cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Studies of lifetimes of rotationally cooled NO2 using time-resolved fluorescence excitation spectra

Abstract A taunble, pulsed dye laser with output in the region of 5750 to 6000 A was used to excite rotationally cooled NO 2 which was produced by expansion in conjunction with argon carrier gas through a supersonic nozzle. The resulting time-resolved fluorescence excitation spectra were used the lifetimes of various vibronic bands of NO 2 ( 2 B 2 ). The lifetimes measured were in the region of 15 to 40 μs which were shorter than those obtained from cell experiments. For each individual excitation wavelength, only a single exponential decay was observed from very early times through 250 μs.
Modifying a stainless steel via electrochemical nitridation

Nitridation is widely used to modify the materials surface. An electrochemical nitridation procedure, simple to handle at room temperature, is introduced for the surface modification of alloys. A nitrogen-incorporated oxide film was formed on the stainless steel's surface in a nitrate-bearing solution using the electrochemical method.
Multiscale analytical sensitivity analysis for composite materials

We describe a methodology aimed at determining the sensitivity of the global structural behaviour, such deformation or vibration modes with respect to the local characteristics such as material constants of micro-constituents. An analytical gradient computation, which involves the direct differentiation of the multiple scale strong forms with respect to the design parameters is developed. Comparison of the multiple scale sensitivity analysis (MASA) to the central finite difference (CFD) approximation in terms of accuracy and computation efficiency is carried out. We demonstrate the robustness of the MASA approach compared to the CFD approximation, which has been found to be highly sensitive to the choice of the step size, whose optimal value is problem dependent. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of Seasonal Anomalies across Major Equity Markets: A Note

This paper reexamines the existence of seasonal anomalies in daily stock prices by integrating seasonal patterns into a single comprehensive model that captures the joint effects of seasonal variations for each of the three major markets. This model incorporates serial correlation and corrects for non-normality by using robust regression techniques. Serial correlation is found to be important, as is the day of the week and the January variable. Furthermore, the Tuesday after a Monday holiday is significant for two markets using the robust technique (but not ordinary least squares). Finally, the day-preceding-a-holiday effect is strongly significant.
Prospective Analysis of The Efficacy of Continuous Intraoperative Nerve Monitoring During Thyroidectomy, Parathyroidectomy, and Parotidectomy

OBJECTIVE: Continuous intraoperative electromyographic monitoring was prospectively performed in all parotidectomies, thyroidectomies, and parathyroidectomies over approximately 5 years to assess the efficacy of this technology.STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Continuous intraoperative nerve monitoring with perioperative nerve assessment was performed. The postresection minimal stimulation level of the nerves was determined to evaluate if this level would predict nerve function postoperatively.RESULTS: Forty-four parotidectomies and 70 thyroid/parathyroid operations were performed with 140 nerves at risk (44 facial, 96 recurrent laryngeal). The incidence of temporary facial paralysis was 15.9% (7 of 44) and the incidence of permanent paralysis was 0%. The incidence of temporary recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis in terms of nerves at risk was 1.0% (1 of 96), and the incidence of permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis was 0%. All patients with normally functioning facial and recurrent laryngeal nerves pos...
Simultaneous isomorphous incorporation of boron and germanium in MFI zeolites

Abstract The synthesis and characterization of MFI zeolites containing boron and germanium simultaneously incorporated in the framework are reported. By preparing materials using a wide range of compositions and synthesis pH, it is shown that germanium uptake is primarily controlled by the pH of the synthesis gel, with increasing germanium uptake with decreasing pH. Incorporation of boron is affected by pH and boron content in the synthesis gels. Larger boron uptakes are seen when both parameters decrease. A linear decrease in unit cell volume with boron content indicates framework incorporation of boron in the samples. 11 B MAS NMR studies show that boron is tetrahedrally incorporated in the framework and reveal the possibility of a site comprised of boron atoms surrounded by three silicons and one germanium as nearest neighbors, apart from the boron site with an all-silica environment. This work shows how highly crystalline, phase pure B–Ge-MFI zeolites can be made with tunable compositions that can be used in applications of boron-containing zeolites where they could benefit from the presence of germanium.
THE X-15 PROGRAM

X 15 flight tests showing structure, powerplant, and auxiliary systems problems, and emphasizing pilots boost, entry, and landing techniques
Extreme silicon RFICs for phased-array applications

This invited talk will present the latest work on silicon RFICs for phased-array applications with emphasis on very large chips with built-in-self-test capabilities. These chips can drastically reduce the cost of microwave and millimeter-wave phased arrays by combining many elements on the same chip, together with digital control. The chips also allow a much easier packaging scheme using either a multi-layer PCB or wafer-level packages. If available, I will also present a millimeter-wave wafer-scale phased array where the entire phased array is built on a single wafer, with layout crossing over the standard reticle size. Several examples from 30 GHz to 94 GHz will be given, together with their packaging and measured antenna patterns.
Rapid Silicon-to-Steel Bonding by Induction Heating for MEMS Strain Sensors

A rapid and manufacturable technique to bond silicon to steel for microelectromechanical system (MEMS) sensor applications is presented. Using an induction heating system, the process is simple, clean, inexpensive, and fast, with bonding occurring in 3-5 s. Heat generation is isolated to within several micrometers below the steel surface, allowing for a controllable thermal budget that does not damage the surface treatment of steel. The process requires minimal surface conditioning and may be used with a variety of different metal systems. Bonds formed with adhesion layers of gold, silver, and nickel showed excellent mechanical characteristics, surviving surface strains exceeding +/- 2000 μe. The transferred strain was quantified by ANSYS simulation and measured experimentally for silicon substrates of varying thicknesses, with the 100 μm-thick substrates demonstrating the greatest strain sensitivity. A double-ended tuning fork MEMS resonant strain sensor, bonded to a steel parallel, demonstrated a repeatable 5.4-fold improvement in strain sensitivity compared to epoxy bonding. As such, this robust bonding process is well-suited for bonding MEMS sensors to monitor components in the automotive, manufacturing, and other harsh environment industries.
Angiogenesis during Implantation, and Placental and Early Embryonic Development

Angiogenesis, the development of new capillaries from pre-existing vessels, is induced by inflammation, wound healing, immune reactions and neoplasia, and is required for tumour growth and progression. Angiogenesis participates in a wide range of ovulatory-related and non-ovulatory-related reproductive processes. We present a review of current data pertaining to angiogenesis of pregnancy, with specific emphasis on implantation and placental and embryonic development in both normal physiology processes and various pathological conditions. To this goal, MEDLINE, Current Contents and Index Medicus were searched for studies published between 1966 and August 1999. Pertinent studies (including human and animal models) pertaining to angiogenesis of implantation and placental and embryonic development were reviewed. Current literature supports that angiogenesis is an essential physiological component of implantation, and placental and embryonic development. Angiogenesis also actively participates in abnormal implantation, and various pathological processes of the placenta including those observed in association with pre-eclampsia, growth restriction, maternal anaemia in the first-trimester and other hypoxia-related conditions during pregnancy. Finally, administration of an angiogenesis inhibitor (AGM-1470) in mice has been shown to result in complete failure of embryonic growth due to interference with decidualization, placental and yolk sac formation, and embryonic vascular development.
Familial thrombocytopenic thrombocytopathy.

SUMMARY A unique family with thrombocytopenic thrombocytopathy is described and the relevant literature is reviewed. Two of the more severely affected members who have clinical bleeding and thrombocytopenia were studied in detail. Their platelets are large, fail to adhere to wound surfaces, and are rapidly removed from the circulation. Their platelet thromboplastic activity is sharply reduced relative to their increased content of phospholipid and total lipid. It is postulated that the genetic defect is transmitted as an autosomal dominant.
Acylation of dog heart lysophosphatidylserine by transacylase activity.

Abstract Dog heart microsomes catalyze the transfer of acyl groups from the sn -2 position of phosphatidylcholine (PC) to lysophosphatidylserine (lysoPS) in the presence of coenzyme A (CoA) at pH optima of 4.5–5.0 and 7.5. Acyl transfer activity at acidic pH is about three times higher than at neutral pH. Transacylation of lysoPS by acyl transfer from PC with dog heart microsomes at neutral pH favors arachidonate over linoleate by a factor of 2.1, whereas free linoleic acid is favored by a factor of 3.7 over arachidonic acid for lysoPS acylation in the presence of acyl-CoA-generating cofactors. Considering the location and acyl composition of myocardial PS, it appears that both acyl transfer from PC and utilization of unesterified fatty acids may be involved in the acylation of lysoPS at its sn -2 position.
Figure-background perception in right and left hemispheres of human commissurotomy subjects.

The right and left hemispheres of four complete commissurotomy subjects were tested for the ability to recognize and integrate figure and background elements of composite visual stimuli. In the first experiment the subjects were required to identify from a four-choice array in free vision the stimulus card that matched the briefly lateralized sample stimulus. For all subjects the left hemisphere was proficient at identifying the figure, but performed at near-chance level in recognizing the textured background. In contrast, the right hemisphere was equally adept at identifying figures and backgrounds. Both hemispheres could easily identify the isolated figure or background from a choice array, demonstrating that the observed hemisphere effects were due to figure–background interactions rather than the result of any difficulty in processing specific elements of the composite stimulus. The second experiment involved the determination of the size and position of a dot that appeared against various plain and t...
Thermal properties of poly(tertiary phosphine oxides)

Abstract DTA and TGA (in air and in nitrogen) are presented for the poly(tertiary phosphine oxides), C 6 H 5 [(C 6 H 5 )P(O)CH 2 CH 2 ] n P(O)(C 6 H 5 ) 2 , where n = 1, 2, or 3.
Stochastic Emergence of Groupthink

Oscillations in the synthesis and release of a chemical signal synchronize the behavioral response of a cell population.
Hfq regulates biofilm gut blockage that facilitates flea-borne transmission of Yersinia pestis

The plague bacillus Yersinia pestis can achieve transmission by biofilm blockage of the foregut proventriculus of its flea vector. Hfq is revealed to be essential for biofilm blockage formation and acquisition and fitness of Y. pestis during flea gut infection, consistent with posttranscriptional regulatory mechanisms in plague transmission.
The safety of oral contraceptives: epidemiologic insights from the first 30 years.

Because oral contraceptives are used by tens of millions of healthy women, their safety for short-term and long-term use is an important issue that has been examined in a large number of epidemiologic studies. These studies have become more rigorous and have increased in size and analytic sophistication over the years. Although breast cancer remains the most important safety concern, the bulk of recent data suggests that oral contraceptives have no overall impact on a woman's risk of developing this disease. The results are less clear on the risk of cervical cancer and its precursors because of methodologie problems. However, the newer oral contraceptive formulations no longer appear to be associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction or stroke.
The Objectives of Student Discipline and The Process That's Due: Are They Compatible?

The disciplinary process on campuses has been too procedural and mirrors an adversarial proceeding that precludes student development. Suggestions for a paireddown process allowing for student learning are provided.
A New Antimalarial Quassinoid from Simaba orinocensis

A new antimalarial quassinoid, namely, orinocinolide (1), was isolated from the root bark of Simaba orinocensis, together with the previously reported simalikalactone D (2). The structure of 1 was determined primarily from 1D and 2D NMR analysis, as well as by chemical derivatization. Compound 1 was found to be as equally potent as 2 against Plasmodium falciparum clones D6 and W2 (IC50 3.27 and 8.53 ng/mL vs 3.0 and 3.67 ng/mL, respectively), but was 4- and 28-fold less toxic than 2 against VERO cells (IC50 10 vs 2.3 μg/mL) and HL-60 (IC50 0.7 vs 0.025 μg/mL), respectively. In addition, 2 was >46- and >31-fold more potent than pentamidine and amphotericin B (IC50 0.035 vs 1.6 and 1.1 μg/mL) against Leishmania donovani, while 1 was inactive. Orinocinolide (1) inhibited growth of human cancer cells SK-MEL, KB, BT-549, and SK-OV-3, but was less potent than 2 (IC50 0.8−1.9 vs 0.3−1.0 μg/mL) against these cells.
Equilibrium and Nonequilibrium Phenomena Associated with the Adsorption of Ionic Surfactants at Solid–Water Interfaces

Abstract The evolution of interfacial phenomena involving physisorbing ionic surfactants on oxides in aqueous systems is presented. Four distinct regions in the adsorption isotherm are associated with the aggregation mode of adsorbed ions at the solid–water interface. As the adsorbed surfactant begins to associate into hemimicelles at the interface, colloidal particles begin to coagulate and become hydrophobic, exhibiting maximum coagulation and hydrophobicity at conditions where the ζ potential is zero. Upon further increase in surfactant concentration, the zeta potential is reversed and the particles redisperse and regain their hydrophilicity. Upon reversal of the ζ potential, the adsorbed surfactant ions appear to adsorb in reverse orientation, forming reverse hemimicelles or bilayers, at surfactant concentrations significantly lower than the critical micelle concentration (CMC). Coarser particles remain dispersed and hydrophobic up to the CMC because their kinetic energy allows them to overcome energy barriers acting between the particles. In systems involving dewetting after surfactant adsorption at the solid–water interface, excess adsorption of the surfactant at the gas–solid interface is reflected in the behavior of the system, such as in the measurement of advancing and receding contact angles, consecutive dewetting–rewetting, reflotation, and capillary rise.
Massive sulfide deposition and trace element remobilization in the Middle Valley sediment-hosted hydrothermal system, northern Juan de Fuca Rdge

The Bent Hill massive sulfide deposit and ODP Mound deposit in Middle Valley at the northernmost end of the Juan de Fuca Ridge are two of the largest modern seafloor hydrothermal deposits yet explored. Trace metal concentrations of sulfide minerals, determined by laser-ablation ICP-MS, were used in conjunction with mineral paragenetic studies and thermodynamic calculations to deduce the history of fluid-mineral reactions during sulfide deposition. Detailed analyses of the distribution of metals in sulfides indicate significant shifts in the physical and chemical conditions responsible for the trace element variability observed in these sulfide deposits. Trace elements (Mn, Co, Ni, As, Se, Ag, Cd, Sb, Pb, and Bi) analyzed in a representative suite of 10 thin sections from these deposits suggest differences in conditions and processes of hydrothermal alteration resulting in mass transfer of metals from the center of the deposits to the margins. Enrichments of some trace metals (Pb, Sb, Cd, Ag) in sphalerite at the margins of the deposits are best explained by dissolution/reprecipitation processes consistent with secondary remineralization. Results of reaction-path models clarify mechanisms of mass transfer during remineralization of sulfide deposits due to mixing of hydrothermal fluids with seawater. Model results are consistent with patterns of observed mineral paragenesis and help to identify conditions (pH, redox, temperature) that may be responsible for variations in trace metal concentrations in primary and secondary minerals. Differences in trace metal distributions throughout a single deposit and between nearby deposits at Middle Valley can be linked to the history of metal mobilization within this active hydrothermal system that may have broad implications for sulfide ore formation in other sedimented and unsedimented ridge systems.
Central suppression of monoclonal B cells: DNP-MGG suppresses proliferation and immunoglobulin synthesis in anti-DNP-secreting hybridoma and myeloma

Abstract Our laboratory has established that 2,4-dinitrophenyl-conjugated mouse IgG (DNP-MGG) can specifically suppress the anti-DNP secretion in hybridoma 35-12 and plasmacytoma MOPC-315 cells. To further study the mechanism of this suppression, the effect of DNP-MGG on anti-DNP synthesis and cell proliferation was investigated in these cell lines. Cultured tumor cells (1 × 106) were injected ip into syngeneic mice. These mice were then given either 1 mg MGG or 1 mg DNP-MGG. At different days after injection, tumor cells obtained from these mice were assayed for anti-DNP secretion, anti-DNP synthesis, cell proliferation, and tumor cell size. When the anti-DNP secretion was suppressed by DNP-MGG, the intracellular synthesis of anti-DNP, demonstrated by [3H]leucine incorporation into DNP-binding activity, was also suppressed. Simultaneous assays of [3H]thymidine incorporation demonstrated that proliferation was also suppressed. Tumor cells injected ip into mice normally become small nonsecreting cells and later return to preinjection size and secrete antibody. Those cells whose antibody synthesis and proliferation were suppressed by DNP-MGG remained smaller.
Massage and aroma therapy

Massage therapy has been shown to (1) facilitate growth and development; (2) reduce depression and anxiety and related stress hormones; (3) enhance sleep; (4) reduce pain; (5) reduce autoimmune disorders; and (6) enhance immune function. These effects have been noted in samples, for example, of preterm neonates, depressed children and adults, chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia and migraines, autoimmune disorders including asthma and diabetes and immune disorders including HIV and Cancer. Potential underlying mechanisms are enhanced parasympathetic activity (increased vagal tone) following massage therapy, decreased stress hormone (cortisol), increased serotonin (body's natural pain killer and antidepressant) and enhanced immune function leading to increased natural killer cell activity (front line of immune system, warding off viral and cancer cells). Aromatherapy has been noted to relax babies and adults and shift their EEG patterns in the direction of a more positive mood and heightened alertness.
Homoeosis in Drosophila: anterior and posterior transformations of Polycomb lethal embryos.

Abstract Lethal embryos homozygous for Polycomb (Pc) mutations show transformations of segment-specific cuticular features to those of more anterior or posterior segments; the frequency and extent of such changes show differences which depend on the genotype and the region. The mesothorax of Polycomb lethal embryos often shows posterior transformations of the anterior- and posterior-most portions of the segment, and anterior transformations of the medial portion. A comparison of Polycomb embryos also bearing various genetic lesions of the bithorax gene complex (BX-C) shows that the penetrance of anterior transformation and the extent of posterior transformation in the mesothorax are negatively correlated. In contrast, among individuals of the same genotype anterior transformation appears independent of posterior transformation, even though cells undergoing each of these changes lie in close proximity in the developing embryo. It has been shown previously that in Polycomb lethal embryos posterior transformations require the normal function of the BX-C. We show here that anterior transformations of the mesothorax and other segments require the normal function of the Sex combs reduced (Scr) locus, also necessary for the normal development of the prothorax and some head segments. Similar observations are also presented for a Polycomblike mutation. We suggest that in Polycomb embryos there are errors in the clonal transmission of determined states resulting in expression of the BX-C and Scr+ loci at abnormal locations, and that such events are probabilistic in nature and show marked regional differences in frequency.
Reductions in N-acetylaspartylglutamate and the 67 kDa form of glutamic acid decarboxylase immunoreactivities in the visual system of albino and pigmented rats after optic nerve transections.

This study compares the immunohistochemical distributions of N-acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG) and the large isoform of the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-synthesizing enzyme glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD67) in the visual system of albino and pigmented rats. Most retinal ganglion cells and their axons were strongly immunoreactive for NAAG, whereas GAD67 immunoreactivity was very sparse in these cells and projections. In retinorecipient zones, NAAG and GAD67 immunoreactivities occurred in distinct populations of neurons and in dense networks of strongly immunoreactive fibers and synapses. Dual-labeling immunohistochemistry indicated that principal neurons were stained for NAAG, whereas local interneurons were stained for GAD67. In contrast to the distribution observed in retinorecipient zones, most or all neurons were doubly stained for NAAG and GAD67 in the thalamic reticular nucleus. Ten days after unilateral optic nerve transection, NAAG-immunoreactive fibers and synapses were substantially reduced in all contralateral retinal terminal zones. The posttransection pattern of NAAG-immunoreactive synaptic loss demarcated the contralateral and ipsilateral divisions of the retinal projections. In addition, an apparent transynaptic reduction in GAD67 immunoreactivity was observed in some deafferented areas, such as the lateral geniculate. These findings suggest a complicated picture in which NAAG and GABA are segregated in distinct neuronal populations in primary visual targets, yet they are colocalized in neurons of the thalamic reticular nucleus. This is consistent with NAAG acting as a neurotransmitter release modulator that is coreleased with a variety of classical transmitters in specific neural pathways. J. Comp. Neurol. 458:221–239, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Provocation: Dialogic Listening as Reachable Goal

Understanding the concept of dialogic communication requires a paradigm shift. Richard Johannesen contends that dialogue represents more of “a stance, orientation, or bearing in communication” than...
Effects of dopamine partial-agonist aminoergolines on dopamine metabolism in limbic and extrapyramidal regions of rat brain

Abstract The aminoergolines SDZ-208–911, -208–912, and -212–327, weak partial D 2 agonists with agonist/antagonist properties, are proposed as potential atypical antipsychotic agents with limited risk of extrapyramidal effects or hyperprolactinemia. The in vivo effects on dopamine (DA) metabolism in limbic (accumbens) and extrapyramidal (striatum) regions of rat brain were evaluated by measuring the accumulation of l -dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) after inhibiting decarboxylation alone (“open-loop” model) or with added γ-butyrolactone (GBL, autoreceptor model). All three aminoergolines markedly increased DOPA in both regions, dose-dependently, with only minor decreases when GBL was included, and so evidently lack appreciable agonist activity at D 2 -like autoreceptors and resemble typical neuroleptics in stimulating DA synthesis, without regional selectivity.
Anthropocentric Indirect Arguments: Return of the Plastic-tree Zombies

Forget Aldo Leopold. Or Holmes Rolston, III, or Baird Callicott. Forget Arne Naess. I vote for Martin H. Krieger as the most influential environmental philosopher of all time. It has been over 40 y...
Auxin Action: Slogging out of the Swamp

How does auxin affect so many different aspects of plant growth and development? Recent evidence from localization of auxin efflux carriers and the effects of auxin on degradation of transcription factors has begun to reveal a possible mechanism for auxin action.
Enlightened Security: Shedding Light on What Works and Why

As we mature and move toward "enlightened security," this magazine will explore why we do what we do and what we know about cause and effect. We will also broaden content to address dependability and policy, and to apply contributions that other disciplines can make to our understanding of security, privacy, and reliability. The featured Web extra identifies and thanks the reviewers who served our publication in 2012.
Disease management of Prader–Willi syndrome

Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS), first described in 1956, is a unique genetic condition with a prevalence of 1 in 10,000 - 25,000. Features include severe lifelong hypotonia, insatiable appetite, short stature, obsessive-compulsive behaviour, morbid obesity, hypogonadism, kyphosis, scoliosis and osteoporosis. Studies beginning in the 1970s demonstrated that PWS is associated with a deficiency in growth hormone. Growth hormone treatment in children with PWS improves linear growth and more importantly leads to an increased muscle mass, bone mineral density and physical performance. In mid-2000, growth hormone became the first pharmaceutical approved in the US and Europe for the treatment of childhood PWS. It is now considered an essential part of comprehensive care for this condition. Ongoing studies address issues of growth hormone dosage, long-term efficacy, effects on neonatal and childhood growth and development and effects in adults with PWS.
The norms of entrepreneurial science: cognitive effects of the new university–industry linkages

Abstract Universities are currently undergoing a `second revolution' these days, incorporating economic and social development as part of their mission. The first academic revolution made research an academic function in addition to teaching. Now the emerging entrepreneurial university integrates economic development as an additional function. The `capitalisation of knowledge' takes many different forms that are discussed in this article.
Socioemotional Adjustment of Adolescent Girls Enrolled in a Residential Acceleration Program.

This prospective study of adolescent girls enrolled in a residential early college entrance program investigated whether socioemotional adjustment could be predicted by prior personality and family...
Transcriptional profiling of subjects from the Iowa adoption studies.

Transcriptional profiling has been used to identify gene expression patterns indicative of general medical illnesses such as atherosclerosis. However, whether these methods can identify common psychiatric disorders has not been established. To answer this question with respect to nicotine use, we used genome-wide expression profiling lymphoblast cell lines from six actively smoking Iowa Adoption Studies (IAS) subjects and nine “clean” control subjects, followed by real-time PCR (RT-PCR) of gene expression patterns in lymphoblast derived RNA from 94 subjects in the IAS. As compared to those from controls without a history of smoking (n = 9), the expression levels of 579 of 29,098 genes were significantly up-regulated and expression levels of 584 of 29,098 genes were significantly down-regulated in lymphoblast lines from currently smoking subjects (n = 6). RT-PCR confirmation of four select RNA levels confirmed the validity of the overall profile and revealed highly significant relationships between the expression of some of these transcripts and (1) major depression, (2) antisocial personality, (3) nicotine dependence, and (4) cannabis dependence. We conclude that the use of expression profiling may contribute significant insights into the biology of complex behavioral disorders. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Oscillatory dynamics arising from competitive inhibition and multisite phosphorylation

There have been a growing number of observations of oscillating protein levels (p53 and NFkB) in eukaryotic signalling pathways. This has resulted in a renewed interest in the mechanism by which such oscillations might occur. Recent computational work has shown that a multisite phosphorylation mechanism such as that found in the MAPK cascade can theoretically exhibit bistability. The bistable behavior was shown to arise from sequestration and saturation mechanisms for the enzymes that catalyse the multisite phosphorylation cycle. These effects generate the positive feedback necessary for bistability. In this paper we describe two kinds of oscillatory dynamics which can occur in a network by which, both use such bistable multisite phosphorylated cycles. In the first example, the fully phosphorylated form of the phosphorylated cycle represses the production of the kinase, which carries out the phosphorylation of the unphosphorylated states of the cycle. The dynamics of this system leads to a relaxation oscillator. In the second example, we consider a cascade of two cycles, in which the fully phosphorylated form of the kinase, in the first cycle, phosphorylates the unphosphorylated forms in the second cycle. A feedback loop, by which the fully phosphorylated form of the second cycle inhibits the kinase step in the first cycle is also present. In this case we obtain a ring oscillator. Both these networks illustrate the versatility of the multisite bistable network.
Spousal Support and Food-Related Behavior Change in Middle-Aged and Older Adults Living With Type 2 Diabetes

One of the most challenging diabetes-related behavior changes is adhering to a healthful diet. Drawing on the social cognitive theory and social support literature, this qualitative study explores how spousal support influences dietary changes following a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes in middle-aged and older adults. The purpose of this study was to determine how aspects of the spousal relationship translate into behavior changes, specifically adherence to a healthful diet. Analyses revealed five core themes related to dietary adherence: control over food, dietary competence, commitment to support, spousal communication, and coping with diabetes. The themes can be categorized within two key social cognitive theory constructs: reinforcement and self-efficacy. Implications from the focus group data can inform the development of more effective, targeted nutrition messages and programs to provide specific knowledge and skills.
Objects are individuals but stuff doesn't count: perceived rigidity and cohesiveness influence infants' representations of small groups of discrete entities

Young infants construct models of the world composed of objects tracked through time and occlusion. To date little is known about the degree to which these models are sensitive to the material make-up of the represented individuals. Two experiments probed 8-month-olds' ability to represent different kinds of entities: rigid, cohesive objects, flexible, cohesive objects, and non-rigid, non-cohesive portions of sand. In Experiment 1, infants represented an array of two rigid, cohesive objects hidden behind a single screen, but failed to represent hidden arrays of two flexible objects or two portions of sand. In Experiment 2, entities were hidden behind two screens instead of one, thereby reducing the information processing demands of the task. In that case, infants succeeded in representing arrays of both types of object stimuli, but again failed to represent the portions of sand. It is argued that (1) the processes by which infants individuate and track entities are sensitive to material kind, (2) rigid cohesive objects occupy a privileged status in this system, and (3) early knowledge about objects and substances has a quantificational aspect.
Analysis of the VAX/VMS error logs in multicomputer environments-a case study of software dependability

An analysis is given of the software error logs produced by the VAX/VMS operating system from two VAXcluster multicomputer environments. Basic error characteristics are identified by statistical analysis. Correlations between software and hardware errors, and among software errors on different machines are investigated. Finally, reward analysis and reliability growth analysis are performed to evaluate software dependability. Results show that major software problems in the measured systems are from program flow control and I/O management. The network-related software is suspected to be a reliability bottleneck. It is shown that a multicomputer software 'time between error' distribution can be modeled by a 2-phase hyperexponential random variable: a lower error rate pattern which characterizes regular errors, and a higher error rate pattern which characterizes error bursts and concurrent errors on multiple machines. >
Determining the Presence of Bias Error Using Statistical Methods

Current techniques in image-guided surgery rely on the use of localizers for the measurement of position in physical space. These measurements are prone to error due to intrinsic properties of the localizer used. The error and thus accuracy of a localizer can be determined using various techniques, many of which assume that the error is isotropic and free of bias. A bias error adds an orientation dependence to the error of measured points. Determination of the presence of a bias error is an important component in the characterization of a localizer's performance. Statistical analysis of localized points on a rigid phantom can be used to detect the presence of a bias error. In this paper, we will examine the use of statistical techniques in the characterization of a series of localizers and how that information is useful in determining localizer efficacy.
Second messenger systems mediating sex pheromone and amino acid sensitivity in goldfish olfactory receptor neurons.

Teleost fish have three morphologically different types of olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs), ciliated, microvillous and crypt cells, which employ either adenylate cyclase (AC)/cyclic-AMP (cAMP) or phospholipase C (PLC)/inistol triphosphate (IP3) as second messenger systems (Sorensen and Caprio, 1998; Hansen et al., 2003). The chemical sensitivities and functions of these cell types are poorly understood. For example, EOG recording using forskolin and U71322 as adapting solutions has suggested that sensitivity to amino acids is mediated by at least two classes of neurons, one employing AC/cAMP, another PLC/IP3 (Rolen et al., 2002; Hansen et al., 2003). The present study used a combination of single-unit and EOG recording together with pharmacological agents to further elucidate the roles of AC and PLC pathways mediating responses to amino acid (food) odors and sex pheromones in goldfish ORNs.
Gonad development in Midas cichlids and the evolution of sex change in fishes

SUMMARY Some fishes mature and function as one sex and later transform to the other sex in response to social interactions. Previous evidence suggested that a change in developmental timing may be involved in the evolution of adult sex change in fishes. The most recent support for this idea came from reports that sex in the Midas cichlid, Amphilophus citrinellus, was determined by social conditions experienced at the juvenile stage. Differentiation as a male was reported to be dependent on large body size relative to group-mates, and thought to be mediated through aggressive interactions. Here I demonstrate that socially controlled sex determination does not occur as was originally reported. Previously, I found that sex was not associated with body size in juveniles either in nature or in captivity. Similarly, I found no association between aggressive behavior and sex in juveniles. I later demonstrated that socially controlled sex determination does not typically occur in the Midas cichlid and closely related species and supported an alternative mechanism to explain large body size in adult males. Finally, in the current study I analyze gonad histology of fish from the same population used by the original authors and lay to rest the idea of socially controlled sex determination in this species. Recent observations of socially controlled sex determination in juveniles of species that typically change sex at the adult stage are examples of phenotypic plasticity, not genetic variation. Therefore, juvenile socially controlled sex determination does not support a theory that a change in developmental timing is involved in the evolution of adult sex change in fishes.
Structural Load Bearing Supercapacitors Using a PEGDGE Based Solid Polymer Electrolyte Matrix

The interest in developing multifunctional materials has greatly increased in the last decade. Power storage composites are just one class of multifunctional materials that has the potential to lead to significant size and weight reduction. Many electronic devices (i.e. laptops, cellphones, iPods, etc.) and mechanical systems that require or generate electrical power during operation (i.e., hybrid or fully electric cars, wind turbines, airplanes, etc.) could benefit substantially from these materials. While several types of power storage structural composites have been developed to date, i.e. composite batteries and fuel cells, structural load bearing super- and ultra-capacitors appear to be the most promising ones. To date, two classes of structural capacitors have been explored: dielectric and solid electrolyte capacitors; the former are suitable for applications where very high voltage bursts of electrical energy are needed, while the latter are suitable for applications where lower voltage levels are required (i.e. more general power storage/delivery applications). This paper describes the efforts made to develop and characterize electro-mechanically structural supercapacitors. The load-bearing supercapacitors discussed here have been made with carbon fiber weave electrodes and separators of various materials, glued together with a solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) matrix. Electrochemical characterization reported specific capacitances as high as 2.9μF/mm3 and energy densities as high as 4.9 kJ/g.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Can Technology Enhance Democracy? The Doubters' Answer

Books reviewed in this artcile: Wilhelm, Anthony, Democracy in a Digital Age: Challenges to Political Life in Cyberspace Kamarck, Elaine and Nye, Joseph, Democracy.com? Governance in a Networked World Davis, Richard, The Web of Politics: The Internet's Impact on the American Political System
Qualitative analysis of the patient-provider interactions: the patient's perspective.

This qualitative analysis of videotaped patient-provider interviews focuses attention on the patient's experience of diabetes. Excerpts from the videotaped interviews are examined from the framewor...
Rounding of Polytopes in the Real Number Model of Computation

Let A be a set of m points in Rn. We show that the problem of 1 + en-rounding of A, i.e., the problem of computing an ellipsoid E ⊆ Rn such that [1 + en]-1E ⊆ conv. hullA ⊆ E, can be solved in Omn2e-1 + ln n + ln ln m arithmetic operations and comparisons. This result implies that the problem of approximating the minimum volume ellipsoid circumscribed about A can be solved in Om3.5 lnme-1 operations to a relative accuracy of e in the volume. The latter bound also applies to the 1 + en-rounding problem. Our bounds hold for the real number model of computation.
Effects of nephrectomy and adrenalectomy on the renin-angiotensin system of transgenic rats TGR(mRen2)27

The transgenic rat TGR(mRen2) develops severe hypertension with high renin activity in the adrenal and low renin activity in the kidney. To clarify the role of the adrenal gland as a source of circulating renin in TGR rats, we investigated the effects of nephrectomy (NEPEX) and adrenalectomy (ADX) on the adrenal and plasma renin-angiotensin system. TGR rats had a high basal plasma renin concentration (PRC; 18.2 +/- 1.0 ng angiotensin-I (AngI)/ml.h) compared with Harlan Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats (7.4 +/- 0.5 ng AngI/ml.h; P < 0.01) and SD rats of the Hannover strain from which the TGR rat was derived (5.3 +/- 0.6 ng AngI/ml.h, P < 0.01); TGR rats also had high adrenal renin (83.3 +/- 8.9) compared with Harlan SD rats (5.5 +/- 0.7; P < 0.01) and Hanover SD rats (6.1 +/- 0.6 ng AngI/ml.h). NEPEX markedly increased PRC (82.4 +/- 18.8 ng AngI/ml.h, P < 0.01) and adrenal renin levels (386.3 +/- 43.9 ng AngI/adrenal.h; P < 0.01) in TGR rats. ADX significantly lowered control levels of PRC and plasma AngII in the TGR rats (19.0 +/- 1.2 to 7.7 +/- 1.2 ng AngI/ml.h and 33.5 +/- 5.6 to 12.8 +/- 2.1 pg/ml, respectively) and suppressed the increases in PRC (119.4 +/- 20.2 to 61.8 +/- 4.0 ng AngI/ml.h) and plasma AngII (95.8 +/- 9.8 to 55.1 +/- 4.3 pg/ml; P < 0.01) caused by NEPEX in TGR rats. However, the levels of PRC and plasma AngII remained high after NEPEX/ADX in TGR rats. Our results suggest that the adrenal gland is one of the main sources of circulating renin in the TGR rat, but other extrarenal sources of plasma renin also exist in these animals.
Identification of a transferrin-binding protein from Borrelia burgdorferi.

Bacterial pathogens have evolved various strategies to acquire iron from the iron-restricted environment found in mammalian hosts. Borrelia burgdorferi should be no different with regard to its requirement for ferric iron, and previous studies have suggested that transferrin (Tf) may be a source of iron in vivo. By probing blots with Tf conjugated to horseradish peroxidase, we have identified an outer membrane protein (28 kDa) from B. burgdorferi B31 that bound holo-Tf but not apo-Tf. The 28-kDa protein bound human, rat, or mouse Tf and was produced only by low-passage (less than passage 5), virulent isolates of strain B31. In addition, the Tf-binding protein (Tbp) from strain B31 retained the ability to bind Tf after treatment with 2% sodium dodecyl sulfate-1% beta-mercaptoethanol and heating to 100 degrees C for 5 min. These properties are remarkably similar to those of the Tbp of Staphylococcus aureus and Tbp2 from Neisseria meningitidis. B. burgdorferi Sh-2-82 produced an outer membrane protein different in size, i.e., 26 kDa, but with properties similar to those of to the protein from strain B31, suggesting variation in B. burgdorferi Tbps. The exact role of the 28-kDa protein in iron acquisition by B. burgdorferi remains to be determined.
Cardiac stimulation with electronic control device application.

, Abstract—Background: Electronic control devices (ECDs) are weapons used to incapacitate violent subjects. Subjects have died suddenly after ECD application, but because cardiac dysrhythmias have been inconsistently observed during ECD application in animals, the cause for death is uncertain. Objectives: The objective was to identify the factors contributing to cardiac stimulation during ECD application detected by transesophageal echocardiography. Methods: Four Yorkshire pigs were anesthetized, paralyzed with vecuronium, and restrained in a supine position. A GE 6T echo probe was placed in the esophagus to directly visualize left ventricular function. M-mode echocardiography was used to estimate heart rate. Two dart locations, chest and abdomen, were assessed. ECD applications were delivered from one of five commercially available devices (Taser X26, Singer S200 AT, Taser M26, Taser X3, and Taser C2) in random order to each pig, four times in each orientation. Results: Cardiac stimulation, characterized by multiple PVCs or the sudden increase in ventricular contraction rate during application, did not occur with abdominal dart location. With chest dart application in small pigs, cardiac stimulation occurred with all ECDs except with the Taser X3 (p < 0.0001). In large pigs, cardiac stimulation occurred only during chest application of the S200 AT (chest vs. abdomen: 207 beats/min, vs. 91 beats/min, p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Cardiac stimulation occurs during ECD application in pigs, and is dependent upon subject size, dart orientation, and ECD.The Taser X3 didnot resultin cardiac stimulation in small or large pigs. 2014 Elsevier Inc.
Characterization and Optimization of InGaAs/InP Photodiodes with High Saturation Current

The operation and performance of 34-mum-diameter InGaAs/InP modified charge compensated unitraveling carrier photodiodes (CC MUTCs) are studied utilizing a commercial device simulator. The device has a high responsivity of 0.75 A/W and saturation current of 100 mA. Excellent agreement has been achieved between simulations and experiments. Parameters of the photodiode are further optimized to maximize the saturation current.
Application of the Composite Method to the Spatial Forecast Verification Methods Intercomparison Dataset

Abstract The composite method is applied to verify a series of idealized and real precipitation forecasts as part of the Spatial Forecast Verification Methods Intercomparison Project. The test cases range from simple geometric shapes to high-resolution (∼4 km) numerical model precipitation output. The performance of the composite method is described as it is applied to each set of forecasts. In general, the method performed well because it was able to relay information concerning spatial displacement and areal coverage errors. Summary scores derived from the composite means and the individual events displayed relevant information in a condensed form. The composite method also showed an ability to discern performance attributes from high-resolution precipitation forecasts from several competing model configurations, though the results were somewhat limited by the lack of data. Overall, the composite method proved to be most sensitive in revealing systematic displacement errors, while it was less sensitive ...
Controlling Violent Offenders Released to the Community: An Evaluation of the Boston Reentry Initiative

Despite the high level of funding and policy interest in prisoner reentry, there is still little rigorous scientific evidence to guide jurisdictions in developing reentry programs to enhance public safety, particularly for managing those who pose the greatest safety risks. The Boston Reentry Initiative (BRI) is an interagency initiative to help transition violent adult offenders released from the local jail back to their Boston neighborhoods through mentoring, social service assistance, and vocational development.This study uses a quasi-experimental design and survival analyses to evaluate the effects of the BRI on the subsequent recidivism of program participants relative to an equivalent control group. The authors find that the BRI was associated with significant reductions—on the order of 30 percent—in the overall and violent arrest failure rates.