cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Oxytocin receptor gene methylation and substance use problems among young African American men

Abstract Background Stressful or supportive social environments promote biological changes with regulatory implications for future relationships and substance abuse. Recent research suggests links between adverse social environments, prosocial relationships, methylation at the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR), and substance abuse. The potential for OXTR methylation to act as the mechanism linking social environments to substance abuse has yet to be investigated. We hypothesized that, for young African American men, childhood adversity increases, and supportive, prosocial bonds with parents, peers, partners, and community mentors decrease OXTR methylation levels, which in turn predict increases in substance-related symptoms. Methods A sample of 358 rural African American men (age 19 at baseline) provided self-report data at three time points separated by 18 months and a genetic specimen at Time 2. Results Early adversity was associated with OXTR methylation indirectly via contemporary prosocial relationships. OXTR methylation was a proximal predictor of changes in substance-related symptoms. We found no evidence for a direct association of self-reported childhood trauma with OXTR methylation status. Conclusions Findings suggest that OXTR methylation is linked to substance use symptomatology, ostensibly resulting in increased expression of oxytocin (OT) in peripheral and central nervous systems. OXTR may act as a mechanism to explain how prosocial ties deter substance abuse and related problems. Despite conjectures in the literature that early adversity may become physiologically embedded via methylation in the OT system, direct effects were not evident. Rather, early adversity may affect OXTR methylation via influence on contemporary prosocial relationships.
Robust Features Extraction for On-board Monocular-based Spacecraft Pose Acquisition

This paper presents the design, implementation, and validation of a robust feature extraction architecture for real-time on-board monocular vision-based pose initialization of a target spacecraft in application to on-orbit servicing and formation flying. The proposed computer vision algorithm is designed to detect the most significant features of an uncooperative target spacecraft in a sequence of two-dimensional input images that are collected on board the chaser spacecraft. A novel approach based on the fusion of multiple and parallel processing streams is proposed to filter a minimum number of extracted true point features, even in case of unfavourable illumination conditions and in presence of Earth in the background. These are then combined into relevant polyline structures that characterize the true geometrical shape of the target spacecraft.
Communication with Children with Special Healthcare Needs in Dental Practice

Children with special healthcare needs (CSHCN) have diverse communication needs in dental settings. These needs vary with each child’s experience with the healthcare system and communication preferences. This chapter outlines communication strategies for CSHCN, including those with communication disorders, intellectual disability, and autism. An overview of language disorders, speech and sound disorders, disorders in social use of communication, and hearing loss is provided. Finally, the chapter covers culturally appropriate communication, triadic communication, and consent in the context of dental care for CSHCN.
MP60-04 LONG-TERM ONCOLOGICAL AND FUNCTIONAL OUTCOMES OF HIGH-RISK PROSTATE CANCER FOLLOWING ROBOT-ASSISTED LAPAROSCOPIC PROSTATECTOMY: MINIMUM FOLLOW-UP OF 10 YEARS

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES:Data on long-term oncological and functional outcomes of robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) beyond 10 years are sparse. We aimed to interrogate our prospec...
Masculinity and Suicidal Desire in a Community Sample of Homeless Men: Bringing Together Masculinity and the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide:

Men’s high suicide death rates are likely associated with a range of factors, notably men’s conformity to predominant masculine gender role norms and men’s gender-related attitudes toward suicide d...
Negotiating Intergovernmental Relations Under ESSA

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) has generated considerable buzz in education circles and the general media. But how much has really changed, and what does this mean for states as they begin t...
Etiologies of Blepharoptosis

Blepharoptosis is a common presenting complaint of patients presenting for medical evaluation. As etiologies vary from acute neurologic issues to mechanical age-related changes, proper diagnosis is essential. Blepharoptosis may be a sign of impending neurologic or systemic disease, further warranting diagnostic evaluations. Proper treatment relies on accurate diagnosis of the underlying cause of blepharoptosis. This chapter discusses some of the most frequently seen causes of blepharoptosis both in adults and children, in particular focusing on the more concerning, “not to be missed” etiologies such as acute third nerve palsy, Horner’s syndrome, and myasthenia gravis. Typical presentations and diagnostic evaluations are discussed. Less frequent myopathic and neurologic causes of blepharoptosis as well as congenital blepharoptosis are included as well.
The energy budget and figure of Earth during recovery from the Moon-forming giant impact

Abstract Quantifying the energy budget of Earth in the first few million years following the Moon-forming giant impact is vital to understanding Earth's initial thermal state and the dynamics of lunar tidal evolution. After the impact, the body was substantially vaporized and rotating rapidly, very different from the planet we know today. The subsequent evolution of Earth's energy budget, as the body cooled and angular momentum was transferred during lunar tidal recession, has not been accurately calculated with all relevant energy components included. Here, we use giant impact simulations and planetary structure models to calculate the energy budget at stages in Earth's evolution. We show that the figure and internal structure of Earth changed substantially during its post-impact evolution and that changes in kinetic, potential, and internal energy were all significant. These changes have important implications for the dynamics of tidal recession and the thermal structure of early Earth.
Benchmarking patient satisfaction scores in a colorectal patient population

Healthcare reimbursement is rapidly moving away from a fee-for-service model toward value-based purchasing. An integral component of this new focus on quality is patient-centered outcomes. One metric used to define patient satisfaction is the Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survey. Data are lacking to accurately benchmark these scores based on diagnosis. We sought to identify if different colorectal disease processes affected a patient’s perception of their healthcare experience. Adult colorectal patients seen between July 2015 and September 2016 in a tertiary hospital colorectal clinic were mailed a Press Ganey survey. Patients were stratified based on diagnosis: neoplasia, IBD, anorectal and benign colorectal disease. Survey scores were compared across the groups with adjustment for confounding variables. 312 patients responded and formed the cohort. The mean age was 61 (range 18–93) and 56% were women. The cohort breakdown was 38% neoplasia, 32% anorectal, 21% benign, and 9% IBD. In a multivariable model, there was a difference in PG scores by diagnosis; patients with neoplasia had higher Overall scores (β 10.2; Std Error 4.0; p = 0.01), Care Provider scores (β 8.5; Std Error 4.2; p = 0.04), Nurse Assistant scores (β 15.0; Std Error 5.7; p = 0.01), and Personal Issues scores (β 11.8; Std Error 5/0; p = 0.01). Press Ganey scores were found to vary significantly. Patients with a neoplasia diagnosis reported higher overall satisfaction, Care Provider, Nurse Assistant, and Personal Issues scores. Adjustment for disease condition is important when assessing patient satisfaction as an indicator of quality and as a metric for reimbursement. This study adds to increasing evidence about bias in these scores.
Irisin directly stimulates osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption in vitro and in vivo

Abstract The myokine irisin facilitates muscle-bone crosstalk and skeletal remodeling in part by its action on osteoblasts and osteocytes. In the current study we investigated whether irisin also directly regulates osteoclasts. In vitro, irisin (2-10 ng/mL) increased osteoclast differentiation in C57BL/6J bone marrow progenitors; this increase was blocked by a neutralizing antibody to integrin αVβ5. Irisin also increased resorption on several substrates in situ. RNAseq revealed differential gene expression induced by irisin including upregulation of markers for osteoclast differentiation and resorption, as well as osteoblast-stimulating ‘clastokines’. In vivo, forced expression of the irisin precursor Fndc5 in murine muscle resulted in low bone mass and increased number of osteoclasts. Taken together, our work demonstrates that irisin acts directly on cultured osteoclast progenitors to increase differentiation and promote bone resorption. These actions support the tenet that irisin not only stimulates bone remodeling but may also be an important counter-regulatory hormone during exercise.
SHIP WAVE MODIFICATION BY A SURFACE CURRENT FIELD

One potential contribution to the formation of the narrow-V patterns observed remotely in the wakes of surface ships is discussed. This is the interaction between the ship-generated waves and a surface current pattern in the ship's wake. This surface current field in turn is primarily a manifestation of the turbulent wake caused by the passage of the ship itself. It can be shown by means of relatively simple theoretical arguments that such an interaction can lead directly to a V-wake pattern which is included within a smaller angular region than that of the classical Kelvin waves produced by the steady motion of a surface ship in still water. Predictions of V-wake patterns are obtained which are in qualitative agreement with some of the recently observed ship wakes.
The Phases and Catalysts of Mini Flash Crashes

Mini flash crashes are rapid volatility events reminiscent of the May 6, 2010 Flash Crash in the US stock market. The frequency of mini flash crashes and their similarity to the Flash Crash provide an avenue to study patterns in order and trade activity during smaller volatility events to gain greater insight into potential activity during larger volatility events. I find a set of potential mini flash crashes using a two-step process. I then divide each mini flash crash into phases, where I define a phase as a stage with the same price directionality. Splitting each mini flash crash into phases facilitates a more dynamic and granular examination of order and trade activity during different stages of a mini flash crash. Using Daily TAQ data, I find that the proportion of sell Inter-market Sweep Orders increases before the price begins to drop. This result suggests that some participants may exacerbate mini flash crashes with certain order and trade practices. Using off-exchange sub-penny trades as a proxy for retail activity, I find a significant increase in volume potentially initiated by retail sell orders executed at or near the lowest price of the mini flash crash, which may indicate that retail investors could be particularly subject to harm during these events.
Child Sexual Abuse and Adult Sexual Assault among Emerging Adults: Exploring the Roles of Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms, Emotion Regulation, and Anger.

Child sexual abuse (CSA) has been previously linked with a risk for adult sexual assault (ASA) and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). Yet, the relations between CSA, ASA, and other psychological...
Chapter 14 Reaction-Kinetic Analysis of Current-Voltage Relationships for Electrogenic Pumps in Neurospora and Acetabularia

Publisher Summary Enzyme-mediated ion transport processes constitute a special class of reactions, which are subject to two separate sets of constraints: those of enzyme kinetics, and those of electric circuit theory. Since the electrical properties of many biological membranes–and, under special conditions, of specific ion transport systems–are relatively easy to measure, the question naturally arises as to how the electrical behavior of a transport system can illuminate underlying reaction mechanisms. This chapter explores the functional dependence of current flow through electrogenic ion pumps upon the magnitude of the imposed membrane potential and then to relate this so called current-voltage relationship (I–V relationship) to the predicted behavior of certain kinds of kinetic models for transport. Class-I electrogenic models are discussed: those having a single limb in which charges are transferred across the membrane. Since the extraction of kinetic information from I–V relationships depends strongly on observable nonlinearities. The presentation of experimental results is restricted to two electrogenic ion pumps for which nonlinear I–V relationships have been documented: ATP-driven extrusion of protons across the plasmalemma of the ascomycete fungus, neurospora crassa and the electrogenic uptake of chloride by the unicellular green marine alga, acetabularia mediterranea .
MSA: multiphase specifically shared arrays

Shared address space (SAS) parallel programming models have faced difficulty scaling to large number of processors. Further, although in some cases SAS programs are easier to develop, in other cases they face difficulties due to a large number of race conditions. We contend that a multi-paradigm programming model comprising a distributed-memory model with a disciplined form of shared-memory programming may constitute a “complete” and powerful parallel programming system. Optimized coherence mechanisms based on the specific access pattern of a shared variable show significant performance benefits over general DSM coherence protocols. We present MSA, a system that supports such specifically shared arrays that can be shared in read-only, write-many, and accumulate modes. These simple modes scale well and are general enough to capture the majority of shared memory access patterns. MSA does not support a general read-write access mode, but a single array can be shared in read-only mode in one phase and write-many in another. MSA coexists with the message-passing paradigm (MPI) and the processor virtualization-based message-driven paradigm(Charm++). We present the model, its implementation, programming examples and preliminary performance results.
Automatic Return in Multifunction Control Logic

A study was conducted to determine the feasibility of automating the return function in a multifunction control device. An automatic return function takes the control logic from any menu page back to the first page if the pilot does not select additional functions during a predetermined time period. The acceptability of three return time periods: 5, 10, and 15 seconds, was evaluated in a flight simulation. While there were no significant performance differences among the three time periods, subjective questionnaire data showed that pilots were in favor of automating the return function and had a significant preference for the 10 second time period.
Signaling by STATs

A variety of cytokines and growth factors use the Janus kinase (Jak)–STAT signaling pathway to transmit extracellular signals to the nucleus. STATs (signal transducers and activators of transcription) are latent cytoplasmic transcription factors. There are seven mammalian STATs and they have critical, nonredundant roles in mediating cellular transcriptional responses to cytokines. The physiological roles of STATs have been elucidated by analysis of mice rendered deficient in STAT genes. STAT activation is regulated and can be modulated in a positive or negative fashion; it can be reprogrammed to drive different cellular responses. Several auto-regulatory and signaling crosstalk mechanisms for regulating Jak–STAT signaling have been described. Understanding and manipulation of the function of STATs will help in the development of therapeutic strategies for diseases that are regulated by cytokines.
Dynamics of the endoplasmic reticulum in living onion epidermal cells in relation to microtubules, microfilaments, and intracellular particle movement

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and associated organelle and particle movements in onion (Allium cepa) bulb scale epidermal cells were observed, recorded, and analyzed using computer-assisted video (AVEC-DIC, AVEC-POL and fluorescence) microscopy. The ER is composed of two interconnected sets of filamentous membrane tubules with diameters ranging from 0.1 to 0.5 μm. The first form a more stable, stationary network of intersecting polygonal membrane tubules lying closely appressed to the plasma membrane and continuous with a second very dynamic set of longer membrane tubules that often are located parallel to each other, shifting rapidly around the cytoplasm and forming dynamic knots or organization centers. The ER, mitochondria, and spherosomes fluoresced upon chlortetracycline treatment and are therefore presumed to sequester calcium. ER and mitochrondria also stain with the fluorescent dye, rhodamine 123. Mitochrondria and spherosomes are seen to move in the cytoplasm only along paths parallel to the axis of the ER tubules. Smaller particles (0.5 μm) tend to follow these same paths but may occasionally move independently. Particles and organelles move in close, but not in direct, association with the ER tubules. In optically favored cells, actin filaments were occasionally recorded located in parallel with the ER tubules and directly associated with moving particles. Streaming ceased promptly and reversibly upon treatment with cytochalasin B, which did not visibly disrupt the ER. Short-term treatment with colchicine did not inhibit streaming or disrupt the ER network, whereas long-term (hours) colchicine treatments caused the disappearance of the stationary, cortical polygonal networks and an aggregation of still slowly moving organelles and particles onto now visible actin filaments. This suggests that microtubule breakdown disrupts the three-dimensional distribution of the ER and rearranges actin filaments in the cell's cytoplasm. Actin filaments must be directly involved in generation of movement of the particles and organelles. A three-dimensional model, based on optical sectioning of the epidermal cells, is proposed to illustrate the distribution of the endoplasmic reticulum in onion epidermal cell cytoplasm.
Synthesis, structure, and magnetic properties of the layered bismuth transition metal oxide solid solution Bi2Fe4-xGaxO9

The solid solution Bi{sub 2}Fe{sub 4{minus}x}Ga{sub x}O{sub 9} (0 {le} x {le} 4) was synthesized and investigated by X-ray diffraction, Moessbauer spectroscopy, and susceptibility measurements. The system was found essentially to follow Vegard's law. The crystal structure of the x = 2 member, Bi{sub 2}Fe{sub 2}Ga{sub 2}O{sub 9}, was solved. The structure is orthorhombic with space group Pbam (No. 55), a = 7.946(1) {angstrom}, b = 8.355(1){angstrom}, and c = 5.929(1) {angstrom}. Iron and gallium were nonstatistically distributed over two octahedral and two tetrahedral sites. The iron displayed a 60% preference for the octahedral positions. Magnetic susceptibility and Moessbauer measurements showed antiferromagnetic behavior. The ordering temperature, T{sub N}, exhibited a strong dependence on x, decreasing rapidly with gallium doping from T{sub N} = 245 {plus minus} 5 K for x = 0 to T{sub N} {lt} 4.2 K for x = 3. Spin-glass-like behavior was observed in the gallium-substituted compounds, and a previously undetected spin rearrangement at 220 K for the x = 0 compound is reported.
Shape correction of thin mirrors in a reconfigurable modular space telescope

In order to facilitate the construction of future large space telescopes, the development of low cost, low mass mirrors is necessary. However, such mirrors suffer from a lack of structural stability, stiffness, and shape accuracy. Active materials and actuators can be used to alleviate this deficiency. For observations in the visible wavelengths, the mirror surface must be controlled to an accuracy on the order of tens of nanometers. This paper presents an exploration of several mirror design concepts and compares their effectiveness at providing accurate shape control. The comparison test is the adjustment of a generic mirror from its manufactured spherical shape to the shape required by various off-axis mirrors in a segmented primary mirror array. A study of thermal effects is also presented and, from these results, a recommended design is chosen.
Analogues of azepinomycin as inhibitors of guanase.

Abstract Synthesis and biochemical screening against guanase of analogues of the naturally occurring guanase inhibitor azepinomycin (2) are reported. Compound e-amino-5,6,7,8,-tetrahydro-4H-imidazo[4,5-e][1,4]diazepine-5,8-dione (3) was synthesized in six steps commencing with 1-benzyl-5-nitroimidazole-4-carboxylic acid (5). Compound 3 and its synthetic precursor 3-benzyl-6-(N-benzyloxycarbonyl)amino-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-4H-imidazo[4,5-e][1,4]diazepine-5,8-dione (12) were screened against rabbit liver guanase. Both were found to be moderate inhibitors of the enzyme with K1′s in the range of 10−4 M.
Protecting rights of orphan and vulnerable children: no substitute for community action in Nyanza, Kenya

This article focuses on the plight of orphans of HIV and AIDS victims and other vulnerable children in the Nyanza Province of Kenya. It draws upon participatory research conducted by the author and his colleagues in Nyanza which has the highest prevalence of HIV and AIDS in the country into the vulnerabilities faced by such children and community action to address them. Based on the insights gained from a series of research projects undertaken in the province linked with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child it makes a strong case for placing children at the centre of all developmental programmes. Using case studies it argues that community action must take precedence over externally driven programmes to provide support and succour to the children. External support programmes whether by the government or non-government organizations must take local socio-economic and cultural factors into consideration and supplement rather than replace community initiatives.
Relaxation training and cortisol secretion in adult asthmatics.

Relaxation techniques can lead to symptom reduction and improved pulmonary functioning in asthmatics, although the mechanism is not clear. One possibility is by influencing cortisol secretion, as cortisol is implicated in inflammatory processes and relaxation has been shown to alter cortisol secretion in healthy individuals. This study explored the effect of relaxation training on cortisol levels and cortisol reactivity to stress in asthmatics. Twenty adult asthmatics participated for 21 days in their natural environment, and received relaxation training halfway through the study. Cortisol was assessed from saliva five times per day for three weeks. Relaxation training was successful, but did not lead to the hypothesized reduction in overall cortisol levels. Participants using corticosteroid medication showed increases in cortisol after relaxation, whereas those not using corticosteroids showed decreases in cortisol (p< .05). Relaxation altered the cortisol reactivity to stress (p= .007); before relaxatio...
The relations among cry characteristics, demographic variables, and developmental test scores in infants prenatally exposed to methadone

Abstract This study examined the relations among developmental test scores, infants' demographic characteristics, and cry features. Cry features were strongly related to developmental test scores at all ages, suggesting that use of the infants' cry characteristics can help to identify those infants at greatest risk for later developmental problems.
Transport of sputtered atoms investigated by Monte Carlo method

Increasing attention has been paid to the sputtering process as a tool to deposit films and to the study of the interaction between the film properties and the deposition parameters. It is obvious that the energy and direction of these particles arriving at the substrate is in close relation with the transport process from the target to the substrate. This work deals with the computer simulation of the sputtered Ag atoms trajectories through the background gas in a diode-sputtering configuration. For that, we have developed a numerical model to simulate the transport process. We followed the three-dimensional trajectory of each sputtered atom separately and calculated the scattering angle and the energy loss if a collision took place. A statistical method, Monte Carlo simulations is used. The model predicts the flux of Ag atoms arriving at the substrate, their energies and angular distribution. The dependence of the deposition rates of Ag atoms on the gas pressure and the distance between target to substrate were investigated.
Detoxification of xenobiotics by glutathione S-transferases in erythrocytes: the transport of the conjugate of glutathione and 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene

Summary. The incubation of human erythrocytes with 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB) results in almost quantitative conjugation of glutathione (GSH) to form S-(2,4-dinitrophenyl) glutathione. The reaction is catalysed by erythrocyte glutathione S-transferase. During the present studies we have identified the conjugate in the incubation medium of CDNB-treated erythrocytes, indicating that the conjugate of GSH and CDNB is transported out by the erythrocytes. Quantitation of the conjugate in the incubation medium by amino acid analysis and thin layer chromatography indicates that the erythrocytes transport the conjugate at an approximate rate of 140 nmol/h/ml erythrocytes. The transport of the conjugate is inhibited by sodium fluoride. Exhaustion of ATP from the erythrocytes results in a significant decrease in the rate of transport which is restored with the regeneration of ATP by incubating the erythrocytes with adenine and inosine. This indicates that the transport of conjugate is an energy dependent process.
Autoregressive moving average models of conifer crown profiles

A time-series autoregressive moving average (ARMA) approach was used to develop stochastic models of tree crown profiles for five conifer species of the Sierran mixed conifer habitat type. Models consisted of three components: (1) a polynomial trend: (2) and ARMA model; and (3) rand om error. A Bayesian information criterion was used to evaluate alternative models. It was found that 70% of the crown profiles could be modeled using first-order ARMA [AR(1) or MA(1)] models, and that an additional 25% could be modeled using a white noise model [(AR(0)]. When the coefficients of the ARMA models were statistically significant, the models proved to be both visually and statistically an improvement over the polynomial trend (a Euclideam model). A binary classification system was used to determine if model type was related to tree or stand characteristics. Using this classification we found that it was possible to relat the appropriate model type to forest tree size and forest stand density with acceptable accuracy.
Arena simulation model for multi echelon inventory system in supply chain management

Supply chain inventory management (SCIM) is an integrated approach to the planning and control of inventory throughout the whole network of cooperating organizations from source of supply to the end user. Research shows that Multi Echelon Inventory System can help companies save costs. In this paper, simulation model is being developed for multi echelon inventory system in supply chain using Arena 7.0. Model consists of three active members in it: One distribution center, three retailers and customer. Our model focuses on improving sales and reducing lost sales by introducing the interrelationship among retailers. The simulation results show that interrelationship with sharing inventory among retailers will help retailers increase their sales.
An Experimental Apparatus for Low Energy High Charge Heavy Ions to Study Collisions on Atomic Hydrogen

The design and performance of a recoil ion source system which includes a recoil ion source, atomic hydrogen thermal oven target and an electrostatic analysis system will be discussed. The recoil ion source produces low velocity highly charged ions via collisions between heavy fast pump beams from the EN tandem accelerator and target gases. Time-of-flight techniques provide initial recoil charge state separation. Collisions of the recoils with atomic hydrogen are being studied. The atomic hydrogen is provided by a thermal oven which features long life time operation and low input power requirements. Dissociation fractions of 80% are achieved for 300 watts of input power. A hemispherical electrostatic analyzer allows the final charge states of the recoil ions to be determined thereby allowing the measurement of charge exchange processes for an energy range of 100 eV/q to 5000 eV/q for the incident recoil ions.
Social dynamics of intergroup encounters in the capped langur (Presbytis pileata)

Data from a 15-month field study of the capped langur (Presbytis pileata) in moist deciduous forest in Bangladesh show that during intergroup encounters males respond more aggressively to extra-group males and to the resident males of unfamiliar one-male groups than they do toward familiar males. Lone males followed established one-male groups and attempted to interact with group females. During intergroup encounters males responded to the approach of unfamiliar males with significantly more displays than were given to familiar (frequently encountered) males. The frequency of displays given to approaching groups showed a negative correlation with the frequency of encounters with those groups. In 50% of intergroup encounters males pushed and bit their group females if the females strayed from the immediate proximity of the group male. Further observations suggest that males obtain females that have emigrated from established groups or attempt to interact with them in established onemale groups. Males had a tenure from at least 13 months to at least 26 months, and between 1986 and 1988 no male changes were seen. Capped langur males defended females from other males, but females did not defend resources or participate in intergroup encounters. The implications of this sex difference in behavior during encounters is discussed with regard to ecological models of female-bonded primate groups.
Reconstitution of specific Na+-dependent D-glucose transport in liposomes by Triton X-100 extracted proteins from purified brush border membranes of hamster small intestine

Abstract Liposomes were prepared from soybean phospholipids and were sonicated together with Triton X-100 extracted proteins from purified brush border membranes isolated from hamster small intestine. The treated liposomes showed a specific Na + -dependent uptake of D-glucose as compared to L-glucose, which was inhibited by phlorizin and D-galactose.
Design of Hopfield content-addressable memories

The Hamming-stability perceptron learning rule (PHSL) is proposed for the Hopfield content-addressable memories based on three well recognized criteria, which amount to widely expanding the basin of attraction around each desired attractor. Extensive experiments convincingly show that the PHSL does take good care of three optimal criteria. >
A comparison of N and C uptake during brown tide (Aureococcus anophagefferens) blooms from two coastal bays on the east coast of the USA

Blooms of the brown tide pelagophyte, Aureococcus anophagefferens, have been reported in coastal bays along the east coast of the USA for nearly two decades. Blooms appear to be constrained to shallow bays that have low flushing rates, little riverine input and high salinities (e.g., >28). Nutrient enrichment and coastal eutrophication has been most frequently implicated as the cause of A. anophagefferens and other blooms in coastal bays. We compare N and C dynamics during two brown tide blooms, one in Quantuck Bay, on Long Island, NY in 2000, and the other in Chincoteague Bay, at Public Landing, MD in 2002, with a physically similar site in Chincoteague Bay that did not experience a bloom. We found that the primary forms of nitrogen (N) taken up during the bloom in Quantuck Bay were ammonium and dissolved free amino acids (DFAA) while the primary form of N fueling production at both sites in Chincoteague Bay was urea. At both Chincoteague sites, amino acid carbon (C) was taken up while urea C was not. Even though A. anophagefferens has the ability to take up organic C, during the bloom at Chincoteague Bay, photosynthetic uptake of bicarbonate was the dominant pathway of C acquisition by the >1.2 μm size fraction during the day. C uptake by cells 1.2 μm did not take up much organic C during the day, smaller cells (>0.2 μm) did. Peptide hydrolysis appeared to play an important role in mobilizing organic matter in Quantuck Bay, where amino acids contributed substantially to N and C uptake, but not in Chincoteague Bay. Dissolved organic N (DON), dissolved organic C (DOC) concentrations and the DOC/DON ratio were higher and total dissolved inorganic N (DIN) concentrations were lower at the bloom site in Chincoteague Bay than at the nonbloom site in the same bay. We conclude that A. anophagefferens is capable of using a wide variety of N and C compounds, and that nutrient inputs, biotic interactions and the dominant recycling pathways determine which compounds are available and which metabolic pathways are active at a particular site.
Thin metallic films for corrosion control

Abstract Metallic alloys and composites, often engineered for a desired combination of mechanical properties, may not have sufficient resistance to corrosion, and a coating is usually proposed as protection. Many coatings have good corrosion resistance themselves, but are not adherent or do not offer protection when penetrated. Indeed, corrosion resulting from penetrations may be especially disastrous. However, it is possible to achieve metallic coatings with excellent adherence which protect substrates even when relatively large areas are breached. A suitable choice of deposition processing, film composition and film structure is necessary. The current situation with respect to aqueous, especially saline, corrosion is reviewed. The roles of microcrystalline and amorphous structures and of open circuit potentials (E co ) are discussed. In general, it is best to have an amorphous or microcrystalline film with an E co value more negative than that of the substrate. Excellent adhesion and structure may be achieved by processes such as sputtering or ion plating which employ energetic particles.
The Role of Accounting Conservatism in Mitigating Bondholder‐Shareholder Conflicts over Dividend Policy and in Reducing Debt Costs

Using both a market‐based and an accrual‐based measure of conservatism, we find that firms facing more severe conflicts over dividend policy tend to use more conservative accounting. Furthermore, we document that accounting conservatism is associated with a lower cost of debt after controlling for other determinants of firms' debt costs. Our collective evidence is consistent with the notion that accounting conservatism plays an important role in mitigating bondholder‐shareholder conflicts over dividend policy, and in reducing firms' debt costs.
Oxygen Atom Transfer and Oxidative Water Incorporation in Cuboidal Mn3MOn Complexes Based on Synthetic, Isotopic Labeling, and Computational Studies

The oxygen-evolving complex (OEC) of photosystem II contains a Mn4CaOn catalytic site, in which reactivity of bridging oxidos is fundamental to OEC function. We synthesized structurally relevant cuboidal Mn3MOn complexes (M = Mn, Ca, Sc; n = 3,4) to enable mechanistic studies of reactivity and incorporation of μ3-oxido moieties. We found that MnIV3CaO4 and MnIV3ScO4 were unreactive toward trimethylphosphine (PMe3). In contrast, our MnIII2MnIV2O4 cubane reacts with this phosphine within minutes to generate a novel MnIII4O3 partial cubane plus Me3PO. We used quantum mechanics to investigate the reaction paths for oxygen atom transfer to phosphine from MnIII2MnIV2O4 and MnIV3CaO4. We found that the most favorable reaction path leads to partial detachment of the CH3COO– ligand, which is energetically feasible only when Mn(III) is present. Experimentally, the lability of metal-bound acetates is greatest for MnIII2MnIV2O4. These results indicate that even with a strong oxygen atom acceptor, such as PMe3, the ox...
Election campaign resource allocation

This paper examines an electoral competition model where a candidate allocates his campaign efforts (resources) on two competing projects prior to election. A candidate is congruent if his objective is consistent with the wishes of his constituents and there is no potential political shirking. We show that a congruent candidate needs not exert any efforts towards successful implementation prior to election; however, a less than perfectly congruent candidate must exert efforts prior to election. In equilibrium, two campaign resource allocation strategies emerge; (1) concentrate resources on one project and (2) allocate resources evenly across both projects. We discuss potential inefficiencies that are resulted by these allocation strategies.
Cytocidal effect of rifamycin derivatives on ascites tumor cells: Studies with [125I]iododeoxyuridine

We have previously reported the chemotherapeutic effect of rifamycin derivatives on an ascites tumor, using increased life span as a criterion. These derivatives inhibit (1) RNA-instructed DNA polymerase in crude viral extracts; (2) virus-induced transformation in tissue cultures; and (3) the growth of tumors in vivo. One rifamycin derivative, rifazone-8{sub 2} (R-8{sub 2}), not only inhibits transformation in chick fibroblasts but affects the growth of transformed cells. The present study demonstrates that rifampicin and R-8{sub 2} act as cytocidal (rather than cytostatic) agents against some ascites cell lines.
The ultrastructure of the rat preputial gland

The rat preputial gland as seen by electron microscopy is a “dicrine” organ; i.e., the modified sebaceous cells comprising this gland produce protein as well as lipid granules. The lipid granules are formed in intimate association with the agranular endoplasmic reticulum. Some tubules of the agranular endoplasmic reticulum contain electron opaque material within the cisternae, and these occasionally can be seen fusing with the lipid droplet. Protein granules also are formed in close association with agranular membranes of undetermined cytologic nature. Dense crystals form within some protein granules which may represent a keratin-like substance. The duct wall is composed of stratified squamous epithelium, and the middle layers of cells contain numerous dense granules whose nature could not be determined.
Peak-Seeking Optimization of Spanwise Lift Distribution for Wings in Formation Flight

A method is presented for the optimization of the lift distribution across the wing of an aircraft in formation flight. The usual elliptical distribution is no longer optimal for the trailing wing in the formation due to the asymmetric nature of the encountered flow field. Control surfaces along the trailing edge of the wing can be configured to obtain a non-elliptical profile that is more optimal in terms of minimum drag. Due to the difficult-to-predict nature of formation flight aerodynamics, a Newton-Raphson peak-seeking controller is used to identify in real time the best aileron and flap deployment scheme for minimum total drag. Simulation results show that the peak-seeking controller correctly identifies an optimal trim configuration that provides additional drag savings above those achieved with conventional anti-symmetric aileron trim.
ACM SRC poster: SpotMPI: auction-based high performance cloud computing

Cloud computing benefits extensively from economies of scale to provide cost effective computing. Recently, reliability has been introduced as a potential tradeoff point for delivering compute resources while decreasing further the price of cloud resources. The usage of fair market conditions create an environment where sellers and buyers of compute resources can benefit from trading their resources. The resource use efficiency can potentially be achieved as a result. While there are many advantages to the usage of auction-based infrastructure there are currently no practical computing platforms that can harness such volatile environments effectively. This research work reports a methodology and a toolkit designed to address the challenges of using volatile cloud-based auctioned resources for MPI applications.Specifically we emphasize the use of dynamically adjusted optimal checkpoint-restart (CPR) intervals. We discuss an initial analytical model for dealing with price histories and selecting optimal checkpoint intervals. Also we describe the SpotMPI toolkit that can be used to achieve practical execution of MPI application on volatile auction-based cloud platforms. The result of this exploration is the synthesis of intrinsic dependencies that exist in MPI-based parallel applications with the publicly available price histories of HPC cloud resources on the Amazon cloud. We study algorithms with different computing v.s. communication complexities. Our results show counter-intuitive insights into the optimal bidding and application scaling strategies.
The development of zebrafish tendon and ligament progenitors

Despite the importance of tendons and ligaments for transmitting movement and providing stability to the musculoskeletal system, their development is considerably less well understood than that of the tissues they serve to connect. Zebrafish have been widely used to address questions in muscle and skeletal development, yet few studies describe their tendon and ligament tissues. We have analyzed in zebrafish the expression of several genes known to be enriched in mammalian tendons and ligaments, including scleraxis (scx), collagen 1a2 (col1a2) and tenomodulin (tnmd), or in the tendon-like myosepta of the zebrafish (xirp2a). Co-expression studies with muscle and cartilage markers demonstrate the presence of scxa, col1a2 and tnmd at sites between the developing muscle and cartilage, and xirp2a at the myotendinous junctions. We determined that the zebrafish craniofacial tendon and ligament progenitors are neural crest derived, as in mammals. Cranial and fin tendon progenitors can be induced in the absence of differentiated muscle or cartilage, although neighboring muscle and cartilage are required for tendon cell maintenance and organization, respectively. By contrast, myoseptal scxa expression requires muscle for its initiation. Together, these data suggest a conserved role for muscle in tendon development. Based on the similarities in gene expression, morphology, collagen ultrastructural arrangement and developmental regulation with that of mammalian tendons, we conclude that the zebrafish tendon populations are homologous to their force-transmitting counterparts in higher vertebrates. Within this context, the zebrafish model can be used to provide new avenues for studying tendon biology in a vertebrate genetic system.
Non-Interpenetrating Transition Metal Diorganophosphate 2-Dimensional Rectangular Grids from Their 1-Dimensional Wires: Structural Transformations under Mild Conditions†

The manganese, cobalt, and cadmium complexes [M(dtbp)2]n (M = Mn (1) and Co (2)) and [Cd(dtbp)2(H2O)]n (3) (dtbp = di-tert-butyl phosphate), which exist as one-dimensional molecular wires, transform to non-interpenetrating rectangular grids [M(dtbp)2(bpy)2·2H2O]n (M = Mn (4), Co (5), and Cd (6)) by the addition of 4,4-bipyridine (bpy) at room temperature. Products 4−6 have also been prepared by a room-temperature reaction or by solvothermal synthesis in methanol through a direct reaction between the metal acetate, di-tert-butyl phosphate, and 4,4‘-bipyridine (bpy) in a 1:2:2 molar ratio. Single-crystal X-ray structure determination of 4−6 shows that these compounds are composed of octahedral transition metal ions woven into a two-dimensional grid structure with the help of bpy spacer ligands. The axial coordination sites at the metal are occupied by bulky unidentate dtbp ligands, which prevent any interpenetration of the individual grids. The change of reaction conditions from solvothermal to hydrothermal...
STATE I‐STATE II TRANSITIONS IN THE THERMOPHILIC BLUE‐GREEN ALGA (CYANOBACTERIUM) Synechococcus lividus*

Time courses of state I-state II transitions were measured in the thermophilic blue-green alga (Cyanobacterium), Synechococcus lividus, that was grown at 55°C. The rate of the state I–II transition using light II illumination was the same as that in the dark, and the dark state was identified to be state II. Therefore, light regulation attained by state transitions is produced by the state II–I transition induced by system I light. The redox level of plastoquinone did not affect this dark state II. Arrhenius plots of the state transitions showed a break point around 43°C that corresponded to the phase transition temperature of this alga. Since both the state I–II and II–I transitions were very much temperature-independent, we could keep the alga in either state for a long time at a “low” temperature such as room temperature. Activities of both photosystems I and II in states I and II were also measured. After a state II–I transition, the system II activity increased about 16% and at the same time, svstem I activity decreased about 30%.
Fleshing out wire frames

Given a polyhedral object, its wire frame is the set of its edges and vertices. In this paper we present an algorithm which discovers all objects with a given wire frame. This algorithm, which has a number of applications to mechanical design besides being of mathematical interest, has been implemented and has performed well on complex objects.