cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spatial modulation display using spatial light modulators

A spatial modulation display is described that permits the observation of a phantom or transparent image by several persons simultaneously and is suitable for medical imaging. The display uses spatial light modulators and large format convex lenses within a Schlieren optical system. The number of sectional images in a three-dimensional image is limited by the number of spatial light modulators. The display is electro-optical and requires no moving parts.
Effects of age on rat glutathione metabolism.

ABSTRACT The authors hypothesized that rat plasma or tissue glutathione metabolism could change with age due to possible decreases in glutathione-related enzyme activities. To test this hypothesis, the authors measured plasma and tissue concentrations of glutathione and glutathione-related enzymes. Animals were 3 months, 12 months, or 24 months old at the time of experiments. Plasma glutathione was found to be significantly increased in both the 12-month-old and 24-month-old groups compared to the 3-month-old rats. Tissue enzyme measurements showed no significant differences between the groups in lung or liver glutathione peroxidase or glutathione S-transferase. γ -Glutamyl transpeptidase activity was significantly decreased in kidney and lung with aging. Decreases in tissue γ -glutamyl transpeptidase activity occur with age; this may contribute to increases in plasma glutathione concentrations.
Supporting teachers for race-, class-, and gender-responsive science teaching

In this response to Tang Wee Teo’s article Inside versus outside the science classroom: examining the positionality of two female science teachers at the boundaries of science education, I will extend the conversation around Teo’s finding that the teachers in her study had difficulty translating their “politicized positionalities” into their science teaching by exploring some reasons why this might occur. These reasons are that (1) depending on how positionality is conceived, it could be a limiting mechanism in addition to an empowering one; (2) school and national contexts in which teachers are embedded can frame possibilities for their positionality and science teaching practices; and (3) teachers need support to examine their positionalities, understand how power issues are at work in science, and apply these issues to science teaching. I will elaborate on each of these factors and consider possibilities for helping all science teachers move toward power-sensitive science teaching. I will also propose several practices for incorporating power issues into science curricula.
The influence of environmental factors and pollinating techniques on the success of potato pollination in the greenhouse

1. Some fruit was set by potato flowers which were pollinated at maturity stages from two days before they opened, to three days after the day on which they opened although the percentage of fruit set was highest for flowers pollinated the day on which they opened, or the day after they had opened. More seeds per fruit were developed from flowers pollinated just after they had opened than from those pollinated 24 hours before they had opened and these latter, in turn, produced more seeds per seedball than did those pollinated 48 hours before they opened. 2. High temperature, measured in degree-hours above 70°F., for a period from 48 hours before the flower opened until 72 hours after it had opened, caused a greater reduction in fruit set than did high temperature on any one day. This heat effect seemed to be more closely associated with flower maturity than with time of pollination. 3. Most pollen grains on stigmas of clones examined in this study seemed to germinate after the time that the flower would normally open regardless of the stage of maturity at which the flower was pollinated. 4. The position of the flower within the cluster and the morning hour at which the flower was pollinated seemed to have little effect on the chances of that flowers setting fruit. The percentage of fruit set was as high for flowers pollinated in the evening as for those pollinated in the morning.
Direct numerical approach to electron-hydrogen scattering.

A direct numerical approach to the solution of the Schroedinger equation in configuration space for electron-hydrogen scattering was developed. For a given total angular momentum and spin, we obtained a set of coupled partial differential equations in two radial coordinates which we solved by a propagation method subject to boundary conditions imposed by symmetry. The full interaction potential was considered and terms up to [ital l]=3 in the individual-particle angular momenta were included. The scattering information was extracted by matching the propagating solution to functions of the required asymptotic form, which may be of either [ital S]-matrix or [ital K]-matrix type. The effectiveness and accuracy of this approach were demonstrated through calculations of electron-hydrogen scattering for total angular momentum [ital L]=0 and incident energies below the [ital n]=3 threshold. Comparisons with close-coupling methods and other direct numerical methods in this energy range are given.
Solar wind gases, cosmic ray spallation products, and the irradiation history.

The isotopic abundances of the rare gases in the fines are found to be similar to those previously reported for gas-rich meteorites. Relative to the heavy gases, neon and helium are depleted by factors of 2.5 and 10 respectively. Accurate krypton-krypton ages for rocks 10017, 10047, 10057, and 10071 were obtained covering a range of from 47 to 509 x 106 years. Varying relative production rates of the krypton and xenon isotopes in these rocks suggest different irradiation conditions and a complex history for at least some of the rocks.
“Dyadic Green's functions for cylindrical waveguides with moving media”

The dyadic Green's function for cylindrical waveguides of circular or rectangular cross section with a moving, isotropic, homogeneous medium is developed using the method of eigenfunction expansion. The orthogonality properties of the vector mode functions are discussed. In contrast to waveguides with a stationary medium, it is seen that the normalization factor in the case of the E mode introduces a pole in the integral representation for the Green's function which must be excluded from the integration contour.
Attribute mapping of variable-thickness incised valley-fill systems

Abstract Whether we realize it or not, seismic amplitude is the composite expression of multiple frequency components. Spectral components tuned to a given thickness often exhibit a high signal-to-noise ratio and thus provide the highest lateral resolution, giving clear images of channels and other stratigraphic features that otherwise might be buried in broadband data. For the same reason, coherence and other edge-sensitive attributes provide correspondingly sharper images when computed from spectral-magnitude or voice components. Multiple stages of incisement are preserved in a survey acquired over the Red Fork Formation of the Anadarko Basin, Oklahoma. Color-blended images of 20-, 35-, and 50-Hz spectral components and corresponding coherence images are used to map the valley fill at different stages.
Green Bank Telescope active surface system

During the design phase of the Green Bank Telescope (GBT), various means of providing an accurate surface on a large aperture paraboloid, were considered. Automated jacks supporting the primary reflector were selected as the appropriate technology since they promised greater performance and potentially lower costs than a homologous or carbon fiber design, and had certain advantages over an active secondary. The design of the active surface has presented many challenges. Since the actuators are mounted on a tipping structure, it was required that they support a significant side-load. Such devices were not readily available commercially so they had to be developed. Additional actuator requirements include low backlash, repeatable positioning, and an operational life of at least 230 years. Similarly, no control system capable of controlling the 2209 actuators was commercially available. Again a prime requirement was reliability. Maintaining was also a very important consideration. The system architecture is tree-like. An active surface 'master-computer' controls interaction with the telescope control system, and controls ancillary equipment such as power supplies and temperature monitors. Two slave computers interface with the master- computer, and each closes approximately 1100 position loops. For simplicity, the servo is an 'on/off' type, yet achieves a positioning resolution of 25 microns. Each slave computer interfaces with 4 VME I/O cards, which in turn communicate with 140 control modules. The control modules read out the positions of the actuators every 0.1 sec and control the actuators' DC motors. Initial control of the active surface will be based on an elevation dependant structural model. Later, the model will be improved by holographic observations.Surface accuracy will be improved further by using laser ranging system which will actively measure the surface figure. Several tests have been conducted to assure that the system will perform as desired when installed on the telescope. These include actuator life tests, motor life test, position transducer accuracy test, as well as positioning accuracy tests.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Interleukin-4/STAT6 Represses STAT1 and NF-κB-dependent Transcription through Distinct Mechanisms

STAT6 mediates interleukin-4 (IL-4)-dependent positive and negative regulation of inflammatory gene expression. In the present report we examined the molecular mechanisms involved in IL-4-induced repression of reporter gene transcription driven by STAT1 and/or NF-κB. Transient expression of STAT6 in a STAT6-deficient cell line (HEK 293) conferred sensitivity to IL-4 for STAT6-dependent transcription and for repression of interferon-γ (IFNγ)/STAT1- and/or tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα)/NF-κB-driven reporter gene expression. In cells transfected with a deletion mutant of STAT6 lacking its transactivating domain, IL-4 could not mediate either positive or negative control of reporter gene expression. Overexpression of CREB-binding protein dramatically enhanced IL-4/STAT6-stimulated transcription and overcame IL-4-mediated repression of TNFα/NF-κB-dependent but not IFNγ/STAT1-dependent transcription. A single amino acid change in the DNA-binding domain of STAT6 (H415A) selectively reduced the affinity of STAT6 for IL-4-responsive STAT sequence motifs (N4) without affecting the affinity for IFNγ-responsive (GAS) sequences (N3) and, accordingly, eliminated transcription from an IL-4-responsive promoter. Interestingly, this mutation eliminated IL-4-mediated suppression of reporter gene transcription stimulated by TNFα/NF-κB but retained nearly full capacity to suppress IFNγ/STAT1-stimulated transcription. Taken together these results demonstrate that STAT6 mediates suppression of STAT1 and NF-κB-dependent transcription by distinct mechanisms. Both processes are dependent upon the STAT6 transactivation domain and may involve sequestration of necessary but different transcriptional coactivator proteins. These two suppressive mechanisms are controlled differentially by the nature of the STAT6 DNA-binding site (i.e. N3 versus N4).
Evaluation of retinoids as inhibitors of [3H] all-trans retinoic acid binding to cellular retinoic acid-binding protein in rat skin and testes

These experiments were designed to test the ability of certain analogs and metabolites of all-trans-retinoic acid (RA), 13-cis-retinoic acid, 4-hydroxy-all-trans-retinoic acid, 4-keto-all-trans-retinoic acid, trimethylmethoxyphenol (TMMP) analog of retinoic acid, and TMMP analog of ethyl retinoate (etretinate) to compete for cellular retinoic acid-binding protein (CRABP) in skin and testes of rats. All retinoids, except etretinate, bind to CRABP in a competitive manner with a similar affinity (approximately 5 X 10(-9) M for skin and 3 X 10(-9) M for testes). In contrast, etretinate binds in a noncompetitive manner with a much lower affinity (7.7 X 10(-5) M for skin and 7.5 X 10(-5) M for testes). The values (microM) of IC50 for CRABP from rat skin are 0.43, 0.41, 0.95, 0.83, and 77.4 and those from rat testes are 0.59, 1.29, 2.25, 2.30, and 75.25 for all-trans-RA, 13-cis-RA, 4-hydroxy-all-trans RA, 4-keto-all-trans-RA, TMMP analog of RA, and etretinate, respectively. Etretinate is a potent retinoid that is used in the treatment of psoriasis. The lack of quantitative correlation between IC50 and the biological activity of etretinate may be explained in that the active form of etretinate in the body may be the carboxylic acid form (TMMP analog of RA) which binds to CRABP with higher affinity.
Association between C-reactive protein and generalized anxiety disorder in stable coronary heart disease patients

Aims Comprehensive evaluation of major depressive disorder (MDD), anxiety disorder, and MDD in conjunction with anxiety disorder in stable coronary heart disease (CHD) patients, including cardiac biomarkers such as C-reactive protein (CRP), troponin T (TnT), and amino-terminal pro-B-type brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP). Methods and results Cross-sectional study of a consecutive series of 120 stable CHD outpatients ( n = 30 with MDD, n = 30 with anxiety disorder, n = 30 with MDD and anxiety disorder, n = 30 with no psychiatric disorder). Psychiatric diagnoses were established by using the structured clinical interview for DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV). Binomial logistic regression analyses using cut-off scores of biomarkers as dependent variables showed associations between CRP and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) ( P = 0.04), and education ( P = 0.004), whereas MDD, and MDD and anxiety disorder did not reach the significance level. TnT showed relationships with hyperlipidaemia ( P = 0.009), history of obesity or overweight ( P = 0.04), and education ( P = 0.04). NT-proBNP was associated with type II diabetes ( P = 0.005). Conclusion After adjusting for relevant demographic, medical, and psychiatric co-variables, CRP was associated with GAD.
Sun-Protective Behaviors of California Farmworkers

Objective:Farmworkers are exposed to long hours of solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR), placing them at higher risk for skin cancer. The goal of this study was to evaluate farmworkers’ sun exposure behaviors.Methods:Farmworkers (n = 326) in the San Joaquin Valley of California were interviewed about t
Quasi-positive definite operators and matrices

Abstract Let V1, …, Vm be finite dimensional inner product spaces over the same field R or C , and let W be their tensor product. A Hermitian linear operator T on W is said to be quasi-positive definite (semidefinite) if the Hermitian form 〈Tw, w〉 is positive (nonnegative) for all nonzero rank one tensors w ϵ W. We study the properties of such operators, in particular, their negative inertia and the relation between their largest and smallest eigenvalues.
Measurements Of Polarization Scattering In The Vacuum Ultraviolet

ABSTRACTNASA's In -Situ Contamination Effects Facility, Marshall SpaceFlight Center will be used to measure the polarization scattering fromoptical surfaces due to outgassed molecular contamination.Measurements will be taken using a non -coherent vacuum ultraviolet(VUV) source at 123.6 nm and a set of three solar blind VUVphotomultipliers. An in -plane VUV BRDF experiment is described anddetails of the on -going program to characterize optical materialsexposed to the space environment is reported.INTRODUCTIONLight incident on any real surface will scatter some portion ofthe incident energy into all allowed angles relative to the surface normal. In the scalar scattering theory, the intensity of thescattered light will be a function of both the incident angles andscattered angles as well as the surface material and its condition.The accepted parameter for describing this bidirectional reflectance,or angular scattering, is the Bidirectional Reflectance DistributionFunction (BRDF). Figure 1 shows the BRDF geometry considered in this
Optimizing needle placement in treatment planning of radiofrequency ablation

A computational method is presented for optimizing needle placement in radiofrequency ablation treatment planning. The parameterized search is guided by an objective function that depends on transient, finite element solutions of coupled thermal and potential equations for each needle placement. A framework is introduced for solving the electrostatic equation by using boundary elements to model the needle as discrete current sources embedded within a finite element mesh. This method permits finite element solutions for multiple needle placements without remeshing. We demonstrate that the method produces a search space amenable to gradient-based optimization techniques.
Genetic mosaic analysis in the nervous system

Genetic mosaic techniques provide a powerful tool for dissecting gene function in the intricate genetic networks that underlie the formation and function of nervous systems. For instance, it is possible to make individual cells or groups of cells homozygous for mutations of interest at specific points during an organism's development. It is also possible to resolve lineage relationships and to characterize cellular morphology and connectivity. Current techniques for creating genetically mosaic organisms incorporate improved controls over clone induction, identification, and/or mosaic tissue characterization.
Absent Qualia and Categorical Properties

Qualia have proved difficult to integrate into a broadly physicalistic worldview. In this paper, I argue that despite popular wisdom in the philosophy of mind, qualia’s intrinsicality is not sufficient for their non-reducibility. Second, I diagnose why philosophers mistakenly focused on intrinsicality. I then proceed to argue that qualia are categorical and end with some reflections on how the conceptual territory looks when we keep our focus on categoricity.
Amount of communication as a symptom of distressed marriages based on reports of divorced individuals

Recent research on married couples has indicated that dramatically reduced communication between married partners may be an indication of a marriage under stress and may indicate an increased likelihood of divorce. The present study compared amount of communication in marriage reported by divorced individuals with that reported by married individuals who reported low to moderate levels of marital satisfaction. The results indicate these reports are highly similar. It is recommended that reduced communication be considered as a marker variable for marriages under stress and future research seek to identify the cause(s) of the observed relationships.
Response to levamisole and low-dose prednisolone in 41 patients with chronic oral ulcers: A 3-year open clinical trial and follow-up study

Abstract Objective. The purpose of this open clinical trial and follow-up study was to evaluate the short-term and long-term clinical efficacy of levamisole used with low-dose prednisolone in 30 patients with oral lichen planus, 6 patients with erythema multiforme, 3 patients with mucous membrane pemphigoid, and 2 patients with early pemphigus vulgaris. Study design. All patients were given 150 mg/day of levamisole and 15 mg/day of prednisolone for 3 consecutive days each week, along with topically applied dexamethasone orobase (dexaltin). Results. Twenty-three patients showed dramatic remission of signs and symptoms within 2 weeks; 18 patients experienced partial remission. Forty patients reported significant pain relief, and almost none showed evidence of oral ulcerative lesions after 4 to 8 weeks of treatment. In contrast, 1 patient with oral lichen planus with allergy to levamisole reported a partial response from prednisolone alone. All 29 patients with oral lichen planus remained free from symptoms for more than 6 months. All 6 patients with erythema multiforme, all 3 patients with mucous membrane pemphigoid, and both patients with pemphigus vulgaris also remained free from symptoms for 2 to 3 years. There were few side effects from the treatment; there was minor skin rash from levamisole in 1 case of oral lichen planus. We also designed a flexible plastic carrier for topically applied dexaltin in the treatment of diffuse atrophic or ulcerative gingivitis. Conclusions. The addition of levamisole to prednisolone may produce improved results in the management of erosive lichen planus, erythema multiforme, mucous membrane pemphigoid, and early pemphigus vulgaris.
Yet More Complexity in Fission: Barriers for Nuclei with N=150-154

Fission probabilities are presented for a series of Pu, Cm, and Cf nuclei with neutron numbers, $N$, in the range of 150-154. Results show that the fission thresholds are slowly varing with $N$ and $Z$ for $N=150\ensuremath{-}153$ but there is a strong decrease in the threshold for $N=154$. For $^{252}\mathrm{Cf}$ ($N=154$) the results indicate broad, strong resonances at \ensuremath{\sim} 5.0 and 5.4 MeV and suggest the breakup of the first axially asymmetric saddle into two barriers with large $\ensuremath{\hbar}\ensuremath{\omega}$.
The dynein microtubule motor.

Abstract Dyneins are large multi-component microtubule-based molecular motors involved in many fundamental cellular processes including vesicular transport, mitosis and ciliary/flagellar beating. In order to achieve useful work, these enzymes must contain motor, cargo-binding and regulatory components. The ATPase and microtubule motor domains are located within the very large dynein heavy chains that form the globular heads and stems of the complex. Cargo-binding activity involves the intermediate chains and several classes of light chain that associate in a subcomplex at the base of the soluble dynein particle. Regulatory control of dynein motor function is thought to involve the phosphorylation of various components as well as a series of light chain proteins that are directly associated with the heavy chains. These latter polypeptides have a variety of intriguing attributes, including redox-sensitive vicinal dithiols and Ca 2+ -binding, suggesting that the activity of individual dyneins may be subject to multiple regulatory inputs. Recent molecular, genetic and structural studies have revealed insight into the roles played by these various components and the mechanisms of dynein-based motility.
Hemoglobins of Glycera robusta: structures of coelomic cell hemoglobin and body wall myoglobin.

Abstract 1. 1. The polychaete annelid Glycera robusta contains both a coelomic cell hemoglobin and a body wall myoglobin. 2. 2. The coelomic cell hemoglobin in the oxy-, carbonmonoxy- and cyanmet-forms has an apparent molecular weight on Sephadex G-100 of about 48.000–50.000 and an S 20,w value of 3·9. Some evidence of an association-dissociation equilibrium is present. This pigment is composed of 14,000–16,000 mol wt subunits as determined by SDS gel electrophoresis and chromatography on Sephadex G-200 of the carboxymethylated globin in 8 M urea. 0·1 M in 2-mercaptoethanol. The hemoglobin contains 1 g atom iron per 17,500 g hemoglobin. 3. 3. The body wall myoglobin is monomeric with a mol. wt of 17,000 on Sephadex G-100 and 15,000 on SDS gel electrophoresis. This pigment contains 1 g atom iron per 16,000 g hemoglobin. 4. 4. Both coelomic cell hemoglobin and body wall myoglobin appear to be homogeneous pigments under the conditions described. 5. 5. The amino acid compositions of the two pigments are reported. 6. 6. The structures of these pigments are compared with those of other annelid hemoglobins.
Metal?nanocarbon contacts

To realize nanocarbons in general and carbon nanotube (CNT) in particular as on-chip interconnect materials, the contact resistance stemming from the metal?CNT interface must be well understood and minimized. Understanding the complex mechanisms at the interface can lead to effective contact resistance reduction. In this study, we compile existing published results and understanding for two metal?CNT contact geometries, sidewall or side contact and end contact, and address key performance characteristics which lead to low contact resistance. Side contacts typically result in contact resistances >1 k?, whereas end contacts, such as that for as-grown vertically aligned CNTs on a metal underlayer, can be substantially lower. The lower contact resistance for the latter is due largely to strong bonding between edge carbon atoms with atoms on the metal surface, while carrier transport across a side-contacted interface via tunneling is generally associated with high contact resistance. Analyses of high-resolution images of interface nanostructures for various metal?CNT structures, along with their measured electrical characteristics, provide the necessary knowledge for continuous improvements of techniques to reduce contact resistance. Such contact engineering approach is described for both side and end-contacted structures.
Application of an Oil Spill Vulnerability Index to the Shoreline of Lower Cook Inlet, Alaska

Offshore tracts in Alaska's lower Cook Inlet are scheduled to be opened for exploratory petroleum drilling in the near future. Because of the potential for oil spills resulting from this activity, a field study of the coastal zone was conducted in June 1976. A total of 1216 km of shoreline was classified into 3 types: erosional (45 percent), neutral (38 percent), and depositional (17 percent). These were further subdivided into 16 subclasses on the basis of small scale morphological features. This classification was used in conjunction with a vulnerability index of potential oil spill damage, developed through study of three major oil spills, to predict the longevity of oil in the different coastal environments of the Inlet. On a scale from 1 to 10, 45 percent of the shoreline has low values of 1 to 4, which means that oil would be dispersed by natural processes within less than six months after a spill on these coasts. Values from 4 to 6 were assigned to 13.4 percent of the shoreline, where oil residence time may be up to one year. A 6 to 10 rating was assigned to 41.5 percent of the shoreline, where oil contamination may remain for periods of two to ten years, or possibly longer should no major clean-up procedures be initiated. We propose that the use of this type of vulnerability indexing, in conjunction with a biological susceptibility index and oil spill trajectory models, would provide a rational basis for decision making concerning the location of on- and off-shore oil facilities and the design of oil spill contingency plans.
Magnetospheric and auroral activity during the 18 April 2002 sawtooth event

We examine the 18 April 2002 sawtooth event. We find that the strong magnetic field dipolarizations observed in association with each tooth are not global in occurrence but are rather confined to the nightside. In addition, we find that the flux increases are not globally dispersionless. Instead, each tooth is associated with a nonglobal, but wider-than-usual, dispersionless injection region that is consistent with the high Kp versions of the standard injection boundary model (which places the entire nightside segment of geosynchronous orbit tailward of the injection boundary for values of Kp above about 5). We also find evidence that at least one of the teeth was likely triggered by a pressure pulse. The auroral distribution shows a repeatable evolution in which a wide double-oval configuration gradually thins. Following this, a localized substorm-like brightening in the dusk to midnight sector occurs on the lower branch of the double oval which subsequently expands rapidly poleward and azimuthally. A new expanded double oval configuration emerges from this expansion phase activity and the cycle repeats itself for the duration of the sawtooth event. The observations presented give considerable support to the contention that sawtooth events are actually sequences of quasi-periodic substorms. We suggest that sawtooth events can be viewed as a magnetospheric mode similar to Steady Magnetospheric Convection intervals (SMCs) except that for sawtooth events, the flow of energy from the solar wind into the magnetosphere becomes too large to dissipate without the periodic occurrence of substorms. We further suggest that the quasi-periodicity arises because the magnetosphere may only become susceptible to external or internal triggering after it has been driven beyond a stability threshold. This hypothesis can account for the existence of more potential external triggers (in the interplanetary magnetic field or solar wind) than teeth in that the magnetosphere may be selectively responsive to them.
Optical wavelet transforms using spatial light rebroadcasters

The advantages of a wavelet transform over a short time Fourier transform are explained using 1-D synthetic data in a computer simulation. An optical set up is described in which an electronic analog sensor signal drives an acoustooptic cell that controls the intensity of an Argon laser. A mechanical scanner writes the information as a line onto a spatial light rebroadcaster (SLR) module containing an optical liquid crystal light valve. A lens system expands the line into a 2-D array. A wavelet transform filter is placed in the Fourier transform plane of a 4f correlator. An optical demonstration shows the formation of a wavelet transform and an inverse wavelet transform to reconstruct the original waveform.
Characterization of Dicarboxylic Acids for Cellulose Hydrolysis

In this paper, we show that dilute maleic acid, a dicarboxylic acid, hydrolyzes cellobiose, the repeat unit of cellulose, and the microcrystalline cellulose Avicel as effectively as dilute sulfuric acid but with minimal glucose degradation. Maleic acid, superior to other carboxylic acids reported in this paper, gives higher yields of glucose that is more easily fermented as a result of lower concentrations of degradation products. These results are especially significant because maleic acid, in the form of maleic anhydride, is widely available and produced in large quantities annually.
Crystal Structure of the FAD/NADPH-binding Domain of Rat Neuronal Nitric-oxide Synthase COMPARISONS WITH NADPH-CYTOCHROME P450 OXIDOREDUCTASE

Abstract Nitric-oxide synthase (NOS) is composed of a C-terminal, flavin-containing reductase domain and an N-terminal, heme-containing oxidase domain. The reductase domain, similar to NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase, can be further divided into two different flavin-containing domains: (a) the N terminus, FMN-containing portion, and (b) the C terminus FAD- and NADPH-binding portion. The crystal structure of the FAD/NADPH-containing domain of rat neuronal nitric-oxide synthase, complexed with NADP+, has been determined at 1.9 A resolution. The protein is fully capable of reducing ferricyanide, using NADPH as the electron donor. The overall polypeptide fold of the domain is very similar to that of the corresponding module of NADPH-cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase (CYPOR) and consists of three structural subdomains (from N to C termini): (a) the connecting domain, (b) the FAD-binding domain, and (c) the NADPH-binding domain. A comparison of the structure of the neuronal NOS FAD/NADPH domain and CYPOR reveals the strict conservation of the flavin-binding site, including the tightly bound water molecules, the mode of NADP+ binding, and the aromatic residue that lies at the re-face of the flavin ring, strongly suggesting that the hydride transfer mechanisms in the two enzymes are very similar. In contrast, the putative FMN domain-binding surface of the NOS protein is less positively charged than that of its CYPOR counterpart, indicating a different nature of interactions between the two flavin domains and a different mode of regulation in electron transfer between the two flavins involving the autoinhibitory element and the C-terminal 33 residues, both of which are absent in CYPOR.
Local changes in neocortical circuit dynamics coincide with the spread of seizures to thalamus in a model of epilepsy

During the generalization of epileptic seizures, pathological activity in one brain area recruits distant brain structures into joint synchronous discharges. However, it remains unknown whether specific changes in local circuit activity are related to the aberrant recruitment of anatomically distant structures into epileptiform discharges. Further, it is not known whether aberrant areas recruit or entrain healthy ones into pathological activity. Here we study the dynamics of local circuit activity during the spread of epileptiform discharges in the zero-magnesium in vitro model of epilepsy. We employ high-speed multi-photon imaging in combination with dual whole-cell recordings in acute thalamocortical (TC) slices of the juvenile mouse to characterize the generalization of epileptic activity between neocortex and thalamus. We find that, although both structures are exposed to zero-magnesium, the initial onset of focal epileptiform discharge occurs in cortex. This suggests that local recurrent connectivity that is particularly prevalent in cortex is important for the initiation of seizure activity. Subsequent recruitment of thalamus into joint, generalized discharges is coincident with an increase in the coherence of local cortical circuit activity that itself does not depend on thalamus. Finally, the intensity of population discharges is positively correlated between both brain areas. This suggests that during and after seizure generalization not only the timing but also the amplitude of epileptiform discharges in thalamus is entrained by cortex. Together these results suggest a central role of neocortical activity for the onset and the structure of pathological recruitment of thalamus into joint synchronous epileptiform discharges.
Re-expression of songs deleted during vocal development in white-crowned sparrows, Zonotrichia leucophrys.

White-crowned sparrows learn and produce multiple song types as juveniles, but most individuals stop singing all except one by the end of the first singing season. This single song type is generally maintained throughout adulthood. We demonstrate that, at the start of the second and subsequent singing seasons, this species can recall songs that had been deleted during the first singing season. The re-expression of song occurred in both the oriantha and the gambelii subspecies. Although all our males recrystallized the original song in the second year, our results indicate a mechanism for seasonal song change without new song memorization. The traditional dichotomy of closed-ended versus open-ended learning is inadequate for birds that learn early in life but can change their song output seasonally. We suggest that species can exhibit a closed sensitive period for song memorization and first production, with the ability to recall deleted songs later in life. This type of learning, selective attrition followed by subsequent re-expression, may be used by some species currently considered open-ended learners.
Estimating impacts of population growth and land use policy on ecosystem services: A community-level case study in Virginia, USA

Despite advances in decision-making tools and frameworks, the consideration of ecosystem services in local, regional, and national scale planning remains limited. In this study, we address two broad goals: (1) By using “off the shelf” data and tools, we provide a practical example for how local policy makers can incorporate considerations of ecosystem services in land use planning; and (2) To understand the complex and non-linear relationships between population growth, land use change, land use policy, and ecosystem services. Focusing on Albemarle County and Charlottesville, VA, we assess impacts on a range of ecosystem services using a land consumption ratio that links the land use to population density patterns. Varying levels of population growth were modeled and impacts to ecosystem services quantified given current land use policies. With increasing population growth, ecosystem services that exist within areas targeted for growth are initially compromised. However, once growth pressures reach a threshold, ecosystem services across the region are dramatically degraded. These findings point to the tradeoffs that community-level planners face when ecosystem services are considered in the context of population growth. Our results also highlight the importance of maintaining permanent protection on lands with high natural and cultural value.
The Effect of Incubating Eggs Narrow End Up on Malposition II and Hatchability

Abstract Eggs from Single Comb White Leghorns, Black Sex-links and White Plymouth Rocks were incubated in an upside down position, narrow end up for 8, 9, 10 or 17 days before turning them to the normal position with the broad end up. Six settings were incubated and eggs from each breed for each setting were used for controls. Chick embryos were able to return to their normal position, head in the broad end, in eggs that were held upside down for 8 days and then returned to the normal setting position. A significant number of embryos as compared with the 8 day eggs were locked in Malposition II after being held narrow end up for 9, 10 or 17 days of incubation. Eggs from White Leghorns, Sex-links and White Plymouth Rocks set narrow end up for 8, 9, 10 or 17 days gave a lower percent hatchability than the control eggs. Sixty-five percent of the White Leghorn eggs, 83.1% of the Sex-links eggs and 74.2% of the White Rock eggs that were in Malposition II at hatching time were able to hatch.
Energy transitions in superhydrophobicity: low adhesion, easy flow and bouncing

The concept of superhydrophobicity was introduced in the 1990s as a result of the investigation of the microstructure of extremely water-repellent plant leaves. Since that time, artificial superhydrophobic surfaces have been developed and implemented, stimulated by advances in nanotechnology, and giving one of the most successful examples of a bio-inspired technology transferred into engineering applications. Superhydrophobicity is usually defined as the ability of a surface to have (i) a very high water contact angle (CA) and (ii) low CA hysteresis. Here we argue that the ability of a water droplet to bounce off a surface constitutes a third property that is crucial for applications. Furthermore, this property is naturally related to the first two properties, since the energy barriers separating the 'sticky' and 'non-sticky' states needed for bouncing droplets have the same origin as those needed for high CA and for low CA hysteresis.
ON THE EFFECTS OF NONCONTINGENT FOOD DELIVERY DURING NATURALLY OCCURRING PERIODS OF DEPRIVATION AND SATIATION

Four adults diagnosed with moderate to profound mental retardation performed a manual response that was reinforced with food identified from a stimulus preference assessment. During baseline, the response was reinforced on a variable ratio (VR) schedule. Participants were then exposed to noncontingent reinforcement (NCR) plus extinction, and no-food (i.e., extinction) conditions. A combination multielement and reversal design was used to evaluate intervention effects. For each participant, sessions were conducted both before and after the midday meal during baseline and NCR-plus-extinction conditions, thus capitalizing on naturally occurring states of food deprivation and satiation. Results showed that response rates were slightly higher during deprivation sessions than during satiation sessions during NCR-plus-extinction and VR schedules for three of the four participants. For three participants, initial NCR schedules did not reduce responding; however, subsequent NCR schedules, which were twice as dense, were effective in reducing response rates. The results are discussed in terms of the development of NCR as a reductive technology and the manipulation of establishing operations applied to the habilitation of individuals with developmental disabilities. The use of a basic experimental preparation as a method of examining decelerative interventions is also addressed. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A structural equation model of latent segmentation and product choice for cross-sectional revealed preference choice data☆

Abstract We consider the problem of simultaneously performing market segmentation and predicting product choice for a given population of consumers. This behaviour-based segmentation model uses several types of information characterizing individual consumers and their market context: sociodemographic, psychographic and product choice data. These data are combined in a normative conceptual framework that posits the formation of latent segments, each of which displays differing degrees of sensitivity to relevant product attributes. This permits results obtained by the proposed model structure to differ significantly from those of traditional segmentation techniques, which usually produce a set of groups characterized by smaller within-group than between-group variation in sociodemographic and/or psychographic variables. By making the segments behaviour-based, it is argued that the segments produced by the model will be more actionable and more directly relevant to management decision-making. The proposed model is applied to a data set involving choice of a beauty product offered by five national brands. The results show that the explanatory power of the latent segmentation and choice model is far greater than that of the MNL model, which is nested within our more general specification. The types of results available from the model are illustrated through the application.
Expression of the trichodiene synthase gene of Fusarium sporotrichioides in Escherichia coli results in sesquiterpene production.

Abstract Trichodiene synthase is a sesquiterpene cyclase involved in the biosynthesis of trichothecene mycotoxins. We report that insertion of the unaltered trichodiene synthase gene of Fusarium sporotrichioides into the Escherichia coli expression vector pDR540 produced an inactive polypeptide with a molecular weight approximately 2000 greater than that of trichodiene synthase. This result is consistent with the presence of an intron in the trichodiene synthase gene, and prompted us to specifically delete a putative 60-nucleotide intron sequence. Insertion of the intron-deleted open reading frame into pDR540 resulted in the production of active enzyme. Trichodiene synthase activity in crude extracts from induced cultures was 0.07 nmol/min/mg of protein and represented 0.05–0.10% of the total cell protein. A cross-reactive protein was present with the same apparent molecular weight as the subunit of native trichodiene synthase. The recombinant enzyme was partially purified and shown to have properties closely resembling those of the native enzyme. Trichodiene was detected in ethyl acetate extracts from induced cultures at a concentration of 60 μg/liter after 4.5 h. These findings support the primary structure recently reported for trichodiene synthase and demonstrate that the expression of a sesquiterpene cyclase in E. coli results in sesquiterpene production.
Processing, microstructure and tensile properties of a Ti-48 AT.% Al alloy

The results presented in this study suggest that fine-grained, near/fully lamellar microstructures can be successfully produced in Ti-48Al based alloys by thermo-mechanical processing near/at/above the {alpha}-transus. These microstructures can, however, be unstable and the formation of additional grains of {gamma} can occur on heat treatment in the {alpha}{sub 2} + {gamma} region. Nevertheless, it is possible by subsequent heat treatment in the {alpha} + {gamma} region at a suitable temperature to produce stable, relatively fine-grained, near/fully lamellar microstructure with attractive room temperature ductilities and strengths. The results also indicate that the most important factor that controls ductility of these alloys is grain size.
Assessment of donor site morbidity for free radial forearm osteocutaneous flaps.

Purpose: Assessment of donor site morbidity and recipient site complications following free radial forearm osteocutaneous flap (FRFOCF) harvest and evaluation of patient perceived upper limb disability for free radial forearm osteocutaneous versus fasciocutaneous flaps (FRFF). Methods: First a case series was undertaken of 218 patients who underwent an FRFOCF at two tertiary referral centers between February 1998 and November 2010. Outcomes included forearm donor site morbidity and recipient site complications. Second, the disability of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) questionnaire assessing patient perceived arm disability was administered by phone to 60 consecutive patients who underwent an FRFOCF or FRFF. Results: Mean patient age was 63 years with male predominance (62.8%). Median bone length harvested was 8 cm (range, 3–12 cm) with prophylactic plating of the radius following harvest. Donor site morbidity included fracture (1 patient, 0.5%) and sensory neuropathy (5 patients, 2.3%). Mean DASH scores were comparative between groups and to established normative values. Mandibular malunion rate was 3.2% and hardware extrusion at the recipient site occurred in 15.6%. Conclusion: Reluctance to perform FRFOCF by surgeons usually centers on concerns regarding potential donor site morbidity and adequacy of available bone stock; however, we identified minimal objective or patient perceived donor site morbidity or recipient site complications following harvest of FRFOCFs. Mild wrist weakness and stiffness are common but do not impede ability to perform activities of daily living. Data from this and other reports suggest this flap is particularly useful for midfacial and short segment mandibular reconstruction. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 2012.
Heuristics in Managing Complex Clinical Decision Tasks in Experts' Decision Making

Background: Clinical decision support is a tool to help experts make optimal and efficient decisions. However, little is known about the high level of abstractions in the thinking process for the experts. Objective: The objective of the study is to understand how clinicians manage complexity while dealing with complex clinical decision tasks. Method: After approval from the Institutional Review Board (IRB), three clinical experts were interviewed the transcripts from these interviews were analyzed. Results: We found five broad categories of strategies by experts for managing complex clinical decision tasks: decision conflict, mental projection, decision trade-offs, managing uncertainty and generating rule of thumb. Conclusion: Complexity is created by decision conflicts, mental projection, limited options and treatment uncertainty. Experts cope with complexity in a variety of ways, including using efficient and fast decision strategies to simplify complex decision tasks, mentally simulating outcomes and focusing on only the most relevant information. Application: Understanding complex decision making processes can help design allocation based on the complexity of task for clinical decision support design.