cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
signature channels of excitability no more: L-type channels in immune cells

Although the concept of Ca(2+) as a universal messenger is well established, it was assumed that the regulatory mechanisms of Ca(2+)-signaling were divided along the line of electric excitability. Recent advances in molecular biology and genomics have, however, provided evidence that non-excitable cells such as immunocytes also express a wide and diverse pool of ion channels that does not differ as significantly from that of excitable cells as originally assumed. Ion channels and transporters are involved in virtually all aspects of immune response regulation, from cell differentiation and development to activation, and effector functions such as migration, antibody-secretion, phagosomal maturation, or vesicular delivery of bactericidal agents. This comprises TRP channel family members, voltage- and Ca(2+)-gated K(+)- and Na(+)-channels, as well as unexpectedly, components of the CaV1-subfamily of voltage-gated L-type Ca(2+)-channels, originally thought to be signature molecules of excitability. This article provides an overview of recent observations made in the field of CaV1 L-type channel function in the immune context, as well as presents results we obtained studying these channels in B-lymphocytes.
Anti-Corruption Internationally: Challenges In Procurement Markets Abroad—Part II:The Path Forward for Using Procurement Law to Help with Development and the Fight Against Corruption

This paper, presented at the West Government Contracts Year in Review Conference (covering 2012), discusses developing issues in international public procurement. Among other things, the paper suggests that there is growing recognition of the role that procurement can play in national development and the fight against corruption. In the paper the author points out that, while there is a worldwide trend toward more and more similar procurement systems, that trend does not mean that procurement systems are becoming, or should become, uniform. Moreover, the author contends in the paper that procurement law has only a limited role in national development and the fight against corruption, and it is important that the focus shift more to implementation. With respect to the procurement legal framework, the author advocates a focus on key principles and the essential minimum requirements, rather than on specific details.
Monitoring duration of coverage in Medicaid and CHIP to assess program performance and quality.

Abstract Objective To assess measures of Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage duration for potential inclusion in a core set of children's health care quality measures as called for by the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act (CHIPRA) of 2009. Methods We reviewed published and unpublished reports and spoke to researchers, analysts, and program officials at the federal level and in selected states. Measures available in administrative data were assessed with regard to the feasibility of implementation and their validity in terms of their association with child health outcomes and state policy choices. Results Although many measures are feasible to construct using existing administrative data, prospective measures of duration that examine a cohort of new enrollees were found to be the most valid measures based on research linking their outcomes to program policies and their consistent interpretation across states with similar enrollment and renewal structures. However, the inability of some states to link together data from their Medicaid and CHIP enrollment files affects the interpretation of these and other measures across states. Conclusions Prospective and retrospective measures of duration were recommended for inclusion in the core set of quality measures. Although the prospective and retrospective measures were ranked high in terms of validity and importance by the Subcommittee on Quality Measures for Children's Health Care in Medicaid and CHIP, concerns were raised about feasibility given that no state currently uses these measures to monitor program performance. Additional technical and financial resources and enhancements to administrative data systems will be needed to support state efforts in this area of quality assessment, particularly in the areas of linking Medicaid and CHIP data files, improving reason for disenrollment codes, and improving race and ethnicity coding. Monitoring how well states are doing at enrolling and retaining children in Medicaid and CHIP is a critical component to assessing overall program performance and quality and for interpreting many of the other proposed quality measures.
A framework for rapid computational prototyping of manufacturing entities

A framework for enhancement of conceptual tools for rapid computational prototyping of manufacturing entities is presented. A typical manufacturing entity (i.e. manufacturing system and/or individual part) is hierarchically represented in a computer and coupled with applications by dividing its information content into three computational elements: data, drawing and user interface. The information content is divided in this way because each of the above elements has a sufficiently distinct requirement for an efficient computer implementation. Although independent advances have taken place in computer data representation by highly efficient and focused data structures, in drawing representation by sophisticated computer graphics, as well as in user interface by a variety of interface media, these advances cannot be directly utilized in the design of a manufacturing entity unless they are efficiently integrated by relatively small programming effort as is deseribed in this rapid prototyping framework. The framework is implemented in object-oriented programming. A breadth of application areas for the framework is illustrated, and specific details are illustrated with reference to depth in one application area.
Low-Cost 20 Gbps Digital Test Signal Synthesis Using SiGe and InP Logic

This paper demonstrates the signal performance obtained by combining data from two 10 Gbps SiGe serializers using a very high-speed, low-jitter InP exclusive-OR gate. The technique has been used in the past for lower-speed (i.e. ?12.8 Gbps) applications. However, success at higher speeds depends upon tight control of timing and signal integrity. Relatively low-cost (off-the-shelf) components are used so that the method can be applied to test scenarios requiring many high-speed channels. Analysis of the demonstration circuit performance reveals the challenges, capabilities, and limitations of the method. A Development Platform is also described that facilitates individual module characterization and integration of multiple modules to form customized test systems.
Combined use of the method of thermoplasticity and the method of the shrinkage function for the study of the process of thermal straightening of shipbuilding panels

We present an approach to the combined use of the general method of thermoplasticity and the approximate method of the shrinkage function for predicting total distortions of large-sized spatial structures in welding or thermal straightening. The proposed approach is particularly efficient in the case of a large number of welded joints in the structure or local heatings in thermal straightening. An example of using the approach in the study of the efficiency of the process of thermal straightening of shipbuilding panels is presented.
Competition between two lasing modes of Sulforhodamine 640 in highly scattering media

Two lasing modes are observed for Sulforhodamine 640 in highly scattering media pumped by 3-ns 532-nm laser pulses. The stimulated-emission thresholds are found to depend on both concentration of laser dye and scattering particle density. At 2.5 × 10−2 M dye solution with TiO2 scattering nanoparticles from 5 × 109 cm−3 to 1011 cm−3, the thresholds are found to decrease by more than 2 orders of magnitude. The dominating lasing modes are found to switch from 650 to 620 nm with the increase of density of scatterers.
Electro-oxidation of Hydrogen with Carbon Monoxide on Pt/Ru-Based Ternary Catalysts

Five carbon-supported Pt/Ru-based catalysts (Pt/Ru, Pt/Ru/Os, Pt/Ru/Au, Pt/Ru/SnO x , and Pt/Ru/WO x ) were studied for electro-oxidation of H 2 and H 2 with 1% CO at the anode of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell. For H 2 oxidation, the performance of the Pt/Ru anode was not affected by addition of W, Os, and Au. However, the Pt/Ru/SnO x catalyst was found to result in a very poor performance for H 2 oxidation. For electro-oxidation of H 2 with 1% CO, the Pt/Ru/WO x catalyst was the most active catalyst and the Pt/Ru/Au catalyst was the poorest. Pt/Ru/WO x was almost twice as active as the Pt/Ru catalyst at practical potentials. A new intermediate mechanism was proposed to explain the CO tolerance of Pt/Ru-based catalysts.
African American women in the struggle for the vote, 1850-1920

This study of African American women's roles in the suffrage movement breaks new ground. Rosalyn Terborg-Penn draws from many original documents to take a comprehensive look at the African American women who sought the right to vote. She discovers numerous Black suffragists previously unknown. Analyzing the women's own stories, she examines why they joined the woman suffrage movement in the United States and how they participated in it - with white women, Black men, as members of African American women's organizations, or simultaneously in all three. Terborg-Penn further discusses their various levels of interaction and types of feminist philosophy. Noting that not all African American woman suffragists were from elite circles, Terborg-Penn finds representation from working-class and professional women as well. They came from all parts of the nation. Some employed radical, others conservative means to gain the right to vote. Black women, however, were unified in working to use the ballot to improve not only their own status, but also the lives of Black people in their communities. Drawing from innumerable sources, Terborg-Penn argues that sexism and racism prevented African American women from voting and from full participation in the national suffrage movement. Following the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment, state governments in the South, enacted policies that disfranchised African American women, with many white suffragists closing their eyes to the discriminatory acts. Despite efforts to keep Black women politically powerless, Terborg-Penn contends that the Black suffrage was a source of empowerment. Every political and racial effort to keep African American women disfranchised met with their active resistance until Black women achieved full citizenship.
Business Intelligence Competency Centers: Centralizing an Enterprise Business Intelligence Strategy

Enterprises today continue to invest in business intelligence (BI) initiatives with the hope of providing a strategic advantage to their organizations. Many of these initiatives are supporting the tactical goals of individual business units and not the strategic goals of the enterprise. Although this decentralized approach provides short term gains, it creates an environment where information silos develop and the enterprise as a whole struggles to develop a single version of the truth when it comes to providing strategic information. Enterprises are turning toward a centralized approach to BI which aligns with their overall strategic goals. At the core of the centralized approach is the business intelligence competency center (BICC). This paper details why the centralized BICC approach should be considered an essential component of all enterprise BI initiatives. Examining case studies of BICC implementations details the benefits realized by real world companies who have taken this approach. It is also important to provide analysis of the two BI approaches in the areas of BI process and BI technology/data and people relations. The findings indicate the benefits of the centralized BICC outweigh the deficiencies of the decentralized approach.
Determination of the Power-Law Wind Profile Exponent on a Tropical Coast

Abstract Hourly measurements of temperature and wind speed (at 10 and 33 m) for a one-year period were made on the flat south coast of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. Values of the exponent p used in the power-law wind profile were obtained by applying criteria of Golder's (1972) nomogram, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission's (1974) temperature difference method, and Sedefian's (1980) formulation. It was found that p ranges from 0.15 for stability class A to >0.40 for class F. Thus the familiar 1/7 power law will not be useful for a tropical coast. Since expected values of p as determined from Sedefian's nomogram were in good agreement with the observations, it is recommended for use in a tropical environment.
Overcoming Barriers to Vegetable Consumption by Preschool Children: A Child Care Center Buying Club

Barriers to healthy eating in low-income families include the perceived and actual cost of fruits and vegetables, availability of and access to healthy foods, and parental time constraints. This pilot study represents a unique food-based obesity prevention program that targeted parents of preschool children. This program attempted to address 2 barriers to vegetable consumption, time constraints and cost, by offering local produce in a child care center and providing coupon incentives. Over half of the 29 participants were low-income, and 33% of parent-participants reported that the intervention increased vegetable consumption in their children.
Cytoskeleton. Evolution in bacteria.

Actin is a major component of the cytoskeleton in yeast, plant and animal cells, but when did it evolve? The discovery of a bacterial protein that forms actin-like filaments suggests an answer.
Analysis of Commercial Pilocarpine Preparations by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography

Abstract Pilocarpine, isopilocarpine, pilocarpic acid, and isopilocarpic acid can be measured effectively by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Previous reports have differed on the degree of contamination of commercial pilocarpine preparations with isopilocarpine and pilocarpic acid. This report describes a study of commercial pilocarpine in which no significant contamination was found.
Environmental consistency determines the rate of motor adaptation.

Summary Background The motor system has the remarkable ability not only to learn but also to learn how fast it should learn. However, the mechanisms behind this ability are not well understood. Previous studies have posited that the rate of adaptation in a given environment is determined by Bayesian sensorimotor integration based on the amount of variability in the state of the environment. However, experimental results have failed to support several predictions of this theory. Results We show that the rate at which the motor system adapts to changes in the environment is primarily determined not by the degree to which environmental change occurs but by the degree to which the changes that do occur persist from one movement to the next, i.e., the consistency of the environment. We demonstrate a striking double dissociation whereby feedback response strength is predicted by environmental variability rather than consistency, whereas adaptation rate is predicted by environmental consistency rather than variability. We proceed to elucidate the role of stimulus repetition in speeding up adaptation and find that repetition can greatly potentiate the effect of consistency, although unlike consistency, repetition alone does not increase adaptation rate. By leveraging this understanding, we demonstrate that the rate of motor adaptation can be modulated over a range that encompasses a 20-fold increase from lowest to highest. Conclusions Understanding the mechanisms that determine the rate of motor adaptation could lead to the principled design of improved procedures for motor training and rehabilitation. Regimens designed to control environmental consistency and repetition during training might yield faster, more robust motor learning.
Bond Valence Sums in Coordination Chemistry Using Oxidation State Independent R0 Values. A Simple Calculation of the Oxidation State of Titanium in Complexes Containing Ti−N, Ti−O, and Ti−Cl Bonds

A simple method for determining the oxidation state of the Ti in complexes involving only N, O, or Cl donors using the bond valence sum, henceforth BVS, is proposed. New R0 values of 1.906 for Ti−N, 1.790 for Ti−O, and 2.184 for Ti−Cl were determined from TiLn complexes where L was N, O, or Cl and n varied from 4 to 7. These R0 values were then used to calculate the BVS for 534 Ti complexes with coordination numbers of 4−7 and only N, O, or Cl as donor atoms. Examples where the BVS was a noninteger value or differed from the reported oxidation state are discussed.
The anodic oxidation of sulfide on platinum electrodes

Abstract The anodic oxidation of sulfide species on a platinum electrode in alkaline solutions has been studied using a wide variety of techniques. Sulfide oxidation results in the formation of a surface layer containing platinum(IV) sulfide and sulfur, that passivates the electrode. Further oxidation is possible only after this layer is removed either by oxidation or reduction. Oxide formation is inhibited in sulfide solutions because of the competing adsorption of S2− and HO−. Similarly, sulfide oxidation to sulfur is practically eliminated on oxide covered surfaces. At high enough potentials, oxidation to sulfate is again possible. The oxide film can be chemically removed at high sulfide concentrations, resulting in further sulfur deposition. The electrocatalytical activity of sulfur deposits towards the oxidation of several compounds (e.g., methanol, CO, formic acid) is probably related to the inhibition of oxide formation. From the potential dependence of the electrode impedance some solid state properties (dielectric constant, resistivity) and the thickness of the surface film have been estimated.
Effect of three liquid additives on diffusion of atropine from ointment bases.

Abstract Water, alcohol, and dimethyl sulfoxide were each incorporated at 1, 2, and 5% concentrations into four ointment bases containing atropine. The diffusion of drug from five samples of each base was determined at 20‐min. intervals for 2 hr. The diffusion process was zero order after 20 min. In the majority of instances, diffusion was significantly enhanced by the presence of the liquids. The concentration of liquid additive had significant effect in some instances; however, this effect was dependent on the type of base. Rate constants were calculated, and data were subjected to statistical analyses. The viscosity of each mixture was determined and, in some instances, appeared to correlate with the diffusion rates.
Non-NMDA receptor-mediated neuronal injury in Alzheimer's disease?

Abstract The foregoing review by J.T. Greenamyre and A.B. Young provides an excellent discussion of the alterations in excitatory amino acid transmitter systems that accompany Alzheimer's disease, and the interesting possibility that excitotoxicity may participate in disease pathogenesis. I would add a speculation that non-NMDA receptors may be particularly important in mediating such excitotoxicity.
Role of bone marrow derived precursor cells in wound healing

Abstract Introduction: Neovascularization, necessary for wound healing, involves angiogenesis and vasculogenesis. Bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are key to vasculogenesis. We hypothesized ischemic wounds have a deficit of EPCs. Methods: EPCs were quantified using LacZ-Tie-2 transgenic mice, where beta-galactosidase (beta-gal) is expressed by the Tie-2 promoter. Wild type mice were transplanted with bone marrow from LacZ-Tie-2 mice. 4 wks later, chimeric mice underwent unilateral femoral artery ligation and bilateral 3mm punch-biopsy of hindlimbs. Ischemia was monitored with laser Doppler. Wound closure was assessed for 14 d with digital imaging. 5 mice/group were sacrificed on postoperative day 3 to harvest: wound, skeletal muscle, un-wounded adjacent skin, and remote skin. EPC counts were quantified by beta-gal staining in serial cross sections. Results: We observed significantly decreased EPCs in ischemic wounds, without a difference in the overall cellularity. Significantly higher numbers of EPCs were observed in the ischemic muscle. As expected, ischemic wounds showed significantly decreased healing rates. Non-ischemic healing wounds had significantly increased EPCs. EPC numbers showed a three-fold increase in ischemic hindlimb skeletal muscle with or without overlying wounds. Conclusions: Ischemic wounds suffer from significantly reduced EPC numbers at day 3 post-wounding and these wounds show delayed healing. Conversely, increased numbers of EPCs are observed in non-ischemic healing wounds. To our knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating an early EPC deficit in ischemic wounds thus targeting vasculogenesis as a potential key component of delay wound healing in ischemia.
Earthquakes associated with diffuse zones of deformation in the oceanic lithosphere: some examples

Abstract We review the results of source parameters of earthquakes associated with the eastern end of the Azores-Gibraltar plate boundary, the Davie ridge near Madagascar, and the Horizon bank in the north Fiji basin to characterize the nature of present-day tectonics in diffuse zones of deformation in the oceanic lithosphere. In comparison with typical plate boundaries, diffuse zones of deformation are in general characterized by complex morphological expressions and scattered seismicity of up to several hundred kilometers width. Although the average rate of displacement across these regions is not resolvable by current models of global plate reconstruction, the deformation is not truly intraplate in nature because strain is concentrated and often distinct tectonic boundaries can be identified. Earthquakes with seismic moments as large as 8 × 10 20 Nm have occurred in bands of scattered seismicity that are associated with diffuse zones of deformation in the oceanic lithosphere. In two cases, the zones of diffuse deformation continue into the continental lithosphere east of Gibraltar and north of the Davie ridge. However, the largest earthquakes occur in the oceanic part of these two zones. In contrast to previous reports, the depth of earthquakes is quite shallow ( In regions where a mixture of focal mechanisms occur, the consistent parameter is usually the orientation of the P -or the T- axes , instead of that of the nodal planes or slip vectors. Thus, as in the continental lithosphere, zones of diffuse deformation in the oceanic lithosphere seem to be better described by a regional compression or extension field rather than by displacement on discrete faults.
Diotic and dichotic frequency recognition in a single-interval temporal interference procedure

The frequency discriminability of a 70-dB SPL, 20-msec test tone followed 5 msec later by an equally intense 500-msec, 800-Hz interference tone was studied in a single-interval procedure for one diotic condition and three dichotic conditions. The test tone (T) and interference tone (I) were presented the same to both ears (ToIo, diotic condition) and in three dichotic conditions: (1) the interference tone was presented to the right ear (R) and the test tone to the left ear (L) (TLIR), (2) the interference tone was presented the same to both ears and the test tone to one ear (TmIo), and (3) the interference tone was presented the same to both ears and the test tone to both ears with an interaural phase reversal (TπIo). The threshold value for test tone frequency discrimination in the diotic temporal interference condition was approximately six times greater than that obtained without an interference tone. The three dichotic temporal interference conditions yielded essentially equivalent threshold values which were approximately 2.4 times that obtained when the test tone was presented without an interference tone. Therefore, although never equaling interference-free conditions, dichotic test tone presentations can improve frequency recognition relative to diotic conditions at intensities well above threshold. It is postulated that this improvement may be due to the spatial separation of test and interfering tones, rather than to possible differences in diotic vs. dichotic subjective intensities. Dichotic-diotic frequency recognition differences did not occur when a 100-msec interval separated the test and interfering tone or when the interfering tone preceded the test tone.
Rethinking Locational Outcomes for Housing Choice Vouchers: A Case Study in Duval County, Florida

This study examines locational patterns of housing choice vouchers in Duval County, Florida, using the Housing Suitability Model (HSM), a newly developed geographic information system–based model that evaluates residential land parcels and neighborhoods in terms of their suitability for affordable housing. The HSM was used to characterize voucher locations and other residential parcels across the county in terms of opportunity and accessibility. The analysis explores the tradeoffs between opportunity and accessibility inherent in many neighborhoods throughout the county. It finds that voucher holders' locations lag substantially behind other residential locations in terms of opportunity measures but are more comparable in terms of accessibility. Further analysis finds differences in opportunity and accessibility among subgroups of voucher holders by various demographic characteristics. The study recommends the incorporation of opportunity and accessibility for voucher holders into local housing planning, ...
Customized In Silico Population Mimics Actual Population in Docetaxel Population Pharmacokinetic Analysis

Population pharmacokinetic (PK) analyses have been successfully incorporated into drug dosing optimization; however, these analyses necessitate relatively large patient cohorts that many clinical trials do not have the luxury of affording. To address this problem, we developed an approach that utilizes physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling coupled with Monte Carlo simulation to generate a virtual population, complete with associated patient characteristics and PK data, for population PK analysis. For this work, we used a previously published PBPK model for docetaxel and found that the systemic clearance of this drug was significantly affected by blood volume, slowly perfused tissue volume, and two liver metabolic parameters—the maximum rate of liver metabolism and the Michaelis constant for liver metabolism. These findings, as well as the PK variability predictions, are consistent with those previously associated with docetaxel clearance in population PK analyses performed with actual patient populations, namely plasma protein levels, body size, and hepatic function. Thus, this in silico exercise demonstrates the utility of simulation modeling coupled to population PK analysis for the estimation of PK variability and the identification of patient characteristics that affect a drug's PK in the absence of data assembled from large clinical trials.
COITAL EXPERIENCE AND DEFINITION OF MASCULINITY AND FEMININITY BY COLLEGE STUDENTS

Recent changes in sexual behavior of unmarried college students raise the question as to whether or not they are accompanied by changes in conceptions of masculinity and femininity on the part of t...
Male production in Parachartergus colobopterus, a neotropical, swarm-founding wasp

Studies of within-colony genetic conflicts have revealed that worker interests sometimes prevail even when they conflict with the queens' interests. Male production is one area where worker's and queens' interests may conflict. A worker is most closely related to her own sons; however, queens often monopolize male production even when outnumbered by the workers. A possible explanation is that workers prevent each other from reproducing when they are more highly related to queen's sons than to other worker's sons. We investigated male production in Parachartergus colobopterus, using DNA microsatellite loci to determine withincolony relatedness and who produced the males. Males were only produced in colonies where collective worker interests and queen interests both favored queens' sons. Analyses of the male genotypes showed that males were produced by the queens. Queen production of males could also be favored if worker reproduction reduced colony efficiency. This is an example of a situation where potenti...
Narrow optical filtering tolerance of 127-Gb/s DP-QPSK utilizing real-time DSP with 20 cascaded 50-GHz filters in the presence of 40,200-ps/nm chromatic dispersion

Tolerance of 127-Gb/s DP-QPSK signal with real-time DSP is experimentally investigated. The results show high tolerance to narrow optical filtering with large CD and center frequency offsets making this system very attractive for Metro links.
Chloral hydrate-ethanol interactions in the mouse and dog

Abstract The concurrent administration of ethanol to mice markedly enhanced the depressant action of chloral hydrate. The effect suggests a potentiation, rather than a simple summation, of the depressant actions of the two compounds. When chloral hydrate and ethanol were given together to mice, the disappearance of ethanol as well as of trichloroethanol was inhibited. In contrast to mice, ethanol disappearance was not altered in dogs when chloral hydrate was given concurrently. The metabolism of chloral hydrate, however, was altered by ethanol. Peak blood concentrations of chloral hydrate were elevated and blood trichloroethanol concentrations rose more rapidly and attained greater peak and subsequent levels. The interaction between chloral hydrate and ethanol in dogs may involve an inhibition of the oxidation of chloral hydrate to trichloroacetic acid resulting in its greater availability for reduction to trichloroethanol.
Some Reliability Relations for Mixed Populations and Failure Modes

Expressions for various reliability measures are given for competing failure modes, mixtures of s-independent populations and the stochastic combination of the two cases.
Omega-3 fatty acids in mood disorders: an overview

This review addresses the potential role of omega-3 fatty acids in mood disorders, from the biochemical rationale for their use to the growing body of data supporting their clinical efficacy.
Beam Coupling to Linear Waveguides Using Lenslike Waveguides

Theoretical coupling of a guided Gaussian beam in a planar dielectric waveguide to a rectangular waveguide using a lenslike coupling region is investigated. The coupling region is formed by varying the thickness of the planar waveguide. When the center height of a sample structure is of the order of 1.58 wavelengths, a 100-λ wide beam can be coupled to a linear waveguide 5 λ wide in a distance of 957.35 λ. The theoretical coupling efficiency approaches 100%.
Quenching effects in strong penguin contributions to ε′/ε

Quenching effects in strong penguin matrix elements are investigated. A lattice determination of α q N S , the constant that appears in the quenched ChPT relevant for the lattice analysis of K → π π matrix elements, shows that this constant is large. The original RBC analysis of Q6 matrix elements is revisited in light of this result. Also, the numerical effects of choosing the singlet Golterman-Pallante method of quenching Q6 is investigated.
Structural changes during the formation of gold single atom chains: stability criteria and electronic structure

Under tensile deformation, Au nanowires (NWs) elongate to form single atom chains via a series of intermediate structural transformations. These intermediate structures are investigated using static density-functional theory, with particular attention paid to their behavior under load. The accessibility of these structures and their stability under load are found to be key factors governing the morphological evolution of the NW, while the ground-state energy of the unstrained structures does not correlate well with the observed behavior. Reverse loading conditions are also studied, where a NW is first deformed in tension and then deformed in compression. Again, accessibility and stability under load are the key criteria for predicting the evolution of the NW. Finally, electronic structure studies show abrupt opening and closing of small band gaps during tensile deformation, possibly explaining conductance oscillations observed experimentally. An analysis of the orbital interactions responsible for this unusual band-gap behavior is presented.
Topographically Forced Wave instability at Finite Amplitude

Abstract The method of multiple time scales was used to study the weakly nonlinear effects on the instability of a basic state consisting of a topographically forced wave in an inviscid, barotropic beta-plane model. The results obtained differ substantially from those obtained when the basic state is a free Rossby wave. Here the basic-state wave is fixed in phase with respect to the mountain, while the amplitude of the topographic wave and perturbation evolve. The nonlinear feedback between the topographic wave and perturbation gives rise to an oscillation for a topographically subresonant zonal flow and an explosive nonlinear instability for a topographically superresonant zonal flow. In the subresonant case, the effect of the perturbation on the forced wave is a dissipative one, when averaged over the course of the nonlinear oscillation. The standing topographic wave interacts with the traveling instability on the topographic wave through the convergence of Reynolds' stresses which is suggestive of the ...
Lens capsule as a model to study type IV collagen

The study of collagen IV has benefited greatly from the seminal work conducted by Arthur Veis and colleagues over three decades ago. Through a series of electron microscopy studies focused on lens basement membrane, an appreciation was gained for the distinct network-forming properties of collagen IV. Veis correctly suggested that network assembly is a phenomenon of the non-collagenous termini of the molecule. This review seeks to document how the field advanced following these seminal conclusions, including recent discoveries regarding the molecular reinforcement of networks that support Veis' conclusions.
Setal developmental patterns of thoracopods of the Cyclopidae (Copepoda : Cyclopoida) and their use in phylogenetic inference

ABSTRACT Thoracopod development was analyzed for 25 species from 18 genera among the Cyclopidae. One species from each of 7 genera of presumed older cyclopoids, 5 poecilostomatoid genera, 3 harpacticoid genera, 5 calanoid genera, and a siphonostomatoid were studied to help establish ancestral patterns of thoracopod development. Ancestral character states were inferred from the presence of identical states in species from presumed older families, from the presence of states which show diverse and frequent occurrence among the Copepoda, or from the presence of states shared by serially homologous structures presumed to be determined by the same pleiotropic regulatory process. Developmental patterns of the 4 swimming legs were assumed to result from the action of 2 different regulatory processes. A pleiotropic process acting early in development determines the morphology of all 8 rami together and results in 3 states among cyclopids, ancestral, and the independently derived delayed and truncated patterns. A second set of up to 8 regulatory processes acts later and one of the 8 determines the morphology of each individual ramus. The ancestral states of the resulting individual rami are, by default, the morphology that results from the pleiotropic regulatory process. Variations in developmental patterns were used to generate a phylogenetic hypothesis. Cyclopids have separated into a lineage of 10 species which has delayed the development of the swimming legs or has modified some individual rami from the delayed condition, and a lineage of 8 species which has truncated the development of the swimming legs or has modified some individual rami from that truncated condition. Four species have retained the ancestral process regulating swimming-leg development and 3 species have modified development of some individual rami from the ancestral condition.
The effect of section size on the mechanical properties of wrought gold wires.

R ESULTS of tensile tests made with the nonprecious metals, notably aluminum, have proved that section size is not a factor in determining proportional limit, provided the grain size is not excessive.' However, these tests were made on specimens varying from 0.500 to 0.050 inches in diameter, and wrought dental gold wires, in which the diameter is as small as 0.030 inches, are often used. It is possible, therefore, that a similar relationship does not exist in such a case. A survey of the technical literature indicated that no analysis had been made of the effect of section size on the mechanical properties of the dental alloys. Such data would be of interest since they might reveal the validity of applying the published values for one size wire while a different size was being used in practice. Previous work2 3 compared chemical composition, microstructure, and such mechanical properties as Vickers' diamond pyramid hardness, tensile proportional limit in bending, ultimate tensile strength and degree of set in bending. In this report two additional factors were considered; the effect of cross section of the wires, and the influence of high temperatures during the softening process on these properties. This last test was limited to the wire least influenced by section size using the proportional limits in bending and in tension as a criterion. Tests were conducted in the softened (as quenched) as well as the hardened states in the three wires investigated.
Collision dynamics of three interacting atoms: foundation of the spectator-stripping model

Abstract The atom - diatom reaction A + BC → AB + C is described within the Faddeev formalism using sum of spin- dependent pair potentials. This provides a rigorous basis for the spectator-stripping model in the limit of high collision energies. Reaction cross sections for specific vibration - rotation states of AB are calculated for T + H 2 in the 10 eV region of collision energies.
The pattern of neuronal loss and survival may reflect differential expression of proteasome activators in Parkinson's disease

The basis of neuronal vulnerability, degeneration, and sparing in PD are unknown, but there is increasing evidence to suggest that the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of the disorder. In this study, we employed an immunocytochemical approach to determine if the differential expression of key UPS components in various brain regions and cells might underlie the pattern of neuronal degeneration and survival seen in PD. We showed that the ubiquitin activating enzyme (E1), ubiquitin conjugating enzyme (E2), and 26/20S proteasome alpha- and beta-subunits, are abundantly expressed in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) and in cultured dopaminergic neurons. Although the proteasome activator PA700 is expressed in the medial SNc, levels are low in the lateral region, and expression of the other proteasome activator, PA28, is near absent in the entire SNc. PA28 (but not PA700) was found to be poorly expressed in noradrenergic neurons in the locus coeruleus (LC) compared with adjacent cells in the mesencephalic nucleus. PA700 and PA28 are also poorly expressed in dopaminergic neurons compared with other cell types in culture. Inhibition of proteasomal function, generation of misfolded proteins, induction of oxidative stress or impairment of mitochondrial complex I activity, caused a compensatory upregulation in PA700 and PA28 in a variety of cells but not in dopaminergic neurons in culture. These findings are consistent with the demonstration that, in sporadic PD, proteasomal activity and levels of PA700/PA28 are reduced in the SNc but are markedly upregulated in regions/cells that are spared from the neurodegenerative process. Thus, the differential distribution and activity of proteasome activations could play a significant role in the pathogenesis of PD.
Slowing progression of chronic kidney disease

Early identification of chronic kidney disease (CKD) provides an opportunity to implement therapies to improve kidney function and slow progression. The goal of this article is to review established and developing clinical therapies directed at slowing progression. The importance of controlling blood pressure will be discussed along with the target blood pressure that should be achieved in CKD patients. Therapy directed at inhibiting the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system remains the mainstay of treatment with single-agent inhibition of this system being as good as dual blockade with fewer adverse effects. Other therapies that may be used include correction of metabolic acidosis, dietary protein restriction, and new models for delivering care to patients with CKD. Emerging therapies targeting endothelin, uric acid, kidney fibrosis, and oxidant stress hold promise for the future.
Partially Stabilized ZrO 2 As A Possible Ir Dome Material

There is increasing interest in IR window materials with transmissionn limits of > 5 μm, increased mechanical toughness, and higher temperature capability. ZrO 2 , which transmits to 7-8 μm is a possible candidate material for such needs. While its IR cut-off is at somewhat shorter wavelengths than other candidates (e.g. Y 2 0 3 with a cut-off of - 9 μm), ZrO 2 offers the potential of significant toughening via a two phase, i.e. partially stabilized, structure. Such structures, and the relevant toughening mechanisms are reviewed, and the resultant mechanical properties discussed, particularly for the Zr0 2 -Y20 3 system. For example, some materials in this system can give strengths of about 1.5 GPa (200,000 psi) at 22°C and nearly 0.7 GPa (100,000 psi) at 1500°C for laboratory test specimens. Preliminary optical measurements, including some outlining optical scattering effects of the second (precipitate) phase, required for mechanical toughening are presented. These suggest that useful transmission in the range of interest is achievable with these toughened ZrO 2 materials.
Empirical polynomials for computing gamma-ray interaction cross sections and coefficient in Ge and NaI(Tl)

Abstract Polynomials, which reproduce known γ-ray interaction cross sections or coefficients, were derived by least-square fitting techniques. These polynomials are useful for Monte-Carlo calculations involving γ-rays.
Trauma's Neurobiological Toll: Implications for Clinical Work With Children

Traumatic stress in childhood exacts a particularly high developmental toll. When traumatic experiences start early, continue chronically, and/or occur in conjunction with inadequate caretaking, neurobiological consequences intensify. Implicated brain regions include those mediating stress reactions, emotional arousal and regulation, attention, inhibition, impulse control, and various types of memory. To address those issues psychotherapeutically, treatment must comprehensively target underdeveloped or damaged neural networks. This article reviews current knowledge of the neurobiological and developmental affronts caused by traumatic stress during childhood and examines the various treatments and treatment implications for psychotherapeutic work with children.
Does the DCM Functional Phenotype Predominate over that of HCM and RCM

In vitro investigations into Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) and Restrictive Cardiomyopathy (RCM) show that mutations in cardiac Troponin T (cTnT) produce a pathogenic state via increase in myofilament Ca2+ sensitivity, whereas mutations in cTnT that cause Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) decrease Ca2+ sensitivity and maximal force. Our aim was to determine whether combinatory mutations of an HCM, RCM and a DCM in cTnT yield an intermediate or dominant functional phenotype that could be correlated with the clinical condition seen in patients. Standard laboratory methods were used for cloning, expression and purification of the WT and mutants: ΔK210 (DCM), I79N (HCM), ΔE96 (RCM), ΔK210/I79N, ΔK210/ΔE96 and ΔE96/I79N. Porcine papillary skinned fibers were displaced with cTnT WT or mutant and reconstituted with HCTnI-TnC. The Ca2+ sensitivity of force development, maximal force and basal force were evaluated. The extent of TnT displacement was analyzed by measuring the unregulated tension at pCa 8.0 after cTnT treatment and none of the mutants showed an inability to displace the native cTn complex. Both double mutants (ΔK210/I79N and ΔK210/ΔE96) containing the DCM mutant showed a rightward shift in the Ca2+ sensitivity with a decrease in maximal force. In addition, the ΔK210 mutation rescued the impaired relaxation produced by the RCM mutation (ΔE96). From the skinned fiber data, ΔK210 has a dominant effect over I79N and DE96 mutations in cTnT. Circular dichroism measurements demonstrated that all three double mutants had lower alpha helical content than WT. In contrast, single mutants I79N (significantly) and DK210 (showed a tendency) to increase alpha helical content. These results suggest that cTnT can exist in multiple conformations that may be responsible for these distinct functional phenotypes. NIH HL-67415 and HL-42325 (JDP), AHA 0825368E (JRP).
Ordinal positions of letters within words as concepts: Effect of assigning identical responses to words sharing letters in various ordinal positions

Eight stimulus words were constructed by using all combinations of two different first, middle, and last letters. Number of single digit responses were varied (2, 4 vs 8). Within the 2- and 4-response conditions, locus of response assignment was manipulated so that words sharing letters within particular ordinal positions also shared responses. Each S learned a single list. On the basis of data suggesting that initial, final, and then medial ordinal positions represent, in this order, the most critical determinants of word processing, it was predicted that ease of acquisition for the locus of response assignment conditions would also reflect this ordering. However, acquisition was easiest when identical responses were assigned to words having identical first letters, next with middle-letter assignment, and most difficult with third-letter assignment.
Adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate dependent phosphorylation of ribosomes and ribosomal subunits from bovine corpus luteum

Abstract In a previous publication the purification and properties of two protein kinases (KI and KII) from a soluble fraction of bovine corpus luteum and the stimulation of the latter fraction by cyclic AMP and luteinizing hormone was reported (Menon, K.M.J. (1973) J. Biol. Chem. 248, 494–501). We have now studied the effects of cyclic AMP and luteinizing hormone on ribosomal protein phosphorylation of corpus luteum by protein kinase II. Protein kinase II catalyzed the phosphorylation of ribosomes by transfer of terminal phosphate of ATP to ribosomal proteins. Extraction with hot trichloroacetic acid and non-aqueous solvent revealed that about 80% of total radioactivity incorporated remain associated with the protein residue. Radioactivity was identified in the phosphoserine and phosphothreonine residues of polypeptides by high voltage paper electrophoresis. The extent of phosphorylation was stimulated by cyclic AMP but not by luteinizing hormone. At least 9 proteins of 80-S ribosomes and 12 proteins of the 60-S ribosomal subunit were phosphorylated in the presence of cyclic AMP as resolved by urea polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. However, only one major and four minor bands were phosphorylated in the case of 40-S ribosomal subunit under the influence of cyclic AMP. The ribosomal protein phosphorylation catalyzed by protein kinase II is regulated by cyclic AMP whereas luteinizing hormone has no effect on ribosome phosphorylation.