cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Serine/threonine protein phosphatases in the control of cell function

Reversible protein phosphorylation is a fundamental mechanism by which many biological functions are regulated. Achievement of such control requires the coordinated action of the interconverting enzymes, the protein kinases and protein phosphatases. By comparison with protein kinases, a limited number of protein phosphatase catalytic subunits are present in the cell, which raises the question of how such a small number of dephosphorylating enzymes can counterbalance the action of the more numerous protein kinases. In mammalian cells, four major classes of Ser/Thr-specific phosphatase catalytic subunits have been identified, comprising two distinct gene families. The high degree of homology among members of the same family, PP1, PP2A and PP2B, and the high degree of evolutionary conservation between organisms as divergent as mammals and yeast, implies that these enzymes are involved in fundamental cell functions. Type 1 enzymes appear to acquire specificity by association with targeting regulatory subunits which direct the enzymes to specific cellular compartments, confer substrate specificity and control enzyme activity. In spite of the progress made in determining the structure of the PP2A subunits, very little is known about the control of this activity and about substrate selection. Recent studies have unravelled a significant number of regulatory subunits. The potential existence of five distinct B or B-related polypeptides, some of which are present in multiple isoforms, two A and two C subunit isoforms, raises the possibility that a combinatorial association could generate a large number of specific PP2A forms with different substrate specificity and/or cellular localization. Moreover, biochemical, biological and genetic studies all concur in suggesting that the regulatory subunits may play an important role in determining the properties of the Ser/Thr protein phosphatases and hence their physiological functions.
Maximum Thrust Nozzles for Nonequilibrium Simple Dissociating Gas Flows

A formulation, numerical solution technique, and computer program implementing the technique are presented for the design of maximum thrust nozzles for rotational or nonequilibrium simple dissociating gas flows including boundary-layer effects. The formulation is based on the usual assumptions applicable to rotational and nonequilibrium simple dissociating gas flows and on the assumption that the boundary layer is thin. The thrust is maximized by application of the calculus of variations. The resulting design equations are hyperbolic partial differential equations, which are solved by the method of characteristics. The results of a study to determine the magnitude of the performance increases that can be expected by considering more accurate flow chemistry models are presented. The results indicate that significant performance improvements may be possible.
Divergent Task Performance in Older Adults: Declarative Memory or Creative Potential?

Divergent thinking is a process or method used to generate creative ideas by exploring many possible solutions or responses, and is a critical element of creativity. Lesion and imaging studies have shown that the frontal lobes are important in mediating divergent thinking, and frontal lobe function is highly dependent on white matter connections with subcortical and cortical networks. Normal aging often results in deficits in functions controlled by the frontal lobes, as well as decrements in white-matter connectivity. Objectives of this study included comparing non-time-constrained tasks of verbal divergent processing in young adults (YAs) and older adults (OAs) and correlating performance with tasks of working memory, language ability, and disengagement/inhibition. Participants were 30 YAs and 30 OAs. Contrary to the a priori hypothesis, OAs produced significantly more unique responses than YAs, although total fluency was not significantly different. Correlational analyses examining the groups together ...
The NHS as a proving ground for cryptosystems

Abstract This paper examines the challenges that the National Health Service poses as an environment for public key cryptography systems. The NHS is Europe’s largest single employer, with over 1.2 million staff. It provides lifetime healthcare for most of its population, and has done so for 55 years. In the last decade, it has launched several major programmes to develop NHS-wide information systems. Just the scale of the NHS is daunting. But systems that handle patients’ medical records are subject to a plethora of laws, policies, guidelines and practices for controlling the access, use and storage of the information. Taken together, the rules are complex and sometimes contradictory and, in addition, must be balanced against both patients’ express wishes and their clinical needs. Cryptography is an obvious means to secure and protect confidential information. Recently, identity-based public key cryptography schemes not only seem easier to deploy than previous schemes, but also seem equal to the challenges. In this paper, we give a detailed overview of the features and challenges that the NHS environment presents to uses of cryptography, to qualify our impressions of our cryptosystem and to guide our future efforts to develop it.
Dynamics of fire plumes and smoke clouds associated with peat and deforestation fires in Indonesia

[1] During the dry season, anthropogenic fires in tropical forests and peatlands of equatorial Asia produce regionally expansive smoke clouds that have important effects on atmospheric radiation and air quality. Here we estimated the height of smoke on Borneo and Sumatra and characterized its sensitivity to El Nino and regional drought. We used Multiangle Imaging Spectroradiometer (MISR) satellite data and the MISR Interactive Explorer (MINX) software to estimate the heights of 317 smoke plumes on Borneo and 139 plumes on Sumatra during 2001–2009. In addition, we estimated the altitudes of larger smoke regions (smoke clouds) over Borneo using data from MISR and Cloud‐Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation (CALIPSO) products. Most smoke plumes on Borneo (83%) were observed during El Nino years. Annually averaged plume heights on Borneo were significantly higher during El Nino events. Mean MISR‐derived plume heights were 709 ± 14 m on Borneo and 749 ± 24 m on Sumatra during 2001–2009, with 96% of all plumes confined to within 500 m of the atmospheric boundary layer. Smoke clouds on Borneo were observed at altitudes between 1000 and 2000 m as measured by both MISR and CALIPSO. The difference in height between individual plumes and longer‐lived regional smoke clouds may be related to deeper planetary boundary layers and higher‐intensity fires later in the afternoon or other atmospheric mixing processes that occur on synoptic time scales. Our measurements and analyses suggested that direct injection of smoke into the free troposphere within fire plumes was not an important mechanism for vertical mixing of aerosols in equatorial Asia.
Flow non-uniformities in packed beds: Effect on dispersion

Abstract A general equation is derived for the dispersion coefficient in a packed bed under conditions of non-uniform, one dimensional flow. Predictions of the theory are analyzed for the simple case of two concentric annular regions in a cylindrical packed bed with different void fractions. Small differences in void fraction can lead to significant changes in the dispersion coefficient for the packed bed, both in laminar and turbulent flow regimes. The radial variations of the average residence time and spread of a pulse of non-reactive tracer are investigated.
Carcinoma of the Esophagus

Abstract Carcinoma of the esophagus continues to have a low 5-year cure rate despite advances in radical surgery and super-voltage radiation. Neither patient education nor newer diagnostic techniques have improved survival. The reported operative mortality is 4 to 30% for esophagogastrostomy and 10 to 44% for colon interposition. Average survival time with surgery is 11 to 28 months and 5 to 11 months with irradiation. Local recurrence is high (33 to 76%) with irradiation. The reported 5-year survival rate with preoperative irradiation followed by surgery is higher (14 to 25%). Recent reports have concentrated on improving functional rehabilitation rather than improving cure rates. Palliative surgery is more acceptable because of lowered operative morbidity and mortality and the high complication rate with radiation therapy for far advanced disease. New approaches of interest include fundoplication added to esophagogastrostomy, substernal gastric bypass with anastomosis in the neck, reversed gastric tube (Heimlich operation), the addition of postoperative rather than preoperative irradiation in patients with potentially curable lesions, the use of preoperative hyperalimentation, and the potential application of immunotherapy.
Visual adaptation modulates a potassium conductance in retinular cells of the crayfish.

Crayfish photoreceptors exhibit a voltage-dependent potassium conductance, G(K), that is generally similar to the delayed rectifier channel described in neurons and other arthropod retinular cells. G(K) activation (i.e. the apparent threshold, Vth) occurs near the resting potential and G(K) is substantially reduced by 25 mM extracellular tetraethylammonium (TEA) and by intracellular Cs+ injections. Light exposure, sufficient to reduce visual sensitivity 100-fold, increases Vth (shifts it in the depolarizing direction) by about 20 mV. The light-dependent change in Vth does not depend upon the corresponding increase (depolarization) of the steady-state membrane potential nor does it depend upon inward calcium currents. Vth is slightly influenced by fluctuations in Ko associated with the light-elicited currents. During light exposure Ko (measured with K+-sensitive electrodes) increases by 2.1 mM (equivalent to an 8 mV increase in E(K)). This increase in E(K) makes only a modest contribution to the light-dependent change in Vth as determined by perfusion with high potassium salines. Intracellular calcium injections increase Vth by 10 to 20 mV and reduce visual sensitivity by 5- to 10-fold. The results imply that during exposure to high levels of illumination, K+ currents at the steady-state membrane potential are diminished by a calcium-dependent change in G(K) gating and, to a smaller degree, by a reduced K+ concentration gradient. It is notable that Ca2+ appears to inhibit both G(K) and the light-elicited conductance from both inside and outside the plasma membrane. As a consequence of the light-dependent change in Vth, G(K) makes only modest contributions to the changes in sensitivity and speed normally associated with light adaptation. These functions are regulated by the transduction pathway and are revealed at the resting potential in the time course and magnitude of the light-elicited currents.
Structural damage in a self-irradiated zirconolite-based ceramic

The zirconolite phase of SYNROC nuclear waste was fabricated with 5 mol% 238PuO2 substituted for a like amount of ZrO2, in order to induce self-irradiation damage. The resulting product exhibited a matrix of monoclinic zirconolite containing ∼~ 3.8 mol% PuO2 along with roughly 20 vol.% of the cubic polymorph with approximately twice the PuO2 content of the matrix. After a dose of 2.1 × 1025α decays/m3 at room temperature (800 d storage) swelling reached 5.5 vol.% and neared saturation. The monoclinic phase became X-ray metamict at ∼~1.0 × 1025α/m3 after slight atomic rearrangement within the crystalline material. Periodic TEM examination revealed a gradual evolution from the crystalline state to an amorphous condition with residual crystallites, consistent with a model involving conversion by alpha recoil tracks. Optical metallography showed extensive microcracking, attributed to differences in swelling rates of the two zirconolite polymorphs.
Recruiting and retaining low-income, multi-ethnic women into randomized controlled trials: Successful strategies and staffing

Logistical protocol procedures and staff management strategies relating to successful recruitment/retention are provided to propose a practical, cost-effective and translational recruitment–retention plan for other researchers to adopt.
Activation of Lipolysis. I.Distribution of Lipase Activity in Temperature Activated Milk

Temperature activation did not affect lipase activity of whole milk but altered the distribution of lipase in skim milk and cream fractions. Cooling milk to 4 C caused migration of lipase activity to the cream fraction. Maximum redistribution of lipase activity was achieved by the normal temperature activation treatment of warming milk from 4 C to 30 C and recooling. Repeated temperature activation treatments failed to increase the amount of lipase adsorbed to the cream fraction. Storage of milk at 4 C for 24 h or at 22 C for 2 h prior to temperature activation decreased lipase activity of the cream. Warming temperature-activated milk reversed the migration of lipase activity from cream to skim milk. Relationships between lipase activities of skim milk and cream from milk before and after activation indicate that a) equilibrium between the lipase activity of skim milk and cream is temperature dependent and b) distribution of lipase in milk is determined primarily by the lipid phase.
The algebras of design

Shapes made up either of points, lines, planes, or solids belong to algebras that separately and in Cartesian products provide the main objects and devices used in shape grammars.
A faster solution to the horizon problem

An algorithm is developed for calculating the horizons for each point in a digital terrain grid in order N iterations, whereas all previous methods seem to be of O(N2) time complexity. The new method makes horizon computations reasonable, and ought to improve the accuracy of surface climate models in rugged terrain.
The permeability of the blood-testis barrier to lanthanum during the immune-induced aspermatogenesis and following vasectomy in the guinea-pig.

The permeability of the blood-testis barrier to the electron dense tracer lanthanum nitrate was studied in guinea-pigs after the induction of testicular lesions either by vasectomy or by isoimmunization with testis. It was found that, as it was the case for the normal testis, deep penetration of lanthanum into the seminiferous epithelium was prevented by tight junctions present between Sertoli cells. On the other hand, contrary to findings in the normal testis, the peritubular myoid cell layer appeared not to oppose significant obstacles to the passage of the tracer. The possible implications of the persistance of normal barrier mechanisms operating by means of the Sertoli cell junctional complexes in the seminiferous epithelium of vasectomized or immunized guinea-pigs are discussed in view of current concepts on the pathogenesis of the allergic orchitis.
Fractal Characterization of SERS-Active Electrodes Using Extended Focus Reflectance Microscopy

The fractal characteristics of roughened silver electrode surfaces are used for a light microscopy diagnostic for the surface-enhanced Raman activity of the surfaces. It is shown that the fractal dimension of an electrode as measured from scanning electron microscope images (resolution 0.08 mu m) is the same as measured from extended focus (EF) light microscopy images (resolution < 0.4 mu m). There is a threshold fractal dimension for SERS activity. The threshold is independent of the adsorbed molecule.
Enhancement of mouse natural killer cell activity by thyroxine.

Abstract In vivo administration of thyroxine (T 4 ) to CBA/J, C3H/HeN, and B 6 C 3 F 1 mice resulted in enhanced splenic and peritoneal natural killer (NK) cell activity against YAC-1 lymphoma target cells in vitro . T 4 treatment did not augment splenic or peritoneal NK activity in A/J, BALB/c, C57BL/6, or DBA/2 mice. Natural killer cells from T 4 -treated mice did not lyse P815 cells and were not removed by treatment with anti-Thy 1.2 + complement. Effector cell binding to target cells was not altered following T 4 treatment. CBA/J mice treated with T 4 also exhibit enhanced in vivo NK activity compared with untreated mice as demonstrated by rapid clearance of [ 125 I]iodo-2′-deoxyuridine-labeled YAC-1 lymphoma cells. The augmentation of NK activity as a result of T 4 treatment is reversible and is not accompanied by increased serum interferon levels. Spleen cells from T 4 -treated mice incorporate more [ 3 H]thymidine and [ 3 H]uridine in comparison to spleen cells from control animals. Treatment of mice with 131 I did not enhance splenic or peritoneal NK activity. These data suggest that thyroid hormones can augment mouse NK activity and this modulation is most likely due to changes in the metabolic properties of NK cells.
Phenomenology and hermeneutics: Evolving approaches to the study of intercultural and international communication

Abstract The thought models and theories of many individuals and disciplines have contributed to the study of human communication. In recent years scholars have become increasingly aware of the fact that methodologies superimposed upon the actual event of human communication have significantly shaped our perceptions of these events. Going beyond methodological approaches or quarrels, a phenomenological basis requires direct encounter with the event and an attempt to let methodology evolve out of that direct encounter, rather than attempting a so-called objective approach. Self, experience, values, and human relationships are of primary concern to the phenomenologist who sees meaning and interpretation as a unitary concept. Phenomenology thus concerns itself with understanding, and the bases for such understanding, rather than with the mere application of methodology. At the same time, phenomenology by its very approach, concerns itself not merely with the discovery of some abstract truth, but must be deeply concerned also with the improvement of the human condition founded in conscious experience. Behavior and meaning thus become conjoined. The ultimate aim of phenomenological studies becomes a concern with the ontological as well as the epistemological bases of human understanding.
An epiderniologic study of postcesarean infection

Abstract Cesarean section (CS) is associated with increased postpartum infectious morbidity, predominantly endometritis. In this prospective cohort study, endometritis was found in 28% of 229 patients who underwent consecutive CS from September 1979 to May 1980 at a university hospital. When the occurrence of bacteremia and wound infection was considered, the study found 31% of the patients were infected. Among the 20 potential epidemiologic and operative risk factors for infection that were studied, the most important were primary CS, membrane rupture, labor, and meconium staining (p = 0.0001). Failure to progress, breech presentation, and fetal distress were also significantly associated with infection (p = 0.001). Another factor correlated to the rate of infection was attendance by physician in training (p = 0.002). Discriminant function analysis was used to develop an equation that correctly classified, as infected or noninfected, 76% of a sample of CS patients (p = 0.004). This sample was not part of the original sample from which the discriminant function equation was developed. Finally toward the end of the study period, we observed a decrease in the infection rate among patients of house staff physicians. This decrease has resulted in similar infection rates for patients of attending physicians and patientst of house staff physicians, which have continued to the present.
Classification of Crop Yield Variability in Irrigated Production Fields

Crop yield maps reflect stable yield patterns and annual random yield variation. Procedures for classifying a sequence of yield maps to delineate yield zones were evaluated in two irrigated maize (Zea mays L.) fields. Yield classes were created using empirically defined yield categories or through hierarchical or nonhierarchical cluster analysis techniques. Cluster analysis was conducted using average yield (MY), average yield and its standard deviation (MS), or all individual years (AY) as input variables. All methods were compared based on the average yield variability accounted for (RVc). Methods in which yield was empirically classified into three or four classes accounted for less than 54% of the yield variability observed and failed to delineate high-yielding areas. Six to seven yield classes established by cluster analysis of MY accounted for 60 to 66% of the yield variability. Differences among cluster analysis methods were small for MY as data source. However, fuzzy-k-means clustering had lower RVc than other methods if used with the MS or AY data. The spatial fragmentation of yield class maps increased in the order MY < MS < AY. Univariate cluster analysis of mean relative yield measured for at least 5 yr should be used for yield classification in irrigated fields where six to seven classes appear to provide sufficient resolution of the yield variability observed. More research should be conducted to develop methods that result in spatially coherent yield zones and to understand differences between rainfed and irrigated environments in the importance of mapping yield goals for crop management.
Virtual memory CD8 T cells display unique functional properties

Previous studies revealed the existence of foreign antigen-specific memory phenotype CD8 T cells in unimmunized mice. Considerable evidence suggests this population, termed “virtual memory” (VM) CD8 T cells, arise via physiological homeostatic mechanisms. However, the antigen-specific function of VM cells is poorly characterized, and hence their potential contribution to immune responses against pathogens is unclear. Here we show that naturally occurring, polyclonal VM cells have unique functional properties, distinct from either naive or antigen-primed memory CD8 T cells. In striking contrast to conventional memory cells, VM cells showed poor T cell receptor-induced IFN-γ synthesis and preferentially differentiated into central memory phenotype cells after priming. Importantly, VM cells showed efficient control of Listeria monocytogenes infection, indicating memory-like capacity to eliminate certain pathogens. These data suggest naturally arising VM cells display unique functional traits, allowing them to form a bridge between the innate and adaptive phase of a response to pathogens.
High-resolution observations of mammatus in tropical anvils

Abstract Unprecedented high-resolution observations of mammatus from a profiling 94-GHz Doppler radar during the NASA Cirrus Regional Study of Tropical Anvils and Cirrus Layers–Florida Area Cirrus Experiment (CRYSTAL–FACE) are presented. Because of its high sensitivity and temporal and spatial resolution, the cloud radar used was able to resolve the fine structure of individual mammatus clouds and record significant vertical Doppler velocity perturbations (−6 to +1 m s−1). Strong perturbations of the Doppler velocity within the mammatus as it extends below the main cirrus cloud base are captured by the radar observations. Upward motions in the periphery of descending mammatus cores are documented. Areas of intense, small-scale turbulent mixing near the cirrus cloud base are identified using the Doppler spectrum width. Power spectra analysis of the mean Doppler velocity field supports the presence of gravity waves and the development of higher-frequency structures near the cirrus anvil base, where the mamm...
Laboratory Scale Batch Crystallization and the Role of Vessel Size

Batch crystallization experiments in the glycine–water system using either cooling or methanol addition as the supersaturation generation method were performed in 50 mL and 500 mL vessels with and without seeding. Controlled cooling and antisolvent addition rate were employed to generate supersaturation. Nucleation temperatures during cooling and induction times when antisolvent was added were characterized using Lasentec FBRM probes. The final average crystal sizes were characterized using laser light scattering measurement. Results show that regardless of the supersaturation generation method, the larger volume vessel produces large crystals at identical operating conditions without the use of seeds as a result in differences in the primary nucleation behavior at the different vessel sizes. Experiments conducted with seeding for both cooling and antisolvent addition at both vessel sizes show that seeding is effective in eliminating the observed difference in crystal size distribution by suppressing primary nucleation.
PERSPECTIVES OF INTERRACIAL DATING AT A PREDOMINANTLY WHITE UNIVERSITY

This study examined the viewpoints and experiences of college students with regard to interracial dating. Thirty-five black students and 35 white students in attendance at a predominantly white university participated in face-to-face interviews. Black men and white women expressed more favorable attitudes toward interracial dating compared with black women and white men. Some white females downplayed the significance of interracial relationships, going so far as to suggest it is a nonissue, apparently unaware that it is an issue of concern to many students, especially black females. The concept of white privilege is discussed as an explanation for white students' perspectives. Students who dated interracially faced social consequences, including negative reactions from peers and family members. Findings reveal that the dating landscape differs for students based on their race and gender. In particular, the dating pool appears to be limited for black females at the institution under study.
Synthesis and Gas Sorption Properties of a Metal-Azolium Framework (MAF) Material

A new strut containing an imidazolium tetracarboxylic acid core has been successfully incorporated into a microporous material using paddlewheel-coordinated copper(II) ions as nodes. Sorption studies conducted on this permanently microporous material imply that it can separate carbon dioxide from methane with high selectivity.
Induction of cytochromes P450.

Humans and rodents are exposed to many foreign compounds in their diet (e.g., herbal supplements such as St. John's wart), in their environment (e.g., organochlorine pesticides and polychorinated biphenyls), and as clinically prescribed drugs (e.g., rifampin and phenobarbital). In response to these exposures mammals have evolved mechanisms to induce proteins involved in xenobiotic detoxification. Metabolism by Phase I enzymes, particularly the heme containing monooxygenases cytochromes P450 is frequently the first line of defense against such xenobiotics.
A review of toxicity testing and degradation studies used to predict the effects of diflubenzuron (Dimilin®) on estuarine crustaceans

Abstract This review surveys the pertinent literature on the effects of diflubenzuron (Dimilin®) on non-target crustacean species when applied for mosquito control to freshwater and saltwater habitats. Freshwater research has focused on field testing, while estuarine research has been limited almost exclusively to laboratory toxicity studies. Several experimental design factors may affect the toxicity and persistence of diflubenzuron. These factors include formulation, frequency of application (exposure), presence of organic matter and sediment in the test system, pH and water temperature. Biological factors such as the age of the test organism and the frequency and synchrony of moulting during the exposure period also influence the observed response of the experimental crustacean population. Assessment of the impact of DFB on estuarine crustaceans is difficult as few studies have been conducted under conditions appropriate to its use in saltmarsh mosquito control.
Sensor-less sensing for affective computing and stress management technology

This paper describes our vision on what should be the research around sensing and adaptive interventions to make affective computing and stress management technology pervasive and unobtrusive. With the use of common computer peripherals and mobile computing devices as affect sensors, personalized and adaptive intervention technologies can be developed. Furthermore, physiological sensing can be performed without the introduction of extraneous factors such as wearable devices or focused software. Different methods for sensing and complementary adaptable interventions and interactions are described and proposed. We show initial lab evidence of the use of a computer mouse in the detection of stress.
Inequality and welfare in market economies

Abstract Atkinson (1970) and Kolm (1969) have shown how Lorenz ranking of distributions of a fixed amount of income (or a single commodity) may correspond to social welfare rankings: lower inequality indicates higher social welfare. Atkinson and Bourguignon (1982) and Kolm (1977) offer two ways of extending this result to multi-commodity environments. We investigate an alternative approach based on the existence of markets and market prices at which agents maximize utility. Our main result offers a welfare-based method of making real national income comparisons which takes into account the distribution of individual welfare.
Synthesis of a versatile functionalized tetraquinane. Convenient access to 1,3-bishomopentaprismanedione

Abstract The tetracyclic diene dione 1 has been synthesized by a short oxidative decarboxylation route starting with the domino Diels-Alder adduct 2 . Photocyclization of the bisketal of 1 was used to arrive expediently at 1,3-bishomopentaprismanedione (7) .
Toward a task model of concurrent software maintenance

This paper describes a first step toward developing a methodology for the maintenance of concurrent software that incorporates best practices in design and verification. Specifically, we describe our plan for using the think-aloud method to study the strategies, goals, and intentions of contemporary practitioners engaged in the maintenance of concurrent software. The method will yield a task model that details the specific tasks practitioners undertake while so engaged. Initially, we will conduct the study with graduate students in a formal-methods course at Michigan State University.
Computed total radiation properties of compressed oxygen between 100 and 1000k

Abstract The total emissivity, total band absorptance and Planck mean absorption coefficient of compressed oxygen have been computed in the temperature range 100–1000 K. Computations were based on published data for the spectral absorption coefficient and extrapolations above and below room temperature were performed in accordance with published theory. It was found possible to represent all of the total band absorptance results with a two-parameter correlation.
Optimizing estimation of hemispheric dominance for language using magnetic source imaging

The efficacy of magnetoencephalography (MEG) as an alternative to invasive methods for investigating the cortical representation of language has been explored in several studies. Recently, studies comparing MEG to the gold standard Wada procedure have found inconsistent and often less-than accurate estimates of laterality across various MEG studies. Here we attempted to address this issue among normal right-handed adults (N=12) by supplementing a well-established MEG protocol involving word recognition and the single dipole method with a sentence comprehension task and a beamformer approach localizing neural oscillations. Beamformer analysis of word recognition and sentence comprehension tasks revealed a desynchronization in the 10-18Hz range, localized to the temporo-parietal cortices. Inspection of individual profiles of localized desynchronization (10-18Hz) revealed left hemispheric dominance in 91.7% and 83.3% of individuals during the word recognition and sentence comprehension tasks, respectively. In contrast, single dipole analysis yielded lower estimates, such that activity in temporal language regions was left-lateralized in 66.7% and 58.3% of individuals during word recognition and sentence comprehension, respectively. The results obtained from the word recognition task and localization of oscillatory activity using a beamformer appear to be in line with general estimates of left hemispheric dominance for language in normal right-handed individuals. Furthermore, the current findings support the growing notion that changes in neural oscillations underlie critical components of linguistic processing.
The Choosers or the Choices? Voter Characteristics and the Structure of Electoral Competition as Explanations for Ticket Splitting

This research combines National Election Study (NES) data with data on congressional candidate quality and spending to assess explanations for ticket splitting. The results indicate characteristics of both voters and candidates are important, but candidate-level variables as a whole provide a better account of ticket splitting than individual-level variables. NES data are also used to evaluate the reasons why candidate quality and spending are so important. Candidates encourage ticket splitting through various campaign activities, especially those that are unmediated. Additionally, incumbents benefit from constituency service and pork barrel legislation, which foster ticket splitting among voters in their districts.
Selectivity enhancement of anion-responsive electrodes by pulsed chronopotentiometry

A large and robust selectivity improvement of ion-selective electrodes is presented for the measurement of abundant ions. An improvement in selectivity by more than two orders of magnitude has been attained for the hydrophilic chloride ions measured in a dilute background of the lipophilic ions perchlorate and salicylate in a pulsed chronopotentiometric measurement mode. This is attributed to a robust kinetic discrimination of the dilute lipophilic ions in this measuring mode, which is not possible to achieve in classical potentiometry. Maximum tolerable concentrations of the interfering ions are found to be on the order of 30 μM before causing substantial changes in potential. As an example of practical relevance, the robust detection of chloride in 72 μM salicylate (reflecting 1:10 diluted blood) with a detection limit of 0.5 mM chloride is demonstrated. Corresponding potentiometric sensors did not give a useful chloride response under these conditions.
Movement-produced invariants in haptic explorations: An example of a self-organizing, information-driven, intentional system

Abstract Biological systems are the prototypes of self-organizing systems; systems that are self starting, self-driving, adaptive systems. A self-driving, adaptive system is one whose evolutionary behavior is governed by the descriptions of the system, the initial conditions, and the constraints imposed by its environment. Basically, a self-driving, adaptive system is a dynamical system. This article is on a dynamic model of a task-specific, intelligent-mechanism of the haptic system. The mechanisms of interest is the hand and its appendages in the act of discerning the length of a visually occluded hand-held rod. Empirical observations showed that people are extremely adept in these tasks and the perceived lengths, considered as outputs of the mechanisms — hand-muscles-joints haptic subsystems, matched almost perfectly the actual lengths of the rods, particularly, when the rods were of uniform density and mass distribution. These observations pose, to the theoretician, the onerous task of discovering both the descriptions of the system as well as the inputs to the system. On the basis of several investigations, Solomon (Solomon and Turvey 1988) proposed a Haptic Operator model for the intelligent-mechanism of the haptic subsystem. The model characterizes the subsystem as a self-starting, self-driving, adaptive system whose outputs are only the invariant properties of its own dynamics. Because it is self-starting, the mechanism is identified as an intentional system. In this article, intentionally is simply labeled as a selection operator without further elaborations on the nature of the operation of selection. Because it is self-driving and adaptive, the mechanism is identified as an information-driven dynamical system. To underscore the information-driven character of biological systems, the article begins by distinguishing three kinds of dynamical systems: energy-driven, signal-driven, and information- driven systems. Then, the concepts of transformations and invariants are introduced to motivate the concept of dynamical invariants and the emergence of operators as representations of these dynamical properties. The article concludes by drawing the parallel between the invariants of a dynamical system and the invariants of the geometry of the system's dynamics and identifying information with the geometric/kinematic invariants of a dynamical system.
Toward Development of a Middle-Range Theory of Psychological Adaptation in Death and Dying:

This paper presents a middle-range theory of psychological adaptation in death and dying that was abstracted from a series of quantitative and qualitative studies. The findings from these studies are described, a conceptual definition for end-of-life psychological adaptation is given, evidence is synthesized into a limited number of assumptions, testable hypotheses are derived, and the constructed middle-range theory is linked to the conceptual-theoretical framework of the Roy adaptation model.
Impact of marriage on HIV/AIDS risk behaviors among impoverished, at-risk couples: A multilevel latent variable approach

Studies among normative samples generally demonstrate a positive impact of marriage on health behaviors and other related attitudes. In this study, we examine the impact of marriage on HIV/AIDS risk behaviors and attitudes among impoverished, highly stressed, homeless couples, many with severe substance abuse problems. A multilevel analysis of 368 high-risk sexually intimate married and unmarried heterosexual couples assessed individual and couple-level effects on social support, substance use problems, HIV/AIDS knowledge, perceived HIV/AIDS risk, needle-sharing, condom use, multiple sex partners, and HIV/AIDS testing. More variance was explained in the protective and risk variables by couple-level latent variable predictors than by individual latent variable predictors, although some gender effects were found (e.g., more alcohol problems among men). The couple-level variable of marriage predicted lower perceived risk, less deviant social support, and fewer sex partners but predicted more needle-sharing.
Diffuse large cell lymphomas exhibit frequent deletions in 9p21–22 and 9q31–34 regions

We have previously identified deletions of 9p and 9q in a cytogenetic analysis of a large series of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHLs), which suggested loss of candidate tumor suppressor genes (TSGs). In order to define these deletions at the molecular level, we performed an LOH analysis of a panel of paired normal and tumor DNAs comprising 13 cases of diffuse lymphoma with a large cell component (DLLC) and 18 cases of Burkitt's lymphoma (BL). The loci tested comprised eight polymorphic probes mapped to 9p (D9S33, D9S25, IFNB, IFNA, IFNW, D9S126, D9S3, and D9S19) and seven polymorphic probes mapped to 9q (D9S29, ASS, AKI, ABL, D9S10, D9S7, and D9S14). In this analysis, among cases informative for all loci in each subset, 5/13 (38%) DLLC and 4/18 (22%) BL showed LOH at 9p loci, whereas 5/13 (38%) DLLC and 3/18 (16%) BL showed LOH at 9q loci. Among the 9p loci partial homozygous or heterozygous losses were observed in 20-50% of informative cases of DLLC at D9S25, IFNB, IFNA, IFNW, D9S126, and D9S3, whereas in BL, losses at these loci ranged from 0% to 11%. Among the 9q loci, heterozygous losses were observed in > 20% of informative cases of DLLC at D9S7 (23%) and D9S29 (27%), whereas no losses were seen at these two loci in BL. These data demonstrate a high level of molecular deletion in DLLC, but not in BL, suggesting that loss of one or more TSGs on chromosome 9 plays an important role in DLLC development.
BK calcium-activated potassium channels regulate circadian behavioral rhythms and pacemaker output

Spontaneous action potentials in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) are necessary for normal circadian timing of behavior in mammals. The SCN exhibits a daily oscillation in spontaneous firing rate (SFR), but the ionic conductances controlling SFR and the relationship of SFR to subsequent circadian behavioral rhythms are not understood. We show that daily expression of the large conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channel (BK) in the SCN is controlled by the intrinsic circadian clock. BK channel-null mice (Kcnma1(-/-)) have increased SFRs in SCN neurons selectively at night and weak circadian amplitudes in multiple behaviors timed by the SCN. Kcnma1(-/-) mice show normal expression of clock genes such as Arntl (Bmal1), indicating a role for BK channels in SCN pacemaker output, rather than in intrinsic time-keeping. Our findings implicate BK channels as important regulators of the SFR and suggest that the SCN pacemaker governs the expression of circadian behavioral rhythms through SFR modulation.
Eine Prostaglandin-Synthese: Strategie und Wirklichkeit†

Am Beispiel der im Woodward-Forschungsinstitut in Basel durchgefuhrten Prostaglandin-Synthese wird im folgenden ein ungewohnlicher Blick hinter die Kulissen gegeben, indem einmal offen und vollstandig uber die nicht immer geradlinige chronologische Entwicklung von Ideen und Experimenten wahrend der Arbeit an einer anspruchsvollen Synthese berichtet wird.
Impaired Induction of CD27 and CD28 Predicts Naive CD4 T Cell Proliferation Defects in HIV Disease

Many immunological defects have been described in HIV disease, including a diminished capacity of naive CD4+ T cells to expand after TCR stimulation. The mechanisms underlying impaired naive CD4+ T cell expansion in HIV disease are not well described. Using a rigorous phenotypic definition of naive T cells, we found that cell cycle entry after TCR engagement was restricted to cells that increased surface expression of costimulatory molecules CD27 and CD28. Induction of these receptors, however, was not sufficient to result in cell cycle entry among the CD4+CD31− naive T cell subset. Analyses of cells from HIV-infected persons indicated that naive CD4+CD31+ T cells from these subjects were impaired in their ability to enter the cell cycle after stimulation and this impairment was predicted by the relatively poor induction of costimulatory molecules on these cells. Thus, failure to increase surface expression of costimulatory molecules may contribute to the naive T cell expansion failure that characterizes HIV infection.
Animal models of thrombosis.

Purpose of review The thrombotic response to vascular injury is an important clinical problem that mediates most vascular disease complications. Thrombus formation involves an integrated response that is influenced by blood flow, multiple cell types, and numerous circulating factors. As a result, modeling of this complex response using in-vitro or in-silico strategies is insufficient. The use of animal models of thrombosis provides a critical tool for the discovery and initial testing of novel therapies for vascular thrombosis. Recent findings The literature from 2008 to the present provides significant advances in regard to novel models of arterial thrombosis, novel mechanisms underlying thrombus formation, new models and mechanisms related to thrombotic stroke, and preclinical advances in therapeutics for vascular thrombosis. Summary The formation of occlusive thrombi is complex, involving the integration of many molecular interactions and cell types at the site of vascular injury. The identification of strategies to suppress occlusive thrombus formation without undermining normal hemostatic function is the primary goal of this area of study.
Fenestration systems as luminaires of varying candlepower distribution

For the purposes of determining their luminous performance, fenestration systems can be considered as luminaires of varying candlepower distribution. In this way, daylighting and electric lighting analyses can be performed simultaneously, in a consistent way. An approach to determine the transmitted distribution through fenestration systems due to radiation from the Sun, sky and ground for their bidirectional transmittance is described. The approach is demonstrated using the experimentally determined bidirectional transmittance of a diffusive sample, to determine candlepower distributions under the uniform overcast, and clear sky luminance distributions. >
Photoactive fluoropolymer surfaces that release sensitizer drug molecules.

We describe a physical−organic study of two fluoropolymers bearing a photoreleasable PEGylated photosensitizer that generates 1 O2( 1 Δg) (chlorin e6 methoxy tri(ethylene glycol) triester). The surfaces are Teflon/ poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) nanocomposite and fluorinated silica. The relative efficiency of these surfaces to photorelease the PEGylated sensitizer (shown previously to be phototoxic to ovarian cancer cells (Kimani, S. et al. J. Org. Chem 2012, 77, 10638)) was slightly higher for the nanocomposite. In the presence of red light and O2, 1 O2 is formed, which cleaves an ethene linkage to liberate the sensitizer in 68−92% yield. The fluoropolymers were designed to deal with multiple problems. Namely, their success relied not only on high O2 solubility and drug repellency but also on the C−F bonds, which physically quench little 1 O2, for singlet oxygen's productive use away from the surface. The results obtained here indicate that Teflon-like surfaces have potential uses in delivering sensitizer and singlet oxygen for applications in tissue repair and photodynamic therapy (PDT).
A UV Direct-Write Approach for Formation of Embedded Structures in Photostructurable Glass-Ceramics

Photostructurable glass-ceramics are a promising class of materials for MEMS devices. Previous work micromachining these materials used conventional photolithography equipment and masking techniques; however, we use direct-write CAM tools and a pulsed UV laser micromachining station for rapid prototyping and enhanced depth control. We have already used this class of materials to build components for MEMS thrusters, including fuel tanks and nozzles: structures that would prove difficult to build by standard microfabrication techniques. A series of experiments was performed to characterize process parameters and establish the processing trade-offs in the laser exposure step. The hypothesis that there exists a critical dose of UV light for the growth of an etchable crystalline phase was tested by exposing the material to a fluence gradient for a variety of pulse train lengths, and then processing as usual. By measuring the dimensions of the etched region, we were able to determine the dose. We found that the dose is proportional to the square of the per-pulse fluence. This has allowed us to create not only embedded structures, but also stacked embedded structures. This also implies that we can embed tubes and tunnels with a single exposure inside a monolithic glass sample. We feel that this technique has promise for a number of applications, including microfluidics.