Network Of Core Research Articles

ANALYZING THE IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGY MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS ON THE INNOVATION CAPABILITY OF CORE DEVELOPERS IN CONSTRUCTION FIRMS

ABSTRACT Technology mergers and acquisitions are some of the most important ways to introduce technology into a company. The study reveals the impact of technology mergers and acquisitions on the innovation capability of core developers in construction companies. Among core developers are those who have deep professional knowledge accumulation and strong ability to digest and innovate external knowledge. The social network analysis method is used to measure the relevant indicators of the core Research and Development (R&D) personnel cooperation network. Bridge Group Co Ltd with Chongqing Beixin Yuchang Expressway Construction Co Ltd are used as examples where the changes in the network structure before and after the merger were investigated using quantitative analysis. These changes were investigated from two perspectives: the individual center cooperation network and the overall cooperation network of core R&D personnel. The results show that the density and centrality indicators of the core developers’ cooperation network have a positive effect on their innovation capability after the merger whereas the structural hole indicators have a negative effect on their innovation. The study broadens the thinking of social networks in the field of technology Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) and provides directions for enhancing the innovation capability of core developers, as well as serving as a theoretical guide and reference for M&A activities in the construction industry.

Modulating Aggregation in Microemulsions: The Dispersion by Competitive Intermolecular Interaction Model.

A phenomenological model has been developed for the mechanism of action of phase modifiers as additives that control aggregation phenomena within water-in-oil emulsions. The "Dispersion by Competitive Intermolecular Interaction" model (DCI) explicitly considers the strength and prevalence of different intermolecular interactions that influence the molecular association of amphiphiles, the resulting distribution of aggregate size, and interaggregate interactions that influence phase phenomena. The existing "cosolvent" and "cosurfactant" association models, which describe the distribution of these amphiphiles within the solution, are re-examined in the context of intermolecular interactions. The different contributions of intermolecular interactions to the potential energy landscape of molecular association create distinct regimes within the DCI model that explain prior observations of cosolvent and cosurfactant behavior. The specific system under consideration, the N,N,N',N'-tetraoctyl diglycolamide amphiphile extractant with tributyl phosphate or dihexyl octanamide phase modifier additives, represents a new regime-labeled the polar disruption regime-where strong hydrogen bonding of the phase modifier with the polar-solutes disrupts the internal hydrogen bonding network of the polar micellar core, thereby decreasing aggregate size and narrowing the polydispersity in solution.

Fires, vegetation, and human—The history of critical transitions during the last 1000 years in Northeastern Mongolia

Fires are natural phenomena that impact human behaviors, vegetation, and landscape functions. However, the long-term history of fire, especially in the permafrost marginal zone of Central Asia (Mongolia), is poorly understood. This paper presents the results of radiocarbon and short-lived radionuclides (210Pb and 137Cs) dating, pollen, geochemical, charcoal, and statistical analyses (Kohonen's artificial neural network) of sediment core obtained from Northern Mongolia (the Khentii Mountains region). Therefore, we present the first high-resolution fire history from Northern Mongolia covering the last 1000 years, based on a multiproxy analysis of peat archive data. The results revealed that most of the fires in the region were likely initiated by natural factors, which were probably related to heatwaves causing prolonged droughts. We have demonstrated the link between enhanced fires and "dzud", a local climatic phenomenon. The number of livestock, which has been increasing for several decades, and the observed climatic changes are superimposed to cause "dzud", a deadly combination of droughts and snowy winter, which affects fire intensity. We observed that the study area has a sensitive ecosystem that reacts quickly to climate change. In terms of changes in the vegetation, the reconstruction reflected climate variations during the last millennium, the degradation of permafrost and occurrence of fires. However, more sites with good chronologies are needed to thoroughly understand the spatial relationships between changing climate, permafrost degradation, and vegetation change, which ultimately affect the nomadic societies in the region of Central and Northern Mongolia.

Genome-wide DNA methylation profiles of autism spectrum disorder.

We aimed to identify differentially methylated genes and related signaling pathways in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). First, the DNA methylation profile in the brain samples (GSE131706 and GSE80017) and peripheral blood samples (GSE109905) was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database (GEO) dataset, followed by identification of differentially methylated genes and functional analysis. Second, the GSE109905 data set was used to further validate the methylation state and test the ability to diagnose disease of identified differentially methylated genes. Third, expression measurement of selected differentially methylated genes was performed in whole blood from an independent sample. Finally, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of core differentially methylated genes was constructed. Totally, 74 differentially methylated genes were identified in ASD, including 38 hypermethylated genes and 36 hypomethylated genes. 15 differentially methylated genes were further identified after validation in the GSE109905 data set. Among these, major histocompatibility complex (HLA)-DQA1 was involved in the molecular function of myosin heavy chain class II receptor activity; HLA-DRB5 was involved in the signaling pathways of cell adhesion molecules, Epstein-Barr virus infection and antigen processing and presentation. In the PPI analysis, the interaction pairs of HLA-DQA1 and HLA-DRB5, FMN2 and ACTR3, and CALCOCO2 and BAZ2B were identified. Interestingly, FMN2, BAZ2B, HLA-DRB5, CALCOCO2 and DUSP22 had a potential diagnostic value for patients with ASD. The expression result of four differentially methylated genes (HLA-DRB5, NTM, IL16 and COL5A3) in the independent sample was consistent with the integrated analysis. Identified differentially methylated genes and enriched signaling pathway could be associated with ASD.

A network of core and subtype-specific gene expression programs in myositis.

Myositis comprises a heterogeneous group of skeletal muscle disorders which converge on chronic muscle inflammation and weakness. Our understanding of myositis pathogenesis is limited, and many myositis patients lack effective therapies. Using muscle biopsy transcriptome profiles from 119 myositis patients (spanning major clinical and serological disease subtypes) and 20 normal controls, we generated a co-expression network of 8101 dynamically regulated transcripts. This network organized the myositis transcriptome into a map of gene expression modules representing interrelated biological processes and disease signatures. Universally myositis-upregulated network modules included muscle regeneration, specific cytokine signatures, the acute phase response, and neutrophil degranulation. Universally myositis-suppressed pathways included a specific subset of myofilaments, the mitochondrial envelope, and nuclear isoforms of the anti-apoptotic humanin protein. Myositis subtype-specific modules included type 1 interferon signaling and titin (dermatomyositis), RNA processing (antisynthetase syndrome), and vasculogenesis (inclusion body myositis). Importantly, therapies exist to target influential proteins in many myositis-dysregulated modules, and nearly all modules contained understudied proteins and non-coding RNAs - many of which were extraordinarily dysregulated in myositis and may represent novel therapeutic targets. Finally, we apply our network to patient classification, finding that a deep learning algorithm trained on patient-level network "images" successfully assigned patients to clinical groups and further into molecular subclusters. Altogether, we provide a global resource to probe and contextualize differential gene expression in myositis.

Seepage Mechanism of Tight Sandstone Reservoir Based on Digital Core Simulation Method

Recently, tight sandstone oil has played an increasingly important role in the energy strategies of countries around the world. However, the understanding of a microscopic mechanism is still not clear enough, which has been affecting the improvement of the recovery of tight sandstone oil. In this article, a digital core model was established to simulate the pore network of a physical core with CT scan and difference equations were verified by Fourier counting. Then, a combination of orthogonal tests and cubic digital cores was used to experimentally investigate various parameters including pressure, length, permeability, viscosity, and time. By combining the physical experiments with the digital core methods, it can be observed that the state of the micro-crack affects the conductivity of the core, which may be the decisive reason for changing the pressure gradient. The orthogonal test showed that the sensitivity of the parameters was pressure, length, permeability, time, and viscosity in order. The results of the numerical simulations showed that this method can reveal the seepage mechanism of a tight sandstone reservoir, greatly shortening the experimental time and improving flexibility.

Data Driven Analytical Modeling of Power Transformers

In power systems there are complex transformer structures, whose accurate analysis is not possible using the techniques available today. This paper presents a systematic data driven analysis method for coupled inductors of arbitrary complexity. The method first establishes a winding matrix N mapping the windings to the limbs of the transformer. A permeance matrix P is created from the reluctance network of the magnetic core. A generalized inductance matrix L mapping currents in the transformer windings to the induced voltages is generated based on the winding (N) and permeance (P) matrices. The inductance matrix representation of a coupled inductor is then transformed to an admittance matrix, which can be integrated to the nodal analysis of the electrical circuit surrounding the coupled inductor. The method presented is validated by simulations with real transformer structures using electromagnetic transient program (EMTP/ATP).

Protein Dynamics Defines Allostery in the Conserved EPK Core

The Eukaryotic Protein Kinases (EPKs) share a conserved hydrophobic core that conceptualizes our understanding of their regulation and catalysis. This EPK core was first described by 12 subdomains, which were later mapped to conserved elements of secondary structure in the EPK core when the first structure of PKA kinase became available. Much biochemistry, thermodynamics and biophysics has been subsequently done on many EPKs since then to explore similarities and differences in their allosteric control. The discovery of the Hydrophobic Spines in recent years has provided a novel tool for understanding both entropy driven allostery and catalysis. Both entropy driven allostery and catalysis are essentially dependent on internal protein dynamics that has been described by NMR as slow motions in the millisecond time frame. Although time and cost intensive, these NMR studies are essential and provide information for residue side chain and main chain dynamics. However, a number of sites in the EPK core evade labeling, and it becomes difficult to study them. To understand these protein dynamics further we have hence ventured into the in‐silico system of Molecular Dynamics simulations that are increasingly providing convincing information on par with NMR details. Our Graph theory methods applied to these simulations have allowed us to define dynamic clusters of residues whose correlated motions define the allosteric network of the EPK core in the PKA catalytic subunit. We call these clusters as ‘Communities’ and the cluster network is defined by a ‘Community Map’. Community maps of PKA at different steps of the catalytic cycle have allowed for dissection of internal protein dynamics that must work alongside catalysis. These community maps also allow for understanding allosteric mutations such as Y204A in PKA that are far from the active site but affect EPK function. Many such sites in EPKs, which remain unexplained, are found to be mutated in cancer genes. These Community maps hence allow for a novel, yet unexplored dynamics‐based criterion for understanding EPK modulation in molecular medicine.Support or Funding InformationNIH grant GM19301 and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute

China’s evolving role in Apple’s global value chain

ABSTRACTUsing Apple’s 2015 published list of supplier companies and their subsidiaries, this paper analyses how one of the world’s most significant lead technology companies and its network of core and non-core suppliers have become increasingly embedded in China’s information and communications technology (ICT) global value chain. By mapping both the global networks and the networks within China of Apple’s supply chain, this paper provides insights into the significance for China and for Chinese companies of its increased integration in the ICT global value chain (GVC). By examining the geography of outsourcing and offshoring by Apple’s suppliers, it distinguishes between locations where intellectual property is being generated and consumed and refers to the particular challenges faced by a latecomer country such as China in achieving the best balance between technology autonomy and benefiting from GVC integration.

Optical aging behaviour naturally induced on As_2S_3 microstructured optical fibres

The efficiency and the stability of As2S3 microstructured optical fibres (MOFs) are limited by the shift of their optical properties that occurs over time due to a naturally induced aging process. Such sensitivity becomes more crucial for long optical path. Among the variety of fibre designs, the MOFs are developed for promising photonics applications such as supercontinuum generation for example. In the present work, we carried out an extensive aging study on As2S3 chalcogenide MOFs in ambient atmosphere. The evolution of the fibre transmission spectrum has been studied with regards to exposure time. The analysis of the transmission line profile was performed in terms of different spectral components Gaussian in shape and the infrared absorption bands have been attributed to the corresponding chemical groups' vibration modes or overtones. The time-dependent evolution of fibre attenuation has been studied as well as its longitudinal evolution for a given exposure time. Previous knowledge of extinction coefficient inherent to vibration components allows to predict their corresponding concentration. The content of hydroxyl groups tightly bonded to the glass network of the sulphide MOF core decreases exponentially with distance away from the MOF extremity. The report results show that a deleterious aging effect occurs over the first hours and days of exposure. This have crucial implications for storage and employment techniques and requires holes airproofing technique.

Modelling sandgrouse (Pterocles spp.) distributions and large-scale habitat requirements in Spain: implications for conservation

SUMMARYKnowledge of the factors determining species distributions is essential for developing conservation strategies. Sandgrouse Pterocles alchata and P. orientalis are threatened in Spain, the stronghold of European populations. Spatial modelling was used to: (1) assess the relative importance of abiotic, anthropogenic and geographical factors in the distribution of both sandgrouse species, (2) determine the most important anthropogenic predictors for each species occurrence, and (3) identify areas where conservation efforts should be prioritized. Abiotic and anthropogenic factors explained most of the variation in sandgrouse distributions. Both species were associated with arid flatlands, arable land cover being the most important anthropogenic variable determining their distribution. The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is the main driver of agricultural management in Europe, and may thus have a direct effect on sandgrouse distributions. P. orientalis exhibited broader habitat tolerance than P. alchata; the latter species tolerates warmer climates. Consequently, the network of core and marginally suitable areas identified for each species differs, and connectivity between the populations of these areas seems unlikely. Potential future changes in sandgrouse distribution will probably be directed principally by the synergistic effects of climate change and expected land-use transformations resulting from the new CAP and ongoing population growth, urbanization and infrastructure development.

Immanuel Wallerstein and the Problem of the World (review)

Palumbo-Liu,David, Bruce Robbins, and Nirvana Tanoukhi, eds. 2011. Immanuel Wallerstein and Problem of World. Durham NC: Duke University Press. $84.95 hc. $23.95 sc. 272 pp.Sociologist Immanuel Wallerstein is well known in social science circles for his theory of modern world-system interdependent network of core, semi-periphery, and periphery states. This edited collection, which emerged from a conference at Stanford's Program in Modern Thought and Literature, considers what humanities, so much concerned with particular, local, and subjective, can learn from Wallerstein's systematic vision. As introduction argues, many disciplines have already begun to transform their methodologies under pressure of globalization, a process which has led, in literary studies, to highly contested (re)emergence of world literature. Participants in discussion about appropriate methodologies for understanding relationship between macro and micro, systemic and particular, are typically loath to practice kind of worlding that Gayatri Spivak associates with a (neo)imperial impulse to assimilate world into Western rubrics of civilization and development. Contributors challenge existing models of world-scale thinking put forward by Michael Hardt and Antonio Negri, Wai Chee Dimock, and Wallerstein himself on this issue and others. Engaging with Wallerstein's work thus presents occasion for scholars from a variety of disciplinary positions to explore current models of global within terms of their respective fields.The collection is organized into four sections. In first, System and Responsibility, sociologist Richard E. Lee situates world systems theory within its historical context, claiming that its emergence during tumultuous decade of 1970s makes it particularly useful for understanding our contemporary moment of crisis. Speaking to scholars in humanities, Lee represents of knowledge essential part of modern world-system in Wallerstein's tripartite schema (alongside political and economic). He points to the new liberalism one such structure of knowledge, which has exhausted its ability to contain growing political and economic turmoil of world capitalist system. For Lee, outcome of this crisis is uncertain, but he sees some promising signs for interdisciplinary scholarship in collapse of established structures of knowledge, which is closing gap between humanities and historical social sciences (37). Wrapping up first section, Bruce Robbins challenges conventional critique that world-systems theory misreads culture as merely a passive reflection of economic relations (48), cautioning against tendency in humanities to overemphasize agency at expense of larger forces that constrain individual action. Rather than a choice between system or agent, he calls upon scholars to approach this dilemma an open question: how far have people actually been able to make their own history in this case or that, under these circumstances or those? According to Robbins, such approach will help us understand what can and can't be done about global injustice and thus how our interpretive puzzles do or don't contribute to that goal (50).Moving beyond challenge that world-system theory's marginalization of culture poses to humanities a whole, second section, Literature: Restructured, Rehistoricized, Rescaled, assesses particular costs and benefits of systemic global analysis for literary studies a discipline. Franco Moretti identifies world systems theory a critical tool for describing production and circulation of literature within ever more homogenized global literary market after eighteenth century; but he contends that evolutionary theory presents a more accurate picture of disparate forms produced prior to this period within relatively isolated cultures. …

A Novel Method to Visualize and Characterize Preferential Flow in Undisturbed Soil Cores by Using Multislice Helical CT

Our knowledge of preferential flow in heterogeneous unsaturated porous media such as soils is still limited. In this work, we introduced a novel method based on time resolved three‐dimensional images fast acquisitions using a four‐slice helical computed tomography (CT). This method provides new quantitative information on preferential flow processes occurring in an unsaturated undisturbed soil. Twenty‐four three‐dimensional images were acquired every 3 min in transient flow regime and every 5 min in stationary flow regime during a specific simulated rainfall event hold inside the scanner gantry. The macroporosity thresholding was realized according to a linear combination of attenuation coefficients of the main soil phases (“mobile” air or water in macropores and saturated soil matrix) weighted by their volume fractions in voxels. Mobile water contained in the macropores and in the surrounding thinner pores (diffuse macroporosity) was identified using a specific thresholding method based on subtracted images. In spite of the experimental limitations—noise, artifacts, limited spatial and temporal resolutions that are discussed in the paper—the method allows identifying about 65% of the infiltration water present in the core during the rainfall event. Although identifying water films on images is not possible when their volume is lower than the detection threshold, quantitative time‐lapse slice‐averaged information (fraction of active macropores and mean water filling of active macropores) can be obtained. We showed that even during a quite intense rainfall event, macropore flow was localized only into 30% of the macropore network of the soil core; that is, macropores remained mostly unsaturated along the experiment.

Luminescence and photoinduced absorption in ytterbium-doped optical fibres

Photochemical reactions induced in the glass network of an ytterbium-doped fibre core by IR laser pumping and UV irradiation have been investigated by analysing absorption and luminescencespectra. We have performed comparative studies of the photoinduced absorption and luminescence spectra of fibre preforms differing in core glass composition: Al2O3 : SiO2, Al2O3 : Yb2O3 : SiO2, and P2O5 : Yb2O3 : SiO2. The UV absorption spectra of unirradiated preform core samples show strong bands peaking at 5.1 and 6.5 eV, whose excitation plays a key role in photoinduced colourcentre generation in the glass network. 'Direct' UV excitation of the 5.1- and 6.5-eV absorption bands at 244 and 193 nm leads to the reduction of some of the Yb3+ ions to Yb2+. The photodarkening of ytterbium-doped fibres by IR pumping is shown to result from oxygen hole centre generation. A phenomenological model is proposed for the IR-pumping-induced photodarkening of ytterbium-doped fibres. The model predicts that colour centre generation in the core glass network and the associated absorption in the visible range result from a cooperative effect involving simultaneous excitation of a cluster composed of several closely spaced Yb3+ ions.

Identification of a Predominant Co-Regulation among Kinetochore Genes, Prospective Regulatory Elements, and Association with Genomic Instability

The NCI-60 cell line panel is the most extensively characterized set of cells in existence, and has been used extensively as a screening tool for drug discovery. Previously, the potential of this panel has not been applied to the fundamental cellular processes of chromosome segregation. In the current study, we used data from multiple microarray platforms accumulated for the NCI-60 to characterize an expression pattern of genes involved in kinetochore assembly. This analysis revealed that 17 genes encoding the constitutive centromere associated network of the kinetochore core (the CCAN complex) plus four additional genes with established importance in kinetochore maintenance (CENPE, CENPF, INCENP, and MIS12) exhibit similar patterns of expression in the NCI-60, suggesting a mechanism for co-regulated transcription of these genes which is maintained despite the multiple genetic and epigenetic rearrangements accumulated in these cells (such as variations in DNA copy number and karyotypic complexity). A complex group of potential regulatory influences are identified for these genes, including the transcription factors CREB1, E2F1, FOXE1, and FOXM1, DNA copy number variation, and microRNAs has-miR-200a, 23a, 23b, 30a, 30c, 27b, 374b, 365. Thus, our results provide a template for experimental studies on the regulation of genes encoding kinetochore proteins, the process that, when aberrant, leads to the aneuploidy that is a hallmark of many cancers. We propose that the comparison of expression profiles in the NCI-60 cell line panel could be a tool for the identification of other gene groups whose products are involved in the assembly of organelle protein complexes.

Abstract 3074: Identification of a predominant pattern of co-regulation among kinetochore genes; prospective regulatory elements, and association with genomic instability

Abstract The NCI-60 cell line panel is the most extensively characterized set of cells in existence. It provides multiple forms of data on different cancer types, and has been used extensively as a screening tool for drug discovery. Previously, the potential of this panel has not been applied to the fundamental cellular processes of chromosome segregation. In the current study, we used data from multiple microarray platforms accumulated for the NCI-60 to characterize an expression pattern of genes involved in kinetochore assembly. This analysis revealed that 17 genes encoding the constitutive centromere associated network of the kinetochore core (the CCAN complex) plus four additional genes with established importance in kinetochore maintenance (CENPE, CENPF, INCENP, and MIS12) exhibit similar patterns of expression in the NCI-60, suggesting a mechanism for co-regulated transcription of these genes which is maintained despite the multiple genetic and epigenetic rearrangements accumulated in these cells (such as variations in DNA copy number and karyotypic complexity). Several potential regulatory influences are identified for these genes, including transcription factors and microRNAs. Thus, our results provide a template for experimental studies on regulation of genes encoding kinetochore proteins, the process that, when aberrant, leads to the aneuploidy that is a hallmark of many cancers. We propose that the comparison of expression profiles in the NCI-60 cell line panel could be a tool for the identification of other genes groups whose products are involved in the assembly of organelle protein complexes. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3074. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-3074

Fractionating the Default Mode Network: Distinct Contributions of the Ventral and Dorsal Posterior Cingulate Cortex to Cognitive Control

The posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) is a central part of the default mode network (DMN) and part of the structural core of the brain. Although the PCC often shows consistent deactivation when attention is focused on external events, anatomical studies show that the region is not homogeneous, and electrophysiological recordings in nonhuman primates suggest that it is directly involved in some forms of attention. We report a functional magnetic resonance imaging study of an attentionally demanding task (either a zero- or two-back working memory task). Standard subtraction analysis within the PCC shows a relative deactivation as task difficulty increases. In contrast, a dual-regression functional connectivity analysis reveals a clear dissociation between ventral and dorsal parts of the PCC. As task difficulty increases, the ventral PCC shows reduced integration within the DMN and less anticorrelation with the cognitive control network (CCN) activated by the task. The dorsal PCC shows an opposite pattern, with increased DMN integration and more anticorrelation. At rest, the dorsal PCC also shows functional connectivity with both the DMN and attentional networks. As expected, these results provide evidence that the PCC is involved in supporting internally directed thought, as the region is more highly integrated with the DMN at low task demands. In contrast, the task-dependent increases in connectivity between the dorsal PCC and the CCN are consistent with a role for this region in modulating the dynamic interaction between these two networks controlling the efficient allocation of attention.

PHOTONIC PROPERTIES OF Ti DOPED OPTICAL FIBER

The photonic properties of Ti doped optical fiber were investigated for application of optical nonlinear devices and a fiber-type UV sensor based on its high third order optical nonlinearity and photoluminescence characteristics. The structure and defect states of Ti incorporated in silica glass network of the fiber core were examined by measurement of optical properties such as optical absorption, photoluminescence, Raman shift, and by transmission electron microscopy. The nonlinear refractive index, n2, of the fiber was measured to be 5.73 × 10-20 m2/W by continuous-wave self-phase modulation method, which was 2.5 times larger than that of the same optical fiber without Ti incorporation. The photoluminescence of the Ti doped optical fiber was found to appear over the range from 360 nm to 480 nm upon the Xenon-lamp illumination, and it was found to increase linearly with the increase of the lamp power.

A neutron crystallographic analysis of T6 porcine insulin at 2.1 A resolution.

Neutron diffraction data for T(6) porcine insulin were collected to 2.1 A resolution from a single crystal partly deuterated by exchange of mother liquor. A maximum-likelihood structure refinement was undertaken using the neutron data and the structure was refined to a residual of 0.179. The hydrogen-bonding network of the central core of the hexamer was observed and the charge balance between positively charged Zn ions and their surrounding structure was interpreted by considering the protonation and/or deprotonation states and interactions of HisB10, water and GluB13. The observed double conformation of GluB13 was essential to interpreting the charge balance and could be compared with the structure of a dried crystal of T(6) human insulin at 100 K. Differences in the dynamic behaviour of the water molecules coordinating the upper and lower Zn ions were observed and interpreted. The hydrogen bonds in the insulin molecules, as well as those involving HisB10 and GluB13, are discussed. The hydrogen/deuterium (H/D) exchange ratios of the amide H atoms of T(6) porcine insulin in crystals were obtained and showed that regions highly protected from H/D exchange are concentrated in the centre of a helical region of the B chains. From the viewpoint of soaking time versus H/D-exchange ratios, the amide H atoms can be classified into three categories.

A Conservation Design for the Central Coast of California and the Evaluation of Mountain Lion as an Umbrella Species

Abstract Conservation planners use several methods to select conservation target areas. These include the use of umbrella species for large area requirements, site-specific locations of important biodiversity elements, and indications of ecosystem health. We tested the adequacy of using an umbrella species to represent finer-scale biodiversity elements on 45,205 km2 of the central coast of California. A network of core and linkages for mountain lion (Puma concolor [Kerr]) was developed and 22,069 km2, or 49% of the region, was selected. We analyzed network representation of a variety of biodiversity elements. The conservation network contained between 8% and 27% of five different endangered species locations in the region. It captured 77% of mapped serpentine rock, a surrogate for rare plants, 88% of the old-growth redwood (Sequoia sempervirens [(D. Don) Endl.]), 55% of the The Nature Conservancy conservation portfolio areas, a surrogate for biodiversity, a majority of three types of oak woodlands, and 79...