cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Exposure to solar UV-B radiation accelerates mass and lignin loss of Larrea tridentata litter in the Sonoran Desert

We assessed whether exposure to solar ultraviolet-B radiation (UV-B) affects the mass loss of Larrea tridentata (creosotebush) litter in the Sonoran Desert of central Arizona. We placed three types of litter (leaves, twigs, or a natural mixture of leaves, twigs, and seeds) in bags constructed of UV-B-transmitting or UV-B-absorbing filter material that allowed either 85% (near-ambient UV-B treatment) or 15% (reduced UV-B treatment) of the biologically effective solar UV-B to reach litter inside the bags. Bags were placed outdoors for 4–5 months during the winter at two sites: a balcony or on the soil surface of the desert. Mass loss of leaf litter was greater under near-ambient UV-B than reduced UV-B at both sites: 21 (near-ambient) vs. 18% (reduced) on the balcony, and 18 vs. 14% at the desert site. Mass loss of twig litter was also greater under near-ambient UV-B at the desert site. Mass loss of the natural mixture of litter was also greater when exposed to near-ambient UV-B on the balcony, and tended to be greater at the desert site. We estimate that about 14–22% of the total mass loss of leaf litter during our 4–5 month experiments was attributable to solar UV-B exposure. Leaf litter exposed to near-ambient UV-B had lower concentrations of lignin, and fats and lipids, and slightly higher concentrations of holocellulose. The greater mass loss of litter under near-ambient UV-B appeared mainly attributable to loss of lignin, although losses of fats and lipids were also appreciable. A primary reason for greater mass loss of litter under solar UV-B appeared to be photodegradation, particularly of lignin.
Distinct properties of amlodipine and nicardipine block of the voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels Cav1.2 and Cav2.1 and the mutant channels Cav1.2/Dihydropyridine insensitive and Cav2.1/Dihydropyridine sensitive

The binding site within the L-type Ca2+ channel Cav1.2 for neutral dihydropyridines is well characterized. However, the contributions of the alkylamino side chains of charged dihydropyridines such as amlodipine and nicardipine to channel block are not clear. We tested the hypothesis that the distinct locations of the charged side chains on amlodipine and nicardipine would confer distinct properties of channel block by these two drugs. Using whole-cell voltage clamp, we investigated block of wild type Cav 2.1, wild type Cav1.2, and Cav1.2/Dihydropyridine insensitive, a mutant channel insensitive to neutral DHPs, by amlodipine and nicardipine. The potency of nicardipine and amlodipine for block of closed (stimulation frequency of 0.05 Hz) Cav1.2 channels was not different (IC50 values of 60 nM and 57 nM, respectively), but only nicardipine block was enhanced by increasing the stimulation frequency to 1 Hz. The frequency-dependent block of Cav1.2 by nicardipine is the result of a strong interaction of nicardipine with the inactivated state of Cav1.2. However, nicardipine block of Cav1.2/Dihydropyridine insensitive was much more potent than block by amlodipine (IC50 values of 2.0 μM and 26 μM, respectively). A mutant Cav2.1 channel containing the neutral DHP binding site (Cav2.1/Dihydropyridine sensitive) was more potently blocked by amlodipine (IC50 = 41 nM) and nicardipine (IC50 = 175 nM) than the parent Cav2.1 channel. These data suggest that the alkylamino group of nicardipine and amlodipine project into distinct regions of Cav1.2 such that the side chain of nicardipine, but not amlodipine, contributes to the potency of closed-channel block, and confers frequency-dependent block.
Teacher Ratings of Hyperactivity in Learning-Disabled, Emotionally Disturbed, and Mentally Retarded Children

Teachers of LD, ED, MR, and nonhandicapped pupils rated their pupils on the Abbreviated Teacher Rating Scale, a measure used to assess hyperactivity. The prevalence, distribution, and pattern of hyperactivity within and among these groups were analyzed. Age and sex differences were also studied. The findings are discussed in relation to cross-cultural research on hyperactivity and are integrated into research on the behavioral characteristics of mildly handicapped pupils.
Noise reduction characteristics of general aviation type dual-pane windows

The noise reduction characteristics of general-aviation-type, dual-pane windows in various configurations have been experimentally investigated. The effects of inner and outer pane thickness, spacing between the panes, edge conditions, inclination of the inner pane and depressurization of the air in between the panes are presented. The space in between the two window panes is sealed airtight in all cases. Results show that increasing the mass of a 'floating' window pane does not increase the noise reduction below the fundamental resonance frequency. It is concluded that the concept of depressurization of the air between thin (1/8 in) Plexiglas panes and application of multiple-freedom edge conditions for the inner pane are promising to reduce noise levels in general aviation airplanes.
Spectrophotometric assay for lysine decarboxylase.

A rapid and highly sensitive spectrophotometric assay for lysine decar☐ylase is described. It is based upon the principle that cadaverine, a product of lysine decar☐ylase, reacts with 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid to give a product soluble in toluene whereas lysine does not. The amount of cadaverine produced enzymatically was determined spectrophotometrically by reading the absorbance at 340 nm of the toluene extract of the reaction mixture. This method is capable of detecting enzyme concentrations as low as 1.8 μg/ml and the production of 7 nmol of cadaverine. The entire procedure takes about 30 min; 10 to 15 samples can be analyzed simultaneously. The Km for lysine decar☐ylase determined by this method is 1.92 × 10−3 m .
Hippocampal Poly(ADP-Ribose) Polymerase 1 and Caspase 3 Activation in Neonatal Bornavirus Infection

Infection of neonatal rats with Borna disease virus results in a characteristic behavioral syndrome and apoptosis of subsets of neurons in the hippocampus, cerebellum, and cortex (neonatal Borna disease [NBD]). In the NBD rat hippocampus, dentate gyrus granule cells progressively degenerate. Apoptotic loss of granule cells in NBD is associated with accumulation of zinc in degenerating neurons and reduced zinc in granule cell mossy fibers. Excess zinc can trigger poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP-1) activation, and PARP-1 activation can mediate neuronal death. Here, we evaluate hippocampal PARP-1 mRNA and protein expression levels, activation, and cleavage, as well as apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) nuclear translocation and executioner caspase 3 activation, in NBD rats. PARP-1 mRNA and protein levels were increased in NBD hippocampi. PARP-1 expression and activity were increased in granule cell neurons and glia with enhanced ribosylation of proteins, including PARP-1 itself. In contrast, levels of poly(ADP-ribose) glycohydrolase mRNA were decreased in NBD hippocampi. PARP-1 cleavage and AIF expression were also increased in astrocytes in NBD hippocampi. Levels of activated caspase 3 protein were increased in NBD hippocampi and localized to nuclei, mossy fibers, and dendrites of granule cell neurons. These results implicate aberrant zinc homeostasis, PARP-1, and caspase 3 activation as contributing factors in hippocampal neurodegeneration in NBD.
An integrative computational approach to identify disease-specific networks from PubMed literature information

A huge amount of association relationships among biological entities (e.g., diseases, drugs, and genes) are scattered in biomedical literature. How to extract and analyze such heterogeneous data still remains a challenging task for most researchers in the biomedical field. Natural language processing (NLP) has the potential in extracting associations among biological entities from literature. However, association information extracted through NLP can be large, noisy, and redundant which poses significant challenges to biomedical researchers to use such information. To address this challenge, we propose a computational framework to facilitate the use of NLP results. We apply Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) to discover topics based on associations. The networks extracted from each topic provide a disease-specific network for downstream bioinformatics analysis of associations for each topic. We illustrated the framework through the construction of disease-specific networks from Semantic MEDLINE, an NLP-generated association database, followed by the analysis of network properties, such as hub nodes and degree distribution. The results demonstrate that (1) LDA-based approach can group related diseases into the same disease topic; (2) the disease-specific association network follows the scale-free network property, in which hub nodes are enriched in related diseases, genes and drugs.
Magnetic characterization of surface-hardened steel

Abstract Case depth measurements of surface-hardened steel parts are important for quality control. Here, the magnetic properties of two sets of carefully characterized 25-mm-diameter case-hardened steel rods were studied with the aim of developing new methods to evaluate the case depth nondestructively. Induction-hardened 4140 steel and carburized 8620 steel rods were studied. Each set contained control samples (heat-treated but not surface-hardened) and samples hardened to three different nominal depths. After fabrication, the microhardness profiles of the rods were measured and the data analyzed to obtain the mid-hardness depth in each case. These measurements were compared with optical micrographs that reveal the microstructure of the samples as a function of depth below the surface. By the analysis of measured magnetization curves and hysteresis loops, the differential permeability and saturation magnetization of the rods were extracted. It was found that differential permeability increases with increasing case depth at a certain strength of the applied field (1350–1450 A/m) for both hardening mechanisms, but only significantly for induction-hardened rods. Saturation magnetization M s was evaluated using the ‘law of approach’ and was observed to decrease as the depth of case hardening increases, for both induction-hardened and carburized steel rods. The observed behavior is described adequately by a simple model in which M s for the rod is represented as a volume-weighted sum of saturation magnetization values in the core and in the surface layer.
Personal Finance: There Are No Shortcuts to Financial Security

ABSTRACT Perioperative nurses have skills that lend themselves to sound financial decision-making, and during these difficult economic times, it is important to know how to secure earnings for the future. Key strategies include saving for retirement, consulting a financial advisor, investing in reliable vehicles, holding investments until the market stabilizes, and controlling credit card debt. Nurses can use the nursing process of assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation to help them make sound financial decisions. AORN J 90 (December 2009) 845–850. © AORN, Inc, 2009.
Historical and Contemporary Developments in Home School Education

Home school education has a rich history. It is embedded in America's most early form of education practice, with character education being a central component. By the 1960s, however, home school education developed mostly into adoption by extreme groups. First, the Left adopted the protocol as a means of implementing their non-traditional approach to societal milieu. Following court cases that removed religion from the public schools, home education became dominated by fundamental, then evangelical parents. Presently, home schooling is a significant movement that public school educators cannot simply ignore as ‘fringe’. The wide spread use of the internet likely will propel home education's popularity via distance education mediums.
Low Noise Transistor Amplifiers for Solid State Detectors

The development of low-noise transistor amplifiers with solid-state detectors is discussed. A charge-sensitive integrating preamplifier employing a cascade circuit which results in an increased signal-to-noise ratio is shown, The voltage feedback amplifier, the high-input impedance preamplifier, and the current feedback amplifier are discussed and compared. (M.C.G.)
On the mechanism of inhibition of the bovine heart F1-ATPase by local anesthetics.

Abstract The rate of inactivation of the mitochondrial F 1 -ATPase by dicyclohexylcarbodiimide is slowed by concentrations of chlorpromazine, dibucaine, or tetracaine which have been shown by others ( B. Chazotte, G. Vanderkooi, and D. Chignell (1982) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 680 , 310–316) to inhibit the hydrolytic reaction catalyzed by the enzyme. The order of effectiveness of the drugs as protectors of the enzyme against inactivation by dicyclohexylcarbodiimide is: chlorpromazine > dibucaine > tetracaine. Examination of the steady state kinetics showed the chlorpromazine inhibits the ATPase competitively at concentrations up to 18.5 μM while complex kinetic behavior is exhibited at chlorpromazine concentrations from 25–50 μM. These results suggest that the drugs inhibit the F 1 -ATPase by interacting with the catalytic site of the enzyme and not by promoting its dissociation.
Polarization-dependent focusing

We present two methods of creating two orthogonally-polarized focal points at customizable relative locations. These schemes may be critical for enhancing entanglement sources and other applications.
A multiple source approach to acute human health risk assessments

Abstract The US Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine (USACHPPM) has developed a three-tiered approach to perform an acute noncarcinogenic health risk assessment to comply with requirements contained in USEPA’s ‘Addendum to the Methodology for Assessing Health Risks Associated with Indirect Exposure to Combustor Emissions' (USEPA, Draft strategy for combustion of hazardous waste, May 1993). The addendum document drafted in November 1993 suggests evaluation of short-term emissions and exposures, but it does not provide necessary guidance or methodology. This evaluation becomes extremely complex when several sources contribute to the overall concentration of contaminants in the air. Because each source has a different emission rate, location, and dispersion profile, the compound-specific maximum concentrations are rarely located at the same receptor location, as determined by using the Industrial Source Complex Short Term (ISCST3) dispersion model. Furthermore, evaluation of hazard quotients at various receptor locations from a large number of contaminants from multiple sources is an extremely complex and tedious process. This paper will detail a three-tiered approach which was developed to perform the acute risk assessment, quantify possible advantages and disadvantages associated with each tier, and demonstrate the effects of contributing factors, such as distance, emission rate variability, population/exposure scenarios, and compound speciation. In order to accomplish this task, a sample facility with four different combustion sources was modeled and processed according to the three-tiered approach.
Thermoluminescence from a distribution of trapping levels in UV irradiated calcite

Abstract Both geological and synthetic calcite samples exhibit a low temperature thermoluminescence (TL) peak around 80°C; this TL peak has been the subject of several investigations since it is believed to involve localized transitions in the crystal rather than the more usual electronic transitions through the energy bands. We performed a detailed study of the kinetics of this TL peak in a high purity synthetic calcite powder. Annealing of the samples at temperatures above 500°C causes the TL peak at 71°C to become more narrow and the TL intensity to change dramatically between 400 and 700°C. Our experimental results are consistent with the presence of a distribution of activation energies and a first order TL process associated with this TL peak. Several commonly used methods of analysis such as the initial rise, heating rate, whole glow, isothermal decay and peak shape methods were used to evaluate the activation energy E, the frequency factor s and the order of the kinetics b. Good agreement was obtained between all methods except the isothermal decay method. The kinetic parameters associated with this low temperature TL peak were found to be E = 0.78 ± 0.03 eV, s = (1–7) × 1010 s−1 and b = 1. A theoretical model based on a Gaussian distribution of energies provides a self-consistent description of the TL glow curves and the dose dependence of the observed TL height. When the calcite sample is annealed at temperatures above 500°C, the width of the Gaussian distribution of energies becomes more narrow. Two possible mechanisms are suggested for the observed changes in the TL glow curves.
Detection and identification of corrosion products of sodium aluminoborosilicate glasses by 23Na MQMAS and 1H → 23Na CPMAS NMR

23Na multiple-quantum (MQ) MAS NMR is applicable for monitoring the chemical and structural changes resulting from atmospheric exposure of a series of alkali aluminoborosilicate glasses with compos...
Electric susceptibility of unsolvated glycine-based peptides.

The DC electric susceptibilities of unsolvated glycine-based peptides, WG n (W = tryptophan and G = glycine) with n = 1-5, have been measured by deflection of a molecular beam in an electric field. These are the first electric deflection measurements performed on peptides. At 300 K the susceptibilities are in the range of 200-400 A 3 . By far the largest contribution to the susceptibilities is from the permanent dipole moment of the peptides. The results indicate that the peptides do not have rigid conformations with fixed dipoles. Instead the dipole is averaged as the peptides explore their energy landscape. For a given WG n peptide, all molecules have almost the same average dipole, which suggests that they all explore a similar energy landscape on the microsecond time scale of the measurement. The measured susceptibilities are in good overall agreement with values calculated from the average dipole moment deduced from Monte Carlo simulations.
The Sea Otter

In general form the sea otter, Enhydra lutris resembles the weasel and river otter, of which animals it is a large relative. The male attains a weight of 85 pounds, the female about 65 pounds; the young at birth weigh from 3 to 5 pounds. It is peculiar among members of its family, the Mustelidae, in having deserted dry land and fresh water to take up a marine life. Among marine mammals it is peculiar in its adaptation to the sea. It does not possess an insulating layer of blubber but is protected from the chill of North Pacific waters by a blanket of air trapped among the fine and closely packed fibres of its inch-long delicate fur. Unlike the river otter and fur seal, the sea otter has but little protective coating of guard hair. The fine guard hairs present add to its beauty but do not offer much protection to the soft under-fur. Unlike other maring mammals, the sea otter has never taken to the open sea. It usually feeds in shallow water from 5 to 50 feet in depth. Its food consist primarily of such sedentary forms as sea urchins, rock oysters, mussels, a variety of snail-like molluscs and, in California, abalones. Occasionally fish and octopus are eaten.
Activated carbon load equalization of transient concentrations of gas-phase toluene: Effect of gas flow rate during pollutant non-loading intervals

Abstract Dynamically varying contaminant concentrations pose a challenge in the design and operation of biofilters for air pollution control. One strategy for managing this problem involves installation of a column packed with granular activated carbon (GAC) to achieve load equalization prior to biofilter treatment. Research described here was conducted to evaluate the effect of changes in gas flow rates during contaminant non-loading intervals on the GAC load equalization process. Toluene served as the model pollutant, and BPL 4 × 6 mesh GAC served as the model adsorbent. Fixed-bed adsorption/desorption experiments were conducted with influent toluene concentrations of 250 ppmv (superficial gas velocity 300 m/h) for durations of 12, 8, and 4 h/day, and no toluene in the influent air for the remainder of the day to simulate processes with varying work schedules. During toluene non-loading intervals, experiments were conducted with gas flow rates 1.0, 0.50, and 0.10 times the flow rate during toluene loading intervals. Numerical simulations performed using a pore and surface diffusion model, adapted to account for changes in gas flow rate, were in close agreement with experimental measurements. Collectively, experimental data and model simulations demonstrated that relatively small GAC columns (empty bed contact times on the order of a few seconds) can achieve considerable load equalization even when gas flow rates are reduced during contaminant non-loading intervals. Results suggest that in cases where the fraction of time pollutants present in the gas stream are relatively small, use of a passively operated GAC load equalization process in conjunction with reduction in gas flow rates during contaminant non-loading intervals may prove especially attractive.
Conventional chemical fixations induce artifactual swelling of dolipore septa

Abstract Toroidal swellings of dolipore septa of Laetisaria arvalis were typical of Homobasidiomycetidae septa when preserved by conventional chemical fixation procedures using glutaraldehyde followed by osmium tetroxide. The toroidal swellings were electron translucent and were delimited by a plasmalemma, both of which were very irregular in outline. Toroidal swellings of similar septa preserved by freeze-substitution were approximately one-third the size of conventional chemically fixed specimens. Furthermore, freezesubstituted-preserved toroidal swellings were moderately electron dense with a finely granular matrix delimited by a plasmalemma and were smooth in outline. Based on the results of the two preservation procedures as well as certain modifications of them, and on the results of light microscopic examinations of septal complexes before and after chemical fixation, it was concluded that conventional chemical fixation procedures induce artifactual enlargement of toroidal swelling.
Living Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerizations of 3,4-Disubstituted Cyclobutenes and Synthesis of Polybutadienes with Protic Functionalities

The compounds bis(phenylmethyl) cis-cyclobutene-3,4-dicarboxylate (1) and cis-3,4-bis(2-oxa-3-phenylpropyl)cyclobutene (2) were polymerized by ring-opening metathesis polymerizations using Mo(CHC(CH3)2R1)(NC6H3-2,6-diisopropyl)(OR2)2 (R1 = Ph, R2 = C(CH3)3, I; R1 = CH3, R2 = C(CF3)2CH3, II) as the initiator. For I as initiator, no chain termination or chain transfer processes were observed during the lifetime of the polymerization, showing that the polymerizations of 1 and 2 by I are living. Block copolymers containing 1 and 2 and diethyl cis-cyclobutene-3,4-dicarboxylate (5) were synthesized. The double bonds of the poly-2 and poly-3 ranged from 70% trans to 92% cis depending on the initiator and monomer used. Poly-1 and poly-2 were treated with iodotrimethylsilane and converted to the acid-functionalized and alcohol-functionalized poly-4 and poly-6, respectively. Block copolymers were treated with iodotrimethylsilane and converted to materials with blocks bearing protic functionalities and blocks bearin...
The presacral component of the visceral pelvic fascia and its relation to the pelvic splanchnic innervation of the bladder

The relation of the autonomic nerve supply of the pelvis to the visceral pelvic fascia and in particular that of the parasympathetic supply to the bladder musculature is of particular consequence in pelvic operations. It is observed that the pelvic splanchnics, including those branches supplying the bladder, are embedded in the peripheral component of the visceral pelvic fascia or presacral fascia throughout a considerable part of their course. Early anatomists made no distinction between the presacral fascia and the fascial sheath of the rectum proper. Consequently their illustrations shown only a single fascial layer which they call the “rectal fascia” or “posterior fibrous sheath of the rectum” separating the middle sacral vessels from the superior rectal vessels which lie in the pararectal fat. While such a distinction has since been made in the surgical literature, most anatomical descriptions are still rather vague in this respect. It is essential to develop the plane of cleavage between the presacral fascia and the fascial sheath of the rectum if injury to the pelvic splanchnic nerves is to be avoided.
Spark Spectroscopy Using Charge Transfer Devices: Analysis, Automated Systems, and Imaging

An atomic emission spectroscopic system utilizing a spark source for excitation has been developed. The instrument employs a custom echelle spectrometer and a charge injection device (CID) array detector system. This system simultaneously covers wavelengths from 200 to 450 nm with a resolution of 0.02 nm at 300 nm. Solids sample analyses of steels and aluminums were used to demonstrate this system's speed, sensitivity, and flexibility. Automated systems for rapid qualitative and semi-quantitative screening of these materials will also be discussed. Another spectroscopic system based on a commercial imaging spectrograph and a charge-coupled device (CCD) array detector has been used to obtain temporally resolved spectral images of single sparks discharges.
Deciding on breast cancer treatment: a description of decision behavior

The purposes of this study were to describe the unaided decision-making process of women facing treatment for early stage breast cancer and to provide the empirical grounding to develop a conceptual framework for more structured research. A convenience sample of 48 women completed an open-ended interview while they were making a decision. A qualitative analysis of these interviews identified five empirical indicators of decision behavior: (a) perceived salience of alternatives, (b) decision conflict, (c) information seeking, (d) risk awareness, and (e) deliberation. The configurations of these indicators discriminated the decision maker into one of three empirically derived groups. In order of complexity, these are termed Deferrer, Delayer, and Deliberator.
Energy decaying scheme for non-linear beam models

Abstract This paper is concerned with the time integration of the equations of motion describing the non-linear dynamic response of beams. Desirable characteristics of integration schemes for structural dynamics problems include unconditional stability, accuracy, and high frequency numerical dissipation. Several schemes exist that present all these features when applied to linear problems. Though the application of those schemes to non-linear problems is often successful, proofs of unconditional stability are rarely derived. A finite difference integration scheme is derived in this paper for the non-linear dynamic response of beams. Though of a finite difference nature, the proposed scheme mimics the integration scheme obtained by applying the time discontinuous Galerkin methodology to a single degree of freedom linear oscillator. A formal proof of unconditional stability for the non-linear problem is derived based on an energy decay argument. Numerical examples using the proposed scheme are given, and the results are compared with the predictions of other available schemes. The accuracy of the proposed scheme and its high frequency numerical dissipation characteristics are demonstrated in these examples.
The Physiological Disposition of Chlorpromazine in the Rat and Dog

SummaryChlorpromazine (10 mg/kg) was rapidly absorbed after intraperitoneal adminstration in rats. Concentrations in liver and brain greatly exceeded plasma levels. Chlorpromazine and its metabolites rapidly disappeared from plasma and vascular tissues. In dogs, chlorpromazine levels in plasma were approximately proportional to the dose during the first 7 hr after the intravenous administration of three different doses (1, 3 and 10 mg/kg), all in the range commonly used in pharmacological studies.
Why do we not have an HIV vaccine and how can we make one

Last year, President Clinton made clear the urgent need for an effective HIV vaccine, and suggested that it should be possible to create one within ten years. The authors agree. Although recent progress should not be underestimated, many obstacles remain some technical, others not. Here, Dennis Burton (Scripps Research Institute) and John Moore (Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center) outline their views on the state of development of an HIV vaccine and the areas in which more effort should be focused.
Dissecting the role of the foxp3 gene in the joint genetic susceptibility to autoimmune thyroiditis and diabetes: A genetic and functional analysis

We have previously shown that a (TC)n microsatellite in intron 5 of the Forkhead Box Protein 3 (FOXP3) gene was associated with a variant of the autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 3 (APS3v), that is defined as the co-occurrence of type 1 diabetes (T1D) and autoimmune thyroiditis (AITD). Allele 10, containing 25 repeats of the microsatellite (long repeats), is preferentially transmitted to offspring with APS3v, while allele 2, containing 14 repeats of the microsatellite (short repeats), is protective. We hypothesized that the long repeats of the intron 5 microsatellite decrease FOXP3 splicing and function, thereby reducing regulatory T cell activity and promoting the development of APS3v. We cloned genomic DNA from two males hemizygous for the long and short repeats of the microsatellite on their X-chromosomes and transfected them into human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK 293) cells to perform direct splicing analysis. We identified a novel splice variant of FOXP3 lacking exon 6, and showed that it is expressed in human thymus and lymph node. However, the length of the repeats in the microsatellite did not significantly influence the expression of this FOXP3 splice variant in vitro. Interestingly, this splice variant was expressed in human regulatory T cells, suggesting that it may play a role in their function. In conclusion, we identified a novel splice variant FOXP3Δ6. The role of its expression in regulatory T cells in the development of autoimmunity remains to be determined.
Single Piconewton Forces at Individual Integrins Support Robust Cell Adhesion

Mechanical interactions between cells and the extracellular matrix (ECM) exert a profound influence on cell migration, proliferation, and stem cell differentiation. However, fundamental aspects of how cells detect and generate mechanical forces at the cell-ECM interface remain poorly understood. Here we describe a new technique, termed Molecular Force Microscopy (MFM) that visualizes the forces experienced by single cellular adhesion molecules with nanometer, piconewton, and sub-second resolutions. MFM uses a new class of FRET-based molecular tension sensors that bind to an avidin-coated glass coverslip at one end and present an integrin binding site at the other. Cellular integrins transmit force to the FRET pair, resulting in decreased FRET with increasing load. Unlike previously reported force sensors, MFM sensor molecules allow quantitative FRET imaging at the single molecule level. We found that human foreskin fibroblasts (HFFs) adhered to and spread on surfaces functionalized with the MFM probes, and developed mature focal adhesions as evidenced by paxillin localization and actin stress fiber formation. We observed a bimodal distribution of FRET efficiency values for MFM sensor molecules beneath HFFs, with one peak corresponding to zero load and the other indicating a distribution of forces between 1 and 4 pN. Despite evidence of robust adhesion, the forces we measured were ∼10-fold lower than the force necessary to break individual integrin-ECM bonds. Our data provide the first direct measurement of the tension per integrin molecule necessary to form stable contacts with the ECM. The relatively narrow range of forces that we observed suggests that mechanical tension at individual adhesion molecules is subject to exquisite feedback and control. Ongoing work uses the unique capabilities of MFM to elucidate the mechanical signal transduction mechanisms that underlie cell migration and adhesion.
Effects of Sb, Sn, As, and P additions on the high-temperature ductility of Ni

This note reports low strain rate, 600/degree/C tensile test results on four single phase Ni-metalloid alloys and two undoped control heats of Ni. The four metalloid dopants (Sb, Sn, As, and P) were chosen because they are known to segregate to internal interfaces in Ni and/or Fe and they have large solid solubilities in Ni at 600/degree/C. Sb and Sn are the two most potent embrittlers, with As having an intermediate effect, and P inducing no intergranular cracking. 9 refs.
Therapist Self-Disclosure from a Gay Male Perspective:

Self-disclosure is a therapeutic intervention often studied within the therapeutic relationship. Increasing attention has been given to therapist self-disclosure (TSD) in light of the gay therapist's sexual orientation. This qualitative study examines the decision-making processes of gay male therapists regarding self-disclosure of their sexual orientations with straight and gay male clients. Four focus groups of therapists discussing these decisions were coded and analyzed. Data analysis reveals 3 topical areas for categorizing themes related to decisions about disclosure of sexual orientation for gay male therapists: (a) identity creation; (b) individual identity management, preclient contact; and (c) individual identity management, client contact. The author describes the themes that emerge and the need for a fluid model of TSD decision making for gay male therapists.
Geomagnetic response to magnetic clouds

Results of superimposed epoch analyses of hourly values of the equatorial Dst geomagnetic index and the B(x) component of the interplanetary magnetic field are given for 19 magnetic clouds. Results show statistical associations between magnetic clouds and geomagnetic storms, and between clouds without preceding shocks and gradual commencements. It was found that 75 percent of the clouds had a maximum Dst of less than -30 gammas, and that 95 percent of the clouds had a maximum Dst of less than about -16 gammas. In the main phase and recovery phase of geomagnetic storms, the Dst index simultaneously decreases to a large negative value at the onset of a large sustained southward magnetic field, and recovery starts when the magnetic field becomes northward.
Solubility limits and precipitation phenomena in NiNi3Nb aligned eutectic

The unidirectionally solidified microstructure of the Ni--Nb eutectic alloy consists of alternate lamellae of Ni/sub 3/Nb (delta) and Ni--Nb solid solution (..gamma..) phases. Nb has a solubility limit in ..gamma.. phase that decreases with temperature, suggesting the possibility of obtaining additional delta phase and strength via precipitation processes. To this end, the microstructure, ..gamma.. phase lattice parameter and microhardness of the aligned composite were examined in the as-grown, solution treated (ST), and ST + aged conditions. Little precipitation was found after a ten hour 1000/sup 0/C aging treatment in the as-grown ingots. However, approximately 12 vol percent of Widmanstatten delta precipitates--(111)/sub ..gamma../ habit planes--was produced after a 1220/sup 0/C solution treatment followed by short time aging at 1000/sup 0/C. Considerable precipitation was found also after longer time aging at 800/sup 0/C. Lattice parameter measurements indicate the ..gamma.. phase to be in a metastable, supersaturated condition. Upon ST + aging, the ..gamma.. lattice parameter decreases slightly, reflecting the Nb loss associated with delta precipitation. The remaining solubility of Nb in ..gamma.. is compared with previously reported results. The microhardness of the composite was determined as a function of heat treatment and found to increase with increasing vol percent of delta (originalmore » lamellae + precipitates). A significant precipitation hardening effect was noted for the ST + 800/sup 0/C aging treatment with hardness measurements suggesting a substantial increase in yield strength.« less
The impact of wine effervescence levels on perceived palatability with salty and bitter foods.

This study looks at the relationship among wine effervescence levels with food saltiness and food bitterness. Twenty-six individuals participated in this experimental study assessing increases or decreases in palatability of highly salty or highly bitter foods when consumed with wine. As a whole, our two hypotheses were partially supported. High effervescence provided a palette cleansing effect with highly salty foods and the negative impact of bitter food was lessened when combined with moderate to high levels effervescence. However, the level of effervescence in wine was partially eroded by the presence of other interacting characteristics.
The rhetoric of goodbye: Verbal and nonverbal correlates of human leave‐taking

Human communication research has identified and investigated numerous aspects of interpersonal transactions, but has largely ignored the process by which people terminate these encounters. Through controlled observation and laboratory testing, this study sought answers to the following questions: (1) What specific verbal and nonverbal behaviors are associated with the termination of communicative exchanges; and (2) Do these verbal and nonverbal termination behaviors vary according to the situational and relational constraints that bind two communicators. Twenty‐five behavior styles were scrutinized during eighty interviews. Results indicated that behavioral regularity attends leave‐taking—signalling inaccessibility and signalling supportiveness.
Effects of Speed Variation on the Performance and Longevity of Electric Submersible Pumps

The expanding usage of variable-speed drives (VSD's) indicates that their effects on electrical submersible pump (ESP) performance and longevity merit investigation. This paper demonstrates that speed variation makes ESP equipment selection more complex and critical if maximum pump life is to be achieved. Thrust wear can dramatically affect pump longevity. A common conception is that the rates identifying acceptable thrust limits for any pump speed would be the affinity-law projections of the defining rates at 60 cycles/sec (60 Hz). This would result in a diverging thrust range as speed increases. This paper (1) shows the fallacy of this concept; (2) demonstrates mathematically and graphically that as speed increases, the thrust range converges; (3) expresses the need for verification of the calculated data with actual measurements; and (4) discusses potential pump damage caused by internal recirculation cavitation at high pumping speeds and the increased exposure to vibration damage resulting from speed variation.
Cap-and-trade vs. carbon taxes: A quantitative comparison from a generation expansion planning perspective

We compare the effectiveness and efficiency of cap-and-trade and carbon tax policies in a generation expansion planning framework. The effectiveness refers to a policy's capability to control the amount of carbon emissions, and the efficiency is measured with respect to seven criteria: average emissions price, actual emissions, renewable energy portfolio, total generation, total profit of Gencos and grid owner, economic welfare, and emissions adjusted economic welfare. Cap-and-trade and four variations of carbon tax policies are integrated in a game-theoretic based generation expansion planning model to assess their impacts on new investment in renewable energy generation capacity. A case study is conducted on a 30-bus test system, and numerical results provide insights on the advantages and disadvantages of these policies.
The potential for poly-alpha-amino acids as biomaterials

Poly-α-amino acids have been investigated for possible use in a wide variety of biomedical applications. These range from dialysis membranes to artificial skin substitutes to degradable sutures. The large number of available α-amino acids potentially provides an extremely large number of poly-α-amino acids. The majority of materials investigated to date are copolymers composed of two components, one of which usually provides the desired property for the given application. This paper deals with the further examination of a series of γ-benzyl-L-glutamate-L-leucine copolymers. Evidence is provided on the effect of these copolymers on the biological environment as determined by implantation in rats up to 200 days. In vitro tests were also performed and the effect of these tests on the stress-strain properties of one of the copolymers is presented. Preliminary evidence on biodegradable copolymer films is also included. These materials have free γ-carboxyl groups on the glutamate components.
Uncertainty modeling and prediction for customer load demand in smart grid

In this study, we propose two types of approaches to model the uncertainty in customer load demand. The first approach is based on a first order non-stationary Markov chain. A maximum likelihood estimator (MLE) is derived to estimate the time variant transition matrix of the Markov chain. The second approach is based on time series analysis techniques. We present linear prediction models such as standard autoregressive (AR) process and time varying autoregressive (TVAR) process, according to different assumptions on the stationarity of customer load profile: piecewise stationarity, local stationarity and cyclo-stationarity. Two important issues in AR/TVAR models are addressed: determining the order of AR/TVAR models and calculating the AR/TVAR coefficients. The partial autocorrelation function (PACF) is analyzed to determine the model order and the minimum mean squared error (MMSE) estimator is adopted to derive the AR/TVAR coefficients, which leads to the Yule-Walker type of equations. For the AR model, the customer load profile is divided into small segments which can be considered to be stationary. For the TVAR model, by doing basis function expansion based coefficient parametrization, we replace the scalar process with a vector one and turn the original non-stationary problem into a time-invariant problem. All the proposed models are tested against the same set of real measured customer load demand data. Prediction performances of different models are analyzed and compared, advantages and disadvantages are discussed.
Muscle contraction as a polymer-gel phase-transition

In this paper I argue that the mechanism of muscle contraction is similar to the mechanism of contraction in most artificial muscles. Artificial muscles typically contract by a phase- transition. Muscle is thought to contract by a sliding- filament mechanism in which one set of filaments is driven past another by the action of cyclically rotating cross- bridges -- much like the mechanism of rowing. However, the evidence is equally consistent with a mechanism in which the filaments themselves contract, much like the collapse of polymers during a phase-transition. Muscle contains three principal polymer types, organized neatly within a framework. There is evidence that all three can contract. It appears that the relative contributions of each filament are designed to confer strength, speed and versatility on this natural machine. The principles of natural contraction may be useful in establishing optimal design principles for artificial muscles.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Adrenal hypofunction from histoplasmosis: a literature review from 1971 to 2012

Purpose While histoplasmosis has been reported from most continents, the disease is most often recognized in the midwestern United States. The recent diagnosis of adrenal hypofunction in two patients with progressive disseminated histoplasmosis (PDH) in our hospital led us to review the literature.
Neighbors, Households, and Front Porches: New Urbanist Community Tool or Mere Nostalgia?

New Urbanists believe that front porches, along with narrow streets, back-alley garages, shallow setbacks, and street trees, may promote small town neighborliness of the 1920s. Critics dismiss such...
Proposal for the direct electromagnetic generation of coherent terahertz acoustic phonons in semiconductor superlattices at the University of California, Santa Barbara far-infrared free-electron-laser facility

We discuss the possibility of the generation of coherent packets of monochromatic acoustic waves in the far-infrared frequency range by electromagnetic radiation. The University of California, Santa Barbara free-electron laser could be used to excite resonantly transverse acoustic phonons in periodic space-charge layers formed in modulation-doped GaAs–Ga1−xAlxAs superlattice structures. The conversion efficiency for the process (acoustic power/incident electromagnetic power) is estimated to be of the order of 10−3 at 0.25 THz.
Neuropsychology and the emotional component of religion

Religiosity may be seen as both a rational and an emotional phenomenon. Recent technological advances have allowed neuroscientists to relate emotional perception and expression to distinct neurological substrates. When these are rendered dysfunctional through a stroke or other brain injury or disease, the victim's religiosity may change in specific ways. These changes are detailed through case study material in this article. Factors involved in recovery are delineated and guidelines for pastoral care of these patient/parishioners are offered.
Granular Pneumocytes: Electron Microscopic Evidence of Their Exocrinic Function

The contents of the lamelar bodies of granular pneumocytes are normally released into the alveolar lumen. Exposure of guinea pigs to an atmosphere containing carbon dioxide causes the formation of abnormal lamellar bodies and a significant increase in the pulmonary surface tension. The eventual return to a normal pulmonary surface tension coincides with the formation of normal lamellar bodies.
Digital signal processors for modern control systems

Abstract The development of improved “control theories” has been an on-going activity, and several truly outstanding control methodologies have been developed. Meanwhile, modern integrated circuit technology has produced the Digital Signal Processor (DSP), which offers substantial computational power at readily affordable prices. These parallel developments offer an unprecedented opportunity for practical implementation of advanced control techniques. As a result, sophisticated control-system applications using DSPs have increased exponentially in recent years. This paper provides an overview of DSPs, reviews their key features, outlines procedures for using DSPs, and reviews some of today's major DSP control-system applications.
Helicobacter pylori infection, not gastroesophageal reflux, is the major cause of inflammation and intestinal metaplasia of gastric cardiac mucosa

Helicobacter pylori infection, not gastroesophageal reflux, is the major cause of inflammation and intestinal metaplasia of gastric cardiac mucosa
Localized single-particle excitations for a normal-metal sphere in a superconducting host

We calculate the single-particle excitation spectrum of a spherical normal-metal particle embedded in an infinite superconducting host by solving the Bogoliubov equations, assuming that the electron and hole amplitudes are proportional. The pair potential is modeled by a step function which vanishes in the normal metal and takes on the bulk superconductor value in the host. With these assumptions, bands of bound states are found with energies lower than the superconductor pair potential. These states will fill up the gap for large enough particle size. The effects of these bound states on measurable physical quantities are briefly discussed.