cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Phial of Galadriel.

There is general recognition that stroke mortality has declined over the past 2 decades.1,2 Two important questions, whether this decline holds true for all forms of stroke and whether the decline is offset by an increase in long-term disability, have been examined in less detail. To address these and related questions, in this issue of Neurology ®, Joundi and colleagues3 examined administrative databases in the Canadian province of Ontario for the years 2003 to 2017. These databases identified patients coded as having ischemic stroke or intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). The authors linked to additional databases, allowing identification of patient demographics and comorbid conditions, intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, specific inpatient procedures, inpatient rehabilitation, death, and long-term care. The primary outcome was 30-day poststroke mortality, while mortality and admission to long-term care at 1 year were secondary outcomes.
Participating in the Design: Constitution-Making in South Africa

Constitution-making has typically been an elite driven process. The nature of this process and its outcome — the fettering of the will of the majority — has led to assertions that constitutionalism is anti-democratic. The author here concedes that these assertions are valid, but argues that the process leading up to the adoption of the interim South African Constitution tended to minimise elite domination and, indeed, was relatively inclusive. Professor Klug suggests that the confluence of a variety of forces, both domestic and international, necessitated an open and inclusive process of constitution-making in South Africa. As a result, groups based on shared characteristics, such as ethnicity, gender or class formed and, with varying degrees of success, were able to influence the outcome of constitutional negotiations Indeed. South Africa's history is such that an elite dominated constitution-making process, particularly a process involving the National Party, would be widely perceived as profoundly illegitimate. The stage thus was set for the adoption of a final constitution by an inclusive, democratically elected South African Constitutional Assembly.
Founders' Commitment and Firm Financing: Multiple 'Skins in the Game' as a Signal to Investors

A new method of financing known as equity crowdfunding, propelled by internet technology and deregulation, has emerged rapidly as a promising new source of startup financing and a window into early-stage investment process. By studying companies raising funds on one of the largest US equity crowdfunding platforms, this study finds that companies with multiple founders with prior personal financial commitment (“Skin in the Game” (SITG)) raise more funds, suggesting a signaling mechanism to investors of founders’ cross-validation of the project’s prospects. Single founders lack such mechanism. The study uncovers a link between the team structure, a key organizational aspect, and signaling to future stakeholders. The same mechanism may be at work in other contexts, such as venture capital syndication and mutual fund management decisions. In addition, the work offers insights into the potential of crowdfunding.
A Re-examination of Firm Size and Taxes

We document that larger firms pay substantially lower cash effective tax rates (cash ETRs) in the long-term than do smaller firms. This pattern in long-term cash ETRs is robust to various specifications, but vanishes when cash ETRs are measured over a single year. Over a ten-year period, firms in the largest decile pay 10.8 p.p. (26 percent) lower taxes than those in the smallest decile, while this gap balloons to 14.4 p.p. (35 percent) for the largest 1 percent of firms. The relation between firm size and taxes over the long run cannot be explained by foreign operations, asset tangibility, R&D spending, capital structure, net operating loss carryforwards, or releases in the valuation allowance. While profitability explains near a quarter of this effect, about 80 percent of the association between size and taxes can be explained by the magnitude of losses within the horizon period. Overall, our results suggest large firms pay fewer taxes over the long run primarily by avoiding losses, potentially mitigating the negative consequences of tax convexity.
The struggle for the soul of macroeconomics

Critics argued that the 2007–09 financial crisis was failure of macroeconomics, locating its source in the dynamic, stochastic general-equilibrium model and calling for fundamental re-orientation o...
Fungal Endophthalmitis: A Comprehensive Review

Endophthalmitis is a serious ophthalmologic condition involving purulent inflammation of the intraocular spaces. The underlying etiology of infectious endophthalmitis is typically bacterial or fungal. The mechanism of entry into the eye is either exogenous, involving seeding of an infectious source from outside the eye (e.g., trauma or surgical complications), or endogenous, involving transit of an infectious source to the eye via the bloodstream. The most common organism for fungal endophthalmitis is Candida albicans. The most common clinical manifestation of fungal endophthalmitis is vision loss, but other signs of inflammation and infection are frequently present. Fungal endophthalmitis is a clinical diagnosis, which can be supported by vitreous, aqueous, or blood cultures. Treatment involves systemic and intravitreal antifungal medications as well as possible pars plana vitrectomy. In this review, we examine these essential elements of understanding fungal endophthalmitis as a clinically relevant entity, which threatens patients’ vision.
Shuttle Orbiter-Like Cargo Carrier on Crew Launch Vehicle

The following document summarizes the results of a conceptual design study for which the goal was to investigate the possibility of using a crew launch vehicle to deliver the remaining International Space Station elements should the Space Shuttle orbiter not be available to complete that task. Conceptual designs and structural weight estimates for two designs are presented. A previously developed systematic approach that was based on finite-element analysis and structural sizing was used to estimate growth of structural weight from analytical to "as built" conditions.
Sexually Transmitted Infections in Men and Women

Publisher Summary Beyond clinical manifestations and infected anatomic sites, little is known about gender and biologic sex effects for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This chapter discusses the current state of knowledge of the association of biologic sex with the manifestations, complications, and epidemiology of STIs. Although the response to treatment appears similar in men and women, women are at risk for more severe complications from STIs than are men, which include chronic pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy, infertility, and neonatal transmission of pathogens. In men, the biological risk factors associated with STIs remain relatively constant throughout life. Early adolescence begins between the ages of 11 and 15 among men, whereas it begins between the ages of 9 and13 for women. Little is known regarding the biological susceptibility of males to STIs over their lifespan with regard to hormonal influences or physiologic immune aging. Male circumcision status is one of the most important characteristics associated with variable risk of STIs. The female reproductive tract (FRT) has evolved to maintain a difficult balance of supporting reproduction and protecting against deleterious pathogen invasion. These roles appear diametrically opposed immunologically. The immune system of the lower genital tract is tasked with maintaining tolerance to commensal organisms, providing at least transient tolerance to allogeneic sperm, and protecting against pathogenic microorganisms.
The natural history of right coronary arterial occlusion in the pig: Comparison with left anterior descending arterial occlusion

Abstract Gradual occlusion of the right coronary artery in the farm pig produces a much lower mortality rate than occlusion of the left anterior descending artery. The rate and extent of collateral vessel development in these 2 arteries after the gradual occlusion of each were compared in the pig using selective coronary cineangiograms. Serial studies were performed over 42 days after placement of an ameroid constrictor on the right coronary artery in 24 pigs (RCA group) and on the left anterior descending artery in 27 pigs (LADA group). Despite similar rates of occlusion, collateral vessels developed earlier in pigs in the RCA group. With partial occlusion collaterals were seen in 75 percent of those in the RCA group and in 33 percent of those in the LADA group. After total occlusion, the contralateral vessel was completely opacified at 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks in 40, 71, 87 and 100 percent, respectively, of animals studied in the RCA group, compared to 8, 20, 40 and 100 percent of animals in the LADA group. Histologic evidence of myocardial infarction, although present in all animals, was more extensive in animals in the LAPA group. All myocardial infarctions noted were limited to the left ventricle although blood supply to the right ventricle is almost exclusively from the right coronary artery. The difference in the rapidity and extent of collateral vessel development may be related to the dissimilarity in pressure and mass between the right and left ventricles, and it may explain the lower mortality rate, smaller left ventricular infarction and absent right ventricular infarction following occlusion of the right coronary artery.
The growth of mid-infrared lasers and AlAsxSb1 − x by MOCVD

We have grown AlSb and AlAs x sb 1-x epitaxial layers by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) using trimethylamine alane or ethyldimethylamine alane, triethylantimony, and arsine. These layers were successfully doped p- or n-type using diethylzinc or tetraethyltin, respectively. We examined the growth of AlAS x Sb 1-x using temperatures of 500-600°C, pressures of 65-630 Torr, V/III ratios of 1-17, and growth rates of 0.3-2.7 μm/h in a horizontal quartz reactor. We have also fabricated gain-guided, injection lasers using AlAs x Sb 1-x for optical confinement and a strained InAsSb/InAs multi-quantum well active region grown using MOCVD. In pulsed mode, the laser operated up to 210 K with an emission wavelength of 3.8-3.9 μm.
EGF Receptor Testing for Non‐Small Cell Lung Carcinomas

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide. An estimated 170,000 new diagnoses are expected this year. Recently, small molecule inhibitors directed at the EGFR kinase domain were approved for the treatment of advanced stages of NSCLC. Genotyping of the EGFR kinase domain has proven to be a useful marker for predicting who will respond to these novel medications. This unit provides a protocol to perform mutation analysis on the EGFR kinase domain where mutations have been associated with significant responsiveness to these EGFR inhibitors. The protocol includes microdissection of tumor tissue from slides, DNA digestion of these cells, amplifying and sequencing pertinent segments of the EGFR gene, and interpretation of the data. The protocol is designed with appropriate redundancy to eliminate allele dropout and to maximize detection of somatic mutations within the tumor. Keywords: non-small cell lung carcinoma; EGFR; erbB-1; lung cancer
CdSe on a mesoporous transparent conducting oxide scaffold as a photocathode

We report here a photocathode based on a high surface area conductive metal oxide scaffold sensitized by CdSe quantum dots attached via organic linkers. Photoreduction of methylviologen demonstrates efficient photoreactions occuring at electrode surfaces and verifies that the high surface area scaffold is promising for use as a photocathode material.
THE HANDICAPPED CHILD

A SEMINAR on Motor Handicapped Children was convened at the International Children9s Center in Paris on December 7, 8, 9, 1964. and was notable for the deep concern displayed by the many representative nations for the disabled child. There appeared to be a universal expansion of the concept of the handicapped child to include many conditions beyond those of an orthopedic nature. The Children9s Bureau of the United States now concerns itself with many problems including disorders of any one of the senses, epilepsy, congenital heart disease, and other congenital defects. One of the broadest definitions was that provided by Andersen of the Danish National Institute of Social Research wherein was included all individuals with a disease or defect of such degree that the afflicted person, if unskilled and without support from his surroundings "would have difficulty coping with daily life on an equal footing with others."
The neurosteroid 3 alpha-hydroxy-5 alpha-pregnan-20-one induces cytoarchitectural regression in cultured fetal hippocampal neurons.

The neurosteroid 3 alpha-hydroxy-5 alpha-pregnan-20-one (3 alpha, 5 alpha-THP) acts as a potent allosteric modulator and a direct activator of the GABA-chloride channel complex. This neurosteroid has also been found to protect against seizures that arise from blockade of the GABA- chloride channel complex. Because 3 alpha,5 alpha-THP protects against excitotoxin-induced seizure activity and because seizure activity has been found to be associated with aberrant hippocampal nerve cell growth, the rapid effect of the neurosteroid 3 alpha,5 alpha-THP upon nerve cell growth was investigated using videomicroscopy of hippocampal neurons in culture. Within 40 min of exposure 3 alpha,5 alpha-THP induced a significant decrease in the area and length of neurites. A concomitant decrement in the number and length of filopodia decorating neuritic extensions also occurred within the 40 min of 3 alpha,5 alpha- THP exposure. Both rapid and slow retrograde movement of intracellular organelles was observed in 3 alpha,5 alpha-THP-treated neurons. 3 alpha,5 alpha-THP-induced regression of neuritic extensions occurred only in nerve cells that had not yet established contact with other nerve or glial cells in culture. Established structural connections between neurons or glia did not erode during 3 alpha,5 alpha-THP exposure. Neither the inactive stereoisomer 3 beta-hydroxy-5 beta- pregnan-20-one nor progesterone had a significant effect upon any of the morphological parameters assessed. In approximately 25% of the cells in which 3 alpha,5 alpha-THP had induced regression, subsequent exposure to 17 beta-estradiol induced profuse filopodial growth within 60 sec of exposure. In cultures similar in age to those used in the morphological studies, 3 alpha,5 alpha-THP induced a significant increase in 36Cl- uptake within 10 sec. The magnitude of 36Cl- uptake was comparable to that induced by exposure to 100 microM GABA. In older, more mature cultures in which the nerve cells had established structural connections, 3 alpha,5 alpha-THP protected cells from picrotoxin-induced nerve cell death. These results demonstrate that 3 alpha,5 alpha-THP can induce regression of neuronal morphology within a relatively rapid time frame. 3 alpha,5 alpha-THP induction of 36Cl- uptake within 10 sec suggests that activation of neurosteroid-regulated chloride channels is an initial step in the biochemical mechanism underlying the retraction induced by this progesterone metabolite steroid. In select instances, 17 beta-estradiol induced an extremely rapid reversal of the filopodial regression produced by 3 alpha,5 alpha- THP.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
A chi-square statistic for validating simulation-generated responses

Abstract A chi-square statistic is developed for validating simulation models. This statistic is used to test the hypothesis that the variance between the simulation generated output and actual output is less than some tolerable limit. The assumptions and the steps required to compute the statistic are presented. A real-world example is presented to illustrate the methodology and to demonstrate its usefulness. The results are shown to be consistent with previous statistical validation.
Mitochondrial Proteins In Hypertrophy And Atrophy: A Transcript Analysis In Rat Heart

1. Metabolic processes are acutely and chronically regulated in response to changes in the workload of the heart. Acute changes in cardiac work result in activation and inactivation of existing enzymes and in altered fluxes through existing metabolic pathways. Sustained or chronic changes in cardiac work result in both trophic and transcriptional alterations. 2. The metabolic consequences of a sustained increase or decrease in the workload of the heart are surprisingly uniform and consist of a switch from the predominant oxidation of fatty acids to oxidation of glucose. 3. This switch is reflected in the changes of the transcript levels of three key regulators of mitochondrial function: pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (PDK4), which phosphorylates and inactivates the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex, malonyl-CoA decarboxylase (MCD), which regulates malonyl-CoA levels and, therefore, rates of beta-oxidation of long-chain fatty acids, and uncoupling protein 3 (UCP-3), which uncouples the oxidative phosphorylation of ADP. 4. The transcript levels of all three proteins are downregulated in hypertrophy as well as in atrophy of rat heart. All three transcripts are transcriptionally regulated by the nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARalpha). 5. Diminished expression of PPARalpha and PPARalpha-regulated genes constitutes an adaptive mechanism in response to altered workload, because reactivation of PPARalpha in hypertrophied heart results in severe contractile dysfunction.
Fatty acid enteroliths and intermittent small intestinal obstruction

An unusual case of fatty acid enterolith developing as a complication of radiation-induced strictures is presented. Factors contributing to the development of enteroliths are discussed.
The Koyukon Bear Party and the "Bare Facts" of Ritual

Jonathan Smith's recent interpretation of the classic "bear festival" among northern hunters is examined, together with his more general theory of ritual. Smith's interpretation of the bear festival is shown to be unfounded. The paper also investigates the well-documented bear rituals of the Koyukon of Alaska in light of Smith's general theory of ritual. Viewed in the context of other theories of ritual as symbolic action (those of Geertz, Douglas, Valeri, Turner, Eliade), Smith's theory is found to be unsuited to the task of understanding the meaning and significance of Koyukon bear rituals. The paper argues that the interpretation of ritual requires the investigator to attend to the ritualist's notion of reality and to grasp how his beliefs and actions are fitted to it. The investigator should be concerned with questions of meaning not empirical validity, as the problem of understanding ritual is a semantic and semiotic one, analogous to understanding the cognitive and performative uses of a language. The magical or instrumental aspect of the Koyukon bear rituals is also dealt with as an instance of performative language.
A tale of three bio-inspired computational approaches

I will provide a high level walk-through for three computational approaches derived from Nature. First, evolutionary computation implements what we may call the “mother of all adaptive processes.” Some variants on the basic algorithms will be sketched and some lessons I have gleaned from three decades of working with EC will be covered. Then neural networks, computational approaches that have long been studied as possible ways to make “thinking machines”, an old dream of man’s, and based upon the only known existing example of intelligence. Then, a little overview of attempts to combine these two approaches that some hope will allow us to evolve machines we could never hand-craft. Finally, I will touch on artificial immune systems, Nature’s highly sophisticated defense mechanism, that has emerged in two major stages, the innate and the adaptive immune systems. This technology is finding applications in the cyber security world. © (2014) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Neutrinos and supernova theory

Abstract Neutrinos are the primary agents in core-collapse supernova explosions and their signature in underground terrestrial detectors should bear the stamp of the events that launched the explosion and gave birth to either a neutron star or a black hole. In this paper, we outline the neutrino burst, discuss some suggestive systematics with progenitor mass, review the evidence for asymmetries in supernova explosions, and speculate about pulsar kicks. Moreover, we summarize new calculations concerning inelastic neutrino–nucleon scattering and nucleon–nucleon bremsstrahlung. The latter processes are important to the emergent νμ neutrino spectra and incorporate some sweet physics that Dave Schramm would no doubt have loved to explore.
Removal of transducer HtrI allows electrogenic proton translocation by sensory rhodopsin I.

Abstract Sensory rhodopsin I (sR-I) is a phototaxis receptor in halobacteria, which is closely related to the light-driven proton pump bacteriorhodopsin and the chloride pump halorhodopsin found in the same organisms. The three pigments undergo similar cyclic photoreactions, in spite of their different functions. In intact cells or isolated membranes sR-I is complexed with protein HtrI, the next link in the signal transduction chain, and does not function as an electrogenic ion pump. However, illumination of sR-I in membranes lacking HtrI causes pH changes in the medium, and its photoreaction kinetics become pH-dependent. We show here that in closed vesicles, near neutral pH it functions as an electrogenic proton pump capable of generating at least -80 mV transmembrane potential. The action spectrum shows a maximum 37 nm below the 587-nm absorption maximum of the native pigment. This apparent discrepancy occurs because the 587-nm form of HtrI-free sR-I exists in a pH-dependent equilibrium with a 550-nm absorbing species generated through deprotonation of one group with a pKa of 7.2, which we have tentatively identified as Asp-76. We interpret the results in terms of a general model for ion translocation by the bacterial rhodopsins.
Honoring Ambiguity/Problematizing Certitude

In this paper I argue that the practice of archaeology over-emphasizes and over-rewards unambiguous certainty in our interpretations, even though our conclusions are usually drawn from necessarily partial, underdetermined and complex evidence. I argue that full or partial erasure of ambiguity from our data and from our interpretive assertions does not serve the long-term interests of the discipline; that a feminist practice aimed at more nuanced understandings of the past and open to more subtle, multivalenced notions of reality, must accept ambiguity as a central feature of archaeological interpretation. After I review familiar strategies that are used to obscure troubling areas of uncertainty in archaeology, I urge feminist practice to resist employing these “mechanisms of closure” in our work. It is only by openly recognizing and preserving the ambiguity that resides in messy data arrangements today that we stand any hope of fuller and richer understandings in the future.
The impact of the hold-harmless and give-back provisions on the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program allocation mechanism

Abstract The federal government distributes funds to states in a block grant for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) using a mechanism based on hold-harmless and give back provisions triggered at various appropriation levels. If the regular appropriation in a given fiscal year is less than or equal to $1.975B, then a 1981 formula is used to allocate funds, while if the regular appropriation exceeds $1.975B, then a 1984 formula is applied in conjunction with a primary hold-harmless provision and a secondary hold-harmless provision triggered at $2.25B. The 1984 formula is a more equitable distribution mechanism than the 1981 formula, but because of the high legislated value of the trigger, has only rarely been employed—specifically, twice over the past 17 years, and last during the fiscal year 1986. In this paper, the history and legislative amendments of LIHEAP will be briefly reviewed, and then the LIHEAP statute will be investigated in terms of the hold-harmless and give-back provisions. A general analytic and computational framework is developed to analyze the impact of the hold-harmless and give-back provisions, and aggregate system measures are employed to examine the manner in which these provisions distort the 1984 formula allocation percentages.
On the Calibration of a Solar UV Radiometer to Measure Broadband UV Radiation from Blacklight Lamps

Experiments in photocatalysis often involve the use of blacklight UV lamps to simulate the solar UV spectrum under indoor laboratory conditions. solar UV radiometers (such as the Eppley TUVR) which are calibrated for solar UV spectrum require correction when used to measure the energy from a lamp array. This paper describes a transfer calibration procedure that was used to determine instrument response to the blacklight lamp energy spectrum. It also shows theoretically and experimentally that a correction factor of about 1.15 is needed to use a solar UV radiometer for measurements of outputs from the lamps.
Google Scholar and the Library Web Site: The Early Response by ARL Libraries

With the introduction of Google Scholar in November 2004, research libraries faced the decision of whether to integrate this “blended” resource into their collections and services via their library Web sites. The authors are members of a Web Advisory Committee and present a case study detailing Rutgers University Libraries’ experience with integrating Google Scholar onto the library’s Web site. A descriptive study of all ARL university members’ library Web sites also was undertaken to determine how other academic libraries were treating Google Scholar in July 2005. Did ARL libraries place Google Scholar on alphabetical lists of indexes and databases, subject guides, or in OPACs, for instance? Results from this study are presented and implications of putting Google Scholar on the Web site are discussed for all major user groups.
Spring Mechanisms in the Human Larynx

Laryngeal movements are usually considered to be active in both phases of behavior cycles such as phonation, straining effort and swallowing. X-ray, electromyographic and cinematographic evidence is presented suggesting that these cycles begin with an active phase of muscular contraction and end with a partly passive phase of elastic restitution. Elastic restitution may be a significant factor in the organization of laryngeal actions in general.
Regional specificity of RARγ isoforms in Xenopus development

All retinoic acid receptors (RAR alpha, beta, gamma) have two isoforms, whose function is unknown. We now show that at least for RAR gamma, the isoforms are differentially distributed in the embryo. RAR gamma 1 and RAR gamma 2 are detected in the head region, whereas RAR gamma 2 is the sole isoform expressed in the tail region. Specifically, it is expressed in the chordoneural hinge, a region of the tailbud that has organizing properties. Treatment with high doses of retinoic acid (RA) reduces expression in this region. The results are discussed in terms of the known teratogenic effects of RA in the tail region.
Sequence specific alkylation of DNA by hairpin pyrrole–imidazole polyamide conjugates

Background: Pyrrole–imidazole polyamides are synthetic ligands that recognize predetermined sequences in the minor groove of DNA with affinities and specificities comparable to those of DNA-binding proteins. As a result of their DNA-binding properties, polyamides could deliver reactive moieties for covalent reaction at specific DNA sequences and thereby inhibit DNA–protein interactions. Site-specific alkylation of DNA could be a useful tool for regulating gene expression. As a minimal first step, we set out to design and synthesize a class of hairpin polyamides equipped with DNA alkylating agents and characterize the specificity and yield of covalent modification. Results: Bis(dichloroethylamino)benzene derivatives of the well-characterized chlorambucil (CHL) were attached to the γ turn of an eight-ring hairpin polyamide targeted to the HIV-1 promoter. We found that a hairpin polyamide–CHL conjugate binds and selectively alkylates predetermined sites in the HIV promoter at subnanomolar concentrations. Cleavage sites were determined on both strands of a restriction fragment containing the HIV-1 promoter, revealing good specificity and a high yield of alkylation. Conclusions: The ability of polyamide–CHL conjugates to sequence specifically alkylate double-stranded DNA in high yield and at low concentrations sets the stage for testing their use as regulators of gene expression in cell culture and ultimately in complex organisms.
Tarnished Plant Bug Injury to Strawberries

Following the severe freeze in the spring of 1927 the late crop of blossoms and developing strawberries in several fields in Southwest Misseuri suffered severely from the tarnished plant. bug, Lygus pratensis. In some fields the entire crop was a loss. The first brood of developing nymphs caused the damage before May 10. To prevent similar damage the grower is advised to keep weeds cut during the summer and fall, burn over winter harbors, make Sure the winter mulch does not harbor the bugs, and if adults aprear on the crop early in the spring drive them out or destroy the young nymphs with nicotise spray or dust.
1584 ALTERED DIETARY INTAKE OF SULFUR AMINO ACIDS (SAA) DOES NOT RESULT IN RENAL ADAPTATION OF CYSTEINE, METHIONINE AND SULFATE BY THE BRUSH BORDER MEMBRANE. (BBM)

Changes in the dietary SAA intake alters the rat renal BBM Na+-dependent uptake of the β-amino acid, taurine. A low SAA diet enhances and a high taurine diet reduces taurine uptake (Chesney, Kidney Int 24:588, 1983). Neither the low SAA diet nor the high taurine diet alters the time course or concentration dependent accumulation by BBM of the sulfur amino acids, methionine (M) and cystine (C). The Km of Na+-dependent M uptake is ∼ 190 μM and the Vmax is ∼ 1.5 ηmoles/mg protein/15 sec on each diet. The Km of Na+-dependent cystine accumulation is ∼ 500μM, and the Vmax is ∼ 490 p moles/mg protein/15 sec. for the low Km system and a Km of ∼5.6 mM and a Vmax of 4.8 pmoles/mg protein 15 sec for the high Km system regardless of diet. The Na+-dependent uptake of sulfate (S) is also unchanged; the Km is ∼ 180 μM and the Vmax is 2.0 ηmoles/mg protein/15 sec. By contrast the uptake of β-alanine, another β-amino acid which competes with taurine for uptake, is greater in BBM vesicles from animals on low SAA. The plasma levels of taurine are significantly changed by these dietary manipulations whereas the values for M and C remain unaltered. Conservation is expressed for β-alanine, a non-sulfur containing β-amino acid. By contrast M, C and S, which participate in a variety of synthetic and conjugative processes, are not conserved by the renal brush border surface following ingestion of altered SAA diets.
THE FIRST SYNCHROTRON INFRARED BEAMLINES AT THE ADVANCED LIGHT SOURCE: MICROSCPECTROSCOPY AND FAST TIMING

A set of new infrared (IR) beamlines on the 1.4 bending magnet port at the Advanced Light Source, LBNL, are described. Using a synchrotron as an IR source provides considerable brightness advantages, which manifests itself most beneficially when performing spectroscopy on a microscopic length scale. Beamline (BL) 1.4.3 is a dedicated microspectroscopy beamline, where the much smaller focused spot size using the synchrotron source is utilized. This enables an entirely new set of experiments to be performed where spectroscopy on a truly microscopic scale is now possible. BL 1.4.2 consists of a vacuum FTIR bench with a wide spectral range and step-scan capabilities. The fast timing is demonstrated by observing the synchrotron electron storage pattern at the ALS.
Compact modeling of a PD SOI MESFET for wide temperature designs

A compact model for the partially depleted (PD) silicon-on-insulator (SOI) metal semiconductor field effect transistor (MESFET) is presented. The absence of a gate-oxide makes the SOI MESFET extremely robust, able to withstand high voltages, and useful for extreme environment electronics. These devices have been fabricated using a standard SOI CMOS process. In contrast to SOI MOSFETs and GaAs MESFETs, the source-substrate voltage has a significant impact on the channel current. In this work a model has been developed that includes the effect of the buried oxide on the performance of the MESFET. The model has been verified for a wide temperature range of -180 to 150^oC. A behavioral model has been included to model the breakdown voltage. The core DC and RF models have been adapted from the commercially available Triquint's Own Model (TOM3) MESFET model. Building from the TOM3 model, a measurement-based approach is used to develop a four-terminal compact model using Verilog-A. The charge-based approach, using S-parameter measurements was used to develop the capacitance model. We also present a voltage reference circuit using two MESFET transistors to verify the model and explore wide temperature range circuit applications.
2q23.1 microdeletion of the MBD5 gene in a female with seizures, developmental delay and distinct dysmorphic features

We report a 2-year-old female who initially presented with seizures, developmental delay and dysmorphic features and was found to have a 0.3 Mb deletion at chromosome 2q23.1 encompassing the critical seizure gene, MBD5. Her distinct physical features include bifrontal narrowing with brachycephaly, low anterior hairline, hypotonic facial features with short upturned nose, flat nasal bridge, hypertelorism, tented upper lip with everted lower lip, downturned corners of her mouth, and relatively coarse facial features including thickened tongue. She also had a short neck, brachytelephalangy, clinodactyly, and hypertrichosis. At 3½ years she developed progressive ataxia and lost vocabulary at the age of 4. Regression has been reported in one other case of MBD5 deletion. MBD5 is a member of the methyl binding gene family and appears to be responsible for regulating DNA methylation in the central nervous system. Our patient was entirely deleted for the MBD5 gene with partial loss of the EPC2 gene, which suggests that haploinsufficiency of MBD5 is responsible for the distinct phenotype observed. This supports the hypothesis that MBD5 is indeed the critical gene implicated for the findings seen in patients with deletions of chromosome 2q23.1. Further studies are necessary to delineate the role that the MBD5 gene plays in the development of the brain and these specific physical characteristics.
A striking change in symptoms on cucumber mosaic virus-infected tobacco plants induced by a satellite RNA.

Abstract The small RNA from cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) we had formerly referred to as RNA 5 was shown to have a satellite nature similar to CARNA 5 ( Kaper and Tousignant, 1977 , Virology 80, 186–195) and Sat-RNA ( Mossop and Francki, 1978 , Virology 86, 562–566). Our satellite RNA has a great deal in common with CARNA 5 and Sat-RNA in many respects, except that its replication causes a striking change in symptoms on tobacco and on some species of Nicotiana infected with CMV. Large amounts of satellite RNA were found in RNAs of naturally occurring CMV isolates which induced a unique brilliant yellow symptom on tobacco. When purified satellite RNA was inoculated onto tobacco after being mixed with CMV isolates which contained no satellite RNA and which normally produced ordinary green mosaic symptoms, all of the infected tobacco developed the brilliant yellow symptom along with some symptom attenuation. Virions isolated from those plants contained much satellite RNA. CMV could be freed from satellite RNA by local lesion transfer and selection. Satellite RNA had substantial stability in vivo and in vitro . It caused the severe necrotic symptom or ultimate death of tomato like CARNA 5 but unlike Sat-RNA.
The draping and consolidation of commingled fabrics

Abstract Commingled fabric composed of yarns containing both the reinforcement and the matrix in fibre form is an innovative preform material used in the manufacture of fibre reinforced thermoplastic composites. A quality of commingled fabric is its drapability allowing it to conform to mould shapes before being consolidated into a rigid structure. This paper describes a simulation of the draping process and a mathematical model of the subsequent consolidation process which predict, for a given mould surface and processing parameters, the material characteristics necessary for determining the mechanical properties of the finished product. The draping simulation graphically depicts an arbitrary surface with a bidirectional fabric conforming to the surface. The results of the simulation determine fibre orientation at any point on the draped surface. Fibre orientations are affected by in-plane shear deformation in the fabric when it conforms to surfaces of compound curvature. Wrinkling and bridging are predicted given the deformation limits of the fabric. The simulation may be used as a design tool for selecting suitable draped configurations for specific surfaces. The consolidation model predicts, for a commingled or cowoven fabric, the laminate thickness, reinforcing fibre volume fraction and void content as functions of time during the process and the time required to reach full consolidation. The model may be used to examine the influence of various material and processing parameters on consolidation behaviour. Combining the results of the draping simulation and consolidation analysis with a laminate analysis allows the prediction, for a given set of draping constraints and processing parameters, of the mechanical properties at any point in a composite structure formed from commingled or co-woven fabric.
Clothing Adjustments for Concealed Soft Body Armor During Moderate Physical Exertion

Previous research has studied the impact of Level II concealed soft body armor (SBA) on the augmentation of heat storage in a hot environment simulating a typical summer day in the southeastern United States (wet bulb globe temperature [WBGT] = 30°C) and noted a significant difference between macro- and micro-WBGTs. The purpose of this study was to characterize the microclimate (micro-WBGT) under a concealed Level II SBA during 60 min of moderately intense work at two separate macro-WBGTs (26°C and 30°C), and to establish WBGT corrections to allow prediction of heat strain in an individual wearing a concealed Level II SBA. A single trial was performed with nine volunteers (27 ± 4 years) outfitted with a simulated standard law enforcement uniform and a traditional concealed Level II SBA, in a moderately warm environment (WBGT = 26°C). Each participant performed cycles of 12 min of walking (1.25 L · min−1) and 3 min of arm curls (14.3 kg, 0.6 L · min−1) with a 5 min rest after every other cycle, for a total...
Force Generation in Single Conventional Actomyosin Complexes under High Dynamic Load

The mechanical load borne by a molecular motor affects its force, sliding distance, and its rate of energy transduction. The control of ATPase activity by the mechanical load on a muscle tunes its efficiency to the immediate task, increasing ATP hydrolysis as the power output increases at forces less than isometric (the Fenn effect) and suppressing ATP hydrolysis when the force is greater than isometric. In this work, we used a novel ‘isometric’ optical clamp to study the mechanics of myosin II molecules to detect the reaction steps that depend on the dynamic properties of the load. An actin filament suspended between two beads and held in separate optical traps is brought close to a surface that is sparsely coated with motor proteins on pedestals of silica beads. A feedback system increases the effective stiffness of the actin by clamping the force on one of the beads and moving the other bead electrooptically. Forces measured during actomyosin interactions are increased at higher effective stiffness. The results indicate that single myosin molecules transduce energy nearly as efficiently as whole muscle and that the mechanical control of the ATP hydrolysis rate is in part exerted by reversal of the force-generating actomyosin transition under high load without net utilization of ATP.
Improved hemodialysis membranes for the artificial kidney.

A major part of current effort in improving artificial hemodialysis techniques concerns the development of improved membrane structures. Although blood compatibility of membranes is a part of the Battelle program, this discussion is confined to membrane composition, structure, and transport. On the basis of a need for improved hemodialysis techniques, membranes for use in the artificial kidney were prepared and evaluated for urea, creatinine, and uric acid permeability. Water-soluble polymers were crosslinked to form insoluble, but swellable, membranes. Faster metabolic waste transfer than with the conventional cellulosic membranes was obtained with diisocyanate-crosslinked poly (vinyl pyrrolidone) and poly (vinyl pyrrolidone)–dextran membranes and with membranes obtained by crosslinking poly (vinyl alcohol) with polyfunctional aldehydes. Membranes prepared from emulsions of vinyl pyrrolidone–ethyl acrylate and vinyl pyrrolidone–styrene copolymers had exceptionally high urea and creatinine dialysis rates, but were deficient in uric acid transfer. This shortcoming was corrected by incorporating solutes such as sucrose into the membranes followed by leaching. Another important approach concerned the development of a relatively high-strength membrane based on an impermeable nylon resin. Permeability of these membranes which have dialysis characteristics superior to those currently used was obtained through the addition of DMSO and one of several other additives to the coating solution.
A simple model for elastic fracture in thin films

Abstract A simple model for the cracking of thin films has been developed and investigated. The film is represented by a network of bonds and nodes which initially form a triangular lattice in which each node is at the junction of six bonds. The nodes are also attached to a rigid substrate by bonds which are not broken but have a relatively small force constant. Cracking is simulated by a sequence of thermally activated bond breaking events followed by mechanical relaxation. If the stretching force constant associated with the bonds in the surface layer is large, linear cracks propagate rapidly and, at a later stage, are connected by secondary cracks which become less and less linear as the strain in the surface layer is relaxed by the cracking process. Many of our simulations exhibit a distint “initiation” period in which the bond breaking rate is low, followed by a period of rapid crack propagation in which a large fraction of the surface strain energy is released. This period is then followed by a second period of relatively slow bond breaking. During the first period isolated defects are formed, followed by linear cracks in the second period. During the third period non-linear cracks connect the linear cracks, and structures which resemble shear bands are formed. Results for the effects of finite relaxation rates for the elastic network (visco-elastic effects) are also presented.
A game to help students comprehend enzyme structure and mechanism of action

Conference-recitation periods may successfully serve to review and integrate lecture material, but they often fail to excite and motivate the student. In searching for alternative techniques with which a biochemistry lecture course can be supplemented, I have found that active participation of students in a game is an efficient and enjoyable way for them to comprehend enzymology. The game is presented here to encourage others to use this technique. The students were enrolled at the University of Michigan in a one-semester introductory biochemistry course either for undergraduates or for students in the Integrated Premedical-Medical Program. Prior to playing the game, students had listened to lectures and read chapters in textbooks on proteins and enzymology, including the structure and mechanism of action of proteases. Two groups of ten students played the game at one time. Each group was placed in a small room with a set of space-filling molecular models, instructions on how to use the models, a previously built backbone of an a-helix, and biochemistry textbooks. The instructor explained that the ten students were being asked to accomplish a task as a group, and that the other group was working on the same problem. It was stressed that in order to complete the exercise in one hour, they would have to rapidly organize themselves and m a k e efficient use of their collective knowledge, deductive abilities, and creativity. Each student was directed to read the "Information and Instruction Sheet" and then to proceed according to its directions. The instructur left the room until the work was well underway and during the remainder of the hour helped only in the techniques of model building. The instructor insured that the groups had selected one or two speakers for the oral presentations which were subsequently made to the combined groups. A visiting "expert" along with the instructor, moderated the session, corrected errors, reminded the students to distinguish between deduction and hypothesis, and kept criticism and arguments under control. Each time this game was played during the past five years, the majority of the students became intensely involved in the exercise and learned a great deal from one another. The excitement apparently stems from the group dynamics and the strong competition which quickly arises between the two groups. Results of questionnaires returned anonymously by 85% of the students during the past two years showed that 66% considered that "the enzyme game was fun and an effective learning device", while 23% disagreed with this statement. From having worked with these ideas and models, the students may very well retain the knowledge longer and have a better sense of the reality of enzymes. I recommend this technique as an effective way to reinforce lecture material. The usefulness of the technique appears to be limited only by the quality of the game presented to the class. The variations for such biochemical games are clearly Unlimited.