cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On the application of polyelectrolyte limiting laws to the helix–coil transition of DNA. III. Dependence of helix stability on excess univalent salt and on polynucleotide phosphate concentration for variable equivalent ratios of divalent metal ion to phosphate

Using the free energy difference between double-helix and random-coil forms of DNA as a measure of the stability of the double helix, we calculate the dependence of the stability on excess univalent cation concentration and on polynucleotide phosphate concentration, both as functions of the equivalent ratio r of divalent cation-to-phosphate concentrations. The theoretical tool is merely to compare the free energy of one polyelectrolyte solution, characterized by the polyelectrolyte linear charge density, with the free energy of another, characterized by a different value of the charge density. It is assumed only that the charge density of the double helix is greater than that of the coil form. The calculation represents the only molecular theory given to date (for r ≠ O) for these aspects of helix stability. We find that, as excess univalent cation concentration increases, the helix stability increases if r is small but decreases if r is large (i.e., of the order of unity). Moreover, as the concentration of nucleotide phosphate increases, the helix stability does not change for small values of r but increases for large values. For both effects, a continuous transition as a function of r bridges the low-r and high-r behaviour.
Recognition and penetration of the HIV-1 Env glycan shield by potent broadly neutralizing antibodies

Conclusion Structural characterization and biochemical analysis of these antibodies have uncovered novel specificities to new glycan-dependent epitopes and reveal further mechanisms for viral neutralization. These new epitopes provide additional insights for neutralization of HIV-1 and how antibodies can bind and penetrate the glycan shield, a novel framework for structure-assisted vaccine design. This study was supported by the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI), Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, and NIH AI84817.
Child- and Caregiver-Reported Problems and Concerns in Using Asthma Medications

Objectives. The purpose of the study was to (a) describe the types of medication problems/concerns that asthmatic children and their caregivers reported and (b) examine the association between child and caregiver demographic and sociocultural characteristics and reported asthma medication problems/concerns. Methods. Children ages 8 through 16 with mild, moderate, or severe persistent asthma and their caregivers were recruited at five pediatric practices in nonurban areas of North Carolina. Children were interviewed and caregivers completed questionnaires after their child's medical visits about reported problems/concerns in using asthma medications. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the data. Results. Three hundred and twenty children were recruited. Eighty-seven percent of the children reported a problem or concern in using their asthma medications. Approximately 40% of children reported side effects and a similar percent stated that it was hard to understand the directions on their me...
Bench-to-bedside review: Diaphragm muscle function in disuse and acute high-dose corticosteroid treatment

Critically ill patients may require mechanical ventilatory support and short-term high-dose corticosteroid to treat some specific underlying disease processes. Diaphragm muscle inactivity induced by controlled mechanical ventilation produces dramatic alterations in diaphragm muscle structure and significant losses in function. Although the exact mechanisms responsible for losses in diaphragm muscle function are still unknown, recent studies have highlighted the importance of proteolysis and oxidative stress. In experimental animals, short-term strategies that maintain partial diaphragm muscle neuromechanical activation mitigate diaphragmatic force loss. In animal models, studies on the influence of combined controlled mechanical ventilation and short-term high-dose methylprednisolone have given inconsistent results in regard to the effects on diaphragm muscle function. In the critically ill patient, further research is needed to establish the prevalence and mechanisms of ventilator-induced diaphragm muscle dysfunction, and the possible interaction between mechanical ventilation and the administration of high-dose corticosteroid. Until then, in caring for these patients, it is imperative to allow partial activation of the diaphragm, and to administer the lowest dose of corticosteroid for the shortest duration possible.
Milk proteins: physicochemical and functional properties

Because of the growing trend toward widespread use of protein ingredients in food formulation and fabrication, an understanding of the relationships between the physical properties of proteins and their behavior in food systems is desirable. A range of milk-derived protein preparations, i.e., dry milk, milk proteins, caseins, whey proteins, and lactalbumin, are used in a range of food products for their specific functional attributes. In this paper some of the apparent relationships between the properties of the protein components and specific functional properties are discussed. Thus, the roles of milk proteins in determining some important physical characteristics (i.e. color, bulk density, sinkability, dispersibility) of milk powders and their involvement in a range of functional properties (water holding, solubility, rheological behavior, gelation, film formation, emulsification, and foaming) are reviewed. Because of the various methods and conditions used in determining functional properties and the variability in composition of preparations it is difficult to compare data and/or reconcile differences in published information. The desirability of developing standard methods is emphasized.
Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase and DNA polymerase in classes of cells from rat thymus.

Summary Cells from rat thymus have been fractionated on albumin density gradients. The activities of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase, DNA dependent DNA polymerase, thymidine kinase, and the rate of incorporation of thymidine into DNA vary among the classes of cells. Terminal transferase activity present in thymus is quantitatively recovered from the gradient and is highest in fractions rich in small lymphoid cells or thymocytes.
Effect of band-limited clicks on ABR waves I and V.

Studies have shown that the I–V latency difference decreases in cases of high-frequency peripheral loss. In order to limit the variability associated with a hearing-loss population, we studied this latency decrease using normal-hearing young adults. Listeners were exposed to band-limited clicks having differing low-pass cutoffs. Responses to the low-pass clicks were intended to duplicate the ABRs that would be evoked by wide-band clicks in ears with high to mid-frequency hearing loss. The clicks were presented in both polarities. The primary finding was that the low-pass rarefaction clicks produced disproportionately large increases in wave I latency as low-pass cutoff frequency was reduced, i.e., as “hearing loss” extended into the mid-frequencies. This finding appears to explain, at least for the conditions of study, the shortening of the I–V interval with peripheral hearing loss.
Three-dimensional particle imaging with a single camera

A new approach to the instantaneous three-dimensional mapping of flow fields is introduced. A single camera system uses defocusing in conjunction with a mask (three pin holes) embedded in the camera lens to decode three-dimensional point sources of light (i.e., illuminated particles) on a single image. The sizes and locations of the particle image patterns on the image plane relate directly to the three-dimensional positions of the individual particles. Using sequential images, particles may be tracked in space and time, yielding whole-field velocity information. Calibration of the system is straightforward, whereas the self-similarity of the particle image patterns can be used in automating the data-extraction process. The described technique was used to obtain particle trajectories in the flow field of a vortex ring impinging on a wall.
Structure of native proteoglycan aggregates from chick limb-bud chondrocytes.

Laser light-scattering has been used to investigate the size of native proteoglycan aggregates (PGA-aA1) from day-8 chick limb-bud chondrocyte cultures isolated under associative extraction and purification conditions in 0.4M guanidinium chloride (GdnHCl) solution. Dynamic light-scattering measurements yielded a hydrodynamic radius, Rs, of 244 ± 10 nm for PGA-aA1 in 0.4M GdnHCl, and a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of 150 ± 50 × 106 was obtained from a Zimm plot. Disaggregation in 4.0M GdnHCl aqueous solution yielded proteoglycan subunits (PGS) with Rs = 39 ± 2 nm, Mw = 1.6 ± 0.3 × 106, which reassembled in 0.4M GdnHCl to form “reconstituted native” aggregates (PGA-raA1) with Rs = 121 ± 6 nm, Mw = 17 ± 3 × 106. A second specimen of PGA-aA1 had Rs = 192 ± 10 nm, Mw = 100 ± 10 × 106. The latter value was estimated from an empirical relationship between Mw and Rs. After dissociation, this specimen reassembled to form PGA-raA1 with Rs = 85 ± 5 nm, Mw = 12 ± 1 × 106. These data are compared with those for a specimen of reconstituted aggregate (PGA-A1) that had been extracted under dissociative conditions and then reaggregated by dialysis to 0.4M GdnHCl aqueous solution, for which Rs = 138 ± 9 nm, Mw = 45 ± 8 × 106. From these values, we have calculated the weight-average number of subunits per aggregate Nw: 111 for PGA-aA1 and 12 for raA1 (70 and 7 for the second PGA-aA1 and PGA-raA1 specimen, respectively) as compared to 32 for PGA-A1. The numbers of subunits per aggregate were also determined from electron micrographs of spread specimens. The latter results show the same trends as those obtained by light scattering, but lead in each case to lower numbers of subunits per aggregate. These data demonstrate conclusively that PGA samples exhibit a higher degree of aggregation in solution than visualized in typical electron microscopy (EM) preparations, probably due to disaggregation during EM specimen preparation. Since Nw determined both by light scattering (LS) and by EM are larger for native versus reconstituted aggregate samples, our data point to a more compact aggregation of subunits along the hyaluronic acid (HA) chains in the former.
Micro procedure for determination of pyrophosphate and orthophosphate.

Abstract A rapid, simple procedure for the determination of both pyrophosphate and orthophosphate in the same sample has been developed. The assay can accurately determine 1–40 mμmoles of pyrophosphate and 2–75 mμmoles of orthophosphate and is readily adaptable for use in following enzymic activity.
A comparison of the effect of a suppository and two douches on vaginal malodorants.

Gas-chromatographic odor-assay techniques have been used to study vaginal odors. An improved version of this technique was applied to compare the efficacy of a suppository containing phenylmercuric acetate, a feminine douche preparation, and a conventional vinegar douche in reducing the concentrations of malodorants in the vaginal vapors of ten normal women. Seven malodorants occurred frequently in vaginal vapors; seven more were noted less frequently, and additional ones occurred occasionally. A reduction in the malodorant concentrations was observed with all treatments, but this effect reached acceptable statistical probability levels,p<0.05 (95% confidence levels), consistently only for the suppository. The effect of the phenylmercuric acetate suppository on the concentration of vaginal malodorants was statistically valid at 2, 6, and 10 hours after its use. In the case of the douche preparation, the degree of reduction in the malodorant concentrations did not reach statistical significance. A Sign Test, however, on the frequency of the malodorant concentration decreases as compared with the frequency of malodorant concentration increases indicated statistical significance for the decreases at 6 and 10 hours after the use of the douche preparation. The total number of malodorants per sample likewise tended to decrease with the various treatments, but this effect reached statistical significance only for the suppository 6 and 10 hours after the treatment.
Inversion of bottom-hole temperature data: The Pineview field, Utah-Wyoming thrust belt

The present day temperature field in a sedimentary basin is a constraint on the maturation of hydro‐carbons; this temperature field may be estimated by inverting corrected bottom‐hole temperature (BHT) data. Thirty‐two BHTs from the Pineview oil field are corrected for drilling disturbances by a Horner plot and inverted for the geothermal gradient in nine formations. Both least‐squares (l2) norm and uniform (l1) norm inversions are used; the l1 norm is found to be more robust for the Pineview data. The inversion removes random error from the corrected BHT data by partitioning scatter between noise associated with the BHT measurement and correction processes and local variations in the geothermal gradient. Three‐hundred thermal‐conductivity and density measurements on drill cuttings are used, together with formation density logs, to estimate the in situ thermal conductivity of six of the nine formations. The thermal‐conductivity estimates are used in a finite‐element model to evaluate 2-D conductive heat r...
Methods for improving accuracy and extending results beyond periods covered by traditional ground-truth in remote sensing classification of a complex landscape

Abstract Successful development of approaches to quantify impacts of diverse landuse and associated agricultural management practices on ecosystem services is frequently limited by lack of historical and contemporary landuse data. We hypothesized that ground truth data from one year could be used to extrapolate previous or future landuse in a complex landscape where cropping systems do not generally change greatly from year to year because the majority of crops are established perennials or the same annual crops grown on the same fields over multiple years. Prior to testing this hypothesis, it was first necessary to classify 57 major landuses in the Willamette Valley of western Oregon from 2005 to 2011 using normal same year ground-truth, elaborating on previously published work and traditional sources such as Cropland Data Layers (CDL) to more fully include minor crops grown in the region. Available remote sensing data included Landsat, MODIS 16-day composites, and National Aerial Imagery Program (NAIP) imagery, all of which were resampled to a common 30 m resolution. The frequent presence of clouds and Landsat7 scan line gaps forced us to conduct of series of separate classifications in each year, which were then merged by choosing whichever classification used the highest number of cloud- and gap-free bands at any given pixel. Procedures adopted to improve accuracy beyond that achieved by maximum likelihood pixel classification included majority-rule reclassification of pixels within 91,442 Common Land Unit (CLU) polygons, smoothing and aggregation of areas outside the CLU polygons, and majority-rule reclassification over time of forest and urban development areas. Final classifications in all seven years separated annually disturbed agriculture, established perennial crops, forest, and urban development from each other at 90 to 95% overall 4-class validation accuracy. In the most successful use of subsequent year ground-truth data to classify prior year landuse, an overall 57-class accuracy of 75% was achieved despite the omission of 10 entire classes, most of which were annually disturbed or perennial crops grown on very few fields. Synthetic ground-truth data for the 2004 harvest year based on the most common landuse classes over the following 7 years classified 49 of 57 categories at an overall accuracy of 96% in a final version that included CLU polygon majority rule, default smoothing and aggregation, and forcing of urban development and forest from multi-year majority-rule.
Structure-activity studies of AtPep1, a plant peptide signal involved in the innate immune response.

Abstract AtPep1, a 23-amino acid peptide recently isolated from Arabidopsis leaves, induces the expression of the genes encoding defense proteins against pathogens. We investigated the structure–activity relationship of AtPep1 with its receptor, a 170 kDa leucine-rich repeat receptor kinase (AtPEPR1) by utilizing a suspension cell assay (the alkalinization assay). Binding of AtPep1 to AtPEPR1 on the cell surface is accompanied by an increase in the pH of Arabidopsis suspension cell media by 1 pH unit in 15 min with a half-maximal response of 0.25 nM. Sequential removal of N-terminal amino acids had little effect on activity until the peptide was reduced to 15 amino acids [AtPep1(9–23)], which decreased the activity by less than one order of magnitude. Activity was completely abolished when nine C-terminal amino acids remained. Removal of the C-terminal asparagine from AtPep1(9–23), resulted in a decrease in activity ( 1 2 max ∼ 100 nM). AtPep1(9–23) was used for alanine-substitution analysis and revealed two important residues for activity, a serine, [A15]AtPep1(9–23) ( 1 2 max ∼ 10 nM), and a glycine, [A17]AtPep1(9–23) ( 1 2 max ∼ 1000 nM). Neither [A17]AtPep1(9–23) nor the C-terminal truncated AtPep1, AtPep1(9–22), were able to compete with AtPep1(9–23) in the alkalinization assay. The importance of the glycine residue for binding to the AtPep receptor was also confirmed by competition assays using radiolabeled AtPep1. d -Alanine or 2-methylalanine substituted at the glycine position displayed only a slight decrease in activity whereas l - and d -proline substitution caused a loss of activity. Homologs of AtPep1 identified in Arabidopsis and other species revealed a strict conservation of the glycine residue.
The oxidative stress mediator 4-hydroxynonenal is an intracellular agonist of the nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-β/δ (PPARβ/δ)

Liver insufficiency and damage are major causes of death and disease worldwide and may result from exposure to environmental toxicants, specific combinations or dosages of pharmaceuticals, and microbial metabolites. The generation of reactive intermediates, in particular 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), is a common event in liver damage caused by a variety of hepatotoxic drugs and solvents. The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are nuclear receptors that are involved in the transcriptional regulation of lipid metabolism as well as other biological functions. Importantly, we have observed that the PPARbeta/delta-/- mouse is more susceptible to chemically induced hepatotoxicity than its wild-type counterpart, and our objective in this study was to elucidate the mechanism(s) by which PPARbeta/delta confers protection to hepatocytes. We hypothesized that PPARbeta/delta plays a protective role by responding to toxic lipids and altering gene expression accordingly. In support, oxidized-VLDL and constituents including 13-S-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (13-S-HODE) and 4-HNE are PPARbeta/delta ligands. A structure-activity relationship was established where 4-HNE and 4-hydroperoxynonenal (4-HpNE) enhanced the activity of the PPARbeta/delta subtype while 4-hyroxyhexenal (4-HHE), 4-oxo-2-Nonenal (4-ONE), and trans-4,5-epoxy-2(E)-decenal did not activate this receptor. Increasing PPARbeta/delta activity with a synthetic agonist decreased sensitivity of hepatocytes to 4-HNE and other toxic agents, whereas inhibition of this receptor had the opposite result. Gene expression microarray analysis identified several important PPARbeta/delta-regulated detoxification enzymes involved in 4-HNE metabolism that are regulated at the transcript level. This research established 4-HNE as an endogenous modulator of PPARbeta/delta activity and raises the possibility that agonists of this nuclear receptor may be utilized to prevent or treat liver disease associated with oxidative damage.
Similarity of quasiconical shock wave/turbulent boundary-layer interactions

A parametric experimental study is reported on the quasiconical shock/boundary-layer interactions produced by three families of shock generators: sharp fins, semicones, and swept compression corners. The experiments were carried out at Mach 2.95 and Re/m = 6.3 X10 using a flat-plate turbulent boundary layer. Over 50 distinct shock generator configurations were considered. The results consist of surface flow patterns, pressure distributions, and flowfield visualizations. An analysis of these results reveals that the interaction characteristics depend primarily on the inviscid shock wave strength and shape. Given similar values of these parameters, "conical freeinteraction" similarity results even for disparate shock generators. The similarity conditions among fin, semicone, and swept corner interactions are further explored in terms of normal Mach number scaling and flow regime changes with geometry variation.
Building Nonprofit Financial Capacity The Impact of Revenue Concentration and Overhead Costs

Building on the impressive body of research on issues of nonprofit revenue choice and mix, this research empirically tests Foster and Fine’s claim that revenue concentration contributes to the growth of nonprofit organizations. Using National Center for Charitable Statistics (NCCS) digitized data (1998-2003), the authors test whether revenue concentration is a viable revenue-generating strategy that can help bolster a nonprofit’s financial capacity. Overall, study findings refute the mythology of revenue diversification; the authors find that implementing a revenue concentration strategy generates a positive growth in one’s financial capacity—in particular, a growth in one’s total revenue, over time. Contrary to the prevalent charges laid at the door of high administrative and fundraising efforts by some, the authors find that in order to support financial capacity growth, nonprofits must make positive investments in favor of administrative and fundraising support but not in the form of high executive sal...
VANET adaptive power control from realistic propagation and traffic modeling

Vehicle Ad Hoc Networks (VANET) rely on frequent data exchange among vehicles to facilitate road safety, congestion control, route planning, etc. The objective of this paper is to introduce an adaptive power control method based on propagation and traffic modeling. Dual-slope pathloss and shadowing model is used to describe the power propagation. Statistical tests performed on 50289 traces extracted from real highway data establish the traffic distributions for different times of the day. We also used the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test (K-S test) for synthetically generating traces having statistical properties similar to those obtained from real data. Based on the adaptive transmission power method, the expected transmission power values for different times of the day are calculated and are compared with scenarios without power control, demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Talk About Talk: Calls for Conversation in the 2008 Presidential Election

This article examines the numerous conversational appeals made by candidates during the 2008 presidential elections. Specifically, this essay explores the way in which Hillary Clinton, John McCain, and Barack Obama talked about the importance of democratic discussion as a central theme in their bids for the White House. Ultimately, this study argues that the conversation being appealed to was one that emphasized a friendly dialogue that could help people overcome their differences and disagreements, and then it suggests several possible reasons why politicians might believe the American people find such conversational appeals appealing.
Identification and Characterization of Novel Substrates of Trk Receptors in Developing Neurons

Neurotrophins influence growth and survival of specific populations of neurons through activation of Trks, members of the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) family. In this report, we describe the identification and characterization of two substrates of Trk kinases, rAPS and SH2-B, which are closely related Src homolog 2 (SH2) domain-containing signaling molecules. rAPS and SH2-B are substrates of TrkB and TrkC in cortical neurons and SH2-B is a substrate of TrkA in sympathetic neurons. Moreover, rAPS and SH2-B bind to Grb2, and both are sufficient to mediate NGF induction of Ras, MAP kinase (MAPK), and morphological differentiation of PC12 cells. Lastly, antibody perturbation and transient transfection experiments indicate that SH2-B, or a closely related molecule, is necessary for NGF-dependent signaling in neonatal sympathetic neurons. Together, these observations indicate that rAPS and SH2-B mediate Trk signaling in developing neurons.
Analytic evaluation of the multifractal properties of a Newtonian Julia set.

The Julia set associated with the Newtonian map for the solution of ${z}^{3}$-1=0 in the complex plane is investigated by purely analytic means. The hierarchical organization of this strange repeller is explained from basic principles. The family of generalized fractal dimensions and the equivalent spectrum of scaling indices is evaluated using an extension of the Hentschel-Procaccia renormalization scheme. Our quantitative results are in excellent agreement with direct numerical computations.
Methods and perceptual thresholds for short-term electrical stimulation of human retina with microelectrode arrays.

PURPOSE. To report methods for performing epiretinal electrical stimulation with microfabricated electrode arrays and determining perceptual thresholds on awake human volunteers during acute surgical trials. METHODS. Four hypotheses were tested: (1) epiretinal stimulation can be performed during acute experiments without obviously damaging the retina or degrading vision or the health of the eye; (2) perception can be obtained 50% of the time in blind patients with charge densities below published safety limits; (3) the minimal charge needed to induce perception would be higher in patients with more severe retinal degeneration; and (4) threshold charge would be lower at shorter stimulus durations. Five subjects with severe blindness from retinitis pigmentosa and one with normal vision (who underwent enucleation of the eye because of orbital cancer) were studied. Electrical stimulation of the retina was performed on awake volunteers by placing a single 250-m diameter handheld needle electrode or a 10-m thick microfabricated array of iridium oxide electrodes (400-, 100-, or 50-m diameter) on the retina. Current sources outside the eye delivered charge to the electrodes. Assessment of damage was made by observing the clinical appearance of the eyes, comparing pre- and postoperative visual acuity, obtaining retinal histology in one case, and comparing perceptual thresholds with published safety limits. RESULTS. No clinically visible damage to the eye or loss of vision occurred. Even at sites removed from stimulation, histology revealed swollen photoreceptor inner and outer segments, which were believed to be nonspecific findings. Percepts could not be reliably elicited with 50-m diameter electrodes using safe charges in one blind patient. With the two larger electrodes, only the normal-sighted patient had thresholds at charge densities below 0.25 and 1.0 millicoulombs (mC)/cm 2 for 400- and 100-m diameter electrodes, respectively, which is one seemingly reasonable estimate of safety derived from the product of charge per phase and charge density per phase. In blind patients, thresholds always exceeded these levels, although most were close to these limits in patient 6. The range of charge density thresholds with the 400-m electrode in blind patients was 0.28 to 2.8 mC/cm 2 . The normal-sighted patient had a threshold of 0.08 mC/cm 2 with a 400-m electrode, roughly one quarter of the lowest threshold in the blind patients. Strength‐ duration curves obtained in two blind patients revealed the lowest threshold charge at the 0.25- or 1.0-ms stimulus duration. CONCLUSIONS. Threshold charge densities in severely blind patients were substantially higher than that in a normal-sighted patient. Charge densities in blind patients always exceeded one seemingly reasonable estimate of safe stimulation. The potential adversity of long-term stimulation of the retina by a prosthesis has yet to be determined. (Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2003;44:5355‐5361) DOI:10.1167/iovs.02-0819
Incorporation of time continuity into subsynoptic analysis by using dynamical constraints

The analyses of surface wind and pressure at 2 observation times are coupled by using the forecast equations of horizontal momentum as dynamical constraints. A Cressman objective analysis procedure is used to interpolate the observations to a uniform grid. The interpolated data at these times are adjusted in a least squares sense subject to the 2 equations of constraint. Although the basic algorithm is designed to adjust data at 2 time levels, more time levels can be incorporated by using the algorithm in a sequential manner. The primary advantages of this scheme over a conventional analysis are: (1) the wind and pressure field are coupled, (2) observations at earlier and later times are incorporated into a given analysis, (3) the analyses have time continuity and, (4) data void regions can be analyzed if data are available at adjoining time levels. Since the adjustments are made in accord with the forecast equations, the methodology can be used for initialization of prediction models or updating these models by inserting new data in a consistent fashion. The scheme is tested on the well-documented squall line case of June 8, 1966, which occurred in the National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL) network in central Oklahoma. The data set consists of the hourly surface observations from the Aviation Network (Service A teletype records). A 3-hr period prior to squall line development is examined in order to see the influence of the larger scale circulation upon the generation and organization of mid-latitude squall lines. The principal results of the study were: (1) the observed wind components must be adjusted by 1–2 m s ?1 (root-mean-square value) in order to satisfy the governing constraints, (2) the gradual build-up of the convergence zone associated with the squall line is better depicted by the adjusted pattern and, (3) the correlation between surface convergence and radar echo is more reasonable when adjusted winds are used. DOI: 10.1111/j.2153-3490.1978.tb00867.x
Modeling of the Inhibition Mechanism of Acrylic Acid Polymerization

Inhibitors such as MEHQ (monomethyl ether hydroquinone) and PTZ (phenothiazine) are added to acrylic acid in the shipping and storage process to prevent its spontaneous polymerization. Dissolved oxygen is also an strong inhibitor, and its presence in the solution enhances the inhibition effects of MEHQ. In this work, we developed a comprehensive mathematic model for the inhibition of acrylic acid polymerization and simulated the inhibition effects of oxygen and MEHQ on the polymerization of acrylic acid in batch and semibatch processes. The key kinetic parameters were obtained from the literature or estimated from experimental data in the literature. The model was able to predict most of the effects of inhibitors. Although the literature data we used failed to predict the synergistic inhibition effects of oxygen and MEHQ, the model was able to predict the effects. Simulation results show that oxygen is a strong inhibitor in both batch and semibatch reactors and does not act as a retarder as expected. MEHQ...
Hematologic genetic disorders among Southeast Asian refugees

Resettlement of Southeast Asian refugees has introduced into the Western Hemisphere many persons of all major ethnic groups from Indochina. They represent several distinctive cultural, genetic, and linguistic groups, and the prevalence of genetic traits among them varies accordingly. We studied 778 Southeast Asian persons resettled in the upper Midwest who belonged to 182 unrelated families from the five major Southeast Asian ethnic groups. High prevalences of hemoglobin E, alpha- and beta-thalassemia disorders, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency were found. The prevalences of these four conditions in the refugees are among the highest known in the world. For these groups, iron deficiency is an uncommon cause of microcytosis; instead, the most frequent causes are hemoglobin E and alpha-thalassemia-1. Very serious thalassemic disorders occur with unusually high frequency in the refugees, especially in the Tai-Dam.
Understanding Behavior to Understand Behavior Change: A Literature Review.

One view of environmental education suggests that its goal is to ‘develop a world population that … has the knowledge, skills, attitudes, motivations and commitment to work individually and collectively towards solutions of current problems and the prevention of new ones’ (UNESCO‐UNEP 1976). Embedded within this charge is the teaching of skills and motivations to implement skills, where a skill refers to performance of an act acquired through extended practice and training (Ericsson and Oliver 1995). However, it is often difficult to articulate clearly what skills we teach in conservation education and environmental education focusing on behavior change or influence. It can be equally challenging to describe the behaviors we are ultimately seeking, identified in the Tbilisi Declaration as ‘new patterns of behavior’ (UNESCO 1978). At a basic level, it is important to explore the grounding for teaching toward behavior – often referred to as behavior change – that supports the work of the field. This literat...
Gelatin-based resorbable sponge as a carrier matrix for human mesenchymal stem cells in cartilage regeneration therapy

Adult mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), found in the bone marrow, have the potential to differentiate into multiple connective tissue types, including cartilage. In this study, we examined the potential of a porous gelatin sponge, Gelfoam, for use as a delivery vehicle for MSCs in cartilage regeneration therapy. Adult human MSCs (hMSCs) were seeded throughout the gelatin sponge after a 2-h incubation period. When cultured for 21 days in vitro in a defined medium supplemented with 10 ng/mL of TGF-beta 3, hMSC/Gelfoam constructs produced a cartilage-like extracellular matrix containing sulfated glycosaminoglycans (s-GAGs) and type-II collagen, as evident upon histologic evaluation. Constructs loaded with a cell suspension of 12 x 10(6) cells/mL produced an extracellular matrix containing 21 microg of s-GAG/microg of DNA after 21 days of culture. This production was more efficient than constructs loaded at higher or lower cell densities, indicating that the initial seeding density influences the ability of cells to produce extracellular matrix. When implanted in an osteochondral defect in the rabbit femoral condyle, Gelfoam cylinders were observed to be very biocompatible, with no evidence of immune response or lymphocytic infiltration at the site. Based on these observations we conclude that Gelfoam resorbable gelatin sponge is a promising candidate as a carrier matrix for MSC-based cartilage regeneration therapies.
Photogrammetric techniques for aerospace applications

Abstract Photogrammetric techniques have been used for measuring the important physical quantities in both ground and flight testing including aeroelastic deformation, attitude, position, shape and dynamics of objects such as wind tunnel models, flight vehicles, rotating blades and large space structures. The distinct advantage of photogrammetric measurement is that it is a non-contact, global measurement technique. Although the general principles of photogrammetry are well known particularly in topographic and aerial survey, photogrammetric techniques require special adaptation for aerospace applications. This review provides a comprehensive and systematic summary of photogrammetric techniques for aerospace applications based on diverse sources. It is useful mainly for aerospace engineers who want to use photogrammetric techniques, but it also gives a general introduction for photogrammetrists and computer vision scientists to new applications.
Modern Challenges in Converting a Traditional Engineering Class Into a Fully Online Course

The demand for engineering courses in online format is growing for both undergraduate and graduate level coursework. Because of the abundance of software tools available for creating virtual learning environments, online courses are rapidly evolving past the posting of hour-long lectures in video format to lecture notes that are interactive, instant self-assessment feedback, and teaching modules that are fully ADA compliant. This paper explores the challenges faced by faculty members in creating a fully online course that can effectively present challenging, engaging material that solidly focuses on student learning objectives and provides authentic assessment of those same objectives.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Conversion from a Type I to a Type II Death Receptor-Mediated Pathway through A Partial Inhibition of Caspase-8

INTRODUCTION. Bcl-2 is the prototypical member of a family of proteins which, when overexpressed in cells, are capable of either inhibiting or inducing apoptosis. We have previously reported that Bcl-2 can cooperate with inhibition of caspase activation by zVADfmk to block TNFα-induced cell death in a Bcl-2 cleavage-independent fashion. We now propose a multiple pathway model of TNFα-induced cell death that diverges at least at the level of caspase-8 activation. In this model, one mitochondria-independent (Type I) pathway is blocked by zVAD-fmk while the other mitochondria-dependent (Type II) pathway is blocked by Bcl-2.
Necrostatin decreases oxidative damage, inflammation, and injury after neonatal HI.

Necrostatin-1 inhibits receptor-interacting protein (RIP)-1 kinase and programmed necrosis and is neuroprotective in adult rodent models. Owing to the prominence of necrosis and continuum cell death in neonatal hypoxia–ischemia (HI), we tested whether necrostatin was neuroprotective in the developing brain. Postnatal day (P)7 mice were exposed to HI and injected intracerebroventricularly with 0.1 μL of 80 μmol necrostatin, Nec-1, 5-(1H-Indol-3-ylmethyl)-(2-thio-3-methyl) hydantoin, or vehicle. Necrostatin significantly decreased injury in the forebrain and thalamus at P11 and P28. There was specific neuroprotection in necrostatin-treated males. Necrostatin treatment decreased necrotic cell death and increased apoptotic cell death. Hypoxia–ischemia enforced RIP1–RIP3 complex formation and inhibited RIP3–FADD (Fas-associated protein with death domain) interaction, and these effects were blocked by necrostatin. Necrostatin also decreased HI-induced oxidative damage to proteins and attenuated markers of inflammation coincidental with decreased nuclear factor-κB and caspase 1 activation, and FLIP ((Fas-associated death-domain-like IL-1β-converting enzyme)-inhibitory protein) gene and protein expression. In this model of severe neonatal brain injury, we find that cellular necrosis can be managed therapeutically by a single dose of necrostatin, administered after HI, possibly by interrupting RIP1–RIP3-driven oxidative injury and inflammation. The effects of necrostatin treatment after HI reflect the importance of necrosis in the delayed phases of neonatal brain injury and represent a new direction for therapy of neonatal HI.
Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (cdk5) activation requires interaction with three domains of p35.

Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (cdk5), in contrast to other members of the cyclin-dependent kinase family, is not activated by cyclins but instead is activated by complexing with neuron-specific activator molecules (p35, p39, and p67). The most effective activator of cdk5 both in vitro and in vivo is p35. We have taken a kinetic approach to study the interaction between p35, its various truncated forms, and cdk5 to understand better the mechanism of its activation. The cdk5 complexes formed with the truncated forms p25 and p21 produced similar maximum active kinase, whereas the cdk5 complexed with full-length p35 and a further truncated form spanning amino acid residues from 138 to 291, with approximate molecular weight of 16 kDa (p16), produced slightly less (80%) activation than p25. P16 was the smallest fragment of p35 that produced activation equal to or greater than that of full-length p35. By examination of further truncations of p16, we found that a small number of residues, 11 and 4 at the N- and C-termini, respectively, of p16, are essential for cdk5 activation. Further truncation, removing both essential N- and C-terminal domains, produces a peptide with markedly higher affinity for cdk5 compared with the peptides that retain either of these domains. Using these inactive truncated peptides as inhibitors, we examined the kinetics of activation. From these studies we conclude that activation involves at least three cdk5-interacting domains, one located at each end of p16 and at least one located in a central domain. The cdk5 activation process is slow: The second-order rate constant for p16 is about 1.2 microM(-1) hr(-1). On the basis of kinetic data, we suggest that cdk5 exists in two conformations. The inactive kinase conformation predominates in the absence of the activator. Activation occurs in two stages: a rapid and reversible interaction of cdk5 with its activator, which involves only one or two binding domains, followed by a slow stabilization of the active conformation as interaction with all three domains is achieved.
Distributed computing with single read-single write variables

Single-read-single-write (SRSW) variables are presented for synchronous and asynchronous communication between processes. The operational semantics of the instruction accessing these variables is quite simple: a SRSW variable can be written if it is free, and, once written, it becomes busy. A SRSW variable can be read when busy, and, once read, it becomes free. A process attempting to read a free SRSW variable or write a busy SRSW variable is put in a wait state until the state of the variable changes. The advantages of SRSW variables are multiple. The syntax of a regular sequential language can be used without any change, other than the introduction of a new SRSW data type. Parallel programs tend to be concise and easy to prove correct. The message passing paradigm can be very easily modeled with SRSW variables. >
Predicting Outcome of Court-Ordered Treatment for DWI Offenders via the MAACL-R

Abstract A study of 123 male DWI offenders referred to treatment found that the unipolar Anxiety, Depression, and Sensation Seeking scales and the composite Dysphoria scale of the grade 6 reading level form of the Multiple Affect Adjective Check List-Revised administered at program intake could efficiently differentiate between those who were returned to court (RTC) and those who remained in good program standing (RGS) (i.e., had remained alcohol- and drug-free and had not been rearrested for DUI) after six months in the program. RTCs were characterized by higher levels of Anxiety and Depression (and Dysphoria), and lower levels of Sensation Seeking at program intake than were RGSs. The same pattern was found when the number of previous DUI arrests were also considered as a predictor. Correct classification rates ranged from 82.1% to 87.8% for the unipolar scales of the MAACL-R6 and between 75.6% and 82.9% for the composite MAACL-R6 scales, with RTCs being correctly classified between 57.5% and 75.00% of ...
Significance of lower and middle Paleozoic phosphatic chert in the Toquima Range, central Nevada

Ordovician to Lower Mississippian cherts of the Roberts Mountains allochthon in central Nevada contain nodules, lenses, and streaks of phosphate as apatite. Major marine phosphate deposition is limited to latitudes less than 50° on margins facing large oceans to the east or west, or of Tethyan (equatorial sea) type; the Nevada margin was suitably located in the lower to middle Paleozoic. The Roberts Mountains allochthon overthrust the shelf of western North America very soon after deposition of the youngest phosphatic cherts, implying that they are most likely not far-traveled or exotic to North America. Phosphates of similar age and nature in the northern Sierra Nevada suggest proximity of Nevada and the northern Sierra Nevada in the early to middle Paleozoic.
Radioprotective effect of phytohemagglutinin in mice

Es wird ein bemerkenswerter Strahlenschutz durch Phytohamagglutinin (PHA-P, Difco) bei mit nahezu todlich wirkenden Rontgenstrahlendosen exponierten Mausen beobachtet. Der Grad des Strahlenschutzes scheint eine Linearfunktion der angewandten Dosis zu sein.
Epitaxial lift-off of GaAs thin-film solar cells followed by substrate reuse

We demonstrate the fabrication of GaAs thin-film solar cells on plastic substrate by combining epitaxial lift-off (ELO) and cold weld bonding. A lattice-matched epitaxial protection layer is employed to preserve the wafer surface during the ELO process to enable multiple reuses of the parent wafer. For the removal of protection layer and contaminants from ELO process, we have developed a unique pre-cleaning process. Combination of these technologies enables 1) the fabrication of light weight, flexible thin-film GaAs solar cells, 2) a transfer process that cold-weld bonds the GaAs epi-cell onto an accepting plastic foil substrate, and 3) the multiple growths from a single parent substrate the requires no destructive mechanical polishing process. The morphology and chemistry of the GaAs substrate surface after ELO simulation and protection-layer removal are compared to those of the original substrate using atomic force microscopy, energy dispersive spectrometry, x-ray photoelectron spectrometry and reflection high energy electron diffraction. The regrown epitaxial film quality is investigated by Hall-effect and photoluminescence measurements, and cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy. We show that p-n junction GaAs solar cells grown on original and reused wafers have power conversion efficiencies of ∼23%, under simulated AM1.5G illumination. The ability to perform multiple growths from a single parent wafer promises to dramatically reduce production costs for high power conversion efficiency GaAs solar cells.
Yields and Nutritive Value of Cuttings of Permanent Pasture Harvested as Dried Forage

Abstract Four .12-ha plots were outlined in an area of permanent pasture. Two were harvested initially on May 17 and two on May 24. One plot from each then was treated with nitrogen at 56 kg/ha. Three subsequent cuttings were when plant regrowth had reached 25 to 30 cm or when vegetative growth had ceased. Forages were sampled at cutting and after drying in the field and later under a barn roof. Material harvested on common cutting dates was combined and fed to four lactating cows in a series of digestion trials. First harvest on May 17 resulted in higher seasonal yield of dry matter than that for the May 24 cutting, 7,219 versus 5,687 kg/ha. Pasture cuttings averaged 17.2% crude protein, 28.6% acid detergent fiber, and 73.4% in vitro digestibility. Animal digestibilities of the dried pasture cuttings were high for first and fourth cuttings (digestible dry matter 76 to 79%) and lower for midsummer harvest (digestible dry matter 56%).
Advertising Exposure, Loyalty, and Brand Purchase: A Two-Stage Model of Choice:

Information processing theory and findings on advertising response suggest a nonlinear response to repetitive ad exposure, mediated by brand loyalty. The response can occur in either or both of the...