cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Iridoid glycoside metabolism and sequestration byPoladryas minuta (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) feeding onPenstemon virgatus (Scrophulariaceae).

A bivoltine checkerspot butterfly,Poladryas minuta, is aPenstemon specialist, not known to utilize any other plant genus for oviposition and larval feeding. At several intermontane plains sites of central Colorado, the butterfly utilizesPenstemon virgatus as its sole host plant. Analysis of the host plant showed it to contain three cinnamyl-type catalpol esters (scutellarioside-II, globularin, globularicisin) and catalpol. The host plant contained an average of 10% dry weight iridoids, but some variation among individual plants and leaves within plants was noted. Field-collected butterflies contained 2.1–8.7% dry weight catalpol, but no other iridoids. Adults from larvae fedP. virgatus in the lab contained 4.2–9.0% dry weight catalpol and excreted large amounts of catalpol in the meconium. No catalpol was found in the larval frass. Larvae did not consume three alternate iridoid-containing host-plant species, and most eventually died rather than feed on the alternate plants. Larvae did consume small amounts of artificial diets containing the alternate species andP. virgatus, but most went into diapause and some died. Survival was good on artificial diet containing 10% dry weight of the iridoid esters fromP. virgatus. Only catalpol was found in pupae and adults, but it was absent from the larval frass. The cinnamic-type acids expected from larval hydrolysis of the esters were not found in larval frass, pupae, or adults. These results are contrasted with those found for another checkerspot,Euphydryas anicia, which consumes a different host-plant species but was present at one of the same sites withPoladryas minuta.
Editorial comment: Urethral injections for female stress incontinence

Durability is another matter, but until relatively recently carbon beads were difficult to inject and silicone unavailable in the USA. The newer agents, hydroxyl apatite and dextranomer microspheres, are interesting and hopefully will improve the results with bulking agents. I expect that the durability will improve, but the agents themselves probably cannot compensate for host-tissue factors, which are as yet poorly characterized.
Spectroscopy of Rydberg atoms in a ponderomotive optical lattice

We study Rydberg atoms in ponderomotive optical lattices. Unlike for ground-state atoms, for Rydberg atoms in an optical lattice, the extent of the electronic wave-function can approach the lattice period. This leads to state-dependent adiabatic trapping potentials that are unique to Rydberg atoms. We use microwave spectroscopy to experimentally demonstrate and investigate the state-dependence of the adiabatic potentials of S 1/2 Rydberg states of rubidium. The observed microwave spectra depend strongly on both the principal quantum number and the depth of the lattice. A semi-classical simulation is used to interpret the features seen in the microwave spectra. A large fraction of the Rydberg atoms can be trapped in the ponderomotive optical lattice.
A Novel Form of Dipeptidylpeptidase IV Found in Human Serum. ISOLATION, CHARACTERIZATION, AND COMPARISON WITH T LYMPHOCYTE MEMBRANE DIPEPTIDYLPEPTIDASE IV (CD26)

Human CD26, a Type II membrane glycoprotein with intrinsic dipeptidylpeptidase IV (DPPIV) activity and ability to bind adenosine deaminase type I (ADA-1), is expressed on epithelial cells constitutively, but on T lymphocytes its expression is regulated. A soluble form of CD26/DPPIV has been described in plasma and related to immunological status, but it has been defined by the presence of DPPIV activity rather than by isolation. Using nondenaturing chromatographic techniques followed by nondenaturing native preparative electrophoresis, we obtained a homogeneous preparation of soluble serum DPPIV and compared it with a recombinant soluble CD26/DPPIV (rsCD26). We show that serum DPPIV is a monomer of 175 kDa in contrast to rsCD26 of 105-110 kDa, that it exists as a trimer, and that it is probably a serine proteinase. Deglycosylation removed N-linked sugar from both serum DPPIV and rsCD26; no O-linked glycosylation was observed, revealing a protein core of 130 kDa for serum DPPIV. The large serum form expresses functional DPPIV activity with substrate and inhibitor specificities and pH activity profile similar to those of rsCD26. Epitope analysis showed that monoclonal antibodies against five epitopes expressed by rsCD26 also bound, but more weakly, with serum DPPIV. Analysis of peptides after limiting proteolysis and N-terminal sequences reveals no homology with rsCD26 but some identity with other peptidases. Unlike rsCD26, the serum form does not bind ADA-1 and has no ADA-1 already associated with it. Similarly to rsCD26, serum DPPIV is a potent T cell costimulator. We conclude that the serum form of DPPIV is unique and is not a breakdown product of membrane CD26. The conservation of DPPIV activity and five epitopes specific to rsCD26 suggest, however, a significant structural similarity.
Molecular Determinants of Golgi Retention in the Punta Toro Virus G1 Protein

Abstract The G1 glycoprotein of Punta Toro virus, a member of the bunyavirus family, accumulates in the Golgi complex when it is expressed from cloned cDNA. We previously reported that the information necessary for Golgi retention of the G1 protein is located within the transmembrane domain and a portion of the cytoplasmic domain adjacent to the transmembrane domain (Matsuoka, Y., Chen, S.-Y., and Compans, R. W. (1994) J. Biol. Chem. 269, 22565–22573). To determine the features of the amino acid sequence motif required for Golgi retention, we have introduced mutations including truncations and point mutations in the transmembrane and the cytoplasmic domains and examined the cellular localization of the expressed mutant proteins. The results from truncation mutants indicate that the crucial information appears to be located within the first 10 amino acids of the cytoplasmic domain. Within this region, mutation of a proline residue yielded a protein that was transported to the cell surface. A protein was also expressed on the cell surface when one of the threonine residues in the transmembrane domain was changed to leucine. Thus the transmembrane domain may have a supportive role in Golgi retention, possibly by promoting protein interactions through hydroxylated side chains.
Organization and Analysis of the Complete Rat Calmodulin- dependent Protein Kinase IV Gene

Abstract A 42-kilobase pair region of rat DNA containing the Ca/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IV (CaM kinase IV) gene has been cloned and characterized. The gene consists of 12 exons and 11 introns and is predicted to encode both β and α forms of CaM kinase IV as well as the testis-specific calmodulin-binding protein calspermin. The promoter utilized to generate the α-kinase isoform is located in intron 1, whereas the promoter utilized to produce the calspermin transcript is contained in intron 10. The calspermin promoter region which extends from −200 to +321 relative to the calspermin transcription initiation site that contains two cyclic AMP response elements (CRE) at −70 and −50 and has been shown previously to be inactive in NIH3T3 cells (Sun, Z., Sassone-Corsi, P., and Means, A. R.(1995) Mol. Cell. Biol. 15, 561-571) was ligated to the lacZ reporter gene and used to generate transgenic mice. The promoter was expressed exclusively in postmeiotic testis where β-galactosidase was found predominantly in elongating spermatids. The cell and developmental specificity of transgene expression was very similar to the pattern shown by the endogenous gene. Although the transgene promoter was silent in somatic tissues, β-galactosidase expression could be restored in primary cultures of skin fibroblasts by introduction of vectors encoding CREM and CaM kinase IV.
Digitization for the Masses

According to Clifford Lynch, Coalition for Networked Information president, a problem in developing digital libraries is that scarce resources get burned up in too many small‐scale local projects, which then wither away for lack of institutional support. One approach to solving it is to concentrate funding on a few large institutions that have the technical skills and institutional resources to manage major long‐term projects of national scope. A second approach is to help small, inexperienced institutions do it right. In the early stages of a digitization project, choices must be made: how much emphasis to put on preservation and how much on access; whether to do photographically exact images or structurally marked‐up, searchable ASCII text. The purpose of this article is two‐fold: to convince the reader of the importance of knowing the digitization literature and to introduce some of the most important elements of that literature. The bibliography emphasizes issues that cut across all options. Sections are on general works, landmark digitization projects, choice, quality, longevity, integrity, access, SGML markup, and copyright.
Presence of a calcium2+-dependent activator of cyclic-nucleotide phosphodiesterase in rat carotid body: effects of hypoxia.

Abstract The carotid body of rats contains cyclic 3′,5′-adenosine monophosphate and cyclic 3′,5′-guanosine monophosphate phosphodiesterases. The phosphodiesterase acting on cyclic adenosine monophosphate in carotid body can be regulated by a Ca 2+ -dependent activator protein. It was found that the content of this activator was increased two-fold after exposure of rats to hypoxia. Kinetic analysis of endogenous cyclic adenosine monophosphate phosphodiesterase indicated that the enzyme exists in both a high- and a low-K m form. Exposure to hypoxia resulted in an increase in V max and an apparent conversion to a single low-K m form. This shift in the molecular forms of phosphodiesterase was Ca 2+ -dependent. Disappearance of the high-K m form of the enzyme was also obtained in vitro after incubation of carotid body homogenates under protein phosphorylating conditions. Transection of the carotid sinus nerve prevented the shift from the high-K m to a low-K m form elicited by hypoxia.
Gibbsite growth kinetics on gibbsite, kaolinite, and muscovite substrates: atomic force microscopy evidence for epitaxy and an assessment of reactive surface area

Abstract New experimental data for gibbsite growth on powdered kaolinite and single crystal muscovite and published data for gibbsite growth on gibbsite powders at 80°C in pH3 solutions show that all growth rates obey the same linear function of saturation state provided that reactive surface area is evaluated for each mineral substrate. Growth rate (mol m−2 s−1) is expressed by Rateppt = (1.9 ± 0.2) × 10−10|ΔGr|/RT(0.90±0.01), which applies to the range of saturation states from ΔGr = 0 to 8.8 kJ mol−1, where ΔGr = RT[ln(Q/K)] for the reaction Al3+ + 3H2O = Al(OH)3 + 3H+, and equilibrium defined as ΔGr = 0 was previously determined. Identification of the growth phase as gibbsite was confirmed by rotating anode powder x-ray diffraction. Rates on kaolinite were determined using steady-state measured changes between inlet and outlet solutions in single-pass stirred-flow experiments. Rates on muscovite were determined by measuring the volume of precipitated crystals in images obtained by Tapping Mode™ atomic force microscopy (TMAFM). In deriving the single growth rate law, reactive surface area was evaluated for each substrate mineral. Total BET surface area was used for normalizing rates of gibbsite growth onto powdered gibbsite. Eight percent of the BET surface area, representing the approximate amount occupied by the aluminum octahedral sheet exposed at crystal edges, was used for powdered kaolinite. The x - y area of the TMAFM images of the basal surface was used for single crystal muscovite. Linearity of growth rates with saturation state suggests that the dominant nucleation and growth mechanisms are two dimensional. Such mechanisms are supported by observations of the morphologies of gibbsite crystals grown on muscovite at ΔGr = 8.8 kJ mol−1. The morphologies include (1) apparent epitaxial films as determined by hexagonal outlines of edges and thicknesses of 30 to 40 A, (2) elongate crystals 30 to 40 A thick aligned with the structure of the distorted Si-tetrahedral sheet of the 2M1 muscovite, and (3) micrometer-scale three-dimensional clumps of intergrown crystals. Reactive surface area as defined now for heterogeneous crystal growth in reactive-transport models must be modified to include substrates other than that of the growing mineral and to account for the role of structural and chemical controls on epitaxial nucleation and growth.
The Unruh effect for philosophers

The importance of the Unruh effect lies in the fact that, together with the related (but distinct) Hawking effect, it serves to link the three main branches of modern physics: thermal/statistical physics, relativity theory/gravitation, and quantum physics. However, different researchers can have in mind different phenomena when they speak of “the Unruh effect” in flat spacetime and its generalization to curved spacetimes. Three different approaches are reviewed here. They are shown to yield results that are sometimes concordant and sometimes discordant. The discordance is disconcerting only if one insists on taking literally the definite article in “the Unruh effect.” It is argued that the role of linking different branches of physics is better served by taking “the Unruh effect” to designate a family of related phenomena. The relation between the Hawking effect and the generalized Unruh effect for curved spacetimes is briefly discussed.
The anti‐Chinese legislative and press campaign in Sonora, Mexico, 1916–21

Lured by promises of work and a lucrative living, Chinese immigrants entered Mexico in the late nineteenth century. Gravitating to the sparsely populated states of the north‐west, Chinese became the largest foreign minority in Sonora. Gradually, Chinese were able to dominate the wholesale and retail grocery trades. Their success, combined with economic crises in Sonora, provided the background for campaigns against them. Physical, press and political attacks were commonplace. Between 1916 and 1921 a highly organized press campaign garnered the active support of various state governors, who not only backed attempts to regulate Chinese, but also tried to force them from the state.
Perceptions of young adults as to the future of health care in the 21st century.

This study assessed the perceptions of the need for and quality of future health care programs of those who will be major users of medical services in the 21st century. Findings indicated that most recognize the importance of having medical coverage. While copayment costs were most important in health plan selection, less personal factors (e.g., ease of obtaining appointments) were more important than the plan's quality reputations and its physicians. Finally, few respondents thought the quality of physicians and hospitals would improve. Even fewer believed the range of services covered would be better, access to care would be easier to obtain, or that service would be more personalized. They also expect the costs of health care to escalate, and costs to have more impact on the availability of medical services.
The PsbP protein, but not the PsbQ protein, is required for normal thylakoid architecture in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Interfering RNA was used to suppress the expression of the genes At1g06680 and At2g30790 in Arabidopsis thaliana, which encode the PsbP-1 and PsbP-2 proteins, respectively, of Photosystem II. A phenotypic series of transgenic plants was recovered that expressed intermediate and low amounts of PsbP. Earlier we had documented significant alterations in a variety of Photosystem II parameters in these plant lines [Yi, X., Liu, H., Hargett, S. R., Frankel, L. K., Bricker, T. M. (2007). The PsbP protein is required for photosystem II complex assembly/stability and photoautotrophy in Arabidopsis thaliana. J. Biol. Chem. 34, 24833–24841]. In this communication, we document extensive defects in the thylakoid membrane architecture of these plants. Interestingly, strong interfering RNA suppression of the genes encoding the PsbQ protein (At4g21280 and At4g05180) was found to have no effect on the architecture of thylakoid membranes.
992-109 Prolonged Redetection of Ventricular Fibrillation with an Integrated Lead System

Integrated defibrillator leads incorporate both sensing electrodes and a shocking coil in the ventricle. Although this facilitates lead system placement, sensing may be impaired because of the high energy electric fields close to the sensing electrodes. To evaluate this, we prospectively compared sensing in 55 patients (pts) who had received either a dedicated sensing lead without ventricular coils (CPI BT-10, BT) or an integrated lead (CPI Endotak, ET). VF was induced with ramp pacing from a temporary pacing catheter and sensing was automatically performed by the defibrillator (Ventak 1600). Redetection was assessed from a failed first shock just below defibrillation threshold. Mean patient age (64 yrs) and mean LVEF (33%) did not significantly differ between the two groups. Results are shown below (mean ± SD). Type of lead N Detect time (sec) Redect time (sec) * BT 32 3.2 ± 1.8 3.6 ± 2.6 ET 23 2.9 ± 3.8 5.4 ± 3.5 * P l 0.05 between the two types of leads Prolonged redection ( g 6 sec) was found in 26% of pts with ET compared to 6% in pts with BT (P l 0.05). Redection following a sub-therapeutic shock is longer with integrated ICD lead (ET) utilizing defibrillation coil as part of the sensing circuit. The clinical significance of this finding needs to be assessed
The interrelation of TCP responsiveness and smoothness in heterogeneous networks

TCP(/spl alpha/,/spl beta/) protocols trade the congestion window increase value /spl alpha/ for the decrease ratio /spl beta/, to generate smoother traffic patterns and to maintain a friendly behavior. We study the design assumptions of TCP(/spl alpha/,/spl beta/) protocols and discuss the impact of equation-based modulation of /spl alpha/ and /spl beta/ on application efficiency. We confirm experimentally that, in general, smoothness and responsiveness constitute a tradeoff; however, we uncover undesirable dynamics of the protocols when the network or flow characteristics do not follow a prescribed and static behavior. For example, we show that smooth backward adjustments confine the protocol's capability to exploit resources that become available rapidly, and embarrass the fair and efficient growth of incoming flows. Furthermore, we show that in the context of wireless networks with high error rate, a low /spl alpha/ dictates a conservative behavior that degrades the protocol performance with both delay-tolerant and delay-sensitive applications; and in the context of high contention of heterogeneous flows, a low /spl alpha/ does not contribute to efficiency and friendliness.
Cyclopiperazines: A new approach to chiral macrocyclic receptors☆

Abstract The synthesis and preliminary substrate binding properties of a series of piperazine-containing macrocycles are described.
The development and implementation of a new medical biology major including physiology.

In response to the Howard Hughes Medical Institute/Association of American Medical Colleges Scientific Foundations for Future Physicians (SFFP) report and a concern for better preparing undergradua...
Research funding: less should be more.

The Policy Forum “Structural disequilibria in biomedical research” by M. S. Teitelbaum (1 August, p. [644][1]) discussed structural problems in U.S. biomedical research funding, particularly NIH funding, but neglected to mention one of the most perverse structural problems in the system: Scientists are incentivized to secure as much funding as possible for their work, irrespective of whether an increase in funding leads to a proportionate increase in productivity. The problem can be illustrated by a simple comparison. Suppose a pharmaceutical company has hired two researchers to run two new research labs. After 6 years, both researchers are evaluated and both have been similarly productive in terms of papers, patents, and new drugs in the pipeline. However, one researcher has sustained this productivity with a modest budget of $800,000 per year, whereas the other has constantly requested funds from the company for more equipment, more technicians, and more resources and now spends $3 million per year of the company's money. Which researcher is the company more likely to reward and promote to a position of greater responsibility? Now, let's switch to a research university or medical school and talk about two assistant professors who, at the end of 6 years, have been similarly productive in terms of papers and other achievements. One has done so with a single RO1, whereas the other has managed to secure three major grants. Which assistant professor will the deans and administrators be more enthusiastic about promoting and rewarding with raises, endowed chairs, and other perks? The discrepancy between the financial priorities in these two settings is no mystery. At the company, the funding for research comes out of the company's pocket, and it has an interest in encouraging economic efficiency in scientific output. At the university or medical school, the funding comes from outside the institution, and there is an interest in maximizing the money secured for research, irrespective of its effect on actual productivity. Even if the academic research model is self-correcting in the long run, would it not be more economically efficient in the first place to eliminate the incentives to secure funding over and above what a scientist feels he can most effectively use? How can we remove these incentives? There must be a change in culture. No prestige should be attached to the level of funding that an investigator has managed to secure. The most basic of truths must be emphasized: Money is a means, not an end. We do not do science to get money. We get money to do science. Funding cannot be a measure of productivity, because scientists do not produce research dollars. Research dollars are produced by taxpayers (and to a lesser extent by philanthropists and charitable individuals). The amount of money spent by a researcher is not a measure of his productivity, but of his consumption, and might even be counted on the negative side of the ledger when he is evaluated. [1]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.1160272
Impact of limited treadmill exercise on adenosine Tc-99m sestamibi single-photon emission computed tomographic myocardial perfusion imaging in coronary artery disease.

Limited exercise combined with dipyridamole increases myocardial perfusion defect severity compared with dipyridamole alone. The impact of limited exercise combined with adenosine on myocardial perfusion defect severity is unknown. This study compares myocardial perfusion defect severity with adenosine alone and adenosine combined with limited exercise. Thirty-two patients with coronary artery disease underwent on separate days and in randomized order technetium-99m sestamibi (25 to 30 mCi) single-photon emission computed tomographic imaging at rest, after adenosine (140 microg/kg/min x 6 minutes), and after adenosine (140 microg/kg/min x 4 minutes) during 6 minutes of modified Bruce treadmill exercise (adenosine-exercise). Radiopharmaceutical was injected at 3 and 5 minutes during adenosine and adenosine-exercise, respectively. Images were interpreted by a consensus agreement of 3 nuclear cardiologists without knowledge of patient identity, stress protocol, or clinical data using a 17-segment model and 5-point scoring system. A summed stress score (SSS), summed rest score (SRS), and summed difference (SSS-SRS) score (SDS) were calculated for each image. Peak stress heart rate and rate-pressure product were higher for adenosine-exercise than adenosine (102 +/- 19 vs 81 +/- 11 beats/min and 13,972 +/- 4,265 vs 10,623 +/- 2,131, respectively; both p or = 50% coronary stenosis was 75% and 72% for adenosine-exercise and adenosine, respectively (p = NS). There were no differences in SSS and SDS between adenosine-exercise and adenosine (8.2 +/- 5.9 vs 8.1 +/- 6.3 and 4.9 +/- 4.1 vs 5.2 +/- 4.6, respectively; both p = NS). Thus, in patients with coronary artery disease, limited treadmill exercise combined with adenosine does not increase myocardial perfusion defect severity compared with standard adenosine technetium-99m sestamibi single-photon emission computed tomographic myocardial perfusion imaging.
Stubborn Facts Call for Stubborn Scientists

It is not only acceptable but desirable for scientists to speak out publicly in defense of science; moreover, given the current political environment, such actions are increasingly necessary. In the process, it is crucial that we remain open to rethinking our most cherished beliefs.
Ecological principles and processes as drivers for landscape design

Over the course of the last several centuries, anthropocentric expansion and influence has marched forth across the planet at both rates and intensities never before experienced. The results of these activities position humankind in a unique period historically, in the midst of the planet’s sixth great extinction. While such events have indeed happened before, scientific consensus points to the cause of this current mass extinction as being uniquely new; indeed it points to us, in that we are the cause. It is within this context that the book ‘Designing Wildlife Habitats’ edited by John Beardsley is incredibly timely and of paramount need. Compiled as a compendium of essays presented at the 2010 Dumbarton Oaks Symposium, the book aims to explore landscape design within the context of the current biodiversity crisis, presuming that landscape designers will be increasingly called upon to engage in restoration efforts of landscapes and habitats. The first section (chapters 1–6) presents a series of frameworks for operationalizing landscape design. With the exception of several chapters that are more empirically driven, the first section largely focuses on establishing an understanding of the cultural constructs and value systems that influence the way we think about wildlife within the context of design. The second section of the book (chapters 7–14) utilizes a series of case studies to discuss design explorations specific to various sites, scales, and systems. The most notable strength of the book is the trans-disciplinary expertise and perspectives from which it draws its content. This is evidenced by the wide spectrum of contributors including historians, anthropologists, ecologists, and conservation biologists as well as conservation and design practitioners. Chapter 1 provides an artful and approachable chronology of notable contributions to the landscape design discipline, and introduces two particularly compelling narratives. First, that one of the most notable evolutions of the design discipline in addressing species decline has been a shift from evaluating how landscapes look towards evaluating how they function. Second, that one of the discipline’s most notable challenges in evaluating function is balancing ‘‘nature’s methods’’ with ‘‘culture’s methods’’. The frameworks presented in the subsequent chapters are less about clarifying this cultural/natural schism and more about blurring it further in an incredibly thoughtprovoking way. Chapters 2 and 3 are particularly compelling in that they explore the fuzzy line between cultural landscapes and naturalness while reconstructing historical perceptions and the cultural meaning(s) of the wild. Given this, they evoke the question: does absolute wilderness exist? From a biocentric perspective, I contest that if landscapes are to be evaluated based on R. M. Perkl (&) School of Landscape Architecture and Planning, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA e-mail: rperkl@u.arizona.edu
Medieval Inquisitorial Procedure: Procedural Rights and the Question of Due Process in the 13th Century

The developments in 12th- and 13th-century legal procedure, known as inquisitio, illustrate that there existed a learned and reasoned legal system used by both secular and ecclesiastical courts in continental Europe. This essay outlines how scholarship has re-defined and provided greater understanding of the paradox between the granting and denying of due process. The interpretation that inquisitorial procedure itself afforded rights to the defendant in the court of law is set against the suspension of those rights for the perceived threat of heresy. Two important historiographical approaches offer a politically motivated and intellectually grounded explanation for this deviation from or adherence to procedural norms: one views inquisitorial procedure within the context of the Church's growing power to legislate and the other views procedure within the context of ideas about natural law that guaranteed a defendant's rights. The juxtaposition of natural law safeguarding procedural rights with the duty to protect society from the threat of heresy, thereby justifying deviations from procedure, resonates in our post-9/11 world. Today's terrorism is yesterday's heresy. Be it the 13th century or the 21st century, the balance between procedure and the maintenance of due process is problematic.
Non-redundant robotic manipulator acceleration capability and the actuation efficiency measure

This article presents a performance measure, the actuation efficiency, which describes the imbalance between the end-effector accelerations achievable in different directions of non-redundant robotic manipulators. A key feature of the proposed measure is that in its development the unitary differences between linear and angular accelerations are treated in a physically meaningful manner. The measure also indicates oversized actuators, since this contributes to the imbalance in achievable accelerations. The development of this measure is based on the formulation of the Dynamic Capability Hypersurface. The shape of this hypersurface is a weak indicator of the level of imbalance in achievable end-effector accelerations.
Fair K Mutual Exclusion Algorithm for Peer to Peer Systems

k-mutual exclusion is an important problem for resource-intensive peer-to-peer applications ranging from aggregation to file downloads. In order to be practically useful, k-mutual exclusion algorithms not only need to be safe and live, but they also need to be fair across hosts. We propose a new solution to the k-mutual exclusion problem that provides a notion of time-based fairness. Specifically, our algorithm attempts to minimize the spread of access time for the critical resource. While a client's access time is the time between it requesting and accessing the resource, the spread is defined as a system-wide metric that measures some notion of the variance of access times across a homogeneous host population, e.g., difference between max and mean. We analytically prove the correctness of our algorithm, and evaluate its fairness experimentally using simulations. Our evaluation under two settings - a LAN setting and a WAN based on the King latency data set - shows even with 100 hosts accessing one resource, the spread of access time is within 15 seconds.
PROGNOSIS AND THE OPEN DOOR

Author's Summary— As yet of doubtful scientific value in foreign language work, prognosis for elimination purposes appears unlikely to react favorably either upon the student body or upon foreign language as a subject of general educational importance. What we need at present is not so much prognosis of the pupil as diagnosis directed at the real source of most of our ills—the course of study.
Modification of an Introductory Nutrition Course to Meet University General Education Criteria

Abstract An introductory nutrition course serving over 700 students annually was modified for inclusion in a new university-wide general education program. Approved courses are required to incorporate an active learning environment, provide an experiential context for the subject matter, and foster opportunities to connect ideas across disciplines. Course format includes multimedia presentations; individual and group projects; use of a listserv, selected websites, and interactive software; and televised review sessions. The content of introductory nutrition courses is ideally suited for university general education for the following reasons: course content stimulates critical thinking as students learn how to make intelligent, informed, and independent food choices; reflection on food experiences personalizes nutrition concepts and enhances application to daily life, and the interdisciplinary nature of nutrition allows students to integrate content from many fields and to appreciate the universality of food in human experience. Course modification requires understanding of and commitment to the university's stated philosophy of general education, followed by experimentation with instructional methods appropriate for class size and technology-enhanced settings. The pedagogical process involved can lead to creative presentation of content, capturing students' attention and encouraging consideration of nutrition as a career.
Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure

The National High Blood Pressure Education Program presents the complete Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure. Like its predecessors, the purpose is to provide an evidence-based approach to the prevention and management of hypertension. The key messages of this report are these: in those older than age 50, systolic blood pressure (BP) of greater than 140 mm Hg is a more important cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor than diastolic BP; beginning at 115/75 mm Hg, CVD risk doubles for each increment of 20/10 mm Hg; those who are normotensive at 55 years of age will have a 90% lifetime risk of developing hypertension; prehypertensive individuals (systolic BP 120-139 mm Hg or diastolic BP 80-89 mm Hg) require health-promoting lifestyle modifications to prevent the progressive rise in blood pressure and CVD; for uncomplicated hypertension, thiazide diuretic should be used in drug treatment for most, either alone or combined with drugs from other classes; this report delineates specific high-risk conditions that are compelling indications for the use of other antihypertensive drug classes (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin-receptor blockers, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers); two or more antihypertensive medications will be required to achieve goal BP (<140/90 mm Hg, or <130/80 mm Hg) for patients with diabetes and chronic kidney disease; for patients whose BP is more than 20 mm Hg above the systolic BP goal or more than 10 mm Hg above the diastolic BP goal, initiation of therapy using two agents, one of which usually will be a thiazide diuretic, should be considered; regardless of therapy or care, hypertension will be controlled only if patients are motivated to stay on their treatment plan. Positive experiences, trust in the clinician, and empathy improve patient motivation and satisfaction. This report serves as a guide, and the committee continues to recognize that the responsible physician's judgment remains paramount.
YP and urban simulation: applying an agile programming methodology in a politically tempestuous domain

YP is an agile programming methodology that has evolved over the past 15 years. Many of its features are common to other agile methodologies; its novel features include using a highly visible, physical software status indicator (a real traffic light), and a well-defined nested set of development cycles. It is also an exceptionally open process, with the current status of the development process visible to the customers, as well as the code and documentation. We are using YP in developing the software for UrbanSim, a sophisticated simulation system for modeling urban land use, transportation, and environmental impacts over periods of 20 or more years under alternate possible scenarios. Our purpose in developing UrbanSim is to support public deliberation and debate on such issues as building a new light rail system or freeway, or changing zoning or economic incentives, as well as on broader issues such as sustainable, livable cities, economic vitality, social equity, and environmental preservation. The domain of use is thus politically charged, with different stakeholders bringing strongly held values to the table. Our goal is to not favor particular stakeholder values in the simulation or its output, but rather to let different stakeholders evaluate the results in light of what is important to them. There are several implications of this for the development process. First, having credible, reliable code is important - and further, both the code itself and the development process that produced it should be open and inspectable, not a black box. Second, to allow us to respond quickly to different stakeholder values and concerns, a flexible agile development process is required.
Thermal comfort sensor

Building Systems Division of Yamatake-Honeywell Co., has developed a new TY4700 Comfort Sensor that revolutionizes indoor comfort control. Thermal comfort depends on many factors-the new sensor's output temperature signal is a combination of air temperature, radiant temperature and air velocity. The comfort sensor consists of a sensor unit and a processor unit. The sensor unit has a compact, light but accurate compound sensing element which detects air temperature, radiant temperature and air velocity. The processor unit uses the input data to provide an output signal representing the room's thermal comfort/discomfort factor. Building automation (BA) systems can combine this output with humidity data and stored knowledge of tenant's clothing and physical activity to calculate the ISO7730 standard Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) thermal comfort index, which ensures maximum comfort for tenants and minimum energy expenditure for building operators. >
Homeostatic plasticity during alcohol exposure promotes enlargement of dendritic spines

Modifications of the size, shape and number of dendritic spines is thought to be an important component of activity-dependent changes of neuronal circuits, and may play an important role in the plasticity of drug addiction. The present study examined whether homeostatic increases in synaptic N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in response to chronic ethanol exposure is associated with corresponding morphological changes in dendritic spines. Prolonged exposure of rat hippocampal cultures to either the NMDA receptor antagonist d(-)-2-amino-5-phosphono-pentanoic acid or to ethanol increased punctate staining of F-actin and the postsynaptic density protein-95 (PSD-95). The increase in dendritic F-actin occurred only with clusters that co-localized with PSD-95 clusters, indicating that these actin structures likely represent dendritic spines. The ethanol-induced increases in PSD-95 and F-actin clusters were activity-dependent and reversible. Finally, inhibition of protein palmitoylation prevented ethanol-induced increases in synaptic NMDA receptor clustering and F-actin without altering the basal clustering of either F-actin or PSD-95. These observations support a model in which chronic ethanol exposure induces homeostatic increases of NR2B-containing NMDA receptors and PSD-95 to the postsynaptic density. This in turn may provide a scaffolding platform for the subsequent recruitment of actin signaling cascades that alter actin cycling and promote spine enlargement.
SAFETY EFFECTS OF DIFFERENTIAL SPEED LIMITS ON RURAL INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS

To compare the safety effects of a uniform speed limit (USL) for all vehicles and a differential speed limit (DSL) for cars and heavy trucks, crash, speed, and volume data for rural Interstate highways for the period 1991 through 2000 were obtained from nine states. These states were divided into four policy groups based on the type of speed limit employed during the period: maintenance of a uniform limit only, maintenance of a differential limit only, a change from a uniform to a differential limit, and a change from a differential to a uniform limit. Statistical tests (analysis of variance, Tukey's test, and Dunnett's test) and the empirical Bayes method were used to study speed and crash rate changes in the four policy groups. The focus here is only on the statistical tests. The safety effects of DSL and USL were not different within the scope of the study. The mean speed, 85th percentile speed, median speed, and crash rates tended to increase over the 10-year period regardless of which type of speed limit was employed. When all sites within a state were analyzed, temporal differences in these variables were often not significant.
Collateral Damage: Family Members of Registered Sex Offenders

The purpose of this study was to better understand the impact of sex offender registration and notification laws on the family members of registered sex offenders (RSO). An online survey was utilized to collect data from 584 family members across the U.S. Employment problems experienced by the RSO, and subsequent financial hardships, emerged as the most pressing issue identified by family members. The likelihood of housing disruption was correlated with residential restriction laws; larger buffer distances led to increased frequencies of housing crisis. Family members living with an RSO were more likely to experience threats and harassment by neighbors. Children of RSOs reportedly experienced adverse consequences including stigmatization and differential treatment by teachers and classmates. More than half had experienced ridicule, teasing, depression, anxiety, fear, or anger. Unintended consequences can impact family members’ ability to support RSOs in their efforts to avoid recidivism and successfully reintegrate. Implications for criminal justice policy and practice are discussed.
Numerical Investigation of Magnetohydrodynamic Effects in Real Gas Flows

A compressible viscous magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) solver has been developed to investigate the use of MHD control techniques in the weakly ionized gas flows found in several hypersonic regimes. Numerical solutions are obtained by solving Powell’s 8-wave formulation of the governing equations in generalized coordinates using a modified Runge-Kutta time integration scheme and second-order accurate spatial discretization. The symmetric Davis-Yee Total Variation Diminishing (TVD) flux limiters are employed. The capability to simulate the behavior of real gases by including equilibrium air curve-fits has been added to the code that also includes models for variable electrical conductivity. A study of the effect of magnetic fields on scramjet inlet flows with air assumed to be frozen and in thermo-chemical equilibrium is presented.
A Strategy for Direct Chemical Activation of the Retinoblastoma Protein

The retinoblastoma (Rb) tumor suppressor protein negatively regulates cell proliferation by binding and inhibiting E2F transcription factors. Rb inactivation occurs in cancer cells upon cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk) phosphorylation, which induces E2F release and activation of cell cycle genes. We present a strategy for activating phosphorylated Rb with molecules that bind Rb directly and enhance affinity for E2F. We developed a fluorescence polarization assay that can detect the effect of exogenous compounds on modulating affinity of Rb for the E2F transactivation domain. We found that a peptide capable of disrupting the compact inactive Rb conformation increases affinity of the repressive Rb–E2F complex. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of discovering novel molecules that target the cell cycle and proliferation through directly targeting Rb rather than upstream kinase activity.
“I didn't know you could just ask:” Empowering underrepresented college-bound students to recruit academic and career mentors☆☆☆

Abstract This study investigates a new approach to cultivating mentoring relationships in which adolescents participate in workshops to develop their capacity to recruit mentors and other supportive adults who can help advance their academic and career goals. Drawing on in-depth pre- and post- interviews, research observations, and participant feedback and workshop materials from a pilot intervention conducted with 12 ethnic minority students in their senior year of high school, this study explores whether and how the intervention influenced participants, as well as mechanisms of change. Results suggested that the intervention increased the value students placed on social capital and mentoring relationships, developed their knowledge, skills, and self-efficacy in how to develop such connections, and influenced their interactions with potential academic and career mentors. Although additional research is needed, this study highlights the potential of a relatively low-cost intervention to support underrepresented college-bound students in developing relationships that are crucial to college and career success.
Investigation of Ablative Properties through Advanced Video Analysis: Improving Infrared Measurement through Image-to-Object Calibration

Ablatives are a compelling class of materials for thermal protection systems (TPS) in aerospace and defense applications because they demonstrate unique resilience in hyperthermal environments. An Oxy-acetylene Test Bed (OTB) was used to burn ablative samples under application of controlled heat flux. During the application of up to 1000 W/cm heat flux, high-definition (HD) optical video and infrared (IR) video were captured simultaneously to observe surface changes in morphology and temperature, respectively. In these conditions, videos were recorded of heat shielding materials PICA and Avcoat, provided by NASA. Digitally rendered videos were analyzed in post-processing to obtain meaningful measurements of material properties. In previous experiments, video-based techniques for measuring ablation recession rates of these materials were attempted. In this paper, a controlled comparison of data obtained from optical high-definition video and in-situ thermocouple data is presented. In addition, the limitations and sources of error for measuring recession with infrared video capabilities are discussed and calibrations are proposed.
Low Insertion Loss and Highly Sensitive SH-SAW Sensors Based on 36° YX LiTaO3 Through the Incorporation of Filled Microcavities

Reduction in power consumption and improvement in mass sensitivity are important considerations for surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices used in various sensing applications. Detection of minute quantities of a particular species (clinical sensing) and power requirements (wireless sensing) are two key metrics that must be optimized. In this paper, a 3-D finite element model (FEM) was employed to compare insertion loss (IL) and mass sensitivity of SAW sensors having microcavities filled with ZnO and nanocrystalline diamond to a standard two-port SAW design. Initial simulation results show that ZnO filled cavities (depth = 5 μm) were most effective at reducing power loss ΔIL = (6.03 dB) by increasing particle displacement (acousto-electric to mechanical transduction) at the output transducer. A 100-pg/cm 2 load was applied to the sensing area of each device to evaluate mass sensitivity. Our simulations suggest that ZnO filled cavities with shallow depth (2.5 μm) have the greatest sensitivity. The FEM simulations are used to understand the acoustic wave propagation in microcavity-based SAW sensors. The observed enhancement in mass sensitivity and power transfer is attributed to waveguiding effects and constructive interference of the scattered acoustic waves from the microcavities. Devices fabricated with microcavities ~1 μm deep decreased IL by 3.306 dB compared with a standard SAW device. Additional simulations were conducted for each device configuration using the same depth in order to make a direct comparison between measured and simulated results. Our findings offer encouraging prospects for designing low IL highly sensitive microcavity-based SAW biosensors.