cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Experiences of Gay Male Undergraduate Students at a Traditional Women's College.

This study examined the experiences of gay male undergraduate students enrolled at a traditional women’s college using the framework of queer theory. Using data collected from student interviews, journals, and document analysis, the findings offer insight into how institutional space as well as peer culture impact identity. The students reported the need to identify with peers across a range of individual characteristics. Conclusions and implications for practice are offered.
Wavelength dependence and power requirements of a wavelength converter based on XPM in an optical fiber

Summary form only given. All-optical wavelength conversion can play an important role in future ultra-high-speed networks due to the significant increase in flexibility and potential reduction in need for optical buffers. We have recently demonstrated a different cross phase modulation (XPM) based scheme to wavelength convert 40 Gb/s RZ data. The basic idea of this scheme is to utilize XPM in a dispersion shifted fiber. Continuous wave (CW) light is launched into the fiber along with the data pulses. The pulses will impose a phase modulation which generates sidebands on the CW light. After suppression of the original CW wavelength, and filtering out one of the sidebands, the wavelength converted data remains at the output. Here we report on pulse measurements in the wavelength converter in order to assess its fundamental operating characteristics.
Testing the output hypothesis: Effects of output on noticing and second language acquisition

This study addresses one of the functions of output proposed by Swain (1993, 1995, 1998). In particular, the activity of producing the target language may, under certain circumstances, prompt L2 learners to recognize some of their linguistic problems and bring to their attention something they need to discover about their L2. Two research questions were posed: (a) Does output promote noticing of linguistic form? and (b) Does output result in improved performance on the target form? In treatment phase 1, participants reconstructed a short passage after being exposed to it, followed by a second exposure to the same input material and a second reconstruction opportunity. In phase 2, participants wrote on given topics, followed by the presentation of a model written by a native speaker. Participants wrote a second time on the same topic. To test the noticing function of output, participants underlined parts of the sentences they thought were “particularly necessary” for subsequent (re)production. The control group was exposed to the same input materials but was not required to produce any output. Although phase 1 tasks resulted in noticing and immediate incorporation of the target form, the posttest performance failed to reveal their effects. In contrast, phase 2 tasks resulted in improvement on posttest 2. The results are discussed in terms of the efficacy of output in promoting noticing and learning and the conditions that may be required for output to be useful for SLA.
Structural summaries for efficient XML query processing

The importance of performing efficient XML query processing increases along with its usage and pervasiveness. Studying the properties of important fragments of XML query languages and designing accurate structural summaries (including indexes and statistical summaries) are all critical ingredients in solving this problem. However, up to this point there has been a gap between the theoretical and engineering efforts taken in the context of XML. We draw from research methodologies used in relational query languages and database design and apply it to the study of XPath and the design of structural summaries for XML. In particular, we study the roles various fragments of XPath algebra play in distinguishing data components in an XML document, and leverage the results in designing novel structural indexes and statistical summaries for more efficient XML query processing and more accurate result size estimation.
Lipoxygenase-dependent mechanisms in hypertension.

This study was designed to examine the contribution of lipoxygenase products to mechanisms of vascular contraction and elevated blood pressure in rats with aortic coarctation-induced hypertension. In cytosolic fractions of aortae taken from hypertensive rats, 12-lipoxygenase protein was increased as compared to normotensive controls. Aortic rings from hypertensive, but not from normotensive rats, exhibited a basal tone which was reduced 74±12 and 71±22%, respectively, by the lipoxygenase inhibitors cinnamyl-3,4-dihydroxy-α-cyanocinnamate (CDC,10−5 mol/L) and 5,8,11-eicosatriynoic acid (ETI, 10−5 mol/L). CDC (8mg/kg sc) did not affect the blood pressure of normotensive rats but decreased that of hypertensive rats from 182±6 to 151±10 mm Hg. The blood pressure lowering effect of CDC was blunted in hypertensive rats pretreated with indomethacin or antibodies against 5,6-dihydro-prostaglandin I2. These data suggest contribution of lipoxygenase-derived products to mechanisms underlying aortic smooth muscle bas...
Aneurysmal degeneration of blalock-taussig shunts: Identification and surgical treatment options

Many Blalock-Taussig shunts (subclavian to pulmonary artery anastomoses) have been created and a significant number are still being done. Two cases of aneurysmal degeneration of a Blalock-Taussig shunt and their management are described. Development of this rare complication may be related to large shunt flow and long duration. Large, symptomatic or enlarging aneurysms should be repaired and smaller ones studied by serial computed axial tomography. A simple and safe approach to correct this lesion is division and oversewing of the proximal subclavian artery through an anterior approach, assuming adequate pulmonary blood flow is already present or can be established concomitantly.
Twin Peaks: Surmounting the Global Challenges of Energy for All and Greener, More Efficient Electricity Services

The energy sector faces twin challenges. the first is to make more energy available at affordable prices to enable all people to use modern energy to meet their basic needs. The second is to slow the world's overall growth of energy consumption through conservation and energy efficiency improvement and to make energy sources more environmentally sustainable, locally and globally.
An oxide dispersion strengthened alloy for gas turbine blades

The strength of the newly developed alloy MA-6000E is derived from a nickel alloy base, an enlongated grain structure, naturally occurring precipitates of gamma prime, and an artificial distribution of extremely fine, stable oxide particles. Its composition is Ni-15% Cr-2% Mo-2% Ta-4% W-4.5% Al-2.5% Ti-0.15% Zr-0.05% C-0.01% B-1.1% Y2O3. It exhibits strength of a conventional nickel-base alloy at 1400 F, but is quite superior at 2000 F. Its shear strength is relatively low, necessitating consideration of special joining procedures. Its high-cycle, low-cycle, and thermal fatigue properties are excellent. The relationship between alloy micro-structure and properties is discussed.
Functional Modelling and Classification of Longitudinal Data

. We review and extend some statistical tools that have proved useful for analysing functional data. Functional data analysis primarily is designed for the analysis of random trajectories and infinite-dimensional data, and there exists a need for the development of adequate statistical estimation and inference techniques. While this field is in flux, some methods have proven useful. These include warping methods, functional principal component analysis, and conditioning under Gaussian assumptions for the case of sparse data. The latter is a recent development that may provide a bridge between functional and more classical longitudinal data analysis. Besides presenting a brief review of functional principal components and functional regression, we develop some concepts for estimating functional principal component scores in the sparse situation. An extension of the so-called generalized functional linear model to the case of sparse longitudinal predictors is proposed. This extension includes functional binary regression models for longitudinal data and is illustrated with data on primary biliary cirrhosis.
INFLUENCE OF SUBURBAN HABITAT ON A WINTERING BIRD COMMUNITY IN COASTAL NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Abstract. To evaluate factors influencing a suburban bird community in coastal northern California, we examined the abundance, richness, and diversity of wintering birds at 75 locations within the city of Arcata. For each location we used aerial imagery to determine the proportions of vegetation and impervious surfaces within 75 m and the distances to various landscape features. Human activity was measured and used as a covariate in model selection. Total bird abundance, species richness, and diversity declined with the proportion of road surface at a site, while the abundance of non-native species increased with the cover of roads and structures. The proportions of shrub and tree cover at a site predicted total abundance and richness positively. The effect of trees on species diversity was increasingly positive in more urban areas. Several species, such as Steller's Jay (Cyanocitta stelleri), Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Regulus calendula), Wrentit (Chamaea fasciata), Winter Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes), Yell...
Theoretical Estimation of Static Dielectric Constants for High Temperature Tℓ-Ba-Ca-Cu-O

Bulk dielectric constants, ∊c, for the layered BaCaTlCuO high-Tc superconductors have been calculated from polarizability calculations. A correlation between Tc and ∊ has been derived. Estimates of the electrons' contribution, ∊e, have also been reported.
Lorentz microscopy observations of a nanocrystalline Fe/sub 44/Co/sub 44/Zr/sub 7/B/sub 4/Cu/sub 1/ alloy

Domain imaging of soft magnetic materials by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is difficult due to the potentially saturating field of the microscope's objective lens. Energy filtered Lorentz microscopy provides a low field, high resolution domain imaging solution for soft magnetic materials. This technique was successfully applied to a soft magnetic nanocrystalline alloy to examine the domain configurations in a thin foil sample. A sample with composition Fe/sub 44/Co/sub 44/Zr/sub 7/B/sub 4/Cu/sub 1/ annealed at 650/spl deg/C for one hour was examined. Both Foucault and Fresnel methods were used to develop a clear picture of the relationship between the microstructure and domain structure of this alloy. Magnetic domain maps were created showing some regions of the sample with irregularly shaped domains, which are characteristic of amorphous alloys. Other regions contained relatively large grains with the magnetization in a circular in-plane configuration (presumably due to shape anisotropy).
The automated proof of a trace transformation for a bitonic sort

In his third volume of The Art of Computer Programming, Knuth presents Batcher's bitonic sorting network. With concurrency, this sorting network can be executed in logarithmic time. Knuth suggests a formal argument for the correctness of the bitonic sorting algorithm (as an exercise), but addresses the question of concurrency only informally. We develop a program for the bitonic sort by (1) deriving a stepwise refinement from Knuth's informal description of the algorithm, (2) deriving from the refinement a sequential execution or ‘trace’ of order O (n log n) in the length n of the sequence to be sorted, and (3) transforming the sequential trace into a parallel trace of order O(log n) while preserving its semantics. We shall be informal in Steps 1 and 2—although these steps can be formalized. But we will provide a formal treatment of Step 3 and report on the certification of this treatment in a mechanized logic. This work is a contribution to the optimization of programs (via concurrency) through transformation and the automation of program proofs.
A simple and quantitative method to predict symptomatic vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage based on computed tomography: beyond the Fisher scale.

Background Although the Fisher scale is commonly used to grade vasospasm risk in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) patients, it fails to account for increasing subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) thickness. Objective We developed a simple quantitative scale based on maximal SAH thickness and compared its reproducibility and ability to predict symptomatic vasospasm against the Fisher scale. Methods The incidence of radiographic and symptomatic vasospasm among 250 aSAH patients treated at our institution was investigated. Admission head computed tomography scans were graded according to the Fisher scale and the proposed scale, which assigns a score from 1 to 5 based on a single measurement of maximum SAH thickness. We calculated vasospasm risk per grade for the Fisher scale and the proposed scale, and compared inter- and intraobserver variability for both scales. Results Forty-five patients (20.6%) developed symptomatic vasospasm. On the proposed scale, grade 5 patients were at highest risk, with an odds ratio for symptomatic vasospasm of 11 (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.27-53.37). Odds ratios for proposed grades 4 and 3 were 4.63 (95% CI 1.10-19.59) and 3.04 (95% CI 0.85-10.90), respectively. The odds ratio for Fisher grade 3 was 3.3 (0.96-11.30). Mean inter- and intraobserver agreement was greater for the proposed scale in comparison with the Fisher scale (κ0.65 and κ0.81 vs κ0.51 and κ0.35, respectively). Conclusion The new scale accounted for increasing SAH thickness and was superior to the Fisher scale in inter- and intraobserver agreement and in predicting symptomatic vasospasm, particularly among the highest-risk patients.
Stepfield pallets: repeatable terrain for evaluating robot mobility

Stepfield pallets are a fabricated and repeatable terrain for evaluating robot mobility. They were developed to provide emergency responders and robot developers a common mobility challenge that could be easily replicated to capture statistically significant robot performance data. Stepfield pallets have provided robot mobility challenges for the international RoboCupRescue Robot League competitions since 2005 and have proliferated widely for qualification and practice. They are currently being proposed as a standard test apparatus to evaluate robot mobility. This paper describes the origin and design of stepfield pallets, and discusses their use in several proposed standard test methods for response robots.
Isolation Effect in Simultaneously Presented Lists of Different Lengths

Abstract In the middle of half the 12 lists of stimulus consonants studied by a subject, either a Consonant, Vowel, Consonant (CVC) or Consonant, Consonant, Consonant (CCC) twice as large as the surrounding items was presented. Each list of 7, 9, or 11 items was presented simultaneously in a horizontal array to college students. Memory for the enlarged trigram was superior to that for normal-size controls, and the superiority increased with list length but only for a lenient scoring method in which item position was ignored. Also, the overall recall on lists with the enlarged trigram was superior, and this effect increased with list length but only for the CVC condition. Taken together, the results indicate that in the more complex arrays, highlighted items are remembered better, although their location and highlighted meaningful trigrams do not necessarily aid overall performance. The results do not conform to a simple associationistic or interference explanation but may involve encoding differences.
A Contingent Valuation Estimate of the Benefits of Wolves in Minnesota

In this paper we estimate the willingness to pay for a wolf management plan and a wolf damage plan in Minnesota using the contingent valuation method. The theoretical definition of willingness to pay for wolf protection is composed of use and non-use values. We incorporate a don’t know response option in the dichotomous choice valuation questions. A large number of respondents answered don’t know. The multinomial logit model is used to differentiate between don’t know and no responses. Non-use motives are important factors that explain willingness to pay. We use these benefit estimates in combination with two alternative cost estimates to consider the efficiency of the wolf management and damage plans. Both plans have estimated benefits greater than costs.
Simulation platform development for the analysis of power electronic converter systems with plant and network coupling

Integration of multi-converter systems into information-embedded power system infrastructures has been necessitated by the increasing popularity of microgrids, renewable energy systems and DC distribution systems. This work is motivated by the need for an autonomous simulation tool to perform system-wide analysis of static and dynamic behavior of multi-converter systems taking into account the underlying coupling between the power electronic converters and electromechanical equipment as well as the power system as a whole and the communication network. When modeling and simulating power electronic converter systems, special attention must be paid to nonlinear phenomena associated with these systems. In this work, issues related to nonlinearities as well as the performance of the embedded communication network are identified; specific studies that can aid in static and dynamic analysis of these systems and the devised simulation algorithms are presented.
Anatomy, Microbes, and Fiber: Small Versus Large Intestine

SUMMARY Nutrient absorption occurs from the intestinal surfaces. Strategy in nutrient recovery by the small intestine is opposite to that of the large intestine. The duodenum, jejunum, and ileum have a very expansive mucosa by virtue of villi from the wall and microvilli on enterocytes, whereas the cecal body dominates the large intestine with its mucosa providing minimal surface area exposure to the lumen. Refluxive motility and villi movement in the small intestine provide ready convective contact between lumen contents and the unstirred water layer at the villi surfaces while contractile elements move microvilli to enhance contact after transfer into this surface. Refluxive motility in the colon gently separates fine from coarse particulates of small intestinal indigesta using urine moved from the urodeum. Cecal entry is restricted to fluid and fines by narrow orifices andprotrudingvilli.Microbesinthesmallintestinearesuppressedandreflectabird’senvironment, whereas rapid motility favors aerobes because of oxygen exchange with the wall. Microbes in the large intestine are highly concentrated with low oxygen levels that support anaerobes. Plant fiber that has high proportions of cellulose lends to coarse particulates after feed manufacturing, whereas fiber high in hemicellulose-pectin combinations disintegrate and may be partially soluble. Fiber generally acts as a dietary diluent with coarse particulates being more rapidly evacuated than solublenonstarchpolysaccharidesorfines.Solublenonstarchpolysaccharidesthatincreaseviscosity of the small intestine’s luminal contents adversely affect live performance because of impaired efficiency of convection, reduced rate of exchange with the mucosa, and an expanded microbial population. Both nonstarch soluble fiber and the fine particulates are readily fermented to volatile fatty acids in the ceca that contribute to metabolizable energy.
Carotid artery atherosclerosis: In vivo morphologic characterization with gadolinium-enhanced double-oblique MR imaging-initial results

In nine subjects with carotid atherosclerosis, double-oblique, contrast material–enhanced, double inversion-recovery, fast spin-echo magnetic resonance (MR) images were acquired through atheroma in the proximal internal carotid artery. Fibrocellular tissue within atheroma selectively enhanced 29% after administration of gadolinium-based contrast agent. Contrast enhancement helped discriminate fibrous cap from lipid core with a contrast-to-noise ratio as good as or better than that with T2-weighted MR images but with approximately twice the signal-to-noise ratio (postcontrast images, 36.6 ± 3.6; T2-weighted images, 17.5 ± 2.1; P < .001). © RSNA, 2002
PATTERNS OF HAEMOPROTEUS BECKERI PARASITISM IN THE GRAY CATBIRD (DUMATELLA CAROLINENSIS) DURING THE BREEDING SEASON

We determined the prevalence and intensity of blood parasites in breeding gray catbirds (Dumatella carolinensis) at Killbuck Wildlife Area in Wayne and Holmes Counties, Ohio (USA) from June through August 2000. Of 98 catbirds sampled, 40 (40.8%) had detectable infections of Haemoproteus beckeri. Overall prevalence of H. beckeri in this population is high relative to that reported in earlier blood parasite surveys of both breeding and migrant catbirds. Mean intensity of H. beckeri infection did not vary significantly between young and old birds or among sampling periods. We found no effect of age on prevalence or intensity of H. beckeri infection. Older birds were not more likely to be infected than younger birds, despite longer exposure to arthropod vectors. Prevalence varied significantly with season and was highest in June and lowest in August. This pattern also was observed in older birds sampled repeatedly. This seasonal variation may reflect both newly acquired infections and chronic infections relapsing in response to hormonal changes associated with breeding. Evidence of transmission was observed in the single hatching year bird that lacked detectable infection in early summer, but demonstrated a very high intensity infection in late summer. These observations provide supportive evidence that hematozoa infections are acquired on the breeding grounds during the first year of life and relapse during the breeding season in subsequent years.
Human platelet angiotensin II receptors: regulation by the circulating angiotensin level.

Human platelets possess angiotensin II (All) receptors which increase in number in response to sodium loading, a response similar to that reported for animal smooth muscle and renal All receptors. In these studies, we studied platelet All binding (by Scatchard analysis of competitive binding curves) in normal subjects as they changed their dietary sodium intake from 200 to 10 to 200 meq/day. Binding capacity fell significantly after 24 h of sodium restriction and furosemide diuresis, declining to a nadir of 40% of the binding capacity found during sodium loading (from 23 to 10 fmol AII/109 platelets). Binding increased again after 24 h of sodium loading. There were no significant changes in receptor affinity during either low or high salt intake. The binding changes were significantly inversely correlated with the changes in plasma All levels (r = −0.87), suggesting that AH itself is the regulator of the platelet All receptor. Short term increases in All level (by furosemide administration or All infusion...
Inferring locks for atomic sections

Atomic sections are a recent and popular idiom to support the development of concurrent programs. Updates performed within an atomic section should not be visible to other threads until the atomic section has been executed entirely. Traditionally, atomic sections are supported through the use of optimistic concurrency, either using a transactional memory hardware, or an equivalent software emulation (STM).This paper explores automatically supporting atomic sections using pessimistic concurrency. We present a system that combines compiler and runtime techniques to automatically transform programs written with atomic sections into programs that only use locking primitives. To minimize contention in the transformed programs, our compiler chooses from several lock granularities, using fine-grain locks whenever it is possible.This paper formally presents our framework, shows that our compiler is sound (i.e., it protects all shared locations accessed within atomic sections), and reports experimental results.
The effect of warfare on the environment

Does warfare affect the environment? This question has received some theoretical and empirical attention, but none of the extant studies has employed large-N statistical models. This article theorizes the possible effects of warfare on the environment and estimates large-N statistical models of these effects on CO2 emissions per capita, NOX emissions per capita, the rate of change in forested area, and a composite indicator of environmental stress reduction. The results indicate that warfare significantly affects the environment, but the signs and sizes of these effects depend on the environmental attribute (whether the fighting is at home or abroad) and development (whether the fighting country is developed or less developed). Warfare reduces CO2 emissions, but the effect is weaker in less developed countries (LDCs) than in developed countries (DCs). Warfare increases deforestation when fought at home and promotes forest growth when fought abroad, particularly in the LDCs. Warfare at home reduces NOX emissions for the LDCs and increases them for the DCs; warfare abroad increases NOX emissions for both the DCs and LDCs. Finally, warfare increases aggregated environmental stress, particularly for the LDCs when fought at home and for the DCs when fought abroad. The sizes of these effects are on par with or larger than the mandated or recommended policy goals stated by the US government for changes in CO 2 and NOX emissions, and by the World Bank (and by implication the DCs driving its policy) for the rate of deforestation, during the coming decade.
Towards tag antenna based sensing - An RFID displacement sensor

Displacements can be used as indicators of structural health and are measured by commercially available sensors that need to be accurate and cost effective. In this paper, we examine a technique to utilize a UHF RFID tag antenna as a displacement sensor by mapping structural deformation to a change in RFID tag characteristics. We evaluate how changes in two different parameters, a) tag backscatter power and b) minimum reader transmit power required for RFID chip activation, can be mapped to structural deformation. The theoretical principles of sensor development are first discussed followed by a presentation of the results of experimentation. It is demonstrated that the sensor is sensitive to displacements for a dynamic range of 40 mm.
Polarographic studies of zero valent iron as a reductant for remediation of nitroaromatics in the environment

Abstract Zero valent iron as a reactive barrier material has garnered considerable attention over the past few years because it is relatively inexpensive, abundant, harmless to the environment and effective in reducing organic contaminants. The redox process requires adsorption of the organic contaminant onto the Fe surface, where protonation and electron transfer occur. In this study, nitrobenzene reduction by Fe was investigated using differential pulse polarography. This technique was employed because it is able to simultaneously monitor the disappearance of nitrobenzene and the appearance of Fe2+. Initial studies focused on the efficiency and reaction kinetics as a function of the Fe surface pretreatment. The presence of a pH dependent induction period in the reduction of nitrobenzene using stored Fe was observed. Detailed secondary experiments were also performed using freshly prepared Fe, which was washed with the reaction medium buffer to eliminate solvent effects. Since oxygen is an important factor in iron corrosion, the effect of oxygen on the efficiency of reduction of nitrobenzene was studied by comparing the reaction kinetics of aerated and de-aerated solutions at pH 6 and 7. Furthermore, the adsorptivity of Fe towards anions, intermediate surface species, and organic contaminants, was investigated to elucidate the multifaceted role of the buffer. These studies proved informative, despite the fact that oxygen, mass transfer, and colloidal iron (II) limited our ability to access information about crucial mechanistic details on the chemical processes controlling the reduction of organic compounds at the Fe surface.
The Essential Nature of Sphingolipids in Plants as Revealed by the Functional Identification and Characterization of the Arabidopsis LCB1 Subunit of Serine Palmitoyltransferase

Serine palmitoyltransferase (SPT) catalyzes the first step of sphingolipid biosynthesis. In yeast and mammalian cells, SPT is a heterodimer that consists of LCB1 and LCB2 subunits, which together form the active site of this enzyme. We show that the predicted gene for Arabidopsis thaliana LCB1 encodes a genuine subunit of SPT that rescues the sphingolipid long-chain base auxotrophy of Saccharomyces cerevisiae SPT mutants when coexpressed with Arabidopsis LCB2. In addition, homozygous T-DNA insertion mutants for At LCB1 were not recoverable, but viability was restored by complementation with the wild-type At LCB1 gene. Furthermore, partial RNA interference (RNAi) suppression of At LCB1 expression was accompanied by a marked reduction in plant size that resulted primarily from reduced cell expansion. Sphingolipid content on a weight basis was not changed significantly in the RNAi suppression plants, suggesting that plants compensate for the downregulation of sphingolipid synthesis by reduced growth. At LCB1 RNAi suppression plants also displayed altered leaf morphology and increases in relative amounts of saturated sphingolipid long-chain bases. These results demonstrate that plant SPT is a heteromeric enzyme and that sphingolipids are essential components of plant cells and contribute to growth and development.
FAS ACTIVATION OF THE P38 MITOGEN-ACTIVATED PROTEIN KINASE SIGNALLING PATHWAY REQUIRES ICE/CED-3 FAMILY PROTEASES

The Fas receptor mediates a signalling cascade resulting in programmed cell death (apoptosis) within hours of receptor cross-linking. In this study Fas activated the stress-responsive mitogen-activated protein kinases, p38 and JNK, within 2 h in Jurkat T lymphocytes but not the mitogen-responsive kinase ERK1 or pp70S6k. Fas activation of p38 correlated temporally with the onset of apoptosis, and transfection of constitutively active MKK3 (glu), an upstream regulator of p38, potentiated Fas-induced cell death, suggesting a potential involvement of the MKK3/p38 activation pathway in Fas-mediated apoptosis. Fas has been shown to require ICE (interleukin-1 beta-converting enzyme) family proteases to induce apoptosis from studies utilizing the cowpox ICE inhibitor protein CrmA, the synthetic tetrapeptide ICE inhibitor YVAD-CMK, and the tripeptide pan-ICE inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK. In this study, crmA antagonized, and YVAD-CMK and Z-VAD-FMK completely inhibited, Fas activation of p38 kinase activity, demonstrating that Fas-dependent activation of p38 requires ICE/CED-3 family members and conversely that the MKK3/p38 activation cascade represents a downstream target for the ICE/CED-3 family proteases. Intriguingly, p38 activation by sorbitol and etoposide was resistant to YVAD-CMK and Z-VAD-FMK, suggesting the existence of an additional mechanism(s) of p38 regulation. The ICE/CED-3 family-p38 regulatory relationship described in the current work indicates that in addition to the previously described destructive cleavage of substrates such as poly(ADP ribose) polymerase, lamins, and topoisomerase, the apoptotic cysteine proteases also function to regulate stress kinase signalling cascades.
Potassium and amino acid transport in human leukocytes exposed to phagocytic stimuli.

Influxes of potassium and amino acids were measured in suspensions of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) under resting conditions and after various phagocytic stimuli. Both ouabain-sensitive (or pump) and ouabain-insensitive (or leak) influxes of K were determined. In 5 mM external K, mean total K influx was 0.69 nmol/106 cells x min, of which 52% was ouabain-sensitive. Ouabain binding was irreversible, and, as in erythrocytes, was inhibited by K. At external concentrations of 0.1 mM, influxes of lysine and leucine were entirely carrier-mediated, with means of 0.021 nmol/106 cells x min, and 0.019 nmol/106 cells x min, respectively. After incubation of PMNs with zymosan or latex particles, the K pump was reduced more than 60%, whereas amino acid influxes were inhibited only by 30%. PMNs were also exposed to cytochalasin B before challenge by particles: the drug prevented phagocytosis but not surface binding of zymosan, nor did it influence transport of K or amino acids. After pretreatment of PMNs with cytochalasin B, interaction of zymosan with their surface resulted in the same degree of inhibition of influxes of K and amino acids as when the cells were permitted to phagocytose the particles. In contrast, exposure of PMN to latex particles, which do not bind to cytochalasin B-treated cells, after pretreatment of cells with cytochalasin B did not result in inhibition of influxes. Treatment of cells with colchicine had no effect on either membrane transport or its inhibition after exposure to various phagocytic stimuli. These results indicate that the surface membranes of PMNs are functionally heterogeneous with respect to the association of transport sites for the different solutes. Moreover, loss of specific membrane functions from phagocytosing cells may result from the surface-at-tachment phase of particle-cell interactions, since the interactions of zymosan particles with PMNs in the absence of phagocytosis also inhibited transport of solutes.
Effects of module performance and long-term degradation on economics and energy payback: Case study of two different photovoltaic technologies

Both the economic viability and energy payback time of photovoltaic (PV) systems are inextricably tied to both the electrical performance and degradation rate of PV modules. Different module technologies exhibit different properties in response to varying environmental conditions over time. The purpose of this study is to quantify the effects of those differences on the life-cycle economical cost and energy payback time of two fielded PV systems; one system comprised of polycrystalline silicon (c-Si) modules and one featuring hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si) modules. The DC operating current, DC operating voltage, AC power, and conversion efficiency of each system have been monitored for a period of over four years, along with plane-of-array (POA) irradiance, module temperature, and ambient temperature. Electrical performance is evaluated in terms of final PV system yield (Yf), reference yield (Yr), and performance ratio (PR), which are derived from the primary international standard used to evaluate PV system performance, IEC 61724 1 . Degradation rates were evaluated over the four year period using regression analysis. The empirically determined trends in long-term performance were then used to approximate the energy produced by both system types under the same environmental conditions; most importantly, the same levels of solar irradiation. Based on this modeled energy production and economic conditions specific to the state of Florida, comparisons have been carried out for life-cycle costs and energy payback time.
Is Dance a Sport?: A Twenty-First-Century Debate

It appears that a new debate has emerged for dancers. For many years dancers debated dance as art versus entertainment. This age-old debate still exists without a consensus, yet there is suddenly a...
The Src family tyrosine kinases src and yes have differential effects on inflammation-induced apoptosis in human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells

Endothelial cells are essential for normal lung function: they sense and respond to circulating factors and hemodynamic alterations. In inflammatory lung diseases such as acute respiratory distress syndrome, endothelial cell apoptosis is an inciting event in pathogenesis and a prominent pathological feature. Endothelial cell apoptosis is mediated by circulating inflammatory factors, which bind to receptors on the cell surface, activating signal transduction pathways, leading to caspase-3-mediated apoptosis. We hypothesized that yes and src have differential effects on caspase-3 activation in human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (hPMVEC) due to differential downstream signaling effects. To test this hypothesis, hPMVEC were treated with siRNA against src (siRNAsrc), siRNA against yes (siRNAyes), or their respective scramble controls. After recovery, the hPMVEC were treated with cytomix (LPS, IL-1β, TNF-α, and IFN-γ). Treatment with cytomix induced activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway and caspase-3-mediated apoptosis. Treatment with siRNAsrc blunted cytomix-induced ERK activation and enhanced cleaved caspase-3 levels, while treatment with siRNAyes enhanced cytomix-induced ERK activation and attenuated levels of cleaved caspase-3. Inhibition of the ERK pathway using U0126 enhanced cytomix-induced caspase-3 activity. Treatment of hPMVEC with cytomix induced Akt activation, which was inhibited by siRNAsrc. Inhibition of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt pathway using LY294002 prevented cytomix-induced ERK activation and augmented cytomix-induced caspase-3 cleavage. Together, our data demonstrate that, in hPMVEC, yes activation blunts the ERK cascade in response to cytomix, resulting in greater apoptosis, while cytomix-induced src activation induces the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathway, which leads to activation of Akt and ERK and attenuation of apoptosis.
Development of real-time hardware-in-the-loop platform for complex microgrids

Acceleration of energy-intensive lifestyle leads to a fast-pace development for electric power systems. Microgrids and smart grids are being utilized as tools to improve reliability for electrical systems and effective systems to support higher penetration of renewable energy resources. Uncertainty of communication delays creates a significant challenge to develop models for a system with several control layers and system level control. This paper introduces a hardware-in-the-loop platform that studies microgrid operations with real cyber-physical links. Combining a real communication layer with a simulated power system provides more accurate results for transient behavior study, especially when communications has a major time-critical role. A case study is presented for Fort Sill microgrid. Results of using this platform closely match microgrid operation.
Apparent prolongation of the life span of rats by intermittent fasting.

When a sufficient amount of choice food is available, labora tory rats, like many humans, eat enough to become more or less obese. As a consequence, the life span of rats feeding ad libitum, like the life span of their human counterparts, is presumably shortened. This inference is supported by the repeated findings of McCay and his associates (â€ 42 a, b; â€ 43) that the life span of rats can be considerably prolonged by a drastic restriction in their allowance of food. The findings of McCay and his associates practically constitute an experi mental confirmation of the claims of Cornaro (Butler, â€ 05) who attributed a considerable prolongation of his life to a rigid restriction of his food intake. However, since the time of Cornaro (1464â€”1566)no similarly prolonged and rigid voluntary restriction of the human food intake appears to have been recorded. Obviously, Cornaro â€ s prolonged prac tice of food restriction has not been widely followed because a normal appetite tends to impel its more or less complete appeasement at reasonably frequent intervals, when sufficient palatable food is easily obtainable. Only short periods of food restriction, such as the religiously interdicted periods of food restriction or fasting of the past, would seem to be practical.
Non-contact AFM imaging in water using electrically driven cantilever vibration.

An atomic force microscopy (AFM) imaging mode is presented that can simultaneously record surface topography and local electrical properties in aqueous solutions without mechanical contact between the AFM tip and the sample. The interaction between the electrically biased tip and the grounded sample in aqueous medium causes the AFM cantilever to vibrate. This operation mode is based on the previously developed SPFM technique, though using water as the medium instead of air introduces some important practical and theoretical differences, and also greatly extends the applicability of this technique. There are two vibration modes, one at the frequency of the applied voltage (ω) and one at twice this frequency (2ω). The surface topography can be imaged using feedback control of the 2ω vibration amplitude, which is very sensitive to the tip–sample separation distance in the range of 1–10 nm. The amplitude and phase of the 1ω vibration can be recorded simultaneously during imaging to obtain information on local...
Experimental Hypertension from Section of Moderator Nerves Relationship to Presence of Kidney Tissue

SummaryFrom the foregoing results it seems clear that in the dog, removal of both kidneys does not prevent the immediate appearance of a pressor response to moderator nerve section. The reflex response to such a procedure is at least equal to that seen in normal dogs and if anything, seems to be heightened. Chloralose and ether were each used as anesthetic agents in both groups of experiments. It so happened that one of the most marked pressor responses occurred after the use of each kind of anesthetic agent in both the normal and nephrectomized group of dogs. In view of the slightly different initial blood pressure levels in the two groups, as well as the difficulty in ascertaining the exact depth of anesthesia in each experiment, close quantitative comparison of the pressor responses in the two groups is not justified. It would seem, however. that circulating pressor substances arising from the kidney (e. g., angiotonin) are not demonstrably important in the production of acute neurogenic hypertension.
A study of dietary modification: Perceptions and attitudes of patients with multiple sclerosis

Abstract Background Modifiable risk factors for multiple sclerosis (MS), including obesity and the gut microbiome, have been studied and have been found to be potentially relevant. Given this, there is a growing interest in diet modification as a means of impacting MS risk and disease course. Objectives The aim of this study was to determine the current behaviors, level of interest, and relevant factors surrounding modification of diet in MS patients. Methods A total of 601 MS patients were mailed a dietary modification survey containing questions regarding subject demographics, disease course, and diet-related questions. Results Of the 199 survey responders, 17% admitted to currently attempting a diet for their MS and 91.5% were interested in diet modification as a means of benefiting their disease. Willingness to attempt diet therapy was not affected by demographic features or an individual’s disease course. Over 85% of these patients were willing to attempt diet therapy for 3 months or longer. Conclusions The majority of survey responders expressed interest in diet modification in attempts to improve or treat their MS. Our data demonstrate the feasibility of patient recruitment for future studies assessing therapeutic intervention by way of diet modification for MS disease.
Zhang Zhongxiao and his "Informal Essay of Wumenglou"——Sorrowful and Glorious Tragedy

In"Informal Essay of Wumenglou", Zhang Zhongxiao recorded the path of thought about philosophy, politics, history and life in the last ten years of his life.As an independent intellectual he always chooses individual person's angle as the starting point of thinking, which reflects that he took individual value and freedom seriously.Even in extreme distress, he has persisted in the most valuable side of intellectual's cultural tradition, which is, persisting in bearing the human justice and conscience.Facing the misery and disharmony in human reality, Zhang Zhongxiao was always searching for the answer, and fighting with destiny indomitably.
Current transfusion therapy: indications for basic components.

OBJECTIVE To review basic blood components and currently acceptable transfusion practices. DATA SOURCES Professional journals, current texts, and the author's experience. STUDY SELECTION Not applicable. DATA EXTRACTION Not applicable. DATA SYNTHESIS Red blood cells, platelets, cryoprecipitate, and fresh-frozen plasma are the basic blood components ordered daily in hospitals and transfusion services all over the world. To notify the laboratory medical director of inappropriate orders for components, the clinical laboratory scientist must be aware of currently acceptable transfusion practices. This article reviews these four components and indicates acceptable processing methods and appropriate use. CONCLUSION Considering the known risk factors of blood and blood component transfusions, it is essential that components be used only when necessary. Criteria for appropriate transfusion have changed over the years; old transfusion triggers are no longer acceptable. To provide the best medical care to the patient, the clinical laboratory scientist must stay abreast of currently acceptable transfusion practices.
FGF-8 isoforms activate receptor splice forms that are expressed in mesenchymal regions of mouse development

The Fgf8 gene is expressed in developing limb and craniofacial structures, regions known to be important for growth and patterning of the mouse embryo. Although Fgf8 is alternatively spliced to generate at least 7 secreted isoforms that differ only at their mature amino terminus, the biological significance of these multiple isoforms is not known. In this report, we demonstrate that multiple FGF-8 isoforms are present at sites of Fgf8 expression during mouse development. To address the possibility that the FGF-8 isoforms might interact with different fibroblast growth factor receptors, we prepared recombinant FGF-8 protein isoforms. We examined the ability of these proteins to activate alternatively spliced forms of fibroblast growth factor receptors 1-3, and fibroblast growth factor receptor 4. Recombinant FGF-8b and FGF-8c activate the 'c' splice form of FGFR3, and FGFR4, while FGF-8b also efficiently activates 'c' splice form of FGFR2. No activity could be detected for recombinant or cell expressed FGF-8a. Furthermore, none of the isoforms tested interact efficiently with 'b' splice forms of FGFR1-3, or the 'c' splice form of FGFR1. These results indicate that the FGF-8b and FGF-8c isoforms, produced by ectodermally derived epithelial cells, interact with mesenchymally expressed fibroblast growth factor receptors. FGF-8b and FGF-8c may therefore provide a mitogenic signal to the underlying mesenchyme during limb and craniofacial development.
Immunotherapy and chemotherapy of gynecologic cancers.

Recurrent cervical, ovarian, and breast cancers have been treated with immunochemotherapy. Optimum chemotherapeutic agents have been determined by direct and indirect methods of sensitivity determination. The Hellstrom assay has been used for lymphocyte-tumor recognition and for cytotoxicity assays. Vaccines developed in this laboratory, consisting of autologous and allogeneic tumor-associated antigens, combined with BCG, have been used in immunotherapy. Objective tumor regression and notable clinical improvements have been observed. Forty-five advanced cases, including recurrent cancers of the cervix and ovary, along with sarcomas, breast malignancies, and melanomas, have been treated: 16 patients have died of their disease and 29 patients have survived for 6 months to 1½ years. Some of these have shown either regression, total disappearance, or stabilization of their disease process. While the results of these preliminary studies are encouraging, the as yet unknown potential of this modality cannot be expected until it is applied earlier, at a time when residual tumor cells are minimal.