cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The lipid peroxidation product 4-hydroxynonenal inhibits neurite outgrowth, disrupts neuronal microtubules, and modifies cellular tubulin.

Abstract: Oxidative stress is believed to be an important factor in the development of age-related neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). The CNS is enriched in polyunsaturated fatty acids and is therefore particularly vulnerable to lipid peroxidation. Indeed, accumulation of lipid peroxidation products has been demonstrated in affected regions in brains of AD patients. Another feature of AD is a change in neuronal microtubule organization. A possible causal relationship between lipid peroxidation products and changes in neuronal cell motility and cytoskeleton has not been investigated. We show here that 4-hydroxy-2(E)-nonenal (HNE), a major product of lipid peroxidation, inhibits neurite outgrowth and disrupts microtubules in Neuro 2A cells. The effect of HNE on microtubules was rapid, being observed after incubation times as short as 15 min. HNE can react with target proteins by forming either Michael adducts or pyrrole adducts. 4-Oxononanal, and HNE analogue that can form only pyrrole adducts but not Michael adducts, had no effect on the microtubules. This suggests that the HNE-induced disruption of microtubules occurs via Michael addition. We also show that cellular tubulin is one of the major proteins modified by HNE and that the HNE adduction to tubulin occurs via Michael addition. Inhibition of neurite outgrowth, disruption of microtubules, and tubulin modification were observed at pathologically relevant HNE concentrations and were not accompanied by cytotoxicity. Our results show that these are proximal effects of HNE that may contribute to cytoskeletal alterations that occur in AD.
The dhod gene and deduced structure of mitochondrial dihydroorotate dehydrogenase in Engrailed melanogaster

Abstract We have carried out experiments to determine the structural organization of dhod and its apparent dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHOdehase) product. Germline transformation with dhod genomic DNA sequences permitted assignment of the functional limits of the gene to a 5-kb region, providing an experimental system for detailed analysis of this gene, as well as the DHOdehase protein. As expressed in embryos, the gene is a simple transcriptional unit containing two exons totalling 1347 nucleotides (nt) and a single small 5' intron of 54 nt. Compared to the enzyme from microorganisms, the deduced DHOdehase protein of 405 amino acids shows strong similarities within the presumptive catalytic portions of the protein. However, the N-terminal portions of these proteins are highly dissimilar, presumably reflecting diversity in the intracellular localization of DHOdehase in the different organisms. The Drosophila melanogaster protein contains N-terminal sequences that are typical of other mitochondrial intermembrane space proteins in animal cells.
Empirical models for the rate of lignite liquefaction

Abstract In this study, samples of Texas lignite were ground, sieved and charged with pure tetralin into a batch reactor. A fluidized sand bath was used to control reaction temperatures at 350, 375, and 400°C. Reaction times from 5 to 60 minutes were used. The times included a two-minute heat-up period. Reaction pressures, which were monitored with a pressure transducer connected to a chart recorder, varied between 2 and 15 MPa. Product gases were analyzed on a gas chromatograph and the product liquids were filtered, and analyzed by gel permeation chromatography. Lignite conversion, tetralin conversion to naphthalene, and the weight of gaseous product were calculated. Hydrogen gas was not charged to the reactor. Because of significant scatter in the data, both lignite conversion and tetralin conversion were cross-plotted to yield a set of smooth data. By using these data, numerous rate equations with concentration terms having integral exponents were fitted for rate constants and activation energies. The lignite conversion was described by rate equations which were second order with respect to lignite concentration and first or zero order with respect to tetralin concentration. Tetralin conversion rate models were first order in lignite, first order in tetralin; and second order in lignite, zero order in tetralin. Statistical tests indicated that these two sets of equations fit the data equally. The total gas production was fitted as a linear function of the reaction variables (time, temperature, pressure) and of the lignite and tetralin conversion.
Antiretroviral antibodies: implications for schizophrenia, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, and bipolar disorder.

Abstract Background: Some retroviral antigens share structural homology within a group of related retroviruses. It is possible that antibodies directed against one virus may cross-react with antigens from a different virus in the group. Methods: Using this principle, the human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) Western blot assay was used as an available source of human retroviral antigens to screen serum samples from an archived collection to ascertain whether there was an association between serum antiretroviral antibodies and mental illnesses. Results: A statistically significant proportion (28/54, 52%) of patients suffering from psychiatric disorders had serum antibodies that recognized at least one antigen present on the blot, culminating in indeterminate HIV-1 tests. The majority of the reactive samples were directed against the HIV-1 group antigens p24 and p17. These findings contrast with those of nonpsychiatric patients, who had 4/16 (25%) indeterminate blots. Conclusions: The results suggest exposure to retroviral antigens related to those of HIV-1 in subpopulations of schizophrenic, schizophrenic spectrum disorder, and bipolar disorder patients.
Modulation of chicken macrophage effector function by TH1/TH2 cytokines

Regulation of macrophage activity by T(H)1/2 cytokines is important to maintain the balance of immunity to provide adequate protective immunity while avoiding excessive inflammation. IFN-γ and IL-4 are the hallmark T(H)1 and T(H)2 cytokines, respectively. In avian species, information concerning regulation of macrophage activity by T(H)1/2 cytokines is limited. Here, we investigated the regulatory function of chicken T(H)1 cytokines IFN-γ, IL-18 and T(H)2 cytokines IL-4, IL-10 on the HD11 macrophage cell line. Chicken IFN-γ stimulated nitric oxide (NO) synthesis in HD11 cells and primed the cells to produce significantly greater amounts of NO when exposed to microbial agonists, lipopolysaccharide, lipoteichoic acid, peptidoglycan, CpG-ODN, and poly I:C. In contrast, chicken IL-4 exhibited bi-directional immune regulatory activity: it activated macrophage NO synthesis in the absence of inflammatory agonists, but inhibited NO production by macrophages in response to microbial agonists. Both IFN-γ and IL-4, however, enhanced oxidative burst activity of the HD11 cells when exposed to Salmonella enteritidis. IL-18 and IL-10 did not affect NO production nor oxidative burst in HD11 cells. Phagocytosis and bacterial killing by the HD11 cells were not affected by the treatments of these cytokines. Infection of HD11 cells with S.enteritidis was shown to completely abolish NO production regardless of IFN-γ treatment. This study has demonstrated that IFN-γ and IL-4 are important T(H)1 and T(H)2 cytokines that regulate macrophage function in chickens.
Solids routing in an activated sludge process during hydraulic overloads

In order to provide a quantitative description of solids wash-out from the settling tanks of an activated sludge process, a method for “routing” of the suspended solids through the settling tanks was developed. The objective was to develop a method which can be used to predict the mixed liquor suspended solids concentration (X) and the sludge blanket depth (SBD) in the clarifiers during transient hydraulic overloads. There were 27 individual hydraulic overloading events encountered during 31 months of study. The solids routing and the SBD prediction were performed for the individual storm flow events by using settling tank operating data. The results of solids routing analysis were found to be satisfactory. The mixed liquor solids concentration can be predicted within ± 10%. The application of a solids storage relationship developed for the settling tanks was found to be useful for describing the dynamic behavior of the SBD during transient hydraulic overloads. The solids wash-out predictions for rainstorm periods corresponded with the plant performance. Operational procedures for avoiding solids wash-out are also discussed.
Free-wall rupture of the myocardium following infarction: a changing clinical portrait in the reperfusion era: a case report.

Free wall rupture of the myocardium is an important complication and major cause of death following acute transmural (ST segment elevation) myocardial infarction. Pathologic changes on a cellular level may combine with mechanical stressors to weaken the myocardium postinfarction. Risk factors for myocardial rupture include advanced age, female gender, prior hyper-tension, first myocardial infarction, late presentation, lack of collateral blood flow, and persisting chest pain and ST segment elevations. Thrombolytic therapy does not increase risk of rupture when given early in myocardial infarction, but late thrombolytic therapy may heighten risk. Primary percutaneous coronary intervention for acute myocardial infarction has reduced the incidence of myocardial rupture compared to thrombolytic therapy. This advantage likely can be ascribed to higher rates of immediate reperfusion with catheter techniques, as well as to the avoidance of thrombolytic-mediated hemorrhagic transformation of the infarction zone. ...
Variation of the conformational states of Escherichia coli glutamine synthetase by interaction with different divalent cations.

Abstract The ability of Escherichia coli glutamine synthetase to assume a number of distinctly different configurations is supported by the varied response of the enzyme to different divalent cations. When either Co 2+ , Cd 2+ , Ca 2+ , or Mg 2+ is added to relaxed (divalent cation-free) enzyme, each produces a different shift in the ultraviolet absorption spectrum of the enzyme, indicating that the conformational states provoked by these cations differ with respect to the polarity of the microenvironment surrounding tyrosyl and tryptophanyl groups of the enzyme. Differences in the conformational states elicited by various cations is apparent also from their unique effect on catalytic parameters. Whereas the biosynthetic activity of unadenylylated enzyme is supported by either Mg 2+ or Co 2+ , enzymes activated by these two ions differ with respect to V , pH optima, and the saturation functions for substrates. With Mg 2+ the pH optimum is 9.0 and the saturation functions for both glutamate and ammonia are hyperbolic, but with Co 2+ the pH optimum is 6.9 and the saturation functions for glutamate and ammonia are complex. Other cations (Cd 2+ , Mn 2+ , and Ca 2+ ) do not support biosynthetic activity of unadenylylated enzyme but they alter various catalytic parameters of enzyme activated by either Mg 2+ or Co 2+ . Studies with mixtures of two or more divalent cations indicated that additional conformational states may arise from interaction between binding sites occupied by dissimilar divalent cations. Of various diamines tested none were able to replace Mg 2+ in the activation of glutamine synthetase; however, spermidine and spermine stimulate Mg 2+ -supported activity; spermine shifts the pH optimum of Mg 2+ -supported activity from 8.8 to 7.8 and causes a shift in the ultraviolet spectrum of relaxed enzyme similar to that provoked by Ca 2+ .
Experiments on Models of Computations and Systems

This paper reports results of experiments on models of computational sequences and models of computer systems. The validity of these models is a step in the evolution of methods for prediction of complex computer system performance. A graph model representing computational sequences was implemented and mapped onto a model of computer systems using programmable assignment and sequencing strategies. An approximate procedure for a priori estimation of path length (computation time) through an assigned graph was checked against more conventional simulation. The graph model was also perturbed to probe sensitivity of estimates of operation times, cycle factors, and branching probabilities. Problems arising in numerical weather prediction, X-ray analysis, nuclear modeling, and graph computations were transformed into acyclic directed graphs and have undergone computer analysis. Effectiveness of parallel processing, convergence properties of the successive approximation assignment and sequencing procedure, sensitivity to input parameter variation, the cost in computer time of the graph analysis, and comparison with more conventional SIMSCRIPT simulation are presented. The reduction in time required to obtain an estimate of path length compared to conventional simulation is found to range from a little less than 102 to more than 104. Computational tests indicate that additional factors may be gained without severe loss in validity of the approximation.
On the complexity of tree embedding problems

The papier is relative to how a tree can be embedded into another while minimizing various costs. It considers the general complexity of the problem and shows that there exist polynomial time algorithms hich determine whether a graph can be embedded into a complete binary tree with fixed dilation k, or fixed congestion cost k
The courts and social reform: A postprogressive outlook

The most opportune starting point for analyzing the contemporary role of the courts on movements for change is to understand the essential novelty of the involvement. With one notable exception, the major actors in American reform well through the World War II period were not litigators, and, by the same token, the major arena in which they advocated their programs was not the courts. It is distinctive to our times that the judiciary has become a forum in which attorneys have pressed for social change. Thus, before we begin to evaluate the efficacy or desirability of these efforts, it is important to appreciate their roots. Throughout the Progressive era--a period that in terms of the influence of its reform principles and strategies persisted from 1900 through the early 1960s, courts and lawyers in theory and in practice had a minimal role in defining and implementing ameliorative programs. The point should be put even more starkly: to Progressives, courts and lawyers were much more the enemies of reform than its friends. Underlying this hostile posture was, first, a deep Progressive commitment to legislative activity. They put their energies primarily into influencing state legislatures, confident of success and to a remarkable degree enjoying it. At times their victories testified to the persuasiveness of their proposals, at times to support from unexpected quarters, including those whose activities were supposed to be regulated by the reforms. In all events, it was the legislators that captured Progressive attention. The political influence of the reformers did reflect their intimate knowledge of the social problems to be addressed, their ability to build a powerful case in favor of new
Deliberation of the Scientific Evidence for Breastfeeding Online Comments as Social Representations

This mixed-methods study examines online comments (The Atlantic online, N = 326; NYTimes.com, N = 596) generated by two widely read articles challenging the scientific basis for U.S. government breastfeeding recommendations. The analysis focuses on commenter evaluations of the scientific evidence for breastfeeding. Results demonstrate that commenters socially represented breastfeeding science as a means for manufacturing convenience and also as a process that is prone to flaws in its production and application. Online commenters discussed their personal experiences (42%) with breastfeeding more than its evidence base (16%). Personal and social experiences were used as filters to judge the merits of scientific arguments.
Changes in LDH isoenzymes of brain developing in situ and in vitro

Postnatal changes in lactate dehydrogenase activity and isoenzyme pattern studied in mouse cerebrum and rat cerebellum by quantitative microassay and acrylamide ‘disc’ gel electrophoresis were compared to those occurring in the same tissues growing in tissue culture. Both in vivo and in vitro there is a relative and absolute increase in those isoenzymes which migrate more rapidly toward the anode. These are associated with function at high relative oxygen concentrations and are characteristic of adult brain. Furthermore, increase of the slower moving isoenzymes was induced in the cultures, related to the oxygen gradient in the tissue. In vivo and in vitro the enzyme changes accompany structural and physiological developments such as neuropil growth, synapse formation and myelination, which have large energy requirements.
Dynamic Life Table Model for Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae): Simulation Results and Validation

The container-inhabiting mosquito simulation model (CIMSiM) is a weather-driven, dynamic life table simulation model of Aedes aegypti (L.) and similar nondiapausing Aedes mosquitoes that inhabit artificial and natural containers. This paper presents a validation of CIMSiM simulating Ae. aegypti using several independent series of data that were not used in model development. Validation data sets include laboratory work designed to elucidate the role of diet on fecundity and rates of larval development and survival. Comparisons are made with four field studies conducted in Bangkok, Thailand, on seasonal changes in population dynamics and with a field study in New Orleans, LA, on larval habitat. Finally, predicted ovipositional activity of Ae. aegypti in seven cities in the southeastern United States for the period 1981-1985 is compared with a data set developed by the U.S. Public Health Service. On the basis of these comparisons, we believe that, for stated design goals, CIMSiM adequately simulates the population dynamics of Ae. aegypti in response to specific information on weather and immature habitat. We anticipate that it will be useful in simulation studies concerning the development and optimization of control strategies and that, with further field validation, can provide entomological inputs for a dengue virus transmission model.
Ontogeny of the circadian system governing ecdysial rhythms in a holometabolous insect, Diatraea grandiosella (Pyralidae)

. Three eclosion rhythms of Diatraea grandiosella Dyar (Lepidoptera, Pyralidae) showed different phase relationships to the LD cycle, different degrees of synchronization and different sensitivity to a brief light perturbation. Egg hatching occurred mainly at dawn, whereas pupation and adult emergence occurred mainly at dusk. The egg hatching was the most synchronized rhythm of the three, pupation the least. The egg hatching rhythm was more sensitive to a brief light perturbation than was the adult emergence rhythm. A light pulse in the middle of the night caused greater disturbance in the egg hatching rhythm than did a pulse placed in the early night. The three rhythms persisted in both DD and LL. LL free-running rhythm gradually became desynchronized and broke down at the third cycle. The phase relationships reveal difficulties in applying the ‘external coincidence model’ to this species' photoperiodic response.
Addressing group dynamics in a brief motivational intervention for college student drinkers.

Previous research indicates that brief motivational interventions for college student drinkers may be less effective in group settings than individual settings. Social psychological theories about counterproductive group dynamics may partially explain this finding. The present study examined potential problems with group motivational interventions by comparing outcomes from a standard group motivational intervention (SGMI; n = 25), an enhanced group motivational intervention (EGMI; n = 27) designed to suppress counterproductive processes, and a no intervention control (n = 23). SGMI and EGMI participants reported disruptive group dynamics as evidenced by low elaboration likelihood, production blocking, and social loafing, though the level of disturbance was significantly lower for EGMI individuals (p = .001). Despite counteracting group dynamics in the EGMI condition, participants in the two interventions were statistically similar in post-intervention problem recognition and future drinking intentions. The results raise concerns over implementing individually-based interventions in group settings without making necessary adjustments.
THE TWO FACES OF FREEDOM AND DIGNITY: CREDIT OR EXTENUATION '

Summary.-In their 1989 refutation of Skinner's 1971 practical argument against the concepts of freedom and dignity, Harcum, Rosen, and Burijon overlooked an inconsistency in his ugument which is based on the fact that society awards credit or blame because intenc~onalit~ in prosocial and antisocial behaviors is assumed. By explaining antisocial behaviors in terms of environmental factors, science shows that the actor's behavior is not intentional, thereby reducing the amount of blame attributed to the actor and protecting his dignity. Because scientific progress in understanding antisocial behaviors protects or promotes the perception of human dignity instead of threatening it, Skinner's interpretation of why society opposes his behavioristic formulations is actually incorrect. The cultural value of beliefs in freedom and dignity, as agents of social progress, rather than barriers to it, is strongly affirmed. Occasionally, both authors and evaluators of an article do not see an important implication of the data or theory before the article is published, although that implication may seem quite obvious later. Such was the case with several recent articles (Harcum & Rosen, in press, 1990a, 1990b; Harcum, Rosen, & Burijon, 1989) which refuted Skinner's (1971) practical argument against the concepts of freedom and dignity. The relevant issue of these studies did not concern the ontological truth or falsity of the concepts of personal freedom and human dignity or worth, but whether or not these concepts have a utilitarian value for a science of psychology. Whereas we affirmed such value on humanistic grounds, Skinner denied it on the assertion that concern for human freedom and dignity prevented the fulI appreciation and application of established psychological principles.
Cardiovascular disease: Several small shocks beat one big one

Life-threatening abnormalities in the electrical rhythm of the heart are usually treated with the application of a large electric shock. An approach involving a significantly smaller shock energy may be equally effective. See Letter p.235 Cardiac defibrillation is usually achieved using a single high-energy electric shock of up to 4,000 volts, which can be damaging to the heart tissue. Eberhard Bodenschatz and colleagues show how the disordered electrical dynamics that underlie cardiac fibrillation can be controlled using low-energy electrical pulses. They show, in tests on dogs, that intrinsic homogeneities in the cardiac tissue (such as the vasculature) serve as nucleation sites for the generation of waves of electrical activity that can target the instabilities and bring the tissue dynamics back into synchrony. The new technique, called low-energy antifibrillation pacing or LEAP, delivers five sequential low-energy electrical field pulses to the fibrillating heart — an average energy reduction of 84% compared to standard defibrillation.
Optimal interleaving schemes for correcting two-dimensional cluster errors

We present an elementary theory of optimal interleaving schemes for correcting cluster errors in two-dimensional digital data. It is assumed that each data page contains a fixed number of, say n, codewords with each codeword consisting of m code symbols and capable of correcting a single random error (or erasure). The goal is to interleave the codewords in the mxn array such that different symbols from each codeword are separated as much as possible, and consequently, an arbitrary error burst with size up to t can be corrected for the largest possible value of t. We show that, for any given m, n, the maximum possible interleaving distance, or equivalently, the largest size of correctable error bursts in an mxn array, is given by [email protected][email protected]? if n= [email protected]?m^2/[email protected]?. Furthermore, we develop a simple cyclic shifting algorithm that can provide a systematic construction of an mxn optimal interleaving array for arbitrary m and n. This extends important earlier work on the complementary problem of constructing interleaving arrays that, given the burst size t, minimize the interleaving degree, that is, the number of different codewords in a 2-D (or 3-D) array such that any error burst with given size t can be corrected. Our interleaving scheme thus provides the maximum burst error correcting power without requiring prior knowledge of the size or shape of an error burst.
Interleukin-1 does not stimulate DNA synthesis of cultured human keratinocytes growth-arrested in growth-factor-depleted medium

Abstract Interleukin-1, a multifunctional cytokine, plays a central role in inflammatory processes. Several reports have appeared demonstrating that IL-1 stimulates growth of keratinocytes under certain experimental conditions, and we have shown previously that it can act as a strong stimulator of DNA synthesis in murine keratinocytes that have been growth arrested by removal of growth factors (GF) from the medium for several days. Using the same assay system, we report here that, in contrast to cultured mouse keratinocytes, growth-arrested adult and newborn human keratinocytes do not respond to IL-1 with an increase in DNA synthesis. The experiments were performed with primary and secondary cells and cells propagated with and without feeder layer prior to the assay. A growth response to IL-1 in the absence of exogenous GF was only observed in non-growth-arrested human keratinocytes, i.e., when the cytokine was added for 24 to 48 h immediately after removal of other GF from the culture. Because keratinocytes continue to grow during this time anyway, although at a reduced rate, the additional growth observed with IL-1 could be explained as an enhancement of the growth-promoting effect by factors not previously completely removed from the culture. We would like to conclude from our results that, contrary to the findings in cultured mouse keratinocytes, IL-1 has no direct mitogenic effect on cultured human keratinocytes, but can still act as a growth promoter under certain conditions, apparently in concert with other GF.
Cytogenetics of Ditelotetrasomic for Short Arm of Chromosome 3 of Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

Ditelotetrasomic is a plant with a pair of extra homologous telocentric chromosomes in addition to the normal chromosome complement. Ditelotetrasomic 3S in barley is a plant with 2n=14+2 telocentric chromosome 3S. Comparing with their related telotrisomic 3S (2n=14+1 telo 3S) and disomic sibs (2n=14), ditelotetrasomic 3S did not show much qualitative difference in plant morphology; however, quantitative differences were observed in plant morphology: the ditelotetrasomic 3S plants were weaker, slower growing, with fewer tillers and much shorter. Meiotic chromosome behavior was studied from diakinesis through microspore quartet stage. At diakinesis and metaphase I., chromosome configuration were observed with 6II+1IV, 7II, +1 teloII, 6II+1III+l teloI, and 7II+2 teolI. Most of the sporocytes at anaphase and telophase in the first and second meiotic division showed quite normal chromosome behavior. Microspore quartet stage showed mostly normal with some micronuclei. Certain degrees of instability had been observed in the progenies of ditelotetrasomic 3S. The details were discussed.
Frequency Modulated (FM) Spectroscopy

Sensitive and rapid measurements of the absorption and dispersion associated with narrow spectral features are accomplished using frequency modulation (FM) spectroscopy. The absorption or dispersion is measured by detecting the heterodyne beat signal which occurs when the FM spectrum is distorted by the spectral feature of interest. Experimental results are presented.
Non-Condon effects in triplet-singlet spectra. The 3B1-1A1 system of NO2− in NaNO2 and NaHCO2

Abstract Spin-level resolved spectra of the 3 B 1 - 1 A 1 (T 1 -S o ) transition of NO 2 − in neat NaNO 2 and in a NaHCO 2 host at ⩽ 4 K show different intensity envelopes for the totally symmetric bending progression, indicating a breakdown of the Condon approximation. The non-Condon effects are associated predominantly with the τ 2 spin level of the 3 B 1 state and are particularly severe in NaHCO 2 /NO 2 − . The results can be reasonably interpreted in terms of an empirical linear dependence of the transition moment on the bending coordinate, but the detailed origin of the effect is unclear.
Morphing Aircraft Sizing Using Design Optimization

This paper summarizes design optimization approaches for sizing a morphing aircraft for which the wing can make significant shape changes in flight. The approaches include single-level problems solved by gradient-free and gradient-based optimizers and a multilevel problem solved by gradient-based optimizers; of these, the multilevel approach proved most efficient. In the multilevel approach, a top-level problem minimizes the aircraft gross weight using reference design variables (T=W, S, AR, t=c, � , and � ), along with morphing limit variables describing the maximumshapechangeasafunctionofthereferencegeometry (e.g., � b, � c,and �� ).Asublevelproblemforeach mission segment determines an optimal wing-shape scheduling that minimizes fuel consumption, satisfies performance constraints, and operates within the geometric domain prescribed by the top-level problem. While the empty-weight buildup uses traditional predictors for fixed-geometry components, the wing weight prediction uses a parametric equation derived from structural optimization studies of morphing wings. The multilevel optimization approach then sizes an aircraft for which the wing can change sweep and root chord length, demonstrating: 1) the optimal wing-shape scheduling and maximum shape change for the morphing strategy, 2) the approach’s ability to facilitate continuousmorphingduringmissionsegmentanalysis,and3)improvedeffectiveness overprevioussinglelevel morphing aircraft sizing approaches.
Multiplexed fiber-ring laser sensors for ultrasonic detection

We propose and demonstrate a multiplexing method for ultrasonic sensors based on fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) that are included inside the laser cavity of a fiber-ring laser. The multiplexing is achieved using add-drop filters to route the light signals, according to their wavelengths, into different optical paths, each of which contains a separate span of erbium-doped fiber (EDF) as the gain medium. Because a specific span of EDF only addresses a single wavelength channel, mode completion is avoided and the FBG ultrasonic sensors can be simultaneously demodulated. The proposed method is experimentally demonstrated using a two-channel system with two sensing FBGs in a single span of fiber.
Effect of antifoam agents on oxygen transfer in deep tank fermentations

Development of a foam breaker which operates on the principle of rapid acceleration of foam through a nozzle has allowed large-scale aerobic fermentations to be run without addition of antifoam agents. Fermentations have been investigated over a wide range of aeration levels in which oxygen supplied to the organisms was the limiting growth factor. With Torulopsis utilis grown in a 5 per cent molasses medium. oxygen utilization followed an exponential pattern during the early phase of growth, with carbon dioxide production equal to the consumption of oxygen. At the point where oxygen supply to the organism became limiting, anaerobic fermentation began, and the consumption of oxygen remained constant. The level of oxygen absorption beyond which the respiratory quotient exceeded unity was used as a measure of limiting oxygen supply. Addition of three types of antifoam compounds to T. utilis fermentations resulted in a marked depression of oxygen consumption, and a decrease in cell production. Incremental addition of small quantities of antifoam to maintain a constant foam level in the fermentor depressed the oxygen absorption rate to a lesser extent. Sulphite oxidation rates did not reflect the true value of oxygen absorption rates found for fermentations without addition of antifoam.
On the Dynamics of Equatorial Forcing of Climate Teleconnections

A number of observational, theoretical, and modeling studies have been conducted on the remote influence of the tropics on the midlatitudes. Teleconnection in the geopotential height field between the tropics and the extratropics associated with the Southern Oscillation in the so-called Pacific-North America (PNA) pattern, has often been cited as an example of such remote influence. Simmons et al. (1983) have shown that teleconnections such as PNA may arise both from barotropic instability of the extratropical zonal flow and from tropical forcing. The present investigation is only concerned with the dynamics of the part of the atmospheric teleconnection which arises from tropical forcing. Some fundamentals of Rossby wave theory in unsheared flow are discussed along with the linear response to equatorial forcing for horizontally, sheared zonal mean flow. A global shallow-water spectral model is employed in conjunction with a theoretical analysis to show the teleconnection patterns which develop under different large-scale mean circulation conditions.
Sexual difference in latent period of spawning following injection of the hormone 1-methyladenine in Echinaster (Echinodermata: Asteroidea).

Abstract Mature gonads of many sea stars respond to treatment with spawning hormones by release of gametes only after a latent period of 20–90 min. Female Echinaster modestus injected intracoelomically with the hormone 1-methyladenine spawned after a mean latent period of 163 min; males spawned after 24 min. This sex-related difference and the unusually long latent period of the females do not appear correlated with egg size or water temperature as previously suggested. Assays on ovaries of newly-studied species should not be terminated within 1 or 2 hr.
Virtual Sensors in a Web 2.0 Virtual Watershed

This paper presents a Web 2.0 virtual observatory framework applied in an environmental watershed research context, where users not only can access existing sensor data such as the USGS (United States Geological Survey) rain gage data in near real-time, but also can create and share virtual sensors and trigger their associated workflows on-the-fly. Categories of virtual sensors are discussed and community participation and collaboration on creating virtual sensors can be promoted. An eScience use case which allows users to create virtual rain gages on a Google map front end using NEXRAD (next generation weather radar) data is presented.
Games Businesses Play: Cases and Models

The article reviews the book “Games Businesses Play: Cases and Models,” by Pankaj Ghemawat.
Effect of dietary fats and carbohydrate on blood pressure of mildly hypertensive patients

The effect on blood pressure (BP) of replacing dietary saturated fat with either polyunsaturated fat (linoleic acid) or carbohydrate was studied in 21 untreated mildly hypertensive patients. In a randomized, double-blind, crossover protocol, all subjects received dietary supplements of cream, safflower oil, and carbohydrate in random sequence, each prepared in flavored yogurt or milk. Each supplement was administered for 6 weeks and followed by a 4-week washout period of no supplementation. Dietary linoleic acid increased from 4.6 to 13% of energy intake when the safflower oil replaced cream, while saturated fat decreased from 16 to 10%. Total fat intake was 37 to 38% during the cream and safflower oil periods but was 28% during the carbohydrate period. Compliance with the diets was demonstrated by significant changes in fasting plasma fatty acid measurements. Mean clinic BP was 135 +/- 9/93 +/- 6 mm Hg at baseline. There were no significant differences in BP measured in the clinic or at home among the three dietary periods. The protocol had more than 80% power to detect a mean effect of diet of 3 mm Hg systolic or 2 mm Hg diastolic BP. Therefore, replacing dietary saturated fat with carbohydrate or with linoleic acid does not affect BP in subjects with mild hypertension.
Approaching Ultimate Intrinsic SNR in a Uniform Spherical Sample with Finite Arrays of Loop Coils.

We investigated to what degree and at what rate the ultimate intrinsic (UI) signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) may b ea pproached using fi nite radiofrequency detector arrays. We used full-wave electromagnetic field simulations based on dyadic Green's functions to compare the SNR of arrays of loops surrounding a uniform sphere with the ultimate intrinsic SNR (UISNR), for increasing numbers of elements over a range of magnetic field strengths, voxel positions, sphere sizes, and acceleration factors. We evaluated the effect of coil conductor losses and the performance of a variety of distinct geometrical arrangements such as "helmet" and "open-pole" configurations in multiple imaging planes. Our results indicate that UISNR at the center is rapidly approached with encircling arrays and performance is substantially lower near the surface, where a quadrature detection configuration tailored to voxel position is opti- mal. Coil noise is negligible at high field, where sample noise dominates. Central SNR for practi- cal array configurations such as the helmet is similar to that of close-packed arrangements. The observed trends can provide physical insights to improve coil design. V C 2015 Wiley Periodicals,
Identification of an organelle-specific myosin V receptor.

Class V myosins are widely distributed among diverse organisms and move cargo along actin filaments. Some myosin Vs move multiple types of cargo, where the timing of movement and the destinations of selected cargoes are unique. Here, we report the discovery of an organelle-specific myosin V receptor. Vac17p, a novel protein, is a component of the vacuole-specific receptor for Myo2p, a Saccharomyces cerevisiae myosin V. Vac17p interacts with the Myo2p cargo-binding domain, but not with vacuole inheritance-defective myo2 mutants that have single amino acid changes within this region. Moreover, a region of the Myo2p tail required specifically for secretory vesicle transport is neither required for vacuole inheritance nor for Vac17p–Myo2p interactions. Vac17p is localized on the vacuole membrane, and vacuole-associated Myo2p increases in proportion with an increase in Vac17p. Furthermore, Vac17p is not required for movement of other cargo moved by Myo2p. These findings demonstrate that Vac17p is a component of a vacuole-specific receptor for Myo2p. Organelle-specific receptors such as Vac17p provide a mechanism whereby a single type of myosin V can move diverse cargoes to distinct destinations at different times.
Reflex topography in the nucleus of the solitary tract.

The diverse influences that taste signals exert on organisms give rise to a complex anatomy. The first-order taste relay, the rostral nucleus of the solitary tract (rNST), is the origin for local reflex pathways, and ascending pathways important in motivational and cognitive functions. The intrinsic organization of the nucleus is characterized by topographic specialization. Cells with different morphologies, projections, receptive fields and responsiveness to taste versus oral tactile stimuli are preferentially distributed. Notably, however, a map of quality has not been evident. Taste stimuli encompass not only food-related chemicals that promote ingestion, but also potentially toxic, often bitter, molecules that provide powerful signals to prevent intake. Based on Fos immunohistochemistry, we argue that there is a topographic representation of the bitter taste quality in rNST but one restricted to a subpopulation of neurons with a special function. In the Fos studies summarized below, taste stimuli (~7 ml/30 min) were infused through intraoral cannule into awake rats and their brains processed using immunohistochemical techniques to detect the Fos protein. Control groups were unstimulated and/or water-stimulated animals (see Harrer and Travers, 1996; Travers and Hu, 2000; Travers, 2002; Chan et al., 2004).
The human capital characteristics and household living standards of returning international migrants in Eastern and Southern Africa.

Africa’s experience with return migration is not new. However, few empirical studies have examined the social and economic characteristics of returning migrants within the continent. In this study, the human capital endowments and household living standards of returning migrants in Uganda and South Africa are examined using recently available data. The study compares returnees in both countries with immigrants as well as the native-born population with no international migration experience. It also investigates how factors such as previous country of residence, year of arrival, and other demographic factors predict levels of education and living standards among returning migrants. In Uganda, the results show that recently arrived returning migrants had better educational endowments than both immigrants and non-migrants. Migrants who returned to Uganda following the fall of Idi Amin’s regime had the lowest educational levels and lowest living standards compared to other returnees. Furthermore, the results indicate that previous residence in countries in the West was associated with four additional years of schooling while returning migrants arriving from other African countries had the lowest levels of schooling among returning migrants. In South Africa, the study finds that returnees arriving almost immediately following the end of Apartheid had the highest levels of education compared to either immigrants or non-migrants. Returnees on average also had the highest household living standards in South Africa. Among South African immigrants, the results indicate that those arriving towards the end of the century had lower educational endowments compared to immigrants who arrived in the country two to four years after the end of Apartheid.
Preference for language in early infancy: the human language bias is not speech specific

Fundamental to infants’ acquisition of their native language is an inherent interest in the language spoken around them over non-linguistic environmental sounds. The following studies explored whether the bias for linguistic signals in hearing infants is specific to speech, or reflects a general bias for all human language, spoken and signed. Results indicate that 6-month-old infants prefer an unfamiliar, visual-gestural language (American Sign Language) over non-linguistic pantomime, but 10-month-olds do not. These data provide evidence against a speech-specific bias in early infancy and provide insights into those properties of human languages that may underlie this language-general attentional bias.
Enhanced Level-Set Approach to Segmentation of 3-D Heterogeneous Lesions from Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MR Images

A method for the 3-D segmentation of a heterogeneous (non-uniform intensity) volume of interest from high-resolution dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance image acquisition is presented and evaluated in this paper. The algorithm uses a level-set approach with enhanced edge sensitivity. The local probability near the lesion boundary is utilized for level-set evolution. The level-set function is sensitized to the boundary of the lesion by combining forces derived from the image, including gradient vector flow. The proposed algorithm performs better than other applicable segmentation techniques based on active contours, and also the classical level-set approach. Results are presented and analyzed to validate the same
Low velocity gunshot injuries to the temporal bone

OBJECTIVE: To review the presentation, symptoms and management associated with low velocity gunshot injuries to the temporal bone. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 26 patients treated for low velocity gunshot injuries to the temporal bone. RESULTS: Initial presentation included otorrhoea (69 per cent), facial nerve injury (27 per cent), hearing loss (65 per cent), intracranial injuries (50 per cent), and cranial neuropathies (58 per cent). Nine patients (35 per cent) underwent angiography, which showed vascular injury in five of them. Four patients died. CONCLUSIONS: Low velocity gunshot injuries can be devastating and may result in functional sequelae. Low velocity missiles crush and lacerate surrounding structures, while high velocity missiles cause extensive wound cavity formation. Early aggressive management for intracranial, vascular and facial nerve injury can improve outcome. Language: en
Joint interaction with embedded concretions: joint loading configurations inferred from propagation paths

Abstract The interaction between propagating joints and embedded concretions in a Devonian black shale near Seneca Lake, NY, permits identification of the loading configurations responsible for two joint sets of different ages striking at nearly the same orientation. The earlier set consists of systematic joints cut by later Alleghanian joints of the Appalachian Plateau. The later set consists of non-systematic curving cross joints that abut these same Alleghanian joints. Field evidence shows that concretions functioned as stiff inclusions in a compliant black shale. As a consequence of this elastic contrast, local perturbations in the remote stress field persisted around the concretions during burial, tectonic deformation, and exhumation. These stress perturbations influenced joint propagation paths of both joint sets. Our conclusions about loading configurations are based on finite-element modeling of the effect of the local stress perturbation on concretion-modified joint propagation. Modeling shows that the local stress perturbation from a thermoelastic loading was responsible for deflecting cross joints away from concretions in a curved propagation path near the concretion. This load configuration also led to arrest of cross joints before they penetrated the shale–concretion interface. At greater distances from the concretion, the propagation path of cross joints was controlled by the contemporary tectonic stress field. The interface between concretions and the surrounding shale was strongly bonded, as indicated by the crossing of the interface by some of the systematic ENE joints. Higher compressive stress levels within the concretions relative to the shale suppressed joint development in the concretion, causing the arrest of those joints once they had driven across the interface and a short distance into the concretion. Numerical modeling shows that interface penetration by the systematic ENE joints is consistent with a fluid load, the same loading configuration postulated for the subsequent Alleghanian joints. The traces of the systematic ENE joints align on opposite sides of concretions, rather than curving toward the concretion as predicted by two-dimensional models of the fluid load. Co-planar traces are indicative of large, planar joints propagating in-plane around the concretion, making it energetically inefficient for the crack front to curve as it enters the local stress perturbation near the concretion. A fluid load for the systematic ENE joints came from high pore pressure during the pre-Alleghanian stages of burial of the Devonian Catskill delta complex.