cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Membranes of mammary gland: XV. 5-Thio-d-glucose decreases lactose content and inhibits secretory vesicle maturation in lactating rat mammary gland

Abstract Short-term administration of the glucose analog 5-thio- d -glucose to primiparous lactating rats reduced mammary tissue lactose concentrations to half of control levels. Treatment with colchicine alone caused slight reductions in mammary tissue lactose content. These treatments did not alter the morphology or degree of development of rough endoplasmic reticulum or Golgi apparatus, but did cause alterations in secretory vesicles. In mammary tissue from untreated lactating animals, large, swollen secretory vesicles were abundant in apical regions of epithelial cells. After thioglucose administration secretory vesicles in the apical cytoplasm were smaller and were more densely packed with contents. While administration of colchicine alone caused accumulation of large numbers of nearly fully swollen vesicles, treatment with both colchicine and thioglucose induced accumulation of smaller, less fully developed secretory vesicles which contained morphologically recognizable casein micelles. Mammary tissue from late gestation rats was low in lactose; vesicles in this tissue resembled secretory vesicles in tissue from rats treated with thioglucose in that they were small and densely packed. These observations suggest that lactose, an osmoregulator in mammary gland, is transferred from Golgi apparatus to the apical cell surface within secretory vesicles. Lactose appears to be important for secretory vesicle maturation in mammary epithelial cells.
Searching for sexually explicit materials on the Internet: an exploratory study of college students' behavior and attitudes

The convergence of sexuality messages with a computerized medium (specifically, the Internet) represents an unprecedented phenomenon with, as of yet, unknown outcomes. Despite the Internet's widespread use, little is known about users' behaviors and attitudes when searching for sexually explicit materials online. This study examined specific behaviors and outcome expectations and expectancies (or attitudes) of a sample of 506 undergraduate students at a public university in Texas. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire, designed and pretested by the authors. Main results revealed that most students in the sample were infrequent and relatively new users of the Internet. Forty-three percent (43.5%) of students had sometime accessed sexually explicit materials through the Internet, but the practice was not very common. Only 2.9% said they accessed these materials "frequently." Male students were significantly more likely to have accessed the Internet for viewing sexually explicit materials and to claim curiosity about sex as their motivation for this behavior. Women were significantly more likely to have experienced sexual harassment while online. In terms of attitudes, this sample did not appear to value highly or exhibit strong beliefs about the potential outcomes associated with accessing the Internet for sexually explicit materials. Competing explanations as well as the limitations of this study are discussed.
Diversity-security tradeoff for compound channels

We propose new rate-flexible low-density parity-check (LDPC) coding schemes for secrecy over a compound channel with L parallel links. These codes, called anti-root LDPC codes, have good performance at both finite and asymptotic code length while all links are jointly encoded. Firstly, an algebraic security scheme is developed based on the anti-root LDPC ensemble and a source splitter. Secondly, an information theoretic security scheme is built from the same splitter with the adjunction of a random sequence. Then, we present a new diversity-security tradeoff for channels exhibiting block fading or block erasure. Finally, we describe anti-root LDPC ensembles with higher diversity or security orders to attain the aforementioned tradeoff.
The changing nature of the Brucella-Containing Vacuole

Bacteria of the Brucella genus are the causative agent of brucellosis, a zoonotic disease of worldwide distribution that affects both animals and humans and inflicts economical and public health burden in endemic areas (Pappas et al., 2005). While brucellosis causes abortion and sterility in animals, the human disease is characterized by recurrent fever and debilitating musculoskeletal, cardiac and neurological complications at the chronic stage of the infection. Brucella primarily infects professional phagocytes such as macrophages or dendritic cells (Archambaud et al., 2010) at the onset of infection. These act both as a survival/replication niche and as vectors for systemic dissemination to other organs. Bacteria subsequently infect cells of myeloid lineage, including macrophages in the spleen and liver, and persist within granulomatous lesions, or infect and proliferate within placental trophoblasts in pregnant animals (Atluri et al., 2011). These pathological aspects of brucellosis emphasize the importance of the bacterium’s intracellular cycle to the disease’s development and progression, and rationalize the need to understand the underlying mechanisms of its intracellular cycle. As bacteria that have undergone a long evolution with mammalian hosts, Brucella spp. have selected a sophisticated intracellular cycle that ensures their survival, immune evasion, proliferation and persistence within the host, portraying an exquisite model of pathogen subversion of host cell organelles and functions. Extensive studies of the Brucella intracellular cycle have revealed that this pathogen controls the conversion of its intracellular compartment, the Brucella-containing vacuole (BCV), from an endosomal (eBCV) to a replicative (rBCV) vacuole derived from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) (Pizarro-Cerda, Moreno, et al., 1998; Pizarro-Cerda, Meresse, et al., 1998; Comerci et al., 2001; Delrue et al., 2001; Celli et al., 2003; Salcedo et al., 2008; Starr et al., 2008; Salcedo, Chevrier, et al., 2013), then the subsequent biogenesis of an autophagy-related compartment (aBCV) (Starr et al., 2012) (Fig. 1). Here I will review our current knowledge of how Brucella modulates these sequential changes in its vacuole, with an emphasis on subversion of the host endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and its associated functions. Figure 1 Model of Brucella intracellular trafficking in mammalian cells
Solution of string equations for asymmetric potentials

Abstract We consider the large N expansion of the partition function for the Hermitian one-matrix model. It is well known that the coefficients of this expansion are generating functions F ( g ) for a certain kind of graph embedded in a Riemann surface. Other authors have made a simplifying assumption that the potential V is an even function. We present a method for computing F ( g ) in the case that V is not an even function. Our method is based on the string equations, and yields “valence independent” formulas which do not depend explicitly on the potential. We introduce a family of differential operators, the “string polynomials”, which make clear the valence independent nature of the string equations.
Three-Dimensional Structure and Evolution of the Moisture Field in the MJO

AbstractThe large-scale circulation features that determine the structure and evolution of MJO-related moisture and precipitation fields are examined using a linear analysis protocol based on daily 850- minus 150-hPa global velocity potential data. The analysis is augmented by a compositing procedure that emphasizes the structural features over the Indo-Pacific warm pool sector (60°E–180°) that give rise to the eastward propagation of the enhanced moisture and precipitation.It is found that boundary layer (BL) convergence in the low-level easterlies to the east of the region of maximum ascent produces a deep but narrow plume of equatorial ascent that moistens the midtroposphere, while weakly diffluent flow above the BL spreads moisture away from the equator. Vertical advection of moisture from this plume of ascent accounts for the eastward propagation of the positive moisture anomalies across the Maritime Continent into the western Pacific. When the convection is first developing over the Indian Ocean, ho...
Kelsen and Normativity Revisited

Central to Hans Kelsen’s work (and the work of many other legal theorists of the past century ) is the idea that law is a normative system, and that any theory about the nature of law must focus on its normativity. There are familiar questions connected with explaining legal normativity: e.g., What is the connection between legal normativity and other normative systems, in particular, morality? And there are methodological questions: when theorists claim that we need to (and that they will) “explain the normativity of law,” what is it that is being explained? This paper focuses on issues relating to legal normativity, emphasizing the way these matters have been elaborated in the works of Kelsen and H. L. A. Hart and later commentators on their theories.In Part I, I offer a view regarding the nature of law and legal normativity that I believe could reasonably be read off of some of Kelsen’s work. The argument is that the Basic Norm is presupposed when a citizen chooses to read the actions of legal officials in a normative way. In this Kelsenian system, all normative systems are structurally and logically similar, but each normative system is independent of every other system – thus, law is, in this sense, conceptually separate from morality.Part II turns to Hart’s theory, analyzing the extent to which his approach views legal normativity as sui generis. This approach will raise questions regarding what has become a consensus view in contemporary jurisprudence: that law makes moral claims. I show how, instead, a more deflationary (and less morally-flavored) understanding of the nature of law is tenable, and may in fact work better than current conventional (morally-focused) understandings.
Overview of Private Education Development in Modern China

It is not surprising that private education is gaining importance in China given the overall context of huge national efforts toward building up a “socialist market economy.” However, the fast growth rate in both the quantities and the qualities of profitable private schools in a socialist society is beyond what people usually expect. This paper looked into the modern history of private education in China and found that such a huge resurgence of private education is rooted in the heritage of private education in the Chinese society. Private schools were the precursor of modern Chinese education. They played an important role in the country for most of the time. When the government policy became more flexible and household income increased substantially, such a heritage revived and becomes a stimulating factor in the education sector.
Confusion field effects on angle tracking camera centroiding estimates for SIM PlanetQuest

SIM PlanetQuest will be the first space-based interferometer and will allow astrometric measurements that are several hundred times more accurate than the previous missions operating at optical wavelengths. SIM promises to achieve microarcsecond accuracy for astrometry on objects as faint as 20th visual magnitude. One of the challenges is to achieve this accuracy at these dim levels, in the presence of even dimmer stars inside the SIM's FOV. Therefore it is important to investigate the effects of "confusion" fields on astrometric performance for SIM. This study will look at effects of Angle Tracking Camera performance for SIM in presence of a crowded or confusion field near a target star. This will lead to a study that predicts SIM astrometric performance in a crowded field. Centroid displacements due to any perturbation including a crowded field cause a shift in the fringe and reduce visibility and performance. In this work we will devise an estimator to estimate the bias in the centroid of SIM Angle Tracking camera in presence of a crowded field. This analysis will examine pointing accuracy performance by estimating Angle Tracking centroid under different parameter variations that affect performance. These parameters are number of neighboring stars, stellar types, and angular separation as well as their relative brightness.
Induction of auto-reactive regulatory T cells by stimulation with immature autologous dendritic cells.

We have shown in ex vivo studies in donor bone marrow-infused kidney transplant recipients, that chimeric cells of either donor or recipient origin taken from the recipient's bone marrow down-regulated the recipient's cellular immune responses. In the present study, we have now induced regulatory T cells from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of renal transplant recipients or laboratory volunteers by multi-stimulation with autologous immature dendritic cell (iDC) enriched populations derived from either bone marrow cells (BMC) of the (immunosuppressed) kidney transplant recipients or PBMC of the laboratory volunteers (i.e., ibDC and ipDC, respectively). These regulatory T cells, induced by ibDC and ipDC, were autoreactive and designated as TAb and TAp with similar phenotypes and functional profiles. They were largely CD4 + CD25high, CD45RA low and CD45RO high, and uniformly expressed intracellular CTLA-4, and message of IL-4, IL-10, Foxp3, and differentially expressed TGFβ. Their proliferative res...
Absence of Acid Phosphatase from Chloroplasts of Spinach and Iris.

The presence of phosphatases in leaves is well known. The acid phosphatase of leaves appears to lack specificity with respect to hydrolyzable substrates (1, 6, 7, 8). Glycerophosphate has always been found to be an effective substrate (1, 5, 6, 7, 8). However, there is some evidence for the plurality of the acid phosphatase of leaves in that specific effects of activators and inhibitors have been found (1). The objective of the present study was to determine whether or not chloroplasts contain acid phosphatase. This investigation was prompted by Yin's (8) inability to discern whether most of the acid phosphatase of the leaves of Iris and Lamium was concentrated in the chloroplasts themselves or in the surrounding cytoplasm at the interface with the chloroplasts. Freehand sections of leaves of Iris and market spinach, and fractionated macerates of spinach leaves were tested for acid phosphatase by means of Gomori's microchemical method (3). All samples were washed with 0.2% versene and with several changes of distilled water, then incubated for periods of up to three hours at 37? C in the medium containing the substrate a-glycerophosphate at pH 5.1. Almost no phosphatase activity was found in the freehand sections of Iris leaves. Less than 1% of the chlorenchyma cells showed activity, and this activity did not appear to be associated with the chloroplasts. In sections of spinach leaves the phosphatase was active in irregular patches of chlorenchyma. The precipitated lead sulphide was seen to occur in the extra-chloroplastic cytoplasm and at nuclei. There was very high activity on the crystals (druses) which occurred regularly in enlarged cells in the mesophyll. As was observed by Glick and Fischer (2), some cell walls, especially those of tracheide and epidermal cells, gave a positive reaction. However, this reaction was not the result of enzymatic activity since it also appeared in sections that had been boiled for three minutes. Spinach leaves were macerated with a Waring Blendor in 0.2% versene. After filtration through muslin, the mixture was centrifuged at 6000 x g. for 15 minutes. The green sediment (fraction I), containing the chloroplasts and various unidentified particles, was resuspended in distilled water. The supernatant (fraction II) was light yellow in color. Both fractions were saturated with ammonium sulphate and the resulting precipitates were
Theory of upper critical fields in highly disordered superconductors: Localization effects

The authors compute the temperature $T$ dependence of the upper critical field ${H}_{{c}^{2}}$ arising from incipient localization effects in highly disordered three-dimensional superconductors. In agreement with experiments, ${H}_{{c}^{2}}(T)$ is enhanced over the standard result for dirty superconductors. This enhancement is due to the field-induced suppression of localization. It is demonstrated that properties of ${H}_{{c}^{2}}(T)$ are intimately connected to those of the magnetoresistance. This connection and other predictions of the authors' theory can be tested experimentally.
Symmetrical Propagation of a Central Crack in Orthotropic Material

A central crack which propagates symmetrically in an orthotropic composite plate is investigated using the techniques of Fourier and Laplace transforms. The crack is located along one of the principal axes of the material. Complete contour integrations are carried out in the evaluation of the Laplace inversion integrals. For the crack tips running at a constant speed, exact expressions for the dynamic crack shape and the dynamic stress distribution with singularities in the crack plane are obtained in terms of an isotropic material constants and crack speed. The dynamic expressions are evaluated numerically by using graphite/epoxy and glass/epoxy composites and an isotropic material as sample materials. The dynamic solution reduces to the static solution at zero crack speed. During crack propagation, the deviation between dynamic and static solutions is governed by dynamic correction factors which are nondimensional functions of the ratios among anisotropic material constants and the ratio of crack speed to shear-wave speed. Values of these dynamic factors are obtained for the sample composites at a large range of crack speed. The dynamic stress intensity factor vanishes at the corresponding Rayleigh wave speed.
Polyriboinosinic-Polyribocytidylic Acid prevents Chemically-induced Malignant Transformation in vitro

POLYRIBOINOSINIE-POLYRIBOCYTIDYLIC acid, poly(rI).poly(rC), inhibits the multiplication of oncogenic viruses, the cellular transformation induced by these viruses and the development of virus-induced tumours in animals1, 2. The effect of the synthetic double-stranded RNA against viruses is possibly mediated by the induction of interferon3. Poly(rI).poly(rC)4, 5 and interferon6 have also been shown to inhibit chemically induced tumorigenesis in mice. This effect, however, is difficult to interpret because of other known actions of the synthetic polynucleotide. Thus, it is known that poly(rI).poly(rC) non-specifically enhances macrophage activity and lymphocyte cytotoxicity1, 7, 8 and influences the activity of microsomal drug-metabolising enzymes9, 10 which convert most chemical carcinogens into the reactive metabolites, the ultimate carcinogens11. Moreover, the high toxicity of poly(rI).poly(rC) in mice could conceivably contribute to its capacity to inhibit the growth of chemically induced tumours.
ATP Release Guides Neutrophil Chemotaxis via P2Y2 and A3 Receptors

Cells must amplify external signals to orient and migrate in chemotactic gradient fields. We find that human neutrophils release adenosine triphosphate (ATP) from the leading edge of the cell surface to amplify chemotactic signals and direct cell orientation by feedback through P2Y2 nucleotide receptors. Neutrophils rapidly hydrolyze released ATP to adenosine that then acts via A3-type adenosine receptors, which are recruited to the leading edge, to promote cell migration. Thus, ATP release and autocrine feedback through P2Y2 and A3 receptors provide signal amplification, controlling gradient sensing and migration of neutrophils.
Identification of a cis-Acting Sequence in the Human Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor Type-1 Gene That Mediates Transforming Growth Factor-β1 Responsiveness in Endothelium in Vivo

The mechanism of regulation of the plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 (PAI-1) gene by transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) was studied in vitro and in vivo in endothelial cells. We constructed adenovirus vectors containing PAI-1 5′-flanking sequences driving expression of a β-galactosidase (β-gal) reporter gene. Cultured bovine endothelial cells were transduced with the vectors and treated with TGF-β1. β-Gal expression was up-regulated 10-20-fold by TGF-β1 when vectors contained 799-base pair (bp) of 5′-flanking sequence, but only minimally (2-3-fold) from a vector containing only 82-bp of 5′ PAI-1 flanking sequence. TGF-β1 up-regulated β-gal expression at the mRNA level, congruently with TGF-β1 up-regulation of expression of the endogenous PAI-1 gene. The constructs were transduced into intact rat carotid endothelium, and TGF-β1 was injected systemically. In vivo, TGF-β1 up-regulated endothelium-specific expression of β-gal 3-fold (p
Alcohol drinking patterns and medical care use in an HMO setting

The objective of this study was to examine the association of medical care use (outpatient visits and hospitalization) with alcohol drinking patterns in a large health maintenance organization (HMO). Data were gathered from a random sample of 10,292 adult respondents through a telephone survey conducted between June 1994 and February 1996. Findings indicate that current nondrinkers with no past history of drinking had higher rates of outpatient visits and hospitalizations than current drinkers. Among current drinkers, medical care use declined slightly as drinking levels increased. Among nondrinkers, those with a drinking history exhibited significantly higher use of outpatient visits and hospital care than nondrinkers with no drinking history and current drinkers. Controlling for demographic and socioeconomic factors, health status, and common medical conditions in multivariate analyses suggests that nondrinkers with a drinking history use more services because they are sicker than other nondrinkers or current drinkers.
Adenosine and carbachol are not equivalent in their effects on L-type calcium current in rabbit ventricular cells.

Abstract Adenosine is one of the most important inhibitory modulators of heart function, producing negative inotropic, chronotropic and dromotropic effects and is also a major regulator of coronary circulation. The decrease in contractility by adenosine is mediated through inhibition of adenylyl cyclase by G i -proteins coupled to adenosine receptors. However, little is known about the developmental differences in the effect of adenosine on cardiac cells. We have now shown that there is a striking developmental difference in the inhibitory effect of adenosine on isoproterenol-stimulated I Ca between adult and newborn rabbit ventricular cells. Adenosine had no significant inhibitory effect on 0.1 μ m isoproterenol-stimulated I Ca in adult cells, while it completely blocked the 10 μ m isoproterenol-stimulated I Ca in newborn cells with an inhibitory potency similar to carbachol in newborn cells. Similarly, adenosine did not decrease the isoproterenol-stimulated cAMP levels in adult cells while it inhibited isoproterenol-stimulated cAMP levels significantly and equipotently to carbachol in newborn. However, for forskolin-stimulated I Ca and cAMP levels in newborn cells, adenosine had a much lower inhibitory potency than carbachol. In adult cells, forskolin-stimulated I Ca and cAMP levels were not affected by adenosine. We showed previously that the G i α 3 isoform of inhibitory G protein was present in newborn cell membranes, but not detectable in adult cell membranes. We have now used a synthetic decapeptide corresponding to the C-terminal sequence of G i α 3 in the patch pipette and have shown a selective partial block of the inhibitory action of adenosine for isoproterenol-stimulated I Ca , suggesting that the inhibitory action of adenosine on I Ca is mediated primarily through the G i α 3 pathway.
The geochemistry and petrogenesis of the Paleoproterozoic Green Mountain arc: A composite(?), bimodal, oceanic, fringing arc

Abstract The inferred subduction affinity of the ∼1780-Ma Green Mountain arc, a dominantly bimodal igneous terrane (together with immature marine and volcaniclastic sedimentary rocks) accreted to the southern margin of the Wyoming province, is integral to arc-accretion models of the Paleoproterozoic growth of southern Laurentia. Conversely, the dominantly bimodal nature of many putative arc-related igneous suites throughout southern Laurentia, including the Green Mountain arc, has also been used to support models of growth by extension of pre-existing crust. We report new geochemical and isotopic data from ∼1780-Ma gabbroic and granodioritic to tonalitic rocks of the Big Creek Gneiss, interpreted as consanguineous with previously studied metavolcanic rocks of the Green Mountain Formation. The ∼1780-Ma Big Creek Gneiss mafic rocks show clear geochemical signatures of a subduction origin and provide no supporting evidence for extensional tectonism. The ∼1780-Ma Big Creek Gneiss felsic rocks are attributed to partial melting of mafic and/or mixed lower-crustal material. The bimodal nature of the suite results from the combination of arc basalts and felsic crustal melts. The lack of andesite is consistent with the observed tholeiitic differentiation trend of the mafic magmas. The lower ɛ Nd (1780 Ma) values for the felsic rocks vs. the mafic rocks suggest that the unexposed lower crust of the arc may be older than the arc and that Trans-Hudson- or Penokean-aged rocks possibly form the substratum of the arc. Our results reinforce previous interpretations that arc-related magmatism played a key role in the Paleoproterozoic crustal growth of southern Laurentia, but also support the possibility of unexposed older crust as basement to the arcs.
Development and Testing of a Simple Assimilation Technique to Derive Average Wind Fields from Simulated Scatterometer Data

A simple algorithm is developed and tested to derive a regularly spaced wind field in a limited area from simulated multiorbit scatterometer data. The data are generated by sampling a time-varying known wind field, the 1000-mb FGGE data, from a simulated scatterometer. A simple assimilation technique is used to derive a regularly spaced (100-km grid) wind field representation of two-day averages from the simulated data. Several test cases are considered, and it is noted that the assimilation technique might be applicable to large-scale ocean or atmospheric models.
Managing Species Diversity in Tallgrass Prairie: Assumptions and Implications

Conservation and restoration ecology efforts may conserve or restore a particular image of a community, a variety of plausible images, or maximum biological diversity. The choice is a policy decision that should reflect relevant history and sound science. Here I argue that common methods of conserving and restoring tallgrass prairie have a weak scientific rationale, are not consistent with plausible history, and threaten prairie biodiversity. Dormant-season burns and grazer exclusion are human interventions that may promote artificially consistent dominance of large grasses utilizing the C4 photosynthetic pathway, thereby relegating hundreds of other prairie plants to small populations that are vulnerable to local extinction. I recommend an experimental approach to large remnant conservation and restoration in which varied conditions alter dominance, thereby increasing short-term species richness. I also recommend prescribed burning during the summer, to simulate the timing of lightning fire, and light-to-moderate grazing by different ungulates, to simulate historical grazing history. Both should favor plants that are consistently infrequent or rare in many managed prairies. Varied regimes of burn season, burn interval, and large-mammal grazing should promote greater overall species diversity and should more realistically represent varied conditions under which grassland taxa evolved.
Conformational changes of luciferase during catalyses. Tritium-hydrogen exchange and optical rotation studies.

Abstract Tritium-hydrogen exchange and optical rotatory dispersion have been used to detect possible conformational changes of firefly luciferase during the formation of stoichiometric amounts of enzyme-bound dehydroluciferyladenylate. Both of these techniques reflected a large conformational change of the enzyme in the presence of substrates. It is suggested that other enzymes which form tightly bound acyl-adenylates may undergo similar conformational changes during catalysis.
Strong metal-support interactions: Occurrence among the binary oxides of groups IIA–VB

Abstract Iridium, supported on a number of oxides from Groups IIA, IIIB, IVB, and VB, exhibits normal H2-chemisorption (typical of Ir Al 2 O 3 and Ir SiO 2 ) following reduction at 200 °C. If supported on MgO, Sc2O3, Y2O3, ZrO2, or HfO2, this behavior is not seriously affected by reduction temperatures ⩽ 700 °C. If, however, the carrier is TiO2, V2O3, or Nb2O5 H M is decreased to near-zero by reduction at 500 °C, while Ta2O5 requires 700 °C for this. This strong metal-support interaction is discussed in terms of the need for a reducible, transition metal oxide support and on the basis of bonding mechanisms suggested by known compounds.
DNA-Mediated Phase Behavior of Microsphere Suspensions

We have constructed a phase diagram for DNA-modified microsphere suspensions based on experimental and theoretical studies. The system is comprised of 1 μm red fluorescent colloids functionalized with strands of an identical oligonucleotide sequence and 1 μm green fluorescent colloids functionalized with the complementary sequence. Keeping the suspension composition and temperature fixed, the phase behavior of colloidal mixtures was studied as a function of salt and oligonucleotide concentration. We observed a colloidal fluid phase of dispersed, single particles at low salt concentrations and low DNA densities. We attribute this colloidal fluid phase to unfavorable hybridization conditions. With increasing salt or hybridizing oligonucleotide concentrations, we observed phase transitions of fluid → fluid + aggregates → aggregates due to an increase in duplex affinity, duplex number, or both. Computational analysis assigns a 4 kBT attraction between pairs of complementary microspheres at the destabilizing f...
Synthesis of Amorphous Hydrophobic Telechelic Hydrocarbon Diols via ADMET Polymerization

Amorphous, hydrophobic telechelic hydrocarbon diols were synthesized using acyclic diene metathesis (ADMET) polymerization. These diols can be used in hydrolysis and UV resistant polyurethanes. The hydrocarbon backbone is based on a mimic of an ethylene/isobutylene polymer, made by the ADMET polymerization of a gem-dimethyl substituted α,ω-diene followed by hydrogenation of the polymer's repeat unit unsaturation. Chain termination reactants (CTR's) having one, three, and nine methylene "spacers," respectively, between their olefin and alcohol precursor group were used to cap the polymer chain ends to yield 2.0 functional telechelics. Use of the medium length CTR in a polymerization-depolymerization scheme, resulted in amorphous (Tg = -56°C) telechelic diols with good molecular weight control.
Edge effects on the propagation of phase boundaries

This paper shows that the kinetics of a phase boundary can be profoundly influenced by the conditions at the edges where it meets other phase boundaries, grain boundaries or the physical boundary of the body.
On the decomposition of a dynamical system into non-interacting subsystems

It is shown that, under rather general conditions, it is possible to formally decompose the dynamics of an n-dimensional dynamical system into a number of non-interacting subsystems. It is shown that these decompositions are in general not simply related to the kinds of observational procedures in terms of which the original state variables of the system are defined. Some consequences of this construction for reductionism in biology are discussed.
Florida'S Spiny Lobster Fishery: An Historical Perspective

Abstract The Florida-based fishery accounts for 98 percent of the spiny lobsters landed commercially in the United States; this catch is comprised almost exclusively of the Florida spiny lobster, Panulirus argus. The commercial lobster industry began in the lower Florida Keys during the early 1800's, principally as a bait fishery that supported the local finfish industry. Subsequent developments in the lobster fishery have essentially mirrored the prosperity of Key West. In 1908, landings totaled about 53,000 pounds, valued at $3,600. The fishery began to exhibit progressive expansion in the 1940's, a trend that continued through the 1970's. A sport (diver) fishery for lobsters, which began in the 1950's, has also gained prominence. Commercial landings in Florida, including catches from international waters, peaked in 1972 at 11.4 million pounds. The peak in ex-vessel landings value, $13.4 million, was attained in 1974. The strong international fishery, which developed during the 1960's, was severely curt...
Properties of an extruded product prepared from potato flakes and chicken thigh meat Propriedades de un producto extrudido a partir de copos de patatas y muslos de pollo

Mixtures of 0, 10, 20, 30 or 40% chicken thigh meat with potato flakes were adjusted to 21% mois ture content and extruded. A Brabender single screw extruder was used with zones 1 and 2 at 110 °C, zones 3 and 4 at 130 °C and zone 5 at 150 °C, feed rate 900 g/min and screw speed 60 rpm. Extrudates were then baked at 121 °C to a final moisture content of approximately 5%. As the meat content increased, fat and protein contents increased and shear force and expansion decreased. Air cell size and number decreased and extrudates appeared sponge-like at 0, 10 and 20% chicken and as a continuous protein-carbohydrate structure at 30 and 40% chicken. Total aerobes, yeasts and moulds were less than 11 cfu/g of extrudate.
p53 expression in four human medulloblastoma-derived cell lines.

p53 is a tumor suppressor gene found on the short arm of chromosome 17. Loss of onep53 allele and alteration of the other is found in a variety of tumors, including highgrade glial tumors. Point mutations in the remaining allele occur in a highly conserved region of the gene encompassing exons 5–8. Although 40–50% of medulloblastomas lose sequences on the short arm of chromosome 17, alteration ofp53 in these tumors is infrequent. To further characterize genetic alteration ofp53 in medulloblastoma, we performed a mutational analysis of four medulloblastoma-derived cell lines established by our laboratory. Using two variable-number tandem repeat markers which map distally top53, we found evidence indicating loss of sequences on the distal end of chromosome 17 p in all four lines. However, no gross alterations of thep53 gene were detected. Northern analysis revealed expression of equivalent amounts of full-lengthp53 messenger RNA in each cell line. Using the polymerase chain reaction to amplify exons 5–8 of thep53 gene, we directly sequenced the amplified fragments and detected no mutations in any of the cell lines. Our results demonstrate that loss ofp53 function through gene deletion and/or recesive mutation is not required for growth in our cell lines.
Impact of the aging population on the demand for colorectal procedures

PURPOSE:With the baby boomers entering retirement age, the United States population is seeing a dramatic increase in the number of elderly individuals. We hypothesized that as a result, during the next 20 years, the demand for colorectal procedures will grow rapidly.METHODS:We used the 2005 Nationwi
Using possibility theory in expert systems

Abstract This paper has two main objectives. The first objective is to give a characterization of a qualitative description of a possibility function. A qualitative description of a possibility function is called a consistent possibilistic state. The qualitative description and its characterization serve as qualitative semantics for possibility functions. These semantics are useful in representing knowledge as possibility functions. The second objective is to describe how Zadeh's theory of possibility fits in the framework of valuation-based systems (VBS). Since VBS serve as a framework for managing uncertainty and imprecision in expert systems, this facilitates the use of possibility theory in expert systems.
EVALUATION OF POLICY OPTIONS FOR EXPANDING OYSTER AQUACULTURE IN VIRGINIA

State and federal policymakers are considering options to increase the harvest of native oysters (Crassostrea virginica) from the Chesapeake Bay and nearby coastal waters. This study investigates two policy options: reforming the current leasing system and increasing the amount of funding allocated to research and development. Analysis is based on a survey of oyster producers and an oyster bioeconomic simulation model. Results show that shellfish research aimed at increasing growth rates, reducing mortality, and reducing seed costs could significantly increase returns to oyster aquaculture. Reforming the current leasing system to expand the availability of oyster grounds would do little to increase oyster production because few growers view the current leasing system as a significant barrier to expanding their operations. Further research is needed to investigate other types of assistance to enhance oyster aquaculture and to estimate the producer response to possible price effects of expanding oyster output.
High School Student Modeling in the Engineering Design Process.

A diverse group of 20 high school students from four states in the US were individually provided with an engineering design challenge. Students chosen were in capstone engineering courses and had taken multiple engineering courses. As students considered the problem and developed a solution, observational data were recorded and artifacts collected. Quantitative methods were used to identify how students allocated their time across different types of modeling. Qualitative methods were used to review data from three students who spent substantial time engaged in graphical and two kinds of mathematical modeling. These students were profiled and their patterns of modeling are represented visually and described in context. Much of the modeling done by these 20 students was graphical in nature. Few students informed their thinking with mathematical representations, yet predictive mathematical modeling is essential to engineering design. Implications for the classroom include encouraging students to transfer understanding of science and mathematics into technology and engineering contexts through modeling.
Direct phase determination from neutron diffraction data of the structure of melampodin.

The structure of a large complex molecule, C21H24O9, has been solved directly from neutron diffraction data by using sigma-2 and tangent refinement methods. As a consequence, the neutron diffraction technique must be reevaluated as a possible primary tool for crystal structure determination.
Recent technological progress of PAN-based carbon fibre

Abstract An outline of the technological progress of PAN-based carbon fibre in the past several years is described with special emphasis on the introduction of the newly developed high performance carbon fibres. The tensile strength and modulus of PAN-based carbon fibres have increased significantly in recent years and consequently a wide range of usage including application for the primary structure for large commercial aircraft is now achievable with significant improvement in performance.
Mucosal and serosal fluxes of alanine in rabbit ileum

Abstract The four unidirectional fluxes of alanine across the mucosal and serosal borders of rabbit ileum were evaluated as functions of the alanine concentration on a single piece of tissue using a method previously described (Naftalin, R.J. and Curran, P. F. (1974) J. Membrane Biol. 16, 257–278). The effects of Na+ removal and of ouabain on these fluxes were investigated. Alanine was actively transported across the mucosal membrane under control conditions; Na+ removal or ouabain inhibited this process as a result of a decrease in flux from the mucosal solution to the cell and an increase in the flux in the opposite direction. The results concerning mucosal efflux of alanine are apparently inconsistent with the carrier model for alanine transport at this border. Alanine transfer across the serosal membrane appeared to involve a facilitated transfer mechanism. Alanine movement at the serosal side of the cell was not infleunced by Na+.
GridMat: Matlab toolbox for GridLAB-D to analyze grid impact and validate residential microgrid level energy management algorithms

Residential microgrid has the capability to participate in the distribution grid as a very flexible and dynamic component for demand side energy management (energy efficiency, peak-load reduction, and demand response). Various hierarchical (appliance, home, and neighborhood level) advanced control algorithms need to be developed and validated for such residential microgrids. GridLAB-D is the most promising tool for power system modeling of a microgrid. However, it is limited in supporting advanced control algorithm development with debugging support and does not provide a user friendly interface for modeling the structural and behavioral aspects of a residential microgrid. Therefore, in this paper, we present a new Matlab toolbox (GridMat) to integrate the capabilities of domain-specific modeling & simulation tools from power system (GridLAB-D) and control (Matlab). The GridMat tool supports user friendly model creation, robust debugging, and intelligent grid impact analysis utilities. To demonstrate the capability of GridMat, we have implemented three different levels of energy management controllers (including direct load control) for a residential microgrid using this tool to reduce and shift peak load according to Time-Of-Use (TOU) electricity rate.
The Functionalization of Saturated Hydrocarbons by Gif Chemistry. Part 1. Use of Superoxide and of Hydrogen Peroxide. Part 2. Use of t -Butylhydroperoxide (TBHP)

In Part 1, the Gif systems for the selective functionalization of saturated hydrocarbons based on the reactions of superoxide with FeII and of hydrogen peroxide FeIIIwith are described. [1] Both systems are relatively efficient, but not nearly so efficient as the electrochemical system developed in collaboration with Prof. G. Balavoine and Dr. Aurore Gref (Universite de Paris-Sud--Orsay, France). [2] All systems afford mainly ketones. This is an unusual selectivity’ which implies a non-radical mechanism. It has been proven for the FeIII-H202 system that the activation of the FeIII is independent of the formation of ketone which comes from oxygen. The intermediate for the ketone is a hydroperoxide (derived from oxygen). [3] This intermediate controls the formation of ketone and of secondary alcohol. Addition of a number of trapping reagents such as BrCCl3 diverts the reaction from oxygenation to bromide formation. Although BrCCl3 is indeed a good trap for carbon radicals, the pattern of selectivity across a range of saturated hydrocarbons is completely different for Gif chemistry when compared with normal radical bromination. [4] The chemistry is explained in terms of an FeVoxenoid species that inserts itself into secondary carbon-hydrogen bonds (a compromise between bond strength and steric hindrance). [1] This gives an FeV intermediate A with an iron-carbon bond. This is probably rapidly reduced to the FeIII state by hydrogen peroxide. Then oxygen is inserted into the FeIII-carbon bond. Hydrolysis affords the isolateable intermediate hydroperoxide (intermediate B).
Properties of optimum power transformer design

THE DESIGN of electronic power transformers and other electromagnetic devices usually presents so many requirements with regard to choice of materials, thermal limitations, circuit characteristics, and insulation problems that it is difficult to obtain the best design from the standpoint of weight, volume, losses, or cost. After choices of insulating, magnetic, and conducting materials have been made, the most important requirements for an optimum transformer design are use of satisfactory proportions, selection of type of core construction, and use of an optimum core flux density.
Cohesin: a critical chromatin organizer in mammalian gene regulation

Cohesins are evolutionarily conserved essential multi-protein complexes that are important for higher-order chromatin organization. They play pivotal roles in the maintenance of genome integrity through mitotic chromosome regulation, DNA repair and replication, as well as gene regulation critical for proper development and cellular differentiation. In this review, we will discuss the multifaceted functions of mammalian cohesins and their apparent functional hierarchy in the cell, with particular focus on their actions in gene regulation and their relevance to human developmental disorders.
A simple model of helium desorption kinetics

Recent experiments studying helium desorption by heat pulse techniques are interpreted in terms of a model in which the film is assumed to have the thermodynamic properties of bulk liquid helium, and the vapor is described by kinetic theory. Equations for energy and mass conservation are sufficient to determine the behavior of the system. The most important parameter in the model turns out to be the interfacial thermal resistance between the film and vapor, R_v,. This quantity varies over orders of magnitude, and is found to govern a number of the phenomena observed in the experiments. In addition to resolving some of the puzzles arising in desorption experiments, the model serves to clarify the relationship between this work and an earlier body of work concerning the Kapitza resistance in adsorbed films. Predictions of the model compare remarkably well to the results of both types of experiment.
Human genetics of osteoporosis

A family history of hip fracture carries a twofold increased risk of fracture among descendants. Genetic factors indeed play a major role in the determination of bone mineral density (BMD) and osteoporosis risk. Multiple chromosomal loci have been mapped by linkage approaches which potentially carry hundreds of genes involved in the determination of bone mass and quality. Association studies based on candidate gene polymorphisms and subsequent meta-analyses, and the more recent genome-wide association studies (GWAS), have clearly identified a handful of genes associated with BMD and/or fragility fractures. Among them are genes coding for the LDL-receptor related protein 5 (LRP5), estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1) and osteoprotegerin, OPG (TNFRSf11b). However, the percentage of osteoporosis risk explained by any of these polymorphisms is small, indicating that most genetic risk factors remain to be discovered and/or that interaction with environmental factors needs further consideration.
It's Official: Predictors of Self-Reported vs. Officially Recorded Arrests

Abstract Purpose The study of the distribution and correlates of arrest is widely recognized as an important topic, for the purposes of contributing to changes in police policy and training, which in turn increase the fairness of U.S. policing. Despite agreement that this area of research is an important one, there remains variation in the way arrest is measured. The current study compares two common measurements of arrest, official records and self-reports, for National Youth Survey Family Study (NYSFS) respondents across four time periods. Methods The sample was divided by those who reported severe offending and those who did not. Crosstabs, correlation coefficients and logistic regression models were run, to examine the extent to which self-reported and officially recorded arrests are related, and whether there are commonalities in the predictors of self-reported and officially recorded arrests. Results While the agreement between the two measurements of arrest is over 80%, the majority of that agreement is comprised of respondents who were not arrested. Conclusions Overall, there were more instances of a self-reported arrest but no official arrest, than the reverse. There does not appear to be a pattern in frequencies or correlation coefficients based on the severity of reported offending.