cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The role of Na+ in transport processes of bacterial membranes

Until recently it was generally held that transport in bacteria was linked exclusively to proton circulation, in contrast to most eucaryotic systems, which depended on Na(+) circulation. The present review is intended to trace recent developments which have led to the discarding of this idea. The discussion covers transport of Na(+) and other cations, effects of Na(+) and Na(+) gradients on metabolite transport, properties of Na(+)-dependent transport carriers, and evolutionary considerations of Na(+) transport. It is now apparent that the transport of Na(+) is an important part of energy metabolism in bacteria, and that Na(+) gradients as well as H(+) gradients are used in these systems for the conservation and transmission of energy. Two hypotheses are proposed to explain the evolution of Na/K systems, and it is presently difficult to decide between them.
Superparamagnetic And Paramagnetic MRI Contrast Agents: Application Of Rapid Magnetic Resonance Imaging To Assess Renal Function

The paramagnetic chelate complex, gadolinium-diethylene-triamine-pentaacetic acid, Gd-DTPA, and superparamagnetic particles, such as those composed of dextran coated magnetite, function as magnetic resonance contrast agents by changing the relaxation rates, 1/T1 and 1/T2. The effects that these agents have upon MR signal intensity are determined by: the inherent biophysical properties of the tissue being imaged, the concentration of the contrast agent and the data acquisition scheme (pulse sequence parameters) employed. Following the time course of MR signal change in the first minutes after the injection of contrast agent(s) allows a dynamic assessment of organ functions in a manner analogous to certain nuclear medicine studies. In order to study renal function, sequential MR fast scan images, gradient echo (TR=35/TE=7 msec, flip angle=25 degrees), were acquired, one every 12 seconds, after intravenous injection of Gd-DTPA and/or dextran-magnetite. Gd-DTPA, which is freely filtered at the glomerulus and is neither secreted nor reabsorbed, provides information concerning renal perfusion, glomerular filtration and tubular concentrating ability. Dextran-magnetite (200 A diameter), which is primarily contained within the intravascular space shortly after injection, provides information on blood flow to and distribution within the kidney. The MR signal change observed after administration of contrast agents varied dramatically depending upon the agents injected and the imaging parameters used. Hence a broad range of physiolgic processes may be described using these techniques, i.e. contrast agent enhanced functional MR examinations.
Connectedness and Disconnectedness in Bitopology

: In this paper we begin the systematic classification of connectednesses and disconnectednesses in BiTop, the category of bitopological spaces and bicontinuous functions. We then investigate the relationship between -regular morphisms and disconnectednesses in BiTop.
A Fluorogen-Activating Biosensor for Analysis of BK Channel Traffic and Surface Residency

The regulation of ion channels is critical to numerous physiological processes, especially neuronal function. The large conductance voltage and calcium-activated potassium (BK) channel can modulate neuronal excitability, neurotransmitter release, and may be involved in the development of epilepsy; following a seizure, hippocampal BK channels are more highly trafficked to the plasma membrane. In addition to the pore-forming alpha subunits, which are sufficient to confer channel function, Beta subunits can be incorporated to alter gating and trafficking. Studies of the brain-specific Beta4 subunit effects on surface expression have produced conflicting results, likely due to alternative splicing in the alpha subunit. Fluorogen-activating peptides (FAPs) developed in our lab are well-suited to study protein trafficking; consisting of a ScFv-derived fusion tag and fluorogen dyes added to the cellular media, the association of these two cognate parts results in bright, specific fluorescence. By using a FAP-tagged BKα construct and a pair of fluorogen dyes, we have developed a method for two-color labeling of surface-resident and intracellular BK channels in live cells, allowing for rapid analysis of protein localization by flow cytometry and direct imaging. Using this system in stably expressing HEK293 cells, we found that modulation of the C-terminal region by kinase activity exerted strong changes in surface expression. Taken together with previous observations that these same kinases alter channel gating, this provides a synergistic model for BK-mediated hyperexcitability. A common confound in BK channel research is due to the vast number of splicing isoforms, each having different sensitivities to post-translational modifications. To that end, we are currently generating a knock-in mouse model in which our FAP-tagged BKα is included in all splice variants to examine trafficking changes in Vivo as well as analysis of the behavior of single channels.
Asynchronous software thread integration for efficient software

The overhead of context-switching limits efficient scheduling of multiple concurrent threads on a uniprocessor when real-time requirements exist. Existing software thread integration (STI) methods reduce context switches, but only provide synchronous thread progress within integrated functions. For the remaining, non-integrated portions of the secondary threads to run and avoid starvation, the primary thread must have adequate amounts of coarse-grain idle time (longer than two context-switches). We have developed asynchronous software thread integration (ASTI) methods which address starvation through the efficient use of coroutine calls and integration. ASTI allows threads to make independent progress efficiently and reduces the number of context switches needed through integration.Software-implemented protocol controllers are crippled by this problem; the primary thread "bit-bangs" each bit of a message onto or off of the bus, leaving only fragments of idle time shorter than a bit time. This fragmented time may be too short to recover through context switching, so only the primary thread can execute during message transmission or reception, slowing the secondary threads and potentially making them miss their deadlines. ASTI simplifies the implementation of embedded communication protocols on low-cost, moderate speed (1 - 100 MHz, 8- and 16-bit) microcontrollers. We demonstrate ASTI by replacing a standard automotive communication protocol controller (J1850) with software and generic hardware. Secondary thread performance improves significantly when compared with a traditional interrupt-based software approach.
A usability study of the Belgian‐American Research Collection: measuring the functionality of a digital library

This study presents findings with a particular digital library system, the Belgian‐American Research Collection at the University of Wisconsin Digital Collections Center (UWDCC). It focuses on the ways in which a usability study can inform the future design of the collection and other UWDCC projects. The study uses two formal testing instruments: a focus group and a task‐oriented field test. Both of these techniques yielded solid data about user expectations, problems and actions with the collection. While the findings can aid UWDCC designers as they begin to envision another iteration of the Belgian‐American Research Collection, the findings also point to a need for a shift in the development of more complete digital library systems. This study proposes the development of digital library systems that have a strong orientation toward users and usability as well as advanced search interfaces and full metadata. In the end, it is not just about cataloging and organizing information; it is also about presenting information logically and intuitively for your users.
Evolving concepts in pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma

Purpose of reviewThe pheochromocytoma field has recently undergone a paradigm shift. This review will highlight some of these novel findings, including their impact on our understanding of the disease biology and influence on clinical management.Recent findingsIdentification of novel susceptibility
Impact of Kendall, Hollon, Beck, Hammen, and Ingram (1987) on treatment of the continuity issue in “depression” research

The article, “Issues and Recommendations Regarding Use of the Beck Depression Inventory” (Kendall, Hollon, Beck, Hammen, & Ingram, 1987), has had a major impact on depression research. A majority of studies using only the BDI in nonclinical samples now refer to the construct measured as “dysphoria” rather than “depression.” This word change, however, is not always accompanied by other changes in research design and interpretation that would seem warranted by the concerns that initially prompted the “dysphoria” recommendation, such as the nonspecificity of high BDI scores to major depression. Researchers typically continue to derive hypotheses from depression theory, use only the BDI to measure “dysphoria” rather than purer markers of negative affectivity, cite as a limitation of their findings the danger of assuming continuity between subclinical and clinical depression, and sometimes lapse into “depression” terminology. Alternative suggestions are made for considering how the particular goals of a study might lead to various ways of handling the continuity issue.
New endpoint for ablation of ventricular tachycardia: change in QRS morphology with pacing at protected isthmus as index of isthmus block.

New Endpoint for Ablation of Ventricular Tachycardia. Introduction: Endpoints confirming block in the critical isthmus in sinus rhythm and with pace mapping have not been established. Methods and Results: A 44-year-old man with a history of Tetralogy of Fallot presented with recurrent ventricular tachycardia (VT). Entrainment mapping was consistent with a macroreentrant circuit rotating in a clockwise fashion under the pulmonic valve. After termination of the VT in a critical isthmus located on the conal free wall, a pace map proximal to the site of successful ablation was consistent with a change in QRS morphology. This change in QRS morphology suggested critical isthmus block and successful ablation, which was confirmed by noninducibility with programmed stimulation. Conclusion: Evidence of conduction block can be used as an additional endpoint for successful ablation of VT. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 21, pp. 320–324, March 2010)
Composition-modulated films: New materials for studying stability and critical phenomena in solid solutions

Abstract The technique of producing binary alloy films containing composition modulations with wavelengths between 0.8 and 8.0 nm is discussed. A new method of measuring interatomic potentials up to the sixth neighbor is developed by utilizing modulated films of [111] and [100] textures. The theoretical treatment, which is based on the microscopic theory of diffusion, allows for the estimation of the interatomic potentials from the wavelength dependence of the effective diffusion coefficients D B on the two crystallographic orientations. The D B values are measured from the decay rate of the X-ray diffraction satellite intensities produced by the modulation. Results for D B are presented for a number of systems, such as CuNi, CuPd, AuNi, AgPd and AgAu. The stability of concentration waves at various temperatures is also discussed and an example of the determination of the spinodal temperature for the CuNi modulated films is given. The effect of loss of coherency on the long-wavelength modulations and the appearance of screening singularities in the D B values are also considered.
Rearrangement invariant subspaces of Lorentz function spaces II

The main result is that for 2≦q≦p<∞ the only subspaces of the Lorentz function spaceLpq[0, 1] which are isomorphic to r.i. function spaces on [0, 1] are, up to equivalent renormings,Lpq[0, 1] andL2[0, 1].
Race, Gender, and Symbolic Representation: African American Female Candidates as Mobilizing Agents

Abstract The symbolic importance of women in the political system has been well documented in recent studies. However, these studies frequently overlook the intersectional effect of race and gender on women’s political engagement. This article expands the existing research on symbolic representation, assessing the extent to which race shapes female candidates’ symbolic political influence. We analyze data from the 2000, 2002, and 2004 NES in order to assess whether the presence of African American female House candidates results in increased political participation among African American women. Our findings show that the presence of black female candidates increases African American women’s likelihood of proselytizing and voting. This research bolsters arguments regarding the salience of identity and its broad and lasting consequences for engagement. It also challenges existing perceptions of how women candidates influence political attitudes and behaviors.
A second‐order model for catalytic‐transfer hydrogenation of edible oils

A second-order kinetic model for hydrogenation of fatty acids in series has been developed and analyzed. The model is applied to the data obtained for sodium formate- catalyzed hydrogenation of soybean, peanut, corn, and olive oils. There is good agreement between the experimental data and predicted values obtained from the model as evidenced by the analysis of r 2 and F-test values. The effect of individual fatty acid composition of various edible oils on the rate of hydro- genation has been explained in view of the mathematical model developed. The individual rate constants seem to obey the Ar- rhenius rate law. The second-order kinetic analysis discussed is found to be suitable for mathematically describing hydrogena- tion of vegetable oils by hydrogen donors as compared to the traditional first-order kinetic analysis. Paper no. J9262 in JAOCS 77, 1-8 (January 2000)
Modulation of monoamine neurotransmitters in fighting fish Betta splendens exposed to waterborne phytoestrogens

Endogenous estrogens are known to affect the activity of monoamine neurotransmitters in vertebrate animals, but the effects of exogenous estrogens on neurotransmitters are relatively poorly understood. We exposed sexually mature male fighting fish Betta splendens to environmentally relevant and pharmacological doses of three phytoestrogens that are potential endocrine disruptors in wild fish populations: genistein, equol, and β-sitosterol. We also exposed fish to two doses of the endogenous estrogen 17β-estradiol, which we selected as a positive control because phytoestrogens are putative estrogen mimics. Our results were variable, but the effects were generally modest. Genistein increased dopamine levels in the forebrains of B. splendens at both environmentally relevant and pharmacological doses. The environmentally relevant dose of equol increased dopamine levels in B. splendens forebrains, and the pharmacological dose decreased norepinephrine (forebrain), dopamine (hindbrain), and serotonin (forebrain) levels. The environmentally relevant dose of β-sitosterol decreased norepinephrine and dopamine in the forebrain and hindbrain, respectively. Our results suggest that sources of environmental phytoestrogens, such as runoff or effluent from agricultural fields, wood pulp mills, and sewage treatment plants, have the potential to modulate neurotransmitter activity in free-living fishes in a way that could interfere with normal behavioral processes.
Trace detection of N(2) by KrF-laser-excited spontaneous Raman spectroscopy.

A 100-mJ/pulse 10-Hz KrF laser has been used for pulsed-UV-excited vibrational Raman spectroscopy. Gated photon counting techniques were used to detect Raman signals that were linear for N2 partial pressures between 10−4 and 2 × 10−3 Torr. Single-shot Raman signals were linear for N2 partial pressures between 0.5 and 600 Torr. No interferences from laser-induced nonlinear effects were observed.
LOCAL CONVERGENCE OF THE DIAGONALIZED METHOD OF MULTIPLIERS

In this study, we consider a modification of the method of multipliers of Hestenes and Powell in which the iteration is diagonalized, that is, only a fixed finite number of iterations of Newton's method are taken in the primal minimization stage. Conditions are obtained for quadratic convergence of the standard method, and it is shown that a diagonalization where two Newton steps are taken preserves the quadratic convergence for all multipler update formulas satisfying these conditions.
An epidemic of Kawasaki syndrome in Hawaii.

A community-wide outbreak of Kawasaki syndrome, apparently the first in the United States, occurred in Hawaii in the first half of 1978. Twenty-seven of the 33 cases were subjected to intensive epidemiologic and microbiologic study. Patients with Kawasaki syndrome, compared to the general population, more often had Japanese ancestry, high-income status, and possibly a history of respiratory infection in the preceding month (44%). Staphylococcus aureus was not found in high frequency in the patients (15%), and viral cultures and serologic studies, immune electron microscopy, and guinea pig and primate inoculation did not reveal a causative microorganism. Febrile illnesses in guinea pigs inoculated with a skin biopsy specimen could not be further passaged.
A new microchemical approach to amperometric analysis

Abstract Cottrell chronoamperometry of metabolites relies on a scheme which incorporates dual specificity safeguards of enzymatic catalysis and controlled potential electroylsis. Relevant methodological principles are illustrated by the selective oxidation of β- d -glucose with benzoquinone. Gluconic acid yields of +99.9% were attained in the presence of glucose oxidase. Concomitantly, equivalent amounts of benzoquinone were reduced to hydroquinone, which conveniently was quantitated in quiescent solutions, at stationary palladium thin-film anodes. Sample sizes of 25 μl were used, documenting microclinical applicability.
Expression of the mitochondrial genome in xenopus laevis: a map of transcripts

Abstract The twelve most abundant transcripts in X. laevis mitochondria were characterized, and their coding regions were mapped on the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) by R loop mapping in the electron microscope and by RNA gel transfer hybridization. The transcripts map in nonoverlapping positions with one exception, and they account for about 80% of the coding capacity of mtDNA. Ten of the twelve RNA molecules contain poly(A); the two poly(A)-lacking transcripts are the rRNAs. Analysis with single-strand-specific nucleases clearly demonstrated the absence of intervening sequences from the coding regions for seven RNAs. For two RNAs, uninterrupted coding sequences are strongly suggested and one RNA could not be analyzed. Eight transcripts of low abundance and high molecular weight were characterized, and their coding regions were mapped approximately. They overlap the coding regions of the abundant mitochondrial RNAs and could be precursors of these RNAs. Most of the RNA molecules characterized were shown to be transcribed from the heavy strand of mtDNA. No abundant discrete light-strand transcript was found.
A rectangular element for the Reissner–Mindlin plate

We investigate a new rectangular element for the Reissner-Mindlin model based on the primitive variable system. Nonconforming rotated Q1 element is used to approximate the transverse displacement and the biquadratic element is used for the rotation. Convergent error estimate is obtained which is independent of the thickness of the plate. AMS(MOS) subject classifications. 65F10, 65F30
Child responsiveness to mother questions of varying type and presentation

Although questions vary considerably with respect to the responses appropriate to them and the motivations intrinsic to them, little attention has yet been given to the potential effects of these factors on the power of questions to perform turn-allocating and response-eliciting functions. The present study attempts to clarify how such variables as motivation, constraint, difficulty and function may affect the child's responsiveness to mother questions. Results suggest that functionally defined question types are differentiable not only by their relative power to elicit a response from the child, but also by the manner in which they are presented. Implications of these results in the context of mother–child conversation and its effects are considered.
A direct chromatographic separation of enantiomers chiral by virtue of isotopic substitution

Abstract An unprecedented isotope effect on π-π face to edge interaction was observed in the separations of the enantiomers of the pivalamide of α,α′-phenyl-(phenyl-d5)-methylamine3a, and the p,p′ disubstituted analogs on CSP 2. The configuration of the more retained enantiomer of its p,p′-dibromo derivative is assigned as R through dynamic NMR studies of a mixture of enantiomerically enriched sample of this compound and the chiral selector. The protonated aromatic group is more strongly held in the binding cleft of the chiral selector than is the deuterated aromatic group.
Metabolic acidosis up-regulates PTH/PTHrP receptors in UMR 106-01 osteoblast-like cells.

Metabolic acidosis up-regulates PTH/PTHrP receptors in UMR 106-01 osteoblast-like cells. Background Metabolic acidosis results in skeletal demineralization by multiple mechanisms. One of these involves the inorganic phase of bone by which hydrogen ion is buffered by bone carbonate. In addition, the cellular components of bone participate by the induction and repression of several skeletal genes. Previous studies have suggested that the action of parathyroid hormone (PTH), a major regulator of bone turnover, might be altered by acidosis. The present studies were designed to test directly, in vitro, whether acidosis altered the effects of PTH in UMR 106-01 osteoblast-like cells. Methods Studies were conducted in confluent cultures of UMR 106-01 cells in modified Eagle's medium (MEM) with 5% fetal bovine serum (FBS) at pH values varying from 7.4 to 7.1 by addition of HCl. After time periods of 4 to 48 hours, cells were tested for cyclic AMP generation in response to PTH. PTH binding and PTH/PTHrP receptor mRNA levels were determined by radioligand binding assay and Northern analysis respectively. Results After 48 hours, decreases in pH from 7.4 to 7.1 resulted in a progressive increase in PTH-stimulated cyclic-AMP generation from 1978 ± 294 to 4968 ± 929 pmol/culture/5 min ( P Conclusions These findings demonstrate that metabolic acidosis stimulates the response to PTH in UMR 106-01 osteoblast-like cells by a mechanism that involves an increase in the levels of PTH/PTHrP receptor mRNA. Thus, the skeletal response to acidosis that includes an increase in bone resorption may result, at least in part, from an increase in PTH/PTHrP receptors leading to an enhanced effect of PTH on bone.
Apartment Environments and Socialization of Young Children

Interaction between the physical environment, parental attitudes, and socialization settings of young children were investigated. The specific problem related apartment residence on the first versus second floor to spatial location and supervision of children, as well as to maternal attitudes about housing and child rearing. Respondents were 67 mothers who lived in student apartments and who had children aged 30 to 66 months. Each mother kept records of child activity, location, and supervision and also completed a questionnaire that investigated child-rearing attitudes and satisfaction with housing. Children living in second-floor apartments were more restricted than those who lived on the first floor, especially during afternoon hours. Although the amount of parental supervision did not vary by floor level, first-floor children had more contacts with other children and adults. These and other findings suggest that designers and owners of apartments as well as parents living in apartments need to consider possible effects of apartment living on the development of young children.
Effects of modulated RF energy on the EEG of mammalian brains. Effects of acute and chronic irradiations.

The effects of modulated radio frequency fields on mammalian EEGs were investigated using acute and chronic irradiations at non-thermal level. The EEG signals were computer processed to obtain power spectra. Rabbits were exposed to the field for 2 h a day for 6 weeks at 1–10 MHz (15 Hz modulation) at the level of 0.5–1 kV/M. Silver electrodes placed on the skull surface were used for recording of the EEG. Usually they were removed immediately after initial recordings of the EEG and reinserted before the final and intermediate EEG recordings. With this arrangement, modulated RF fields produced a change in EEG patterns by enhancing the low frequency components and decreasing high frequency activities. On the other hand, acute irradiations did not produce noticeable changes in the EEG at the level of 0.5–1 kV/M (1–30 MHz, 60 Hz modulation) as long as the use of intracranial electrodes was avoided.
The effect of abbreviations on MEDLINE searching.

Abstract. Objective: To determine the effect of the use of abbreviations and acronyms on citation retrieval in MEDLINE searches. Methods: Twenty common medical abbreviations that retrieved a minimum of 400 citations each in MEDLINE text word searches were studied. Each abbreviation was entered in a MEDLINE subject search to determine whether it mapped to an appropriate medical subject heading (MeSH) term. The MeSH category and the number of citations retrieved were recorded. The abbreviation and its definition were each entered in separate text word searches, and the number of citations retrieved was recorded. Sets were combined to determine the number of identical and unique citations retrieved in the searches. Results: MEDLINE recognized all 20 abbreviations and mapped them to appropriate MeSH headings. MeSH term assignment, however, may be case- and space-sensitive. MeSH term searches retrieved more citations than text word searches for 18 of 20 abbreviations. Comparison of the document sets yielded by each search method revealed a subset of citations common to each. Although all sets retrieved showed overlap, no two were identical. In addition, each citation set contained a proportion of unique documents. Conclusion: Retrieval of all unique citations required three searches; subject with abbreviation, text word with abbreviation, and text word with definition. These results have important implications for MEDLINE users.
Multiple intracellular Ca2+ pools exist in human foreskin fibroblast cells: the effect of BK on release and filling of the non-cytosolic Ca2+ pools

Abstract Previously, we have used the classical approach to examine intracellular calcium stores in human foreskin fibroblasts (HSWP) cells. In this classical protocol cells are first permeabilized and then allowed to fill their Ca 2+ reservoirs with 45 Ca 2+ in the presence of ATP. In this paper we present an alternative method to examine intracellular calcium pools. In this alternate protocol, whole cells are loaded to isotopic steady-state with 45 Ca 2+ and then permeabilized using digitonin. Comparison of the Ca 2+ content of cells treated with these two methodologies reveals that cells treated with the alternate protocol have a Ca 2+ content 3 orders of magnitude higher than those treated with the classical protocol. Using this alternative technique we demonstrate that there are 3 intracellular calcium pools in HSWP cells. These pools are: (1) an IP 3 -sensitive, thapsigargin-sensitive Ca 2+ pool; (ii) an IP 3 -insensitive, thapsigargin-sensitive Ca 2+ pool; and (iii) an ionomycin sensitive Ca 2+ pool. The relationship between the Ca 2+ pool mobilized by BK treatment and by IP 3 treatment is also explored. Microinjection data shown here suggest that IP 3 can mobilize all of the intracellular Ca 2+ mobilized by BK. However, in the permeabilized system BK pretreatment followed by IP 3 treatment can release more Ca 2+ than can be release by IP 3 treatment alone. We suggest one plausible explanation for this observation: when cells are treated using the alternative permeabilization protocol, communication occurs between an IP 3 -sensitive and an IP 3 -insensitive calcium pool. Thus BK pretreatment would empty the IP 3 -sensitive Ca 2+ pool. This pool would subsequently be refilled with Ca 2+ from a previously untapped, IP 3 -insensitive, Ca 2+ reservoir and more Ca 2+ would be available for subsequent release by IP3 treatment.
Ultrasonic degradation of poly(γ-benzyl-l-glutamate), an archetypal highly extended polymer

Abstract Ultrasonic degradation provides a convenient means of studying the degradation of macromolecules in transient elongational flows. Of particular interest, because of their being a limiting architectural case, is the degradation of highly extended polymers. A classic example of a polymer with this type of architecture is poly(γ-benzyl- l -glutamate) or PBLG. Here, we monitor results of the ultrasonic degradation of PBLG using size-exclusion chromatography with a multiplicity of physical detectors. Under the given experimental conditions, the limiting molar mass ( M lim ) of PBLG was found to be approximately 114,000 g/mol. The fractal dimension of PBLG, which exemplifies the highly extended nature of the macromolecule, was measured by both light scattering and viscometric means. Results from both methods demonstrated a virtual invariance in chain conformation as a function of degradation. Additional support for these observations was provided by the dimensionless ratio of the viscometric and root-mean-square radii.
Interaction of thyroid status and diet on muscle protein breakdown in the rat, as measured by Nτ-methylhistidine excretion☆

The effects of thyroid status and of dietary protein and energy content on muscle protein breakdown have been compared in young rats, using urinary N tau-methylhistidine (3-methylhistidine; 3-Mehis) output as a measure of myofibrillar protein breakdown. Recently, thyroidectomized young rats receiving an adequate diet grew slowly and showed a reduction in 3-Mehis output, relative to the weight of their leg muscles. When the thyroidectomized rats were given 2-5 microgram thyroxine (T4) per 100 g body weight, output of 3-Mehis increased, even when growth was prevented by feeding a diet low in protein. This demonstrates that thyroid-status affects muscle protein breakdown through a mechanism other than via a change in growth rate. In confirmation of previous studies, administration of a diet low in protein to young rats prevented growth and reduced output of 3-Mehis relative to leg muscle weight. The reduction in protein breakdown is not likely to be due to reduced thyroid function, since the diet low in protein increased plasma total triiodothyronine (T3) levels. Furthermore, thyroidectomized rats fed the low-protein diet also underwent a decrease in output of 3-Mehis. In contrast to protein deficiency, a moderate dietary energy deficiency allowed some growth to occur, and output of 3-Mehis, relative to muscle mass, was not depressed. Nevertheless, total T3 concentration in the plasma of these animals was considerably reduced, indicating once more that total circulating thyroid hormone levels are not the only determinants of muscle protein breakdown. Finally, reduced plasma total T3 levels occurred in energy-deficient diets even in thyroidectomized rats receiving exogenous T4. This suggests that diet affects metabolism of the hormone independently of changes in secretory output from the thyroid gland.
Molecular structure and dynamical behavior of seven-coordinate Mo(CO)3X2(Ar2POPAr2) complexes

Abstract Direct reaction of elemental halogens with Mo(CO)4(R2POPR2) yielded seven-coordinate Mo(II) complexes of type Mo(CO)3X2(R2POPR2) (R = phenyl or p-tolyl, X = I or Br). The structures of Mo(CO)3I2(Ph2POPPh2) (I) and Mo(CO)3Br2(tolyl2POPtolyl2) (II) have been determined by X-ray diffraction methods. Crystal data: MoI2P2O4 C27H2O·C2H2Cl4, complexI, triclinic space group P 1 - ; a = 10.019(1), b = 11.876(1), c = 15.342(2)A; α = 73.96(1)°, β = 79.12(1)°, γ = 78.19(1)°, Zcalc. = 1.88 Mg m−3· The structure was solved by MULTAN on the basis of 5169 reflections to a final R value of 0.035. Crystal data: MoBr2P2O4C31H28, complexII, monoclinic space group P21/c, a = 15.932(2), b = 9.847(1), c = 21.360(2)A, β = 106.58(1)°, Z = 4, Dcalc. = 1.62 Mg m−3· The structure was solved using MULTAN on the basis of 1588 reflections to a final R value of 0.097. Both structures approximate a pentagonal bipyramidal coordination geometry around the metal center. This stereochemistry is in accord with Kepert's prediction for chelate normalized bites of less than 1.1 (1.03 and 1.05, respectively, for the POP ligands). The equatorial plane contains both halides, the two phosphorus donors, and a carbonyl. The axial carbonyls are distorted from linearity by 8.5(2) and 13(2)°, respectively. Variable-temperature31P NMR studies of these and the related MO(CO)3I2(Ph2PCH2PPh2) Complex confirmed fluxional behavior. Furthermore, for each of the iodo complexes, equilibration with a second solution isomer was observed.
Microprocessor-based arc voltage control for gas tungsten arc welding using gain scheduling

Limitations of the traditional automatic voltage controller (AVC) for gas tungsten arc welding are explained, and the characteristics of the welding arc that cause these limitations are presented. The design of an adaptive AVC using a microprocessor-based controller is described. The enhanced AVC uses gain scheduling to maintain optimum gain in the feedforward loop of the system and offers a constant arc length control mode that is extremely useful under conditions where the welding current is varied over a wide range. Both of these features are implemented with the use of look-up tables that define the correct parameters for the current operating point. The construction of these look-up tables must be offline in the design phase. A prototype system has been constructed and tested. It has proved to provide a full control of the arc length during weld pass termination, and experiments have shown that tail-out cracking in alloys prone to these kinds of defects, like Inconel 718, can be reduced by controlling the heat input during this process. >
Electrochemically Controlled Deconjugation and Delivery of Single Quantum Dots into the Nucleus of Living Cells

It is becoming increasingly clear that the nuclear architecture plays an essential role in the genome maintenance and functions.[1] However, the study of nuclear structures, dynamics, and functions presents a major challenge to biological scientists. The key challenge is the imaging of nuclear components using conventional probes, such as fluorescent dyes or proteins. Such probes provide weak signal and tend to rapidly photobleach (typically < 10 s), which limits both the temporal and spatial imaging resolution. An alternative is to use the bright probes such as quantum dots (QDs). However, to get such relatively large-sized probes into the nucleus requires overcoming the physical barriers of both the plasma membrane and the nuclear envelope without imposing unintended side effects.[2]
Computer Society Honors Top Experts

Topics covered include awards given to Benjamin Wah, Anil Jain, and Guy Steele as well as a listing of 2007-2008 recipients of the CSDP and CSDA certifications.
Computational Approaches to Sentence Completion

This paper studies the problem of sentence-level semantic coherence by answering SAT-style sentence completion questions. These questions test the ability of algorithms to distinguish sense from nonsense based on a variety of sentence-level phenomena. We tackle the problem with two approaches: methods that use local lexical information, such as the n-grams of a classical language model; and methods that evaluate global coherence, such as latent semantic analysis. We evaluate these methods on a suite of practice SAT questions, and on a recently released sentence completion task based on data taken from five Conan Doyle novels. We find that by fusing local and global information, we can exceed 50% on this task (chance baseline is 20%), and we suggest some avenues for further research.
Criminogenic Facilities and Crime across Street Segments in Philadelphia Uncovering Evidence about the Spatial Extent of Facility Influence

Objectives:Test whether the exposure of street segments to five different potentially criminogenic facilities is positively related to violent, property, or disorder crime counts controlling for sociodemographic context. The geographic extent of the relationship is also explored.Method:Facility exposure is operationalized as total inverse distance from each street segment in Philadelphia, PA, to surrounding facilities within three threshold distances of 400, 800, and 1,200 feet. All distances are measured using shortest path street distance. Census block group data representing ethnic heterogeneity, concentrated disadvantage, and stability are proportionally allocated to each street block. Negative binomial regression is used to model the relationships.Results:Exposure to bars and subway stations was positively associated with violent, property, and disorder crime at all distance thresholds from street segments. Schools were associated with disorder offenses at all distance thresholds. The effects of expo...
High capacity binding of alpha crystallins to various bovine lens membrane preparations

This study examines the high capacity binding of intact and carboxyl-terminal-truncated alpha A(αA) crystallin to two types of lens membrane preparations; membrane stripped of extrinsic protein and some lipid by extraction with urea and alkali and unextracted membrane isolated by centrifugation of total water insoluble protein on a sucrose gradient (native membrane). High capacity binding of αA crystallin to the urea-treated membrane was seen once the αA substrate concentration reached about 1 mg/ml of media. The membrane bound up to one mg of αA per mg of intrinsic protein (MP26) at a concentration of 5 mg αA/ml media, binding 5 to 10 times greater than that seen by others at saturation of the high affinity but low capacity binding sites. No apparent differences were seen between high capacity binding of carboxyl terminal-truncated αA (by trypsin) and intact αA, although each crystallin could antagonize binding of the other. However, once membrane bound, neither crystallin appeared to grossly displace th...
DNA Sequence Modulates Geometrical Isomerism of the trans-8,9-Dihydro-8-(2,6-diamino-4-oxo-3,4-dihydropyrimid-5-yl-formamido)-9-hydroxy Aflatoxin B1 Adduct

Aflatoxin B(1) (AFB(1)), a mycotoxin produced by Aspergillus flavus, is oxidized by cytochrome P450 enzymes to aflatoxin B(1)-8,9-epoxide, which alkylates DNA at N7-dG. Under basic conditions, this N7-dG adduct rearranges to yield the trans-8,9-dihydro-8-(2,6-diamino-4-oxo-3,4-dihydropyrimid-5-yl-formamido)-9-hydroxy aflatoxin B(1) (AFB(1)−FAPY) adduct. The AFB(1)−FAPY adduct exhibits geometrical isomerism involving the formamide moiety. NMR analyses of duplex oligodeoxynucleotides containing the 5′-XA-3′, 5′-XC-3′, 5′-XT-3′, and 5′-XY-3′ sequences (X = AFB(1)−FAPY; Y = 7-deaza-dG)demonstrate that the equilibrium between E and Z isomers is controlled by major groove hydrogen bonding interactions.Structural analysis of the adduct in the 5′-XA-3′ sequence indicates the preference of the E isomer of the formamide group,attributed to formation of a hydrogen bond between the formyl oxygen and the N(6) exocyclic amino group of the 3′-neighboradenine. While the 5′-XA-3′ sequence exhibits the E isomer, the 5′-XC-3′ sequence exhibits a 7:3 E:Z ratio at equilibrium at 283K. The E isomer is favored by a hydrogen bond between the formyl oxygen and the N(4)-dC exocyclic amino group of the 3′-neighbor cytosine. The 5′-XT-3′ and 5′-XY-3′ sequences cannot form such a hydrogen bond between the formyl oxygen and the 3′-neighbor T or Y, respectively, and in these sequence contexts the Z isomer is favored. Additional equilibria between α and β anomers and the potential to exhibit atropisomers about the C5−N(5) bond do not depend upon sequence. In each of the four DNA sequences, the AFB(1)−FAPY adduct maintains the β deoxyribose configuration. Each of these four sequences feature the atropisomer of the AFB(1) moiety that is intercalated above the 5′-face of the damaged guanine. This enforces the Ra axialc onformation for the C5−N(5) bond.
PKR-Dependent Inflammatory Signals

Double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase (PKR) is implicated in inflammation and immune dysfunction through its regulation of mitogen-activated protein kinases, interferon regulatory factor 3, nuclear factor κB, apoptosis, and autophagy pathways. A study shows that PKR is also required for the activation of inflammasomes and the subsequent release of high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) protein, a proinflammatory cytokine. Thus, the cell stress kinase PKR has multifaceted roles in the regulation of inflammatory immune responses, and PKR and HMGB1 are attractive targets for inflammasome-associated diseases.
When Simulations Do Not Go as Planned: A Designer’s Perspective

In this article, the author reflects on the first run of a simulation he created for second language students. The participants, however, were his colleagues in a graduate-level materials developme...
A SUCCESSIVE LINEAR APPROXIMATION PROCEDURE FOR STOCHASTIC, DYNAMIC VEHICLE ALLOCATION PROBLEMS

The Stochastic Dynamic Vehicle Allocation problem involves managing a fleet of vehicles over time in an uncertain demand environment to maximize expected total profits. The problem is formulated as a Stochastic Programming problem. A new heuristic algorithm is developed and is contrasted to various deterministic approximations. The paper presents computational results that were obtained by employing a Rolling Horizon Procedure to simulate the operation of the truckload carrier. Results indicate the superiority of the new algorithm over other approaches tested.
Local Climatic Guidance for Probabilistic Quantitative Precipitation Forecasting

Abstract The predictand of a probabilistic quantitative precipitation forecast (PQPF) for a river basin has two parts: (i) the basin average precipitation amount accumulated during a fixed period and (ii) the temporal disaggregation of the total amount into subperiods. To assist field forecasters in the preparation of well-calibrated (reliable) and informative PQPFs, local climatic guidance (LCG) was developed. LCG provides climatic statistics of the predictand for a particular river basin, month, and period (e.g., 24-h period beginning at 1200 UTC and divided into four 6-h subperiods). These statistics can be conditioned on information entered by the forecaster such as the probability of precipitation occurrence and various hypotheses regarding the precipitation amount and timing. This article describes two probability models of the predictand, details guidance products, and illustrates them for the Lower Monongahela River basin in Pennsylvania. The first model provides marginal climatic statistics of th...
Low-cost Container Yard for School-based Restoration Nurseries

A small inexpensive (less than $1000) container yard, measuring 10 · 10 ft square, with an automatic irrigation system was designed for schools participating in the Louisiana State University Coastal Roots Program: A School Seedling Nursery Program for Habitat Restoration. Students helped install the container yard on their school site and oversee native plant production through the course of the school year. Teachers and other school staff checked the nursery during summer months to ensure that the irrigation system was working properly and the plants were healthy. Students grew 1000 restoration seedlings per year in their container yard. Each year they transplanted their seedlings and grass plugs on trips to habitat restoration sites across Louisiana’s coastal zone. Since the inception of the program in 2000, the students using this container yard design have produced nearly 24,500 trees and shrubs and over 8000 grass plugs.
Engineering Pathogen Resistance in Mosquitoes

The concept of pathogen-derived resistance is now 30 years old. While the technology for generating resistance phenotypes in crop plants has moved from experimental validation to field trials and ultimately to deregulation, progress in developing pathogen resistance phenotypes in mosquitoes has been slower and is still restricted to laboratory experiments. A number of different strategies have been used or are in development to generate mosquitoes unable to transmit malaria parasites or dengue viruses, the most common being immune activation and/or augmentation, host factor interference, and RNAi. While many strategies have reduced pathogen numbers in mosquitoes, only a few have generated complete resistance in the absence of significant fitness costs. Additional antipathogen strategies are sorely needed to provide a multi-pronged approach to reduce the potential for resistance breaking. Where successful antipathogen molecules have been developed, larger scale trials are needed along with evaluation against evolutionary diverse pathogens and varying environmental conditions to assess the robustness of resistance phenotypes. Here we summarize the strategies currently being pursued to generate pathogen-resistant mosquitoes, with particular emphasis on the methods used to evaluate the successful establishment of pathogen resistance.
The Nature and Impact of Late Imperial Chinese Academies: A Review of Some Recent Publications in China

This review essay analyzes the historiography of Confucian academies (shuyuan) in imperial China, focusing on five representative books published in China between 2008 and 2014, including two new editions of books originally published in 1995 and 2004. The five authors share a deep concern about the nature of academies, particularly their relationship with the state. A secondary theme that these books address is the impact that academies had on late imperial Chinese culture and society. Read together, these five works show how research on academies in imperial China has evolved over the past two decades.
A Challenge between Trainee Education and Patient Safety: Does Fellow Participation Impact Postoperative Outcomes Following Bariatric Surgery?

Surgical training may potentially influence patient care. A safe, high-quality bariatric and metabolic surgery practice requires dedicated and specialized training commonly acquired during a fellowship. This study evaluates the impact of fellow participation on early postoperative outcomes in bariatric surgery. From the American College of Surgeons (ACS-NSQIP) database, we identified all obese patients who had undergone primary laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) between 2010 and 2012. Logistic regression was used to prognosticate the surgical fellow (PGY-6, 7, or 8) participation in bariatric surgeries on perioperative outcomes, as compared to surgeries with no trainee participation. The study cohort consisted of 10,838 patients (8819 LRYGB, 2019 LSG, 32 % fellow participation). Fellows participated in higher-risk surgeries. Fellow involvement was associated with increased operative time in LRYGB (difference 42.4 ± 1.2 min, p < 0.001) and in LSG (difference 38.8 ± 2.5 min, p < 0.001). Multivariate regression revealed that fellow involvement in LSG did not significantly alter postoperative adverse events. Conversely, in the LRYGB group, fellow participation was independently associated with higher rates of overall complications (OR = 1.37, 95 % CI 1.16–1.63), serious complications (OR = 1.23, 95 % CI 1.00–1.52), surgical complications (OR = 1.42; 95 % CI 1.17–1.73), and reoperation (OR = 1.43, 95 % CI 1.10–1.87). On adjusted analysis, while readmission was higher with fellow involvement in both procedures, mortality rates were comparable. Fellow involvement resulted in a clinically appreciable increase in operative times. Fellow participation in the operating room was also independently associated with worse early postoperative outcomes following LRYGB, but was not the case for LSG. Promoting proficiency in surgical simulation laboratories and a gradual participation of fellows from LSG to LRYGB during fellowship may be associated with a reduction in postoperative complications.