cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Polarization of the Na+, K+-ATPase in Epithelia Derived from the Neuroepithelium

The neuroepithelium generates a fascinating group of epithelia. One of their intriguing properties is how they polarize the distribution of the Na + , K + -ATPase. Typically, this ion pump is concentrated in the basolateral membrane, but it is concentrated in the apical membranes of the retinal pigment epithelium and the epithelium of the choroid plexus. A comparison of their development with that of systemic epithelia yields insights into how cells polarize the distribution of this and other membrane proteins. The polarization of the Na + ,K + -ATPase depends upon the interplay between different sorting signals and different types of polarity mechanisms. These include intracellular targeting signals that direct the delivery of newly synthesized proteins, and maintenance signals that stabilize proteins in the proper membrane domain. Conflicting signals appear to be arranged in a hierarchy that can be rearranged as cells respond to certain environmental stimuli. Part of this response is mediated by changes in the distribution and composition of the cortical cytoskeleton.
Skeletal muscle satellite cells

Evidence now suggests that satellite cells constitute a class of myogenic cells that differ distinctly from other embryonic myoblasts. Satellite cells arise from somites and first appear as a distinct myoblast type well before birth. Satellite cells from different muscles cannot be functionally distinguished from one another and are able to provide nuclei to all fibers without regard to phenotype. Thus, it is difficult to ascribe any significant function to establishing or stabilizing fiber type, even during regeneration. Within a muscle, satellite cells exhibit marked heterogeneity with respect to their proliferative behavior. The satellite cell population on a fiber can be partitioned into those that function as stem cells and those which are readily available for fusion. Recent studies have shown that the cells are not simply spindle shaped, but are very diverse in their morphology and have multiple branches emanating from the poles of the cells. This finding is consistent with other studies indicating that the cells have the capacity for extensive migration within, and perhaps between, muscles. Complexity of cell shape usually reflects increased cytoplasmic volume and organelles including a well developed Golgi, and is usually associated with growing postnatal muscle or muscles undergoing some form of induced adaptive change or repair. The appearance of activated satellite cells suggests some function of the cells in the adaptive process through elaboration and secretion of a product. Significant advances have been made in determining the potential secretion products that satellite cells make. The manner in which satellite cell proliferative and fusion behavior is controlled has also been studied. There seems to be little doubt that cellcell coupling is not how satellite cells and myofibers communicate. Rather satellite cell regulation is through a number of potential growth factors that arise from a number of sources. Critical to the understanding of this form of control is to determine which of the many growth factors that can alter satellite cell behavior in vitro are at work in vivo. Little work has been done to determine what controls are at work after a regeneration response has been initiated. It seems likely that, after injury, growth factors are liberated through proteolytic activity and initiate an activation process whereby cells enter into a proliferative phase. After myofibers are formed, it also seems likely that satellite cell behavior is regulated through diffusible factors arising from the fibers rather than continuous control by circulating factors.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS).
Water Quality and Ecosystem Health

Water has a number of unique physical and chemical properties, one of which makes it highly susceptible to pollution. Many water pollutants are measured as a concentration of the substance dissolved in water. Water pollutants can be grouped into different categories, although many pollutants fall into more than one category. The watershed approach to water quality can be integrated with new and emerging approaches to floodplain management which is discussed in this chapter. These new and evolving approaches to floodplain management have many of the same objectives—ecosystem and habitat preservation, water quality enhancement, and greater involvement of local stakeholders in decision making. Urbanization and channel modification also elevate stream temperature and affect water quality as well as quantity. Run off from urban land surfaces in the summer is warmer than that from natural surfaces. Straightening channels and removing streamside vegetation eliminates deep pools and reduces shade, thereby increasing water temperature.
An example of a consistent quantitative/qualitative representation of a dynamic system

The author deals with the integration of qualitative and quantitative reasoning methods in the domain of dynamic systems. Typical methods of combining quantitative and qualitative representations using of fuzzy sets and landmark points subdivide the system space into boxes. An example of a representational structure for dynamic systems in which soundness of qualitative reasoning can be assured is shown. The quantitative structure is represented using the notion of a general dynamic system (GDS). The qualitative counterpart is represented by a finite-state automation structure. The two representational substructures are related through functions called qualitative interpretations of dynamic systems. Finding an interpretation function is equivalent to finding an admissible partition of a GDS. An example shows the critical-hypersurface partitioning of the GDS space, given a partitioning of the system's output. The critical hypersurfaces subdivide the system space into subsets whose shapes, mostly typically, are not boxes. >
From Research to Global Reality: The Micronutrient Story

The professional life history of E. V. McCollum exemplifies how sound nutrition-related laboratory research was translated into practical realities that influenced individual and national nutrition-related decisions. Public health and educational programs emerging in the first third of this century improved health and nutritional well-being in the United States. Characteristics that surrounded pioneering efforts early in the century are similar to those that have reinvigorated global micronutrient concerns in the last third of the century. Sound community-oriented scientific research revealed the true consequences of iodine, vitamin A and iron micronutrient malnutrition. Repositioning the image of these three micronutrients from that of a clinical problem affecting relatively few to one with consequences for individual, national and global development affecting many more, and disseminating these facts through high-level political forums incited attention, commitment and actions. As in the early days of McCollum and his contemporaries, current nutrition scientists played a significant role, interacting with politically oriented counterparts, in taking micronutrient research to reality for improving health and quality of life globally. Lessons learned from the process, both past and present, should guide future nutrition-oriented endeavours in moving research to reality for betterment of global community health.
Performance of the Aorfix endograft in severely angulated proximal necks in the PYTHAGORAS United States clinical trial

Objective This study compared the performance of the Aorfix endograft (Lombard Medical, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom) in standard ( 90°) aortic necks in the PYTHAGORAS study and evaluated changes in neck morphology over time. Methods PYTHAGORAS is a prospective nonrandomized clinical trial of the Aorfix endograft. We divided the endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) cohort into groups by standard, high, and severe neck angle. The primary control group was patients concurrently undergoing open repair. Mortality at 30 days, 1 year, and 2 years and 30-day freedom from Society for Vascular Surgery major adverse events for the EVAR groups was compared with the open control. Aneurysm sac change, type I and III endoleaks, graft migration, and the reintervention rate at 1 and 2 years was compared between the standard, highly, and severely angled populations. The relative risk of graft complications with a neck diameter increase >10% was also calculated. At predetermined anatomic points, the effect of oversizing on aortic diameter was evaluated by calculating oversize percentage ([1 − outer aortic diameter measured at a given time/stent graft diameter] × 100%) preoperatively and at 3 years. In addition, the average oversizing percentage at 30 days and annually at 1 to 5 years was compared with the preoperative oversizing percentage. Finally, complication rates with ≥30% vs Results The adverse event rate was lower for every EVAR group than the open control. In addition, the mortality rates at 30 days, 1 year, and 2 years were similar between the standard-angle (1.5%, 3.0%, 4.5%), high-angle (0.9%, 7.3%, 13.8%), and severe-angle (4.8%, 9.5%, 14.3%) EVAR groups and the open control groups (1.3, 6.6%, 10.5%). At 1 and 2 years, there was no difference in graft complications among the EVAR groups. However, with neck dilatation of >10% at 5 mm above the proximal renal and 1 mm below the distal renal, there was an increased risk of graft migration (relative risk, 4.38 [ P = .01] and 4.33 [ P = .002], respectively). For all predetermined anatomic points, the oversizing percentage decreased over time. The rate of oversize percentage decrease was faster at more distal aortic locations, reaching P Conclusions The Aorfix endograft has performed well in excluding aneurysms with standard and highly angled aortic neck anatomy.
The fine structural organization of the sea nettle fishing tentacle.

The fishing tentacle of the sea nettle (Chrysaora quinquecirrha) has four basic layers: an outermost epithelial layer, a muscle cell layer, a core of mesoglea and an innermost epithelial layer. The outermost epithelium contains three different cell types: (1) supporting cells, (2) nematocytes and (3) mucous cells. Apical cellular processes of smooth muscle fibers extend into the outermost epithelial layer whereas basal processes penetrate the mesoglea. The mesoglea contains randomly oriented fibrils (60–70 A in diameter). Inner epithelial cells vary in morphology. Some cells contain mostly phagocytotic vacuoles while other cells have an abundance of rough surfaced endoplasmic reticulum.
A new dualistic approach to brand passion: Harmonious and obsessive

Abstract Brand passion is increasingly seen as the ultimate emotional connection between the consumer and a brand. Limited previous research relied exclusively on Sternberg's triangular interpersonal theory in developing the brand passion concept. This research paper integrates consumer brand identity theory, refines the definition of brand passion, and proposes a dualistic approach to brand passion which distinguishes between two different types of brand passion: harmonious and obsessive. Four separate studies confirm the existence of harmonious and obsessive passion in a consumer–brand context and begin to develop a nomological network of both antecedent and outcome variables for each type of brand passion. This research demonstrates that the conceptualization of consumer passion for a brand is much more complex than previously suggested.
REGULATION OF ANGIOTENSIN II (AII) MEDIATED AUTONOMIC RESPONSES DURING DEVELOPMENT. † 391

Studies in adults suggest that circulating AII acts via central AT1 receptors within the area postrema (AP), an area which lacks a blood-brain barrier, to effect autonomic control of cardiovascular function. We previously demonstrated that despite similar initial plasma AII levels, inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system with enalaprilat alters arterial baroreflex function in newborn but not third trimester fetal sheep, suggesting that the influence of endogenous AII on autonomic function is attenuated during fetal life. To investigate mechanisms regulating this differential response to AII, we first used Northern blot analysis to characterize maturational changes in ovine AP AT1 mRNA levels, and second, studied ontogenic changes in functional activation of AII receptors by measuring the intracellular calcium response to AII in AP neurons in culture. AT1 mRNA levels were lowest early in fetal life and increase to adult levels late in gestation. No differences were seen between late term fetuses and newborns. Using microscopic image digital analysis of Fura-2 loaded single neurons, we found 11 of 24 cells (46%) from newborns (3-7 d of age) had a marked increase in [Ca2+]i in response to AII (10-6M) whereas 0/27 neurons from fetuses (130 d gestation [term 145 d]) responded (p<0.05). These results suggest that the lack of influence of AII on autonomic function in the mature fetus is related to maturational changes in the ability of AII to activate AP neurons. This developmental effect is not related to differences in AT1 mRNA levels, but may be secondary to changes in receptor expression or signal transduction mechanisms. Table
Estradiol binding in the cytosol and nuclear pellet of electrolytically treated rat uteri.

Abstract Intact mature rat uteri positioned in saline buffer at 0–2°C between platinum electrodes operating at a voltage in the range 1–4 VDC, with periodic reversal of polarity, are conditioned so that the cytosols obtained from these uteri lose 40% of specific and 32% of non-specific estradiol binding capacity and 90% of the dissolved protein. By contrast, estradiol bound in the nuclear pellet following incubation of the uterus in solution of the hormone shows a 50% increase in quantity if the uterus was electrolytically pretreated. The results are regarded as reflecting the removal from intact tissue by electrolytic treatment of a substance that inhibits and controls the translocation of estradiol receptor from the cytoplasm to the nucleus.
Comparative study of methods to calibrate the stiffness of a single-beam gradient-force optical tweezers over various laser trapping powers.

Optical tweezers have become an important instrument in force measurements associated with various physical, biological, and biophysical phenomena. Quantitative use of optical tweezers relies on accurate calibration of the stiffness of the optical trap. Using the same optical tweezers platform operating at 1064 nm and beads with two different diameters, we present a comparative study of viscous drag force, equipartition theorem, Boltzmann statistics, and power spectral density (PSD) as methods in calibrating the stiffness of a single beam gradient force optical trap at trapping laser powers in the range of 0.05 to 1.38 W at the focal plane. The equipartition theorem and Boltzmann statistic methods demonstrate a linear stiffness with trapping laser powers up to 355 mW, when used in conjunction with video position sensing means. The PSD of a trapped particle’s Brownian motion or measurements of the particle displacement against known viscous drag forces can be reliably used for stiffness calibration of an optical trap over a greater range of trapping laser powers. Viscous drag stiffness calibration method produces results relevant to applications where trapped particle undergoes large displacements, and at a given position sensing resolution, can be used for stiffness calibration at higher trapping laser powers than the PSD method.
Treatment of type III hyperlipoproteinemia with four different treatment regimens

The efficacy of clofibrate (CPIB) and nicotinic acid (NA) in the treatment of type III hyperlipoproteinemia was evaluated in 5 male subjects in a randomized cross-over study with clofibrate 1 g b.i.d. and NA 3 g/day (given either b.i.d. or t.i.d.). Following a baseline period of 6 weeks, each drug was given for 12 weeks with samples for lipid and lipoprotein determinations obtained at 6, 9, and 12 weeks. Both clofibrate and NA resulted in a significant reduction from baseline of total cholesterol (23% and 28%), VLDL cholesterol (49% and 56%), total triglycerides (40% and 43%), and VLDL triglycerides (46% and 48%), as well as a significant increase in HDL cholesterol (22% and 28%) and HDL/LDL ratio (31% and 62%). The HDL/LDL ratio was higher on NA than clofibrate (0.47 +/- 0.19 vs. 0.38 +/- 0.09, P less than 0.05). Four subjects were continued in the study and treated sequentially with NA 3.0 g/day (alternate to the previous schedule) and gemfibrozil 1.2 g/d in divided doses. Each of the 4 regimens resulted in a significant change from baseline of each of the measured lipid and lipoprotein determinations except LDL cholesterol. Comparison among the treatment regimens revealed no differences except for significantly higher HDL cholesterol and HDL/LDL ratio with NA given t.i.d.
Possibilities of ensuring reliable operation of turbogenerators with long service life

Analysis of the operational experience and diagnostics of turbogenerators is used to show that the actual life of a turbogenerator should not be treated as the decisive factor for making judgment on the necessity of its replacement or updating. The efficiency of diagnostic service and inspection of long-operating and newly commissioned turbogenerators is proved on the basis of results of a study of over 100 turbogenerators of various types and capacities. It is shown that timely detection and removal of flaws in the initial stage of their development is a substantial factor determining the possibility of extending the service live and ensuring reliable operation of turbogenerators.
George Boole and the origins of invariant theory

Abstract Historians have repeatedly asserted that invariant theory was born in two papers of George Boole (1841 and 1842). Although several themes and techniques of 19th-century invariant theory are enunciated in this work, in reacting to it (and thereby founding the British school of invariant theory), Arthur Cayley shifted Boole's research program.
Endothelin B receptors contribute to retinal ganglion cell loss in a rat model of glaucoma.

Glaucoma is an optic neuropathy, commonly associated with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) characterized by optic nerve degeneration, cupping of the optic disc, and loss of retinal ganglion cells which could lead to loss of vision. Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a 21-amino acid vasoactive peptide that plays a key role in the pathogenesis of glaucoma; however, the receptors mediating these effects have not been defined. In the current study, endothelin B (ETB) receptor expression was assessed in vivo, in the Morrison's ocular hypertension model of glaucoma in rats. Elevation of IOP in Brown Norway rats produced increased expression of ETB receptors in the retina, mainly in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), nerve fiber layer (NFL), and also in the inner plexiform layer (IPL) and inner nuclear layer (INL). To determine the role of ETB receptors in neurodegeneration, Wistar-Kyoto wild type (WT) and ETB receptor-deficient (KO) rats were subjected to retrograde labeling with Fluoro-Gold (FG), following which IOP was elevated in one eye while the contralateral eye served as control. IOP elevation for 4 weeks in WT rats caused an appreciable loss of RGCs, which was significantly attenuated in KO rats. In addition, degenerative changes in the optic nerve were greatly reduced in KO rats compared to those in WT rats. Taken together, elevated intraocular pressure mediated increase in ETB receptor expression and its activation may contribute to a decrease in RGC survival as seen in glaucoma. These findings raise the possibility of using endothelin receptor antagonists as neuroprotective agents for the treatment of glaucoma.
Violence in Juvenile Corrections: Correlates of Victimization in Group Homes

The issue of victimization in our institutions has received considerable attention in the past years—especially the adult institution. This study, through the use of self-report, examines the incidence of resident-resident and staff-resident victimization in nine community based juvenile group home facilities. The findings of the study indicate that there is no significant relation-ship between the victim of assault in these group home facilities and the age of the juvenile or the offense for which the juvenile was confined. In addition, an attitude section of the self-report demonstrated that the respondents believed themselves to be relatively safe from assault.
A consistent and verifiable macroscopic model for the dissolution of liquid CO2 in water under hydrate forming conditions

Abstract Direct injection of liquid CO 2 into the ocean has been proposed as one method to reduce the emission levels of CO 2 into the atmosphere. When liquid CO 2 is injected (normally as droplets) at ocean depths >500 m, a solid interfacial region between the CO 2 and the water is observed to form. This region consists of hydrate clathrates and hinders the rate of dissolution of CO 2 . It is, therefore, expected to have a significant impact on the injection of liquid CO 2 into the ocean. Up until now, no consistent and predictive model for the shrinking of droplets of CO 2 under hydrate forming conditions has been proposed. This is because all models proposed to date have had too many unknowns. By computing rates of the physical and chemical processes in hydrates via molecular dynamics simulations, we have been able to determine independently some of these unknowns. We then propose the most reasonable model and use it to make independent predictions of the rates of mass transfer and thickness of the hydrate region. These predictions are compared to measurements, and implications to the rates of shrinkage of CO 2 droplets under varying flow conditions are discussed.
The Influence of Family Communication Patterns on Religious Orientation Among College Students

A web survey of 215 participants was conducted to determine if the Revised Family Communication Patterns (RFCP) scale predicted a variety of dependent variables related to religiosity, including extrinsic and intrinsic orientations toward religion, along with strength of religious faith. Both dimensions of the RFCP significantly predicted strength of religious faith, intrinsic orientation and extrinsic orientation beyond the amount of variance predicted by demographic variables and church attendance in the family of origin. Implications for family communication patterns for the socialization of religious values are considered.
Synthetic Approach for Tunable, Size-Selective Formation of Monodisperse, Diphosphine-Protected Gold Nanoclusters

We report a new strategy that provides stringent control for the size and dispersity of ultrasmall nanoclusters through preparation of gold complex distributions formed from the precursor, AuClPPh3 (PPh3 = triphenylphosphine), and the L6 (L6 = 1,6-bis(diphenylphosphino) hexane) ligand prior to reduction with NaBH4 in 1:1 methanol/chloroform solutions. Monodisperse nanoclusters of distinct nuclearity are obtained for specific ligand ratios; [L6]/[PPh3] = 4 yields [Au8L64]2+, [L6]/[PPh3] = 0.4 yields [Au9L64Cl]2+, and [L6]/[PPh3] = 8 yields ligated Au10 cores in the form of [Au10L64]2+ and [Au10L65]2+. Polyhedral skeletal electron pair theory accounts for the stability of [Au9L64Cl]2+, which is the smallest closed-shell chlorinated cluster reported. Electrospray mass spectrometry and UV−vis spectra indicate that [Au9L64Cl]2+ and [Au10L6x]2+ (x = 4, 5) result from reactions involving [Au8L64]2+. Syntheses of small gold clusters containing chloride ligands open the possibility of constructing larger clusters ...
Improved nurse job satisfaction and job retention with the transition from a "mandatory consultation" model to a "semiclosed" surgical intensive care unit: a 1-year prospective evaluation.

OBJECTIVE: The change from a "mandatory consultation" to a "semiclosed" surgical intensive care unit (SICU) model will impact nurses considerably. We hypothesize that nurse job satisfaction, job turnover rates, and hospital costs for temporary agency nurses will improve and these improvements will be more dramatic in SICU sections with greater involvement of a dedicated surgical critical care service (SCCS). DESIGN: Prospective longitudinal survey. SETTING: Tertiary-care university hospital. SUBJECTS: SICU staff nurses. INTERVENTIONS: Change from mandatory consultation to semiclosed SICU. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: We surveyed SICU nurses during the year-long transition to a semiclosed SICU service (five time points, 3-month intervals). The first four surveys included ten questions on nurse job satisfaction. The final survey included two additional questions. All questions were on a 5-point Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree to 5 = strongly agree). Nurse job turnover rates and money spent on agency nurses were compared over time; 503 of a possible 914 surveys were completed (55% overall return rate). Nurse job satisfaction scores significantly improved over time for all questions (p < .05). Hospital spending on agency nurses decreased significantly (p = .0098). The yearly nurse job turnover rate dropped from 25% to 16% (p = .15). The scores for both year-end statements ("I am more satisfied with my job now than 1 year ago" and "The SCCS management of all orders has improved my job satisfaction") were significantly higher in sections with greater SCCS involvement (p = .0070 and p < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: Nurse job satisfaction improved significantly with the transition to a semiclosed SICU. This higher satisfaction was associated with a significant decrease in spending on temporary agency nurses and a trend toward increased staff nurse job retention. SICU sections with greater SCCS involvement had more dramatic improvements. This semiclosed SICU model may help retain SICU nurses in a competitive job market in which experienced nurses are in short supply.
Singing about the Land among the Biangai

This paper examines Biangai (Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea) expressions and transformations of environmental imaginaries through women's mourning songs (yongo ingi) and the songs of string bands. Biangai personhood, once intimately connected to garden lands and trees, hunting and forest paths, is increasingly influenced by global capitalism. Through their songs, they betray an increased tension between acting as an individual person and acting in terms of kin based relationality. While yongo ingi still memorialize the social spaces and land rights of the deceased, they also express conflicts in Biangai engagement with gold mining. Biangai string bands emerged just prior to Papua New Guinea's Independence in 1975, with the first band recording and releasing a national cassette in 1982. Dominated by young men, they depict the intersection of local music with a Melanesian modernity composed of compensation payments, gold mining, love, travel, and marketing. Both yongo ingi and string bands inform each other and provide insight into how local music engages images of both global economy and global ecology. By examining the uses, meanings, and performative contexts of these songs, this paper contributes to our understanding of the role of such expressive forms in connecting persons and their environment.
Phosphoinositide metabolism and prostacyclin formation in retinal microvascular endothelium: stimulation by adenine nucleotides.

Abstract Phosphoinositide lipid metabolism and prostacyclin production are implicated in endothelium dependent vascular relaxation in large blood vessels. To determine if these biochemical pathways might be involved in the regulation of microvascular tone in the retina, we measured the formation of 6-keto-prostaglandin-F1α, the stable end product of prostacyclin, and inositol phosphates from 3H-labeled phosphoinositide lipids, in endothelial cells prepared from bovine retinal microvessels and maintained in long-term culture. We found that adenosine 5′-triphosphate and adenosine 5′-diphosphate both stimulated a dose-dependent accumulation of inositol phosphates and of 6-keto-prostaglandin-F1α in these cells. The agonist specificity of the responses, with stimulation by adenosine 5′-triphosphate and adenosine 5′-diphosphate, and inactivity of adenosine 5′-monophosphate and adenosine, suggest that they are mediated through P2 purinergic receptors. The similar early time courses of 6-keto-prostaglandin-F1α and inositol triphosphate production support the hypothesis that prostacyclin formation could result from the mobilization of intracellular calcium by inositol triphosphate, which activates phospholipase A, and thereby releases arachidonic acid to form prostacyclin. These findings point to a role for these cells in the regulation of normal retinal vascular tone. Because phosphoinositide lipid metabolism is altered in diabetes, dysfunction of these biochemical pathways in retinal endothelium could underlie the pathophysiology of diabetic retinopathy.
Sharing Online Video Streams in Wireless Mesh Access Networks

In recent years, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of users who access online videos from wireless access networks. It is highly desirable that such wireless networks be robust in handling sudden spurts in demand for certain videos due to occurrences like special events. An abrupt increase in network usage should not significantly impact normal access to other regular videos or other day-to-day applications in a well-designed system. In this paper, we tackle this problem in wireless mesh access networks by proposing a distributed video sharing technique called Dynamic Stream Merging for Access Networks (DSMAN). DSMAN improves the robustness of the access network without requiring directives from the video servers. In fact, it optimizes the video transport independent of video server participation/knowledge. We present a wireless mesh network prototype based on DSMAN. Our experimental results, based on the mobile YouTube website as the video source, validate the correctness of DSMAN and demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed technique.
Groundwater Challenges of the Lower Rio Grande: A Case Study of Legal Issues in Texas and New Mexico

In 1938, Texas, New Mexico, and Colorado signed the Rio Grande Compact, establishing terms of apportionment for some of the water from the Rio Grande for the three states. Following congressional approval in 1939, this compact governs water allocation in a region with a variable climate and frequent drought conditions and established the Rio Grande Compact Commission, comprised of a commissioner from each state and one from the federal government, to enforce the compact. With an increasing population and declining surface water supply, the Compact has been tested among the parties and within the states themselves. In a case currently before the U.S. Supreme Court, Texas v. New Mexico and Colorado (2013), Texas claims New Mexico is violating the Compact and Rio Grande Project Act by using water in excess of its apportionment through its allowance of diversions of surface and groundwater. The issue is further compounded by disputes within Texas over separate legal regimes for groundwater and surface water. Combined with growing scarcity issues, the allocation of water in the Lower Rio Grande presents a timely natural resource challenge. This review explores legal issues involved in the case as well as growing challenges of population growth, agricultural development needs, and water shortages.
The Cerebral Ventricles: From Soul to Sink

The early concept that the cerebral ventricles harbor the soul began to break down only in the Renaissance. Thanks to determined anatomical studies and physiological considerations regarding the role played by the cerebrospinal fluid, the function of the ventricles was reduced to merely being a receptacle for metabolic waste.
Climate Sensitivity Uncertainty and the Need for Energy Without CO2 Emission

The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change calls for “stabilization of greenhouse gas concentrations at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system.”Even if we could determine a “safe” level of interference in the climate system, the sensitivity of global mean temperature to increasing atmospheric CO2 is known perhaps only to a factor of three or less. Here we show how a factor of three uncertainty in climate sensitivity introduces even greater uncertainty in allowable increases in atmospheric CO2 concentration and allowable CO 2 emissions. Nevertheless, unless climate sensitivity is low and acceptable amounts of climate change are high, climate stabilization will require a massive transition to CO 2 emission–free energy technologies.
Gene-to-phenotype models and complex trait genetics

The premise that is explored in this paper is that in some cases, in order to make progress in the design of molecular breeding strategies for complex traits, we will need a theoretical framework for quantitative genetics that is grounded in the concept of gene-networks. We seek to develop a gene-to-phenotype (G→P) modelling framework for quantitative genetics that explicitly deals with the context-dependent gene effects that are attributed to genes functioning within networks, i.e. epistasis, gene × environment interactions, and pleiotropy. The E(NK) model is discussed as a starting point for building such a theoretical framework for complex trait genetics. Applying this framework to a combination of theoretical and empirical G→P models, we find that although many of the context-dependent effects of genetic variation on phenotypic variation can reduce the rate of genetic progress from breeding, it is possible to design molecular breeding strategies for complex traits that on average will outperform phenotypic selection. However, to realise these potential advantages, empirical G→P models of the traits will need to take into consideration the context-dependent effects that are a consequence of epistasis, gene × environment interactions, and pleiotropy. Some promising G→P modelling directions are discussed.
An electrophoretic analysis of the crystalline style of Oncomelania (Mollusca: Hydrobiidae)

Abstract 1. 1. The crystalline styles of Oncomelania nosophora and O. formosana were analyzed and compared by polyacrylic gel electrophoresis. 2. 2. The protein patterns were characterized, and amylase, alkaline phosphatase, non-specific esterase, catalase and peroxidase were detected. 3. 3. The styles of the two species differed in their protein patterns, non-specific esterases and alkaline phosphatases. 4. 4. The two species of Oncomelania are reliably distinguished by differences in their alkaline phosphatase isoenzymes.
Rhythmic Control Of Atrial GIRK Channel Function By PKC

G-protein-gated inwardly rectifying K+ (GIRK) channels play a key role in the regulation of beat to beat variability of the heart (Wickman et al., 1998), yet the mechanisms that control this variability are not well understood. We hypothesized that different kinases known to regulate GIRK channel function might generate rhythmic changes in GIRK channel sensitivity to G protein stimulation in a “tug of war” manner with the PP1 and PP2A phosphatases associated with GIRK channels (Nikolov and Ivanova-Nikolova, 2004). To test this hypothesis we recorded the activity of single GIRK channels excised from the membrane of atrial myocytes in the presence of purified Gβγ and PKC. As previously reported, PKC abolished the activity of the canonical 35-pS GIRK1/4 channels. In contrast, PKC induced rhythmic activity of the small conductance GIRK (scGIRK) channels, residing in the atrial membrane. This rhythmic activity of scGIRK channels arises from constant concentration of Gβγ, PKC and ATP and greatly expands the dynamic repertoire of the signaling system. PKC has pivotal role in signal transduction as modulator of the amplitude of protein function. Our data reveal that in addition to its canonical role in signaling pathways, PKC has the ability to assemble molecular clocks out of common membrane components expanding the dynamic nature of cellular signaling.
Distributed deadlock detection

Distributed deadlock models are presented for resource and communication deadlocks. Simple distributed algorithms for detection of these deadlocks are given. We show that all true deadlocks are detected and that no false deadlocks are reported. In our algorithms, no process maintains global information; all messages have an identical short length. The algorithms can be applied in distributed database and other message communication systems.
The effects of discrete masses and elastic supports on continuous beam natural frequencies

Abstract Natural frequencies and modes are determined for beams having a continuous mass distribution as well as a finite number of concentrated masses with rotary inertia. The method also includes the effects of discrete elastic supports and torsional restraints. Solutions are obtained by expanding the time dependent deflection curve in terms of well known characteristic beam functions and then solving a set of linear equations for eigenfrequencies and modes. Solutions for a simple beam having a torsional end restraint and a cantilever beam with a concentrated end mass and stiffness are obtained in order to illustrate the method.
The Estherville mesosiderite: UPb, RbSr, and SmNd isotopic study of a polymict breccia

The U-Pb, Rb-Sr, and Sm-Nd isotopic systematics of the Estherville mesoderite were studied using analytical procedures and mass spectrometric techniques similar to those reported by Nakamura et al. (1976), Tatsumoto et al. (1987), and Premo et al. (1989) to analyze 21 separates of a 13-g Estherville clast, obtained either by handpicking or by using density and magnetic separation methods. The results on the Pb-Pb and U-Pb ages (about 4555 and about 4560 Ma, respectively) indicate that at least a part of the Estherville silicate fraction was formed early in the history of solar system. Younger Pb-Pb and U-Pb ages (about 4.43 Ga) were also obtained, confirming the heterogeneity of the Estherville mesoderite that is in agreement with the Wasson and Rubin (1985) suggestion of several generations of meteoritic impacts. The Sm-Nd and Rb-Sr ages were found to be close to 4.56 Ga.
Characterization of coarse particulate matter in the western United States: a comparison between observation and modeling

Abstract. We provide a regional characterization of coarse particulate matter (PM 10–2.5 ) spanning the western United States based on the analysis of measurements from 50 sites reported in the US EPA Air Quality System (AQS) and two state agencies. We found that the observed PM 10–2.5 concentrations show significant spatial variability and distinct spatial patterns, associated with the distributions of land use/land cover and soil moisture. The highest concentrations were observed in the southwestern US, where sparse vegetation, shrublands or barren lands dominate with lower soil moistures, whereas the lowest concentrations were observed in areas dominated by grasslands, forest, or croplands with higher surface soil moistures. The observed PM 10–2.5 concentrations also show variable seasonal, weekly, and diurnal patterns, indicating a variety of sources and their relative importance at different locations. The observed results were compared to modeled PM 10–2.5 concentrations from an annual simulation using the Community Multiscale Air Quality modeling system (CMAQ) that has been designed for regulatory or policy assessments of a variety of pollutants including PM 10 , which consists of PM 10–2.5 and fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ). The model under-predicts PM 10–2.5 observations at 49 of 50 sites, among which 14 sites have annual observation means that are at least five times greater than model means. Model results also fail to reproduce their spatial patterns. Important sources (e.g. pollen, bacteria, fungal spores, and geogenic dust) were not included in the emission inventory used and/or the applied emissions were greatly under-estimated. Unlike the observed patterns that are more complex, modeled PM 10–2.5 concentrations show the similar seasonal, weekly, and diurnal pattern; the temporal allocations in the modeling system need improvement. CMAQ does not include organic materials in PM 10–2.5 ; however, speciation measurements show that organics constitute a significant component. The results improve our understanding of sources and behavior of PM 10–2.5 and suggest avenues for future improvements to models that simulate PM 10–2.5 emissions, transport and fate.
Apparent motion: evidence of the influence of shape, slant, and size on the correspondence process.

Four stimulus elements configured as a notional diamond were flashed in pairs to elicit apparent motion. When the elements were identical (4Zs), the direction of apparent motion was ambiguous. When the elements were pairs of different letters (Cs andOs,Es andZs), letters of different sizes (Zs andzs), or oppositely oblique lines, the direction of apparent motion tended to be between identical elements. This was true, however, only for an initial, brief observation period. Subsequently, the direction of apparent motion tended to be determined by the direction of motion perceived at first, regardless of the character of the elements. This quickly established directional set (within 10 sec) largely swamped any tendency to resolve correspondence in terms of a feature of the stimulus. It appears to be based on spatial rather than retinal or egocentric coordinates.
The role of critical social analysis in public policy and administration: A service learning course application in race, inequality, and public policy

This article presents a course application in service learning and the use of critical social analysis as an instructional tool in teaching a masters program course in public policy and administration. The article initially sets out to identify the historical development of social analysis beginning in the Enlightenment and culminating in its application within critical theory. The formulation of critical social analysis is then demonstrated through the applications of Brazilian educator Paulo Freire and his "critical consciousness" methodology. Based on this methodology a number of applications are assessed which utilized this form of methodology in the related course Race, Inequality, and Public Policy. These techniques are then applied within a service learning component to the course. The article provides examples of focus questions for journal exercises useful in helping students, administrators, and practitioners to think critically about the study of race and equality. The implications for this ped...
Optical Design For A Visual Locomotive Simulator

This article describes the optical system for the visual locomotive simulator at the Canadian National Transportation Training Centre, Gimli, Manitoba. The projection system incorporates an aspheric reflector which expands the angular field of view presented to it from the projection lens by a factor of approximately 20 before the image is focused onto a spherical screen. The picture presented to the student has a horizontal and vertical field of view of 63° and 26° respectively. The large Petzval curvature and astigmatism introduced by the aspheric mirror is compensated for in the design of the projection lens.
Activity-based cost management for design and development stage

Abstract The fierce global competition in the international markets forces manufacturers to compete in quality, cost, and the time to market aspects of their products. Knowing the cost of the manufactured components is essential for efficient operation and competitive production. The current evolution of competitive manufacturing requires a shorter market life span of products—emphasizing the design and development phase of the product life cycle. Thus, it has become more important to analyze the cost of the design and development phase accurately. Activity-based costing (ABC) has become a mature cost estimation and accounting methodology. Using ABC for cost estimation of manufactured parts is being practiced today with acceptable rate of success. Cost estimation of the design activity on the other hand, has been nebulous and hard to implement. This paper presents a methodology of using ABC to evaluate the cost of the design and development activity for machined parts. The methodology is demonstrated on a sample part being produced in a controlled manufacturing facility.
Design and application of task administration protocols for collaborative production and service systems

Abstract This research investigates the design of Task Administration Protocols (TAPs) for effective task allocation and administration in collaborative production/service systems. Customer-focused and concurrent engineering service systems process tasks more effectively as a result of the power of collaboration among multiple participants. In such environments, however, complex situations might arise that require decisions that cannot be handled by simple Coordination Protocols (CPs). To design an effective control mechanism to manage complex situations, this research identifies basic problems in collaborative task administration and proposes the design framework of protocols to solve the problems. In the framework, TAPs consist of three component-protocols: (1) Task Requirement Analysis Protocol, (2) Shared Resource Allocation Protocol, and (3) Synchronization and Time-Out Protocol. Each component protocol is activated to address priority-based allocation, resource-aware allocation, and task re-allocation at a different task administration context, ranging from task initialization, task allocation, to task monitoring, respectively. To analyze feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed design, TAPs are applied to two collaborative production/service systems. Simulations are conducted to evaluate the performance achieved by different TAPs and non-TAP CPs under various load conditions. The results show that there is a significant performance improvement by TAPs over CPs in most cases, e.g., 84% vs. 64% in terms of task completion ratio. The advantage of TAPs can be explained by their design with relatively higher level of collaborative intelligence, addressing more complex control logic than non-TAP CPs.
Marginal deformations of nonrelativistic field theories

We construct the supergravity duals of marginal deformations of a (0, 2) Landau-Ginsburg theory that describes the supersymmetric lowest Landau level. These deformations preserve supersymmetry and it is proposed that they are associated with the introduction of a phase in the (0, 2) superpotential. We also consider marginal deformations of various field theories that exhibit Schr\"odinger symmetry and Lifshitz scaling. This includes countably infinite examples with dynamical exponent $z=2$ based on the Sasaki-Einstein spaces ${Y}^{p,q}$ and ${L}^{p,q,r}$, as well as an example with general dynamical exponent $z\ensuremath{\ge}1$.
Role of CpG islands in the up-regulation of NMDA receptor NR2B gene expression following chronic ethanol treatment of cultured cortical neurons of mice

Our earlier studies have indicated that chronic ethanol treatment produces an increase in the rate of NR2B gene expression but acute ethanol treatment doesn't cause any change in the expression in adult cortex and cultured fetal cortical neurons. To determine the molecular mechanism involved in the up-regulation of NR2B gene expression, we studied methylation in CpG islands in the regions (5843-6276) and (6477-6763) in mouse fetal cortical cultured neurons. However, acute administration of ethanol (3.5 g/kg, i.p.) as a 25% solution diluted in 0.9% saline to the adult mice did not cause any change in the methylation status of the NR2B gene. Therefore, these observations indicate that chronic ethanol causes demethylation in CpG islands in the regions (5843-6276) and (6477-6763), thereby probably resulting in increased expression of the NR2B gene. In contrast, acute ethanol treatment did not cause any change in the NR2B gene expression or its demethylation. We also investigated the changes in hypersensitive sites in CpG islands and transcription initiation sites in the cortical cultured neurons following chronic ethanol treatment. These experiments revealed that chronic ethanol treatment does not alter the pattern of hypersensitive sites in adult cortex and cultured cortical neurons.