cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Continuum metrics for deformation and microrotation from atomistic simulations: Application to grain boundaries

Abstract Motivated by a desire to incorporate micro- and nanoscale deformation mechanisms into continuum mechanical models of material behavior, we apply recently developed volume-averaged metrics to the results of atomistic simulations to investigate deformation and microrotation in the vicinity of grain boundaries. Three-dimensional bicrystalline structures are employed to study the inelastic deformation behavior under uniaxial tension and simple shear at a temperature of 10 K. Each bicrystal is constructed by molecular statics followed by thermal equilibration under NPT using an embedded atom method potential for copper. Strain is imposed in each simulation cell at a constant 10 9 s −1 strain rate applied perpendicular and parallel to the grain boundary plane for tension and shear, respectively. A variety of grain boundary deformation mechanisms arise and the resulting deformation and microrotation fields are examined. We also include an analysis showing how microrotation varies as a function of distance from the grain boundary with increasing strain for different grain boundary deformation mechanisms. This work demonstrates that critical interface behavior can be extracted from atomistic simulations using volume-averaged metrics, offering a potential avenue for translating fundamental information to continuum theories of grain boundary deformation in polycrystalline materials.
An improved mode accuracy indicator for Eigensystem Realization Analysis (ERA) techniques

In this paper, an improved mode accuracy indicator is presented to more efficiently distinguish physically true modes from computational spurious modes generated by Eigensystem Realization Analysis (ERA) methods. Since the system order of real-life structures is a priori unknown, the number of assumed poles is usually set to be two to ten times the number of true modes in the frequency range of interests. Thus, the modal identification process could create exceedingly large number of computational modes. For the reason, it makes it difficult for analysts to distinguish the physically true modes from the spurious modes. The proposed mode accuracy indicator could better narrow down the choice of true modes than existing indicators and particularly it shows better consistency for the structure having high damping ratios. A series of numerical tests are demonstrated for verification of the proposed mode accuracy indicator. In addition, the improved mode accuracy indicator is applied to an experimental decentralized modal identification of a laboratory-size 8-panel space frame structure.
Science as an early driver of policy: child labor reform in the early Progressive Era, 1870-1900.

Scientific evidence is an increasingly important driver of social and environmental policy concerning child health. This trend began earlier than generally recognized. The child labor reform movement of the Gilded Age and early Progressive Era reflected not only moral and economic forces but also the dramatic advances during the later decades of the 19th century in scientific knowledge concerning children’s biological and psychological vulnerability to environmental and psychosocial stressors. The growing importance of scientific information in shaping policy concerning children’s health between 1870 and 1900 is illustrated by the events leading up to and following the New York State Child Labor Law of 1886. Child labor reform during this period was a critical step in the development of a science-based as well as a value-driven movement to protect children’s environmental health and well-being that continues today.
DNA Release Dynamics from Reducible Polyplexes by Atomic Force Microscopy

Controlled intracellular disassembly of polyelectrolyte complexes of polycations and DNA (polyplexes) is a crucial step for the success of nonviral gene delivery. Motivated by our previous observation of different gene delivery performances among multiblock reducible copolypeptide vectors (Manickam, D. S., and Oupický, D. Bioconjugate Chem. 2006, 17, 1395−1403), atomic force microscopy is used to visualize plasmid DNA in various decondensed states from reducible polypeptide polyplexes under simulated physiological reducing conditions. DNA decondensation is triggered by reductive degradation of disulfide-containing cationic polypeptides. Striking differences in DNA release dynamics between polyplexes based on polypeptides of histidine-rich peptide (HRP, CKHHHKHHHKC) and nuclear localization signal (NLS, CGAGPKKKRKVC) peptide are presented. The HRP and NLS polyplexes are similar to each other in their initial morphology with a majority of them containing only one DNA plasmid. Upon reductive degradation by d...
USING L2 ESTIMATION FOR L1 ESTIMATORS: AN APPLICATION TO THE SINGLE-INDEX MODEL

The bootstrap method is used to compute the standard error of regression parameters when the data are non-Gaussian distributed. Simulation results with L1 and L2 norms for various degrees of “non-Gaussianess” are provided. The computationally efficient L2 norm, based on the bootstrap method, provides a good approximation to the L1 norm. The methodology is illustrated with daily security return data. The results show that decisions can be reversed when the ordinary least-squares estimate of standard errors is used with non-Gaussian data.
Gastric saline infusion reduces ultrasonic vocalizations and brown fat activity in suckling rat pups.

Under standard conditions involving isolation and cooling, it has been documented that intraoral infusion of milk and injection of the intestinal peptide cholecystokinin (CCK) result in an attenuation in ultrasonic vocalizations (USV) emitted by infant rat pups. One of the most effective stimuli in inhibiting ingestion in suckling rat pups is gastric distension, but the effect of gastric distension on USV production has not been reported. In this experiment, we subjected infant rats to intragastric infusion of isotonic saline (2% body weight) to produce a natural level of gastric distension and hydration. We found that this stimulus resulted in a powerful reduction in USV emissions in isolated 10-day-old rats. In a subsequent experiment, we found that gastric saline infusion also diminished brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenesis. There were different time courses of the gastric saline infusion effects on BAT thermogenesis and on USV emissions, however, suggesting that these processes may be independently regulated. We hypothesize that this stimulus induces a transient activation of the parasympathetic nervous system, which overrides the sympathetic control of BAT and USV production.
Smoothing of climate time series revisited

[1] We present an easily implemented method for smoothing climate time series, generalizing upon an approach previously described by Mann (2004). The method adaptively weights the three lowest order time series boundary constraints to optimize the fit with the raw time series. We apply the method to the instrumental global mean temperature series from 1850–2007 and to various surrogate global mean temperature series from 1850–2100 derived from the CMIP3 multimodel intercomparison project. These applications demonstrate that the adaptive method systematically out-performs certain widely used default smoothing methods, and is more likely to yield accurate assessments of long-term warming trends.
Splitting of the Umbilical Cord in a 13-Week-Old Fetus

ABSTRACT There is an increasing interest in the physiology and pathology of the umbilical cord because it is recognized as an important source of placental and, consequently, fetal problems. During the postmortem examination of a severely macerated 13-week-old fetus, a split umbilical cord was noted. This rare finding was seen in the middle segment of the cord, the fetal and placental ends both being normal. The pathogenesis of this lesion is not fully understood, and it is possible that it results through focal degeneration of previously formed Wharton's jelly or secondary loss of Wharton's jelly due to incomplete fusion or hypoplasia of the amniotic covering. Whatever the pathogenesis, it is assumed that an umbilical vessel devoid of its protective Wharton's jelly is more prone to compression and thrombosis with all its deleterious effects. Death in this case was probably associated with the congenital heart defect also presented by the fetus. The rarity of this lesion is probably explained by the fact ...
Perspective on the Relationship between Melting Points and Chemical Structure

The importance of melting points in characterization, in the estimation of other physical properties and toxicity, and in practical applications such as ionic liquids is summarized, as are difficulties in the systematic treatment of melting points in terms of QSPR. Classical correlations of melting points of congeneric and diverse sets are discussed together with group contribution methods, combined approaches, and computer simulations.
Prevention and prophylaxis of invasive fungal sinusitis in the immunocompromised patient

Fungal infections are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among immunocomprondsed patients. Invasive fungal sinusitis is a devastating complication of immunosuppression. Treatment options are limited and often ineffective, making prevention important. Measures to decrease environmental exposure, indications for antifungal prophylaxis, and limitations of current regimens are discussed.
Conformational Determinants of Agonist versus Antagonist Properties of [d-Pen2,d-Pen5]Enkephalin (DPDPE) Analogs at Opioid Receptors. Comparison of X-ray Crystallographic Structure, Solution 1H NMR Data, and Molecular Dynamic Simulations of [l-Ala3]DPDPE and [d-Ala3]DPDPE

c-[d-Pen2,d-Pen5]enkephalin (DPDPE, 1) is a cyclic, constrained, highly potent, δ opioid receptor selective peptide agonist. Substitution of Gly3 with l-Ala in DPDPE to give [l-Ala3]DPDPE (2) has been shown to produce a peptide with much greater δ receptor binding selectivity than DPDPE itself. However [l-Ala3]DPDPE is only a partial agonist in in vivo antinociception and actually was found to potently antagonize the antinociceptive effects of DPDPE at δ receptors in the brain. In comparison, [d-Ala3]DPDPE (3) is a weak and poorly selective δ agonist. In an effort to correlate the biological profiles of these peptides with secondary structure, [l-Ala3]DPDPE and [d-Ala3]DPDPE were studied by X-ray crystallography and 1H and 13C NMR in DMSO solution. Crystals of both peptides were obtained using vapor diffusion techniques. [l-Ala3]DPDPE crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2 with cell dimensions a = 36.35(1) A, b = 19.737(4) A, c = 28.16(1) A, β = 129.07(2)°, and V = 15688(9) A3. The asymmetric unit ...
Mice lacking the p75 receptor fail to acquire a normal complement of taste buds and geniculate ganglion neurons by adulthood.

Brain derived neurotrophic factor and neurotrophin-4 are required for normal taste bud development. Although these neurotrophins normally function via the tyrosine kinase receptor, trkB, they also bind to the pan-neurotrophin receptor, p75. The goal of the present study was to determine whether the p75 receptor is required for the development or maintenance of a full complement of adult taste buds. Mice with p75 null mutations lose 34% of their circumvallate taste buds, 36% of their fungiform papillae, and 26% of their fungiform taste buds by adulthood. The reduction of taste buds in the adult circumvallate papilla was similar to that observed previously at postnatal day 7 ((Fan et al., 2004). Taken together, these findings indicate that the p75 receptor is critical for the development of a full complement of taste buds, but is not required for maintenance of circumvallate taste buds in adulthood. Immunolabeling for p75 was not observed in taste buds, indicating that p75 signaling influences taste bud number indirectly. However, geniculate ganglion neurons, which provides innervation to fungiform taste buds, express the p75 receptor. Mice with p75-null mutations also have fewer neurons in the geniculate ganglion. Together, these results suggest that survival of geniculate neurons is essential for the development of a full complement of taste buds.
Time factor and the genesis of soils on early Wisconsin till.

ABSTRACT Radiocarbon dates indicate that the maximum time of weathering for soils of the Tazewell substage may be about 6400 years longer than that available for weathering of soils of the Cary substage. Detailed mineralogical and chemical studies were made of the 2-0.2 μ fractions of 0-6 in. and 30-36 in. samples from 24 sites along a traverse extending from the Cary substage across the Tazewell substage in east-central Indiana. The major clay mineral constituents of the 0-6 in. samples were illite and 14 a material; illite and montmorillonite were the main components in the 30-36 in. samples. The correlation coefficients between illite content and percentage K2O for the 0-6 in. and 30-36 in. samples were 0.85 and 0.92, respectively. The end and terminal moraines of the Tazewell substage were found to have a higher illite content than the ground moraines. This was attributed to superglacial movement and enrichment of foreign materials, i.e. mica schists from the Canadian shield, on end and terminal moraines. The results of saturation of the clay fraction with potassium and magnesium on the proportion of 10 a, 12.7 a and 14 a spacings indicated that weathering had lowered the surface charge density of the micaceous minerals in the 0-6 in. samples to a greater extent than in the 30-36 in. samples. This effect, in addition to other weathering reactions, resulted in partially expanded micaceous minerals in the 0-6 in. samples which were much more resistant to collapse than were the minerals in the 30-36 in. samples. The rate of weathering of K2O from the 2-0. 2μ fraction of the 0-6 in. samples located on ground moraines was estimated to be about 0.1 percent per 1000 years. This value was used in estimating the ages of the morainic systems of the Tazewell in Indiana. The estimated ages were as follows: Mississinewa, (radiocarbon date) 13,140 years; Union City, 14,500 years; Bloomington, 15,500 years; Champaign, 18,700 years; Shelbyville, (radiocarbon date) 19,500 years. The fertility status of the soils on the Tazewell has been influenced appreciably by the length of the weathering period, the potassium-supplying power of the soils decreasing with increasing age.
On uniqueness of solutions for secondary creep problems

Abstract Uniqueness results are established for solutions of secondary creep problems, including the effect of elastic strains, for a large class of domains subject to mixed boundary conditions. Two theorems are proved, one for quasistatic creep and one for dynamic.
Nm23-H1 modulates the activity of the guanine exchange factor Dbl-1.

Cytoskeleton rearrangement is necessary for tumor invasion and metastasis. Cellular molecules whose role is to regulate components of the cytoskeletal structure can dictate changes in cellular morphology. One of these molecules is the suppressor of tumor metastasis Nm23-H1. The level of Nm23-H1 expression has been linked to the invasiveness and metastatic potential of human cancers including melanoma and breast cancer. In this report, we demonstrate an interaction between the suppressor of tumor metastasis Nm23-H1, and Dbl-1, an oncoprotein which is associated with guanine exchange and belongs to a family of Guanine Exchange Factors (GEF). Nm23-H1 also was shown to bind pDbl which is the proto-oncoprotein of Dbl. Interestingly, the interaction between Nm23-H1 and Dbl-1 rescues the suppression of the cell motility activity Nm23-H1. Moreover, this interaction results in loss of the ability of the Dbl-1 oncoprotein to function as a GEF for the critical Rho-GTPase family member Cdc42. The loss of GTP loading onto Cdc42 resulted in a dramatic reduction in adhesion stimulated ruffles and suggests that Nm23-H1 can negatively regulate cell migration and tumor metastasis by modulating the activity of Cdc42 through direct interaction with Dbl-1. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Induction of long-term graft tolerance and donor/recipient chimerism.

We compared the effect of different immunosuppressive drug regimens on both mean and long-term allograft survival and the histologic appearance of donor/recipient chimeras in the ACI to Lewis rat heterotopic cardiac transplant model. Intraabdominal cardiac transplantation was performed in standard fashion and microchimerism was assessed using immunohistochemical staining of cut sections of recipient spleen and lymph nodes. All of the drug regimens studied resulted in excellent mean allograft survival. Furthermore, long-term (>120 day) allograft survival was consistently observed in each group. In fact, many of the recipients continue to have functioning heterotopic grafts even as they approach the end of the natural life span of a Lewis rat. Mixed allogeneic chimerism, however, was not observed with 100% frequency despite the consistent induction of graft tolerance. This finding may be related to the immunosuppressive agents used or the sensitivity of the immunohistochemical assay. Therefore, the exact role, if any, of chimerism in the induction of graft tolerance remains unanswered.
Easily Testable Iterative Systems

It has been shown that the number of tests required to detect all faults in a one-dimensional unilateral combinational iterative array consisting of p cells will, in general, be proportional to p. In this paper we consider properties of such systems that enable them to be tested with a fixed constant number of tests independent of p, the number of cells in the system. Such systems are referred to as C-testable. Necessary and sufficient conditions on the basic cell state table are derived for an iterative system to be C-testable. It is shown that an arbitrary N-state cell table can be augmented by the addition of, at most, one row and less than [log2 N]2 columns (for N ≥ 2) so as to be C-testable.
A complex interplay between PGC-1 co-activators and mTORC1 regulates hematopoietic recovery following 5-fluorouracil treatment.

Abstract In vitro stimulation of HSCs with growth factors generally leads to their depletion. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying expansion of HSCs in vivo following myeloablation could lead to successful expansion of HSCs ex vivo for therapeutic purposes. Current findings show that mTORC1 is activated in HSPCs following 5-fluorouracil treatment and that mTORC1 activation is dependent on mitochondrial ETC capacity of HSPCs. Moreover, expression of PGC-1 family members, proteins that regulate mitochondrial biogenesis, in HSPCs following 5-fluorouracil treatment changes; also, these proteins play a stage specific role in hematopoietic recovery. While PRC regulates HSCs' expansion during early recovery phase, PGC-1α regulates progenitor cell proliferation and recovery of hematopoiesis during later phase. During early recovery phase, PRC expression, mitochondrial activity and mTORC1 activation are relatively higher in PGC-1α −/− HSCs compared to WT HSCs, and PGC-1α −/− HSCs show greater expansion. Administration of rapamycin, but not NAC, during early recovery phase improves WT HSC numbers but decreases PGC-1α −/− HSC numbers. The current findings demonstrate that mTOR activation can increase HSC numbers provided that the energy demand created by mTOR activation is successfully met. Thus, critical tuning between mTORC1 activation and mitochondrial ETC capacity is crucial for HSC maintenance/expansion in response to mitogenic stimulation.
Superfast Quarks in the Nuclear Medium

We discuss the studies of superfast quarks as a new method in probing high-density fluctuations in the nuclear medium. Kinematical as well as dynamical aspects of probing such fluctuations are discussed. Several theoretical models are considered which are based on significantly different underlying picture of high density nuclear fluctuations that generate superfast quarks with x B j > 1 . First, is the convolution model in which it is assumed that fast quarks originate from the nucleon which is in short-range NN correlation. In the second model it is assumed that 2N system is collapsed into the six-quark configuration from which the superfast quark is produced. The third approach considers a situation in which the high density fluctuation is not yet a six-quark system and the superfast quark is generated due to hard exchange of a single gluon between two partons, one from each nucleon. This represents an intermediate stage between the first two models and may correspond to the scenario of evolution of 2N system into six-quark configuration. We compare the predictions of all three models and discuss the feasibility of their experimental verification.
Maintaining adhesion of protective Al 2 O 3 scales

Maintaining good adhesion of alumina scales to the surface of heat-resistant alloys is crucial for long-term cyclic oxidation resistance. Traditionally, this is accomplished by doping the alloy with about 0.1% reactive elements. More recently, excellent adhesion has been produced without reactive elements by reducing the sulfur impurity level to less than 1 ppm. Research opportunities exist in the fundamentals of sulfur segregation, thermodynamics, and interfacial bonding.
Manipulating piggyBac Transposon Chromosomal Integration Site Selection in Human Cells

The ability to direct gene delivery to a user-defined chromosomal location would greatly improve gene transfer applications. The piggyBac transposon system is a nonviral gene transfer system proven effective in a variety of cells and tissues, including human cells. We fused a highly site-specific synthetic zinc-finger DNA-binding domain (ZFP) to the N-terminus of the piggyBac transposase and evaluated site-directed genomic integration in human cells. Chimeric ZFP-piggyBac transposase exhibited robust gene transfer activity, targeted binding to a cognate endogenous chromosomal ZFP site in the human genome, and site-directed transposon integration into an episomal plasmid target containing a single ZFP site in human cells. We evaluated the ability of ZFP-piggyBac to direct gene integration into an engineered chromosomal ZFP target site in the human genome and consistently observed a higher degree of ZFP-piggyBac site-directed genomic integration when compared to native piggyBac. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) experiments revealed binding of native piggyBac to our engineered TTAA-containing chromosomal target which supported integration, but not a TTAA-deficient chromosomal target which lacked integration. Our results offer insight into the requirements for using a chimeric zinc finger-piggyBac transposase to direct integration into a user-defined chromosomal location.
Multiply indexed data management

A data management facility has been designed to satisfy the specific needs of design automation, but the principles underlying it appear to be applicable to a variety of other situations. The system handles large amounts of engineering data related to computer systems design. These data are stored on direct-access devices and retained throughout the life of a computer system. Records representing the same information at different times in its history can be retained, as well as information reflecting different versions of the same computing system.The facility, which we call the data management system (DMS),1 provides multiple-indexing capabilities. Additional indexes can be added that allow data existing in the system to be retrieved in accordance with a theoretically unlimited variety of logical orderings.
Polarization Phenomena in the One-Quantum Annihilation of Positrons and the Photoelectric Effect

Cross sections are derived for the one-quantum annihilation of longitudinally-polarized positrons and for the photoelectric effect with longitudinally-polarized photons. Simple expressions, quantitatively reliable for light elements, are obtained by considering only K-shell electrons and describing the outgoing electron (incoming positron) by plane waves. In both cases, the incoming and outgoing particles have predominantly the same helicity if the free Dirac particle is relativistic. In a note added in proof, these calculations are extended to the case of elliptically polarized radiation. For linearly polarized photons, the results are compared with those obtained by including lowest-order Coulomb corrections to the continuum wave function of the electron, as given by Sauter in 1931. The difference in the angular distribution is very marked, and indicates a sensitive dependence on the degree of screening of the Coulomb field. (auth)
Effect of wrist and ulna head position on gliding resistance of the extensor digitorum minimi and extensor digitorum communis III tendons: a cadaver study.

While attrition from sharp bony surfaces is the most common cause of extensor digiti minimi (EDM) tendon rupture, the etiology of other cases of spontaneous EDM tendon rupture is still unknown. Friction within the compartment may play a role, especially with ulna dislocation. The purpose of this study was to compare gliding resistance of the EDM tendon with that of a tendon which rarely ruptures spontaneously, the extensor digitorum communis of the middle finger (EDC III) tendon, under various wrist and ulna head positions. Eight fresh frozen cadavers were used. Gliding resistance between the tendon and its sheath in each compartment was measured in five different wrist positions and three different ulna head positions. Gliding resistance of the EDM tendon (0.13 ± 0.03 N) was significantly greater than the EDC III tendon (0.09 ± 0.03 N) (p < 0.05). For the EDM tendon, the gliding resistance in ulnar deviation or pronation was higher than the gliding resistance in neutral, radial deviation, or supination (p < 0.05), and the gliding resistance with ulnar lengthening (over 6 mm) or dorsal ulnar dislocation (over 9 mm) was higher than in neutral ulnar head positioning. For the EDC III tendon, the gliding resistance in ulnar deviation was significantly higher than the gliding resistance in neutral, radial deviation, or supination, or dorsal dislocation with ulnar lengthening (p < 0.05). Wrist ulnar deviation, ulnar dorsal dislocation (over 9 mm), and ulnar lengthening (over 6 mm) increased the gliding resistance of the EDM tendon. In patients at risk for EDM rupture, such as those with rheumatoid arthritis or distal radioulnar joint osteoarthritis, avoiding such positions may be advantageous. © 2006 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res
A note on the parameters for heteroatoms in Pariser-Parr-Pople (PPP) calculations

Results of a parameter study of aromatic amines by the standard Pariser-Parr-Pople method are briefly reported. An analysis of the many-electron Hamiltonian of the PPP model provides insight into the relative importance of the one-center parameters in the cases of atoms contributing two, one, and no π-electrons. Results for 9-borafluorene provide an additional illustration.
Mothers' influence on their adolescents' tendency to seek medical care.

Abstract Mothers' influence on their adolescent's tendency to seek medical care is examined in a national sample of 12- to 17-year-old children. A similar measurement model fits mother's and adolescent's tendency to seek medical care tor the symptoms of a sore throat, stomachache, and vomiting. Maternal influence persists as the predominant effect on adolescents' tendency to seek medical care when sex, age, race, birth order, socioeconomic status, and intellectual ability are controlled. Older and more intellectually capable adolescents have a lower tendency to seek medical care. An adolescent's tendency to seek medical care is not influenced by gender and/or birth-order differences. Socioeconomic status variables indirectly influence adolescents' tendency to seek medical care through their primary influence on adolescent's intellectual ability.
Growth of Hyperthermophilic Archaeon Pyrococcus furiosus on Chitin Involves Two Family 18 Chitinases

Pyrococcus furiosus was found to grow on chitin, adding this polysacharide to the inventory of carbohydrates utilized by this hyperthermophilic archaeon. Accordingly, two open reading frames (chiA [Pf1234] and chiB [Pf1233]) were identified in the genome of P. furiosus, which encodes chitinases with sequence similarity to proteins from the glycosyl hydrolase family 18 in less-thermophilic organisms. Both enzymes contain multiple domains that consist of at least one binding domain and one catalytic domain. ChiA (ca. 39 kDa) contains a putative signal peptide, as well as a binding domain (ChiABD), that is related to binding domains associated with several previously studied bacterial chitinases. chiB, separated by 37 nucleotides from chiA and in the same orientation, encodes a polypeptide with two different proline-threonine-rich linker regions (6 and 3 kDa) flanking a chitin-binding domain (ChiBBD [11 kDa]), followed by a catalytic domain (ChiBcat [35 kDa]). No apparent signal peptide is encoded within chiB. The two chitinases share little sequence homology to each other, except in the catalytic region, where both have the catalytic glutamic acid residue that is conserved in all family 18 bacterial chitinases. The genes encoding ChiA, without its signal peptide, and ChiB were cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. ChiA exhibited no detectable activity toward chitooligomers smaller than chitotetraose, indicating that the enzyme is an endochitinase. Kinetic studies showed that ChiB followed Michaelis-Menten kinetics toward chitotriose, although substrate inhibition was observed for larger chitooligomers. Hydrolysis patterns on chitooligosaccharides indicated that ChiB is a chitobiosidase, processively cleaving off chitobiose from the nonreducing end of chitin or other chitooligomers. Synergistic activity was noted for the two chitinases on colloidal chitin, indicating that these two enzymes work together to recruit chitin-based substrates for P. furiosus growth. This was supported by the observed growth on chitin as the sole carbohydrate source in sulfur-free media.
Truly humanitarian intervention: considering just causes and methods in a feminist cosmopolitan frame

In international law, ‘humanitarian intervention’ refers to the use of military force by one nation or group of nations to stop genocide or other gross human rights violations in another sovereign nation. If humanitarian intervention is conceived as military in nature, it makes sense that only the most horrible, massive, and violent violations of human rights can justify intervention. Yet, that leaves many serious evils beyond the scope of legal intervention. In particular, violations of women's rights and freedoms often go unchecked. To address this problem, I begin from two basic questions: When are violations of human rights sufficiently serious to require an international response of some sort? What should that response be? By re-orienting the aim and justification of international law to focus on individual autonomy rather than on peace between nations, I argue that women's rights violations other than genocide and mass rape can warrant intervention. Military intervention is often counter-productive ...
Time Domain Network Analysis using the Multiline TRL Calibration

We apply the multiline TRL (through-reflect-line) method to the calibration of a time domain network analyzer (TDNA). The calibration removes the effects of cables and connectors, nonideal source and sampler responses, source and sampler mismatch, and frequency-dependent characteristic impedance of the transmission lines. Multiline TRL is especially well suited to TDNA and provides not only a complete calibration but also a full characterization of the transmission lines, information useful in the study of interconnections.
Severe high-grade dysplasia and in-situ carcinoma of the common bile duct and pancreatic duct

Tumours of the head of the pancreas and common bile duct present a serious surgical problem because they necessitate a complicated and extensive resection. Pancreaticoduodenectomy (the Whipple procedure) is arguably the most difficult procedure in general surgery, but should only be considered if the tumour is locally contained when identified. Because carcinomas of the pancreatic and common bile ducts tend to present late in the disease course, many of these lesions are unresectable. However, due to advances in techniques of diagnosis and early detection, tumours that would have previously gone unrecognised are now being identified. These small lesions, often discovered when they are at the stage of carcinoma in situ or high-grade dysplasia, present a new set of management dilemmas. Commonly discussed examples include lobular neoplasia of the breast and the dysplasia associated with Barrett’s oesophagus. 1,2 With more attention being paid to earlier detection and more careful pathological assessment, these previously overlooked histological features are attracting more interest. We present a case of ampullary carcinoma with associated high-grade severe dysplasia throughout the common bile duct and pancreatic duct seen in the resected tissue. This extent of dysplasia involving both ducts has only recently been reported and constitutes a difficult management dilemma. A 73-year-old woman was admitted to hospital with a complaint of pruritis that had been getting persistently worse during the previous 2 months. She had no other associated complaints including no pain, weight loss, or change in dietary habits. She had a history of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, congestive heart failure, and asthma, and was being treated with losartan, amlodipine besylate, clonidine, furosemide, and insulin. She had no allergies, had not previously had surgery, and there was no family history of cancer. She had a 20 pack-year smoking history and drank alcohol occasionally. On physical examination, she was alert and in no acute distress with no jaundice. Abdominal examination revealed no palpable mass or tenderness. The stool was normal colour and there was no occult blood on rectal examination. She was found to have a high concentration of bilirubin of 14 mg/L, direct bilirubin 13 mg/L, alkaline phosphatase 833 u/L. Her hepatitis serology tests were positive for hepatitis C. Ultrasound of the upper abdomen showed a common bile duct of 10 mm, a pancreatic duct of 8 mm, and dilated intrahepatic ducts and a dilated gallbladder. A computed tomography scan showed similar findings but no evidence of a pancreatic mass. An endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) was done and cytological analysis revealed adenocarcinoma. The patient subsequently underwent the Whipple procedure. During the operation it was established that there was no asceitis and no evidence of metastases or lymphadenopathy. The antrum, duodenum, common bile duct, gallbladder, and head and uncinate process of the pancreas were all removed. After initial postoperative care in
Cognitive‐behavior therapy in older adults: A case involving sexual functioning

Cognitive-behavior therapy is an approach that emphasizes bringing about change in areas of concern to clients. The process is grounded in a collaborative therapeutic relationship in which clients' strengths as well as problems are explicitly recognized. Therapy guidelines are presented and illustrated with the case of a 78-year-old widowed female client whose presenting complaint was guilt about masturbation. In this case illustration, a number of cognitive and behavioral strategies for treating sexual dysfunctions are presented, including the use of daily thought records, training in challenging negative beliefs; the use of psychoeducational information (for example, about aging and sexuality); using mood monitoring and activity tracking; relaxation training; and the use of training in more effective strategies for handling problems. Overall, the case example illustrates that respect for the client's deeply held beliefs about sexuality can be combined with psychoeducational and therapeutic interventions to offer new options to the client. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Clin Psychol 55: 961–975, 1999.
Error probabilities for wavelength-shift-keyed optical communications

Probability of bit error for a binary wavelength-shift-keyed (BWSK) optical communication system with avalanche photodetectors (APDs) and Gaussian noise is evaluated via the saddle-point approximation method. The results are compared to that of the on-off-keyed (OOK) system.
Hepatitis C and liver transplantation

Liver transplantation is a life-saving therapy to correct liver failure, portal hypertension and hepatocellular carcinoma arising from hepatitis C infection. But despite the successful use of living donors and improvements in immunosuppression and antiviral therapy, organ demand continues to outstrip supply and recurrent hepatitis C with accelerated progression to cirrhosis of the graft is a frequent cause of graft loss and the need for retransplantation. Appropriate selection of candidates and timing of transplantation, coupled with better pre- and post-transplant antiviral therapy, are needed to improve outcomes.
[3H]spiperone binding sites in rat primary glial cultures, C6 glioma, and B104 neuroblastoma

Binding sites for [3H]spiperone were detected on membranes from primary glial cultures from neonatal rat cortex and striatum and from the C6 glioma cells. [3H]Spiperone binding was displaceable by d-butaclamol. However, competition studies suggest that [3H]spiperone binding to primary glial cultures was mainly to serotonergic sites, and binding to the C6 glioma was alpha-adrenergic. No specific binding was detected to membranes from B104 neuroblastoma cells. Although [3H]spiperone binding to glial sites on whole striatum under generally used conditions is small (about 10%), the striatal glial hyperactivity that is often associated with neuronal degeneration could lead to an overestimation of presumed neuronal binding sites for dopaminergic ligands.
Regulation of protein kinase C ζ by PI 3-kinase and PDK-1

Abstract Background: Protein kinase C ζ (PKC ζ ) is a member of the PKC family of enzymes and is involved in a wide range of physiological processes including mitogenesis, protein synthesis, cell survival and transcriptional regulation. PKC ζ has received considerable attention recently as a target of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase), although the mechanism of PKC ζ activation is, as yet, unknown. Recent reports have also shown that the phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase-1 (PDK-1), which binds with high affinity to the PI 3-kinase lipid product phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate (Ptdlns-3,4,5-P 3 ), phosphorylates and potently activates two other PI 3-kinase targets, the protein kinases Akt/PKB and p70S6K. We therefore investigated whether PDK-1 is the kinase that activates PKC ζ . Results: In vivo , PI 3-kinase is both necessary and sufficient to activate PKC ζ . PDK-1 phosphorylates and activates PKC ζ in vivo , and we have shown that this is due to phosphorylation of threonine 410 in the PKC ζ activation loop. In vitro , PDK-1 phosphorylates and activates PKC ζ in a Ptdlns-3,4,5-P 3 -enhanced manner. PKC ζ and PDK-1 are associated in vivo , and membrane targeting of PKC ζ renders it constitutively active in cells. Conclusions: Our results have identified PDK-1 as the kinase that phosphorylates and activates PKC ζ in the PI 3-kinase signaling pathway. This phosphorylation and activation of PKC ζ by PDK-1 is enhanced in the presence of Ptdlns-3,4,5-P 3 . Consistent with the notion that PKCs are enzymes that are regulated at the plasma membrane, a membrane-targeted PKC ζ is constitutively active in the absence of agonist stimulation. The association between PKC ζ and PDK-1 reveals extensive cross-talk between enzymes in the PI 3-kinase signaling pathway.
Economic analyses at early stages of technology development

Abstract This paper is concerned with the use of economic analysis to aid in allocating research and development funds both between alternative energy sources and within a particular technology. Examples are given of the role of early economic feasibility analysis for new solar and geothermal technologies.
Fast Neutron Radiotherapy: The University of Washington experience

An overview of the University of Washington neutron radiotherapy facility is presented. The utility of the multi-leaf, programmable, variable collimator is emphasized. Due to success in the treatment of salivary gland tumors, such patients comprise an ever increasing portion of the patients being treated. A cooperative randomized clinical trial for the treatment of salivary gland tumors was undertaken comparing fast neutrons against photon/electron radiation. At ten years, there was a statistically significant improvement in local/regional control for the neutron group (56% vs 25%, p = 0.009), but there was no improvement in survival (15% vs 25%, p = n.s.). Distant metastases were the primary reason for the failure of improved local/regional control to impact survival in the neutron group. The University of Washington experience is summarized with special emphasis on the treatment of adenoid cystic carcinomas. Excellent local/regional control can be achieved with neutrons even for large tumors arising in ...
A Pn Spreading Model Constrained with Observed Amplitudes in Asia

Abstract By modeling synthetic Pn amplitudes, I and my colleagues in 2007 proposed a Pn geometric-spreading model (Y2007) that takes into account the spherical shape of the Earth. In this study, I used a set of observed Pn amplitudes from the tectonically active regions of Asia to evaluate the performance of Y2007 and to develop new, observation-based Pn spreading models. Even though Y2007 provides improved geometric-spreading correction of Pn amplitudes over the traditional power-law model, the corrected amplitudes exhibit undesirable decay rate variations. To address this issue, I used a procedure to develop Pn spreading models based on observed data. I first correct the Pn amplitudes for attenuation using an average quality factor Q estimated from Y2007-corrected Pn amplitudes. I then develop a spreading model, which is a simplified version of Y2007, by fitting the corrected amplitudes. Compared with Y2007, the new spreading model significantly reduces amplitude variations, particularly at short distances. To more accurately model the complex data behavior, I also developed a segmented spreading model in which separate sets of model parameters are derived for amplitudes in different distance ranges. The spreading models developed in this study account for radially symmetric elastic and other effects, such as velocity gradient, forwarding scattering, and potential depth-dependent attenuation variation, as well as wavefront expansion and the spherical shape of the Earth. Using the new model for spreading correction results in better attenuation isolation and allows amplitudes in a broader distance range to be used in the accurate mapping of lateral attenuation variations. The method I employed in this study could be used as a general procedure to develop observation-based Pn spreading models for other regions.
Idiopathic calcinosis of scrotum

A forty-three-year-old man complained of painless, firm scrotal nodules which had first appeared at age sixteen. These were diagnosed clinically as multiple epidermoid inclusion cysts and were excised. Histologically they were composed of calcified, amorphous, granular material, characteristic of idiopathic calcinosis of the scrotum. This is a rare, benign condition without any recognized underlying metabolic abnormalities. The cause of idiopathic calcinosis of the scrotum is unknown, but we believe it is due to dystrophic calcification of dartoic muscles.
Differences in biochemical responses to cold stress in two contrasting varieties of rape seed (Brassica napus L.)

Changes in isozymes of peroxidase, catalase, superoxide dismutase, polyphenol oxidase, and esterase and activities of peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase in two annual Brassica varieties (AS-3 and CON, cold-tolerant and cold-sensitive, respectively) after 4°C treatment were assayed. After the low temperature treatment, PAGE patterns of isozymes of peroxidase, catalase, superoxide dismutase, polyphenol oxidase, and esterase showed that the expressions and activities of these enzymes in the AS-3 variety were higher than the CON variety. Under normal and cold conditions, peroxidase and esterase activities of AS-3 were higher than those of CON. The relative freezing tolerance of these two cultivars was discussed.
Vacuolar H+/Ca2+ transport: who's directing the traffic?

Abstract Physiological studies have established the role of plant high-capacity vacuolar H + /Ca 2+ exchange activity in ion homeostasis and signal transduction. The molecular characterization and structure–function analyses of these transporters are just beginning to emerge. In yeast, Ca 2+ signaling molecules regulate vacuolar H + /Ca 2+ exchange. Recently, some of the Ca 2+ dependent ‘molecular relay' molecules have been characterized in plants; however, the regulation of plant vacuolar H + /Ca 2+ exchange remains an open question.
Properties of an elementary class of fluids with nondissipative viscous stresses

Abstract A class of fluids with both dissipative and nondissipative viscous stresses is analyzed. The class is delineated by the three assumptions, (1) the stress is isotropic, (2) the fluid admits no natural time scale, (3) the Stoke's assumption, tr(t) = − 3p , is satisfied. The constitutive relations are shown to be uniquely determined in terms of the linear bulk viscosity and the linear shear viscosity. The characteristic features of such fluids are obtained and experimental distinguishability between these fluids and the classic Navier-Stokes fluid is examined in detail. In general, it is surprisingly difficult to distinguish between the fluids considered here and the classic Navier-Stokes fluids, even though there are characteristic anomalies associated with the nondissipative stresses.
In vitro comparison of cilofungin alone and in combination with other antifungal agents against clinical isolates ofCandida species

Cilofungin, a lipopeptide antifungal agent, was tested for in vitro activity alone and in combination with ketoconazole, itraconazole, flucytosine and amphotericin B against 102 clinical isolates ofCandida species. At 48 hours all isolates ofCandida albicans, Candida tropicalis, Candida paratropicalis andCandida glabrata were inhibited by ≤5 mcg/ml of cilofungin. In contrast, the MIC90 forCandida krusei was 10 mcg/ml and forCandida parapsilosis >40 mcg/ml. The interaction of combinations of cilofungin with amphotericin B, itraconazole, ketoconazole and flucytosine was additive or indifferent at 48 hours for 100 %, 88 %, 78 % and 70 % of allCandida species isolates, respectively. Overall, cilofungin demonstrated good activity in vitro against mostCandida species isolates.
Global Darwin: Revolutionary road

In China, under the threat of Western imperialism, interpretations of Darwin's ideas paved the way for Marx, Lenin and Mao, argues James Pusey in the third in our series on reactions to evolutionary theory.
Management of brain and spine injuries

For both SCI and TBI, physicians are unable to affect reversal of the cellular injuries suffered at the time of trauma directly. Unfortunately, understanding such processes is just on the horizon. Physicians do, however, have significant influence on recovery through the avoidance of secondary insults to the injured nervous system. In keeping with trauma in general, the mechanism for this is focused and coordinated multi-disciplinary care originating at the earliest contact and continuing through acute care. Aggressive and pre-emptive attention to the ABC(D)s with attention to the needs of the injured nervous system, appropriate monitoring in all patients, meticulous medical management, and prompt surgical intervention when indicated have made marked improvements in outcome, particularly in TBI. Focusing on the basics and strict attention to detail appear to be the major roles played in the care of CNS trauma.