beam facility was used. The polarized proton beam was obtained by scattering the internal beam of the cyclotron from a carbon scatterer. At 35.0 MeV, the polarization angular distribution covers centre-of-mass angles between 20° and 164°. At 40.0 MeV, measurements were made for centre-of-mass angles greater than 130° only. Scattered particles were observed using six NaI(Tl) scintillation detectors placed in groups of three on either side of the incident beam. The target used when detecting elastically scattered protons was deuterium gas. The backward part of the angular distribution was measured by detecting recoil deuterons from a deuterated polythylene target. The available proton polarization data for p-d elastic scattering have been used to construct a polarization contour diagram for the energy range of 10–400 MeV.
Identifying sources of competitive advantage for new form organizations

New organizational forms have emerged based on increased levels of horizontal coordination, streamlined organizational structures and processes, and renewed emphasis on customer satisfaction. This paper outlines how various dimensions of group decision support systems might be adapted to suggest sources of competitive advantage in the context of new form organizations.
Presence of mother and unfamiliar female alters levels of testosterone, progesterone, cortisol, adrenocorticotropin, and behavior in maturing Guinea pigs.

Although the guinea pig is characterized by precocial physical development and minimal active maternal care, studies suggest the presence of the mother can influence neuroendocrine and behavioral activity of offspring even well beyond weaning. Previous results may have been influenced by the procedure of housing weaned subjects with the mother to within 2 days of testing. The present study examined ∼40-day-old guinea pigs housed apart from the mother for 0 (not rehoused), 2, or 10 days. Rehousing without the mother led to elevations in plasma testosterone (measured in males), progesterone (measured in females), cortisol, and adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) (both measured in males and females). Offspring housed without the mother for 10 days had the highest progesterone, cortisol, and ACTH levels. Testosterone elevations were observed in 2-day-, but not 10-day-, rehoused animals. Regardless of rehousing condition, 60 min isolation in a novel test cage elevated progesterone, cortisol, and ACTH, and reduced testosterone. These effects were all moderated if the subject was tested with the mother or another female. Sexual behavior toward the mother was observed frequently, but only in males housed apart from her prior to testing. Overall, males and females that had been housed apart from the mother interacted with her as they would an unfamiliar female. Our results corroborate previous findings, suggest the effect of housing apart from the mother on male testosterone is transitory, and indicate that continuous housing with the mother past weaning suppresses circulating progesterone in females and cortisol and ACTH in both sexes.
Effects of long-term high-frequency electrical stimulation of the stomach on solid gastric emptying and clinical symptoms and HBA1C in diabetic gastroparesis

Effects of long-term high-frequency electrical stimulation of the stomach on solid gastric emptying and clinical symptoms and HBA1C in diabetic gastroparesis
The evolution of alarm calling: a cost-benefit analysis

Abstract Three arguments for the likelihood of alarm calling in colonial animals are presented. The first, a game-theoretic portrait, predicts that alarm calling should be less probable per animal in larger groups and also that actual fitness benefits and costs are not quantitatively important in determining the evolutionarily stable probability of calling in large populations. The second is a geometric model of the dependence of risk upon position within a colony of sedentary animals. The two models are integrated to form a third, which predicts that the probability that an animal gives an alarm call is independent of both group size and the ratio of benefits to costs, above some minimum group size. Some of the available data are consistent with the models, and some are not.
An Iron Homeostasis Regulatory Circuit with Reciprocal Roles in Candida albicans Commensalism and Pathogenesis

The mammalian gastrointestinal tract and bloodstream are highly disparate biological niches that differ in concentrations of nutrients such as iron. However, some commensal-pathogenic microorganisms, such as the yeast Candida albicans, thrive in both environments. We report the evolution of a transcription circuit in C. albicans that controls iron uptake and determines its fitness in both niches. Our analysis of DNA-binding proteins that regulate iron uptake by this organism suggests the evolutionary intercalation of a transcriptional activator called Sef1 between two broadly conserved iron-responsive transcriptional repressors, Sfu1 and Hap43. Sef1 activates iron-uptake genes and promotes virulence in a mouse model of bloodstream infection, whereas Sfu1 represses iron-uptake genes and is dispensable for virulence but promotes gastrointestinal commensalism. Thus, C. albicans can alternate between genetic programs conferring resistance to iron depletion in the bloodstream versus iron toxicity in the gut, and this may represent a fundamental attribute of gastrointestinal commensal-pathogens.
Unified definition of divergence, curl, and gradient

In this note the differential expression of divergence, curl, and gradient are derived based on one common model. Each of them involves the limiting value of a differential quantity per unit volume. By taking advantage of some differential relations of the unit vectors weighted by the metric coefficients, the full expressions of these three quantities in vector analysis can be readily derived.
Proposal of the Gracilariales ord. nov. (Rhodophyta) based on an analysis of the reproductive development of Gracilaria verrucosa

The mode of division of vegetative cells, formation of spermatangial parent cells, initiation of the carpogonial branch apparatus, and formation of tetrasporangial initials are homologous developmental processes that are documented for the first time in the type species of the economically important family Gracilariaceae, Gracilaria verrucosa (Hudson) Papenfuss from the British Isles. G. verrucosa is characterized by a supporting cell of intercalary origin that bears a 2-celled carpogonial branch flanked by two sterile branches, direct fusion of cells of sterile branches onto the carpogonium, formation of an extensive carpogonial fusion cell through the incorporation of additional gametophytic cells prior to gonimoblast initiation, gonimoblast initials produced from fusion cell lobes, schizogenous development of the cytocarp cavity, inner gonimoblast cells producing tubular nutritive cells that fuse with cells of the pericarp or floor of the cystocarp, absence of cytologically modified tissue in the floor of the cystocarp, and carposporangial initials produced in clusters or irregular chains. Spermatangial parent cells are generated in flaments from intercalary cortical cells that line an intercellular space forming a ‘pit’ or ‘conceptacle’. Tetrasporangial initials are transformed from terminal cells derived through division of an outer cortical cell. Tetrasporangia are cruciately divided. The Gracilariaceae is removed from Gigartinales and transferred to the new order Gracilariales. Their closest living relatives appear to be agarophytes belonging to the Gelidiales and Ahnfeltiales.
Gender role beliefs and fathers’ work-family conflict

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the part that gender roles play in fathers’ work-family experiences. The authors compared two models (gender role as a correlate and as a moderator) and hypothesized that gender role beliefs play an important factor related to fathers’ experiences of work-family conflict. Design/methodology/approach – Participants completed an online survey that consisted of questions related to work and family experiences. The final sample consisted of 264 employed, married fathers. Findings – Results showed a relationship between traditional gender role beliefs and number of hours spent at work and at home. Additionally, number of work hours was related to time-based work-to-family conflict, but not strain-based work-to-family conflict. The results supported the expectation that work hours mediate the relationship between a father's traditional gender role beliefs and time-based work-to-family conflict. Research limitations/implications – Limitations of this study in...
Exercise reinforcement, stress, and β-endorphins: an initial examination of exercise in anabolic-androgenic steroid dependence

Background: Anabolic–androgenic steroids (AASs) are abused primarily in the context of intense exercise and for the purposes of increasing muscle mass as opposed to drug-induced euphoria. AASs also modulate the HPA axis and may increase the reinforcing value of exercise through changes to stress hormone and endorphin release. To test this hypothesis, 26 adult males drawn from a larger study on AAS use completed a progressive ratio task designed to examine the reinforcing value of exercise relative to financial reinforcer.
Local polarity excess at the interface of water with a nonpolar solute

Abstract We present the results of numerical simulations of the electrostatics and dynamics of water surrounding Kihara solutes described by a Lennard-Jones layer at the surface of a hard-sphere core. The dipolar response of the hydration layer peaks at the solute surface, significantly exceeding bulk water in polarity. This effect can be observed by atomic force microscopy. The dynamics of water shells are slow close to the surface, but become faster with the growing layer thickness and approach the bulk limit for layers 1 nm thick. Slowing of the inner hydration shells strongly depends on the strength of solute–solvent attraction, offering a possibility of highly heterogeneous interfacial dynamics.
Roles of the threonine 407, aspartic acid 417, and threonine 419 residues in P450 2B1 in metabolism.

Abstract We have previously observed that the quadruple (S407T-N417D-A419T-K473M) and triple (S407T-N17D-A419T) mutants of the chimeric construct of P450 2B1/2B2 do not undergo mechanism-based inactivation by 17α-ethynylestradiol (17EE) and tert-butyl 1-methyl-2-propynyl ether (tBMP). The ability of these mutants to metabolize 17EE, benzphetamine, and testosterone has been investigated. The profile for 17EE metabolism by both mutants was characteristic of both wild-types. The two mutants metabolized testosterone to form androstenedione with no formation of the hydroxy products as was seen with both the wild-types. Benzphetamine metabolism by the mutants showed that both mutants exhibited an increased tendency to catalyze demethylation rather than debenzylation. In the presence of the alternate oxidants cumene hydroperoxide and tert-butyl hydroperoxide, the wild-type 2B1 was not inactivated by 17EE. Metabolism of 17EE by 2B1 supported by these alternate oxidants revealed differences in the metabolites that may be related to the inability of 2B1 to be inactivated under these conditions.
Heterogeneity of insulin-like growth factor-I affinity for the insulin-like growth factor-II receptor: Comparison of natural, synthetic and recombinant DNA-derived insulin-like growth factor-I

Abstract Although insulin-like growth factors (IGF) I and II bind with high affinity to structurally discrete receptors, they bind with a lesser affinity to each other's receptor. We have evaluated the affinity of five different IGF-I preparations (three natural IGF-I preparations, one synthetic preparation, and one recombinant DNA-derived) for the IGF-II receptor in rat placental membranes, 18–54, SF cells and BRL-3A cells. In all tissues tested, the natural IGF-I preparations demonstrated an affinity for the IGF-II receptor which was 10–20% that of IGF-II. However, the recombinant and synthetic IGF-I preparations exhibited substantially lower affinities than natural IGF-I for this receptor, with only 10–25% reduction in (125-I)iodo IGF-II binding at peptide concentrations up to 400 ng/ml. Radioimmunoassay of the natural IGF-I preparations with an antibody directed against the unique C-peptide region of IGF-II demonstrated that contamination of IGF-I preparations with immunoreactive IGF-II could not exceed 5%. These results demonstrate that IGF-I purified from human plasma has a different affinity for the IGF-II receptor than does synthetic or recombinant IGF-I. Furthermore, there data are consistent with the hypothesis that IGF-I, itself, may be heterogeneous, and that subforms may vary in their affinities for the IGF receptors. Alternatively, IGF-I preparations which have been considered to be pure may be contaminated with small amounts of IGF-II, resulting in overestimation of the affinity of IGF-I for the type II IGF receptor.
Initiation of cataclastic flow and development of cataclastic foliation in nonporous quartzites from a natural fault zone

Abstract Microstructural study of foliated quartz cataclasites of a segment of the Towaliga fault zone, Georgia, USA, indicates that rock strain by cataclastic deformation occurred through microscopic displacements along a distributed system of shear bands. The localized cataclastic flow in the bands was in turn the result of frictional sliding along a network of mesoscopic shear fractures that accommodated initial strains and were in part created by high fluid pressures in the fault zone. The shear fractures at both the microscopic and mesoscopic scale were formed in the Riedel R1, P, and Y orientations. Simultaneous displacements along these Riedel shears produced the cataclastic foliation, rhomb-shaped and tabular quartz grain fabrics, and straight, stepped grain boundaries. Crystallization by fluids accompanied fracturing and possibly aided the cataclastic flow by forming muscovite and quartz crystals along fractures. Most fluid inclusion trails and quartz veins cut across the cataclastic features, indicating that fluids which assisted the deformation later healed the fractures. A right-lateral sense of displacement is suggested for the cataclastic flow, consistent with the kinematics of the mylonitization along the fault zone.
Prevalence of the ‘combination syndrome’ among denture patients

Abstract The prevalence of symptoms associated with "combination syndrome" were documented in 150 maxillary complete denture wearers. The five alveolar ridge changes that are most consequential to denture wearing and most difficult to correct surgically were found in 7% of the population studied. However, these changes were found in 24% of patients who have natural mandibular anterior teeth opposing complete maxillary dentures. This rate did not differ significantly between patients who do and do not wear a mandibular removable partial denture.
Birthmarks with serious medical significance: Nevocellular nevi, sebaceous nevi, and multiple café au lait spots

Birthmarks of potential medical significance were identified among 4,641 newborn infants: 1.1% had a nevocellular nevus and 0.3% had a sebaceous nevus; 1.8% of black infants, but no white infants, had three or more cafe au lait spots. The large nevocellular nevus is considered premalignant, but the significance of the small nevocellular nevus has not been established. The sebaceous nevus fades after birth but undergoes hyperplasia at puberty. Multiple cafe au lait spots-occur less commonly in white than in black infants, and are therefore of greater concern as possibly an early sign of neurofibromatosis.
MAPPING OF CELL-SPECIFIC TRANSCRIPTIONAL CONTROL ELEMENTS OF THE HUMAN SP-C GENE IN TRANSGENIC MICE. • 2125

MAPPING OF CELL-SPECIFIC TRANSCRIPTIONAL CONTROL ELEMENTS OF THE HUMAN SP-C GENE IN TRANSGENIC MICE. • 2125
Structured neural networks for fault tolerant performance

The author gives an overview of some neural network problems where network structure may be exploited for purposes of fault tolerance. Particular attention is given to trellis networks and to fault tolerant approximation. >
Finite size effects in AuFe spin glass layers

Abstract Measurements of the quasistatic spin freezing temperature, T f , are reported for the spin glass Au 0.97 Fe 0.03 as a function of AuFe layer thickness in multilayered samples. The spin glass layers are magnetically decoupled with Au or Ag, the choice of which does not affect the values of T f . Size effect reduced values of T f , normalized to the bulk transition temperature, T b f , are found to be similar to those for CuMn and AgMn multilayer samples.
Commentary: Clinical laboratory information systems

Clinical laboratory testing accounts for over eight percent of health care expenditures in the U.S. The use of computer technology has led to improved analytical instrumentation as well as to data acquisition and data management systems. Clinical laboratory, information systems have demonstrated their ability to reduce clerical and technical labor costs while providing more accurate and readable reports to the physician. The majority of systems currently operating were developed by commercial systems houses, and costs can range from under $100 000 to over $1 000 000. A major challenge is the use of such systems for the collection and analysis of large databases for clinical research.
Influence of distributed defects on the photoelectric characteristics of a large-area device

A network model is developed to analyze the effects of crystal defects on the performance of a large-area photovoltaic device. The model assembles local segments of the device as dark current generators whose values depend on the local defect densities. The values of the parameters for different defect densities are determined empirically.
In Situ Spectroscopic Studied on Supercritical Water and Aqueous Solutions

The structure of supercritical water and aqueous solutions has been examined up to 510°C and 40 MPa with in situ laser Raman spectroscopy. Just near the critical point, the maximal concentration of the symmetric OH stretching is obtained although the breakdown of the hydrogen-bonding network occurs. Consequently, short-lived tetrahedral configurations accompanied by large fluctuations of the structure are significantly formed and become possible along with dimers monomers. The spectra of an aqueous zinc nitrate solution reveal that the replacement of H2O molecules in the solvation shell of Zn2+ by a nitrate ion is significantly promoted at higher temperatures above 300°C at 30 MPa. The average number of water molecules bound to the zinc ion is decreased to about 3 at 380°C from 6.
Bioluminescent bioreporter integrated circuits (BBICs)

As the workhorse of the integrated circuit (IC) industry, the capabilities of CMOS have been expanded well beyond the original applications. The full spectrum of analog circuits from switched-capacitor filters to microwave circuit blocks, and from general-purpose operational amplifiers to sub- nanosecond analog timing circuits for nuclear physics experiments have been implemented in CMOS. This technology has also made in-roads into the growing area of monolithic sensors with devices such as active-pixel sensors and other electro-optical detection devices. While many of the processes used for MEMS fabrication are not compatible with the CMOS IC process, depositing a sensor material onto a previously fabricated CMOS circuit can create a very useful category of sensors. In this work we report a chemical sensor composed of bioluminescent bioreporters (genetically engineered bacteria) deposited onto a micro-luminometer fabricated in a standard CMOS IC process. The bioreporter used for this work emitted 490-nm light when exposed to toluene. This luminescence was detected by the micro- luminometer giving an indication of the concentration of toluene. Other bioluminescent bioreporters sensitive to explosives, mercury, and other organic chemicals and heavy metals have been reported. These could be incorporated (individually or in combination) with the micro-luminometer reported here to form a variety of chemical sensors.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Nonsimilar solutions for laminar film condensation on a vertical surface

Abstract A general computer program has been developed which solves the finite difference analogue of the conservation equations in boundary layer form for laminar film condensation. In addition, closed form analytical solutions based on the Nusselt assumptions have been extended to include the effect of a nonisothermal condenser wall. In so doing, a reference temperature for evaluating locally variable fluid properties is defined in the form T r = T w + α ( T s − T w ) and accounts for both the effects of fluid property variations and minor errors introduced by the Nusselt assumptions. In the numerical as well as the analytical developments, vapor drag was accounted for by means of an asymptotic solution of the vapor boundary layer under strong suction which is valid for most engineering situations. This paper evaluates the validity of the extended Nusselt result in terms of the effects of (i) forced vapor flow, (ii) variable wall temperature, and (iii) variable fluid properties. Ten fluids were investigated, including water, all having Prandtl numbers greater than unity. It was found, except for severe wall temperature variations, that a value of α dependent only on fluid specie led to a less than 2 per cent discrepancy between the analytical predictions and the numerical results.
A20 protects mice from lethal liver ischemia/reperfusion injury by increasing peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α expression

The nuclear factor-kappaB inhibitory protein A20 demonstrates hepatoprotective abilities through combined antiapoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and pro-proliferative functions. Accordingly, overexpression of A20 in the liver protects mice from toxic hepatitis and lethal radical hepatectomy, whereas A20 knockout mice die prematurely from unfettered liver inflammation. The effect of A20 on oxidative liver damage, as seen in ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI), is unknown. In this work, we evaluated the effects of A20 upon IRI using a mouse model of total hepatic ischemia. Hepatic overexpression of A20 was achieved by recombinant adenovirus (rAd.)-mediated gene transfer. Although only 10%-25% of control mice injected with saline or the control rAd.beta galactosidase survived IRI, the survival rate reached 67% in mice treated with rAd.A20. This significant survival advantage in rAd.A20-treated mice was associated with improved liver function, pathology, and repair potential. A20-treated mice had significantly lower bilirubin and aminotransferase levels, decreased hemorrhagic necrosis and steatosis, and increased hepatocyte proliferation. A20 protected against liver IRI by increasing hepatic expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARalpha), a regulator of lipid homeostasis and of oxidative damage. A20-mediated protection of hepatocytes from hypoxia/reoxygenation and H(2)O(2)-mediated necrosis was reverted by pretreatment with the PPARalpha inhibitor MK886. In conclusion, we demonstrate that PPARalpha is a novel target for A20 in hepatocytes, underscoring its novel protective effect against oxidative necrosis. By combining hepatocyte protection from necrosis and promotion of proliferation, A20-based therapies are well-poised to protect livers from IRI, especially in the context of small-for-size and steatotic liver grafts. Liver Transpl 15:1613-1621, 2009. (c) 2009 AASLD.
How the best get better: an analysis of the self-monitoring strategies used by expert golf instructors

The purpose of this study was to analyse the self-monitoring strategies that 31 expert golf instructors used to improve their teaching. Specifically, criteria characteristic of both instructional strengths and weaknesses were identified, as were the strategies these teachers used to continue to develop their strengths and improve their areas of weakness. Data were collected at Golf Magazine's Top 100 Teacher Summit held at Pinehurst, NC. Teachers were asked to complete a written survey, which asked them to list aspects of their teaching they considered strengths and aspects they considered weaknesses. Subsequently, the teachers were requested to identify strategies they used to maintain their strengths and improve their weaknesses. Data were analysed by identifying themes in the teachers’ responses. Results of the analysis indicated that the teachers identified both goals and actions in their self-monitoring strategies. Self-monitoring goals included improving communication, adjustments to personal lifest...
Cryptosporidium parvum studies with dairy products.

Abstract Cryptosporidium parvum is a protozoan parasite capable of causing massive waterborne outbreaks. This study was conducted to model the transfer of C. parvum oocysts from contaminated water via food contact surfaces into yogurt and ice-cream, as well as to examine oocyst survival. Propidium iodide staining, combined with a direct immunofluorescence assay, was used for oocyst viability determination. Oocysts were recovered from milk products by a sucrose flotation-based procedure, with average recoveries of 82.3, 60.7, and 62.5% from low (1%) fat milk, 9% fat ice-cream, and 98% fat-free yogurt, respectively. Oocysts were also recovered, by rinsing with tap water, from stainless steel surfaces inoculated with oocyst suspension, with average recoveries of 93.1% when the surface was still wet and 69.0% after the surface had air-dried at room temperature. Viability of oocysts on the surface was significantly affected by desiccation; 5% of the oocysts remained viable after 4 h of air-drying at room temperature, while the proportion of viable oocysts was 81, 69, and 45% after air-drying for 10 min, 1 h, and 2 h, respectively. In contrast, oocyst viability only dropped from 82 to 75% after 30 min contact at room temperature with 5% bleach solution (equivalent to 0.26% NaOCl). Transfer of oocysts from milk and stainless steel surfaces into yogurt, and oocyst survival during the process were analyzed. Yogurt was made from pasteurized low fat milk and live yogurt starter by incubating at 37°C for 48 h and then stored at 4°C. Oocyst viability decreased from 83% (80%) to approximately 60% after 48 h at 37°C and to approximately 58% following 8 days of storage, similar to oocyst survival in the controls using pasteurized milk without the addition of live yogurt. Oocyst survival in ice-cream was investigated by inoculating oocysts into ice-cream mix, and mixing and freezing in an ice-cream freezer, and hardening at −20°C. Although approximately 20% (25 and 18%) of oocysts were viable before hardening, none were viable after 24 h at −20°C. Control samples of oocysts suspended in distilled water and stored at −20°C were taken at the same time intervals and 8% of the oocysts were still viable after 24 h.