cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
p85a recruitment by the CD300f phosphatidylserine receptor mediates apoptotic cell clearance required for autoimmunity suppression (BA4P.222)

The rapid and efficient removal of apoptotic cells (AC) prevents the release of the potentially toxic or immunogenic components from dying cells, thereby reducing inflammatory and autoimmune responses. Phagocytosis is the major means of clearing AC, which is dependent on the interaction between “eat-me” signals on AC and receptors on phagocytes. The externalized phosphatidylserine (PS) on AC is the best-known “eat-me” signal. We demonstrate that mouse CD300f (CLM-1) recognizes outer membrane-exposed PS and regulates AC phagocytosis. CD300f accumulates in phagocytic cups at AC contact sites. Phosphorylation within CD300f cytoplasmic tail tyrosine-based motifs initiates signals that positively or negatively regulate AC phagocytosis. Y276 phosphorylation is necessary for enhanced CD300f-mediated phagocytosis through the recruitment of the p85a regulatory subunit of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K). CD300f-PI3K association leads to activation of downstream Rac/Cdc42 GTPase and mediates changes of F-actin that drive AC engulfment. Importantly, primary macrophages from CD300f-deficient mice have impaired phagocytosis of ACs. The biological consequence of CD300f deficiency is predisposition to autoimmune disease development, as FcgRIIB-deficient mice develop a systemic lupus erythematosus-like disease at a markedly accelerated rate if CD300f is absent. This is the first report identifying the mechanism and role of CD300f in AC phagocytosis and maintenance of immune homeostasis.
Developmental differences in the neural mechanisms of facial emotion labeling

Adolescence is a time of increased risk for the onset of psychological disorders associated with deficits in face emotion labeling. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to examine age-related differences in brain activation while adolescents and adults labeled the emotion on fearful, happy and angry faces of varying intensities [0% (i.e. neutral), 50%, 75%, 100%]. Adolescents and adults did not differ on accuracy to label emotions. In the superior temporal sulcus, ventrolateral prefrontal cortex and middle temporal gyrus, adults show an inverted-U-shaped response to increasing intensities of fearful faces and a U-shaped response to increasing intensities of happy faces, whereas adolescents show the opposite patterns. In addition, adults, but not adolescents, show greater inferior occipital gyrus activation to negative (angry, fearful) vs positive (happy) emotions. In sum, when subjects classify subtly varying facial emotions, developmental differences manifest in several 'ventral stream' brain regions. Charting the typical developmental course of the brain mechanisms of socioemotional processes, such as facial emotion labeling, is an important focus for developmental psychopathology research.
Do Managers Benefit from Delayed Goodwill Impairments

Prior research provides evidence that managers delay the reporting of goodwill impairments. This study builds on this evidence by investigating whether managers use their private information regarding goodwill impairments to profit from trading in their own firms’ shares. We find evidence of abnormal selling of shares by corporate insiders in the two years preceding formal announcement of goodwill impairments. In addition, we find that managers’ selling activity is positively associated with subsequent stock price declines. We find similar evidence using a sample of firms where price discovery occurs relatively close to impairment announcements, suggesting that our findings are not attributable to insider trading on general pessimism or other negative news unrelated to reported goodwill impairments. Overall, these findings provide evidence that managers benefit from delayed goodwill impairments, and confirm long-standing concerns by the SEC regarding significant information asymmetries between managers and firm outsiders regarding goodwill impairments.
Uses Higher Level

To the Editor.— Watchko and Oski9s one act play about yellow fever among pediatricians was deeply appreciated (Bilirubin 20 mg/dL = vigintiphobia Pediatrics 1983;71:660-663). I note they cite several of the Acta Paediatrica Scandinavica articles for their references but fail to cite my favorite by Bengtsson and Verneholt (Acta Paediatr Scand 1974;63:70-80). In this article 108 Coombs negative term infants were reported and followed from ages 6 to 13 years, all of these infants had a peak bilirubin > 20 mg/dL.
Hearing in primitive mammals: Monodelphis domestica and Marmosa elegans

Although opossums of the Family Didelphidae usually serve as a parsimonious starting point for tracing the otological and neurological evolution of modern mammals, audiological data for Didelphid opossums is available only for the North American opossum (Didelphis virginiana) which because of its large size, may be one of the least representative gencra of the family. The present report extends the audiological data to two other species of Didelphid opossums, Monodelphis domestica, and Marmosaelegans. At 60 dB SPL, the hearing of Monodelphis extends from 3.6 kHz to 77 kHz, with a range of best sensitivity from 8 to 64 kHz while the hearing of Marmosa extends from 3.8 kHz to 80 kHz, with a range of best sensitivity from 8 to 64 kHz. Neither species was found to be particularly sensitive to tones, with the average lowest threshold near 20 dB SPL for Monodelphis and 33 dB SPL for Marmosa. These results indicate that like the North American opossum both genera are sensitive to high frequencies yet relatively insensitive to sound. Because the hearing of the three genera of Didelphids agree in several respects, it can be concluded that sensitivity to high frequencies almost certainly was present in ancient mammals, probably following quickly after the acquisition of a 3 ossicle middle ear linkage. It is not unlikely that the utility value of high frequency hearing, rather than highly sensitive hearing, may have been a primary source of selective pressure for this morphological transformation.
Phthalate Risks, Phthalate Regulation, and Public Health: A Review

As a result of concerns about the toxicity of phthalates to humans, several expert panels were convened toward the end of the 1990s to evaluate the implications of the scientific evidence for the risks of phthalates to humans of all ages. These panels concluded that the risks were low although they had concerns about specific applications of some phthalates, e.g., in medical devices. These groups identified data gaps and recommended additional studies on exposure and toxicity be conducted. In light of the additional data, reevaluations of the risks of phthalates were conducted. While these assessments were being undertaken, U.S. state governments and European authorities proposed and promulgated regulations to limit the use of certain phthalates, i.e., di-n-octyl phthalate (DnOP), di-isodecyl phthalate (DIDP), di-isononyl phthalate (DINP), butylbenzyl phthalate (BBP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), and diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), especially in consumer products to which children are exposed. Very recently, s...
Technical challenges in exploiting the web as a business resource

In this talk, I'll describe some recent indicators suggesting that businesses are on the cusp of operational exploitation of the web as a decision support resource. From consumer research and purchasing behavior to enterprise brand tracking, intelligence gathering, and advertising, the web is suddenly on everybody's mind - not as an exciting future possibility, but as an exploitable resource. I'll describe some technological approaches to employing this resource, talk about what's possible today, and describe some challenges for the future. As a running example, I'll cover IBM's WebFountain system: its architecture, analytical model, and applications.
The perils of creating a class Web site: it was the best of times, it was the …

Abstract This article explains the visual and computing demands of Web-site authoring in a junior level, undergraduate honors course at a large public university. We argue that the students in this course—highly literate and skilled in the production of conventional printed academic writing—performed much like basic writers when challenged with acquiring a broad set of new visual and computer literacy skills. We argue for the value of the illustrated essay as a halfway point for connecting our expectations of Web site authoring to students’ previous experiences with the production of printed academic discourse.
The heritable basis and cost of colour plasticity in coastrange sculpins

Both genetic and plastic traits contribute to adaptation in novel environments. Phenotypic plasticity can facilitate adaptation by allowing for existence in a wider range of conditions and a faster response to environmental change than gene-based selection. Coastrange sculpins (Cottus aleuticus) colonize new and variable streams arising in the wake of receding glaciers in south-east Alaska, and substrate-matching plasticity may enhance colonization success by reducing detection by visual predators. As part of a long-term study of the fitness consequences of colour plasticity and its capacity to respond to both positive and negative selection, we investigated whether it is heritable and costly. We raised full-sib broods of sculpins in the laboratory: one half of each brood was raised in white containers, the other half in black. After 4 months, we digitally analysed their colour and found significant but weak heritability in both baseline colour and colour plasticity. To investigate the cost of colour plasticity, we compared the growth and mortality rates of juvenile sculpins reared under constant substrate colours to those reared on substrates that changed colour frequently, and compared growth rates among sculpin that differed in their colour change ability. We found evidence of small costs of plasticity, consistent with other studies of natural populations. Evidence of heritable genetic variation for plasticity and small costs to its maintenance and expression contributes to explanations of how plasticity is variable and persistent among wild populations and underscores its ability to respond both positively and negatively to selection in variable habitats.
Structural color production by constructive reflection from ordered collagen arrays in a bird (Philepitta castanea: Eurylaimidae)

Ordered hexagonal arrays of parallel collagen fibers produce the brilliant green structural color of the fleshy, supraorbital caruncles of male Velvet Asity (Philepitta castanea; Aves: Eurylaimidae). The collagen arrays are organized in larger macrofibrils that are packed irregularly within cone-shaped papillae that cover the surface of the caruncle. The color of the caruncle conforms closely to the wavelengths predicted by applying Bragg's Law of constructive reflection to measurements of the size and spatial organization of the collagen arrays. These observations constitute a novel mechanism of structural color production in animals. These collagen arrays are convergently similar to the smaller, highly structured collagen arrays in the mammalian cornea, which exploit the same physical mechanism to produce optical transparency. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A statistical theory of flow stress and work-hardening

Abstract The consequences of a random distribution of point-like obstacles to the movement of dislocations are examined. Firstly, it is proven that a critical applied stress exists; it is determined by a critical value of the fraction of passable obstacles such that the average dislocation segment can keep moving. There is thus no limit to the expandability of a convex dislocation loop; however, the moving dislocation leaves debris behind in the form of concave loops around areas surrounded entirely by impassable obstacles. The rate of this primary dislocation storage with strain, if one considers monopoles only, is very low and again depends on the critical fraction of passable obstacles only, not on any properties of the distribution as long as it is non-singular. The absence of large-scale regularity in the obstacle structure alone (whatever the nature of the obstacles may be) can thus explain “stage II” hardening which is characterized by a value of about 1/300 of the shear modulus, independent of all...
Regulation of Phospholipase C-β1 Activity by Phosphatidic Acid†

The role of phosphatidic acid (PA) in regulating phospholipase C-beta(1) (PLC-beta(1)) activity was determined. PA promoted the binding of PLC-beta(1) to sucrose-loaded unilamellar vesicles (SLUV) containing phosphatidylcholine. PA increased enzymatic activity over a range of Ca(2+) concentrations and reduced the Ca(2+) concentration required for half-maximal stimulation of activity. PA did not affect the apparent K(m) for phosphatidylinositol 4, 5-bisphosphate. Lysophosphatidic acid also enhanced the binding of PLC-beta(1) to SLUV but was less effective in stimulating enzymatic activity. Diacylglycerol, phosphatidylserine, and oleic acid had little effect on activity. Anionic and neutral detergents did not stimulate activity. PA stimulation was relatively independent of acyl chain length. Dipalmitoyl-PA (16:0) was comparable to PA from egg lecithin and dimyristoyl-PA (C14:0) in stimulating activity, while dilauroyl-PA (C12:0) was slightly less effective. A 100 kDa catalytic fragment of PLC-beta(1) lacking amino acid residues C-terminal to His(880) did not bind to PA and was insensitive to stimulation by 7-15 mol % PA. Stimulation of 100 kDa enzymatic activity required 30 mol % PA. PA increased receptor-G protein stimulation of PLC-beta(1) activity in membranes. These results demonstrate that PA stimulates basal and receptor-G protein-regulated PLC-beta(1) activity. PA stimulation occurs through both a C-terminal-dependent and an independent mechanism. The C-terminal-mediated mechanism for stimulation may constitute an important pathway for conferring specific regulation of PLC-beta(1) in response to increases in cellular PA levels.
Spectroscopic study on morphology evolution in polymer blends

The morphological development of crystallizable polymer blends has been investigated using optical microscopy and infrared and Raman spectroscopy. Both binary and ternary blends were studied. In each case, a crystallizable polyester, either poly(hexamethylene adipate) (PHMA) or poly(hexamethylene sebacate) (PHMS), is mixed with noncrystallizable polyether, poly(propylene glycol) (PPG). Although they possess similar chemical structures, PHMA and PHMS exhibit very different miscibility behavior. In ternary blends, an acrylate, poly(methyl methacrylate and n-butyl methacrylate) [P(MMAnBMA)], is also incorporated in the mixture. With the high spatial resolution achievable (∼1 μm2), the composition distribution can be carried out using a micro-Raman instrument. Specific Raman features associated with polyesters have been established. For immiscible PPG/PHMA blends, the composition and distribution within PHMA-rich and PHMA-poor phases are characterized. The exact composition in each phase has been obtained by ...
The effect of smoking on placental and fetal zinc status.

Previous studies have reported a cadmium/zinc interaction in cadmium-exposed pregnant animals that results in (1) increased placental cadmium levels, (2) increased placental zinc levels, and (3) decreased placental zinc transport. This study was carried out to determine whether zinc status would be affected in pregnant women exposed to cadmium through cigarette smoke. Atomic absorption spectroscopy was used to determine the levels of cadmium and zinc; 65 pregnant women who smoke and 84 who do not smoke were studied. Our data reveal that increased cadmium levels in pregnant women as the result of smoking increase placental zinc levels and decrease cord red blood cell zinc levels. Significantly higher levels of both cadmium and zinc were found in the placentas of pregnant women who smoke; moreover, stepwise multiple regression showed that maternal whole blood cadmium levels predicted placental zinc levels. In regard to cord blood, a significant 9% decrease in the red blood cell zinc level was observed in infants of mothers who smoke and this decrease was correlated with smoking activity, as evaluated by measuring plasma levels of thiocyanate. Also cord red blood cell zinc levels were found to correlate with placental zinc levels in nonsmokers but not in smokers. Overall, our data show that a cadmium/zinc interaction does take place in the maternal-fetal-placental unit of pregnant women who. smoke and results in less favorable zinc status in the infants. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1987;157:1241-6.)
Characterization of a cDNA-encoding rabbit brain heme oxygenase-2 and identification of a conserved domain among mammalian heme oxygenase isozymes: possible heme-binding site?

Abstract A 1.3-kb rat testis cDNA clone for heme oxygenase-2 (HO-2) was used as a Northern blot hybridization probe, and a single homologous mRNA species, of approximately 1.3 kb in rabbit brain and testis was detected. This contrasted with the observation made with rat brain in which two HO-2 transcripts of approximately 1.3 and 1.9 kb were detected. Use of the same rat HO-2 probe to screen a rabbit brain cDNA library in λgt11 resulted in the recovery of a single 1.2-kb cDNA clone. This cDNA exhibits 84% overall nucleotide sequence homology with rat HO-2 and encodes a protein of 35,352 Da, displaying 88% amino acid sequence homology with rat testis HO-2. Furthermore, when expressed in Escherichia coli, the rabbit cDNA-encoded protein displays heme oxygenase activity and cross-reactivity with antibody to rat HO-2. Based on findings obtained through Western immunoblot analysis of partially purified HO-2 protein prepared from rabbit testis and brain, the 35- to 36-kDa molecular form appears to be the major HO-2 form detected in the brain, whereas a 42-kDa species is the predominant form observed in rabbit testis. Having deduced the amino acid sequence of rabbit brain HO-2, we provide a comparison of this sequence with those of rat, mouse, and human HO-1 and rat HO-2, and thereby identify a 24-amino-acid-long peptide region which, except for one residue, is identical in all five species of HO-1 and HO-2 compared (96% similarity), and exhibits 100% similarity in predicted secondary structure (for this region) in all five proteins. We propose that this peptide may be important to the heme binding and isomer-specific tetrapyrrole cleavage activities of the heme oxygenase isozymes.
A study on the absorption of nucleic acids by charcoal

Abstract Although charcoal has a high affinity for denatured and for degraded DNA, this property is not useful in separating such molecules from high molecular weight double-stranded (native) DNA.
Boltzmann's H Theorem and the Loschmidt and the Zermelo Paradoxes

The Umkehreinwand of Loschmidt and the Wiederkehreinwand of Zermelo have been reexamined. The former paradox depends on the augument that for a dynamical system, upon the reversal of the velocities of all the molecules, theH function retraces its sequence of values so thatdH/dt will change its sign. The latter paradox depends on the argument that theH function returns infinitely close to its value after a Poincare' quasi-period and therefore cannot be decreasing all the time. While the main contention of the two paradoxes is correct, that theH theorem is inconsistent with classical dynamical laws, the arguments there can be considerably simplified and the “paradoxes” answered more directly. If the distribution functionf(q K ,p K ,t) is governed by an equation which is time-reversal invariant (such as the Liouville equation for a closed dynamical system), then it can be shown immediately thatdH/dt=0,H=cons. In this case, both paradoxes disappear, but together with them, thedH/dt<0 part of theH theorem also has disappeared, i.e., there is no second law of thermodynamics. Iff(q K ,p K ,t) is governed by an equation which is not time-reversal invariant (such as the Boltzmann equation, or the Master Equation for Markovian processes), then (1) there is no argument forf andH(t) to retrace their sequence of values upon the reversal of all the velocities of the system, (2) there is no quasiperiod in whichf andH(t) return to their earlier values. In this case, both paradoxes disappear also, but then one must go beyond classical dynamics in order to maintain theH theorem.
High-pressure synthesis, structure, and photoluminescence of a new KSbO3-type bismuth germanate Bi3Ge3O10.5.

A new Bi3Ge3O10.5 compound has been synthesized under high pressure, P = 7 GPa, and 700 °C. Instead of the pyrochlore that is normally stabilized under high pressure, the Bi3Ge3O10.5 crystallizes in a KSbO3-ype crystal structure. The crystal structure has been refined by the Rietveld method from synchrotron X-ray diffraction data. Moreover, we have also characterized the Bi3Ge3O10.5 by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, photoluminescence, and specific heat.
The Evaluation of Foremen's Performance in Relation to the Internal Characteristics of Their Work Groups

Summary This investigation is concerned with the relationship between merit ratings assigned to foremen and the distribution of managerial traits within their work groups. Data were available on 18 four-man work groups and on the foreman of each. Measures of supervisory ability and decision making approach (DMA) were obtained from a self-description inventory administered to all the subjects. Three variables were found to be related significantly to the merit ratings assigned to the foremen: the foreman's own score on the supervisory ability scale, the difference between the foreman's score and that of the highest man in his work group on the supervisory scale, and the skewness of the distribution of DMA scores among the four men in the work group. The sum of these three variables was found to correlate .92 with the merit ratings.
Communicating by touch--neurons are not alone.

Long-distance cell–cell communication is essential for organ development and function. Whereas neurons communicate at long distances by transferring signals at sites of direct contact (i.e., at synapses), it has been presumed that the only way other cell types signal is by dispersing signals through extracellular fluid – indirectly. Recent evidence from Drosophila suggests that non-neuronal cells also exchange signaling proteins at sites of direct contact, even when long distances separate the cells. We review here contact-mediated signaling in neurons and discuss how this signaling mechanism is shared by other cell types.
Density and temperature sensitive features in high temperature plasma L-shell xenon emission spectra.

We present model calculations demonstrating new density and temperature sensitive ratios of groups of F- and Ne-like Xe lines which are suitable for diagnosing plasma conditions. The method is illustrated by using L-shell Xe emission to infer ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{e}}$ in the fuel region of indirectly driven plastic capsules filled with deuterium and doped with 0.1% Ar and 0.02% Xe. The technique uses tractable atomic models and appears scalable to other Ne-like ions.
Glycans‐by‐design: Engineering bacteria for the biosynthesis of complex glycans and glycoconjugates

There is an urgent need for new tools that enable better understanding of the structure, recognition, metabolism, and biosynthesis of glycans as well as the production of biologically important glycans and glycoconjugates. With the discovery of glycoprotein synthesis in bacteria and functional transfer of glycosylation pathways between species, Escherichia coli cells have become a tractable host for both understanding glycosylation and the underlying glycan code of living cells as well as for expressing glycoprotein therapeutics and vaccines. Here, we review recent efforts to harness natural biological pathways and engineer synthetic designer pathways in bacteria for making complex glycans and conjugating these to lipids and proteins. The result of these efforts has been a veritable transformation of bacteria into living factories for scalable, bottom-up production of complex glycoconjugates by design.
THE MECHANISM OF DENUCLEATION IN CIRCULATING ERYTHROBLASTS

Erythroblast denucleation in the peripheral blood was studied by electron microscopy. Blood was used from dogs anemic either by infection with Babesia canis or from injections of phenylhydrazine hydrochloride. One of the earliest stages of denucleation was the migration of nuclei to the plasmalemma. Mitochondria and coalesced vesicles, derived from the cell membrane of the erythroblast, congregated at the underside of the nuclear envelope unapposed by erythroblastic cell membrane. The coalesced vesicles apparently provided the limiting membrane which surrounded the deep circumference of the extruded nucleus and its associated hemoglobin rim, and also furnished a new plasma membrane for the cell in the area where the nucleus, in denucleation, had utilized the original erythroblastic plasmalemma.
Multiobjective analysis of chaotic dynamic systems with sparse learning machines

Sparse learning machines provide a viable framework for modeling chaotic time-series systems. A powerful state-space reconstruction methodology using both support vector machines (SVM) and relevance vector machines (RVM) within a multiobjective optimization framework is presented in this paper. The utility and practicality of the proposed approaches have been demonstrated on the time series of the Great Salt Lake (GSL) biweekly volumes from 1848 to 2004. A comparison of the two methods is made based on their predictive power and robustness. The reconstruction of the dynamics of the Great Salt Lake volume time series is attained using the most relevant feature subset of the training data. In this paper, efforts are also made to assess the uncertainty and robustness of the machines in learning and forecasting as a function of model structure, model parameters, and bootstrapping samples. The resulting model will normally have a structure, including parameterization, that suits the information content of the available data, and can be used to develop time series forecasts for multiple lead times ranging from two weeks to several months.
The effect of cultivation on sediment composition and deposition in prairie pothole wetlands

Texture, major nutrient content, and deposition rate of sediments were compared for five prairie pothole wetlands surrounded by native grassland and seven otherwise similar wetlands surrounded by row crop and small grain farmland. Specific differences in the nature of the sedimentation cycle of cultivated and noncultivated watersheds were indicated. Flux of total inorganic material into sediments averaged 80 and 43 mg cm−2 yr−1 in cultivated and grassland wetlands, respectively. Cultivated sediments contained significantly higher clay percentages, but lower percentages of silt and sand than grassland sediments. Deposition rates of clay at cultivated sites averaged five times that of grassland locations. Enrichment ratios (the quotient of sediment concentration divided by upland soil concentrations) suggested that sand was selectively retained in equal proportions on uplands in both types of watersheds, that silt was selectively removed (although in different proportions) from uplands in both types of watersheds, and that clay was selectively retained only on grasslands. Total N and organic matter concentrations were significantly higher in both the soils and sediments of grassland watersheds, but there were no differences in total P concentrations with respect to land use. Sediment flux rates for total N and organic matter were similar in the two land use types; however, P was transported at nearly twice the rate to cultivated wetlands. Enrichment ratios indicated that N and P were selectively removed in similar proportions from upland soils in both types of watersheds.
Second Language Acquisition: A Framework for Studying the Importance of Input and Interaction in Exceptional Song Acquisition

Recent studies demonstrate that specific types of live input and social interaction facilitate “exceptional” song acquisition. The term “exceptional” denotes time-independent song acquisition and learning of nonspecies-specific song (or parts of song) and second dialects by birds generally thought to have restrictions on their learning capabilities. Recent research in human second language acquisition (SLA) also emphasizes the roles of input and interaction. The purpose of this paper is to focus on these parallels and suggest that SLA studies can provide further insights into exceptional song acquisition, particularly with respect to new directions for ornithological research.
Augmented Cognition in Human–System Interaction through Coupled Action of Body Sensor Network and Agent Based Modeling

Abstract This research proposes a conceptual model to make significant progress in augmented cognition. We intend to design a generic architecture to improve the collective situational awareness (SA) of a team of soldiers on the battlefield during combat effects, and cultural communications. It also establishes a training outline for future landscapes of a similar nature by providing convincing feedback. It will serve as architecture of a model, based on the current laboratory framework. This involves data analysis of the feedback from the neurophysiological body sensors (heart rate, skin temperature, breathing rate and others) placed on a wearable immersive training vest. It includes gesture tracking gloves and fixed spatial locators. Approximately 15 soldiers will be incorporated into the study. Various training scenarios will be designed to capture all possible body perturbations, movements, and interactions. A similar agent-based model (ABM) of the training environment will be created to augment the soldier's cognitive competencies. ABM will integrate social systems interaction complexity into the decision makin g capability of the soldier in real time. Automated feedback can be provided using the model developed in the event of any social faux pas via gesture tracking and monitoring cognitive capacity. Model can help discover novel talents and render knowledge during training scenarios.
Gender and the Construction of Intimacy among Committed Couples with Children

This study began with curiosity regarding how long-term couples with children manage their relationships in view of changing societal demands and ideals. Couples interviewed for this study described the intersection of time and intimacy as a core issue. Thus, this analysis focused on how couples construct intimacy in shared time. The diverse sample included 17 heterosexual working and professional class couples in the United States who had been committed for at least 10 years and whose oldest child was aged 6–16. Analysis identified four types of shared time experiences: gender divided, elusive, growing, and emotionally connected. Four factors influenced these types: (a) negotiated gendered differences, (b) intentionality, (c) mutual attending, and (d) dyadic friendship. The most emotionally connected couples reported that time together reinforced satisfaction and pleasure from their relationships. Results help explain different ways couples successfully negotiate changing expectations for heterosexual relationships and why some couples struggle. Findings suggest that therapists help couples intentionally develop habits of friendship and mutual attending. Este estudio comenzo con la curiosidad acerca de como las parejas duraderas con ninos manejan sus relaciones en vista de las exigencias y los ideales variables de la sociedad. Las parejas entrevistadas para este estudio describieron la interseccion del tiempo y la intimidad como asunto central. Por lo tanto, este analisis se centro en como las parejas construyen la intimidad en el tiempo compartido. La muestra diversa incluyo 17 parejas heterosexuales de clase trabajadora y profesional de Estados Unidos, quienes habian estado comprometidas durante por lo menos diez anos y cuyo hijo mayor tenia entre 6 y 16 anos. El analisis identifico cuatro tipos de experiencias de tiempo compartido: divididas por el genero, evasivas, en aumento y conectadas emocionalmente. Cuatro factores influyeron en estos tipos de experiencias, (a) diferencias de genero negociadas, (b) intencionalidad, (c) acompanamiento mutuo, y (d) amistad diadica. Las parejas mas conectadas emocionalmente informaron que el tiempo compartido con la pareja reforzo la satisfaccion y el placer de sus relaciones. Los resultados contribuyen a explicar las diferentes maneras en las que las parejas negocian satisfactoriamente las expectativas cambiantes de las relaciones heterosexuales y por que algunas parejas tienen dificultades. Los resultados sugieren que los terapeutas ayudan a las parejas a desarrollar intencionalmente habitos de amistad y acompanamiento mutuo. 本项研究是基于对有孩子的长期稳定的伴侣如何就不断改变的社会需求和理想来处理伴侣关系的好奇。该项研究采访的伴侣表示时间和亲密关系的交叉点是一个核心问题。因此该项分析的重点为伴侣如何利用共享的时间构建 亲密关系。这个多样化的样本包括17对美国异性恋,工人阶层和专业人士组成的伴侣。他们走入相互承诺的伴侣关系至少有10年,其子女最大年龄在6到16岁之间。分析确定了四类共享时间经历:性别分歧型,模糊不清型,成长型和情感亲密型。四个因素会影响这些类型,(a)双方协定的性别差异 (b)意向性(c) 相互关照以及(d) 两元友谊。其中情感最为亲密的伴侣表示共度时光会增强伴侣关系中的满足感和愉悦。研究结果解释了伴侣如何通过不同方法成功协调不断改变的异性恋关系期待以及为什么有一些伴侣会面临困难。研究还发现心理治疗师可以帮助伴侣有意识的培养友谊和相互关照的习惯。
Rainfall dynamics at different temporal scales: A chaotic perspective

Abstract. This study of the behaviour of rainfall dynamics at different temporal scales identifies the type of approach most suitable for transformation of rainfall data from one scale to another. Rainfall data of four different temporal scales, i.e. daily, 2-day, 4-day and 8-day, observed over a period of about 25 years at the Leaf River basin, Mississippi, USA, are analysed. The correlation dimension method is employed to identify the behaviour of rainfall dynamics. The finite correlation dimensions obtained for the four rainfall series (4.82, 5.26, 6.42 and 8.87, respectively) indicate the possible existence of chaotic behaviour in the rainfall observed at the four scales. A possible implication of this might be that the rainfall processes at these scales are related through a chaotic (scale-invariant) behaviour. However, a comparison of the correlation dimension and coefficient of variation of each of the time series reveals an inverse relationship between the two (higher dimension for lower coefficient of variation and vice versa). The presence of a large number of zeros in the higher resolution time series (that could result in an underestimation of the dimension) and the possible presence of a higher level of noise in the lower resolution time series (that could result in an overestimation of the dimension) might account for such results. In view of these problems, it is concluded that the results must be verified using other chaos identification methods and the existence of chaos must be substantiated with additional evidence. Keywords: rainfall, chaos, scaling, correlation dimension, number of variables, coefficient of variation, data size, noise, zeros
Relative Merit of Model Improvement versus Availability of Retrospective Forecasts: The Case of Climate Forecast System MJO Prediction

AbstractRetrospective forecasts of the new NCEP Climate Forecast System (CFS) have been analyzed out to 45 days from 1999 to 2009 with four members (0000, 0600, 1200, and 1800 UTC) each day. The new version of CFS [CFS, version 2 (CFSv2)] shows significant improvement over the older CFS [CFS, version 1 (CFSv1)] in predicting the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO), with skill reaching 2–3 weeks in comparison with the CFSv1’s skill of nearly 1 week. Diagnostics of experiments related to the MJO forecast show that the systematic error correction, possible only because of the enormous hindcast dataset and the ensemble aspects of the prediction system (4 times a day), do contribute to improved forecasts. But the main reason is the improvement in the model and initial conditions between 1995 and 2010.
Spermine synthase overexpression in vivo does not increase susceptibility to DMBA/TPA skin carcinogenesis or Min-Apc intestinal tumorigenesis

Numerous studies have demonstrated a link between elevated polyamine biosynthesis and neoplastic growth, but the specific contribution of spermine synthase to epithelial tumor development has never been explored in vivo. Mice with widespread overexpression of spermine synthase (CAG-SpmS) exhibit decreased spermidine levels, increased spermine and a significant rise in tissue spermine:spermidine ratio. We characterized the response of CAG-SpmS mice to two-stage skin chemical carcinogenesis as well as spontaneous intestinal carcinogenesis induced by loss of the Apc tumor suppressor in ApcMin/+ (Min) mice. CAG-SpmS mice maintained the canonical increases in ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity, polyamine content and epidermal thickness in response to tumor promoter treatment of the skin. The induction of S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase (AdoMetDC) activity and its product decarboxylated AdoMet were impaired in CAG-SpmS mice, and the spermine:spermidine ratio was increased 3-fold in both untreated and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-treated skin. The susceptibility to 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)/TPA skin carcinogenesis was not altered in CAG-SpmS mice, and SpmS overexpression did not modify the previously described tumor resistance of mice with targeted antizyme expression or the enhanced tumor response in mice with targeted spermidine/spermine-N1-acetyltransferase expression. CAG-SpmS/Min mice also exhibited elevated spermine:spermidine ratios in the small intestine and colon, yet their tumor multiplicity and size was similar to Min mice. Therefore, studies in two of the most widely used tumorigenesis models demonstrate that increased spermine synthase activity and the resulting elevation of the spermine:spermidine ratio does not alter susceptibility to tumor development initiated by c-Ha-Ras mutation or Apc loss.
Porcine interleukin 2: parameters of production and biochemical characterization.

Abstract Interleukin 2 (IL2) or T cell growth factor (TCGF) has been characterized in a number of species but not in porcines. Porcine IL2 was detected in supernates (SN) of cultures of pig lymphocytes by: 1) the stimulation of the IL2-sensitive murine T cell line, CT6; 2) a costimulator assay involving porcine thymocytes; and 3) by the in vitro maintenance of antigen or mitogen-induced porcine lymphoblastoid cells. Porcine IL2 production by pig lymphocytes was induced by the mitogens Concanavalin A (Con A) Phytohemagglutinin (PHA), and Pokeweed mitogen (PWM), but not by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). IL2 activity was demonstrated in the SN of mitogen-stimulated lymphocyte cultures as early as 24 hr after initiation of culture, reached peak levels at 48 hr, and decreased by 72 hr. Mitogens induced IL2 secretion by pig peripheral blood mononuclear cells, lymph node cells, and spleen cells, but not thymus cells. The cells responsible for IL2 production are presumptive T cells because: 1) they are nylon wool non-adherent; and 2) are non-surface-Ig bearing. In contrast, SN from cultures of surface Ig-positive cells had minimal IL2 activity. Porcine IL2 resembles rat and human IL2 in that it has an apparent molecular weight of approximately 15,000, and does not bind to DEAE-cellulose (DE-52) ion exchange columns equilibrated in 0.05 M sodium phosphate buffer (pH 7.6).
Artemisia santolinifolia enhances glutamatergic neurotransmission in the nucleus of the solitary tract

Artemisia extracts have been used as remedies for a variety of maladies related to metabolic and gastrointestinal control. Because the vagal afferent-nucleus of the solitary tract (NST) synapse regulates the same homeostatic functions affected by Artemisia, it is possible that these extracts may have activity at the synaptic level in the NST. Therefore, we evaluated how extracts of three common medicinal Artemisia species, Artemisia santolinifolia (SANT), Artemisia scoparia (SCO), and Artemisia dracunculus L (PMI-5011), modulate the excitability of the glutamatergic vagal afferent-NST synapse. Our in vitro live cell calcium imaging data from prelabeled vagal afferent terminals show that SANT extract is a positive modulator of vagal afferent calcium levels, as the extract significantly increased the calcium signal relative to the time control. Neither SCO nor PMI-5011 extract altered the vagal calcium signals compared to the time control. Furthermore, whole cell voltage-clamp recordings from NST neurons corroborated the vagal terminal calcium data in that SANT extract also significantly increased miniature excitatory postsynaptic current (mEPSC) frequency in NST neurons. These data suggest that SANT extract could be a pharmacologically significant mediator of glutamatergic neurotransmission within the CNS.
Perchlorate formation by ozone oxidation of aqueous chlorine/oxy-chlorine species: role of ClxOy radicals.

The environmental occurrence of perchlorate (ClO4−) can be related to either natural or anthropogenic sources. Recent studies highlighted the ubiquitous occurrence of natural ClO4− in the environment including wet deposition in the United States. Limited studies have investigated potential mechanisms responsible for natural ClO4− production in the environment. These studies have neither addressed the influence of relevant reaction conditions nor have they evaluated the rates of ClO4− production. The purpose of this study was to determine the comparative yields and rates of ClO4− production from O3 mediated oxidation of Cl−, OCl−, ClO2−, ClO3−, and ClO2. The influence of reactant (O3 and ClOx−) concentration and pH were evaluated. The comparative rate and efficiency of ClO4− production is generally greater for higher oxidation states of Cl (2.7 to 0.5% for ClO2−/ClO2 and 0.02 to 0.005% for OCl−/HOCl oxidation) with the notable exception of ClO3− which does not react with O3. The very slow rate of ClO4− pro...
HARD AND SOFT COLLISIONS IN GAUGE/STRING DUALITY AND POMERON INTERCEPT IN STRONG COUPLING

We briefly review the Maldecena duality conjecture, leading to the calculation for the glueball spectrum and the Pomeron intercept in the strong coupling limit. One key feature of String/Gauge duality is an extra "radial" dimension, leading to an asymptotic AdS geometry. One necessary ingredient for describing QCD is a confining deformation leading to a finite string tension. Using this gauge/string duality, a unified description is provided for both the soft and the hard Pomeron in the strong coupling limit.
Factors affecting composition and Yield of a Foam Fraction Recovered from Ice Cream

Abstract A foam fraction, considered to be a concentrated source of the lamellae that covers the air bubbles, was recovered from melted ice cream. Foam yield was influenced by composition and manufacturing variables. Factors favoring an increase in foam yield were increases in fat, emulsifier, or stabilizer content of mix, extending the exposure time in the freezing cylinder, increasing the over-run, and reducing the draw temperature at the freezer. Compared to whole ice cream, a typical foam fraction contained 50% more fat, 26% more protein, 32% more calcium, and 35% more phosphorus. Ice cream containing emulsifier yielded more foam, and the fat content of foam was greater than when emulsifier had not been added to mix. The concentrations of C 18 unsaturated acids were 25 to 30% higher in the total lipid, triglyceride, diglyceride, and phospholipid fractions of foam than in their counterparts from the serum that drained from foam. Unsaturated monoglycerides exhibited a greater affinity for the serum phase. The results suggest that the particular mechanism operative in the formation of foam and the coating of air bubbles with a surface layer depend, to a considerable degree, on whether an emulsifier was incorporated into mix.
Calorimetric and magnetic determination of the interfacial enthalpy and heat of mixing in Ag(Ni) alloys

Abstract A new method for the determination of the interfacial enthalpy between unlike phases is presented. A differential scanning calorimeter was used to measure the heat released during precipitation of a superparamagnetic phase from a supersaturated solid solution. The volume distribution of the precipitated phase was determined by maximum entropy modeling of the magnetization, measured to ultra-high fields, as a linear superposition of Langevin functions. Transmission electron microscopy was used to determine the aspect ratios of the precipitates, which were combined with the volume distributions to calculate the total interfacial area in each specimen. The saturation magnetization was used to determine the total amount of the precipitated phase in each sample. The changes in enthalpy, interfacial area, and amount precipitated were used in a thermodynamic and kinetic model to calculate the interfacial enthalpy and heat of mixing. This method was applied to Ag–(5–10) at.% Ni alloys, produced in thin-film form by electron-beam co-evaporation. The average interfacial enthalpy between Ag and Ni, and the heat of mixing were found to be, respectively, 779±76 mJ/m 2 and 3.59±0.03 kJ/mol for the average alloy composition of 6.89 at.% Ni.
Experimental and clinical experience using tissue regeneration for urethral reconstruction

Various urethral conditions often require additional tissue for reconstruction. Although several innovative tissues have been proposed for possible use as free grafts for urethral repair, all have specific advantages and disadvantages. The use of these tissues may be associated with additional procedures for graft retrieval, prolonged hospitalization, and donor-site morbidity. For these reasons, alternate materials have been sought for urethral repair. Our laboratory has developed an acellular collagen matrix that has shown adequate urothelial-cell epithelialization and urethral-tissue regeneration both experimentally and clinically. After a 3-year follow-up period, all patients who have had their urethras reconstructed with the acellular matrix are doing well, showing no clinical change from their immediate postoperative results. Other acellular materials may soon be tried clinically. Long-term studies need to be conducted before any of these materials can be accepted for routine use in urethral reconstructive procedures.
Cyclical quantum memory for photonic qubits

We have performed a proof-of-principle experiment in which qubits encoded in the polarization states of single photons from a parametric down-conversion source were coherently stored and read out from a quantum memory device. The memory device utilized a simple free-space storage loop, providing a cyclical readout that could be synchronized with the cycle time of a quantum computer. The coherence of the photonic qubits was maintained during switching operations by using a high-speed polarizing Sagnac interferometer switch.
Nitric oxide may upregulate in vivo hepatic protein synthesis during endotoxemia.

• Nitric oxide (NO) has been implicated as a mediator of hemodynamic and metabolic changes associated with endotoxemia and inflammation. In vitro studies suggest that NO inhibits hepatocyte protein synthesis but the role of NO in the regulation of hepatic protein synthesis in vivo is not known. In this study, rats were given endotoxin or saline after pretreatment with the NO synthase inhibitor N G -nitro-L-arginine or solvent, and plasma levels of nitrite (NO 2 ), nitrate (NO 3 ), and aspartate aminotransferase and hepatic protein synthesis rate in vivo were measured after 4 and 10 hours. The N G -nitro-L-arginine effectively blocked the increase in serum NO 2 /NO 3 seen in endotoxemia and also inhibited the increase in hepatic protein synthesis in endotoxemic rats. The aspartate aminotransferase levels were elevated in endotoxemic rats pretreated with N G -nitro-L-arginine. Results support previous reports of a protective effect of NO on the liver in endotoxemia and suggest that NO may upregulate hepatic protein synthesis in vivo. Further study is needed to clarify the reason for the apparent difference between the effect of NO on hepatic protein synthesis in vivo and in vitro. ( Arch Surg . 1993;128:152-157)