cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of Fines Content and Relative Density on Erosion and Recession of Predominantly Sandy Beach–Bluff System

Abstract Exploratory experiments including a series of flume and geotechnical tests were conducted to assess the effects of fines content and relative density on the erosion and recession of predom...
The Supreme Court's Lamps Plus Arbitration Decision: A Fading Light for Class Actions

Since the 1980s, the United States Supreme Court has dramatically expanded the legal framework for arbitration, and through this expansion, the Court has minimized the role of the judiciary and reshaped the civil justice system. More specifically, the Court has enabled stronger parties with bargaining power, typically corporate parties, to opt-out of the traditional court system and create their own private system of justice, which is largely unsupervised and covers virtually every type of claim in America. Consequently, the civil justice system has become increasingly privatized and millions of ordinary consumers and employees have lost access to the courts, including the ability to proceed collectively as a class. During its October 2018 Term, the Supreme Court decided Lamps Plus, Inc. v. Varela, a splintered decision involving the controversial issue of class procedures in the context of an employment dispute. As a result of Lamps Plus, a company can unilaterally limit its own class action liability through an arbitration clause. This Article has three main goals. First, the Article heavily criticizes numerous flaws with the majority’s decision. Second, the Article explores the limited opportunities that remain for class proceedings when a consumer or employee is bound by an arbitration clause. Finally, the Article examines an unanswered, critical question left open in Lamps Plus: whether an arbitrator or court should determine if an arbitration clause permits class proceedings. This Article proposes a novel solution, whereby both a court and arbitrator jointly collaborate to determine different aspects of the class arbitration problem.
Aluminum solubility in rutile (TiO2)

The solubility of aluminum in rutile has been studied in the systems Al2O3–TiO2–H2O and Al2O3–SiO2–TiO2–H2O at 700–1200 °C and 0.075–3.3 GPa. Electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) measurements of rutile crystals grown in equilibrium with corundum show that the concentration of Al increases with increasing temperature, pressure, and oxygen fugacity. Solubility is enhanced by the addition of Nb and reduced by the addition of trivalent cations. These results are consistent with the substitution of Al3+ for Ti4+ on normal cation sites and the simultaneous incorporation of positively charged hydrous defects for charge compensation. Parameters for a thermodynamic model of Al substitution in rutile are calculated and the merits of using the model as a geochemical tool are discussed.
Public Participation in Water Resources Development

The objectives of a public participation program should be to assure that planners and public have similar concepts of what the problems are and that the proposed solutions are perceived as solutions by both planners and public. Elements of a public participation program are identifying the public, reaching the public, and determining what the public wishes are. These elements are analyzed by recounting the experience of the Bassett Creek Flood Control Commission in establishing a flood-control plan for an urbanized and urbanizing area in the Minneapolis, Minn. metropolitan area. The Commission is composed of nine volunteer commissioners, one appointed by each of the nine cities in the basin. The Commission (with the aid of its consulting engineers) was very effective in melding bureaucratic and public input into an acceptable plan where a previous plan prepared under the auspices of a bureaucratic organization was practically shouted down.
EFFECT OF FLUORIDE IONS ON THE AQUEOUS CORROSION OF ZIRCONIUM ALLOYS

A review was made of the effects of fluoride ions on the corrosion behavior of zirconium alloys in high-temperature water. Corrosion was found to occur as the result of contamination of the water or the zirconium surface. A major source of fluorides is undue delay in rinsing the HF--HNO/sub 3/ pickling solution during surface preparation. The oxide on corrosion-resistant material has been found to contain up to 7600 ppm fluoride from this source. The threshold concentration of fluoride in the oxide film which produces poor corrosion resistance ranges from 8500 to 17,000 ppm. Accelerated corrosion from fluorides in water at 300 to 360 deg C occurs at about 100 ppm, although increased corrosion has been reported at 10 ppm fluoride in water at 300 deg C. Fluorocarbon plastics degrade and contribute fluorides to the hightemperature water or to the alloy surface when in direct contact with zirconium. Chlorides (1 to 10,000 ppm) and iodides (1270 ppm) do not adversely affect the corrosion behavior of zirconium alloys in water at 360 deg C. The mechanism of corrosion is not well understood but apparently is related to the formation of insoluble zirconium oxyfluorides during pickling and during exposure to fluoride- contaminated water.more » (auth)« less
Bacterial Metabolism of Thiamine II. THE ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF 3-(2'-METHYL-4'-AMINO-5'-PYRIMIDYLMETHYL)-4-METHYLTHIAZOLE-5-ACETIC ACID (THIAMINE ACETIC ACID) AS AN INTERMEDIATE IN THE OXIDATION OF THIAMINE

The compound 3-(2'-methyl-4'-amino-5'-pyrimidylmethyl)-4-methylthiazole-5-acetic acid (thiamine acetic acid) has been identified as an intermediate in the metabolism of thiamine by a soil microorganism. Evidence is presented which indicates the compound 2-oxy-3-(2'-methyl-4'-amino-5'-pyrimidylmethyl)-4-methylthiazole-5-acetic acid (2-oxythiamine acetic acid) is also an intermediate in the metabolism of thiamine by this microorganism.
Effects of haloperidol and apomorphine on catecholamine metabolism in brain slices: Reserpine-like effects of haloperidol

Abstract The accumulation, release and catabolism of [ 3 H]dopamine (DA) and [ 3 H]norepinephrine (NE) synthesized from [ 3 H]tyrosine were measured in mouse striatal and substantia nigral slices. Apomorphine inhibited both [ 3 H]NE and [ 3 H]DA accumulation ( ic 50 −6 M ) , presumably by acting on a presynaptic receptor. Haloperidol (10 −8 M) caused a small, but significant increase in [ 3 H]DA accumulation from [ 3 H]tyrosine in the presence of 26 mM K + , possibly reflecting blockade of presynaptic receptors activated by released DA. However, at higher concentrations (10 −6 to 10 −5 M), haloperidol inhibited [ 3 H]DA and [ 3 H]NE accumulation. Reserpine also potently inhibited catecholamine synthesis; chlorpromazine had only a weak effect, and fluphenazine was ineffective. Both haloperidol (10 −5 M) and reserpine (10 −7 M), but not chlorpromazine and fluphenazine, markedly increased the formation of labeled dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and increased the spontaneous release of labeled DA from striatal slices preloaded with [ 3 H]tyrosine or [ 14 C]DA. These data suggest that haloperidol has some direct effects on DA metabolism that are unrelated to DA-receptor blockade. Because the effects of haloperidol are apparently independent of DA release, haloperidol may elevate cytoplasmic DA by altering its vesicular storage. This would, in turn, increase the spontaneous release of labeled DA by diffusion, the oxidation of DA to DOPAC by monoamine oxidase, and the end-product inhibition of tyrosine hydroxylase.
Pharmacological characterization of [3H]idazoxan, [3H]RX821002 and p-[125I]iodoclonidine binding to α2-adrenoceptors in rat cerebral cortical membranes

Binding characteristics of alpha 2-adrenoceptors in rat cerebral cortical membranes were compared using the antagonist radioligands [3H]idazoxan, [3H]2-(2-methoxy-1,4-benzodioxan-2-yl)-2-imidazoline ([3H]RX821002), and the partial agonist radioligand [125I]2-[2,6-(dichloro-4-iodophenyl)imino]imidazoline ([125I]iodoclonidine). With [3H]RX821002 and alpha 2-adrenoceptor subtype-selective competitors, both alpha 2A/D- and alpha 2C-adrenoceptor subtypes were detected, suggesting rat cortical membranes contain approximately 90% alpha 2A/D-adrenoceptor subtype and 10% alpha 2C-adrenoceptor subtype. Only alpha 2A/D-adrenoceptors were detected with [3H]idazoxan and [125I]iodoclonidine. All three radioligands bound to a single high affinity site (Kd = 0.3-1.6 nM). However, the densities of sites labeled by [3H]idazoxan and [125I]iodoclonidine were 50% greater than the density labeled by [3H]RX821002, likely representing non-adrenoceptor binding sites. The density of [125I]iodoclonidine binding sites in glycylglycine buffer was similar to that labeled by [3H]RX821002. These results suggest that: (1) alpha 2A/D-adrenoceptors are the predominant subtype in rat cerebral cortex, (2) demonstrate that the small number of alpha 2C-adrenoceptors in this tissue can be detected using prazosin to displace [3H]RX821002 binding, and (3) non-adrenoceptor binding with [125I]iodoclonidine can be minimized with the use of glycylglycine buffer.
Distributed Algorithms for Dispersion in Indoor Environments Using a Swarm of Autonomous Mobile Robots

We describe a set of distributed algorithms used to disperse a large group of autonomous mobile robots efficiently throughout an indoor environment. Only local inter-robot communication and processing is used. Ad-hoc communications network topologies formed by gradient floods spread messages and guide robot motion. Special attention has been given to doors, hallways, and other constrictions. The network maintains a route to chargers to allow self-charging.
Dynamic modelling analysis for control of CVD

A nonlinear dynamic model of the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process has been developed and analyzed to obtain insight into the design of an appropriate control structure.
Cholinergic and peptidergic receptors on isolated human antral smooth muscle cells.

Smooth muscle cells were isolated from segments of human antrum obtained at operation. The presence, activity, and specificity of receptors to acetylcholine, the C-termina1 octapeptide of cholecystokinin, methionine—enkephalin, and vasoactive intestinal peptide were examined. Muscarinic cholinergic receptors sensitive to low concentrations of atropine, cholecystokinin receptors sensitive to prog1umide and dibutyryl cyclic guanosine monophosphate, enkepha1in receptors sensitive to naloxone were demonstrated and found to mediate contraction. Vasoactive intestinal peptide receptors were demonstrated also and found to mediate relaxation. The stoichiometry and specificity of responses were closely similar to those previously found in isolated gastric smooth muscle cells of the guinea pig. The existence of high-affinity functional receptors on smooth muscle cells, together with the presence of the peptides in nerve terminals adjacent to these cells, makes it possible for these peptides to act as neurotransmitters.
Effects of the thymic microenvironment on autoantibody production in (NZB × NZW)F1 mice

The effects of the thymic microenvironment on autoantibody production in (NZB X NZW)F1 mice were studied. Neonatally thymectomized male and female F1 mice reconstituted with a parental or F1-irradiated thymic lobe were compared to nonreconstituted and sham-thymectomized controls. While maleness retarded the spontaneous production of ss- and ds-DNA antibodies, thymic grafts did not suppress antibodies to ss-DNA in either sex, but did suppress the production of antibodies to ds-DNA in female mice. A unique property of NZB thymic grafts was the inability to suppress anti-RBC antibodies in male mice. Thus, (i) the gender of the F1 recipient was the most important determinant of production of antibodies to ss-DNA, (ii) either maleness or the thymic microenvironment could retard production of anti-ds-DNA antibodies, and (iii) both gender and the thymic microenvironment were important in the regulation of anti-RBC antibody production. Since the administration of thymosin did not suppress autoantibody production, the effects of the thymic grafts was not solely via thymic hormone production. These studies suggest that sex hormones and/or the thymic microenvironment can exert a suppressive effect on autoantibody production and that autoantibodies differ in their susceptibility to such suppression.
Classification and Diagnosis of Mastocytosis: Current Status

Mastocytosis is a disease characterized by an abnormal increase in mast cells. Manifestations of the disease are provoked in large part by the resultant increase in mast cell-derived mediators, which have a variety of local and systemic effects. Mastocytosis is variable in respect to the organ systems involved, clinical manifestations, and association with hematologic diseases. This has suggested the need for an improved classification scheme to allow assessment of prognosis and therapy. The heterogeneity of the disease patterns in mastocytosis strongly suggests that more than one biologic lesion may occur in the developmental sequence that leads to placement of mature mast cells in tissues.
Public and private Built investment in the new economy: Exploring regional differences, 1990-2000

Built investment in buildings, facilities, and infrastructure underpin the performance of cities and regions, so the ways built investments influence the economic success of regions are important. This paper reports analyses of the dynamics of built investments in four regions. We assembled F.W. Dodge proprietary data on built investments from 1990 through 2000 in two midwestern ’old economy’ regions (Indianapolis, Ind. and Columbus, Ohio), and two new economy stars (Austin, Tex. and Raleigh-Durham, N.C.). The purpose of this analysis is to examine to what extent public and private built investment patterns are linked within each region. The comparative analysis finds that these regions each entertained anywhere from 100,000 to 200,000 construction projects apiece over the 11-year period, ranging from a total of $23 to $49 billion. On a per square mile basis, the regions’ built investments were about even. Shares of built investment originated from the public sector differ widely by category, with higher public shares of transportation, telecommunications, and laboratories generally occurring in the new economy regions. Correlations between public and private built investment vary among the regions. Simple models using local public investments to estimate private investment patterns show strong linkages between education, street, water, and other public infrastructure and private building, but these coefficients also differ across the regions. Austin and Raleigh-Durham show higher levels of covariation between some public infrastructure variables and private built investment.
Effects of a Breakfast Program on On-Task Behaviors of Vocational High School Students

Abstract The purpose of this research was to determine if an in-school breakfast program could increase on-task behaviors of 18 high school students. The effects of the in-school breakfast program were examined in a vocational and an academic setting. A multiple-baseline design across settings and students was employed to assess the effects of the in-class breakfast program. Results indicated that an in-school breakfast program was effective in increasing on-task behaviors in both settings. Questionnaires administered to students before and after implementation of the in-school breakfast program indicate positive change toward breakfast by those who participated. These outcomes indicate that an in-school breakfast program may positively influence on-task behaviors of high school students in a vocational setting and an academic setting.
Effect of potassium chloride supplements on upper gastrointestinal mucosa

Eight controlled 1- or 2-wk experiments involving 225 healthy male subjects and one study of 18 patients with hypertension, nine of whom were long-term users of a wax-matrix potassium chloride preparation, were conducted to evaluate the upper gastrointestinal safety of oral KCl supplements. All subjects in the short-term studies had normal upper gastrointestinal tracts. Subjects were examined again after at least 7 days of treatment with one of three commonly prescribed wax-matrix KCl tablets, KCl liquid, microencapsulated KCl, a potassium- sparer , or placebo. Some received an anticholinergic drug with treatment to induce delayed gastric motility. Diet and compliance to treatment regimens were controlled. Results indicate that upper mucosal injury, particularly erosions (43%) and ulcerations (11%), were more frequent after wax-matrix tablets. These changes occurred much less frequently after liquid KCl (0%), microencapsulated KCl (10.5% erosions, 1.2% ulcers), and the potassium-sparing drug (0%). More serious and more frequent lesions were associated with slowed motility. No occult bleeding was noted. Symptomatic complaints did not correlate with endoscopic findings. In the long-term study, patients with hypertension were examined endoscopically after 19 to 23 mo on KCl and again after 1 wk. Six of nine of the patients with hypertension treated for nearly 2 yr with a wax-matrix KCl supplement had significant lesions. One had developed ulceration after 7 days.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Emergence of communication in multi-agent systems using reinforcement learning

In this paper, the new approach to the emergence of communication between autonomous agents is introduced. The learning scheme is presented, which allows for emergence of efficient communication between agents in cooperative systems. Classical reinforcement learning framework extended to multi-agent systems is used. Language capabilities are modeled by modifying agents' policy. In order to do this, so called linguistic state and action variables are added to extend agents' state and action spaces. Linguistic state variables represent the signal received by an agent and linguistic action variables represent a signal sent by an agent. Set of agents is divided into receivers and senders on the basis of their ability to send and receive communication signals. The experiment with two-agent system is presented. It is shown how a simple communication evolves simultaneously with a non-linguistic behavior as a tool to coordinate agents actions in order to implement a task. At the end, conclusion is made that presented approach can be applied to ensure an efficient communication within real-world heterogenous, task-oriented multi-agent systems.
An alpha heavy chain abnormality in a child with hypogammaglobulinemia.

Abstract A new immunoglobulin A abnormality has been found in the serum of a child with hypogammaglobulinemia. The abnormal protein has a sedimentation coefficient of 5.2S and consists of two alpha chains covalently linked to J chain. No light chains could be detected in the protein. The abnormal protein, like the alpha chain disease proteins previously described, belongs to the A1 subclass and reacts with an antiserum specific for free alpha chains.
Collaborative coordination control (CCC) of distributed multimachine manufacturing

Coordination control of multi-machine workstations in distributed FMS and other manufacturing facilities has been designed with synchronous and asynchronous techniques. In a recent study at Purdue, the element of machine collaboration has been added to the coordination control, to add to the flexibility and reliability properties of the processes. The new Collaborative Coordination control strategy is explained and illustrated with two specific implementation case studies based on one U.S. and one French FMS facility. Impacts on performance measures are evaluated. Certain advantages, limitations and open questions of the approach are discussed.
Communication Control for Multi-core Processors

A reconfigurable System-on-Chip (SoC) for multimedia application was introduced in this paper, where the SoC consisted of a master processor and slave processor. We individually simulated the master processor with DLX pipeline processor and the slave processor with Xtensa processor that was able to establish a excellent multimedia processor with multi-core than the traditional one. As a result, we get some benefits in area and power, and then the proposed architecture can be configured in multiprocessors architecture.
Vascular effects of non-esterified fatty acids: implications for the cardiovascular risk factor cluster

Insulin resistance emerges as a central component of the risk factor cluster and is a likely contributor to vascular disease independently of traditional risk factors such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus. However, the intermediary mechanisms by which atherosclerosis is accelerated among patients with the insulin resistance syndrome remain inadequately defined. Most of the attention has centered on hyperinsulinemia and defects of insulin-mediated glucose disposal. However, we observed that obese hypertensive patients have elevated plasma concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs), including oleic acid, which are highly resistant to suppression by insulin. Resistance to insulin's fatty acid lowering action correlate with blood pressure in obese subjects independently of defects in glucose disposal. This observation raises the possibility that NEFAs have biologically significant effects on the cardiovascular system. In fact, oleic acid impairs nitric oxide synthase activity and endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation in vitro. Moreover, raising NEFAs in normal human volunteers to levels observed in obese hypertensive patients impairs lower extremity endothelium-dependent vasodilation and augments local and systemic vascular alpha1-adrenoceptor reactivity in normal volunteers. Thus, raising NEFAs replicates in healthy subjects important functional vascular changes implicated in the hypertension and atherosclerosis observed in patients with the risk factor cluster. At a molecular level, experiments in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells demonstrate that oleic acid activates a mitogenic signaling cascade which includes protein kinase C, reactive oxygen species and extracellular signal-regulated kinases. Each of these signaling events has been implicated in the structural and functional vascular changes which accompany the risk factor cluster. Collectively, these observations raise the possibility that fatty acids contribute to functional and structural vascular changes among insulin-resistant individuals. A better understanding of the signaling mechanisms by which NEFAs exert their vascular effects may facilitate novel and more effective therapeutic approaches to managing the cardiovascular risk factor cluster.
Kinetic mechanism of the single-stranded DNA recognition by Escherichia coli replicative helicase DnaB protein. Application of the matrix projection operator technique to analyze stopped-flow kinetics

Abstract Kinetics of the Escherichia coli primary replicative helicase DnaB protein binding to a single-stranded DNA, in the presence of the ATP non-hydrolyzable analog AMP-PNP, have been performed, using the fluorescence stopped-flow technique. This is the first direct determination of the mechanism of the ssDNA recognition by a hexameric helicase. Binding of the fluorescent etheno-derivative of a ssDNA to the enzyme is characterized by a strong increase of the nucleic acid fluorescence, which provides an excellent signal to quantitatively study the mechanism of ssDNA recognition by the helicase. The kinetic experiments have been performed with a ssDNA 20-mer, dϵA(pϵA) 19 , that encompasses the entire, total ssDNA-binding site of the helicase and with the 10-mer dϵA(pϵA) 9 , which binds exclusively to the ssDNA strong subsite within the total ssDNA-binding site. Association of the DnaB helicase with the 20-mer is characterized by three relaxation times, which indicates that the binding occurs by the minimum three-step mechanism where the bimolecular binding step is followed by two isomerization steps. This mechanism is described by the equation: Helicase + ssDNA ↔ k −1 k 1 ( H-ssDNA ) 1 ↔ k −2 k 2 H-ssDNA ) 2 ↔ k −3 k 3 H-ssDNA ) 3 The value of the bimolecular rate constant, k 1 , is four to six orders of magnitude lower than the value expected for the diffusion-controlled reaction. Moreover, quantitative amplitude analysis suggests that the major conformational change of the ssDNA takes place in the formation of the (H-ssDNA) 1 . These results indicate that the determined first step includes formation of the collision and an additional transition of the protein-ssDNA complex, most probably the local opening of the protein hexamer. The data indicate that the binding mechanism reflects the interactions of the ssDNA predominantly through the strong ssDNA-binding subsite. The analysis of the stopped-flow kinetics has been performed using the matrix-projection operator technique, which provides a powerful method to address stopped-flow kinetics, particularly, the amplitudes. The method allowed us to determine the specific fluorescence changes accompanying the formation of all the intermediates. The sequential nature of the determined mechanism indicates the lack of the kinetically significant conformational equilibrium of the DnaB hexamer as well as a transient dissociation of the hexamer prior to the ssDNA binding. The significance of these results for the functioning of the DnaB helicase is discussed.
EMPIRICAL BAYES ESTIMATION WITH NON-IDENTICAL COMPONENTS. CONTINUOUS CASE.

In this paper a variant of the standard empirical Bayes estimation problem is considered where the component problems in the sequence are not identical in that the conditional distribution of the observations may vary with the component problems. Let {(Θn, Xn)} be a sequence of independent random vectors where Θn˜ G and, given Θn=Θn, Xn -PΘ,m(n) with {m(n)} a sequence of positive integers where m(n)≤m < ∞ for all n. With PΘ,m in a continuous exponential family of distributions, asymptotically optimal empirical Bayes procedures are exhibited which depend on uniform approximations of certain functions on compact sets by polynomials in eΘ. Such approximations have been explicitly calculated in the case of normal and gamma families. In the case of normal families, asymptotically optimal linear empirical Bayes estimators in the class of all linear estimators are derived and shown to have rate O(n-1/2).
Kinetics of the electrolytic coloring process on anodized aluminum

The kinetics of tin electrodeposition during the electrolytic coloring of porous anodic oxide films on aluminum is studied as a function of the oxide properties, e.g., the thickness of the porous oxide layer, and the surface resistance offered by the barrier oxide layer. While the thickness of the porous oxide layer is controlled by the anodization time, the surface resistance is controlled by the anodization voltage, and the anodization bath temperature. Steady-state polarization measurements are employed to characterize the dependence of the coloring kinetics on the oxide properties. Measurements indicate that the kinetics of the electrolytic coloring process can be accelerated by: (i) reducing the surface resistance of the oxide film (primarily offered by the barrier oxide layer) by growing the oxide at a lower anodization voltage, and/or a higher bath temperature, or (ii) growing a thinner porous oxide layer by decreasing the anodization time. The electrochemical measurements are supported by gravimetric analysis of electrolytically colored alumina samples (using calibrated wavelength-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy), and by optical spectrophotometry.
Perceived Concerns of Preservice Music Education Teachers: A Cross-Sectional Study:

The purpose of this study was to explore perceived concern.s of preservice music education teachers across four different points in professional development. A 45-item Teacher Concerns Checklist (Borich, 2000), based upon Fuller and Bown's (1975) three-stage model of teacher development, identified respondents' levels of self-concerns, task concerns, and impact concerns. Participants included 1,121 preservice music educators from 16 institutions of higher education in the United States. Data analysis indicated Field Experience/Practicum students held higher levels of concern than did students in Introduction to Music Education, Methods, and Student Teaching. Fernales consistently held higher concerns than did males. Students indicating a preference to teach elementary level or university level held higher concerns than those intending to teach high school. At all professional development points, impact concerns ranked highest, followed by self concerns, with task concerns ranked lowest. Implications for m...
Cultures grown and embedded in situ on Spurr discs, a low viscosity epoxy resin for electron microscopy.

Abstract The ultrastructural study of cellular inter-relationships in vitro requires methods of embedding in situ. The present technic combines the advantages of growing the cells directly on the substrate with subsequent embedding in situ. In addition it uses Spurr medium which provides qualities of low viscosity, high penetrability and easy handling.
Induced pluripotent stem cell technology for the study of human disease

iPS cell technology makes patient- and disease-specific human cells widely available. While technical challenges still remain, the use of these tools will greatly expand our understanding of human disease.
Deletion polymorphism in the coding region of the human NESP55 alternative transcript of GNAS1.

Abstract NESP55, a novel member of the chromogranins, was originally implicated as a precursor of a peptide LSAL with 5-HT1Breceptor antagonist activity. In humans, NESP55 (MIM 139320) is encoded by an alternative transcript ofGNAS1 , the gene encoding the guanine nucleotide-binding α subunit of GS. As a result of the potential relevance of NESP55 to serotoninergic neurotransmission, we screened its sequence using genomic DNA pools from autistic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) probands and control subjects. Six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified and the allele frequencies of those SNPs were determined. In addition, a 24-bp in-frame deletion in the coding region was found in one of the OCD probands. To further investigate its pattern of inheritance and the relevance to studied phenotypes, we genotyped 123 total subjects from autism, OCD and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) families. The deletion was detected only in one OCD family and followed Mendelian inheritance. All subjects with the deletion were heterozygous. However, there are no specific behavioural or physical alterations in the subjects with this deletion variant. The physiological role of NESP55 in serotoninergic neurotransmission as well as the effect of the deletion on its function should be evaluated in future studies.
School Psychologists' Expressed Needs for Cognitive Tests: The Impact of Litigation

This study reports the results of a survey of school psychologists in California and Illinois who were asked about their wishes and needs for the cognitive (IQ) tests they use. As a group, school p...
Contributions to the History of Psychology: III. G. W. Leibniz (1646-1716) on the Association of Ideas and Learning:

A brief discussion of Leibniz‘ views on learning and association of ideas. The current prevalent notion that Leibniz was “anti-associationist” in the 19th century meaning of that term is refuted.
Ethylene-enhanced ethylene oxidation inVicia faba

The alkene oxygenase (AO) of fababean (Vicia faba L.) converts ethylene to ethylene oxide. Treatment of fababeans with 10μl/liter ethylene increases the activity of this enzyme within 2 hours of ethylene treatment. Though other alkenes were taken up by fababean seedlings, ethylene was the most active in inducing AO activity. The ability of ethylene to increase AO was blocked 60% by cycloheximide, an inhibitor of protein synthesis, and 35% by AgNO3, an inhibitor of ethylene action.
Genetics of somatic mammalian cells. XVII. Induction and isolation of Chinese hamster cell mutants requiring serine.

The induction, isolation and some of the properties of serine-requiring mutants of Chinese hamster ovary cells have been described. These cells promise to be useful in biochemical genetic studies and cancer research.
Drought Indices Based on the Climate Forecast System Reanalysis and Ensemble NLDAS

Abstract Drought indices derived from the Climate Forecast System Reanalysis (CFSR) are compared with indices derived from the ensemble North American Land Data Assimilation System (NLDAS) and the North American Regional Reanalysis (NARR) over the United States. Uncertainties in soil moisture, runoff, and evapotranspiration (E) from three systems are assessed by comparing them with limited observations, including E from the AmeriFlux data, soil moisture from the Oklahoma Mesonet and the Illinois State Water Survey, and streamflow data from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The CFSR has positive precipitation (P) biases over the western mountains, the Pacific Northwest, and the Ohio River valley in winter and spring. In summer, it has positive biases over the Southeast and large negative biases over the Great Plains. These errors limit the ability to use the standardized precipitation indices (SPIs) derived from the CFSR to measure the severity of meteorological droughts. To compare with the P analyses, t...
Nucleotide sequence of the putative replicase gene of the sour cherry strain of plum pox potyvirus.

The complete nucleotide sequence of the NIb coding region of the sour cherry strain of plum pox potyvirus (PPV-SoC) has been determined. It consists of 1554 nucleotides and encodes a putative replicase protein of 518 amino acids. Sequence identity scores between NIb of PPV-SoC and other isolates of PPV are significantly low (c. 78%). Many of the nucleotide substitutions, however, are silent. PPV-SoC differs from isolates of PPV-D, PPV-M and PPV-El Amar at multiple amino acid positions that are conserved between the other isolates. The NIb sequence extends the PPV-SoC sequence presently available to 2781 nt from the 3′ end (∼ 28% of the genome).
The effects of violence acuity and door to service

Despite recent gains in understanding the links between intimate partner violence and substance abuse by women, the service issues related to these cooccurring problems are relatively unexplored. This study addresses 3 practice-related questions critical to the provision of services in coordinated or integrated substance abuse and intimate partner violence programs: (a) Are different “doors” to service associated with different outcomes? (b) Does the level of substance use prior to the onset of services predict changes in self-efficacy or vulnerability to battering? and (c) How does proximity of violence impact program outcomes? We followed 128 women for 6 months after admission to a state-funded demonstration project on cooccurring substance abuse and intimate partner violence on outcomes of self-efficacy, fear of violence, and substance use. The relationship between outcomes and door to service, substance use, and acuity of violence were examined using contingency analysis, analysis of covariance, and l...
Can past gamma-ray bursts explain both INTEGRAL and ATIC/PAMELA/Fermi anomalies simultaneously?

Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) have been invoked to explain both the 511 keV emission from the Galactic bulge and the high-energy positron excess inferred from the ATIC, PAMELA, and Fermi data. While independent explanations can be responsible for these phenomena, we explore the possibility of their common GRB-related origin by modeling the GRB distribution and estimating the rates. For an expected Milky Way long GRB rate, neither of the two signals is generic; the local excess requires a 2% coincidence while the signal from the Galactic center requires a 20% coincidence with respect to the timing of the latest GRB. The simultaneous explanation requires a 0.4% coincidence. Considering the large number of statistical ``trials'' created by multiple searches for new physics, the coincidences of a few percent cannot be dismissed as unlikely. Alternatively, both phenomena can be explained by GRB if the Galactic rate is higher than expected. We also show that a similar result is difficult to obtain assuming a simplified short GRB distribution.
First passage times for correlated random walks and some generalizations

It is generally difficult to solve Fokker-Planck equations in the presence of absorbing boundaries when both spatial and momentum coordinates appear in the boundary conditions. In this note we analyze a simple, exactly solvable model of the correlated random walk and its continuum analogue. It is shown that one can solve for the moments recursively in one dimension in exact analogy with first passage problems for the Fokker-Planck equation, although the boundary conditions are somewhat more complicated. Further generalizations are suggested to multistate random walks.
An improved technique for the isolation of mitochondria from plant tissue.

Abstract A method is described for the preparation of mitochondria of high and consistent respiratory activity from plant tissue. It utilizes freezing the tissue in liquid nitrogen and maceration while in the frozen state. Inert proteins and ATP and MgCl2 are added during isolation. The procedure gives comparable results with mitochondria from the pulp of green bananas and banana peel as compared to the pulp of ripe fruit. The method may have general applicability to the preparation of mitochondria from many plant tissues which are ordinarily difficult to handle because of high concentrations of acids and protein-complexing substances.
Compressibility of real binary gas mixtures

The P-V-T-x properties of binary gas mixtures and their dependence on reduced temperature and pressure have been reviewed in detail. A modified form of Kay's original method for estimating P-V-T-x properties of mixtures is suggested for purposes of engineering calculations.
Protein Phosphatase 2A Enables Expression of Interleukin 17 (IL-17) through Chromatin Remodeling

Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is a heterotrimeric serine/threonine phosphatase involved in essential cellular functions. T cells from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) express high levels of the catalytic subunit of PP2A (PP2Ac). A mouse overexpressing PP2Ac in T cells develops glomerulonephritis in an IL-17-dependent manner. Here, using microarray analyses, we demonstrate that increased expression of PP2Ac grants T cells the capacity to produce an array of proinflammatory effector molecules. Because IL-17 is important in the expression of glomerulonephritis, we studied the mechanism through which PP2Ac dysregulation facilitates its production. We report that PP2Ac is involved in the regulation of the Il17 locus by enhancing histone 3 acetylation through a mechanism that involves activation of interferon regulatory factor 4. Increased histone 3 acetylation of the Il17 locus is shared between T cells of PP2Ac transgenic mice and patients with SLE. We propose that, by promoting the inflammatory capacity of T cells, PP2Ac dysregulation contributes to the pathogenesis of SLE. Background: Increased PP2A levels have been linked to autoimmunity in SLE patients and transgenic mice. Results: In T cells, PP2A overexpression increases the transcription of proinflammatory genes and facilitates chromatin accessibility at the Il17 locus. Conclusion: Increased levels of PP2A promote the inflammatory capacity of T cells. Significance: PP2A dysregulation may contribute to SLE by directly affecting lymphocyte gene expression.
Energy division in damped reactions

Nuclear charges and kinetic energies were measured for fragments resulting from reactions of $^{58}\mathrm{Ni}$ + $^{58}\mathrm{Ni}$ and $^{58}\mathrm{Ni}$ + $^{197}\mathrm{Au}$ at 15.3-MeV/u incident energy. These data suggest a nonequilibrium division of the available excitation energy between target and projectile for a large range of energy losses. This interpretation is supported by a consistent analysis of more complete data available for the $^{56}\mathrm{Fe}$ + $^{165}\mathrm{Ho}$ reaction at 8.5-MeV/u incident energy.
Effects of familiarization with incongruous stimuli on their dominance in visual selection

The visual fixations of college students were recorded as they viewed eight pairs of stimulus drawings in which one element of each pair depicted an incongruous figure while the other element depicted a banal figure. For half of the Ss, the incongruous drawing in each pair was a simple variation of its banal counterpart, while for the other half, the incongruous drawings were unrelated to their banal counterparts. Prior to presenting the paired stimuli, S was familiarized with the incongruous drawings in four of the eight stimulus pairs. The results indicate that: (1) the dominance in visual selection of incongruous stimuli does not result from Ss simply comparing the incongruous elements of the stimuli in a visual display, (2) familiarization with an incongruous drawing diminishes its potential to dominate visual selection, and (3) familiarization effect is greater when an incongruous stimulus is not a simple variation of its banal counterpart.
Controlled release of macromolecules from electrical and chemical stimuli‐sensitive hydrogels

The controlled release of drugs from hydrogels has progressed from systems that merely swell in water, to novel hydrogels with specific chemical properties which respond to various stimuli to facilitate drug release. Specifically, electro-erodible hydrogels are synthesized by polymer chain complexation and precipitation through hydrogen or ionic bonds. The surface of the solid polymer device is eroded or dissolved in response to an applied electric current. When a constant electric current is applied, zero-order release of entrapped drug is achieved. However, if a step-function current is applied, the drug can be released in an on-off pattern. Concanavalin A microspheres, a protein gel, has been synthesized to release insulin in response to glucose concentrations. This microsphere gel has specific binding affinity for glucose and mannose. A synthesized glycosylated insulin was loaded on the microspheres and then released in response to glucose concentrations via a competitive binding exchange mechanism.
Conceptualizing and Designing Corridors for Climate Change

In the rush to embrace corridors as an adaptation strategy, some ecologists have framed the strategy as using complex models to design corridors extending hundreds of kilometers from low-elevation, low-latitude sites to distant high-elevation, poleward sites along paths that capture the shifting climate envelopes of individual species. This conceptualization of corridors differs from traditional corridors designed to support gene flow and recolonization. In contrast, I argue that both short-distance and long-distance shifts to future climate space can be achieved by a combination of short movements within large, topographically and climatically diverse natural landscape blocks and short, coarse filter corridors between those blocks. These coarse-filter corridors can be designed in 3 non-mutually-exclusive ways. First, rivers areas provide natural conduits for movement of plants and animals and are therefore priorities for conservation and restoration as climate corridors. Second, linkages that provide continuity and interspersion of land facets (units defined by topographic or soil variables) should support movement under any future climate regime. This approach is best suited to link large topographically diverse blocks separated by distances
Effect of Dietary Protein Concentration and Stocking Density on Production Characteristics of Pond-Raised Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus

Diets containing 28% and 32% crude protein were compared for pond-raised channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus stocked at densities of 14,820, 29,640, or 44,460 fish/ha. Fingerling channel catfish with average initial weight of 48.5 g/fish were stocked into 30 0.04-ha ponds. Five ponds were randomly allotted for each dietary protein ± stocking density combination. Fish were fed once daily to satiation for two growing seasons. There were no interactions between dietary protein concentration and stocking density for any variables. Dietary protein concentrations (28% or 32%) did not affect net production, feed consumption and weight gain per fish, feed conversion ratio, survival, processing yields, fillet moisture, protein and ash concentrations, or pond water ammonia and nitrite concentrations. Fish fed the 32% protein diet had slightly but significantly lower levels of visceral and fillet fat than fish fed the 28% protein diet. As stocking density increased, net production increased, while weight gain of individual fish, feed efficiency, and survival decreased. Stocking densities did not affect processing yield and fillet composition of the fish. Although highly variable among different ponds and weekly measurements, ponds stocked at the highest density exhibited higher average levels of total ammonia-nitrogen (TAN) and nitrite-nitrogen (NO2-N) than ponds stocked at lower densities. However, stocking density had no significant effect on un-ionized ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-N) concentrations, calculated based on water temperature, pH, and TAN. By comparing to the reported critical concentration, a threshold below which is considered not harmful to the fish, these potentially toxic nitrogenous compounds in the pond water were generally in the range acceptable for channel catfish. It appears that a 28% protein diet can provide equivalent net production, feed efficiency, and processing yields as a 32% protein diet for channel catfish raised in ponds from advanced fingerlings to marketable size at densities varying from 14,820 to 44,460 fish/ha under single-batch cropping systems. Optimum dietary protein concentration for pond-raised channel catfish does not appear to be affected by stocking density.
Matrix metalloproteinase-3 in articular cartilage is upregulated by joint immobilization and suppressed by passive joint motion.

Both underloading and overloading of joints can lead to articular cartilage degradation, a process mediated in part by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Here we examine the effects of reduced loading of rat hindlimbs on articular cartilage expression of MMP-3, which not only digests matrix components but also activates other proteolytic enzymes. We show that hindlimb immobilization resulted in elevated MMP-3 mRNA expression at 6 h that was sustained throughout the 21 day immobilization period. MMP-3 upregulation was higher in the medial condyle than the lateral, and was greatest in the superficial cartilage zone, followed by middle and deep zones. These areas also showed decreases in safranin O staining, consistent with reduced cartilage proteoglycan content, as early as 7 days after immobilization. One hour of daily moderate mechanical loading, applied as passive joint motion, reduced the MMP-3 and ADAMTS-5 increases that resulted from immobilization, and also prevented changes in safranin O staining. Intra-articular injections of an MMP-3 inhibitor, N-isobutyl-N-(4-methoxyphenylsulfonyl)-glycylhydroxamic acid (NNGH), dampened the catabolic effects of a 7 day immobilization period, indicating a likely requirement for MMP-3 in the regulation of proteoglycan levels through ADAMTS-5. These results suggest that biomechanical forces have the potential to combat cartilage destruction and can be critical in developing effective therapeutic strategies.