cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Twist Maps and Invariant Curves

In this chapter we study the dynamics of area-preserving (i.e., symplectic) monotone twist maps of the annulus. While seemingly quite special, we have already seen examples of such maps as time one maps of time periodic Hamiltonian systems of one degree of freedom, as Poincare section maps for periodic orbits of Hamiltonian systems of two degrees of freedom (see Chapter V, Sections B and E). These maps also appear as dynamical systems in their own right (e.g., biliards on a convex table and one-dimensional crystals; see V.B).
Validation of a High-Order Large-Eddy Simulation Solver Using a Vertical-Axis Wind Turbine

A high-order implicit large-eddy simulation method in two dimensions and three dimensions is used to simulate the aerodynamics of a NACA0012 airfoil over large angles of attack at low chord Reynolds numbers (Re=5000–50,000). The two-dimensional code is found to have adequate agreement with lift and drag experimental data for prestall angles of attack, whereas the three-dimensional code is validated over all angles of attack. The three-dimensional method is able to accurately predict the magnitude and frequency content of the lift and drag forces on the airfoil throughout the range of Reynolds numbers considered in this study. Further comparisons to experimental data are made, including particle image velocimetry vorticity data as well as dye-injection data. As an extension of this application, a section of a constant spinning straight-bladed vertical-axis wind turbine with two blades at a similar Reynolds number is subject to various inflow velocities in two dimensions and three dimensions. The pitch angl...
Reactivation of des(119-, 120-, or 121-124) ribonuclease A by mixture with synthetic COOH-terminal peptides of varying lengths.

Abstract The COOH-terminal tetradecapeptide of bovine pancreatic ribonuclease A, Glu-Gly-Asn-Pro-Tyr-Val-Pro-Val-His-Phe-Asp-Ala-Ser-Val, and a series of shorter peptides containing 7 to 12 amino acid residues from the carboxyl terminus were synthesized by the solid-phase method. The peptides were examined for their ability to restore the enzymatic activity of ribonuclease A from which the last four, five, or six amino acids had been removed. The hepta- and octapeptides only regenerated 1 to 2% activity when mixed with RNase 1–118, but the activity increased sharply to 60% when the peptide was extended to a length of 9 residues by the addition of Val116. The activity increased gradually with increasing chain length and reached a maximum of 98% at the tetradecapeptide stage. Qualitatively similar reactivation of RNase 1–119 and RNase 1–120 was observed. The His119 residue in RNase 1–119 was found to compete with His119 of the synthetic peptides for contribution of a functional histidine residue to the active site of the reconstituted enzyme. The results of alkylation by iodoacetate showed that there are two enzymatically active forms of the combination product.
“I Was Naive in Thinking, ‘I Divorced This Man, He Is Out of My Life’”: A Qualitative Exploration of Post-Separation Power and Control Tactics Experienced by Women:

The purpose of this study was to explore women's perceptions of the power and control tactics used by their former husbands post-separation. A total of 22 in-depth interviews with divorced mothers who reported male-initiated partner abuse (psychological and/or physical) during and/or after their marriages were analyzed. The most common themes to emerge from the narratives were, in order of prevalence, as follows: Using the Children; Using Threats, Harassment, and Intimidation; Emotional Abuse; Economic Abuse; "Stuff to Try to Hurt Me"; Disrupting Her Relationships With the Children; Using the System; and Physical Violence. We also found that the violent and coercive behaviors men used during the marriage continued to influence the women's perceptions of the power and control their former husbands had over them post-separation. As a result, many of the women described how they gave up everything just to get out of their abusive marriages.
The Effect of Microcrazing on Fatigue Crack Propagation in Polymers

A generalized theory of fatigue crack propagation in polymers is outlined. The theory accounts for fatigue crack propagation through root craze extension accompanied by simultaneous dissemination of microcrazing around the crack-root craze system thereby describing a crack-craze zone (CCZ). In addition to the conventional crack length, the width of CCZ is introduced as a new internal parameter. Applying a special version of the second law of thermodynamics: the principle of minimum thermodynamic forces, these internal parameters are formally described in terms of the reciprocal thermodynamic forces. The rate of crack extension per cycle was found to depend strongly on changes in the width of CCZ. Results of the model are applied to fatigue crack propagation data in polystyrene under various loading conditions and a good description of growth rates is observed.
Strengthening the Scholarship of Engagement

Should your college or university have a strategy for strengthening the scholarship of engagement? If so, what should it be? This question arises at a time when levels of civic engagement are inconsistent, when higher education and engaged scholarship have potential for addressing the situation, and when new civic engagement and community learning centers are arising on campuses and, in some cases, on a "road half traveled." This essay addresses this question and some of the issues it raises. It assumes that civic engagement is a core purpose of higher education, and that engaged scholarship can contribute to its answer. It places emphasis on student learning, faculty engagement, and institutional change. These are not the only elements of a larger strategy, but they are among the most important ones.
An Efficient Algorithm and Its Parallelization for Computing PageRank

In this paper, an efficient algorithm and its parallelization to compute PageRank are proposed. There are existing algorithms to perform such tasks. However, some algorithms exclude dangling nodes which are an important part and carry important information of the web graph. In this work, we consider dangling nodes as regular web pages without changing the web graph structure and therefore fully preserve the information carried by them. This differs from some other algorithms which include dangling nodes but treat them differently from regular pages for the purpose of efficiency. We then give an efficient algorithm with negligible overhead associated with dangling node treatment. Moreover, the treatment poses little difficulty in the parallelization of the algorithm.
Model-based development and the implications to design assurance and certification

The term "Model based design and development" has grown in popularity over the past decade. Within the embedded avionics community the term model based design implies the development and application of "control models and simulations" within tools such as MATLAB. At Honeywell, the authors have been engaged in model based development (MBD) and associated tools development for avionics applications. This position paper applies the lessons learned and discusses several issues, relating to sound model-based design, to meet design assurance and certification objectives. The paper examines the dominant approaches utilized by some of the popular model-based design, code generation and verification tool suites available commercially. It contrasts these approaches to traditional software design, implementation, and verification methods. This paper also recommends taking a broader perspective of MBD and suggests adopting lessons learned from the classical software engineering arena. We discuss this together with areas for future investigation, standardization, and automation tool development and integration.
An element regulating adrenal-specific steroid 21-hydroxylase expression is located within the slp gene.

Abstract In this report we demonstrate that a transcriptional regulatory element for one gene lies within a second, seemingly unrelated gene. Specifically, the 3' portion of the murine sex-limited protein (slp) gene, located within the class III region of the major histocompatibility complex, contains an element that regulates expression of the linked steroid 21-hydroxylase gene. A 4.2-kilobase (kb) major histocompatibility complex region, located between -2.2 and -6.4 kb upstream of 21OH-A, is required for expression of a chloramphenicol acetyltransferase reporter gene in transgenic mice. Two short regions of DNA, located between -5.3 and -6.0 kb, stimulate chloramphenicol acetyltransferase expression in Y1 adrenocortical tumor cells, and both of these active regions lie within the slp gene. A 21-base pair sequence, which is required for activity of the most 3' region, does not contain any of over 100 previously identified transcriptional regulatory elements. This juxtaposition of structural and regulatory elements of otherwise unrelated genes suggests a mechanism by which the evolutionarily conserved genetic linkage of 21OH-A and slp (or the homologous complement component C4) might provide a selective advantage. Analogous genetic arrangements may explain other examples of conserved linkage of disparate genes.
Influence of easily degradable naturally occurring carbon substrates on biodegradation of monosubstituted phenols by aquatic bacteria

The influence of readily degradable, naturally occurring carbon substrates on the biodegradation of several monosubstitued phenols (m-cresol, m-aminophenol, p-chlorophenol) was examined. The natural substrate classes used were amino acids, carbohydrates, and fatty acids. Samples of the microbial community from Lake Michie, a mesotrophic reservoir, were adapted to different levels of representatives from each natural substrate class in chemostats. After an extended adaptation period, the ability of the microbial community to degrade the monosubstituted phenols was determined by using a radiolabeled substrate uptake and mineralization method. Several microbiological characteristics of the communities were also measured. Adaptation to increasing concentrations of amino acids, carbohydrates, or fatty acids enhanced the ability of the microbial community to degrade all three phenols. The stimulation was largest for m-cresol and m-aminophenol. The mechanism responsible for the enhancement of monosubstituted phenol metabolism was not clearly identified, but the observation that adaptation to amino acids also increased the biodegradation of glucose and, to a lesser extent, naphthalene suggests a general stimulation of microbial metabolism. This study demonstrates that prior exposure to labile, natural substrates can significantly enhance the ability of aquatic microbial communities to respond to xenobiotics.
Dielectric and Ordering Behavior in PbxCa1−xTiO3

The dielectric properties and microstructure of PbxCa1−xTiO3 are reported. At room temperature, PbxCa1−xTiO3 is orthorhombic for compositions where x is 0.1 and 0.2, pseudocubic for compositions where x is 0.3 and 0.4, and tetragonal for compositions where x $0.5. TEM studies on the calcium-rich compositions reveal the presence of 1/2{100}-, 1/2{110}-, and 1/2{111}-type superlattice reflections in three principal zone axes. An analysis of crystal structure, based on the atomic displacements and the ordering of lead and calcium atoms, is reported. No ordering behavior is observed for the compositions where x is 0.1 and 0.2; however, partial ordering of lead and calcium atoms occurs for compositions where 0.3 # x # 0.60. The dielectric measurements do not reveal any relaxor behavior; however, the addition of calcium titanate to lead titanate broadens the width of the transition region. Calculation of the diffuseness parameter, δ, from the power-law model also is presented.
Option price estimates for water quality improvements: A contingent valuation study for the monongahela river

Abstract We present the findings from a contingent valuation survey designed to estimate the option price bids for the improved recreation resulting from enhanced water quality in the Pennsylvania portion of the Monongahela River. The findings are based on a survey design that used professional interviewers to conduct personal interviews determined from a representative sample of 393 households. In addition, the research suggests that protest bids and outliers be viewed similarly. Accordingly, a new technique for identifying outlying responses is proposed. The findings suggest that the question format affects the option price estimates and that criteria for determining the final sample of responses can have an important influence on contingent valuation results.
The effect of unhealthy β-cells in synchronized insulin secretion

Insulin secreted by pancreatic islet β-cells is the principal regulating hormone of glucose metabolism. It plays a key role in controlling glucose level in blood. Impairment of the pancreatic islet function may cause glucose to accumulate in the blood, and result in diabetes mellitus. In order to study the cause of dysfunction of pancreatic islets, a multiple-cell model containing healthy and unhealthy cells is proposed based on an existing single cell model. The β-cells in the model are connected through direct electrical connections between neighboring β-cells. The simulation results show that around 20% unhealthy cells in pancreatic islets will disrupt the insulin secretion. This suggests that a small portion of unhealthy cells may have greater effect in the dysfunction of insulin oscillation than expected.
Towards Quantitative Analysis of Proofs of Authorization: Applications, Framework, and Techniques

Although policy compliance testing is generally treated as a binary decision problem, the evidence gathered during the trust management process can actually be used to examine these outcomes within a more continuous space. In this paper, we develop a formal model that allows us to quantitatively reason about the outcomes of the policy enforcement process in both absolute (i.e., user to ideal case) and relative (i.e., user to user) terms. Within this framework, it becomes possible to quantify, e.g., the robustness of a user’s proof of authorization to possible perturbations in the system, how close an unauthorized user is to satisfying a particular policy, and relative “top-k” style rankings of the best users to carry out a particular task. To this end, we explore several interesting classes of scoring functions for assessing the robustness of authorization decisions, and develop criteria under which these types of functions can be composed with one another. We further show that these types of functions can be extended to quantify how close unauthorized users are to satisfying policies, which can be a useful risk metric for decision making under unexpected circumstances.
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Modeling of Multisystemic, Hereditary Transthyretin Amyloidosis

Familial transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR) is an autosomal-dominant protein-folding disorder caused by over 100 distinct mutations in the transthyretin (TTR) gene. In ATTR, protein secreted from the liver aggregates and forms fibrils in target organs, chiefly the heart and peripheral nervous system, highlighting the need for a model capable of recapitulating the multisystem complexity of this clinically variable disease. Here, we describe the directed differentiation of ATTR patient-specific iPSCs into hepatocytes that produce mutant TTR, and the cardiomyocytes and neurons normally targeted in the disease. We demonstrate that iPSC-derived neuronal and cardiac cells display oxidative stress and an increased level of cell death when exposed to mutant TTR produced by the patient-matched iPSC-derived hepatocytes, recapitulating essential aspects of the disease in vitro. Furthermore, small molecule stabilizers of TTR show efficacy in this model, validating this iPSC-based, patient-specific in vitro system as a platform for testing therapeutic strategies.
Cortical Distribution of Eeg Activity for Component Processes During Mental Rotation

Alpha power (8-12 Hz) was monitored over the frontal, temporal, parietal and occipital lobes of the left and right cerebral hemispheres while participants mentally rotated three-dimensional shapes to match a specified target. By comparing the activational patterns generated during three experimental conditions, each designed to systematically isolate the involvement of the various subcomponents comprising this mental rotation task, it was suggested that the right frontal lobe mediates encoding and comparison/decision processes, while the left parietal and the left temporal region appear most involved in the generation of images and their mental rotation. A preliminary model describing the cooperative interaction of these cortical regions during mental rotation tasks is proposed.
[125I]SCH 23982, a new tool for rapid visualization of dopaminergic neurons in lower vertebrate retinas

Abstract Incubation of turtle or Xenopus retinas in 0.1 nM [125I]SCH 23982, a dopamine D1 receptor antagonist for 30–45 min and subsequent fixation in paraformaldehyde/glutaraldehyde resulted in strong blue formaldehyde-induced fluorescence of inner retinal neurons. On the basis of their morphological features, the labeled cells were classified as dopaminergic cells, an identification which was confirmed by double-labeling experiments using an antiserum against tyrosine hydroxylase. The whole experiment can be conducted in less than 2 h (whole mount), the label is very stable and allows the use of high-magnification objectives for detailed morphological investigation of dopaminergic retinal neurons.
PDB8: FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH PRESCRIPTION CLAIMS FOR BLOOD GLUCOSE TEST STRIPS AMONG FEE-FOR-SERVICE NEW MEXICO MEDICAID PATIENTS

OBJECTIVE: Continuous blood glucose monitoring which requires the use of blood glucose test strips (BGTS) is essential for diabetes management. The objective of this study was to identify predictors of claims for BGTS submitted to the New Mexico Medicaid fee-for-service (NMMFFS) program. METHODS: Patients with prescription claims for insulin or oral diabetic medications between December 1, 1999 and November 30, 2000 were identified from the NMMFFS claims database. It was determined if these patients had claims for BGTS. Information on demographic predictors including age, gender, race/ethnicity, insulin use, and area of residence (rural, urban, intermediate) were extracted. A forward stepwise logistic regression analysis using the likelihood-ratio (LR) test, was performed to identify significant predictors of claims for BGTS. RESULTS: A total of 5636 diabetic patients, mean age 65.93 (SD = 17.25), were identified. Of these, 38.6% (n = 2178) had claims for BGTS. About 70% (n = 3974) were female, 45.1% (n = 2543) had claims for insulin, and 38.8% (n = 2185) resided in an urban area. Additionally, there were 42.7% (n = 2408) non-Hispanic whites, 30.8% (n = 1738) Hispanics, and 9.2% (n = 519) American Indians. The logistic regression results indicated that younger patients (OR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.97–0.98) and patients with claims for insulin (OR = 1.88, 95%CI = 1.68–2.11) were more likely to have claims for BGTS. However, males (OR = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.56–0.73), patients who lived in intermediate areas (OR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.65–0.83), non-Hispanic whites (OR = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.67–0.91), Hispanics (OR = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.53–0.75) and American Indians (OR = 0.40, 95% CI = 0.32–0.51) were all less likely to have claims for BGTS. CONCLUSIONS: Elderly patients who are female, non-insulin users, non-Hispanic white, Hispanic or American Indian and live in intermediate areas are less likely to have claims for strips. Therefore, educational interventions are needed to increase claims for BGTS in these patients, thus improving blood glucose monitoring.
Open dorsal dislocations of the proximal interphalangeal joint

Eighteen open dorsal dislocations of the proximal interphalangeal joint were treated in 17 patients over a 12-year period. The severity of this injury may be underestimated. Complications included synovitis, stiffness, septic arthritis, and loss of the digit. Factors associated with a poor prognosis included a concomitant injury to the hand, a fracture from the base of the middle phalanx, and treatment in the emergency room. For optimum results, we recommend antibiotic therapy, thorough debridement in the operating room, reattachment of the palmar plate and repair of the collateral ligaments if necessary, and temporary joint immobilization (3 weeks) followed by an aggressive range of motion program.
Nanosecond Step-Scan FTIR Spectroscopy of Hemoglobin: Ligand Recombination and Protein Conformational Changes†

Step-scan FTIR spectroscopy with nanosecond time resolution is applied to the photocycle of carbonmonoxy hemoglobin (HbCO). The strong CO stretching band at 1951 cm-1 serves as a convenient monitor of the state of ligation. Both geminate and second-order phases of CO recombination occur at rates which are in excellent agreement with previous visible absorption measurements, showing the molecular mechanisms to be unperturbed by the high protein concentrations (6.7 mM in heme) required for adequate protein signals. While the extent of photolysis (43%) was insufficient to drive the R-->T quaternary transition, the protein TRIR (time-resolved infrared) difference bands (1250-1700 cm-1) nevertheless reveal interesting tertiary dynamics. Most of the bands are fully developed at very early times, possibly preceding the geminate recombination phase (tau = 50 ns). Some bands arise more slowly, however, with a time constant of 0.4 microsecond, reflecting a tertiary motion which is coincident with a quaternary motion previously detected by ultraviolet resonance Raman spectroscopy of fully photolyzed HbCO. Relaxation of the TRIR bands is either faster (tau = approximately 90 microseconds) or slower (tau = approximately 250 microseconds) than CO rebinding (effective time constant of 160 microseconds), suggesting either a distribution of tertiary processes or a chain inequivalence in CO rebinding.
A Critical Look at the Use of Group Projects as a Pedagogical Tool

In business schools across the U.S. one of the most common pedagogical tools is the use of groups and group projects. “Passive” instruction, i.e., lecture only, is considered to be an inferior mode of teaching. It is suggested in this paper that the use of group-based projects as pedagogical tools should be reconsidered. Because of the difference in the “number” of games played in a real work environment versus in the classroom setting, and the knowledge thereof, the problem of free riding in a classroom setting intensifies. Relatively less motivated students end up getting higher grades at the cost of lower grades for industrious students.
Imaging with high-angle scattered electrons and secondary electrons in the STEM

Abstract High-resolution images can be obtained by collecting high-angle scattered electrons with an annular detector in a scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM). For a crystal, with incident electron beam along a principle axis, the high-angle annular dark-field (HAADF) signal may be mainly generated by quasi-elastic (thermal diffuse) scattering (TDS). The angular distribution of TDS is determined by the Fourier transform of the differential of the atomic potential. The collected signal is thus dependent on the atomic number Z, the shape of the atom, the amplitude of the thermal vibration and the total number of atoms encountered by the electron probe. This imaging mode reveals high Z sensitivity with atomic resolution. Angular filtered ADF imaging is also possible by selecting the desired angular window to extract information about thick specimens in transmission geometry or information about bulk specimens in reflection geometry. Subnanometer-resolution secondary electron (SE) images can be obtained simultaneously with HAADF images, providing topographic and material contrast of surfaces of the materials studied. In the UHV STEM MIDAS (microscope for imaging, diffraction and analysis of surfaces) both the entrance and the exit surfaces of the sample can be imaged with secondary electrons. Surface steps can be observed with high contrast. Applications of HAADF and high-resolution SE imaging to the study of several kinds of materials are discussed.
Parfit on what matters in survival

Parfit's most controversial claim about personal identity is that personal identity does not matter in the way we uncritically think it does.' I would like to analyze Parfit's reasons for making this claim. These reasons are complex, and they stand in some tension with one another. I would like to examine them carefully and to try to arrive at the strongest case that can be made for Parfit's controversial claim about what matters. I in fact attach a certain high level of concern to my own survival. If I am about to enter combat, then the question whether I will survive the battle is naturally of great concern to me. This is the question whether there will be some person existing after the battle who is numerically identical to me.2 Parfit's controversial claim about what matters is that the concern I attach to the foregoing question about identity ought to attach instead to a different question: will there be some person exdsting after the battle who is R-related to me? R is "psychological connectedness and/or continuity with the right kind of cause." (262) Since the Rrelation (which we will explicate in a moment) is not the identity relation, and since the question about R, and not the identity question, is the one that matters (or rationally ought to), identity is not what matters. We can say, if we want, that identity is not what matters in survival, since if I do survive the battle, the R-relation will hold between me and some person existing in the future with whom I am identical. According to Parfit, it is the holding of the R-relation in such a case of survival, not the holding of the identity relation, which fundamentally matters. What exactly is the R-relation? Let us begin by discussing psychological connectedness, which is "the holding of particular direct
Light chain isotypes selectively associate with heavy chain idiotypes in T-dependent and T-independent dextran-specific precursors.

In murine immunoglobulins, the κ chain is the major light chain isotype, as exemplified by the small amount of λ immunoglobulins present in normal sera, the rare occurrence of λ plasmacytomas and the preponderance of κ light chains in induced antibodies. Notable exceptions to this are the response to α(1→3) dextran1 in BALB/c mice and the heteroclytic antibodies raised against the nitrophenol hapten in C57BL/6 mice2. In the former response, the expression of idiotypes in the hypervariable regions of the heavy chain3 is characteristically restricted. We have now analysed the B-cell precursors for the α(1→3) linkage-specific response induced by T-dependent and T-independent dextran antigens with respect to light chain isotype and heavy chain idiotype expression. Our findings clearly demonstrate that the two forms of dextran antigen trigger different B-cell precursor subpopulations. Furthermore, each individual animal appears to possess a different repertoire of idiotype-committed precursors. This contrasts with the response of BALB/c mice to phosphorylcholine (PC) where most anti-PC antibodies and precursors respond with the dominant expression of the T15 idiotype family, regardless of whether T-dependent or T-independent PC antigens are used4.
The Relationship of Locus of Control to Family Income and Familism among Anglo- and Mexican-American High School Students

Summary Some writers have argued that fatalism is a cultural characteristic of Mexican Americans, while others contend that fatalism in this group is due to socioeconomic factors. The present study compared 86 Anglo- and 80 Mexican-American high school boys and girls on Rotter's Internal-External Locus of Control (I-E) scale, family income, and familism which was used as a measure of Mexican-American cultural identity. Analyses of variance revealed Anglo Americans were more internal on the politics dimension of the I-E scale, while Mexican Americans were more internal on the respect subcategory. Girls of both groups were more internal than boys in the academics subcategory. In addition, Mexican Americans had lower family incomes and higher familism scores. Subsequent analyses of covariance revealed that the ethnic difference in politics was removed when controlling for family income. Controls for family income and familism did not have a bearing on any of the other findings.
Energy Saving Opportunity Analysis of Automotive Serial Production Systems (March 2012)

Conventionally, improving production efficiency, flexibility and responsiveness has been the primary research focus of production management, while energy consumption has received relatively little attention. Energy consumption plays a more and more important role in the manufacturing environment. This is mainly driven by energy cost and environmental concerns. When the energy system becomes complicated and coupled with ongoing production, it is very difficult to hunt the “hidden treasure” which affects the overall benefit of a manufacturing system. This paper provides a systematic method to search for energy saving opportunities and strategies. We start from dynamic production transient analysis and provide quantitative analysis for identifying energy saving opportunity in a system. Furthermore, energy saving strategy is justified through cost analysis for tradeoffs between energy savings and throughput loss. A case study is conducted to demonstrate its potential on energy savings in a multistage manufacturing system.
Interactions of Presynaptic Ca2+ Channels and Snare Proteins in Neurotransmitter Release

N- and P/Q-type Ca2+ channels are localized in high density in presynaptic nerve terminals and are crucial elements in neuronal excitation-secretion coupling. In addition to mediating Ca2+ entry to initiate transmitter release, they are thought to interact directly with proteins of the synaptic vesicle docking/fusion machinery. These Ca2+ channels can be purified from brain as a complex with SNARE proteins, which are involved in exocytosis. In addition, N-type and P/Q-type Ca2+ channels are colocalized with syntaxin in high-density clusters in nerve terminals. The synaptic protein interaction (synprint) sites in the intracellular loop II-III (LII-III) of both alpha 1B and alpha 1A subunits of N-type and P/Q-type Ca2+ channels bind to syntaxin, SNAP-25, and synaptotagmin. Ca2+ has a biphasic effect on the interactions of N-type Ca2+ channels with SNARE complexes, stimulating optimal binding in the range of 10-30 microM. PKC or CaM KII phosphorylation of the N-type synprint peptide inhibits interactions with SNARE complexes containing syntaxin and SNAP-25. Introduction of the synprint peptides into presynaptic superior cervical ganglion neurons reversibly inhibits EPSPs from synchronous transmitter release by 42%. At physiological Ca2+ concentrations, synprint peptides significantly reduce transmitter release in injected frog neuromuscular junctions in cell culture, consistent with detachment of 70% of the docked vesicles from Ca2+ channels as analyzed by a theoretical model. Together, these studies suggest that presynaptic Ca2+ channels not only provide the Ca2+ signal required by the exocytotic machinery, but also contain structural elements that are integral to vesicle docking, priming, and fusion processes.
The Harrison Bergeron olympics.

We appreciate Bermon and colleagues’ (2013) engagement with our critical reflection on the new hyperandrogenism policies from the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) and the I...
The Impact Of Intensive Supervision Probation On Gang - Drug Offenders

The use of intermediate sanctions has recently received increasing interest among correctional professionals. Intensive Supervision of Probationers (ISP) has been implemented extensively yet rarely with serious drug offenders associated with gangs. This study reports on a study conducted during 1988-89. The research assessed the impact of ISP on 90 offenders over a twelve month period. The principal findings suggest that ISP clients were not subjected to distinctly greater services or monitoring of court sanctions. At the conclusion of the study period half of the ISP clients were returned to jail or prison. The research provides a foundation for policy regarding the utility of sentencing drug and gang offenders to probation.
The x-ray incoherent scattering factor for molecular nitrogen as determined by high energy electron scattering

A beam of high energy electrons, 25 keV, was scattered off an effusive gas jet of molecular nitrogen, and the energy loss spectrum from 0 to 800 eV was measured for scattering angles ranging from 0.3° to 2.0°. The energy loss spectra were converted to relative generalized oscillator strength (GOS) distributions and Bethe sum rule normalized to an absolute intensity scale. The x-ray incoherent scattering factor, S(K), as a function of momentum transfer, K, was determined by the use of the S(-1,K)GOS sum rule and compared with the predictions of theory. The effect of electron correlation on S(K) was determined by comparison of the experiment with molecular near Hartree–Fock calculations. Results from an extensive CI calculation were found to be in agreement with our experimental results, but proposed scaling of the CI theory appears to be incorrect.
Sequence similarity among retroviruses—erratum *

* This paper was published in the issue of 17 May without title and Fig. 1 due to printing errors.
Emiliania huxleyi v1.0

We discuss how to find tandem duplicates and look at: (1) self aligning, proteomes - [Blastp]; (2) convert into symmetric similarity matrix; (3) cluster into familites - [MCL]; (4) annotate families with Pfam - [Hmmer]; and (5) classify families by taxa; and (6) look for interesting stuff.
Making the abstraction hierarchy concrete

The abstraction hierarchy (AH) is a multileveled representation framework, consisting of physical and functional system models, which has been proposed as a useful framework for developing representations of complex work environments. Despite the fact that the AH is well known and widely cited in the cognitive engineering community, there are surprisingly few examples of its application. Accordingly, the intent of this paper is to provide a concrete example of how the AH can be applied as a knowledge representation framework. A formal instantiation of the AH as the basis for a computer program is presented in the context of a thermal-hydraulic process. This model of the system is complemented by a relatively simple reasoning mechanism which is independent of the information contained in the knowledge representation. This reasoning mechanism uses the AH model, along with qualitative user input about system states, to generate reasoning trajectories for different types of events and problems. Simulation outputs showing how the AH model can provide an effective basis for reasoning under different classes of situations, including challenging faults of various types, are presented. These detailed examples illustrate the various benefits of adopting the AH as a knowledge representation framework, namely: providing sufficient representations to allow reasoning about unanticipated fault and control situations, allowing the use of reasoning mechanisms that are independent of domain information, and having psychological relevance.
Late onset of exercise induced focal ventricular tachycardia originating from the ventricular end of an A-V accessory pathway after elimination of conduction ☆,☆☆,★,★★

The authors report the unique case of remote onset of exercise induced focal ventricular tachycardia in a 40-year old male patient that originated from the ventricular end of an accessory atrioventricular pathway 18 months after a successful ablation. There was no residual conduction across the pathway after the first ablation. The ventricular tachycardia (VT) was mapped to and successfully ablated at the same site where the ventricular end of the pathway was previously ablated. The VT morphology was similar to that of the pre-excited QRS beats noted before. Thus far, in all reported cases of accessory pathway related automaticity there was intact conduction over the pathway or acute injury to it. To the best of our knowledge a case similar to our patient is not yet reported.
Cellular junctions in perifollicular contractile tissue of the rat ovary during the preovulatory period.

Rat ovarian perifollicular contractile tissue was examined at specified intervals prior to ovulation to determine the type, relative number, and length of cellular junctions. Rat ovaries were taken for electron-microscopic observation at 1500 h on the afternoon of proestrus (proestrus 0-h group), at 2000 h (proestrus 5 h group), at 0100 h (proestrus 10-h group) and at 1600 h on the afternoon of diestrus I. Close junctions, intermediate junctions, and gap junctions were counted and measured. The number of gap junctions 1,000 μm of membrane and the number of intermediate junctions 1,000 μm of membrane was significantly higher in the proestrus 10 h group as compared to the other groups. There was no difference in the number of close junctions during the periods studied. Also the length of all junctions was similar in all groups. These morphological findings are discussed in the context of a contractile role for perifollicular tissue in the ovulatory process.
A new dehydrogenase from Clostridium acetobutylicum for asymmetric synthesis: dynamic reductive kinetic resolution entry into the Taxotère side chain

An NADP-dependent alcohol dehydrogenase from Clostridium acetobutylicum (CaADH) has been expressed and characterized. CaADH enantioselectively reduces aromatic α-, β- and γ-keto esters to the corresponding D-hydroxy esters and provides a building block for the Taxotere side chain (95% yield, 95% de, 99% ee) by dynamic reductive kinetic resolution (DYRKR).
In vivo leucocyte interactions with the NHLBI-DTB primary reference materials: polyethylene and silica-free polydimethylsiloxane.

Abstract In vivo leucocyte interactions with the NHLBI-DTB primary reference materials, low density polyethylene (LDPE) and silica-free polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), were qualitatively and quantitatively characterized using a cage implant system over a 21 d implantation period. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and cytochemical staining procedures were utilized to observe the cellular events occurring at the leucocyte/ biomaterial interface. The results showed that more cells adhered to the PDMS surface than the LDPE surface at days 4 and 7. The differential analysis revealed that mononuclear cells, presumably macrophages, preferentially adhered to both polymer surfaces. By day 21, there were more very large (> 20 nuclei per cell) foreign body giant cells (FBGCs) present on the PDMS surface than the LDPE surface. The phagocytic capabilities of the adhered cells, including the FBGCs, decreased to a greater extent on the PDMS surface, corresponding to the earlier and more extensive spreading of these cells observed in the morphological analysis.
Recombinant vaccinia virus expressing IL-2 generates effective anti-tumor responses in an orthotopic murine model of head and neck carcinoma

We evaluated the efficacy of a replication-competent, attenuated recombinant vaccinia virus (rvv) expressing IL-2 as a tumor vaccine in an immunocompetent murine model of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. We implanted oral tumors by injection of tumor cells (SCC VII/SF) into the floor of the mouth of the syngeneic C3H/HeJ mice. Previous studies with this model suggested the presence of tumor-induced immune suppression. To circumvent the immune suppression we subcutaneously (s.c.) immunized the mice with irradiated, rvv-infected tumor cells prior to or along with intratumoral (i.t.) vaccination. A single s.c. vaccination invoked tumor-specific T cell proliferation and cytotoxicity. Mice treated by this protocol survived longer compared to those treated with i.t. vaccination alone. Tumor growth was significantly inhibited (P < 0.0002) and tumor regression was observed in all mice. The numbers of CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes as well as macrophages in the tumor beds and in tumor-draining lymph nodes were significantly increased in the mice treated by s.c. plus i.t. vaccination compared to s.c. or i.t. vaccination alone. These results suggested that s.c. vaccination along with i.t. vaccination increased antitumoral immunity and that CD4+, CD8+ lymphocytes as well as macrophages may play an important role in this antitumoral immunity.
Catecholamines bind to enkephalins, morphiceptin, and morphine

Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, pH titration, and color reactions demonstrate that the catecholamines dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine bind to the enkephalins. Binding constants are c. 6 X 10(3) per mole. Catecholamines also bound to the mu opiate receptor agonist morphiceptin (Tyr-Pro-Phe-Pro-NH2). Very little binding was found to enkephalin and morphiceptin fragments and analogues, indicating that the entire molecules are necessary. Serotonin binding peptides do not bind the catecholamines. Morphine and apomorphine, however, do bind these catecholamines (with a binding constant for morphine of c. 4 X 10(4) per mole). The opiate antagonist naloxone and a number of other drugs do not bind catecholamines. Morphine, morphiceptin, and the enkephalins also retard the formation of colored reaction products by catecholamines in vitro. These results may help to explain observations that the enkephalins are co-stored and co-transmitted with dopamine and norepinephrine, and may provide a basis for the elucidation of other known cases of peptide-monoamine co-transmission. Possible implications for understanding opiate effects on catecholamines during addiction and withdrawal are discussed, and suggestions concerning drug design are made.
Developmental equations for postural tremor

Developmental equations for the electroencephalogram have been reported previously for normal children and brain disorder has been shown to cause substantial deviations from this developmental norm...
Community Computing and Citizen Productivity.

Abstract This article is about the development of a community network in an Atlanta, Georgia, neighborhood. The project was a long-term effort using community-based design with the goal of helping a community use information technologies to enhance more effectively the life of the community. The argument is about designing information technology tools in community contexts, developing new models of research for community-based work, and about the critical importance of engaging in community-based work that can be sustained over time. The argument also focuses on the necessity of designing community networks that both recognize the productive power and expertise of community residents as well as allow for productive practices to be developed and used in the future.
Novel Micropixelation Strategy to Stabilize Semiconductor Photoelectrodes for Solar Water Splitting Systems

We demonstrate a novel micropixelation strategy to stabilize the p–i hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) photocathodes used for hydrogen production in photoelectrochemical water splitting. The main mechanism of corrosion of planar electrodes involves reduction of the underlying SnO2 contact layer by electrolyte that penetrates through pinholes in the a-Si:H. We photolithographically isolate square pixels (100 μm × 100 μm) of a-Si:H by etching narrow channels in the a-Si:H and filling with protective a-SiNx. Under illumination and bias, we observe improved durability of the micropixelated photocathodes compared to planar electrodes. Extended dark potentiostatic testing also exhibits this slowing and isolation of corrosion by the micropixelated electrode. Implementation of this micropixelation strategy is a key toward creating a water-splitting system based on micrometer-scale Si p–n junction pixels. Panels of these corrosion-resistant pixels could be connected in series to produce photovoltages suffici...
The Blalock-Taussig Shunt in the First Two Years of Life: A Safe and Effective Procedure

Abstract Many surgeons have been reluctant to perform Blalock shunts in patients who are in infancy or early childhood ( During the past nine years, 24 babies less than 2 years old who were followed had construction of Blalock-Taussig anastomosis for inadequate pulmonary blood flow. There were no operative deaths and no shunt-related late deaths. Of the 24 babies, 12 were less than 12 months old. Eighteen of the 24 had tetralogy of Fallot. The remaining 6 had a variety of lesions with inadequate pulmonary blood flow. The mean weight of the entire group was 7.3 ± 1.6 kg. Of those infants less than 12 months old, the mean weight was 6.8 ± 2.0 kg. More than 6 months following construction of the shunt, 2 babies died from sepsis unrelated to cardiovascular status. All infants had adequate but not excessive pulmonary blood flow after shunting. There were no late shunt failures.
Development of sub-nanosecond, high gain structures for time-of-flight ring imaging in large area detectors

Abstract Microchannel plate photomultiplier tubes (MCPs) are compact, imaging detectors, capable of micron-level spatial imaging and timing measurements with resolutions below 10 ps. Conventional fabrication methods are too expensive for making MCPs in the quantities and sizes necessary for typical HEP applications, such as time-of-flight ring-imaging Cherenkov detectors (TOF-RICH) or water Cherenkov-based neutrino experiments. The Large Area Picosecond Photodetector Collaboration (LAPPD) is developing new, commercializable methods to fabricate 20 cm2 thin planar MCPs at costs comparable to those of traditional photo-multiplier tubes. Transmission-line readout with waveform sampling on both ends of each line allows the efficient coverage of large areas while maintaining excellent time and space resolution. Rather than fabricating channel plates from active, high secondary electron emission materials, we produce plates from passive substrates, and coat them using atomic layer deposition (ALD), a well established industrial batch process. In addition to possible reductions in cost and conditioning time, this allows greater control to optimize the composition of active materials for performance. We present details of the MCP fabrication method, preliminary results from testing and characterization facilities, and possible HEP applications.
A cadmium-binding protein in a cadmium tolerant strain of Chlorella pyrenoidosa

Abstract The presence of a Cd-binding component with a molecular weight of 12,800 daltons was detected in lysates of Chlorella pyrenoidosa cultures which had grown in the presence of 0.5 μg Cd/ml for 5 days. Based upon its molecular size and ability to co-incorporate 35 S along with 115 Cd, we have concluded that this component is a protein. Its similarity to metallothionein isolated from mammalian cells was suggested by its molecular size, heat stability, and its absence in cells that had never been exposed to Cd. When the gel chromatographic separation was conducted at pH 7.5, the Cd-binding protein was partially degraded into a component with a molecular weight of 6500 daltons, suggesting that the Chlorella protein may be a dimer. The synthesis of this protein was not stimulated by Zn. Cultures grown in the presence of 10 μg Mn/ml and 0.5 μg Cd/ml also failed to synthesize the Cd-binding protein; no cadmium was accumulated under these conditions. These studies suggest that the mechanism whereby C. pyrenoidosa accumulates Cd and tolerates high intracellular Cd levels is related to its ability to synthesize a metallothionein-like protein.