cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Phorbol 12-myristate, 13-acetate potentiates the action of the calcium ionophore in stimulating arachidonic acid release and production of phosphatidic acid in rabbit neutrophils

Abstract The addition of the tumor-promoting phorbol 12-myristate, 13-acetate to rabbit neutrophils greatly potentiates the effect of the calcium ionophore A23187 on [ 3 H]-arachidonic acid release and [ 32 P]-phosphatidic acid generation. At 5 × 10 −8 M A23187, the addition of 20ng/ml PMA potentiates the action of the ionophore on [ 3 H]-arachidonic acid release by 5-fold. At 5 × 10 −7 M A23187, PMA enhances [ 32 P]-phosphatidic acid production by 1.5-fold. Incubation of the neutrophils with 5 × 10 −7 M ionophore for two minutes causes a significant increase in the [ 32 P] phosphatidic acid production but does not affect the levels of [ 32 P]-phosphatidylinositol or [ 32 P]-phosphatidylinositol 4,5 bis-phosphate. In addition, increasing the sodium chloride concentrations in the suspending medium causes an increase in the level of phosphatidylinositol 4,5 bis-phosphate. These results suggest that the phorbol ester either acting directly or through the activation of protein kinase C modulates significantly the activities of the various forms of phospholipases, particularly A 2 , and/or increases the availability or amounts of their substrates.
Does ketamine or magnesium affect posttonsillectomy pain in children

Summary Background: Many previous studies have suggested a role for the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists ketamine and magnesium in decreasing postoperative pain and analgesic requirements in adults, but none has investigated these medications in children. Methods: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluated the effects of ketamine and magnesium in children undergoing tonsillectomy. Eighty patients, aged 3–12 years, were randomly assigned to four groups. Patients received either ketamine 0.15 mg·kg−1, magnesium sulphate 30 mg·kg−1, ketamine 0.15 mg·kg−1 plus magnesium sulphate 30 mg·kg−1, or placebo intravenously 5 min prior to the start of surgery. Intraoperative analgesia was standardized, and included fentanyl and dexamethasone. Results: There were no differences among the groups with respect to pain assessment postoperatively. Compared with placebo, the treatment groups did not require less fentanyl in the postanaesthesia recovery room or consume less codeine in the first 24-h postoperatively. There was no evidence of synergism between ketamine and magnesium. There were no differences among the groups in the incidence of nausea, vomiting, sedation, bleeding, or dreaming postoperatively. Conclusion: This study did not demonstrate a decrease in pain or analgesic consumption in children undergoing tonsillectomy when pretreated with a small dose of ketamine and/or magnesium.
A Methodology to Quantify Residential Energy-Efficiency in a Heating-Dominated Climate

A methodology is presented that uses readily available information such as energy consumption data, limited building characteristics, and local daily temperature data to identify energy-inefficient homes in a heating-dominated climate. Specifically, this methodology is applied to 327 owner-occupied, single-family homes in Boulder, Colorado, which are compared to simulated prototype homes. A home’s energy-efficiency is characterized by its construction properties, such as insulation R-values, infiltration rates, and mechanical equipment efficiencies. Previous research indicates a close relationship between these properties and inverse modeling parameters, such as the heating slope (HS) values from variable-base degree-day (VBDD) models. The methodology compares the HS values from VBDD models of monthly natural gas consumption data to simulated HS values of reference homes. The difference, ΔHS, is the primary criterion for quantifying a home’s energy-efficiency and energy retrofit potential. To validate the results of the methodology, the results from a detailed energy assessment of a field-test home are used. Using the natural gas consumption noted in the utility data and historical weather data for the dates of bill, a VBDD model is created and the HSfield-test is calculated. HSreference of a 2009-IECC reference home of identical size is calculated and the difference, ΔHS, is calculated. Using UA-values and mechanical efficiencies from the energy assessment report, the theoretical HS values are calculated for both the assessed home and the reference home. The difference, ΔHStheoretical , is calculated. Overall, a 24% difference is found between the ΔHS and ΔHStheoretical . While the accuracy can be improved, the implication is that the energy-efficiency of homes can be inferred from inverse modeling of utility data under a specific set of conditions.© 2011 ASME
Transonic wind-tunnel investigation of the Galileo Probe parachute configuration

Wind-tunnel tests have been made of 1/4-scale and 1/2-scale models of the Galileo Probe conical ribbon-parachute at flight conditions. For the Galileo mission, the parachute is deployed behind a blunt shape at transonic speed. The investigation was initiated to verify the solutions to the delayed main-parachute opening with squidding that was observed in the 1982 Galileo Probe system balloon drop test. In addition to varying model scale, the forebody shape, angle of attack, dynamic pressure, Mach number, and canopy trailing distance behind the forebody were varied to determine their effect on parachute performance. Both steady-state and deployment tests were conducted. Parachute drag was measured and was seen to degrade severely at canopy trailing distances of 5.5 and 7 forebody diameters. Performance was shown to be good at the trailing distances of 9 and 11 diameters. A second balloon drop test demonstrated the desired parachute performance at the system level.
Assembling Colloidal Silica into Porous Hollow Microspheres

A non-surfactant-based synthesis approach to mesoporous hollow spheres through the use of colloidal silica is presented. Based on nanoparticle assembly chemistry developed previously for silica/polymer hybrid microcapsules, the room-temperature preparation follows a two-step sequence: (1) the electrostatic reaction of cationic polymer with an anionic salt solution, resulting in a suspension of salt-bridged polymer aggregates; and (2) the electrostatic reaction between this suspension and an aqueous suspension of nanoparticles (NPs). As a specific example, 13-nm silica particles, combined with polyallylamine and sodium citrate, gave silica/polymer hollow spheres with a mean diameter of 2.1 μm and a BET surface area of 4 m2/g. After calcination at 600 °C, the resulting silica-only microcapsules had a BET surface area of 259 m2/g, a modal pore size of 4.0 nm, and a pore volume of 0.38 cc/g, values that exceeded those of calcined silica NPs. This colloidal silica-based material is an example of the simultaneous control of pore size (at the nanometer scale) and particle morphology (at the micrometer scale) that is possible through charge-driven NP assembly.
Optimization of Aluminium Die Casting Alloys for Enhanced Properties

Selecting an aluminum die casting alloy for a particular application often poses a challenge to designers and engineers. It is often difficult and sometimes not possible to find an alloy that meets all the requirements of the application; and in other times the alloy can be found, but it has a wide specified compositional range, and thus it exhibits a large variation in properties. Therefore, there is always a need to optimize existing alloys or to develop new alloys so that they meet the requirements of a given application. In order to help with the alloy selection and alloy development processes, we developed an electronic database for aluminum die casting alloys – i-Select-Al. This software can help its user to quickly select an alloy for a specific application from a comprehensive list of commercial alloys. Alternatively, it can help its user with the design of a new alloy to meet the requirements of the application. This paper presents a study in optimizing A380 alloy with the help of i-Select-Al. A380 alloy is the most commonly used die casting alloy, but it has a wide compositional range and therefore a wide range of properties. In this study, we optimized the mechanical properties of A380 alloy by optimizing its chemical composition. The Quality Index was used to quantify the changes in the alloys’ properties in response to changes in chemical composition. Two alloys were designed: one has a composition within the A380 alloy specification, and the other has a composition slightly outside the A380 alloy specification. Both alloys showed significant improvements in room temperature tensile properties and a substantial increase in the Quality Index over a commercially available A380 alloy.
Massively parallelizing the CIMSS IASI radiative transfer model on GPUs

We have developep a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)-based high-performance radiative transfer model (RTM) for the Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI). We propose two different types of GPU RTMs. The first one, processes one profile at a time. The second proposed GPU RTM processes more than one profile at a time in order to gain a significant speedup compared to the case of processing one profile at a time. Using single-profile processing, we reached 364x speedup for 1 GPU and 1455x speedup for all 4 GPUs. Both with respect to the original CPU-based single-threaded Fortran code. Similarly, using multi-profile processing, to compute 10 IASI radiance spectra simultaneously on a GPU, we reached 756x speedup for 1 GPU and 3024x speedup for all 4 GPUs. The significant 3024x speedup means that the proposed GPU-based high-performance forward model is able to compute one day's amount of 1,296,000 IASI spectra within 6 minutes.
Vitamin and Mineral Supplement Use Among College Athletes

Abstract The prevalence of taking vitamin and/or mineral supplements, the reasons for use and non-use of supplements, the types of vitamin and/or mineral supplements used, and differences by gender, ethnicity, and sport among athletes at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln were examined. Subjects included 145 females and 266 males. Vitamin and/or mineral supplements were taken by approximately 59% of females and 55% of males. The most frequently given reasons for not taking supplements were that vitamin and mineral content of the diet was adequate and personal or religious beliefs. Males were more likely than females to use too expensive as a reason for not taking supplements. The most frequently given reasons for taking supplements were because of a recommendation from a friend/family member and to improve athletic performance. Females were more likely to use recommendation from friend/family member and physician/pharmacist, while males were more likely than females to use improve athletic performance and build muscle as reasons for using supplements. Multi-vitamins with minerals was the most commonly taken supplement followed by vitamin C, multivitamins (no minerals), and B-complex vitamins. Females were more likely to use calcium and iron than were males. African-Americans were more likely to use vitamin A than Caucasians and Other Combined Ethnic Groups. Football players were more likely to take recommendations from nutritionists/dietitians, while men in other sports were more likely to take recommendations from coaches/trainers regarding supplements. Otherwise, the vitamin and mineral supplement usage of the athletes by gender, ethnicity, and sport were similar.
Algorithms and object-oriented programming: bridging the gap

Currently there is a serious conceptual and technical gap between ideas emphasized in object-oriented programming and ideas as taught in algorithms courses. We suggest both a paradigm for "re-expressing" algorithms in terms of classes and objects, and a set of criteria relative to which the quality of such re-expressions can be evaluated. A detailed example is provided for re-expressing the algorithmic idea of sorting.
Promiscuity of Exiguobacterium sp. AT1b o-succinylbenzoate synthase illustrates evolutionary transitions in the OSBS family

Catalytic promiscuity, which is the ability to catalyze more than one reaction in the same active site, is thought to facilitate the evolution of new protein functions. Although many enzymes are catalytically promiscuous, there is little direct evidence to show how promiscuous activities evolved into biological functions. We are seeking evidence for this model by studying the o-succinylbenzoate synthase (OSBS) family. Most enzymes within this family only catalyze OSBS, which is a step in menaquinone synthesis. However, several characterized enzymes in one branch of the family (called the NSAR/OSBS subfamily) efficiently catalyze both OSBS and N-succinylamino acid racemization (NSAR). Based on genome context, NSAR appears to be the only biological function of some characterized NSAR/OSBS enzymes, while both activities are biologically relevant in others. The promiscuity model predicts that these enzymes evolved from an ancestral OSBS which promiscuously catalyzed NSAR as a side reaction that was not biologically relevant. If so, the model predicts that some extant OSBS enzymes would have low levels of promiscuous NSAR activity. This manuscript describes such an enzyme from Exiguobacterium sp. AT1b (ExiOSBS). We show that ExiOSBS efficiently catalyzes OSBS (kcat/KM=2.6×10(6) M(-1) s(-1)), but its efficiency for the NSAR reaction is only 41 M(-1) s(-1). Moreover, genome context indicates that OSBS is the only biologically relevant activity. ExiOSBS diverged from the NSAR/OSBS subfamily before NSAR emerged as a biologically relevant activity. These results provide evidence that NSAR activity originated as a promiscuous activity in an ancestor of the NSAR/OSBS subfamily.
The ABC Transporter Abcg2/Bcrp: Role in Hypoxia Mediated Survival

ABC (ATP-binding cassette) transporters have diverse roles in many cellular processes. These diverse roles require the presence of conserved membrane spanning domains and nucleotide binding domains. Bcrp (Abcg2) is a member of the ATP binding cassette family of plasma membrane transporters that was originally discovered for its ability to confer drug resistance in tumor cells. Subsequent studies showed Bcrp expression in normal tissues and high expression in primitive stem cells. Bcrp expression is induced under low oxygen conditions consistent with its high expression in tissues exposed to low oxygen environments. Moreover, Bcrp interacts with heme and other porphyrins. This finding and its regulation by hypoxia suggests it may play a role in protecting cells/tissue from protoporphyrin accumulation under hypoxia. These observations are strengthened by the fact that porphyrins accumulate in tissues of the Bcrp knockout mouse. It is possible that humans with loss of function Bcrp alleles may be more susceptible to porphyrin-induced phototoxicity. We propose that Bcrp plays a role in porphyrin homoeostasis and regulates survival under low oxygen conditions.
Alkylation of isolated chromatin with N-methyl-N-nitrosourea and N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea.

When isolated chromatin is incubated with the carcinogens N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MeNU) and N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (EtNU), DNA and chromosomal proteins become alkylated to increasingly greater extents as the carcinogen concentrations increase. With either MeNU or EtNU, the core and linker DNA of chromatin are alkylated to essentially identical extents. Alkylation of chromatin DNA as well as free DNA is drastically reduced at physiological ionic strengths (e.g. 0.15 M NaCl). The presence of 0.15 M NaCl, on the other hand, enhances alkylation of chromosomal proteins. While EtNU is much less reactive to DNA than MeNU, alkylation of chromosomal proteins relative to that of chromatin DNA has been found to be markedly greater with EtNU than with MeNU. Such a difference in their relative reactivities toward DNA and proteins may be related to the known difference of carcinogenic potency between these N-nitroso compounds.
Computationally efficient molecular dynamics integrators with improved sampling accuracy

The design of numerical integrators for particle simulations with arbitrary potentials entails fundamental trade-offs between the accuracy achieved and the amount of computation required. Here we introduce a class of explicit variational integrators designed to achieve high accuracy for quadratic potentials, with little additional computation relative to traditional integrators. We show that, in practice, these new integrators also improve accuracy for classical biomolecular simulations, since the potential in the vicinity of a typical trajectory point in such a simulation is generally well modelled by a quadratic well. In particular, these integrators provide better sampling accuracy for biomolecular simulation than the commonly used Verlet integrators, as indicated by a weaker dependence of simulated ensemble properties on the time step. They also reduce short-timescale energy fluctuations, thus substantially improving the efficiency of Hybrid Monte Carlo methods, and are easy to implement through strai...
Aerial dispersal of European red mites (Acari: Tetranychidae) in commercial apple orchards

Aerial dispersal of European red mite, Panonychus ulmi (Koch), in commercial apple orchards was estimated by trapping windborne mites. Studies were conducted at four orchards in eastern New York during 1989 and 1990 and at three orchards in western New York during 1989. In each orchard mites were trapped in three locations; the interior of the orchard, at the border of the orchard and in a field or woodlot beyond the orchard. Large numbers of mites were captured, even when the numbers of mites on apple foliage were well below levels where mite injury to leaves was visible (less than five per leaf). The log numbers of mites trapped were linearly related to the log density of mites on leaves and this relationship was consistent for each year and region the study was conducted. The trap captures among the three locations in and outside an orchard were highly correlated. The implications these findings may have on metapopulation dynamics and resistance to acaricide dynamics are discussed.
Pearls from Medical Genetics Clinic

A medical genetics clinic is a unique and complex environment in which care requires a combination of medical knowledge, social intelligence, and emotional sensitivity. We offer a few pearls from our medical genetics clinic that we hope will help the pediatric or general dermatologist when caring for patients with known or suspected genetic disorders. This paper addresses five main topics: When is it more than just atopic dermatitis? How should the clinician approach blistering in the newborn period? What is mosaicism? When is genetic testing useful? Where can clinician, patients, and families turn for available resources?
Perspectives on the Edinburgh Study of Speech Breathing

This article offers critical perspectives on the Edinburgh study of speech breathing reported in this journal (Draper, Ladefoged, & Whitteridge, 1959) and elsewhere (Draper, Ladefoged, & Whitteridge, 1960; Ladefoged, Draper, & Whitteridge, 1958). These perspectives concern: (a) errors in establishing a backdrop of mechanical information; (b) discrepancies between data and statements about them; (c) counterpredictive features between data and other knowledge about breathing; and (d) inadequacies in acquiring, portraying, and interpreting electromyographic information relative to the muscular contributions of different parts of the breathing apparatus.
Optimal Aircraft Go - Around and Flare Maneuvers

This paper analyzes in detail two of the critical aircraft maneuvers associated with approach and landing: the go-around maneuver and the flare maneuver. Optimal solutions that include state and control variable constraints are obtained for both problems. Two algorithms are given for computation of the minimum and maximum altitude loss associated with the pilot-controlled go-around maneuver. A matrix operator is obtained that can be used for in-flight computation of the altitude loss on a small general-purpose digital computer. The flare optimization presented is for a cost functional that includes both the longitudinal touchdown dispersion and the normal acceleration. A closed-loop mechanization is given that approximates the optimal trajectory. A second matrix operator which can be used for prediction of the longitudinal touchdown point is obtained. Uncertainties are also obtained for the purpose of establishing a prediction confidence level. It is proposed that these prediction techniques should be incorporated into a decision making performance monitor. This monitor could provide the pilot with a continuous assessment of the approach and could generate a preflare decision on whether or not to commit the aircraft to the flare maneuver.
A complex orthogonal-symmetric analog of the polar decomposition

Every square complex matrix A can be factorized as $A = UH$, where U is unitary and H is positive semi-definite Hermitian. If A is nonsingular, it is known that one may write $A = QS$, where Q is complex orthogonal and S is complex symmetric. We develop necessary and sufficient conditions for there to be a factorization of this type when A is singular, and we give sufficient conditions for there to be at least one such factorization in which the factors commute.
Effects of Gaussian fields on the stability of inhomogeneously broadened lasers

Under some conditions, spontaneous coherent pulsations are known to occur in the output beams of inhomogeneously broadened laser oscillators. These lasers typically operate with a Gaussian transverse field distribution, while the corresponding theoretical models assume a uniform-plane-wave field. The effects of a Gaussian field on the stability criteria of single-mode inhomogeneously broadened ring laser oscillators are considered in this study. It is found that in comparison to a plane wave a Gaussian field variation still permits low-threshold spontaneous pulsations but reduces the parameter space over which these pulsations can be observed.
Kenn Gulliksen, John Wimber, and the Founding of the Vineyard Movement

Abstract John Wimber is traditionally credited with founding the Vineyard movement, but the issue is far from clear because of another leader named Kenn Gulliksen, who started the first Vineyard and led several others. Most of the history of Gulliksen’s Vineyard is not known. This article argues that, when the historical gaps are addressed, not only does Gulliksen emerge as a significant figure in Vineyard history, but he should also be considered founder of the movement.
The Relationship of Self-Concepts to Changes in Cultural Diversity Awareness: Implications for Urban Teacher Educators

This study investigated the relationship between the self-concepts and cultural diversity awareness of 100 European–American pre-service teachers. The Tennessee Self-Concept Scale:2 and the Cultural Diversity Awareness Inventory were administered as a test–retest to ascertain if changes in cultural diversity awareness occurred during a stand-alone multicultural course, and if so were they related to the study participants' pre-test self-concepts. The findings indicate that a statistically significant relationship does exist between total self-concept and total cultural diversity awareness. However, not all five components of self-concept consistently predicted the direction or magnitude of change in the five elements of cultural diversity awareness. These results imply that urban teacher educators should consider both constructs when developing intervention strategies to thwart student resistance to multicultural tenets in stand-alone cultural diversity courses.
Raman spectroscopic investigation of boron doped hydrogenated amorphous silicon thin films

Abstract We report on the effects of hydrogen dilution and boron doping on the structural properties of amorphous silicon thin films prepared by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition. Raman studies were performed on samples differing in both boron concentration and hydrogen dilution of the silane precursor prepared at two growth temperatures. Changes in the transverse optical and acoustic phonon modes were analyzed to determine the effect of boron and hydrogen on short- and mid-range order of the amorphous crystal structure. The results show that, with either an increase of hydrogen dilution or growth temperature, the short- and mid-range order improves. However, the effect of growth temperature on the ability of hydrogen to improve the short- and mid-range order decreases as the growth temperature is increased. This is attributed to dissociation of weakly bonded species at higher growth temperature, leading to less hydrogen being absorbed. In addition, for fixed hydrogen dilution, an increase in boron doping results in a decrease in the short-range order due to a rearrangement of the chemical bonding in the thin film. Finally, a direct correlation is seen between the electrical resistivity and the short-range order for samples of differing hydrogen dilution grown at the higher growth temperatures.
Beta Cell 5′-Shifted isomiRs Are Candidate Regulatory Hubs in Type 2 Diabetes

Next-generation deep sequencing of small RNAs has unveiled the complexity of the microRNA (miRNA) transcriptome, which is in large part due to the diversity of miRNA sequence variants ("isomiRs"). Changes to a miRNA's seed sequence (nucleotides 2-8), including shifted start positions, can redirect targeting to a dramatically different set of RNAs and alter biological function. We performed deep sequencing of small RNA from mouse insulinoma (MIN6) cells (widely used as a surrogate for the study of pancreatic beta cells) and developed a bioinformatic analysis pipeline to profile isomiR diversity. Additionally, we applied the pipeline to recently published small RNA-seq data from primary human beta cells and whole islets and compared the miRNA profiles with that of MIN6. We found that: (1) the miRNA expression profile in MIN6 cells is highly correlated with those of primary human beta cells and whole islets; (2) miRNA loci can generate multiple highly expressed isomiRs with different 5'-start positions (5'-isomiRs); (3) isomiRs with shifted start positions (5'-shifted isomiRs) are highly expressed, and can be as abundant as their unshifted counterparts (5'-reference miRNAs). Finally, we identified 10 beta cell miRNA families as candidate regulatory hubs in a type 2 diabetes (T2D) gene network. The most significant candidate hub was miR-29, which we demonstrated regulates the mRNA levels of several genes critical to beta cell function and implicated in T2D. Three of the candidate miRNA hubs were novel 5'-shifted isomiRs: miR-375+1, miR-375-1 and miR-183-5p+1. We showed by in silico target prediction and in vitro transfection studies that both miR-375+1 and miR-375-1 are likely to target an overlapping, but distinct suite of beta cell genes compared to canonical miR-375. In summary, this study characterizes the isomiR profile in beta cells for the first time, and also highlights the potential functional relevance of 5'-shifted isomiRs to T2D.
The archaeal transamidosome for RNA-dependent glutamine biosynthesis

Archaea make glutaminyl-tRNA (Gln-tRNAGln) in a two-step process; a non-discriminating glutamyl-tRNA synthetase (ND-GluRS) forms Glu-tRNAGln, while the heterodimeric amidotransferase GatDE converts this mischarged tRNA to Gln-tRNAGln. Many prokaryotes synthesize asparaginyl-tRNA (Asn-tRNAAsn) in a similar manner using a non-discriminating aspartyl-tRNA synthetase (ND-AspRS) and the heterotrimeric amidotransferase GatCAB. The transamidosome, a complex of tRNA synthetase, amidotransferase and tRNA, was first described for the latter system in Thermus thermophilus [Bailly, M., Blaise, M., Lorber, B., Becker, H.D. and Kern, D. (2007) The transamidosome: a dynamic ribonucleoprotein particle dedicated to prokaryotic tRNA-dependent asparagine biosynthesis. Mol. Cell, 28, 228–239.]. Here, we show a similar complex for Gln-tRNAGln formation in Methanothermobacter thermautotrophicus that allows the mischarged Glu-tRNAGln made by the tRNA synthetase to be channeled to the amidotransferase. The association of archaeal ND-GluRS with GatDE (KD = 100 ± 22 nM) sequesters the tRNA synthetase for Gln-tRNAGln formation, with GatDE reducing the affinity of ND-GluRS for tRNAGlu by at least 13-fold. Unlike the T. thermophilus transamidosome, the archaeal complex does not require tRNA for its formation, is not stable through product (Gln-tRNAGln) formation, and has no major effect on the kinetics of tRNAGln glutamylation nor transamidation. The differences between the two transamidosomes may be a consequence of the fact that ND-GluRS is a class I aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase, while ND-AspRS belongs to the class II family.
Testing the persuasiveness of evidence: Combining narrative and statistical forms

This study provides an experimental test for the conclusions of the Allen and Preiss (1997) meta‐analysis that statistical evidence is more persuasive than narrative evidence. This investigation extends that finding to consider the case where a message combines statistical and narrative evidence to determine if a combination of evidence is more effective than a single form of support. This investigation using 15 messages and 1,270 participants finds that a message combining narrative and statistical evidence is more persuasive than a message using either narrative or statistical evidence alone.
Type i membranes, phase resetting curves, and synchrony

Type I membrane oscillators such as the Connor model (Connor et al. 1977) and the Morris-Lecar model (Morris and Lecar 1981) admit very low frequency oscillations near the critical applied current. Hansel et al. (1995) have numerically shown that synchrony is difficult to achieve with these models and that the phase resetting curve is strictly positive. We use singular perturbation methods and averaging to show that this is a general property of Type I membrane models. We show in a limited sense that so called Type II resetting occurs with models that obtain rhythmicity via a Hopf bifurcation. We also show the differences between synapses that act rapidly and those that act slowly and derive a canonical form for the phase interactions.
Femtosecond studies of photoinduced bleaching and hot carrier dynamics in a-Si: H and a-Ge:H

The femtosecond pump and probe technique with 2eV and 4eV photons was applied to the study of hot photocarriers with considerable excess energy in extended states of a-Si:H and a-Ge:H. Photoinduced changes in the complex dielectric constant e 1 + ie 2 were calculated from the measured changes in reflectivity ΔR and transmission ΔT. This technique enables us to estimate that the average carrier cooling rates in our a-Si:H and a-Ge:H samples are about 2eV/psec and 1eV/psec, respectively. Photoinduced bleaching associated with the filling of band states dominates over intraband contributions to Δe 1 and Δe 2 for photon energies significantly exceeding the bandgap.
Sleep restriction worsens mood and emotion regulation in adolescents

Background The relationship between inadequate sleep and mood has been well-established in adults and is supported primarily by correlational data in younger populations. Given that adolescents often experience shortened sleep on school nights, we sought to better understand the effect of experimentally-induced chronic sleep restriction on adolescents’ mood and mood regulation.
Map of Vegetation during the Last Glacial Maximum in Japan

A vegetation map reconstructed for the Japanese Archipelago (based upon pollen data from 28 sites and plant macrofossil data from 33 sites) at the time of last glacial maximum shows that coniferous forests covered extensive areas of the land. Boreal conifer forests (dominated by the Picea jezoensis complex, P. glehnii, Abies sachalinensis, A. mariesii, Tsuga diversifolia, and Pinus with Larix gmelinii, though the latter species was confined only to the northern part of northeastern Honshu and Hokkaido) occupied the modern cool-temperature deciduous broadleaf and mid-temperate conifer forest zones, and temperate coniferous forests (mainly Picea maximowiczii, P. polita, P. bicolor, P. koyamai, Abies firma, A. homolepis, Tsuga sieboldii, and Pinus), the present warm-temperate evergreen (laurilignosa) forest zone. Small populations of various broadleaf forest species were scattered in the full-glacial temperate conifer forest mainly along the coastal belt, and the true laurilignosa forest was limited in distribution, occurring only in the paleo-Yaku Peninsula.
Gender, Racial, and Ethnic Misrepresentation in Children's Books: A Comparative Look.

(2009). Review of Research: Gender, Racial and Ethnic Misrepresentation in Children's Books: A Comparative Look. Childhood Education: Vol. 85, No. 3, pp. 187-190.
Repertoire cloning of a human IgG inhibitor of alpha IIB beta 3 function. The OG idiotype

A patient (OG) with Glanzmann thrombasthenia became refractory to platelet transfusion following the production of IgG antibodies (Ab1) specific for the integrin subunit beta 3. We generated recombinant VH and VL cDNA libraries using IgG-specific mRNA isolated from OG peripheral blood B-lymphocytes that had been selected for binding to antigen (alpha IIb beta 3 adsorbed to plastic dishes). These antigen-specific B-lymphocytes contain rearranged VH DNA segments that belong exclusively to the VH4 gene family. Recombinant Fab were expressed on the surface of filamentous phage coinfected with VH and VL segments cloned into the phagemid pHEN1 or the phage fd-tet-DOG1. To facilitate selection of the desired recombinant Ab1 Fab, we developed a rabbit polyclonal antibody specific for affinity-purified OG anti-beta 3 Fab (Ab2). Ab2 reacts specifically with Ab1, and this interaction is inhibited by purified alpha IIb beta 3. Following three rounds of phage selection on Ab2 adsorbed to plastic dishes and random reassociation of heavy and light chains, we isolated Ab1 Fab and tested their binding to alpha IIb beta 3. Five Id-positive Fab were selected for further characterization. These Fab use one of two VH genes (H21 or H23) complexed with one of three V lambda genes. Subsequent sequence data demonstrated that all three lambda genes are the same clone L22 which uses a germline V lambda gene segment. Fab using H23 bind to alpha IIb beta 3, while those using H21 do not. Based on sequence homology, both H21 and H23 use VH gene segments belonging to the VH4 gene family. Thus, the idiotype OG is restricted to the VH4 gene family and is the first sequenced prototype of human antibodies that bind close to or at a functional epitope(s) of alpha IIb beta 3.
Multi-Island Endemicity: Phylogeography and Conservation of Coelus pacificus (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) Darkling Beetles on the California Channel Islands

ABSTRACT The California Channel Islands have been the focus of multiple conservation studies on charismatic vertebrates and plant species, but very few studies have focused on insects. In this study we examined the phylogeography of Coelus pacificus Fall (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), a dune-inhabiting darkling beetle, endemic to the islands. Our aim in this study is to decipher the relationships between C. pacificus and the congeneric species Coelus ciliatus Eschscholtz that is distributed on the mainland, to examine the biogeographic relationships of the islands and augment the conservation efforts on the islands with insect data. We sequenced 235 specimens of Coelus for the cytochrome oxidase I mitochondrial gene. We performed phylogenetic analyses to assess the historical relationships of the different species and islands. We also examined the connectedness of the islands by using pairwise φst and hierarchical analysis of molecular variance to test alternate hypotheses of geographical structure, Based o...
A multi-machine labor assignment for variable operator service times

Abstract This paper presents an approach to the multi-machine labor assignment problem, where a single operator can serve a number of semi-automatic machines simultaneously in a synchronous service discipline. The operator service times are assumed to be normally distributed, while the machine processing times are deterministic. This paper provides optimum or near-optimum solutions for the assignment at a minimum combined cost of idle times for both labor and machines. Feasibility checks are incorporated in the solution procedure to meet the due date and maximum operator travel distance restrictions. A computer program is developed to implement the assignment procedure for large size problems.
The Concept Privacy and Its Biological Basis

Privacy is viewed as a regulatory process that serves to selectively control access of external stimulation to one's self or the flow of information to others. It may be manifested by a physical separation or withdrawal from conspecifics. Privacy may also be manifested by actions that mislead potential competitors as to the motivational status or strength of the individual in question. The degree to which this occurs is often related to simple economic (cost/benefit) principles. But in each species the variables that define the cost/benefit equation may vary. Generalizations about privacy are thus unlikely to prove useful.
Biomedical Engineers and Research Careers [Perspectives on Graduate Life]

The summer before starting college, I decided that I should find a job on campus to support myself. Having had no real-life work experience prior to this, my parents suggested that I look for a position in a laboratory to gain useful skills in addition to pocket money. Following their advice, I found myself working in a laboratory one month into my first semester. Four years, three laboratories, and three research projects later, I can say with great certainty that I love research.
Heat-induced recall of bleomycin skin changes.

Following bleomycin administration, a patient developed alopecia and hyperpigmentation. An unusual skin reaction occurred with the use of a heating pad which has been termed a heat-induced “recall” phenomenon.
An evaluation of various concepts of reducing supersonic jet noise

Acoustic and flow visualization data from nozzles mounted on the same facility were acquired, and a total of 10 different concepts of jet noise suppression were evaluated relative to one another and also a round nozzle. All nozzles had the same exit area. The suppressors included noncircular shapes; nozzles fitted with notches, tabs, and ejectors; and coaxial rectangular nozzles. Narrow-band noise data were acquired by a microphone located in the plane of the jet exit. In general, it is found that, for a constant exit area, the round nozzle is the noisiest. Just about any modification of this round nozzle around its periphery reduces the broadband shock-associated noise and, in most instances, modifies the screech frequency and levels. Coaxial rectangular nozzles, nozzles fitted with two tabs and operated with ejectors, and a rectangular C-D nozzles with perforated walls are identified to be the most promising concepts worthy of further investigation.
VIX and VIX Futures Pricing Algorithms: Cultivating Understanding

This article reviews the development of the S&P 500 volatility index and uses market information to develop algorithms which aid in clarifying some of the salient points in the determination of an index value. Understanding the pertinent points provides insight into the interpretation and limitations of the usefulness of the VIX and other VIX-type contracts.
OFDM-based wideband phased array radar architecture

Modern radar systems often have the conflicting requirements of a large phased array antenna for increased power-aperture product and/or angular resolution versus wide instantaneous signal bandwidth for fine range resolution. Pulse-to-pulse diversity may also be desired as a countermeasure against coherent repeater jammers. Using the multicarrier nature of orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing to encode wide instantaneous bandwidth pulses we propose a novel digital phased array architecture which mitigates dispersion effects experienced when the array main beam is electronically steered off broadside. The result is the ability to transmit and receive wideband pseudo-random phase coded pulses with a phased array antenna. Simulation results are used to quantify the benefit of the architecture. An overview of digital orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing waveform generation is also provided.
Relationship of Body Weight to Menarcheal and Menopausal Age: Implications for Breast Cancer Risk*

Early menarche and late menopause are risk factors for the development of breast cancer. An adequate hormonal mechanism for those observations has not been described. Because obesity has also been associated with increased breast cancer risk, we examined the relationship among height, weight, adiposity, and menstrual cycle characteristics in women who prospectively recorded menstrual cycle intervals and reproductive events as part of the Menstrual and Reproductive History Research Program. Within this study cohort, adult height, weight, and a derived index of adiposity were related to both earlier age at menarche and later age at menopause. The association of early age at menarche with adiposity persisted from age 18 yr through middle age and into the menopausal years. There was no relationship between body mass and age at first pregnancy, another breast cancer risk factor. Women who were heavier at 18 yr of age and thereafter gained 5 lb or more had significantly greater mean menstrual cycle length and variability during the 7-yr period after menarche than the other members of the cohort. There was no obvious relationship between weight indices and menstrual cycle pattern during mature reproductive life or during the 7 yr before menopause. Our data suggest that menarcheal and menopausal age may have a common relationship to nutritional status and to constitutional features that predate the onset of menarche and persist into later life.
A long femoral stem is not always required in hip arthroplasty for patients with proximal femur metastases.

Background During hip arthroplasties for treating proximal femur metastases, a long femoral stem frequently is used, presumably protecting the entire femur against progression of the existing lesions or development of new lesions. However, it is unclear whether a long stem is really required.
Strongly amphiphilic wetting behavior for polyurethanes with polyoxetane soft blocks having –CF2H terminated side chains

Abstract Two novel polyoxetanes with –CF2CF2H (4F) or –(CF2)3CF2H (8F) terminated side chains were synthesized and characterized by 1H NMR spectroscopy, DSC and GPC. 4F and 8F diols were incorporated in polyurethanes IPDI-BD(40)/4F-8.2 (U-4F-8.2) and IPDI-BD(40)/8F-5.8 (U-8F-5.8), where isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) and 1,4-butane diol (BD) comprise the hard block (40 wt%) and 4F-8.2 or 8F-5.8 are soft blocks with Mn in kDa. Surface characteristics were evaluated using TM-AFM, XPS and dynamic contact angle (DCA) measurements. In contrast to U-4F-8.2, TM-AFM reveals an interesting phase separated surface morphology for U-8F-5.8 apparently driven by higher F side chain content. A model is proposed to account for contact angle measurements that show reversible, strongly amphiphilic wetting with θadv > 100° and θrec
A review of neuroimaging in obstructive sleep apnea.

Study objectives The authors reviewed neuroimaging studies of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) to summarize findings, evaluate their contribution to a current understanding of the neurophysiology of the disorder, and propose directions for future research. Method Manuscripts were identified using the National Institutes of Health PubMed literature search system. Search terms included obstructive sleep apnea, sleep apnea, imaging, neuroimaging, magnetic resonance imaging, MRI, functional magnetic resonance imaging, fMRI, magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and MRS. Inclusion criteria required that research articles (1) were written in English, (2) examined an adult population, and (3) focused on imaging of the brain. Results Support for structural abnormalities is mixed, but converging evidence suggests the hippocampus may be atrophic in patients with OSA. Neurochemical evidence is supportive of white-matter impairment in OSA, particularly in the frontal lobes. Functional studies utilizing respiratory challenges report widespread neural differences in motor, sensory, and autonomic brain regions. Functional neuroimaging cognitive challenges have reported either a lack of brain activation in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex or increased neural response in frontal lobe, cingulate, thalamus, cerebellum, and juncture of parietal and temporal lobes, depending on the cognitive task employed. Conclusions The current literature examining neuroimaging-derived neural correlates in patients with OSA has made many important preliminary contributions. Future studies would be strengthened by consideration of potential moderating participant characteristics, such as sex, age, education, OSA severity, and comorbid conditions. Additional investigation employing neuroimaging techniques is needed to advance our understanding of the neurophysiology of OSA.
Transforming Growth Factor-β1 Expression and Myofibroblast Formation During Arterial Repair

Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) plays a central role in tissue repair owing to its modulating effects on cell growth and the synthesis of extracellular matrix. We have previously shown that adventitial fibroblasts differentiate to myofibroblasts after endoluminal injury, thereby contributing to arterial remodeling. Since TGF-β1 exerts several biologic actions attributed to myofibroblasts, we examined its role in myofibroblast formation in a porcine model of balloon overstretch coronary artery injury. TGF-β1 transcripts were induced in numerous adventitial cells 2 days after injury (47±10%, P 14 days after injury), the decrease in TGF-β1 coincided with the disappearance of adventitial myofibroblasts, whereas the neointima exhibited longer TGF-β1 expression. In conclusion temporal and spatial relationships between TGF-β1 and myofibroblast formation suggest an important role for autocrine TGF-β1 in the phenotypic modulation of vascular fibroblasts. Induction of TGF-β1 expression may provide a differentiation signal for adventitial fibroblasts to become myofibroblasts, which affect arterial remodeling via their mechanical and synthetic properties.
Hierarchical Model-Based Fault Diagnosis for an Electrical Power Generation Storage Automotive System

This paper deals with the design and validation, through simulation in a Matlab/Simulink environment, of a high-level model-based diagnostic algorithm for an automotive electric-power generation storage system (EPGS). The EPGS includes and alternator with rectifier, a battery and a voltage regulator. Mathematical models of these subsystems, based on the physics of the processes involved, consist of time-varying nonlinear ODEs. The diagnostic problem is approached in hierarchical fashion, and this paper focuses on a high-level (supervisory) diagnosis aimed at distinguishing between faults in the alternator and battery subsystems. The proposed diagnostic approach is based on the generation of residuals using system models and through comparison of the predicted and measured value of selected variables, including alternator output current, field voltage, battery current, battery voltage and engine speed. This paper outlines the development of a high-level model of the EPGS system, a high-level diagnostic algorithm and simulation results.