cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the Heat-Induced Denaturation of Proteins Using Temperature Gradient Gel Electrophoresis

A new technique, temperature gradient gel electrophoresis (TGGE), was applied to the study of heat-induced protein denaturation. The gels used contained 30 mM Borax + 75 mM boric acid, pH 8.4, and various concentrations of urea. When this technique was applied to bovine serum albumin, the protein showed discontinuous bands upon melting, indicating that the thermal transition is irreversible. The apparent melting temperature, calculated based on the relative intensity of two bands in the transition region, was 58 degrees C in 2 M urea. When the thermal denaturation of bovine serum albumin was analyzed spectroscopically, the transition was again irreversible, with an apparent transition temperature of 57 degrees C, consistent with the TGGE results. Recombinant stem cell factor, recombinant granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor, and catalase were also analyzed by TGGE, indicating that the technique can be used to analyze denaturation of monomeric and multimeric proteins.
Receptor Isoform and Ligand‐Specific Modulation of Dihydrotestosterone‐Induced Prostate Specific Antigen Gene Expression and Prostate Tumor Cell Growth by Estrogens

Androgens via the androgen receptor (AR) play crucial roles in prostate physiology and pathophysiology. These androgen actions can be either inhibited or potentiated by estrogens. The mechanisms of these seemingly opposing estrogen effects are unclear. We studied the effects of estrogens on the modulation of androgen induction of prostate specific antigen (PSA) gene expression and prostate tumor cell growth. Cotransfection analyses in CV-1, DU-145, and PC-3 cells showed that dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-induced PSA transcription activity was inhibited by 17β-estradiol, diethylstilbestrol, ICI182780, and 17α-estradiol, but not by tamoxifen via estrogen receptor α (ERα). In the presence of ERβ, 17β-estradiol and diethylstilbestrol had no significant effect, while 17α-estradiol inhibited and ICI182780 and tamoxifen potentiated DHT action. When both ERα and ERβ were present, all ER-ligands except tamoxifen inhibited DHT action. The inhibition of DHT action by 17β-estradiol via ERα was mainly dependent on the DNA binding domain, while the 17α-estradiol effect was mainly dependent on the ERα carboxyl terminus. Treatment with DHT in LAPC-4 prostate tumor cells that express a wild-type AR and both ERβ and ERα greatly increased the PSA gene expression and cell growth. These DHT effects were significantly attenuated by the addition of 17α-estradiol, 17β-estradiol, or cyproterone acetate in a dose-dependent manner. These results indicate that estrogens produce an ER-isoform– and ER-ligand–specific modulation of DHT induction of PSA gene expression and prostate tumor cell growth, providing a molecular basis for designing favorable agents for the prevention and control of prostate cancer.
Anomalous diffusion on a random comblike structure.

We have recently studied a random walk on a comblike structure as an analog of diffusion on a fractal structure. In our earlier work, the comb was assumed to have a deterministic structure, the comb having teeth of infinite length. In the present paper we study diffusion on a one-dimensional random comb, the length of whose teeth are random variables with an asymptotic stable law distribution \ensuremath{\varphi}(L)\ensuremath{\sim}${L}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}(1+\ensuremath{\gamma})}$ where 0l\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{\le}1. Two mean-field methods are used for the analysis, one based on the continuous-time random walk, and the second a self-consistent scaling theory. Both lead to the same conclusions. We find that the diffusion exponent characterizing the mean-square displacement along the backbone of the comb is ${d}_{w}$=4/(1+\ensuremath{\gamma}) for \ensuremath{\gamma}l1 and ${d}_{w}$=2 for \ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{\ge}1. The probability of being at the origin at time t is ${P}_{0}$(t)\ensuremath{\sim}${t}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}{d}_{s}/2}$ for large t with ${d}_{s}$=(3-\ensuremath{\gamma})/2 for \ensuremath{\gamma}l1 and ${d}_{s}$=1 for \ensuremath{\gamma}g1. When a field is applied along the backbone of the comb the diffusion exponent is ${d}_{w}$=2/(1+\ensuremath{\gamma}) for \ensuremath{\gamma}l1 and ${d}_{w}$=1 for \ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{\ge}1. The theoretical results are confirmed using the exact enumeration method.
Modeling the kinetics and microstructural evolution during static recrystallization—Monte Carlo simulation of recrystallization

The kinetics of microstructure and texture evolution during static recrystallization of a cold-rolled and annealed f.c.c. material is simulated by coupling a finite element model of microstructural deformation with a Monte Carlo simulation of recrystallization. The salient features of the simulations include a nucleation model for recrystallization based on subgrain growth and the modeling of simultaneous recovery during recrystallization. The simulation results quantify the effects of non-uniform stored energy distribution and orientation gradients present in the cold-worked microstructure on recovery by subgrain growth, and hence on the spatial distribution of nuclei and their orientations. The growth of these recrystallized nuclei in the presence of continued recovery of the substructure has been simulated for initial cold-work levels of e=0.7 and 1.1 obtained by plane strain compression. The simulations are shown to be potentially capable of capturing the formation and evolution of cube texture commonly observed in cold-rolled and annealed f.c.c. materials.
The coupling of quasi-linear pitch angle and energy diffusion

Abstract Wave–particle interactions are described in the quasi-linear formulation by bounce-averaged diffusion coefficients for equatorial pitch angle α 0 and for momentum p , along with a mixed or cross diffusion coefficient D α 0 p . Because the cross terms complicate the associated time-dependent diffusion equation, and because D α 0 p has a somewhat unfamiliar character (e.g., it may be negative), it has frequently been omitted in numerical simulations of multidimensional diffusion. Generally, D α 0 p becomes increasingly important for small values of f pe / f ce , as does D pp , and for small widths of the wave frequency and wavenormal angle distributions. Here we use very simple models of diffusion to investigate the effect of the cross terms, and to demonstrate numerical problems associated with them.
RNA polymerase II: subunit structure and function

RNA polymerase II is the core of the complex apparatus that is responsible for the regulated synthesis of mRNA. A comprehensive knowledge of RNA polymerase II is essential to our understanding of the molecular mechanisms through which a variety of transcription factors regulate eukaryotic gene expression. The recent cloning of genes for all ten subunits of yeast RNA polymerase II has revealed intriguing similarities and differences between the eukaryotic RNA polymerase and its simpler prokaryotic counterpart. Epitope tagging and other experiments made possible by the cloning of these genes have provided a clearer picture of RNA polymerase II subunit composition, stoichiometry and function, and set the stage for further investigating the dialogue between RNA polymerase II and transcription factors.
Ultradian Rhythms in Human Performance

An ultradian rhythm in waking performance on the order of 100 min. was hypothesized based on the period of the rapid eye-movement—non-rapid eye-movement intrasleep cycle. Errors on a visual continuous performance task (signal detection) over 6 hr. were analyzed for 19 Ss. Data analysis by fitting sinusoidal curves showed a peak at the expected frequency of 100 min.
Evaluating the Safety and Efficacy of BMI-Based Preoperative Administration of Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin in Morbidly Obese Patients Undergoing Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery

Background One of the most concerning and potentially fatal complications of gastric bypass surgery is pulmonary embolism (PE) with published rates exceeding 1%. Although this procedure has been proven effective in reducing the morbidity and mortality of obesity and associated health care costs, it is elective and risk must be minimized. No dosing guidelines exist for pharmacologic prophylaxis in obese patients who are already at increased risk for these events. Although the current ASMBS and Chest guidelines recommend preoperative pharmacologic prophylaxis against thromboembolic events, no standard dosing protocols exist for the obese population. We propose a protocol including immediate pre followed by twice daily postoperative BMI-based dosing of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH), along pneumatic compression devices, and early ambulation.
Two‐Way Migration in a Model with Identical Optimizing Agents

The simplest migration models based on maximizing behavior assume movement toward more desirable locations, and therefore ignore the large portion of moves in the “wrong” direction. Based on a model with identical, utility-maximizing agents, the analysis below shows that changes in relative location attractiveness can cause many migrants to move against the dominant stream. Even when the population distribution is stable and variation in wages and prices across locations reflect compensating differentials, so locations are equally attractive, individuals choose to move between locations, spending parts of their lives in different locations. These results stem from the role of consumption opportunities in migration decisions, highlighting processes that have been largely ignored.
WRAPPER-BASED FEATURE RANKING TECHNIQUES FOR DETERMINING RELEVANCE OF SOFTWARE ENGINEERING METRICS

Classification, an important data mining function that assigns class label to items in a collection, is of practical applications in various domains. In software engineering, for instance, a common classification problem is to determine the quality of a software item. In such a problem, software metrics represent the independent features while the fault proneness represents the class label. With many classification problems, one must often deal with the presence of irrelevant features in the feature space. That, coupled with class imbalance, renders the task of discriminating one class from another rather difficult. In this study, we empirically evaluate our proposed wrapper-based feature ranking where nine performance metrics aided by a particular learner and a methodology are considered. We examine five learners and take three different approaches, each in conjunction with one of three different methodologies: 3-fold Cross-Validation, 3-fold Cross-Validation Risk Impact, and a combination of the two. In this study, we consider two sets of software engineering datasets. To evaluate the classifier performance after feature selection has been applied, we use Area Under Receiver Operating Characteristic curve as the performance evaluator. We investigate the performance of feature selection as we vary the three factors that form the foundation of the wrapper-based feature ranking. We show that the performance is conditioned by not only the choice of methodology but also the learner. We also evaluate the effect of sampling on wrapper-based feature ranking. Finally, we provide guidance as to which software metrics are relevant in software defect prediction problems and how the number of software metrics can be selected when using wrapper-based feature ranking.
A Grating Array Spectrophotometer For The 10 Micron Spectral Region

The UCSD IR astronomy group has built an array grating spectrophotometer suitable for ground based 10 pm astronomical spectroscopy. The spectrophotometer employs a 128 element linear Si:Bi array with on-focal-plane analog multiplexers and discrete integrating capacitors. The system is designed to give thermal photon background limited noise performance and readout rates rapid enough to allow readout synchronous with standard IR chopping (roughly 30 Hz, corresponding to data rates of approximately 5 x 104 bits per second).© (1984) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Electrical properties of Al-In-Sn alloys directionally solidified in high and low gravitational fields

The Al-In-Sn alloys were directionally solidified in the NASA KC-135 aircraft which flies a series of parabolas to generate high (high-g) and low (low-g) gravity forces parallel to the longitudinal growth axis. Thus, for a given sample, successive sections can be identified which were solidified in high-g and low-g. Measurements of the electronic properties of the samples reveal that: the resistivity of the low-g sections is larger (about a factor of 10) than that of the high-g sections; the low-g sections behave conductively like a semi-metal, while the high-g sections are essentially metallic; and both high-g and low-g sections are superconducting but the superconducting transition temperature of the low-g sections is 1 K higher than that of the high-g sections.
Ultrastructural alteration of the mitochondrial electron transport chain involving electron leak: possible basis of "respiratory impairment" in certain tumors.

Abstract It is proposed that the lower respiratory rates found in certain tumor mitochondria as compared to that in corresponding non-neoplastic tissue results initially from the considerable alteration or deletion of the mechanochemical effector system which is responsible for the swelling and contraction of mitochondria. The effector system, which is membranelocalized, is linked to the respiratory chain in a position adjacent to the coupling sequence which is responsible for phosphorylation. The considerable loss or disappearance of both the “high amplitude” swelling and contraction functions in tumor mitochondria indicate severe alteration or deletion of the effector system. Since it is well-established that the respiratory multienzyme assemblies in the membrane are lipoid coated (for the insulation of electron transport from the aqueous phase), the alteration or deletion of the effector system cannot fail to bring about a break-up of the lipoid coating; this break-up is possibly compounded by the well-known alterations of fatty acid, phospholipid and cholesterol metabolism in tumors. The working hypothesis is developed that, because of electron leak through this lesion(s), a portion of the electron flux resulting from substrate dehydrogenation does not reach the terminal acceptor, oxygen, although the rate of dehydrogenation may remain unaltered; hence, decrease of the respiratory rate. Corollaries to this situation are analyzed.
Correlations between volumes of the pulvinar, centromedian, and mediodorsal nuclei and cortical Brodmann's areas in schizophrenia

Correlations between the MRI-assessed volumes of the pulvinar, centromedian, and mediodorsal nuclei of the thalamus and 39 cortical Brodmann's areas were evaluated and compared in 41 unmedicated schizophrenia patients and 59 healthy comparison subjects. For the right pulvinar, positive intercorrelations with ipsilateral orbitofrontal and occipital cortices were significantly weaker while negative intercorrelations with dorsolateral prefrontal and temporopolar/entorhinal cortices were stronger in schizophrenia patients compared to healthy subjects. For the centromedian nucleus, positive correlation with the dorsolateral prefrontal area 46 in the right hemisphere was significantly weaker in patients than in healthy subjects. Higher cortical/pulvinar volume ratios for the right frontotemporal regions with stronger negative correlations in patients were associated with better performance on recall and semantic memory tasks. Right pulvinocortical disconnections in patients with schizophrenia may be related to visual attentional deficits whereas stronger-than-normal inverse pulvinar associations with the heteromodal cortical regions may reflect compensatory reliance on alternative information-processing strategies.
ADAPTATION OF THE SPIRAL ARTERY IN THE RABBIT OVARY TO CHANGES IN ORGANSIZE AFTER STIMULATION BY GONADOTROPHINS; EFFECT OF OVULATION AND LUTEINIZATION

UNTIL RECENTLY, scant attention has been paid to the arrangement of the arteries within the ovary. Older works, such as those of Barkow (1866) and Clark (1900) depict them in the human as a mass of tortuous vessels derived from branches of the ovarian artery as this vessel enters the hilus of the ovary. Later work, based upon gross dissections in the rat, guinea pig, sow, and rabbit (Anders, 1927) do not alter this conception. This work shows schematically the arteries in the hilus of the ovary as forming a network derived from several arteries in the mesovarium. A different description is given by Belou (1934). This investigator examined by stereoscopic X-ray the human female genital tract in which the arteries had been injected with an opaque medium.
Storage and transfusion of infected autologous blood or components: a survey of North American laboratories.

Abstract Context.—Many patients request that autologous blood or components be collected and available for use during scheduled surgical or invasive medical procedures to avoid exposure to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV) from allogeneic transfusions. Some patients from whom autologous blood is collected are themselves infected with HIV, HBV, or HCV. However, unlike HIV-, HBV-, or HCV-infected allogeneic blood and components, which must be excluded from the community blood supply, infected autologous blood and components are allowed to be stored in hospitals and transfused back to the patients (autologous donors) from whom the blood was collected. Although the transfusion of HIV-, HBV-, or HCV-infected autologous blood or components does not present a risk to the autologous donor, such a transfusion presents a risk to other patients, considering that at least 1 in every 25 000 transfusions are administered to the wrong individual. Objective.—To deter...
Pseudoneurological and Psychosomatic Disorders

Professional neuropsychological consultation services are often provided on an acute neurology ward. There are at least two general categories of consultation requests. The first category concerns the further elucidation of the phenomena of brain impairment. For example, brain impairment could have been initially documented by computerized axial tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), physical neurological evaluation, electroencephalogram (EEG), or some other neurodiagnostic technique and then the neurologist would seek to better understand the behavioral impairments associated with the documented brain damage. Often these consultation requests include questions about the ability to handle funds, operate complicated machinery, drive, or manage a household. This is a fairly traditional area well known to neuropsychologists (Horton & Wedding, 1984; see other chapters in this volume).
The oldest North American primate and mammalian biogeography during the Paleocene–Eocene Thermal Maximum

Undoubted primates first appear almost synchronously in the fossil records of Asia, Europe, and North America. This temporal pattern has complicated efforts to reconstruct the early dispersal history of primates in relation to global climate change and eustatic fluctuations in sea level. Here, I describe fossils from the Tuscahoma Formation on the Gulf Coastal Plain of Mississippi documenting an anatomically primitive species of Teilhardina that is older than other North American and European primates. Consistent with its antiquity, a phylogenetic analysis of dental characters recognizes Teilhardina magnoliana, sp. nov., as the most basal member of this genus currently known from either North America or Europe. Its stratigraphic provenance demonstrates that primates originally colonized North America near the base of the Paleocene–Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM), but before an important fall in eustatic sea level. Correlation based on carbon isotope stratigraphy and sequence stratigraphy indicates that the earliest North American primates inhabited coastal regions of the continent for thousands of years before they were able to colonize the Rocky Mountain Interior. The transient provincialism displayed by early North American primates corresponds to similar biogeographic patterns noted among fossil plants. Decreased precipitation in the Rocky Mountain Interior during the early part of the PETM may have been an important factor in maintaining biotic provincialism within North America at this time. These results underscore the need to obtain multiple, geographically dispersed records bearing on significant macroevolutionary events such as the PETM.
Channel cooling techniques for repetitively pulsed magnetic switches

Design data on cooling channel fabrication techniques, size, and geometries tailored to magnetic switches are presented. Free and forced convection channel structures suitable for magnetic switches are proposed and experimentally characterized. Magnetic core temperature data from earlier experiments are formulated into design graphs relating maximum allowable build between cooling channels to maximum core temperature and thermal generation rate. The resultant design curves are applicable to both magnetic cores and electrical windings. Practical limits on interchannel build and thermal generation for free convection are established. Effects of forced convection on the cooling capacity of a channel are discussed. Design curves are applied to a full-scale magnetic switch design. Measured temperatures in two full-scale switches are compared to model predictions. Thermal measurements from full-scale prototypes of the first two RHEPP (Repetitive High Energy Pulsed Power) magnetic switches are compared to predictions from both a simple, one-dimensional model and a more sophisticated simulation. The thermal effects due to the nonuniform current distribution in the flat winding of an actual pulsed switch are observed and discussed. >
Inline composition and thickness control of SiON, HfSiON gate films using VUV capable spectroscopic ellipsometer

The area of gate metrology in the semiconductor fabrication process is being challenged with stringent thickness and composition control requirements. Control of component thicknesses and compositions of nitrided gate oxides and complex Hi-K film stacks has become a critical requirement for process development and control. Implementation of lab based techniques like XPS, XRF, XRR, SIMS, EXES etc. in the automated semiconductor fab environment is relatively novel and primarily in the development phase. Optical ellipsometry has typically been used for thickness control and rarely for estimation of volume fractions in composite films. This paper discusses the implementation of an extended UV (155nm – 800nm) spectroscopic ellipsometer for inline monitoring of various gate dielectric films viz. SiON and HfSiON. Results demonstrate the sensitivity of the technique to process variations, short term precision and long term stability that enable its implementation in an high volume automated fab for routine process monitoring. Some hardware enhancements required to make such measurements viable is also discussed. Efficient implementation of acquisition routines enables this enhanced composition metrology capability at higher throughput compared to typical X-ray based techniques that are naturally slower. The superior optics and sensors also provide enhanced long term stability.
A Highly Selective Turn-On Colorimetric, Red Fluorescent Sensor for Detecting Mobile Zinc in Living Cells

We describe ZRL1, a turn-on colorimetric and red fluorescent zinc ion sensor. The Zn2+-promoted ring opening of the rhodamine spirolactam ring in ZRL1 evokes a 220-fold fluorescence turn-on response. In aqueous media, ZRL1 turn-on luminescence is highly selective for Zn2+ ions, with no significant response to other competitive cations, including Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Mn2+, Fe2+, Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, Cd2+, or Hg2+. In addition to these characteristics, preliminary results indicate that ZRL1 can be delivered to living cells and can be used to monitor changes in intracellular Zn2+ levels.
The Calcium-activated Potassium Channels of Turtle Hair Cells

A major factor determining the electrical resonant frequency of turtle cochlear hair cells is the time course of the Ca-activated K current (Art, J. J., and R. Fettiplace. 1987. Journal of Physiology. 385:207-242). We have examined the notion that this time course is dictated by the K channel kinetics by recording single Ca-activated K channels in inside-out patches from isolated cells. A hair cell's resonant frequency was estimated from its known correlation with the dimensions of the hair bundle. All cells possess BK channels with a similar unit conductance of approximately 320 pS but with different mean open times of 0.25-12 ms. The time constant of relaxation of the average single-channel current at -50 mV in 4 microM Ca varied between cells from 0.4 to 13 ms and was correlated with the hair bundle height. The magnitude and voltage dependence of the time constant agree with the expected behavior of the macroscopic K(Ca) current, whose speed may thus be limited by the channel kinetics. All BK channels had similar sensitivities to Ca which produced half-maximal activation for a concentration of approximately 2 microM at +50 mV and 12 microM at -50 mV. We estimate from the voltage dependence of the whole-cell K(Ca) current that the BK channels may be fully activated at -35 mV by a rise in intracellular Ca to 50 microM. BK channels were occasionally observed to switch between slow and fast gating modes which raises the possibility that the range of kinetics of BK channels observed in different hair cells reflects a common channel protein whose kinetics are regulated by an unidentified intracellular factor. Membrane patches also contained 30 pS SK channels which were approximately 5 times more Ca-sensitive than BK channels at -50 mV. The SK channels may underlie the inhibitory synaptic potential produced in hair cells by efferent stimulation.
Atomic Force Microscopy Methods for Characterizing Protein Interactions with Microphase-Separated Polyurethane Biomaterials

Understanding the molecular scale interactions between proteins and microphase-structured polyurethane (PU) biomaterials can provide mechanistic insights into the blood/biomaterial problem. This knowledge is critically important to provide design parameters for developing new blood-contacting materials with improved hemocompatibility. This chapter introduces a series of novel atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques for characterization of PU biomaterials under ambient and physiologically relevant conditions. Techniques for measuring the interaction forces between proteins and surfaces or proteins and proteins, for measuring the bioactivity of proteins, and for correlating biological activity with material surface properties are discussed. The measurements reveal a complex interfacial environment where the material surface is undergoing dynamic changes at the same time as proteins are undergoing time-dependent conformational and bioactivity changes. Combining the ­traditional in vitro techniques for biocompatibility with these new AFM techniques offers new insights into the fundamental relationships between PU microphase structures and the biological response to these materials.
Murie, Olaus J. A Field Guide to Animal Tracks. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, xxii + 374 pp., 196 figs. + many unnumbered sketches. 1954. Cloth, $3.75

Olaus J. Murie A Field Guide to Animal Tracks. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, xxii + 374 pp., 196 figs. + many unnumbered sketches. 1954. Cloth, $3.75. This is number nine in the well known and widely used Peterson Field Guide Series. Following a brief but informative Editor's Note by Roger T. Peterson, the author presents his acknowledgments. These are followed by the table of contents, a key to tracks and a “life” list of mammals and other animals that are apt to leave sign. The introductory section entitled “What has happened here?” attempts, quite well, to solicit interest in outdoor sleuthing through animal sign. In a humble and matter-of-fact style Murie relates his own field experiences with animals and their spoor. These anecdotes add interest to the subject and command the respect of the reader. The mammals are then covered in phylogenetic order, including some rare, and some domestic species. A brief section is given to birds, amphibians and reptiles, and finally insects and other invertebrates. A selected bibliography of 149 titles is presented. The index of slightly less than six pages covers the …
Distributed distribution energy management system (DDEMS) exploratory experiments

An example of an in-house solution to a distribution automation system is presented. The results of several experiments carried out to identify the types of tools needed to implement a commercial-grade system with in-house staff are reported. A description is given of the information management system, the division district power management system, the workstation and personal computer tools, and the frame-based database management system. The results demonstrate that low-cost, simple, effective energy management systems can be implemented with a minimum of vendor software. >
Is it Important to Be Important?Evaluating the Supreme Court's Case Selection Process

The Supreme Court has been criticized for taking and deciding too few cases, with its current full opinion output down to 70 cases a year from 150 or more as recently as the middle of the 1980s. Much of the criticism has centered around the Court’s reluctance to decide important cases, but sorting out the criticism depends on an understanding of what we mean by “important.” It is true that the Court decides very few of the important issues of our time, and the distance between the Court’s docket and current concerns about health care, jobs, the economy in general, bank bailouts, auto company bailouts, executive compensation, wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the nuclear capability of Iran and North Korea underscore this gap. Current public opinion polling updating Schauer, “Foreword: The Court’s Agenda - and the Nation’s,” 120 Harv. L. Rev. 4 (2006), confirms that there is no change in the gap between the two agendas, and little suggests that there is anything wrong with this. But if we turn from the question of social and political importance to legal importance, it appears that the Court is failing to resolve many of the issues that appear with great frequency in the lower courts, and as to which the law is highly uncertain. The Court’s increasing failure to adequately perform the function of guiding the lower courts is indeed a problem, a problem caused in part by the lack of a way for the Court systematically to obtain accurate information about the array of often-litigated issues in need of resolution. The Essay concludes with possible suggestions on how the informational deficit and informational distortion might be corrected.
Risk sharing, diversification and moral hazard in Roman Palestine Evidence from agricultural contract law

Abstract We investigate the economic rationale for a law pertaining to tenancy in Roman Palestine, found in a Jewish legal text. This law allows for risk-sharing (through rent reduction) between tenant and landlord when the macro-economic situation is severe (makas medina), but not if the particular rental plot has a bad harvest. We consider and critique the possibility that the restriction of risk-sharing to times of makas medina can be explained from a moral hazard perspective. Next, we show that this feature of the rental contract can be well explained as an optimal characteristic of rental contracts in an economy characterized by tenants whose income sources are diversified. We provide empirical evidence supporting this possibility.JEL categories: G30, K12, N55, Q15
Comparing seasonal dynamics of the Lake Huron zooplankton community between 1983–1984 and 2007 and revisiting the impact of Bythotrephes planktivory

Abstract Zooplankton community composition can be influenced by lake productivity as well as planktivory by fish or invertebrates. Previous analyses based on long-term Lake Huron zooplankton data from August reported a shift in community composition between the 1980s and 2000s: proportional biomass of calanoid copepods increased while that of cyclopoid copepods and herbivorous cladocerans decreased. Herein, we used seasonally collected data from Lake Huron in 1983–1984 and 2007 and reported similar shifts in proportional biomass. We also used a series of generalized additive models to explore differences in seasonal abundance by species and found that all three cyclopoid copepod species ( Diacyclops thomasi , Mesocylops edax , Tropocyclops prasinus mexicanus ) exhibited higher abundance in 1983–1984 than in 2007. Surprisingly, only one ( Epischura lacustris ) of seven calanoid species exhibited higher abundance in 2007. The results for cladocerans were also mixed with Bosmina spp. exhibiting higher abundance in 1983–1984, while Daphnia galeata mendotae reached a higher level of abundance in 2007. We used a subset of the 2007 data to estimate not only the vertical distribution of Bythotrephes longimanus and their prey, but also the consumption by Bythotrephes in the top 20 m of water. This epilimnetic layer was dominated by copepod copepodites and nauplii, and consumption either exceeded (Hammond Bay site) or equaled 65% (Detour site) of epilimnetic zooplankton production. The lack of spatial overlap between Bythotrephes and herbivorous cladocerans and cyclopoid copepod prey casts doubt on the hypothesis that Bythotrephes planktivory was the primary driver underlying the community composition changes in the 2000s.
3DTouch: A wearable 3D input device for 3D applications

3D applications appear in every corner of life in the current technology era. There is a need for an ubiquitous 3D input device that works with many different platforms, from head-mounted displays (HMDs) to mobile touch devices, 3DTVs, and even the Cave Automatic Virtual Environments. We present 3DTouch, a novel wearable 3D input device worn on the fingertip for 3D manipulation tasks. 3DTouch is designed to fill the missing gap of a 3D input device that is self-contained, mobile, and universally works across various 3D platforms. This paper presents a low-cost solution to designing and implementing such a device. Our approach relies on a relative positioning technique using an optical laser sensor and a 9-DOF inertial measurement unit. The device employs touch input for the benefits of passive haptic feedback, and movement stability. On the other hand, with touch interaction, 3DTouch is conceptually less fatiguing to use over many hours than 3D spatial input devices. We propose a set of 3D interaction techniques including selection, translation, and rotation using 3DTouch. An evaluation also demonstrates the device's tracking accuracy of 1.10 mm and 2.33 degrees for subtle touch interaction in 3D space. We envision that modular solutions like 3DTouch opens up a whole new design space for interaction techniques to further develop on. With 3DTouch, we attempt to bring 3D applications a step closer to users.
Glutaminolysis as a target for cancer therapy

Cancer cells display an altered metabolic circuitry that is directly regulated by oncogenic mutations and loss of tumor suppressors. Mounting evidence indicates that altered glutamine metabolism in cancer cells has critical roles in supporting macromolecule biosynthesis, regulating signaling pathways, and maintaining redox homeostasis, all of which contribute to cancer cell proliferation and survival. Thus, intervention in these metabolic processes could provide novel approaches to improve cancer treatment. This review summarizes current findings on the role of glutaminolytic enzymes in human cancers and provides an update on the development of small molecule inhibitors to target glutaminolysis for cancer therapy.
The Argument from Irreversibility

In this chapter we refute computationalism via specification and defense of the following argument: Computation is reversible; cognition isn’t; ergo, cognition isn’t computation. The specification of the argument involves a quartet: (i) certain elementary theorems from com- putability theory, according to which computation is reversible; (ii) the doctrine of agent materialism, according to which, contrary to any sort of dualistic view, human agents (= human persons) are physical things whose psychological histories are physical processes; (iii) the introspection- and physics-supported fact that human cognition is not reversible; and (iv) the by-now-familiar claim — put roughly for now — that cognition is computation. The basic structure of the argument is straightforward: the conjunction of (i), (ii) and (iii) entails the falsity of (iv).
Starbucks: Schultz Back in the Brew

Can the return of its founding CEO turn a lagging Starbucks around? Howard Shultz must map a strategy that addresses the company's decreasing sales and perhaps too rapid growth. Had the previous CEO's efforts to streamline operations compromised the Starbucks experience? Or was a changing economy to blame. Schultz considers whether to close existing stores, slow U.S. growth while expanding overseas, and improve the customer experience, which he believed had eroded the company's value proposition.
Human powered Knudsen pump for pneumatic pharmaceutical delivery.

iii NOMENCLATURE vi LIST OF TABLES vii LIST OF FIGURES viii Chapter 1: Introduction 1 Chapter 2: Theory 4 Chapter 2.1: Thermal Circuit 6 Chapter 3: Device 1 7 Chapter 3.1: Thermal Circuit Analysis 8 Chapter 3.2: Fabrication of Device 1 9 Chapter 3.3: Testing 10 Chapter 3.4: Results 11 Chapter 3.5: Conclusions and Discussion 13 Chapter 4: Device 2 14 Chapter 4.1: Thermal Circuit Analysis 15 Chapter 4.2: Fabrication 17 Chapter 4.3: Testing 18 Chapter 4.4: Results 20
Superselective intraarterial cerebral infusion of cetuximab after osmotic blood/brain barrier disruption for recurrent malignant glioma: phase I study

Objective To establish a maximum tolerated dose of superselective intraarterial cerebral infusion (SIACI) of Cetuximab after osmotic disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) with mannitol, and examine safety of the procedure in patients with recurrent malignant glioma. Methods A total of 15 patients with recurrent malignant glioma were included in the current study. The starting dose of Cetuximab was 100 mg/m(2) and dose escalation was done to 250 mg/m(2). All patients were observed for 28 days post-infusion for any side effects. Results There was no dose-limiting toxicity from a single dose of SIACI of Cetuximab up to 250 mg/m(2) after osmotic BBB disruption with mannitol. A tolerable rash was seen in 2 patients, anaphylaxis in 1 patient, isolated seizure in 1 patient, and seizure and cerebral edema in 1 patient. Discussion SIACI of mannitol followed by Cetuximab (up to 250 mg/m(2)) for recurrent malignant glioma is safe and well tolerated. A Phase I/II trial is currently underway to determine the efficacy of SIACI of cetuximab in patients with high-grade glioma.
Other Imaging Modalities in the Evaluation of Patients with ARVC/D

Abstract Imaging to diagnose ARVC/D is of paramount importance. TFC utilizes CMR and Echo in order to diagnose ARVC/D. There are modalities which are not included in the TFC but have high sensitivity and/or specificity in detecting and diagnosing ARVC/D. Electroanatomic voltage mapping may help in the management of ventricular arrhythmias ARVC/D. Cardiac CTA provides a wide spectrum of diagnostic information, including anatomy, size, global and regional function, and the presence of fibrofatty changes in the LV and the RV free wall. Exercise testing, nuclear imaging and the use of MRI-based strain sequences may reveal early subclinical disease. While the published data appears promising with regard to these modalities, for the diagnosis of ARVC/D, further studies are required to prove the value of these methodologies for the diagnosis of ARVC/D.
Using ApoE-Nanolipoprotein Particles to Analyze SNARE-Induced Fusion Pores

Here we introduce ApoE-based nanolipoprotein particle (NLP)-a soluble, discoidal bilayer mimetic of ∼23 nm in diameter, as fusion partners to study the dynamics of fusion pores induced by SNARE proteins. Using in vitro lipid mixing and content release assays, we report that NLPs reconstituted with synaptic v-SNARE VAMP2 (vNLP) fuse with liposomes containing the cognate t-SNARE (Syntaxin1/SNAP25) partner, with the resulting fusion pore opening directly to the external buffer. Efflux of encapsulated fluorescent dextrans of different sizes show that unlike the smaller nanodiscs, these larger NLPs accommodate the expansion of the fusion pore to at least ∼9 nm, and dithionite quenching of fluorescent lipid introduced in vNLP confirms that the NLP fusion pores are short-lived and eventually reseal. The NLPs also have capacity to accommodate larger number of proteins and using vNLPs with defined number of VAMP2 protein, including physiologically relevant copy numbers, we find that 3-4 copies of VAMP2 (minimum 2 per face) are required to keep a nascent fusion pore open, and the SNARE proteins act cooperatively to dilate the nascent fusion pore.
Urinary oxalate excretion by man following ascorbic acid ingestion.

SummaryAn investigation was conducted to determine the urinary oxalate excretion of normal males on their regular diet, and to determine to what extent extra-dietary ascorbic acid would increase this excretion. The mean 24 hour urinary oxalic acid excretion of 51 healthy adult males on their regular diets was 38.3 ± 1.7 mg. The 24 hour excretion of any individual was remarkably constant over a three week period. The daily ingestion of 4 or more g of ascorbic acid increased urinary excretion of oxalic acid; whereas the daily ingestion of less than 4 g of ascorbic acid produced no significant increase in oxalate excretion.
Altered vascular responsiveness: initial hypotensive mechanism of thiazide diuretics. 1.

ConclusionIn order to separate electrolyte and intravascular volume mechanisms of the thiazide diuretics from hemodynamic, local vascular, and neural factors mongrel dogs were studied before and 20 min after chlorothiazide (25 mg/kg, iv). Dose-response relationships of the mean arterial pressure curve following single bolus injections of norepinephrine and angiotensin were also obtained before and after chlorothiazide. Serum electrolytes, hematocrit, and plasma protein concentrations remained unchanged. Arterial pressure did not change, whereas cardiac output fell (p < .001). At each dose level the integrated pressure response to both pressor agents became significantly attenuated. These data indicate that the major immediate effect of the thiazide is local alteration in vascular responsiveness. Later, with natriuresis, electrolytic, volume, and possibly neural factors also participate.The authors gratefully acknowledge the fine technical assistance of Mr. Alan Chang and Mrs. Janice Pfeffer and the secret...
Occupational Health Protection for Excavation and Desilting Works after Catastrophic Debris Flow in Zhouqu County

[Objective]To summarize the experiences of occupational health protection for excavation and desilting works after catastrophic debris flow,provide the scientific evidences for disaster rescue.[Methods]Combined with field survey,the main hygienic problems in excavation and desilting works were analyzed and confirmed,and the comprehensive measures of occupational health protection were carried out.[Results]The health of excavation and desilting workers has been protected effectively,and there was no epidemic and outbreak of diseases related to excavation and desilting works.[Conclusion]After catastrophic debris flow,the application of comprehensive measures of occupational health protection can ensure the health of excavation and desilting workers at a certain extent.
Analysis on children injury prevention surveillance data in Chongren county of Jiangxi Province

Objective To explore the child injury surveillance system based on community and providing scientific basis for making up injury intervention policy and intervention evaluation.Methods The injury surveillance datas of 0-6 year old children in the past three year collecting from three townships(towns) of Chongren County was analyzed statistically.Results The children were injured 1246 times from 2007-2009 year;the nonfatal injury incidence rate was 10.98%.The incidence in boys which was 13.11% was higher than that of girls significantly which was 8.04%(P0.01),and the incidence among different age groups were different(P0.01).Falling(4.93%),animal bites(1.81%),burning(1.57%) and cuts(1.08%) were the four leading cause of nonfatal injury.45.19% injury occurred at living room and the road of community.There were 7 cases fatal injury caused by drowning.The child nonfatal injury incidence rate had showed a decreasing trend in the past three year.Conclusion The injury incidence rate has change in the intervention period.Conducting the child injury prevention surveillance system can provide scientific basis for drawing up and adjusting child injury prevention measure.
The Role of Workplace Characteristics in Breastfeeding Practices

The present analyses were undertaken to understand the role of workplace characteristics in the breastfeeding practices of working women. The effects of the perception of the availability of employer-sponsored child care, the perception of the availability of a flexible schedule, hours worked at home, and worked a fixed schedule on breastfeeding outcomes were estimated using a sample of 1,506 births from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979 and the Children of the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979. The availability of employer-sponsored child care increased the likelihood of breastfeeding six months after birth by 47 percent. In addition, working an additional eight hours at home per week, at the mean, increased the probability of breastfeeding initiation by 8 percent and breastfeeding six months after birth by 16.8 percent. Workplace characteristics show promise as an effective way to increase breastfeeding rates among working women.
Human Papillomavirus in Kidney Transplant Recipients

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common infection in kidney transplant recipients. HPV causes cervical, anal, vulvar, vaginal, penile and head and neck cancers. Kidney transplant recipients have a disproportionate burden of disease given prolonged immunosuppression. Given the long pre-invasive state of precancer lesions such as cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN) most HPV-cancers are preventable with screening and targeted treatment of disease. Pre-transplant vaccination of age-eligible kidney transplant recipients is otherwise ideal.
Cracking Resistance Evaluation of Mixtures with High Percentages of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement

AbstractIncorporation of high quantities of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) in new asphalt pavement construction is a contemporary approach for promoting sustainable roadway systems. Many highway ...
Exosolar photovoltaics: Exploring the detailed balance of other star and planetary systems

The detailed balance limits of exoplanets and their host stars was investigated using Python. The script is able to quickly determine efficiencies and bandgaps of an arbitrary number of junctions over a range of star temperatures, star radii, and orbital distances. The efficiencies, and maximum power output, of familiar materials such as silicon, GaAs, and Ge-lattice matched triple junction are presented, and compared against the ideal bandgaps and efficiencies of 1 to 6 junction devices for each planetary system.
The life and legacy of Julian Schwinger

When Julian Schwinger was asked in an interview in 1973 what first attracted him to theoretical physics, he replied: "I became fascinated with the structure of the universe." He was then asked if his fascination could be described as religious. "I suppose it's a form of nature worship," he said. "Perhaps it's not that much removed from the worship of a rock or a tree. Whatever directed primitive man to stand and wonder at the heavens is still at work in modern science."