cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Using time-lapse confocal microscopy for analysis of centromere dynamics in human cells.

Using these methods we have shown that the alpha-satellite domain of the human centromere behaves as an elastic element, stretching in response to spindle forces applied during prometaphase and metaphase (Shelby et al., 1996). These data complement previous observations of centromere stretching during mitosis (e.g., Skibbens et al., 1993) by demonstrating a specific molecular compartment within the centromere, the satellite heterochromatin domain, that supports this strain. Centromere stretching reports on the net force applied across the centromere during mitosis and the availability of a fluorescence-based assay system in human cells provides a robust assay system to complement the elegant DIC-based methods that have been perfected using marsupial and newt cell cultures (Cassimeris et al., 1990; Skibbens et al., 1993, 1995; Rieder et al., 1994). Current applications of this method are directed toward examining the relationship between centromere tension and microtubule dynamics using pharmacological approaches and the behavior of kinetochore-associated regulatory proteins, such as Mad2 and Bub1 (Li and Benezra, 1996; Chen et al., 1996; Taylor and McKeon, 1997), as a function of centromere distortion. In addition, GFP-labeled centromeres can be observed during interphase, providing a novel window into chromosome organization within the nucleus. Our observations show that centromeres distribute into the newly forming nucleus at telophase by what is apparently a uniform isometric expansion, with little evidence for directed motion of individual centromeres contributing to the formation of the G1 nucleus. During interphase, centromeres show very little movement in general, behaving as though embedded in a rigid matrix. Sustained movements of individual centromeres or groups of centromeres are occasionally observed, however, suggesting that chromosome position is subject to change during interphase (Shelby et al., 1996). These experiments complement those described by Belmont and colleagues, who have developed a method to mark specific chromosomal sites with GFP for analysis in vivo (see Chapter 13; Robinett et al., 1996; Straight et al., 1996). These new GFP-based techniques for direct observation of defined DNA sequence domains in vivo carry the logic of in situ hybridization analysis into living cells and, coupled with new methods for observing global chromatin architecture as well as functional nuclear protein domains (Huang et al., 1997; Misteli et al., 1997), promise significant progress toward understanding the dynamic organization of the genome within the living nucleus.
Macroergonomics Research Methodology: Determining Future Job Requirements of a Customer Service Representative (CSR) in a Bank

Macroergonomic research techniques were used to determine current and future organizational changes, information technology requirements, and personnel training and recruiting demands for Customer Service Representatives (CSRs) in a bank. This research demonstrated the power of suite of behavioral science methods that included: group interviews, task analysis, focus groups, and concept mapping. Concept mapping proved to be an effective method for illustrating differences in group perceptions; five clusters were mapped for both CSRs and managers. Responses differed significantly among four of the clusters. The sequence used in the application of these methods was critical to maximize the value and validity of the results. The results from this study are useful for identifying the challenges that the retail banking industry has to address in order to change the role of the CSR to meet anticipated future business demands.
Who is on the medical team?: Shifting the boundaries of belonging on the ICU.

Medical teamwork promises to improve communication and collaboration in the healthcare industry, yet critics argue teamwork is little more than a new managerial discourse to obscure traditional workplace hierarchies. Based on 300 h of participant-observation and 35 interviews with staff of a medical intensive care unit at an academic medical center, this article argues that teamwork is neither a panacea for coordinating complex care nor is it simply a discourse to control workers; rather, it is an ongoing social activity characterized by boundary-work, negotiation, and resistance over the terms of membership. This study identifies three processual and temporal phases of families' participation in medical teams: (1) Constructing Teamwork, (2) Deflection and Resistance, and (3) Reintegration. Staff leveraged ambiguities in the meaning of teamwork to manage patients' family members' participation on the ICU Team. Family involvement changed in patterned ways that reflected the power staff had to define the team and the character of teamwork. Families participated on the team at admission, but their involvement narrowed considerably as staff implemented diagnostic and treatment plans. When staff determined a patient was appropriate for palliation, families were reintegrated back into a leading role on the team as surrogate decision-makers. This study advances current understandings of medical teamwork, staff-family interactions, and it highlights the value of qualitative methods in social-science research about medicine.
Use of the tandem-transfer technique in the rapid separation on ion-exchange resin papers of phenyl-alanine and tyrosine from mixtures of amino acids

Abstract Using the tandem-transfer technique ( T -effect), the aromatic amino acids, phenylalanine and tyrosine, have been isolated from casein hydrolyzates and simultaneously separated from each other by one-step chromatography on cation-exchange papers. The total development time is about 80 min, using a 0.2 M , pH-5.2 acetate buffer. Calculations of the optimum conditions for the separation are shown
The photoelectron spectrum of CCl2−: the convergence of theory and experiment after a decade of debate

We report new 351 nm negative ion photoelectron spectra of CCl(2)(-), CBr(2)(-), and CI(2)(-). This study was undertaken in an attempt to understand the major discrepancy between dihalocarbene (CX(2), X = Cl, Br, I) singlet-triplet splittings reported by our laboratory (R. L. Schwartz, G. E. Davico, T. M. Ramond, W. C. Lineberger, J. Phys. Chem. A., 1999, 103, 8213) and new theoretical values. Our recent experiments show that a dihalomethyl anion (CHX(2)(-)) contaminant in the dihalocarbene anion beam, previously considered insignificant, made a major contribution to the reported CX(2)(-) photoelectron spectra. Thus, the interpretations of the earlier CX(2)(-) spectra and the reported singlet-triplet splittings were incorrect. Replacing O(-) with OH(-) in the anion formation process yields a pure dihalomethyl anion, whose highly structured photoelectron spectrum can be subtracted from the contaminated spectrum, yielding a clean CX(2)(-) photoelectron spectrum. The new CCl(2)(-) photoelectron spectrum displays resolved vibronic transitions to the two lowest electronic states of CCl(2): X(1)A(1) and a(3)B(1). The electron affinity of X(1)A(1) CCl(2) is 1.593(6) eV. A large change in geometry between the anion and the neutral triplet state precludes the direct observation of the triplet origin. The energy difference between the X(1)A(1) and a(3)B(1) states of CCl(2) is estimated to be approximately 0.9(2) eV, consistent with high-level theoretical studies. While we confirm similar dihalomethyl anion contaminants in the earlier photoelectron spectra of CBr(2)(-) and CI(2)(-) and report new photoelectron spectra for these ions, the paucity of resolved features in the spectra provides limited additional thermochemical information.
Compression of α-MnS (alabandite) and a new high-pressure phase

The compressibility of α-Mns (alabandite) was determined by x-ray analysis using a Mao-Bell type diamond anvil cell. The zero pressure bulk modulus (K0) is 74±2 GPa with the pressure derivative of the bulk modulus (K′o) fixed at four. Allowing (K′o) to vary yielded a statistically better fit with K0 = 88±6 GPa and k′0 = 2.2±0.6. Our data combined with the data of McCammon (1991) gave Ko = 73±1 GPa with k′o fixed at four. A fit with k′o allowed to vary yielded ko = 75±2 GPa and k′o = 3.7±0.4. Alabandite transformed from the B1 structure (NaCl-type) to an unknown high-pressure phase at 26 GPa. The high-pressure phase has lower than hexagonal symmetry and it is stable to at least 46±4 GPa.
Epigenetics and Other Factors that Affect Folding and Stability of DNA I-Motif Structures

The four-stranded i-motif (iM) conformation of cytosine-rich DNA has importance to a wide variety of biochemical systems that range from their use in nanomaterials to potential roles in oncogene regulation. The iM structure is formed at slightly acidic pH, where hemi-protonation of cytosine results in a stable C-C+ base pair. Fundamental studies to understand iM formation from C-rich strands of DNA are described. We present a systematic characterization of the consequences of epigenetic modifications, molecular crowding, degree of hydration, and DNA sequence on the stabilities of iM-forming sequences. We used a number of biophysical techniques to characterize both the folded iM and the folding kinetics of an iM. We established a mechanism for the folding. We observed that the C-C+ hydrogen bonding of certain bases initiates the folding of the iM structure. We also observed that substitutions in the loop regions of iMs give a distinctly different kinetic signature during folding as compared to those bases that are intercalated. Our data reveal that the iM passes through a distinct intermediate form between the unfolded and folded form. In the course of determining this folding pathway, we established that the fluorescent dC analogs tC° and PdC can be used to monitor individual residues of an iM structure and can be used to determine the pKa of an iM. Our results indicate that 5-hydroxymethylation of cytosine destabilized the iMs against thermal and pH-dependent melting, while 5-methylcytosine modification stabilized the iMs. Under molecular crowding conditions, the thermal stability of iMs increased and the pKa was raised to near 7.0. Taken together, our work has laid the foundation for examining folding and structural changes in more complex iMs.
Potential for focused beam orthovoltage therapy

Radiation therapy typically employs high energy photon beams because the low absorption coefficient at these energies minimizes skin dose with a conventional, unfocused beam. At orthovoltage energies less than 150 keV, the maximum dose for a single beam occurs very close to the skin surface. However a well-focused beam of low energy x rays can provide much higher flux at the target depth while sparing dose to the skin. The measured focal spot size for the polycapillary optic was 0.2 mm and was found to remain unchanged through 50 mm of phantom thickness. The calculated depth-dose curve was found to peak several centimeters below the surface with 25-40 keV radiation. Modeling indicates that the tumor dose would remain much higher than the skin dose even after scanning to cover a 1 cm 3 tumor.
Relationship Stability and Relationship Satisfaction in Cohabiting Gay and Lesbian Couples: A Prospective Longitudinal Test of the Contextual and Interdependence Models

This study examined the extent to which variables from the contextual model (personality traits indicative of general interpersonal competence) and variables from the interdependence model (perceived rewards from, costs to, satisfaction with, alternatives to and investments in the relationship) predicted relationship stability and linear changes in relationship satisfaction in a sample of cohabiting gay and lesbian couples assessed annually over a 4-year period. Findings were similar for gay and for lesbian couples. Demographic variables, contextual variables and interdependence variables discriminated between partners whose relationship dissolved (n = 22) and those whose relationships remained intact over the 4-year period (n = 92). Linear changes in the contextual and interdependence variables over the 4-year period predicted linear changes in the relationship satisfaction of intact couples over this same period. In analyses of both relationship stability and relationship satisfaction, variables from th...
CRF versus AVP in human stress responsivity: Initial studies

s / Drug and Alcohol Dependence 146 (2015) e34–e117 e77 Results: For ACTH, there was a main effect of dose (0, low, high; p<0.00005), but no significant difference between AVP and CRF (2-way ANOVA, challenge type x dose, repeated measures of dose). Post-hoc tests revealed significant differences between CRF placebo, low, and high doses (p<0.05), but no differences between AVP lowandhigh doses. For cortisol, therewas amain effect of dose on cortisol AUC (p<0.00001). Post hoc tests revealed no difference between low AVP and CRF doses, or between high AVP and CRF doses. There was no difference between low and high AVP doses, whereas there was a significant difference between low and high CRFdoses (p<0.005). TherewerenodifferencesnotedbetweenAVP and CRF in the DFFCD subjects. Conclusions: There was no substantial difference between the extent of ACTH and cortisol stimulation by AVP versus CRF in healthy volunteers. Further studies with additional subjects are necessary for definitive evaluation of whether this relationship holds in the DFFCD cohort. Financial support: AdelsonMedical Research Foundation, NIHNCATS grant UL1-TR000043 (CTSA). http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2014.09.577 Modeling causal relationship between memory and craving-related brain networks in non-treatment seeking cocaine smokers using images, a graph theoretic approach Suchismita Ray1, Catherine Hanson2, Margaret Haney3, Bharat Biswal4, Stephen J. Hanson2,5 1 CAS, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, United States 2 RUBIC, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, United States 3 Columbia University, New York, NY, United States 4 New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ, United States 5 Psychology, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, United
Co3O4 nanostructures: the effect of synthesis conditions on particles size, magnetism and transport properties

Surfactant-free Co3O4 nanostructures with various particle size ranges were synthesized via the solution combustion method using cobalt nitrate solution as a cobalt precursor and urea as a combustion fuel. Control over average particles size range was achieved by tuning the reaction ignition temperature between 300 °C and 800 °C. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and helium gas pycnometry indicated the formation of single phase Co3O4 nanoparticles with a spinel structure. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies revealed an increase of the size range from 5–8 nm to 200–400 nm for Co3O4 nanoparticles synthesized at 300 °C and 800 °C, respectively. The corresponding decrease in the specific surface area from 39 m2 g−1 to ∼2 m2 g−1 was confirmed by gas adsorption analysis using BET techniques. Magnetic susceptibility measurements revealed a dominant antiferromagnetic (AFM) ordering and the Neel temperature decreases with a decreasing average particle size range from 31 K (200–400 nm) to 25 K (5–18 nm). Interestingly, effective magnetic moments (ranging from 4.12 μB to 6.16 μB) substantially larger than the value of 3.9 μB expected for Co2+ ions in the normal spinel structure of Co3O4 were extracted from the inverse susceptibility data. This finding was rationalized by taking into account the disordered distribution of Co2+ and Co3+ ions in the Co3O4 inverse spinel structures ([(Co2+)1−x(Co3+)x]tet[(Co2+)x(Co3+)2−x]octO4) where the inversion degree (x) depends on the synthesis temperature. Transport measurements using hot pressed pellets of Co3O4 nanoparticles indicated p-type semiconducting behavior and drastic reductions in the thermal conductivity with decreasing average particle size.
Micro–macro dimensions of the Bosnian genocides: The circumplex model and violentization theory

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to examine accounts of the Bosnian genocides by applying Lonnie Athens' violentization theory [Athens, L. (2003). Violentization in larger social context. In L. Athens & J.T. Ulmer (Eds.), Violent acts and violentization: assessing, applying, and developing Lonnie Athens' theories (pp. 1–41). Boston: Elsevier Science] and the circumplex theory from family therapy [Olson, D.H. (1995). Family systems: Understanding your roots. In R.D. Day, K.R. Gilbert, B.H. Settles, & W.R. Burr (Eds.), Research and theory in family science (pp. 131–153). Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole., Olson, D.H. (2000). Clinical Rating Scale (CRS) for the Circumplex Model of Marital and Family Systems [Brochure]. Minneapolis: Life Innovations]. Following Winton's [Winton M.A. (2005). A circumplex model of genocide. In C. Gabrielle Salfati (Ed.). Homicide research: Past, present and future: Proceedings of the 2005 Meeting of the Homicide Research Working Group (pp. 47–56). Chicago: HRWG., Winton, M.A. (2007). Macro-micro dimensions of genocide: the circumplex model meets violentization theory. Manuscript submitted for publication] model, both structural characteristics of Balkan society (using the circumplex model) and the agency factors of perpetrator actors (using violentization theory) are consistent with the data. Suggestions for further research adding a comparative approach are addressed.
The incommensurability of scientific and poetic knowledge

The paper proposes a way of distinguishing rational, scientific language from the discourse of poets, mystics, and metaphysicians, based on the description of two kinds of metaphor suggested by Vico. It concludes with the suggestion that scientific fundamentalism is as misguided as the religious versions and that a proper balance of the scientific and the mystical is crucial for the future of our world.
Measurements of the (n,2n) Reaction Cross Section of 181Ta from 8 to 15 MeV

Abstract The cross section for the reaction 181 Ta(n,2n) 180 Ta g was measured from 8 to 15 MeV in small energy steps to resolve inconsistencies in the existing databases. The activation technique was used, and the 93.4 keV γ -ray from the decay of the 180 Ta g ground state was recorded with a HPGe detector. In addition, the γ -rays from the monitor reactions 27 Al(n, α ) 24 Na and 197 Au(n,2n) 196 Au were measured for neutron fluence determination. As a cross check, a calibrated neutron detector was also used. The ENDF/B-VII.1 and TENDL-2011 evaluations are in considerable disagreement with the present data, which in turn agree very well with the majority of the existing data in the 14 MeV energy region.
Knowledge of three regeneration programs and application behavior among Mississippi nonindustrial private forest landowners: A two-step sample selection approach

Various public financial assistance programs are available to nonindustrial private forest (NIPF) landowners in the United States. Many landowners have limited knowledge of these programs and have not utilized them. This study employed a two-step sample selection model to examine the determinants of NIPF landowner knowledge of three regeneration programs, and conditional on their knowledge, the determinants of the application frequency to these programs since 1996. Data were collected using a phone survey of NIPF landowners in Mississippi. The survey revealed that among these qualified landowners who had clearcut in the past 10 years, about 50% knew of one or more of the programs. Their application frequencies to individual programs ranged from 0 to 5. Landowner knowledge of the programs was positively related to land size, regeneration experience, gender, and membership in forestry associations. For landowners who knew of these programs, application frequencies were higher for those that had less acreage, had lower education or income, were fully employed, were female, or had no membership in forestry organizations.
Measurement of penicilloyl antibodies by radioimmunoprecipitation.

Abstract Radioimmunoprecipitation (RIP), an antigen-binding method, was used to measure antibody to the benzylpenicilloyl (BPO) determinant. In this method radiolabeled BPO-conjugates were added to anti-BPO (step 1) and the resulting soluble antigen-antibody complexes were precipitated by an excess of anti-immunoglobulin (step 2). Various parameters affecting the reactions in RIP, including the times of incubation in steps 1 and 2, ph, salt concentration, number of BPO groups per molecule of carrier protein, and presence of divalent cations, were examined. The sensitivity of RIP also was determined; concentrations of anti-BPO of the order of 0·08 to 0·8 mμg Ab N/ml could be detected. By titrating anti-BPO with increasing amounts of radiolabeled BPO-conjugates, maximal binding values could be determined and used to provide weight estimates of antibody. With amounts of antibody in the range 0·8 to 3·2 μg N, good agreement was found between the amount of antibody determined by quantiative precipitin analysis and that found by RIP. However, in the range 0·08 to 800 mμg N, quantities of antibody determined by RIP were significantly less than those determined by the quantitative precipitin method. This discrepancy was related to the low molar concentrations of antigen used to measure antibody in this range, which are insufficient to drive the equilibrium reaction between antigen and antibody to completion. Finally, the average intrinsic association constant ( K o estimated by RIP was in the same range as that determined by fluorescence polarization.
Effect of Quinupristin/Dalfopristin on Production of Cytokines by Human Monocytes

The effect of the novel streptogramin antibiotic quinupristin/dalfopristin (synercid) on cytokine production in vitro was examined in monocytes obtained from healthy human volunteers and stimulated with either lipopolysaccharide or heat-killed Staphylococcus aureus (Pansorbin). Synercid at concentrations that are achievable in humans (1, 5, and 10 microgram/mL) significantly suppressed production of interleukin (IL)-1alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-10, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in a concentration-dependent manner. Thus, synercid possesses significant immunomodulatory activity, in addition to its antimicrobial activity.
The Brand Management Crisis Facing the Business of Journalism

The forces of new digital technology coupled with a debilitating recession have disrupted the profit-making ability of the business of journalism. Streamlining operations and experimenting with new business models are only partial solutions. Recognizing that most audiences and advertisers today regard news as a common commodity that is available from an array of acceptable sources—often for free—this article asserts that the true crisis stems from problems addressing not only operational effectiveness but, more important, problems addressing brand management. ACCESS TO FULL TEXT
Coupled physical systems

The purpose of this paper is to sketch an attack on the general problem of representing a composite physical system in terms of its constituent parts. For quantum-mechanical systems, this is traditionally accomplished by forming either direct sums or tensor products of the Hilbert spaces corresponding to the component systems. Here, a more general mathematical construction is given which includes the standard quantum-mechanical formalism as a special case.
Correspondence of parent report and laboratory measures of inattention and hyperactivity in children with heavy prenatal alcohol exposure

Clinical research and practice support a multi-method approach to validating behavioral problems in children. We examined whether parent-reported symptoms of hyperactivity and inattention (using the Disruptive Behavior Disorder Rating Scale) were substantiated by objective laboratory measures [hyperactivity measured by wrist-worn actigraphy (ACT) and inattention assessed using a 20-minute continuous performance task (CPT)] in three age- and demographically-matched groups of school-age children: children with prenatal alcohol exposure (AE), non-exposed children with idiopathic ADHD (ADHD), and controls (CON). Results indicated that the clinical groups (AE, ADHD) had significantly higher parent-reported levels for both domains compared to the CON group, and did not differ from each other. On the laboratory measures, the clinical groups were more inattentive than controls on the CPT, but did not differ from each other. In contrast, the ADHD group had higher objective activity on the ACT than AE and CON, which did not differ from each other. Thus, laboratory measures differentially validated parent reports in a group-dependent manner. Actigraphy substantiated parent-reported hyperactivity for children in the ADHD group but not for children in the AE group, while the CPT validated parent-reported inattention for both clinical groups. Although the majority of children in the AE group met the criteria for ADHD, objective activity levels were not different from controls, indicating that hyperactivity may be a less prominent feature in the AE group. Thus, while there is considerable overlap between the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure and ADHD, differences in behavioral profiles may be clinically useful in differential diagnosis. Further, these data indicate that objective measures should be used to validate parent reports.
Epidermal growth factor stimulates type-V collagen synthesis in cultured murine palatal shelves

Abstract The effects of epidermal growth factor (EGF) on the synthesis of collagen and fibronectin in murine palatal shelves in serum-free organ culture have been examined. Palatal shelves grown in the presence of EGF were substantially larger and showed dramatic increases in immunofluorescent localization of fibronectin, possibly reflecting in-creased synthesis compared to controls cultured without EGF. EGF also prevented the normal dissolution of the medial palatal epithelium. Net protein synthesis in experimental palatal shelves increased by 18%, whereas net collagen synthesis was approximately 10% of protein synthesis in both conditions. There was, however, an apparent shift in collagen isotypes. Under the influence of EGF, there was a significant increase in synthesis of the α1 (V) and α2 (V) chains of type-V collagen.
Alternative 5′ exons in c-abl mRNA

The cellular abl proto-oncogene encodes a protein-tyrosine kinase and is expressed in many cell types in two or three mRNA size species. Four types of mouse c-abl cDNAs have been cloned from 70Z/3 lymphoid cells that have different 5' sequences encoding predicted N-terminal regions of 20-45 amino acids. One of the four cDNAs has a predicted N-terminal sequence of met-gly-gln in common with the gag N terminus of v-abl. The 5' heterogeneity appears to be generated by alternative addition of 5' exons onto a common set of 3' exons. Alternative splicing occurs at the same site at which bcr sequences join to abl sequences in the Philadelphia chromosome translocation.
Wolbachia Infections in Anopheles gambiae Cells: Transcriptomic Characterization of a Novel Host-Symbiont Interaction

The endosymbiotic bacterium Wolbachia is being investigated as a potential control agent in several important vector insect species. Recent studies have shown that Wolbachia can protect the insect host against a wide variety of pathogens, resulting in reduced transmission of parasites and viruses. It has been proposed that compromised vector competence of Wolbachia-infected insects is due to up-regulation of the host innate immune system or metabolic competition. Anopheles mosquitoes, which transmit human malaria parasites, have never been found to harbor Wolbachia in nature. While transient somatic infections can be established in Anopheles, no stable artificially-transinfected Anopheles line has been developed despite numerous attempts. However, cultured Anopheles cells can be stably infected with multiple Wolbachia strains such as wAlbB from Aedes albopictus, wRi from Drosophila simulans and wMelPop from Drosophila melanogaster. Infected cell lines provide an amenable system to investigate Wolbachia-Anopheles interactions in the absence of an infected mosquito strain. We used Affymetrix GeneChip microarrays to investigate the effect of wAlbB and wRi infection on the transcriptome of cultured Anopheles Sua5B cells, and for a subset of genes used quantitative PCR to validate results in somatically-infected Anopheles mosquitoes. Wolbachia infection had a dramatic strain-specific effect on gene expression in this cell line, with almost 700 genes in total regulated representing a diverse array of functional classes. Very strikingly, infection resulted in a significant down-regulation of many immune, stress and detoxification-related transcripts. This is in stark contrast to the induction of immune genes observed in other insect hosts. We also identified genes that may be potentially involved in Wolbachia-induced reproductive and pathogenic phenotypes. Somatically-infected mosquitoes had similar responses to cultured cells. The data show that Wolbachia has a profound and unique effect on Anopheles gene expression in cultured cells, and has important implications for mechanistic understanding of Wolbachia-induced phenotypes and potential novel strategies to control malaria.
Orangutan activity budgets: Monthly variations and the effects of body size, parturition, and sociality

The activity budgets of individual orangutans were investigated at the Kutai Reserve, Indonesia. Activity profiles within and between individuals were compared to examine monthly variations in feeding patterns, potential energetic constraints imposed by large body size and parturition, and the costs of sociality. Animals showed monthly changes in travelling, feeding, and resting patterns. Monthly increases in travelling and feeding were associated with marked reductions in the time spent resting. Inter-individual variations in activity budgets did not exist among animals of the same age-sex class. Activity patterns differed, however, as a function of age and sex. Adult females and subadult males travelled and fed significantly longer than an adult male. Parturition had predictable effects on activity; one female reduced her feeding and travelling immediately following parturition. Adult male orangutan sociality appears to be limited by travel costs. Associations with females forced a male orangutan to travel significantly more compared with periods in which he was solitary. The male did not lose an appreciable amount of time feeding when accompanying a female.
Crystalline Morphology and Polymorphic Phase Transitions in Electrospun Nylon-6 Nanofibers

Uniform nylon-6 nanofibers with diameters around 200 nm were prepared by electrospinning. Polymorphic phase transitions and crystal orientation of nylon-6 in unconfined (i.e., as-electrospun) and a high Tg (340 °C) polyimide confined nanofibers were studied. Similar to melt-spun nylon-6 fibers, electrospun nylon-6 nanofibers also exhibited predominant, metastable γ-crystalline form, and the γ-crystal (chain) axes preferentially oriented parallel to the fiber axis. Upon annealing above 150 °C, γ-form crystals gradually melted and recrystallized into thermodynamically stable α-form crystals, which ultimately melted at 220 °C. Release of surface tension accompanied this melt−recrystallization process, as revealed by differential scanning calorimetry. For confined nanofibers, both the melt−recrystallization and surface tension release processes were substantially depressed; γ-form crystals did not melt and recrystallize into α-form crystals until 210 °C, only 10 °C below the Tm at 220 °C. After complete melti...
LXXV. The summation of a type of a family of trigonometric series

(1913). LXXV. The summation of a type of a family of trigonometric series. The London, Edinburgh, and Dublin Philosophical Magazine and Journal of Science: Vol. 26, No. 155, pp. 895-898.
Thermal analysis and verification of a mounted monolithic integrated circuit

As circuit density increases and high-power applications are facilitated, thermal considerations become paramount a design concern. In this paper, a high power monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) is modeled by the fREEDA multi-physics simulator and measured for validation. While validation is the crux of any simulation model, it is known that thermal measurements accurate to a high resolution are problematic. As such, the thermal profile of integrated circuits cannot be measured directly with infrared thermal imaging due to unequivalent emissivities of materials. It becomes necessary to use an absorptive ink to approximate a blackbody so that the infrared emissions can be used to infer temperature. The impact and effect of this thermal imaging technique is investigated in this work by comparing measurements with detailed thermal simulations with and without the surface treatment. Thermal analysis uses the finite element method and a reduced-order model based on cuboids with effective thermal conductivities. The end goal is to provide a simulation tool to designers, which can be extended to any project which requires attention to thermal preference.
Effect of K Fertilization and Addition of Salts on the Texture of Canned Snap Bean Pods

Increases in pod K, obtained either by fertilization or direct addition to the can, resulted in less firm canned pods. Removal of soluble solids from pods prior to canning resulted in firmer pods. Pod K and texture were highly correlated, with the greatest changes in texture with changing K occurring below 2%K in pods on a dry weight basis. The effects of K and Na appeared due to a combination of Ca displacement and an enhancement of pectin degradation.
Digitally Not Yours: Spatial Discourses and Discursive Spaces for Brazilian Digital Television Policy in Manaus 1

This article asks us to consider spatial dimensions embedded in Brazil's digital television transformation by looking at the symbolic significance of the medium in Manaus, a transnational city-region which will most likely be the manufacturing hub for the digital technology. Through an analysis of three physical spaces in Manaus implicated in the creation of digital television, the article exposes the political, economic, and social conditions that support, and ultimately contradict, national digital television rhetoric that focuses only on the uses of digital television.
THE VACUOLAR H+-ATPASE INHIBITOR BAFILOMYCIN A1 DIFFERENTIALLY AFFECTS PROTEOLYTIC PROCESSING OF MUTANT AND WILD-TYPE BETA -AMYLOID PRECURSOR PROTEIN

We analyzed the effect of the vacuolar H(+)-ATPase inhibitor bafilomycin A1 (bafA1) on the processing of beta-amyloid precursor protein (beta APP). In kidney 293 cells stably transfected with the wild-type beta APP cDNA, bafA1 caused a stabilization of mature beta APP and its 10-kDa COOH-terminal fragment. Moreover, it caused a 2-3-fold increase in secretion of soluble APP and amyloid-beta protein (A beta). Interestingly, bafA1 treatment of cells transfected with a mutant beta APP isoform that occurs in a Swedish kindred with familial Alzheimer's disease resulted in a decrease of A beta production and no increase of soluble APP secretion. Identical results were obtained when the effect of bafA1 was analyzed on fibroblasts derived from affected versus unaffected members of the Swedish family. These data demonstrate a differential effect of bafA1 on the production of A beta derived from wild-type or Swedish mutant beta APP. Radiosequencing of A beta derived from bafA1-treated cells expressing wild-type beta APP revealed a marked increase of A beta peptides starting at amino acids phenylalanine 4 and valine -3 and a relative decrease of A beta molecules beginning at the typical NH2 terminus of aspartate 1. Cells transfected with the Swedish mutation and treated with bafA1 did not produce these alternative A beta peptides, so that bafA1 treatment resulted in a decrease of A beta starting at aspartate 1. Our data indicate that multiple proteases are able to cleave A beta at or near its NH2 terminus. Inhibition of the protease cleaving at aspartate 1 by bafA1 and perhaps other similar agents can result in an increase of alternatively cleaved peptides.
Spin-glass domains in Cu-Mn

Abstract For the alloy Cu86Mn14 the narrow displaced hysteresis loops measured at 4.2 K for different cooling-fields are shown to be interpretable by means of a spin-glass domain model recently applied to similar data for Ni-Mn. In this simple model, each domain is characterized macroscopically by a net magnetization (equal to the saturation thermoremanence), a unidirectional anisotropy, and an average antiferromagnetic coupling with neighbouring domains.
A new analysis of the threshold voltage for non-uniform ion-implant MOSFET's

An analysis for the threshold voltage of MOSFET's with a Gaussian ion-implant profile is presented. Two parameters x p and x b , which characterize the peak location and the spread of a Gaussian profile, can be arbitrarily adjusted such that even a deeply ion-implanted device can be simulated. The theory predicts a good agreement with available experimental data collected from transistors with a wide range of process parameters and also confirms the so-called anomalous short-channel effect recently observed by Nishida and Onodera [3].
Functional expression and analysis of the pancreatic transcription factor PDX-1 in yeast.

The pancreas-specific transcription factor Pdx-1 is important for pancreas development and β-cell specific gene expression in insulin-producing cells. We have expressed the mouse PDX-1 gene in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and characterized its functional domains. Pdx-1 functions as a strong activator in yeast and stimulates gene expression by more than 80-fold. The transcriptional activation domain of Pdx-1 is located within the first 144 amino-terminal amino acids. Pdx-1 is also able to bind and activate transcription from the A3 element of the human insulin gene promoter in yeast. Analysis of the effects of two-point mutations (Q59L and R197H) in the PDX-1 gene found in type II diabetes patients showed that both point mutations interfere with the ability of Pdx-1 to bind to DNA and to activate transcription in yeast.
Progress towards the synthesis of Papuaforin A: Selective formation of α-bromoenones from silyl enol ethers

The selective one-pot conversion of enol silyl ethers into α-bromoenones allows a direct preparation of a tricyclic intermediate to papuaforin A.
Crystal structure of the hemoglobin dodecamer from Lumbricus erythrocruorin: allosteric core of giant annelid respiratory complexes

Erythrocruorins are highly cooperative giant extracellular respiratory complexes found in annelids, where they serve the same function as red blood cells. Our previous 5.5A resolution crystal structure of Lumbricus terrestris erythrocruorin revealed a hierarchical organization of 144 oxygen-binding hemoglobin chains that are assembled into 12 dodecamers arranged at the periphery of the complex around a central scaffold formed by 36 non-hemoglobin subunits. We present here the 2.6A resolution crystal structure of the Lumbricus hemoglobin dodecameric subassembly, which provides the first atomic models of the erythrocruorin allosteric core. The hemoglobin dodecamer has a molecular 3-fold axis of symmetry that relates three heterotetramers, each of which is composed of two tightly associated heterodimers. The structure reveals details of the interfaces, including key side-chain interactions likely to contribute to ligand-linked allosteric transitions, and shows the crowded nature of the ligand-binding pockets. Comparison of the Lumbricus dimeric assemblies with similar ones from mollusks and echinoderms suggests plausible pH-dependent quaternary transitions that may occur in response to proton binding and ligand release. Thus, these results provide the first step towards elucidating the structural basis for the strong allosteric properties of Lumbricus erythrocruorin.
An experimental method for determining the location and time of initiation of an unknown dispersing pulse

It is shown that the phase information obtained from a spectral analysis of dispersive waves can be used to locate the source of the waves. Experimental results for dispersive flexural waves in beams are presented.
1445 SERUM B 12 AND FOLATE LEVELS IN LBW INFANTS: REASSESSMENT OF RECOMMENDED INTRAVENOUS SUPPLEMENS

Serum B 12 and folate were measured by RIA in maternal serum, cord blood and at 2 wk intervals in 18 LBW infants (gestational age 29.9 ± 1.9 weeks, birth weight 1.18 ± .26 kg). All infants received parenteral alimentation (PA) (18.8 ± 13.9 days, range 2-51 days) with supplemental B 12 (5 ugm/day) and folate (50 ugm/day) as recommended by the AAP Pediatric Nutrition Handbook (1979). After PA, infants received only B 12 and folate present in formula (1.5-2ugm/l and 50-100 ugm/l). Cord B 12 (805 ± 2.8 pg/m)and folate (14.6 ± 2.8 ng/ml) were higher (p 250 pg/ml, folate > 4 ng/ml). At two wks B 12 and folate were higher than cord levels (p 2000 pg/ml and 75% of folate levels > 20 ng/ml. B 12 (100% > 2000pg/ml) remained > cord B 12 (p 20ng/ml) remained > cord folate (p 20 ng/ml. Changes in B 12 and folate levels did not correlate with Hgb, rate of growth, length of PA or length of po feeds. LBW infants who receive at least two days of PA with B 12 and folate supplementation do not need oral supplements beyond what is present in formula. We conclude that the present recommended intravenous supplements of B 12 and folate are excessive and that lower levels of supplementation need to be assessed.
Cerebrocerebellar hypometabolism associated with repetitive blast exposure mild traumatic brain injury in 12 Iraq war Veterans with persistent post-concussive symptoms

Disagreement exists regarding the extent to which persistent post-concussive symptoms (PCS) reported by Iraq combat Veterans with repeated episodes of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) from explosive blasts represent structural or functional brain damage or an epiphenomenon of comorbid depression or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Objective assessment of brain function in this population may clarify the issue. To this end, twelve Iraq war Veterans (32.0 ± 8.5 [mean ± standard deviation (SD)] years of age) reporting one or more blast exposures meeting American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine criteria for mTBI and persistent PCS and 12 cognitively normal community volunteers (53.0 ± 4.6 years of age) without history of head trauma underwent brain fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) and neuropsychological assessments and completed PCS and psychiatric symptom rating scales. Compared to controls, Veterans with mTBI (with or without PTSD) exhibited decreased cerebral metabolic rate of glucose in the cerebellum, vermis, pons, and medial temporal lobe. They also exhibited subtle impairments in verbal fluency, cognitive processing speed, attention, and working memory, similar to those reported in the literature for patients with cerebellar lesions. These FDG-PET imaging findings suggest that regional brain hypometabolism may constitute a neurobiological substrate for chronic PCS in Iraq combat Veterans with repetitive blast-trauma mTBI. Given the potential public health implications of these findings, further investigation of brain function in these Veterans appears warranted.
Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors Preserve Function in Aging Axons

Aging increases the vulnerability of aging white matter to ischemic injury. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors preserve young adult white matter structure and function during ischemia by conserving ATP and reducing excitotoxicity. In isolated optic nerve from 12-month-old mice, deprived of oxygen and glucose, we show that pan- and Class I-specific HDAC inhibitors promote functional recovery of axons. This protection correlates with preservation of axonal mitochondria. The cellular expression of HDAC 3 in the central nervous system (CNS), and HDAC 2 in optic nerve considerably changed with age, expanding to more cytoplasmic domains from nuclear compartments, suggesting that changes in glial cell protein acetylation may confer protection to aging axons. Our results indicate that manipulation of HDAC activities in glial cells may have a universal potential for stroke therapy across age groups.
Locally Supersymmetric Grand Unification

A locally supersymmetric grand unification program is proposed which couples the $N=1$ supergravity multiplet to an arbitrary grand unified gauge group with any number of left-handed chiral multiplets and a gauge vector multiplet. A specific model is discussed where it is shown that not only do the gravitational interactions eliminate the degeneracy of the vacuum state encountered in global supersymmetry, but simultaneously they can break both supersymmetry and SU(2) \ensuremath{\bigotimes} U(1) down to a residual $\mathrm{SU}{(3)}^{c}\ensuremath{\bigotimes}\mathrm{U}(1)$ symmetry at \ensuremath{\sim}300 GeV.
A hard sphere model of chemical reaction in condensed media

Abstract We use the methods of hard sphere kinetic theory, projection operators and multiple time scale analysis to derive a formalism of chemical reactions in condensed media. Enskog type rates are found to be capable of explaining the primary salt and solvent effects but are valid for the special case of the slow reaction limit where the threshold energy does not depend on the proximity of third bodies and the smooth tail and mass do not change upon reaction. Rigorous diffusion limited laws may also be derived.
Theoretical evidence for the functional benefit of root cortical aerenchyma in soils with low phosphorus availability.

Background and aims The formation of root cortical aerenchyma (RCA) reduces root respiration and nutrient content by converting living tissue to air volume. It was hypothesized that RCA increases soil resource acquisition by reducing the metabolic and phosphorus cost of soil exploration. Methods To test the quantitative logic of the hypothesis, SimRoot, a functional-structural plant model with emphasis on root architecture and nutrient acquisition, was employed. Sensitivity analyses for the effects of RCA on the initial 40 d of growth of maize (Zea mays) and common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) were conducted in soils with varying degrees of phosphorus availability. With reference to future climates, the benefit of having RCA in high CO(2) environments was simulated. Key results The model shows that RCA may increase the growth of plants faced with suboptimal phosphorus availability up to 70 % for maize and 14 % for bean after 40 d of growth. Maximum increases were obtained at low phosphorus availability (3 µm). Remobilization of phosphorus from dying cells had a larger effect on plant growth than reduced root respiration. The benefit of both these functions was additive and increased over time. Larger benefits may be expected for mature plants. Sensitivity analysis for light-use efficiency showed that the benefit of having RCA is relatively stable, suggesting that elevated CO(2) in future climates will not significantly effect the benefits of having RCA. Conclusions The results support the hypothesis that RCA is an adaptive trait for phosphorus acquisition by remobilizing phosphorus from the root cortex and reducing the metabolic costs of soil exploration. The benefit of having RCA in low-phosphorus soils is larger for maize than for bean, as maize is more sensitive to low phosphorus availability while it has a more 'expensive' root system. Genetic variation in RCA may be useful for breeding phosphorus-efficient crop cultivars, which is important for improving global food security.