cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Primate-dominant Third Glycosylation Site of the β2-Adrenergic Receptor Routes Receptors to Degradation during Agonist Regulation *

beta(2)-adrenergic receptors (beta(2)AR) of all species are N-linked glycosylated at amino terminus residues approximately 6 and approximately 15. However, the human beta(2)AR has a potential third N-glycosylation site at ECL2 residue 187. To determine whether this residue is glycosylated and to ascertain function, all possible single/multiple Asn --> Gln mutations were made in the human beta(2) AR at positions 6, 15, and 187 and were expressed in Chinese hamster fibroblast cells. Substitution of Asn-187 alone or with Asn-6 or Asn-15 decreased the apparent molecular mass of the receptor on SDS-PAGE in a manner consistent with Asn-187 glycosylation. All receptors bound the agonist isoproterenol and functionally coupled to adenylyl cyclase. However, receptors without 187 glycosylation failed to display long term agonist-promoted down-regulation. In contrast, loss of Asn-6/Asn-15 glycosylation did not alter down-regulation. Cell surface distribution and agonist-promoted internalization of receptors and recruitment of beta-arrestin 2 were unaffected by the loss of 187 glycosylation. Furthermore, acutely internalized wild-type and Gln-187 receptors were both localized by confocal microscopy to early endosomes. During prolonged agonist exposure, wild-type beta(2)AR co-localized with lysosomes, consistent with trafficking to a degradation compartment. However, Gln-187 beta(2)AR failed to co-localize with lysosomes despite agonist treatments up to 18 h. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that this third glycosylation site is found in humans and other higher order primates but not in lower order primates such as the monkey. Nor is this third site found in rodents, which are frequently utilized as animal models. These data thus reveal a previously unrecognized beta(2)AR regulatory motif that appeared late in primate evolution and serves to direct internalized receptors to lysosomal degradation during long term agonist exposure.
An efficient time scale model with tabulation of chemical equilibrium

Abstract The laminar and turbulent characteristic time-scale combustion model is extended for general reactive flows. In this model, energy and species compositions relax toward their corresponding local chemical equilibrium state over a characteristic time. Chemical equilibrium is efficiently evaluated using in situ adaptive tabulation (ISAT). The model is applied to a steady-state simulation of Sandia Flame D. The model is useful for simulations where kinetic mechanisms are not available, and also to provide good initial conditions for calculations with full chemical kinetics.
Ribonucleotidyl transferase in preparations of partially purified DNA polymerase α of the sea urchin

Abstract Three ribonucleotidyl transferase types have been described in the sea urchin: riboadenylate trnasferase, the DNA dependent RNA polymerases, and a DNA polymerase associated ribonucleotidyl transferase (Biochemistry 15:3106-3113, 1976). In the present work this latter ribonucleotidyl transferase was found to purify with DNA polymerase alpha through phosphocellulose, DEAE-Sephadex and DNA cellulose and to cosediment at 6.5 S. This ribonucleotidyl transferase was active with Mn+2, but not Mg+2, on calf thymus DNA and poly(dC). Other synthetic templates elicited DNA polymerase alpha but no ribonucleotidyl transferase activity. From alkaline hydrolysates of the poly(dC) directed GTP polymerization, we found Goh and Gp in a ratio of 1:16 indicating an average chain length of 17 residues after a 20 min reaction. Co-polymerization of GTP (5 micrometer) and dGTP (10 micrometer) yielded a non-random distribution of the ribonucleotide in the deoxyribonucleotide. The properties of this urchin ribonucleotidyl transferase are unlike any previously described eukaryotic transferase and the data is discussed with reference to the known properties of E. coli DNA polymerase I and the primase.
Nearly metastable rhombohedral phases of bcc metals

The energy E(c/a) for a bcc element stretched along its [001] axis (the Bain path) has a minimum at c/a=1, a maximum at c/a={radical}(2), and an elastically unstable local minimum at c/a>{radical}(2). An alternative path connecting the bcc and fcc structures is the rhombohedral lattice. The primitive lattice has R3m symmetry, with the angle {alpha} changing from 109.4 deg. (bcc), to 90 deg. (simple cubic), to 60 deg. (fcc). We study this path for the non-magnetic bcc transition metals (V, Nb, Mo, Ta, and W) using both all-electron linearized augmented plane wave and projector augmented wave VASP codes. Except for Ta, the energy E({alpha}) has a local maximum at {alpha}=60 deg., with local minima near 55 deg. and 70 deg., the latter having lower energy, suggesting the possibility of a metastable rhombohedral state for these materials. We first examine the elastic stability of the 70 deg. minimum structure, and determine that only W is elastically stable in this structure, with the smallest eigenvalue of the elastic tensor at 4 GPa. We then consider the possibility that tungsten is actually metastable in this structure by looking at its vibrational and third-order elastic stability.
Christians and Christianity in the Sermons of Jacob Anatoli

Sermons preached in medieval Christian churches and public places were often a vehicle for the expression of the most virulent anti-Jewish sentiments. The texts of these sermons look very much like other theological treatises when they are bound together in someone's collected writings, but the difference in genre is significant. Unlike the treatise, which was (until the sixteenth century) expensive to reproduce and accessible only to individuals in isolation, the sermon could reach a multitude of listeners simultaneously. With its power to excite the emotions enhanced by a charismatic delivery, it could appeal to the psychology of the crowd for immediate action. While the best-known anti-Jewish sermons of antiquity by Melito of Sardis and John Chrysostom do not seem to have had direct and immediate consequences, those of popular medieval Christian preachers often did. Such figures as Berthold of Regensburg in Germany, Ferrant Martinez and Vincent Ferrer in Spain, Bernardino of Siena, John Capistrano and Bernardino da Feltre in Italy, attest to the power of the preacher to spread negative views, sometimes with devastating results.1
The Story of the Concept of the Small-for-Date Infant. 802

“Why did you think of the concept for small-for-date infants (SGA and IUGR)? has been a frequently asked question of me for nearly 40 years. It happened in October 1958 at the Walter Reed Army Hospital. It had possibly been fermenting since my mentor in physiology, Otto H. Gauer, had forced me to read the works of William Harvey prior to initiating research while a medical student at Duke University School of Medicine and where the Dean Wilburt C. Davison constantly mentioned that he weighed in at less than a Kg. Harry G. Gordon on rounds routinely emphasized, “Many problems of the newborn are related to the degree of maturity which they possess at birth, irrespective of size.” When presented an infant who appeared emaciated, Ogden C. Bruton would question, “Why did this infant fail to thrive in the natural habitat of the uterus?” Stuart H. Clifford had just written about postmaturity. The widely used and reprinted cartoon, devised to present a concept of small-for-date infants for the medical students of Frederick Burke at Georgetown University and of Roland Scott at Howard University, Schools of Medicine and residents at Walter Reed, will be explained in light of the times when infants under 2.5 Kg. were considered premature.
A comparative study of the effect of the progestational agents in human menstrual abnormalities.

The clinical results obtained by the use of progesterone were compar ed with those of some newer steroids having progestational activity. The drugs used were intramuscular buccal and vaginal progesterone; oral progesterone combined with estrogens; intramuscular 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate; and 2 of the 19-nor steroid group 17alpha-ethinyl-17-hydroxy-5(10)-estren-3-one and 17alpha-ethinyl-19-nortestosterone. The 2 19-nor steroids were contamin ated with varying amounts of 3-methyl ether of ethinyl estradiol. The agents were evaluated 1) as tests for endogenous estrogen production in amenorrheic women 2) for possible therapeutic value in amenorrhea 3) for possible benefit in the treatment of infertile women with inadequate secretory endometria and 4) as therapeutic agents in the management of anovulatory bleeding. Progesterone given by any route and 125 mg of 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate produced withdrawal bleeding in amenorrheic women only if the endometrium showed some degree of active proliferation; they are therefore useful in evaluating endogenous estrogen effect. The 19-nor steroids produced withdrawal bleeding from atrophic endometria and are useful in the evaluation of the ability of the endometrium to respond to stimulation but are not useful as indicators of endogenous estrogen production. The clinical response obtained with the 19-nor steroids indicated that these drugs or their metabolites had estrogenic as well as progestational properties. A significant therapeutic effect could not be demonstrated for any of the progestational drugs used in the treatment of amenorrhea or infertility associated with an inadequate secretory endometrium. Recurrent hemorrha ge associated with prolonged anovulatory cycles could be prevented by the production of cyclic withdrawal bleeding with any of the progestational drugs used. Unless estrogen was also given only the 19-nor steroids were effective in preventing frequent anovulatory bleeding.(AUTHORS MODIFIED)
Postasphyxial Increases in Prostanoids in Cerebrospinal Fluid of Piglets

ABSTRACT: The dilator stimuli that contribute to postasphyxial increases in cerebral blood flow in the neonate are unclear. To assess the possible role of cyclooxygenase products in these responses, we measured pial arteriolar diameter in six piglets and determined levels of prostaglan -din (PG) E2 and 6-keto-PG F1α (hydrolysis product of PGI2) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) bathing the parietal cortex during control conditions, after 4–10 min of complete respiratory arrest (asphyxia), and after 5–12 min of reventilation. Pial arterioles are important resistance vessels in the cerebral circulation. Baseline pial arteriolar diameter was 220 ± 40 μm (mean ± SEM) and increased to a maximum of 252 ± 49 and 267 ± 56 μm after asphyxia and reventilation, respectively. During control conditions, CSF PGE2 (n = 6) and 6-keto-PGF1α (n = 4) levels were 1947 ± 310 and 794 ± 147 pg/ml, respectively. During asphyxia, CSF levels of PGE2 did not increase, whereas 6-keto-PGF1α increased modestly. During reventilation, CSF PGE2 increased to 3576 ± 499 pg/ml, and 6-keto-PGF1α, increased to 2846 ± 123 pg/ml. In other experiments, we determined that these CSF levels of PGE2 and PGI2 (as 6-keto-PGF1α) were within the vasodilator range for pial arterioles. We conclude that postasphyxial increases in pial arteriolar diameter are associated with a rise in CSF levels of dilator prostanoids.
Designing marine reserves to reduce bycatch of mobile species: a case study using juvenile red snapper (Lutjanus campechanus)

Marine reserves have not been widely used to conserve mobile species because species abundance levels can be highly variable over space and time. Here we explore the potential for marine reserves t...
Frequency dependence of resonant tunneling conductance

Abstract A computational method for coherent electron transmission versus energy and Ohmic conductance versus frequency, for a diode with an arbitrary potential profile, is applied to resonant tunneling. For a symmetrical double-barrier structure, when the Fermi level is at a resonance energy the conductance falls off at a frequency equal to the half width of the transmission peak divided by Planck's constant, while for the non-symmetrical structure with the same well width it rises from the smaller zero-frequency conductance to a strong peak at about this frequency before falling off. When the Fermi level is displaced from the resonance energy, the dependence is more complicated. All cases have the same asymptotic half-width/frequency dependence. For a resonance transmission peak of a “quantum wire” with a smoothly varying disordered potential, a result similar to the non-symmetrical diode case was found.
Epidemiology of bacteriuria caused by vancomycin-resistant enterococci--a retrospective study.

Abstract Background: The epidemiology of vancomycin-resistant enterococcal (VRE) bacteriuria has not been previously described. Our objectives are to describe the frequency of VRE bacteriuria, to use strict definitions to distinguish symptomatic urinary tract infection (UTI) versus urine colonization without pyuria versus asymptomatic bacteriuria with pyuria, and to describe the outcomes of each group. Methods: We used a retrospective analysis of patients with VRE bacteriuria in an academic medical center. Results: During the 18-month study period, 98 of the 107 patients (92%) with urine cultures positive for VRE (23/10,000 admissions), had charts that were available for review. In 94 of 98 patients, the organism was Enterococcus faecium, and in only 4 was Enterococcus faecalis recovered. Thirty-seven patients were colonized with VRE; 21 patients had asymptomatic bacteriuria, and the status of 27 patients was not ascertainable. Thirteen patients had VRE UTIs with two associated bacteremias and one death. Patients with UTI versus patients without UTI were more likely to have an underlying malignancy (39% vs 9%, P =.014). Conclusion: The majority of urine cultures yielding VRE do not represent true infection, rather colonization or asymptomatic bacteriuria. (AJIC Am J Infect Control 2000;28:277-81)
Response to Comment on “Modafinil Shifts Human Locus Coeruleus to Low-Tonic, High-Phasic Activity During Functional MRI”

Contrary to the arguments put forth by Astafiev et al ., our new analyses and high-resolution replication show that modulation of brain activity by the cognitive enhancing drug modafinil indeed localizes to the locus coeruleus. The authors’ critical stance regarding blood oxygen level–dependent imaging in the brainstem does not follow from their data.
Predicting response to EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors among diverse ancestries: just way too polymorphic.

Commentary to:EGFR Intron 1 Polymorphism in Asian Populations and its Correlation with EGFR Gene Expression and Amplification in Breast Tumor TissuesQingyu Zhou, Yin Bun Cheung, Srinivasa Rao Jada, Wan Teck Lim, Wen-Lin Kuo, Joe Gray, Ann SG Lee and Balram ChowbayVolume: 5 | Issue: 11 | Pages: 1445 - 1449
Multiple social identities and reactivity to daily stress among ethnically diverse young adults

In a sample of 181 young adults from Filipino, European, Latin and Asian American backgrounds, cluster analytic techniques were employed to determine how ethnic, American, family, and religious identity interact to form unique identity configurations. Four clusters emerged: Many Social Identities (MSI), Blended/Low Religious (B/LR), Blended/Low Ethnic and American (B/LEA), and Few Social Identities (FSI). Based on daily diary reports over 14 days, differential reactivity to daily stressors was examined on feelings of anxiety and positive mood. Results suggested that individuals in the MSI, B/LR and B/LEA clusters reported increased anxiety on days when they experienced more stressors. In addition, individuals in the MSI and B/LR clusters reported feeling less positive when they experienced stressors. Multiple identity configurations and their implications for stress reactivity are discussed.
Morphological evidence for the existence of multiple neuronal classes in the cat lateral superior olivary nucleus

This study characterizes morphologically the neurons residing within the matrix of the cat lateral superior olive (LSO), excluding the hili and myelinated axon envelope. Several light microscopic techniques including Golgi impregnations, Nissl stains, and acetylcholinesterase histochemistry were used, as well as electron microscopy. Five distinct classes of neurons have been identified: principal neurons, multiplanar neurons, marginal neurons, small neurons, and class 5 neurons. These neuronal classes differ in regard to their size and shape, dendritic organization, perikaryal synaptic density, and their relative numbers. Principal neurons compose approximately three-quarters of the LSO neurons. They are multipolar and uniplanar in their dendritic arborization, radiating from the hili in rostrocaudal planes perpendicular to the curvatures of the LSO. In transverse sections the principal cell perikarya are fusiform and bipolar, with mean dimensions of 23 X 11 microns. More than 60% of the surface of these cells is contacted by synaptic terminals. Multiplanar neurons (averaging 23 X 19 microns) compose only 11% of the LSO neuronal population. Their dendritic arborization is not restricted to any particular plane, and their somal surface receives synaptic contacts similar, in number and type, to principal cells. Marginal neurons, although they are similar to principal neurons in shape and dendritic arborization, differ in that they are generally smaller (averaging 20 X 10.5 microns). They also possess fewer axosomatic synaptic contacts (approximately 33%), are oriented perpendicularly to principal neurons, are limited in distribution to the contours of the LSO immediately beneath the myelinated axon envelope, and constitute only 4% of the neuronal population. Small neurons (mean dimensions = 9 X 8 micron) compose 8% of the LSO neurons. They possess a multiplanar array of primary dendrites and have nuclei with multiple deep infoldings. Small neurons have the fewest axosomatic synaptic contacts of all classes of LSO neurons (approximately 10%). Additionally, there are neurons that are similar to principal neurons, but receive fewer axosomatic contacts (approximately 33%). These cells have been tentatively identified as class 5 neurons until more information on this type allows for the assignment of a more descriptive name. A number of acetylcholinesterase-positive neurons are also found within the LSO, whose relationship to the other classes of neurons is presently unresolved. Possible functions of the multiple neuronal types are discussed.
Building a filtering test collection for TREC 2002

Test collections for the filtering track in TREC have typically used either past sets of relevance judgments, or categorized collections such as Reuters Corpus Volume 1 or OHSUMED, because filtering systems need relevance judgments during the experiment for training and adaptation. For TREC 2002, we constructed an entirely new set of search topics for the Reuters Corpus for measuring filtering systems. Our method for building the topics involved multiple iterations of feedback from assessors, and fusion of results from multiple search systems using different search algorithms. We also developed a second set of "inexpensive" topics based on categories in the document collection. We found that the initial judgments made for the experiment were sufficient; subsequent pooled judging changed system rankings very little. We also found that systems performed very differently on the category topics than on the assessor-built topics.
Entrepreneurship, ethnicity and local contexts: Hispanic entrepreneurs in three U.S. southern metropolitan areas

Previous research suggests that entrepreneurship can provide ethnic minorities a springboard for economic advancement and social integration. However, self-employment rates vary significantly among ethnic groups, between men and women, and in different places. The prevailing literature suggests that personal characteristics, including human capital attributes, ethnic networking, institutional regulations, societal structures and discrimination, all contribute to the differential ethnic entrepreneurship rates. However, very few recent studies have analyzed how different urban socio-economic contexts influence this process. Using the 2000 Public Usable Microdata Samples (PUMS), this study examines how Hispanic entrepreneurs perform in three different metropolitan areas in the US South. The results show that the ethnic diversity, history of immigration, and the economic structure in each local area have provided different opportunities and challenges for Hispanics to start up and maintain their own businesses. This study suggests that the process of economic incorporation of ethnic minorities and immigrants depends significantly on the institutional capacity and social, cultural and political resources of local communities.
Powering a wireless temperature sensor using sediment microbial fuel cells with vertical arrangement of electrodes

a b s t r a c t The application of wireless sensors is an important approach for monitoring natural water systems in remote locations; however, limited power sources are a key challenge for successful application of these sensors. Sediment microbial fuel cells (SMFCs) have shown potential as a sustainable power source with low maintenance requirements to power wireless sensors. This study examines electricity generation in lab-scale SMFCs with the sediment from Lake Michigan. Two SMFCs are operated in parallel with a difference in cathode arrangement (floating cathode vs. bottom cathode). The data show that the SMFC with a floating cathode produces more electricity and results in a shorter charging time when an ultracapacitor is connected to the circuit. To control electricity delivery and voltage elevation to a value that can drive a wireless temperature sensor, a power management system (PMS) is developed. With the PMS, both SMFCs can consistently power the wireless temperature sensor for data transmission to a computer, although the number of recorded data within the same period differs. This research provides an effective PMS for power control and valuable experience in SMFC configurations for the next onsite test of the developed SMFCs in Lake Michigan. © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Glucose-induced synthesis of diacylglycerol de novo is associated with translocation (activation) of protein kinase C in rat adipocytes.

Addition of glucose (5–20 mM) to rat adipocytes provoked dose-related increases in diacylglycerol, without increasing production of [3H]inositol phosphates. Cytosolic protein kinase C enzyme activity and immunoreactivity decreased within 1–5 min of 5 mM glucose addition, and further over 20 min. Membrane protein kinase C increased stoichiometrically during the first 5 min and then decreased. Higher concentrations (10 and 20 mM) of glucose provoked greater and more rapid decreases of cytosolic and membrane protein kinase C. Our findings suggest that glucose stimulates diacylglycerol production by providing substrate for phosphatidic acid synthesis de novo, and this is associated with translocative activation of protein kinase C.
Kinesin, dynein and neurofilament transport.

Abstract The recent demonstration that the fast axonal transport motors kinesin and dynein participate in axonal transport of neurofilaments – known to undergo slow transport –supports and extends recent studies indicating that some neurofilaments exhibit alternating bursts of fast axonal transport interspersed with periods of non-motility. In addition, these findings unify both certain aspects of axonal transport and neurofilament biology. We discuss these data herein in the context of both older and more recent studies of neurofilament dynamics.
The Effects of Schema-Based Instruction on the Mathematical Word-Problem-Solving Performance of Students with Learning Disabilities.

This study examined the effects of a schema-based direct instruction strategy on the word-problem-solving performance of three third- and fourth-grade students (2 girls, 1 boy) with learning disabilities. An adapted multiple-probe-across-students design was used. Results indicated that the intervention was successful in increasing the percentage of correct solutions to word problems for all 3 students. In addition, maintenance of word-problem solving was seen 2 to 3 weeks after the study. Student interviews indicated that the strategy was beneficial. Further research with different students and problem types (e.g., multistep) and an investigation of the long-term effects of the strategy and its use in novel settings appear warranted.
Carbohydrate−π Interactions: What Are They Worth?

Protein-carbohydrate interactions play an important role in many biologically important processes. The recognition is mediated by a number of noncovalent interactions, including an interaction between the alpha-face of the carbohydrate and the aromatic side chain of the protein. To elucidate this interaction, it has been studied in the context of a beta-hairpin in aqueous solution, in which the interaction can be investigated in the absence of other cooperative noncovalent interactions. In this beta-hairpin system, both the aromatic side chain and the carbohydrate were varied in an effort to gain greater insight into the driving force and magnitude of the carbohydrate-pi interaction. The magnitude of the interaction was found to vary from -0.5 to -0.8 kcal/mol, depending on the nature of the aromatic ring and the carbohydrate. Replacement of the aromatic ring with an aliphatic group resulted in a decrease in interaction energy to -0.1 kcal/mol, providing evidence for the contribution of CH-pi interactions to the driving force. These findings demonstrate the significance of carbohydrate-pi interactions within biological systems and also their utility as a molecular recognition element in designed systems.
Real-time study on cumene formation based on RGA/MS analysis

Abstract Commonly, catalytic reactions are carried out in batch reactors and analyses are performed upon reaction completion yielding little information about time-resolved concentrations of reactants and products. Herein an in situ analysis by real-time mass spectroscopy provides time-resolved information about heterogeneous catalytic reactions, such as reaction completion time and product formation. This paper presents a novel application of real-time mass spectrometry to monitor the progress of an alkylation reaction of benzene with propylene to produce cumene, using an H + β-zeolite (Si/Al: 12/1) catalyst at 150 °C with a 7:1 benzene to propylene molar ratio. Quantitative analysis of products was performed by gas chromatography (GC). Mass spectroscopy (MS) was utilized to continuously monitor reactants being consumed and products being formed during the alkylation process in real-time, to identify side products formed during the reaction, and to determine reaction completion. The real-time monitoring indicated that propylene was quickly absorbed/consumed, while cumene had a delayed release back into the gas phase.
'Race' and prostate cancer mortality in equal-access healthcare systems.

Abstract Background Reports suggest worse health-related outcomes among black (vs white) men diagnosed with prostate cancer, but appropriate cause–effect inferences are complicated by the relationship of race and other prognostic factors. Methods We searched the literature to find contemporary articles focusing on mortality among black and white men with prostate cancer in equal-access healthcare systems. We also directly assessed the association of race and prostate cancer mortality by conducting an observational cohort analysis of 1270 veterans diagnosed with prostate cancer and followed for 11 to 16 years at 9 medical centers within the Veterans Health Administration. Results Among 5 reports providing quantitative results for the association of race and mortality among men with prostate cancer in equal-access systems, outcomes were similar for black and white men. Race also was not a prognostic factor in the observational cohort analysis of US veterans, with an adjusted hazard ratio for black (vs white) men and prostate cancer mortality of 0.90 (95% confidence interval, 0.58-1.40; P = .65). Conclusions Mortality among black and white patients with prostate cancer is similar in equal-access healthcare systems. Studies that find racial differences in mortality (including cause-specific mortality) among men with prostate cancer may not account fully for socioeconomic and clinical factors.
A thermospheric model from satellite orbital decay densities and incoherent scatter temperatures

Abstract Although Thomson scatter measurements of the neutral temperature have shown that the timing of the maximum is later than the 1400 hr density maximum, current reference atmospheres have built-in restrictions forcing the temperature parameter to be in phase with the densities. Measurements at Arecibo have shown that temperature gradient changes in the region of 125 km are consistent with this phase difference. This fact is exploited in the development of an analytic model which is compatible with both the satellite measurements and the available incoherent-scatter measurements. A main feature of this model is that day-length is included as a major model parameter.
Component evolution for large scale air traffic optimization

Evolutionary and genetic algorithms have been shown to be successful at optimizing air traffic flow, a critical component of the next generation air traffic system, designed to facilitate the future expansion of air traffic with little increase in infrastructure. However, while these methods work well with certain forms of genome structure they could potentially have difficulty scaling in more general search spaces on large air traffic problems. This abstract proposes a solution to this scaling problem where the full problem is decomposed into many components, where good component solutions can be learned or evolved individually. When done properly, the components can then be put back together to form a full solution. This method is tested on an air traffic flow problem, where a genome specifies air and ground holdings needed to keep a set of flights within departure, landing and sector capacity constraints. On experiments using the entire US air space with over 5,000 flights, this proposed method shows that it can generate a solution within 20% of optimal and is five times better than a basic evolutionary algorithm using the same genome.
On idealized two dimensional grain growth

Le carre du diametre moyen du grain durant la croissance augmente lineairement avec le temps (loi parabolique) sous des conditions determinees. Determination d'une equation de vitesse pour la loi parabolique. Comparaison avec le modele «de bulles de savon»
Free Cyclooctatetraene Dianion: Planarity, Aromaticity, and Theoretical Challenges.

The planarity and 10 π-electron aromaticity of the free cyclooctatetraene dianion (C8H82–, COT2–) have been questioned recently on the basis of conflicting density functional and second-order Moller–Plesset perturbation computations. Rigorous coupled-cluster methods are employed here to establish the structure and properties of COT2–. Like many multiply charged anions, COT2– exists in isolation only as a short-lived resonance state lying above neutral COT. Wave function stability analysis demonstrates that predictions of nonplanar COT2– rings are artifacts of using overly diffuse basis sets. The resulting broken-symmetry wave functions are not characteristic of COT2– but mainly describe COT in a continuum of free electrons. All-electron coupled cluster theory extended through triple excitations [AE-CCSD(T)] yields a planar D8h symmetry COT2– structure. Final focal point analyses place the COT2– resonance state 61.6 kcal mol–1 above neutral COT. Nonetheless, COT2– exhibits structural, magnetic, and energet...
Coronal Inflows and the Sun's Nonaxisymmetric Open Flux

Wang et al. recently described white-light coronagraph observations of faint coronal features moving inward toward the Sun at heliocentric distances of 2-6 R☉. In a study of these inflows during 1996-2000, we have found that they occur along bends of the coronal streamer belt and are especially common when the magnetic field has a four-sector structure. The measured inflow rate is dominated by episodic bursts that are correlated with the occurrence of nonpolar coronal holes and other indicators of the Sun's nonaxisymmetric open flux. However, the inflow rate has only a broad long-term correlation with conventional indicators of solar activity like the sunspot number and coronal mass ejection rate. We conclude that most inflows indicate collapsing field lines that occur as nonpolar coronal holes are subjected to photospheric motions and the eruptions of new flux.
CONSERVATION OF GERM PLASM FROM BISON INFECTED WITH BRUCELLA ABORTUS

Reproductive procedures for cattle were adapted to American bison (Bison bison) to evaluate the potential preservation of germ plasm from bison infected with Brucella abortus without transmission of the pathogen to the recipient or offspring. Two of four experimentally inoculated bison bulls excreted B. abortus in the semen. Four healthy calves were produced from non-infected, un-vaccinated bison cows by natural breeding with a bison bull excreting B. abortus in the semen. There was no seroconversion of the cows or their calves. Two culture negative bison calves were produced by superovulation of infected bison donor cows followed by artificial insemination and embryo transfer without transmitting B. abortus to recipient cows or calves. These limited data indicate that embryo manipulatory procedures and natural breeding in bison may facilitate preservation of valuable germ plasm from infected bison while reducing the risk of transmission of B. abortus to recipients and progeny.
p21WAF1/CIP1 Acts as a Brake in Osteoblast Differentiation†

Continuous fibroblast growth factor signaling inhibits the differentiation of primary osteoblasts and osteoblastic cell lines. We studied the expression of several cell cycle regulatory molecules in response to fibroblast growth factor, and found that fibroblast growth factor strongly upregulates the expression of p21WAF1/CIP1, a CDK inhibitor that has also been implicated in the regulation of apoptosis and cell differentiation. To test the hypothesis that p21 mediated the fibroblast growth factor effects on osteoblasts, we studied the differentiation of primary osteoblasts and osteoblastic cell lines derived from p21 null mice in the presence or absence of fibroblast growth factor. While the results obtained indicate that p21 is not the major mediator of the inhibition of osteoblast differentiation by fibroblast growth factor, we found that p21 per se acts as a brake on osteoblast proliferation and differentiation. p21 is strongly downregulated during differentiation and is highly expressed in osteoblastic cell lines expressing activated FGFR2, which do not differentiate. p21 null osteoblasts differentiate faster than wild-type cells, are more susceptible to the differentiation-promoting action of BMP-2, and undergo increased differentiation-related apoptosis. Furthermore, transient overexpression of p21 from an adenovirus vector delayed the onset of differentiation both in wild-type and in p21 null osteoblasts. These results highlight a new function for p21 in osteoblast differentiation.
Reduction methods based on eigenvectors and Ritz vectors for nonlinear transient analysis

Reduction methods using eigenvectors and Ritz vectors as basis vectors are empolyed to reduce the finite element nonlinear system of equations using a 48 D.O.F. doubly curved thin plate/shell element. With and without basis updating, the solutions obtained by reduction methods are compared with the direct solutions. It is observed that basis updating is essential to obtain accurate solutions. The present reduction methods need a large number of basis vectors (eigenvectors and Ritz vectors) to account for the impact load which has high frequency characteristics. Furthermore, for nonlinear analysis, the reduction achieved in the CPU time are only marginal since most of the CPU time was spent in the calculation of the internal nodal force vector. These considerations indicate that reduction methods may not be efficient for the impact response analysis.
Sympathetic Outflows from Cervical Spinal Cord in the Dog

In some dogs there are preganglionic fibers leaving the cervical spinal cord through the ventral roots of the lower cervical nerves. When these fibers are stimulated electrically in the anesthetized dog with skeletal muscle paralysis (induced by decamethonium), the effects are vasoconstriction in the front footpad, cardiac acceleration and augmentation, and a rise in arterial blood pressure.
THE HISTOCHEMICAL DEMONSTRATION OF THE SITES OF LUTEOTROPIC HORMONE IN THE RAT PITUITARY GLAND1

This study describes the development and tests the usefulness of a histoehemical method for the demonstration of the sites of Luteotropic hormone (LTH) in rat pituitary glands. When these glands, taken from normal animals, are immersed in 0.5% trichloracetic (TCA) acid, only LTH is precipitated; the remainder of the anterior pituitary hormones are dissolved and extracted as proven by appropriate bio-assays and in vitro tests. When such extracted glands, containing a normal amount of only LTH, are fixed in histological fixatives, sectioned and stained by histochemical methods that specifically reveal the sites of either sulfhydryls and disulfides or carboxyl groups, only the granular cytoplasm of some of the acidophils are reactive. Basophils, chromophobes and the remainder of the acidophils are unreactive. Reduction of the concentration of TCA to 0.1%, which extracted LTH in addition to the other hormones, eliminated the histochemical reaction in all the parenchymal cells. In addition, the number of cells...
Non-enzymic formation of diazotizable amine from ribosyladenine.

Abstract Adenosine is cleaved non-enzymically in the presence of ketopentose, Cu ++ , and pyrophosphate at 70° to yield small amounts of 5-amino-1-ribosyl imidazole. A similar diazotizable amine may be produced non-enzymically from ATP under conditions found in biological experiments. The preparation and characterization of the imidazole derived from adenosine are described. Two additional adenosine derivatives which are produced during the reaction have been partially characterized as 6-amino substituted compounds.
Detection Capabilities of Randomly-Deployed Sensor Fields

Distributed sensor fields have recently gained popularity as a means for detecting intruders moving through a protected area of the ocean. We characterize the detection capabilities of a network of randomly-deployed sensors with varying sensing capabilities. We develop a framework for analytically approximating the probability that such a sensor field detects a constant course target moving through the region as a function of the number of sensors deployed and the statistical properties that govern the sensing range. Analytical and empirical results indicate that, when the total sensing area is fixed, a set of smaller distributed sensors can achieve significantly improved detection performance relative to a single large sensor. We also study the relationship between coverage of a region of interest and likelihood of detecting a constant course intruder moving through that region. We derive expressions for the average number of sensors required to achieve a prescribed likelihood of detection and level of c...
Breast tumor characterization using near-infrared spectroscopy

NIR time resolved spectroscopy (TRS) is one of the most feasible methods which can be used for the characterization of biological systems, due to its non-invasive nature and safety features in measurement. Breast cancer is the leading cause of death in women ages 40 - 44 and accounts for 32% of all cancer diagnosis in women. The occurrence rate is as high as one out of nine women in the USA. Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in North America. Therefore, it is natural for researchers in the field of NIR spectroscopy to have strong interest in optical properties of normal and abnormal breast tissue. One of the main interests of NIR spectroscopy in breast cancer is the localization of the tumor. Another important feature is to characterize an anomaly non- invasively since more than 75% of mammographical anomalies are found to be benign. This could reduce the anxiety that the patients would have, as well as lower the clinical expense for the biopsy and operation (approximately $4,000 per a case).
Kinetics and products of the acid-catalyzed ring-opening of atmospherically relevant butyl epoxy alcohols.

Epoxydiols are produced in the gas phase from the photo-oxidation of isoprene in the absence of significant mixing ratios of nitrogen oxides (NOx). The reactive uptake of these compounds onto acidic aerosols has been shown to produce secondary organic aerosol (SOA). To better characterize the fate of isoprene epoxydiols in the aerosol phase, the kinetics and products of the acid-catalyzed ring-opening reactions of four hydroxy-substituted epoxides were studied by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques. Polyols and sulfate esters are observed from the ring-opening of the epoxides in solutions of H2SO4/Na2SO4. Likewise, polyols and nitrate esters are produced in solutions of HNO3/NaNO3. In sulfuric acid, the rate of acid-catalyzed ring-opening is dependent on hydronium ion activity, sulfate ion, and bisulfate. The rates are much slower than the nonhydroxylated equivalent epoxides; however, the hydroxyl groups make them much more water-soluble. A model was constructed with the major channels for epoxydi...
Description and comparison of major foregut ossicles in hydrothermal vent crabs

Major foregut (gastric mill) ossicles, including the dorsal median tooth, lateral teeth, accessory lateral teeth, and cardiopyloric valve, of hydrothermal vent crabs were dissected and examined during the summer of 1996 from specimens housed at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. Ossicles are described for two species of hydrothermal vent crabs (family Bythograeidae Williams, 1980). The western Pacific Austinograea williamsi Hessler and Martin has an unusual dorsal median tooth. The surrounding cuticular flange is scalloped and bears spinulose setae at the tip of each of the protruding edges, a condition perhaps unique in the Brachyura. The lateral teeth are mostly unremarkable, bearing the typical large anterior denticles and deep serrations seen in other crab families, but with a higher number of serrations than is known for any species previously described. The accessory lateral teeth bear flattened, plate-like spines that are widest basally and that taper to a cylindrical tip. The basic armature of the foregut of Bythograea thermydron Williams, known only from vents in the eastern Pacific, is very similar. Scalloping of the median tooth borders is less pronounced, however, and the shape of the tooth itself and of the plate from which it arises is slightly different. The lateral teeth bear fewer and more widely spaced grooves, and the cardiopyloric valve entrance appears less setose at its extremity. Comparison with foregut ossicles in other crab families based on earlier studies, most of which have not employed SEM, reveals some similarities between bythograeids and some xanthids, but does not clarify the phylogenetic position of the bythograeids. Because of the paucity of other SEM studies of the brachyuran foregut, it is difficult to ascertain whether some of the many spine and setal types in the bythograeid foregut are unique or even unusual compared to those of other crab families. Nothing about the foregut of the vent crabs is indicative of their unusual habitat. Anecdotal observations of feeding in vent crabs indicate that they are opportunistic scavengers and omnivores, which is in keeping with the non-specialized nature of the foregut. The debate between adaptation vs phylogeny as determinants of the form of the gastric mill components is briefly discussed.
Quantitation of methionyl peptides in nanomole quantities by a fluorometric method

Abstract A quantitative and highly specific method to determine low concentrations of methionyl peptides, which do not contain tryptophan or cysteine residues, has been developed. The method is based on the stoichiometry and selectivity of N-chlorosuccinimide (NCS) towards methionine and N-acetyltryptophan. N-Chlorosuccinimide reacts with N-acetyltryptophan in a 1:1 ratio to produce the N-acetyl-2-oxindolealanine—a derivative essentially devoid of fluorescence. The decrease in fluorescence intensity is approximately linear with respect to the NCS concentration. Preincubation of NCS with methionine or methionyl peptide consumes a stoichiometric amount of the reagent and the unreacted NCS is quantitated by the decrease in fluorescence intensity resulting upon incubation of the mixture with 1 eq of N-acetyltryptophan. Less than 1 nmol of methionyl peptide can be accurately quantitated by this method.
Toward ecosystem-based management (EBM) of the world׳s large marine ecosystems during climate change

Abstract The approach to the assessment and management of Large Marine Ecosystems (LMEs) has been the subject of a series of seminal symposia convened at the annual meetings of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Since 1995, a five module approach to ecosystem-based management (EBM) of LMEs has been the focus of 110 economically developing countries around the globe engaged in 22 LMEs. A sum of $3.1 billion in financial assistance from the Global Environment Facility and the World Bank has been provided to support this global movement towards recovery and sustainability of LME goods and services in partnership with several OECD countries, five UN agencies, and two NGOs. LME stressors of prime concern are nutrient overenrichment and climate warming stress from projected levels of reduced primary productivity in LMEs located between 30°N and 30°S. Successful mitigation actions for reducing nutrient overenrichment in LMEs, and adaptive precautionary actions for protecting fish and fisheries in LMEs in the high-risk circumglobal belt are addressed. The paper concludes with comments on the unity of approach in the linking of science and policy in advancing toward sustainability of the world’s LMEs in accordance with Rio+20 goals.
A modeling study of the mechanism of the halogen–ozone–mercury homogeneous reactions in the troposphere during the polar spring

Abstract Computer simulations are described for the homogeneous portion of the chemistry of the ozone and mercury depletion observed in the troposphere during the polar spring. Conditions chosen are similar to those of a clear day (17 March) at the location of Barrow, Alaska. Small amounts of reactive trace gases, representative of the Arctic spring, are present initially with typical background levels of Hg (0.24 ppt) and 50 ppb of O3. The simulations show that ozone and gaseous atomic mercury depletion are both strong functions of two important variables: (1) the concentrations of Br2 and BrCl present during the day; and (2) the concentrations of reactive trace gases such as CH2O present in the air mass. The simulated rate of Hg depletion and the expected product distribution are also functions of the size of the rate coefficient for the Hg+BrO reaction (k17). The relatively small extent of O3 and Hg depletion rates that result from Cl–ClO chemistry and the major effects that result from the Br–BrO chemistry are rationalized in terms of the significant differences in the reaction mechanisms for the two halogens.