cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Drug Promotion and Scientific Exchange

Conventional methods of drug promotion — such as print advertising, direct marketing by salespeople, and the distribution of written materials at meetings — have increasingly been supplemented by n...
A Liapunov function for competition communities.

An algorithmically defined Liapunov function is proposed for competition systems. Although it is shown that this function is not useful for determinations of neighborhood asymptotic stability, the function does show the range and degree of global asymptotic stability. For competition systems that are disturbed by internal and external factors, the Liapunov function can be interpreted to give, at least, the relative probabilities of the extinction of single species, and it may also be interpreted to give the complete distribution function for the system. Some examples are given for two species Lotka-Volterra systems. An analytical approximation is produced that gives the Liapunov functions at points of single species extinction.
Laboratory Lessons for Writing and Science

The history of writing to learn college science is tied to the development of laboratory methods. Such student-centered learning was widely hailed in the 1890s as student enrollments increased dramatically and a backlash grew against lecture and recitation methods. However, as the author shows using archival examples from Dartmouth College, Amherst College, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, science educators have too often relied on reductive measures of students' grasp of content rather than the kind of argument about scientific findings that is the stuff of real scientific writing and of real science. Although some contemporary science educators continue to tout the value of writing to learn science, the laboratory report or research article itself is a genre that dominates student activities but still largely suffers from the ills of its predecessors. Ultimately, the author calls for a renewed focus on laboratory writing, for both science education and writing studies, to fulfill the promi...
Effects of Chronic Ethanol Consumption and Aging on 5‐HT2A Receptors and 5‐HT Reuptake Sites

The serotonergic system in brain is adversely affected by both aging and chronic ethanol consumption. The present study examined the combined effects of aging and chronic ethanol consumption on two components of the serotonergic system. Serotonin (5-HT) reuptake sites and 5-HT2A receptors were quantitated in brain areas of 5-, 14-, and 24-month-old male Fischer 344 rats that were pair-fed a control or 6.6% (v/v) ethanol-containing liquid diet on a chronic basis. The regions examined include those containing the cell bodies and projections of serotonergic neurons. These experiments demonstrated the sensitivity of the serotonergic system of male Fischer 344 rats to both aging and chronic ethanol consumption. In control rats, aging was associated with a decline in the concentration of 5-HT2A receptors in the nucleus accumbens and four cortical regions: frontal, parietal, piriform, and cingulate cortex. 5-HT2A receptors were also reduced in the frontal, parietal, and cingulate cortex of aged ethanol-fed rats. In contrast, 5-HT reuptake sites were increased in older rats in the frontal cortex, nucleus accumbens, amygdala, and CA3 region of the hippocampus. If comparable changes in 5-HT2A receptors and 5-HT reuptake sites occur in elderly humans, they may contribute to ethanol consumption, and lead to cognitive and other age-related problems. These changes may also alter the effectiveness of serotonergic drugs used in the treatment of alcoholism and mental disorders. The effects of chronic ethanol consumption were more limited. The only significant ethanol effect was an increase of 5-HT2A receptors in the nucleus accumbens of 5-month-old ethanol-fed rats.
Metabolic effects of intestinal absorption and enterohepatic cycling of bile acids

The classical functions of bile acids include acting as detergents to facilitate the digestion and absorption of nutrients in the gut. In addition, bile acids also act as signaling molecules to regulate glucose homeostasis, lipid metabolism and energy expenditure. The signaling potential of bile acids in compartments such as the systemic circulation is regulated in part by an efficient enterohepatic circulation that functions to conserve and channel the pool of bile acids within the intestinal and hepatobiliary compartments. Changes in hepatobiliary and intestinal bile acid transport can alter the composition, size, and distribution of the bile acid pool. These alterations in turn can have significant effects on bile acid signaling and their downstream metabolic targets. This review discusses recent advances in our understanding of the inter-relationship between the enterohepatic cycling of bile acids and the metabolic consequences of signaling via bile acid-activated receptors, such as farnesoid X nuclear receptor (FXR) and the G-protein-coupled bile acid receptor (TGR5).
Level-rank duality of untwisted and twisted D-branes of the soˆ(N)K WZW model

Abstract We analyze the level-rank duality of untwisted and e-twisted D-branes of the so ˆ ( N ) K WZW model. Untwisted D-branes of so ˆ ( N ) K are characterized by integrable tensor and spinor representations of so ˆ ( N ) K . Level-rank duality maps untwisted so ˆ ( N ) K D-branes corresponding to (equivalence classes of ) tensor representations onto those of so ˆ ( K ) N . The e-twisted D-branes of so ˆ ( 2 n ) 2 k are characterized by (a subset of ) integrable tensor and spinor representations of so ˆ ( 2 n − 1 ) 2 k + 1 . Level-rank duality maps spinor e-twisted so ˆ ( 2 n ) 2 k D-branes onto those of so ˆ ( 2 k ) 2 n . For both untwisted and e-twisted D-branes, we prove that the spectrum of an open string ending on these D-branes is isomorphic to the spectrum of an open string ending on the level-rank-dual D-branes.
Immunostimulatory Therapy With Anti-CD3 Monoclonal Antibodies and Recombinant Interleukin-2: Heightened In Vivo Expression of mRNA Encoding Cytotoxic Attack Molecules and Immunoregulatory Cytokines and Regression of Murine Renal Cell Carcinoma

AbstractThe response rate to IL-2 immunotherapy, currently used in the treatment of metastatic renal cell cancer, is limited. Based on our earlier demonstration that a combined regimen of monoclonal antibodies directed at the T cell surface protein CD3 (anti-CD3 mAbs) and IL-2 is synergistic in constraining tumor progression in a murine fibrosarcoma hepatic metastasis model, we have explored the efficacy of an anti-CD3 mAbs plus IL-2 regimen in a murine renal cell cancer model. Our studies demonstrate that a regimen of anti-CD3 mAbs plus IL-2 is superior to treatment with anti-CD3 mAbs alone or IL-2 alone in reducing the number of pulmonary metastases and in prolonging survival. Moreover, the efficacious regimen is associated with heightened intrapulmonary expression of mRNA encoding cytotoxic attack molecules (perforin, granzyme B) and immunoregulatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-10 and IFN-gamma).
Unveiling of Equality: 1 Corinthians 11:2-16:

Are Paul's writings regarding women helpful for people today who look to Scripture for guidance on issues involving human liberation? Efforts, both traditional and non-traditional, to interpret som...
Resonant Electron-Capture Measurements of Close He + + —He and He + + —H Collisions

Differential measurements of close single collisions are made for the reaction ${\mathrm{He}}^{++}$+He\ensuremath{\rightarrow}He+${\mathrm{He}}^{++}$ in which the probability ${P}_{0}$ for double electron exchange is found to be an oscillating function of incident energy. Similar measurements for the reaction ${\mathrm{He}}^{++}$+He\ensuremath{\rightarrow}${\mathrm{He}}^{+}$+${\mathrm{He}}^{+}$ show that the probability ${P}_{1}$ for exchange of a single electron (plotted versus reciprocal velocity) oscillates at twice the frequency of the ${P}_{0}$ oscillations. Close encounters in the one-electron collision ${\mathrm{He}}^{++}$+H\ensuremath{\rightarrow}${\mathrm{He}}^{+}$+${\mathrm{He}}^{+}$ are also studied here, and the probability ${P}_{1}$ of electron exchange plotted versus energy shows an oscillation of low amplitude. The experiments encompass incident ${\mathrm{He}}^{++}$ energies in the range of 2 to 200 keV and scattering angles between 1.2\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} and 3.0\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}. The data are discussed using energy-level diagrams of the He${\mathrm{He}}^{++}$ and He${\mathrm{H}}^{++}$ systems.
Key residues controlling binding of diverse ligands to human cytochrome P450 2A enzymes.

Although the human lung cytochrome P450 2A13 (CYP2A13) and its liver counterpart cytochrome P450 2A6 (CYP2A6) are 94% identical in amino acid sequence, they metabolize a number of substrates with substantially different efficiencies. To determine differences in binding for a diverse set of cytochrome P450 2A ligands, we have measured the spectral binding affinities (KD) for nicotine, phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC), coumarin, 2′-methoxyacetophenone (MAP), and 8-methoxypsoralen. The differences in the KD values for CYP2A6 versus CYP2A13 ranged from 74-fold for 2′-methoxyacetophenone to 1.1-fold for coumarin, with CYP2A13 demonstrating the higher affinity. To identify active site amino acids responsible for the differences in binding of MAP, PEITC, and coumarin, 10 CYP2A13 mutant proteins were generated in which individual amino acids from the CYP2A6 active site were substituted into CYP2A13 at the corresponding position. Titrations revealed that substitutions at positions 208, 300, and 301 individually had the largest effects on ligand binding. The collective relevance of these amino acids to differential ligand selectivity was verified by evaluating binding to CYP2A6 mutant enzymes that incorporate several of the CYP2A13 amino acids at these positions. Inclusion of four CYP2A13 amino acids resulted in a CYP2A6 mutant protein (I208S/I300F/G301A/S369G) with binding affinities for MAP and PEITC much more similar to those observed for CYP2A13 than to those for CYP2A6 without altering coumarin binding. The structure-based quantitative structure-activity relationship analysis using COMBINE successfully modeled the observed mutant-ligand trends and emphasized steric roles for active site residues including four substituted amino acids and an adjacent conserved Leu370.
Comments on “Short-Range Ensemble Forecasting of Explosive Australian East Coast Cyclogenesis”

Leslie and Speer (1998, henceforth LS98) examined a case of explosive Australian east coast cyclogenesis using a set of short-range ensemble forecasts. Their paper addresses a very interesting and relevant topic, namely, whether the predictability of explosive cyclogenesis and associated phenomena may be inferred from the spread produced by an ensemble of simulations. By varying the initial conditions in an interior nest, they produced 100 short-range ensemble forecasts (SREFs) of the event. Because the member forecasts were similar to each other and to a control forecast, they suggest that in this case the forecasters might have confidence in a forecast of potentially dangerous land gales. Though I agree with the premise that short-range ensemble forecasting offers the potential to make such forecasts, and that this information would be very useful for this case, these conclusions must be regarded with skepticism. There are reasons other than greater than normal predictability which may explain the noted small dispersion. Specifically, this SREF experiment was conducted in a small domain using identical lateral boundary conditions for all members and with only one-way interaction between the interior nest and the coarse-resolution forecast. These may all suppress the realistic evolution of differences among ensemble members. Further, the method used to generate perturbations for the inner domain may also have contributed to limiting the differences among member forecasts. SREFs are relatively new, and there is limited literature specific to the subject. The interested reader is referred to Brooks et al. (1992), Mullen and Baumhefner (1994), Stensrud and Fritsch (1994), Brooks et al. (1995), Hamill and Colucci (1997, 1998), Du et al. (1997), and Stensrud et al. (1998), and references therein. This literature is mixed, suggesting both the tremendous potential for improving probabilistic weather
North Carolina Ferry System: A Study

The North Carolina Department of Transportation Ferry Division faces several challenges. Recent U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) regulations increasing the minimum crew size on vessels carrying more than 149 passengers require the North Carolina Ferry System (NCFS) to add 79 employees. Difficulty in finding additional funds and certified crew to meet these regulations, coupled with reduced NCFS financial allocations from recent state budget cuts, resulted in a reduced number of ferry sailings on some routes during the peak operation period in the summer of 2009. In addition, NCFS experienced challenges from ferry service outages that resulted from the need to operate aging ferry vessels, a lack of standby ferry vessels in case of breakdowns, and vessels out of service as a result of the increased frequency of USCG dry dock inspections. The NCFS must also contend with unreliable support vessels that have exceeded their useful lives and a lack of certified welders and marine electricians to support maintenance functions. However, these resource and operation challenges present an opportunity to analyze existing ferry operations and to explore future opportunities.
Mercury levels in some seabirds of the Humboldt Current, Peru

Abstract Mercury levels measured in feathers of four piscivorous seabirds endemic to the Peruvian Humboldt Current revealed feather levels between 0·5 and 2·0 ppm (μg/g). These levels are lower than in piscivorous and carnivorous birds of areas known to be contaminated from agricultural or industrial sources of mercury, but are higher than levels from granivorous birds in those places. The low variance within species and the similar mean values indicate that geographical factors (different exposures to chemicals) and ecological factors (different trophic levels) are more important than taxonomic factors (variation among the four species) in determining the mercury levels. Although not high enough to be associated with apparent morbidity, the levels indicate the widespread occurrence of mercury in the highly productiv waters of the cold Humboldt Current, a region considered to be very important as a source of human, as well as avian, food.
Reduction cheiloplasty: its role in the correction of dentofacial deformities.

Summary The presence of prominent lips is common in individuals with various dentofacial and craniofacial deformities. The aetiology must be diagnosed to differentiate between pseudo-macrocheilia and true macrocheilia. When considering surgical correction of the prominent lip, a precise description of the location and the magnitude of the deformity is required. With careful treatment planning, proper sequencing of the treatment, and a good understanding of the various surgical techniques, optimum results can be achieved. These aspects will be discussed in detail illustrated with appropriate cases.
On modeling and simulation of tethered systems with sharp, rough contacts

Abstract We extend the analysis of a reeled, tethered system in a constant gravitational field by (i) proposing a differential–algebraic representation when the tether is inextensible and (ii) examining the interaction between the tether and a sharp, fixed guide when contact is rough. The governing equations are derived using an approach that clearly illustrates how singular supplies of linear momentum, such as friction at the fixed guide, feature in the equations of motion. After semidiscretization via finite differences, we formulate the system of differential equations and algebraic constraints as a differential–algebraic equation and solve for various motions of the reeled tether. In addition, we show that, by comparison to a rounded contact analysis with arbitrarily small radius, the reaction force acting on the tether at the guide does not converge to the value of this force when the guide is modeled as a sharp point of contact.
We have to register? At least now we can advertise!

In the wake of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (the “SEC”) adoption of new rule 203(b)(3)‐2 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Advisers Act”), many investment advisers that provide advisory services to hedge funds, and that previously had benefited from an exemption from federal registration under the Advisers Act, now will find that they are no longer eligible for such exemption. They will have to become federally registered investment advisers. As a result, such advisers will find themselves subject to a variety of rules and regulations regarding various compliance matters. Significantly, for the first time these advisers also may be able to market their services
Oxygen Activation by Sulfhydryl Oxidase and the Enzyme's Interaction with Peroxidase

Sulfhydryl oxidase is a metalloglycoprotein in milk which catalyzes oxidation of thiols to their corresponding disulfides using molecular oxygen as an electron acceptor. Cysteine, peptides, and proteins all serve as substrates for this oxidative activity. Investigation of the various possible active oxygen species suggests that the enzyme-bound forms of singlet oxygen and a hydroperoxy group may be produced during catalysis. However, the possible intermediate superoxide anions or hydroxyl radicals did not appear to be formed. Evidence was obtained for a direct interaction between sulfhydryl oxidase and horseradish peroxidase which results in an enhancement of the thiol oxidative activity. This interaction also induced a change in the peroxidase absorption spectra consistent with formation of the horseradish peroxidase-II form of the enzyme. Stimulation of oxidase activity also was observed in the presence of oxytocin and certain concentrations of oxidized glutathione.
Impurity distribution in MgO.

Microprobe study of impurities in hot-pressed polycrystalline MgO compact and existence of significant grain boundary volume
Issues in the Treatment of Heroin-Addicted Women: A Comparison of Men and Women Entering Two Types of Drug Abuse Programs

A study of 333 heroin-abusing men and women found treatment issues for women which vary across race and differ from those considered important for men. White women tend to have experienced more disruptions and crises and to be linked with other drug abusers. Black women tend to be older and more isolated when they start using drugs; a focus on children, a woman's social network, and the development of career options may be particularly useful in their treatment.
Toward Achieving Educational Excellence for All Students: Program Design and Student Outcomes:

Identifying and defining practicable school learning environments that effectively promote educational excellence for all students–including those with special needs and academically-at-risk students who have poor prognoses for schooling success–has been the ongoing goal of researchers, practitioners, and policy makers. Recent research and school improvement efforts have led to advances in defining the specific features affecting individual learning, including those variables determining successful programs, practices, and learning environments. Buttressed by recent studies in effective schooling from virtually all areas of research in human development and learning, this paper emphasizes the importance of systematically broadening the data base in the areas of program description and student outcomes as a way of significantly improving programmatic, implementation, and strategic planning efforts in effective schooling.
Computational social science: CSCW in the social media era

With the widespread proliferation of social media tools such as Facebook and Twitter, the CSCW community has seen a growing interest among researchers to turn to records of social behavior from blogs, social media, and social networking sites, to study human social behavior. This nascent area, that has begun to be referred to in various research circles as "computational social science", provides an exciting and promising development in the CSCW community. This panel brings together a host of researchers with varied disciplinary perspectives to investigate the potential and current state-of-the-art, as well as forthcoming challenges, practical and methodological issues that engender this emerging topic.
Preparing Heart and Mind Following Prenatal Diagnosis of Complex Congenital Heart Defect

Drawing on attachment and caregiving theory and the concept of motivation, the purpose of this descriptive study was to examine parents' retrospective accounts of their prenatal experiences after receiving the diagnosis of a fetal heart defect. These parents constituted a subgroup of participants in a larger longitudinal study of parenting an infant with a complex congenital heart defect. Data were derived from 14 semistructured interviews with 13 mothers and 3 fathers in the home or hospital setting. A directed content analysis yielded a central category of preparing heart and mind for infant caregiving. Preparing heart and mind is a preliminary caregiving goal within the caregiving system that generates intentions and expectations indicative of specific caregiving motivations to relate to the baby, handle circumstances practically, and manage infant medical care. A theoretical model illustrates the prenatal process these parents engaged in to provide care to their infants with life-threatening medical conditions.
Role of the Yersinia pestis Ail Protein in Preventing a Protective Polymorphonuclear Leukocyte Response during Bubonic Plague

The ability of Yersinia pestis to forestall the mammalian innate immune response is a fundamental aspect of plague pathogenesis. In this study, we examined the effect of Ail, a 17-kDa outer membrane protein that protects Y. pestis against complement-mediated lysis, on bubonic plague pathogenesis in mice and rats. The Y. pestis ail mutant was attenuated for virulence in both rodent models. The attenuation was greater in rats than in mice, which correlates with the ability of normal rat serum, but not mouse serum, to kill ail-negative Y. pestis in vitro. Intradermal infection with the ail mutant resulted in an atypical, subacute form of bubonic plague associated with extensive recruitment of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN or neutrophils) to the site of infection in the draining lymph node and the formation of large purulent abscesses that contained the bacteria. Systemic spread and mortality were greatly attenuated, however, and a productive adaptive immune response was generated after high-dose challenge, as evidenced by high serum antibody levels against Y. pestis F1 antigen. The Y. pestis Ail protein is an important bubonic plague virulence factor that inhibits the innate immune response, in particular the recruitment of a protective PMN response to the infected lymph node.
Desperate Measures: Strikes and Wages in Post-Accord America

Using previously unreleased data on nearly every authorized work stoppage that occurred between 1984 and 2002, this paper tests whether the positive wage-strike relationship held following the breakdown of the post-war labor-capital accord. Unlike in decades past, these findings indicate a complete decoupling of the wage-strike relationship. Even in those industries and regions where unions remain relatively institutionalized, strikes no longer increase aggregate worker pay. Strike activity also fails to narrow worker wage dispersion at the industry-region level. The findings highlight the need for rethinking existing theoretical models on strike activity and wages in this era of capital dominance.
Facultative ant-plant interactions : nectar sugar preferences of introduced pest ant species in South Florida

We observed nectar use by native and exotic ant species in nature, garden, and urban situations, and found ants utilizing floral and extrafloral nectar of a variety of flowering plant species. We collected 31 plant nectars (29 floral, 2 extrafloral) and used them in feeding preference tests against standard solutions of sugars (20 percent fructose, glucose, and sucrose, and their mixture), 10 trials for each nectar-ant comparison. We comparcd time-to-discovcry and total ant visits to each droplet using ANOVA, and found that both trial and solution contributed significantly to the variation in most experiments. Seven of the floral ncctars tested were significantly more attractive to certain ant species than the sugar solutions. Not only do ants use floral nectar, but it appears that some floral nectars contain compounds that are especially attractive to ants.
Using Logic Criterion Feasibility to Reduce Test Set Size While Guaranteeing Double Fault Detection

Some software testing logic coverage criteria demand inputs that guarantee detection of a large set of fault types. One powerful such criterion, MUMCUT, is composed of three criteria, where each constituent criterion ensures the detection of specific fault types. In practice, the criteria may overlap in terms of fault types detected, thereby leading to numerous redundant tests, but due to the unfortunate fact that infeasible test requirements don't result in tests, all the constituent criteria are needed. The key insight of this paper is that analysis of the feasibility of the constituent criteria can be used to reduce test set size without sacrificing fault detection. In other words, expensive criteria can be reserved for use only when they are actually necessary. This paper introduces a new logic criterion, Minimal-MUMCUT, based on this insight. Given a predicate in minimal DNF, a determination is made of which constituent criteria are feasible at the level of individual literals and terms. This in turn determines which criteria are necessary, again at the level of individual literals and terms. This paper presents an empirical study using predicates in avionics software. The study found that Minimal-MUMCUT reduces test set size -- without sacrificing fault detection -- to as little as a few percent of the test set size needed if feasibility is not considered.
Distributed battle management for command and control

The essence of distributed battle management (DBM) is to provide timely and relevant information to the battle commander and staff, to support timely command and control decisions to accomplish the mission. What makes the DBM, different and more challenging than the distributed information management of non-military applications, is the battlefield dynamics and the nature of tactical communications, both of which require innovative approaches to information distribution, to support the battle command decision making process in a timely manner. The article examines the concepts, approaches and technology challenges for DBM. >
Global Surveys of Bio-Optical Ocean Properties

The Joint Global Ocean Flux Study is organized into five components: process studies, time series observations, modeling, data management, and global surveys [JGOFS, 1990]. The last of these will consist of large-scale surveys of ocean processes and properties important to the global carbon cycle. The planners of the study decided that, for the immediate future, it would be best to carry out the surveys in cooperation with another global study, the World Ocean Circulation Experiment (WOCE) in the WOCE Hydrographic Program (WHP). This article aims to promote interest in the global survey, and to provide guidelines for those proposing research along these lines. The WHP is truly comprehensive and will require many investigators over the next several years to complete the survey. Here, we describe the need for a global survey of optical and biooptical properties in the ocean, and identify how these measurements are to be implemented in JGOFS.
Bat-like sonar system strategies for mobile robots

An investigation is made of the prey capture problem in an uncluttered environment for a mobile robot equipped with a wide-beam sonar system. An analytical lower bound for the mean capture time is derived by assuming complete information about the prey. Algorithms using qualitative vs. quantitative information are implemented for prey capture, and compared in terms of their mean capture time and capture probability. Although qualitative information is sufficient for prey capture, quantitative information assures more efficient prey capture to be achieved over a broader range of system parameters. >
Photoreceptor mitochondrial oxidative stress in uveitis

The complex human intraocular inflammation, uveitis, is the leading cause of blindness in industrialized countries. Experimental autoimmne uveoretinitis (EAU), which mimics the clinical features of the human disease, is characterized by inflammation of the retina and choroid with associated damage, mainly in the outer retina. In EAU, the photoreceptor cell alteration appears early in the disease process, irrespective of the presence of macrophages and other inflammatory cells. These modifications probably derive from cytokine-mediated reactive oxygen and nitrogen species generated within the retina. Mitochondria are copious producers of intracellular reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species. This review discusses the mitochondria-originated photoreceptor cell damage in EAU from the context of peroxynitrite generation, membrane permeability transition pore, cytochrome c release, and protection by Mn superoxide dismutase. Understanding of these processes could possibly lead to the design of the...
It’s all in the name: Employment discrimination against Arab Americans.

Following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, Arab Americans faced increased discrimination that permeated almost every aspect of their lives. Previous research has documented the negative attention toward Arab Americans after 9/11 and the effect it has had on this community. However, less research has focused on discrimination against Arab Americans during the process of obtaining employment in the United States. To address this gap in the current literature, we conducted a correspondence study in which we randomly assigned a typical white-sounding name or a typical Arab-sounding name to two similar fictitious resumes. We sent resumes to 265 jobs over a 15-month period. We found that an Arab male applicant needed to send two resumes to every one resume sent by a white male applicant to receive a callback for an interview by the hiring personnel. Our findings suggest that the difference in callbacks may be the result of discrimination against the perceived race/ethnicity of the applicant by the hiring personnel.
The amino terminus of the adenovirus fiber protein encodes the nuclear localization signal

Abstract Using a recombinant vaccinia virus vector, the fiber protein from adenovirus serotype 2 has been expressed in human cells; the protein expressed was correctly assembled into trimers, glycosylated, and transported to the nucleus. Deletion of amino acids 2–5 (KRAR) resulted in accumulation of fiber in the cytoplasm; fusion of the sequence TKRVRL, found at the beginning of Adz fiber, to the N-terminus of this mutant restored correct targeting. Changing the charge of amino acids 91 and 92 within another potential targeting sequence (LKKTK to LEETK) had little effect on nuclear targeting. When fused to the N-terminus of β-galactosidase and expressed in recombinant vaccinia virus, neither MKRARP nor MTKRVRL (from Ad2 and Ad7 fibers, respectively), were sufficient for efficient transport of the hybrid protein to the nucleus; on the other hand, fusions of either MKRARPSEDTF (from Ad2 fiber) or of MKRPRP (a known targeting sequence from the C-terminus of Ad2 El A proteins) to β-galactosidase were localized to the nucleus. These results suggest that sequences at the N-terminus of Ad2 and Ad7 fiber are required for correct nuclear targeting.
A generalized formulation of electronegativity equalization from density‐functional theory

A generalized formulation of the electronegativity equalization principle is presented from the perspective of density-functional theory. The resulting equations provide a linear-response framework for describing the redistribution of electrons upon perturbation by an external density or applied field. The equations can be solved using a finite set of basis functions to model the density response. Applications demonstrate the method accurately reproduces dipole moments and chemical potentials obtained from density-functional calculations. The method provides high accuracy in the presence of relatively strong perturbations such as those arising from interactions with other molecules or applied fields, and is “exact” in the limit that these interactions vanish. The method has the advantage that accuracy can be systematically improved by inclusion of more complete basis functions. The present formulation provides the foundation for a promising semiempirical model for polarization and charge transfer in molecular simulations. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
UWB wave polarization measurements in an indoor channel using array sensors

In this paper, UWB polarization measurements with a multipath decomposition process is studied with an array of propagation measurements using three receiving antenna orientations. In order to estimate each of the decomposed impinging electric field at a receiving location in the multipath channel, a modified version of the sensor-CLEAN algorithm is applied to the array measurements in combination with the estimation method. The fidelity of the combined estimation process with array measurements is verified by comparison between the measured and estimated signal waveforms for a reoriented receiving antenna.
YtxR, a Conserved LysR-Like Regulator That Induces Expression of Genes Encoding a Putative ADP-Ribosyltransferase Toxin Homologue in Yersinia enterocolitica

Yersinia enterocolitica causes human gastroenteritis, and many isolates have been classified as either “American” or “non-American” strains based on their geographic prevalence and virulence properties. In this study we describe identification of a transcriptional regulator that controls expression of the Y. enterocolitica ytxAB genes. The ytxAB genes have the potential to encode an ADP-ribosylating toxin with similarity to pertussis toxin. However, a ytxAB null mutation did not affect virulence in mice. Nevertheless, the ytxAB genes are conserved in many Y. enterocolitica strains. Interestingly, American and non-American strains have different ytxAB alleles encoding proteins that are only 50 to 60% identical. To obtain further insight into the ytxAB locus, we investigated whether it is regulated as part of a known or novel regulon. Transposon mutagenesis identified a LysR-like regulator, which we designated YtxR. Expression of ytxR from a nonnative promoter increased Φ(ytxA-lacZ) operon fusion expression up to 35-fold. YtxR also activated expression of its own promoter. DNase I footprinting showed that a His6-YtxR fusion protein directly interacted with the ytxA and ytxR control regions at similar distances upstream of their probable transcription initiation sites, identified by primer extension. Deletion analysis demonstrated that removal of the regions protected by His6-YtxR in vitro eliminated YtxR-dependent induction in vivo. The ytxAB locus is not present in most Yersinia species. In contrast, ytxR is conserved in multiple Yersinia species, as well as in the closely related organisms Photorhabdus luminescens and Photorhabdus asymbiotica. These observations suggest that YtxR may play a conserved role involving regulation of other genes besides ytxAB.
Muscle activation patterns and patellofemoral pain in cyclists.

DIETER, B. P., C. P. MCGOWAN, S. K. STOLL, and C. A. VELLA. Muscle Activation Patterns and Patellofemoral Pain in Cyclists. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc., Vol. 46, No. 4, pp. 753–761, 2014. Introduction: Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is pervasive and debilitating in the sport of cycling. Currently, little is known about the underlying mechanism causing patellofemoral pain in cyclists. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine whether temporal differences in the muscle activity of the vastus medialis (VM), vastus lateralis (VL), semitendinosus (ST), and biceps femoris (BF) were correlated to patellofemoral pain in cycling. Methods :T en healthy cyclists (six women and four men, height = 1.74T 0.10 cm, weight = 71.9 T 16.5 kg, cycling experience = 199.5T 82 milesIwk j1 )a nd seven cyclists with PFPS (one woman and six men, height = 1.84 T 0.08 cm, weight = 89.8 T 9.4 kg, cycling experience = 228 T 51 milesIwk j1 ) volunteered to participate in this study. Each participant completed a 10-min cycling trial during which surface EMG was recorded for the VM, VL, ST, and BF muscles. Sagittal plane knee kinematic data were recorded using an electrogoniometer. Results: An ANOVA revealed no significant difference between groups for the differences in onset times of the VM and VL (P = 0.805). There were significant differences between groups for the differences in offset time of the VM and VL (P = 0.032), the differences in onset time of BF and ST (P G 0.001), and the differences in offset time of the ST and BF (P = 0.024). Root mean square values for BF activity were significantly higher in the PFPS group compared with the control (CTL) group (P G 0.01), and ST values were significantly lower in the PFPS group compared with the CTL group (P G 0.01). Root mean square values for BF were significantly greater than ST activity in the PFPS group (P G 0.01) but not in the CTL group (P 9 0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that trained cyclists with PFPS exhibit altered temporal characteristics in muscle activation patterns compared with trained cyclists without PFPS.
Work in progress - relationship of demonstration construction quality on pedagogic effectiveness

Scientific studies have established the importance of engineering demonstrations, yet comparatively little is known about what makes some demonstrations more effective than others. In this study we investigate the pedagogic effect of demonstration construction quality. This study considers two build qualities: “raw” and “polished”. Raw demonstrations use prototype-quality construction techniques such as exposed solderless breadboards, and polished demonstrations use production-quality construction techniques designed to emulate typical consumer electronics. The impact of the demonstrations on student interest were assessed by constructing paired sets of demonstrations of raw and polished quality. These were used in lectures to 119 students and student interest and comprehension were assessed by post-lecture surveys. Initial data using only a single demonstration in both raw and polished versions show students in both technical and nontechnical majors score higher in objective testing and report higher interest in the material using raw construction techniques (two-tailed p=0.051 and ≪0.01 respectively). Further data using other demonstrations will be obtained in 2009 to determine if these findings can be generalized.
An elective microwave course sequence with integrated laboratory

A description is given of a three-quarters senior/first-year-graduate level elective microwave course sequence with integrated laboratory. The course sequence is designed to provide an in-depth understanding of theoretical and practical microwave engineering fundamentals which will enable students to make an immediate transition into an industrial environment and will provide a strong foundation for continuing graduate studies in RF and microwave engineering. The course sequence affords students the opportunity for much hands-on-design experience with state-of-the-art equipment. >
Expression of tropomyosin in relation to myofibrillogenesis in axolotl hearts

The anatomy, function and embryonic development of the heart have been of interest to clinicians and researchers alike for centuries. A beating heart is one of the key criteria in defining life or death in humans. An understanding of the multitude of genetic and functional elements that interplay to form such a complex organ is slowly evolving with new genetic, molecular and experimental techniques. Despite the need for ever more complex molecular techniques some of our biggest leaps in knowledge come from nature itself through observations of mutations that create natural defects in function. Such a natural mutation is found in the Mexican axolotl, Ambystoma mexicanum. It is a facultative neotenous salamander well studied for its ability to regenerate severed limbs and tail. Interestingly it also well suited to studying segmental heart development and differential sarcomere protein expression due to a naturally occurring mendelian recessive mutation in cardiac mutant gene “c”. The resultant mutants are identified by their failure to beat and can be studied for extended periods before they finally die due to lack of circulation. Studies have shown a differential expression of tropomyosin between the conus and the ventricle indicating two different cardiac segments. Tropomyosin protein, but not its transcript have been found to be deficient in mutant ventricles and sarcomere formation can be rescued by the addition of TM protein or cDNA. Although once thought to be due to endoderm induction our findings indicate a translational regulatory mechanism that may ultimately control the level of tropomyosin protein in axolotl hearts.
Transthyretin Receptors on Human Astrocytoma Cells

Transthyretin (TTR), a transport protein for T4 and retinol-binding protein, is the principal T4-binding protein of cerebrospinal fluid. Its function in regard to the delivery of its ligands and in other respects is unclear. The binding of [125I] TTR to cultured human astrocytoma cells was studied to determine whether these cells carry receptors for TTR. Scatchard analysis was consistent with a single class of binding sites with a Kd of 3 nM. No significant cross-reactivity with transferrin or serum albumin was observed. Internalization of TTR was temperature dependent and proportional to receptor occupancy. Dilutions of cerebrospinal fluid displaced [125I]TTR in proportion to their content of radioimmunoassayable TTR and in parallel with purified TTR. The uptake and internalization of TTR increased in the presence of high T4 or T3 concentrations. These results demonstrate that TTR binds to specific high affinity receptors on human astrocytoma cells. Receptor binding of TTR provides a potential mechanism for the delivery of its ligands within the central nervous system.
Flat flames in tubes - Easy fundamental flame speed measurements

Flat flames in stationary gas in tubes useful for flame speed measurements without correction procedure
Noise characteristics in line-narrowed semiconductor lasers with optical feedback

Effects of optical-feedback-induced line-narrowing on low-frequency amplitude and phase noise of semiconductor lasers are reported. Free-running laser noise is compared with that of lasers operating with external mirror feedback. While less than 1 dB difference in the amplitude noise with and without feedback is observed, line-narrowed lasers exhibit 15?20 dB reduction in low-frequency wavelength instability, or phase noise.
A unique teletransmission system for extended four-channel esophageal pH monitoring in infants and children

A new computerized telemetry system for extended esophageal pH monitoring is prospectively evaluated and compared with other diagnostic modalities in 38 pediatric patients suspected of having gastroesophageal reflux (GER). Unique circuitry allows connection of 1.5 mm diameter antimony electrodes to a patient-worn digital recorder that continuously samples pH at four levels from pharynx to distal esophagus. Ambulatory studies in a "physiologic" environment are possible and data is teletransmitted by the satellite computer to the central laboratory for analysis. Of 41 studies completed, four were lost to interpretation because of battery, electrode, or computer failure. Thirty-seven studies could be analyzed in five clinical groups: emesis and failure to thrive; status post esophageal atresia repair; apnea/bradycardia; central nervous system damage; and status post antireflux procedure. Pathologic GER was noted 14 times and an antireflux procedure was clinically required in 13 instances. In five cases the upper GI series failed to detect the GER. Twenty-three studies showed no GER, and the clinical symptoms resolved with appropriate medical therapy in 21 cases. The upper GI series demonstrated GER five times in this group. In the nine instances that esophagoscopy/biopsy was employed, the pH study findings were uniformly confirmed. This computerized system provided a technically complete and interpretable study 90% of the time. Based on patient outcome, the extended pH monitoring was 92% accurate in detecting clinically important GER with a sensitivity of 87% and specificity of 93%. The upper GI series demonstrated a 69% accuracy with a 60% sensitivity and 64% specificity ( P =.01). Potential advantages of this new technology are (1) ambulatory studies allowing normal activity schedule in physiologic environment; (2) outpatient capability, which is cost effective compared with in-hospital monitoring; (3) four-channel recording to evaluate middle and upper esophageal pH for apnea or pulmonary symptoms; and (4) satellite computer transmission capacity for performing the study in any setting (ie, physician's office) and analyzing data uniformly by central laboratory.
Differential activation of natriuretic peptide receptors modulates cardiomyocyte proliferation during development

Organ development is a highly regulated process involving the coordinated proliferation and differentiation of diverse cellular populations. The pathways regulating cell proliferation and their effects on organ growth are complex and for many organs incompletely understood. In all vertebrate species, the cardiac natriuretic peptides (ANP and BNP) are produced by cardiomyocytes in the developing heart. However, their role during cardiogenesis is not defined. Using the embryonic zebrafish and neonatal mammalian cardiomyocytes we explored the natriuretic peptide signaling network during myocardial development. We observed that the cardiac natriuretic peptides ANP and BNP and the guanylate cyclase-linked natriuretic peptide receptors Npr1 and Npr2 are functionally redundant during early cardiovascular development. In addition, we demonstrate that low levels of the natriuretic peptides preferentially activate Npr3, a receptor with Gi activator sequences, and increase cardiomyocyte proliferation through inhibition of adenylate cyclase. Conversely, high concentrations of natriuretic peptides reduce cardiomyocyte proliferation through activation of the particulate guanylate cyclase-linked natriuretic peptide receptors Npr1 and Npr2, and activation of protein kinase G. These data link the cardiac natriuretic peptides in a complex hierarchy modulating cardiomyocyte numbers during development through opposing effects on cardiomyocyte proliferation mediated through distinct cyclic nucleotide signaling pathways.