cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the complementation and genetic maps of closely linked nonallelic markers on linkage Group I of Neurospora crassa

Abstract Homology tests between ad-3IR mutations and various strains carrying markers with known biochemical requirements or markers resulting from mutation of genes with unknown functions have been used to construct a complementation map of that part of Linkage Group I immediately adjacent to the ad-3 region. A comparison with the genetic map derived from intercrosses of some of the same markers indicates the same order of genes on both maps. The present homology tests provide a more detailed mapping of the ad-3IR mutations and show that many of them cover other known biochemical loci in the immediately adjacent regions. Both ad-3AIR and ad-3BIR mutations can cover a maximum of about 4.3 map units. The longest deletions in this region are a minimum of 8.7 map units. Present data indicate a minimum of four genes with unknown functions in the X region between the ad-3A and ad-3B loci. The map distance of 0.25 map unit for the X region suggests that there is a minimum of 16 genes per map unit. When this calculation is applied to map distances in the regions proximal to the ad-3A locus and distal to the ad-3B locus, this region of Linkage Group I emerges as a vast unknown rather than as the well-mapped region that it might appear to be at first glance.
The Hippo Pathway in Heart Development, Regeneration, and Diseases

The heart is the first organ formed during mammalian development. A properly sized and functional heart is vital throughout the entire lifespan. Loss of cardiomyocytes because of injury or diseases leads to heart failure, which is a major cause of human morbidity and mortality. Unfortunately, regenerative potential of the adult heart is limited. The Hippo pathway is a recently identified signaling cascade that plays an evolutionarily conserved role in organ size control by inhibiting cell proliferation, promoting apoptosis, regulating fates of stem/progenitor cells, and in some circumstances, limiting cell size. Interestingly, research indicates a key role of this pathway in regulation of cardiomyocyte proliferation and heart size. Inactivation of the Hippo pathway or activation of its downstream effector, the Yes-associated protein transcription coactivator, improves cardiac regeneration. Several known upstream signals of the Hippo pathway such as mechanical stress, G-protein-coupled receptor signaling, and oxidative stress are known to play critical roles in cardiac physiology. In addition, Yes-associated protein has been shown to regulate cardiomyocyte fate through multiple transcriptional mechanisms. In this review, we summarize and discuss current findings on the roles and mechanisms of the Hippo pathway in heart development, injury, and regeneration.
Counterfactual Thought in Dreams

Counterfactual cognitive simulations are considerations of what might have been if what actually happened could be undone. I hypothesize that counterfactual thought is characteristic of dreams and that cognitive operations in dreams function to identify a norm violation recorded in autobiographical memory and then to re-instate normality in memory by generating counterfactuals to the violation. Dream counterfactuals therefore obey the same constraints on mutability as waking counterfactuals. Both dreaming and counterfactuals typically focus on the self, involve negative affect, and narrative form, promote problem solving and learning by running mental simulations and variations on a given problem theme, employ memory fragments in these various mental scenarios, plausibly rely on neural networks in right limbic and orbitofrontal cortices, and are largely automatic and pre-conscious operations.
Investigation of instability characteristics arising in the FDTD simulation of electrically large antenna arrays

In this paper, we investigate the instability problem that arises in the FDTD simulations of an electrically large problem. When the configuration to be simulated includes many small features such as thin slots, dielectric slabs of small thickness, thin PEC or curved objects, the problem becomes challenging in terms of memory requirement even when parallel FDTD is used in conjunction with a non-uniform mesh. Additionally, a non-uniform mesh in the PML region triggers some instabilities in the solution when a conventional PML boundary condition is used. In this paper, we propose some practical ways to overcome such instability problems, by using an antenna array to illustrate the application of the proposed techniques.
Equation of state, radial flow, and freeze-out in high energy heavy ion collisions

We have shown that recent experimental data on radial flow, both from AGS and SPS energies, are in agreement with the equation of state (EOS) including the QCD phase transition. A new hydrokinetic model (HKM) is developed, which incorporates a hydrodynamical treatment of the expansion and proper kinetics of the freeze-out. We show that the freeze-out surfaces for different secondaries and different collisions are very different, and they are not at all isotherms $T$=const (as was assumed in most previous hydrodynamics works). Comparison of HKM results with the cascade-based event generator RQMD is also made in some detail: we found that both the EOS and flow are in rather good agreement, while the space-time picture is still somewhat different.
Helper plus trainer: a two-phase program for the counselor

Helping is what it's all about. But if we recognize that one way to help is to train someone else to do a part of what we can do, we can assist that many more people with our limited resources. Thus, to be professionally adequate through all dimensions of the Cube requires the capacity to “train” as well as to “help.” Delworth and Moore have had extensive experience in both modes and have trained literally hundreds of paraprofessionals on a wide range of tasks. Their expertness shows through particularly in their recognition that training is not complete until the trainee has mastered the barrier of systems entry. Too many well-meaning and adequately skilled counselors have had their noses flattened because they did not have the “key” to the system. Too many well-meaning and adequately skilled counselors have remained in their offices because they lacked the ability to “multiply” their efforts through others. Here is a schematic to facilitate change in both kinds of counselors.
Research Note: Influence of Storage Container for Frozen-Thawed Chicken Semen and Frequency of Insemination on Fertility and Its Duration

Pooled semen was diluted with Lake's solution containing 10.8% (v/v) glycerol. Aliquots of 1.2 mL and .5 mL were transferred to 1.8-mL capacity plastic vials and .5-mL capacity plastic straws, respectively. Semen was processed at 5 C, frozen by cooling at a rate of 3 C/min to -35 C, then plunged in liquid nitrogen. Samples were thawed at 5 C, diluted stepwise, centrifuged, and resuspended with nonglycerolized diluent at 5 C. Fertility and its duration were measured after single or double (insemination on 2 consecutive days) insemination. No significant differences were found in fertility percentages between semen samples frozen and stored in the two types of containers. However, fertility percentages were significantly higher for eggs laid on Days 2 to 5 after double insemination than for eggs laid after single insemination. No such differences were noted in the fertility of eggs laid on Days 2 to 7. Duration of fertility was significantly longer for semen frozen in plastic vials than for semen frozen in straws.
Cancer genes come of age.

In 1866, Paul Broca sketched the pedigree of his wife’s family and discerned a hereditary diathesis to cancer. The insight seems to have attracted little attention in Broca’s time (indeed, this child of Broca’s brain went unmentioned by Carl Sagan in our time). During the century that followed, however, biologists began to seek genetic explanations for tumorigenesis. Now the quest has reached fruition: the long-imagined “cancer genes” have been brought into view. They were unearthed first by the predilection of retroviruses to transduce cellular genes-it was the search for retroviral oncogenes in the DNA of normal cells that incarnated cancer genes (Bishop, Ann. Rev. Biothem., in press). Two further strategies have since added fuel to the fire: integration of retroviral DNA can finger cellular genes whose activation apparently initiates tumorigenesis (Varmus, Cancer Surv. 7, 30931 9, 1982); and DNA taken from a variety of tumors can convert rodent cells to neoplastic growth, as if the DNA contained an active oncogene-of the sort we were once accustomed to finding only in viruses (Weinberg, Adv. Cancer Res. 36, 149-163, 1982; Cooper, Science 2 7 7, 801-806, 1982). Oncogenes of retroviruses have shown us that dominant genetic loci can convert cells to neoplastic growth. The experimental simplicity offered by viral oncogenes may be misleading, since natural tumorigenesis is thought to arise from several discrete events within the emerging tumor cell. It is nevertheless from tumor viruses that we have gained our most promising glimpse of biochemical mechanisms that may lead to neoplastic growth. Eighteen different oncogenes have now been found in retroviruses, causing different tumors by a variety of mechanisms. The proteins encoded by these genes display a provocative diversity (Bishop, op. cit.): some are tyrosinespecific protein kinases located on the plasma membrane; some are nuclear proteins that may bind to DNA within chromatin; some are glycoproteins that linger inexplicably on intracellular membranes throughout their life span; some possess structural features and biochemical properties evocative of electrogenic nucleoside triphosphatases (Gay and Walker, Nature 307, 262-264, 1983); and some remain wholly uncharacterized, offering promise of even further diversity. What does this diversity connote? That there is more than one way to create a cancer cell, of course. But a greater truth may lie beyond. It seems likely that the growth and division of cells are regulated by an interdigitating network spanning from the surface of the cell to the heart of the nucleus. If that Minireviews
The effects of multiple injections of morphine sulfate on shuttle-box behavior in the rat

F344 male rats were trained in shuttle-box avoidance to a criterion of over 90% avoidance, and independent groups of subjects (Ss) were then given 13 daily injections of 5, 10, or 20 mg/kg of morphine or saline (s.c.) 30 min prior to testing. In Experiment 1, Ss were injected and tested on each of the 13 days while in Experiment II, Ss were injected daily but tested only on Day 13. Five mg/kg of morphine did not decrease avoidance responding. While 10 mg/kg initially caused a decrease in avoidance responses, responding rapidly returned to the pre-injection level. For the groups receiving either 5 or 10 mg/kg there was an increase in locomotor activity and a decrease in response latencies when compared to saline controls on Day 13. The 20 mg/kg dose initially disrupted avoidance, but not escape, responses but after 13 daily injections avoidance responses were near pre-injection levels even though locomotor activity remained above baseline. Results of the two experiments were identical for drug Day 13 suggesting that Ss injected and run daily had not merely learned to respond under the influence of the drug but had developed tolerance to the drug.
Parotid Gland Function in Streptozotocin-diabetic Rats

The in vivo response of parotid glands to adrenergic, cholinergic, and peptidergic agonists was studied in control, streptozotocin- (one month's duration), and insulin-treated (three hr) diabetic rats. Neither diabetes nor insulin had an effect on the response to physalaemin. In contrast, physalaemin threshold-dose was lower and maximal response greater in control rats placed on a bulk diet. As previously described, diabetes resulted in nonparallel changes in parotid protein composition, including a reduction in amylase and an increase in peroxidase concentrations (mg/mg protein). In contrast to the results observed with physalaemin, response to methacholine was significantly reduced in diabetic animals, and could be restored to control levels by insulin. Placement of animals on a bulk-diet, however, had no effect on threshold response to methacholine. Finally, response threshold for epinephrine was unaffected by diabetes, insulin, or bulk diet. Thus, insulin appears, directly and specifically, to alter t...
Active compression-decompression resuscitation: Effect on resuscitation success after in-hospital cardiac arrest

Objectives. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that active compression-decompression would improve resuscitation success in human subjects after cardiac arrest. Background. Active compression-decompression cardiopulmonary resuscitation is a new method that improves cardiopulmonary hemodynamic function in animal models and humans after cardiac arrest. Methods. We conducted a prospective randomized clinical trial in patients with in-hospital cardiac arrest. Patients were assigned to receive standard manual or active compression-decompression cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The primary study end points were spontaneous return of circulation, 24-h survival and survival to hospital discharge. Results. Fifty-three consecutive patients after cardiac arrest undergoing 64 resuscitation attempts were studied (30 women, 23 men; mean [± SD] age 71 ± 13 years, range 38 to 96). Spontaneous return of circulation was observed in 24 (47%) of 53 patients and was increased in patients receiving active compression-decompression compared with those receiving standard manual cardiopulmonary resuscitation (15 [60%] of 25 vs. 9 [32%] of 28, respectively, p = 0.042); 24-h survival was increased (12 [48%] of 25 vs. 6 [21%] of 28, respectively, p = 0.041); and there was a trend toward improved survival to hospital discharge (6 [24%]of 25 vs. 3 [11%]of 28, respectively, p = 0.198) when active compression-decompression was compared with standard manual cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Conclusions. Active compression-decompression cardiopulmonary resuscitation improves return of spontaneous circulation and 24-h survival after in-hospital cardiac arrest. Active compression-decompression cardiopulmonary resuscitation appears to be a beneficial adjunct to standard manual cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Building blocks of bias: Gender composition predicts male and female group members’ evaluations of each other and the group

Abstract The present research examined how a group's gender composition influences intragroup evaluations. Group members evaluated fellow group members and the group as a whole following a shared task. As predicted, no performance differences were found as a function of gender composition, but judgments of individuals’ task contributions, the group's effectiveness, and desire to work with one's group again measured at a 10-week follow-up were increasingly negative as the proportion of women in the group increased. Negative judgments were consistently directed at male and female group members as indicated by no gender of target effects, demonstrating that men, simply by working alongside women, can be detrimentally affected by negative stereotypes about women. Implications for gender diversity in the workplace are discussed.
Effects of anti-phencyclidine and anti-(+)-methamphetamine monoclonal antibodies alone and in combination on the discrimination of phencyclidine and (+)-methamphetamine by pigeons.

Drug-specific monoclonal antibodies against phencyclidine (PCP) and (+)-methamphetamine [(+)-METH] should bind to these drugs to block their discriminative stimulus effects. To determine if mouse monoclonal antibodies against PCP and (+)-METH can block the discriminative stimulus effects of the drugs in pigeons. Pigeons were trained to discriminate among intramuscular injections of saline, 1 mg/kg PCP, and 2 mg/kg (+)-METH. After responding stabilized, cumulative dose–response curves were obtained for PCP and (+)-METH. Doses of an anti-PCP antibody at 620 mg/kg (anti-PCP mAb6B5) with a K D of 1.3 nM for PCP and no measurable affinity for (+)-METH and 1,000 mg/kg doses of anti-(+)-METH antibody (anti-METH mAb6H7) with a K D of 41 nM for (+)-METH and no measurable affinity for PCP were subsequently administered, first alone and later in combination after which the dose–response curves were redetermined. When the antibodies were given alone, the anti-PCP antibody blocked the discriminative stimulus effects of PCP, but not those of (+)-METH, and the anti-(+)-METH antibody blocked the discriminative stimulus effects of (+)-METH, but not those of PCP. The anti-PCP antibody shifted the PCP dose–response curve further to the right and for a longer time than the anti-(+)-METH antibody shifted the dose response curve for (+)-METH. When the anti-PCP and anti-(+)-METH antibodies were administered on the same day, the discriminative stimulus effects of both drugs were completely blocked 1 day after antibody administration. These experiments demonstrate the high specificity of the antibodies for the drugs to which they bind and show that monoclonal antibodies can be combined to antagonize the effects of more than one drug.
Molecular cloning and characterization of a cytochrome P450 taxoid 2α-hydroxylase involved in Taxol biosynthesis

Abstract The Taxol biosynthetic pathway, arising from the primary isoprenoid precursors isopentenyl diphosphate and dimethylallyl diphosphate in yew (Taxus), consists of approximately twenty steps, at least nine of which are thought to be cytochrome P450-mediated oxygenations. Several oxygenases involved in the early hydroxylation steps of the pathway have been identified and the corresponding genes have been cloned; however, defining the enzymes and their genes responsible for oxygenations in the central portion of the pathway is more difficult because neither the exact sequence of reactions nor the relevant intermediates are known. A surrogate substrate, (+)-taxusin (taxa-4(20),11(12)-dien-5α,9α,10β,13α-tetraol tetraacetate), that was previously employed in the isolation of a taxoid 7β-hydroxylase, was used here to functionally screen a family of cytochrome P450 oxygenases originating from a Taxus cell EST library. This in vivo screen in yeast led to the identification of a 1488 bp cDNA clone (encoding a 495 residue protein) that was capable of producing 2α-hydroxytaxusin from taxusin with a KM value of 10.5 ± 2.7 μM and kcat of about 0.05 s−1 for the surrogate substrate. This structurally typical cytochrome P450 resembles most closely the previously isolated taxoid 7β-hydroxylase, which also uses taxusin as a substrate, and both 2α- and 7β-hydroxylases are capable of the reciprocal conversion of their respective pentaol tetraacetate products to the common hexaol tetraacetate. This C2-hydroxylase would appear to mediate the mid-pathway functionalization of the C2-position of the taxane core that ultimately bears a benzoyl group as an important Taxol pharmacophore. Overexpression of this cytochrome P450 taxoid 2α-hydroxylase in Taxus cells may improve Taxol yields and could prove useful in the production of other 2α-hydroxy taxoids as starting materials for subsequent acylation at this position.
Functional and structural map of pLST1000: a multiresistance plasmid widely distributed in Enterobacteriaceae.

Abstract pLST1000, an 80-kb plasmid found in Enterobacteriaceae in North and South America, harbors the aadB and several other resistance genes. We suggested earlier that, because of its widespread distribution, pLST1000 could act as a carrier plasmid, bringing the aadB gene to new locations. This paper presents the restriction enzyme recognition site and functional map of the plasmid. The resistance genes lie in a discreet region. The aadB and aadA genes form an operon with the aadB gene promoter proximal. This operon is flanked by bla-TEM and bla-OXA2 genes, the former located in a functional Ta3-like transposon. This arrangement is similar to that of relatives of the transposon TN21, where additional resistance genes are precisely inserted in recombinational “hot spot” sequences that flank the aadA gene. We were not able to demonstrate transposition of the aadB gene in Escherichia coli. A sul gene and mer operon lie beyond the bla-OXA2 gene. The transfer genes form a single region, defined by insertions of Tn5-132 that give the Tra− phenotype.
International harmonization of antimicrobial sensitivity determination for aquaculture drugs

Abstract International harmonization of antimicrobial sensitivity methodologies used on aquaculture drugs is needed because of the concern for the health of cultured, aquatic animals, an increase in global trade and travel, and concern for disease resistance developing from the use of these drugs in treated animals, humans and the environment. There is need in particular for standardized tests on antibacterials. Currently, the antimicrobial sensitivity methodologies for drugs used in aquaculture are not standardized and that situation has provided for a variety of test results worldwide. Reproducible test results are needed to accurately determine the sensitivity and possible resistance of a potential disease organism to any given antimicrobial. Without standardization, the aquaculture industries throughout the world will not be able to obtain and maintain the drug approvals needed to reduce diseases in aquatic animals. One major route to increasing the chances for drug approvals is through international cooperation and harmonization. Several possibilities for mechanisms for international harmonization of antimicrobial sensitivity methodologies are explored.
Exploitation of UAV trajectories with perturbation for intelligent circular SAR applications

This paper outlines a concept for exploiting UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) trajectories for detecting slowly moving targets. All the analysis and simulation results are reported under the assumption of a circular UAV trajectory with various degrees of localized perturbations in the neighborhood of a given circular trajectory. These trajectory perturbations are introduced and investigated in order to develop intelligent processing algorithms for purposes of detecting slowly moving targets. The basic concept is based on collecting sub-apertures of data over a given set of localized trajectories and intelligently parsing the collected data based on time-varying angle estimates between the localized UAV trajectory and subsets of a collection of moving point targets. This parsed data is intelligently combined over large SAR integration sub-intervals and intervals to develop a novel approach to detecting moving targets with large variations in speed and target trajectory. Simulation results are reported for three different trajectory perturbation functions.
Problem solving and personality characteristics related to differing levels of intelligence and ideational fluency

Abstract Eighty intellectually gifted fourth, fifth, and sixth graders were given divergent thinking and problem solving tasks and measures of tolerance for ambiguity, locus of control, and self-esteem. Four comparison groups included: (1) higher fluency and higher IQ; (2) higher fluency but lower IQ; (3) lower fluency but higher IQ; and (4) lower fluency and lower IQ. Higher-fluency children were more tolerant of ambiguity, internally oriented, positive in self-esteem, and better problem solvers and school achievers. In agreement with several writers, these results emphasize the consistency which can be found among the cognitive and affective dimensions associated with divergent or creative thinking.
Critical exciton annihilation: Diffusion, percolation or anderson transition?

Guest-Guest Triplet-Triplet annihilation in highly purified mixed crystals of naphthalene (guest)- naphthalene-d8 (host) was studied at 1.8 K via spectrally and time-resolved phosphorescence and delayed- fluorescence. We find significant deviations from current diffusion theories and homogeneous kinetics but consistency with local heterogeneities (clusterization) and dynamic exciton percolation, as well as with long-range annihilation (via superexchange). There is negative evidence for an Anderson transition.
Myelin-specific CD8 T cells in the pathogenesis of experimental allergic encephalitis and multiple sclerosis

Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) serves as the prototypic model for T cell–mediated autoimmunity. EAE has striking similarities with the human disease acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, a complication seen with vaccination and after certain viral infections. EAE has been used as
Antidepressant use in the postpartum period: practical considerations.

A 30-year-old woman, 6 weeks postpartum, is referred by her obstetrician for possible postpartum depression. The patient noted onset of symptoms 2 days after delivery of her son; describing the onset, she said she felt as if "a curtain descended upon" her. Her symptoms include low mood, tearfulness, decreased sleep and appetite, significant weight loss, and anhedonia. She feels she cannot care for her son properly and has intrusive thoughts that some unspecified harm may come to him. She adamantly denies thoughts of hurting herself or her son but worries constantly that "something bad will happen." At night, she feels restless and frequently checks that the baby is still breathing. Her concentration is poor, and she often does not shower or take care of household duties, but she does care for her son. On examination, the patient appears sad and anxious, with psychomotor retardation. She denies a previous psychiatric history. Her family history is notable for bipolar I disorder in a paternal uncle and a grandfather. She is breastfeeding. A 27-year-old woman with a history of recurrent major depression since age 18 presents for a consultation during her second trimester of pregnancy. The patient has a history of nonresponse to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and has been hospitalized twice for severe depressive episodes. During the second hospitalization, at age 25, she required six ECT treatments. Since that time, she has been maintained with good results on 75 mg daily of nortriptyline. Her treating psychiatrist recommended that she continue taking the nortriptyline during the pregnancy, which she has done.
Channelisation of radio-frequency signals using optoelectronic oscillator

The concept of channelising radio-frequency signals with multimode optoelectronic oscillators is presented. Measured results demonstrate the principle of operation and applications of the technique are indicated.
How does a comprehensive clinical performance examination relate to ratings on the medical school student performance evaluation

Background: U.S. medical schools have long used the Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE) to represent overall student performance while comprehensive clinical performance exams (CPX) are beginning to emerge as a new standard for determining student competence. Purpose: This study describes the association between the MSPE and CPX in their independent measures of student competence. Methods: We examined the relationship between CPX scores and student MSPE rating at our institution, which was completed independently of the CPX. Results: Students with higher CPX scores had better MSPE rating, but the associations are small ranging from rs = .13 for history-taking skills to rs = .31 for interpersonal skills. Conclusions: CPX results are not strongly related to MSPE rating and, thus, they may provide information on clinical competencies that should be included in the MSPE.
Proteoglycans in brain development

Proteoglycans, as part of the extracellular or cell-surface milieu of most tissues and organ systems, play important roles in morphogenesis by modulating cell-matrix or cell-cell interactions, cell adhesiveness, or by binding and presenting growth and differentiation factors. Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans which constitute the major population of proteoglycans in the central nervous system may influence formation of neuronal nuclei, establishment of boundaries for axonal growth and act as modulators of neuronal outgrowth during brain development, as well as during regeneration after injury. There is a paucity of information on the role of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans in central nervous system organogenesis. In the chick embryo, aggrecan has a regionally specific and developmentally regulated expression profile during brain development. By Northern and Western blot analysis, aggrecan expression is first detected in chick brain on embryonic day 7 (E7), increases from E7 to E13, declines markedly after E16, and is not evident in hatchling brains. The time course and pattern of aggrecan expression observed in ventricular zone cells suggested that it might play a role in gliogenesis. We have analyzed the role of aggrecan during brain development using a aggrecan-deficient model, nanomelia. In nanomelic chicks, expression and levels of neurocan and brevican is not affected, indicating a non-redundant role for these members of the aggrecan gene family. Our analysis of the aggrecan-deficient model found a severely altered phenotype which affects cell behavior in a neuronal culture paradigm and expression of astrocytic markers in vivo. Taken together our results suggest a function for aggrecan in the specification of a sub-set of glia precursors that might give rise to astrocytes in vivo. Published in 2004.
Expression and Characterization of a Putative High Affinity Human Soluble Leptin Receptor

Leptin, a circulating 16-kDa protein secreted by adipocytes, decreases body weight by reducing food intake and enhancing energy utilization. Leptin receptors that share homology to the glycoprotein gp130 have been recently cloned. In addition, differentially spliced leptin receptor messenger RNAs have been identified. Functional mutations in either the leptin or leptin receptor gene cause obesity. In the present study, expression of the full length human leptin receptor complementary DNA encoding the long cytoplasmic domain of leptin receptor in COS7 cells resulted in high affinity membrane binding of 125I-leptin (Ki approximately 200 pM); no detectable binding was present in the medium. In addition, we expressed the extracellular domain of human leptin receptor in COS7 cells and identified a soluble leptin receptor in the conditioned medium that binds human and mouse leptin with high affinity comparable with the full length membrane receptor. Transfected COS7 cells expressing the soluble leptin receptor also demonstrated modest specific 125I-leptin binding in whole cells, presumably due to association of the soluble leptin receptor to cell membrane proteins. Data from cross-linking studies identified two specific bands in the 125I-leptin/soluble leptin receptor complex with molecular masses of approximately 130-150 kDa and 300 kDa. The 130-150 kDa molecular mass was confirmed in Western blot analysis and Coomassie staining of the purified soluble receptor and probably represents the glycosylated form of the receptor. The 300-kDa band most likely represents a homodimer of the soluble leptin receptor complex because HPLC gel filtration analysis of the 125I-leptin/soluble leptin receptor complex identified a single peak corresponding to a molecular mass of approximately 340 kDa. The soluble leptin receptor antagonized 125I-leptin binding to the membrane receptor, suggesting its potential utility as a functional tool for determining the role of endogenous leptin.
An integrated world oil model for policy scenario analysis

A world oil model has been developed in the context of the Mesarovic-Pestel World Model Project, and it is integrated with the other models of that project. A wide range of scenarios can be analyzed with this rather detailed model. For instance, we can study the pricing policies of the Mideast to discover the price levels which optimize long term Mideast economic growth. The implications of various price levels for importing nations can also be studied.
Heterogeneous NEMS-CMOS DCM Buck Regulator for Improved Area and Enhanced Power Efficiency

In CMOS switches, the input signal modulates the on-channel resistance for a constant gate voltage. This necessitates over design of CMOS switches. Also, further CMOS scaling in the nanometer regime has failed to improve energy efficiency due to increasing leakage energy. Looking beyond CMOS, nanoelectromechanical (NEM) relays are a promising class of emerging devices that exhibit energy-efficient switching and zero leakage operation. $R_{\rm on}$ of the NEM relay switch is constant and is insensitive to the gate slew rate. This creates a paradigm shift in design of power switches. This coupled with infinite $R_{\rm off}$ offers significant area and power advantages over CMOS. Numerous end applications of NEM relay logic circuits have been proposed recently, including digital logic and memory. NEMS-based miniature switches form an interesting alternative in power management integrated circuits, the area of which is primarily dominated by CMOS power transistors. This study explores discontinuous-conduction mode buck regulator with specifications suitable for portable applications using a NEMS-CMOS hybrid design, and the results are compared against a standard commercial $0.35\hbox{-}{\rm \mu m}$ CMOS implementation. The electromechanical model has been developed for a suspended gate relay operating at 1 V with a nominal air gap of $5\hbox{--}10\; {\rm nm}$ published in the literature. The model accounts for the mechanical, electrical, and dispersion effects in the relay. This study shows that NEMS-CMOS hybrid dc–dc converter has an area savings of 60% over CMOS and achieves an overall higher efficiency over CMOS, with a peak efficiency of $94.3\%$ at $100 \;{\rm mA}$ .
Radionuclide scintigraphy for detection of vesicoureteral reflux in children

The use of technetium 99m pertechnetate combined with scintiphotography for thedetection of vesicoureteral reflux in children is described. Forty-seven children have been studied with this method in conjunction with conventional radiographic cystourethrography. Five hundred microcuries of technetium 99m pertechnetate is instilled into the urinary bladder, following which the bladder is distended gradually with saline. With the use of the Anger camera, the distribution of radioactivity in the bladder and renal areas is recorded on Polaroid film during filling and overdistention of the bladder. The study requires an average of 15 minutes to perform and results in an estimated gonadal radiation dosage of 4 or 5 millirads. There is good correlation with conventional cystourethrography. The procedure is recommended as an adjunct to conventional radiographic techniques for the study of vesicoureteral reflux in children.
Gathering ourselves and our students: Concluding remarks

Academic personnel who were first-generation college students (FGS) are uniquely positioned to consider the questions these students often have about the college experience. Academia needs first-generation and working-class voices to diversify an academic culture that is often socially stratified. As more FGS enroll in colleges and universities, academic personnel must be prepared to better understand, and teach, this growing demographic sector of undergraduate and graduate students.
Hydration and beyond: neuropeptides as mediators of hydromineral balance, anxiety and stress-responsiveness

Challenges to body fluid homeostasis can have a profound impact on hypothalamic regulation of stress responsiveness. Deficiencies in blood volume or sodium concentration leads to the generation of neural and humoral signals relayed through the hindbrain and circumventricular organs that apprise the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVH) of hydromineral imbalance. Collectively, these neural and humoral signals converge onto PVH neurons, including those that express corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF), oxytocin (OT), and vasopressin, to influence their activity and initiate compensatory responses that alleviate hydromineral imbalance. Interestingly, following exposure to perceived threats to homeostasis, select limbic brain regions mediate behavioral and physiological responses to psychogenic stressors, in part, by influencing activation of the same PVH neurons that are known to maintain body fluid homeostasis. Here, we review past and present research examining interactions between hypothalamic circuits regulating body fluid homeostasis and those mediating behavioral and physiological responses to psychogenic stress.
Microstructural analysis of magnetic Fe/Pt multilayer thin films by transmission electron microscopy

Abstract Epitaxial Fe/Pt multilayers were deposited by sputtering onto (001) MgO. Transmission electron micrographs demonstrate the orientation relationship Fe (001)‖Pt (001) and Fe [110]‖Pt [100] in the films. Annealing produces the teteagonal ordered compound FePt with the magnetically easy c -axis oriented preferentially out of plane.
Reduced P3 amplitude of the event-related brain potential: its relationship to language ability in autism.

Several studies have found that P3 amplitude of the auditory event-related potential is smaller in autistic than in normal children. The present study investigated whether this characteristic bears any relationship to the degree of language impairment and/or level of intellectual ability of autistic persons. Seventeen autistic children, ranging from 8–19 years of age, and 17 age- and gender-matched normal children participated. Event-related potentials to phonetic (“Da”) and chord (piano) stimuli were recorded from three scalp locations: vertex (Cz), right hemisphere (RH), and left hemisphere (LH), during a discrimination task. A battery of language tests was given to autistic children. Compared to normal subjects, autistic subjects showed a significantly smaller P3 amplitude to phonetic stimuli for Cz and LH recording sites. However, no group difference in P3 amplitude to the phonetic stimulus was found for the RH. Furthermore, no group differences in P3 amplitude were found for the chord stimulus at any recording site. Impaired language ability was related to greater RH P3 amplitude, particularly to the chord stimulus. The possibility of differential hemispheric involvement in the attentional deficits of autistic children is raised.
New Concepts for Assessing Global Organ Function and Disease Activity Based on Combined PET and Structural Imaging Techniques.

This review is intended to discuss ways in which global and regional organ function may be assessed by using modern tomographic imaging methods. In addition, we discuss using 18 F-Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-PET to monitor treatment response in various tumors as well as quantification of tumor burden in the entire body. We have selected FDG as a model that can also be adopted for other PET radiotracers. The merits of advanced quantitative measures for disease activity assessment in cancer and other disorders will also be addressed.
Teaching a Comprehensive Course on Stress and Work.

Given the growing literature on and documented importance of workplace stress, it is suggested that this topic deserves more than a casual mention in introductory management classes. The current article reviews a comprehensive course dedicated to the phenomenon of stress in the work setting, which addresses issues such as theories, demands and stressors, and individual and organizational consequences and coping methods. The structure and learning objectives of the course are also detailed, along with some future directions for incorporating work stress into other aspects of management education.
Reliability- and Process-Variation Aware Design of VLSI Circuits

We review the literature for reliability- and process-variation aware VLSI design to find that an exciting area of research/application is rapidly emerging as a core topic of IC design. Design of reliable circuits with unreliable component is a significant challenge that is likely to remain relevant for all circuit designs from now on, therefore any contribution in this field is likely to have lasting effect of the design philosophy of integrated circuits
Factors Influencing the Continuing Development of the Steam Turbine

The Parsons Memorial Lecture was instituted in 1935 under the auspices of The Royal Society. It is delivered each year in one of the branches of science to which Sir Charles Parsons contributed, and is sponsored by the Institution or Society appropriate to that subject.The range of Parsons' activities included marine engineering, naval architecture, civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering, and optics.
Evaluation of allergic sensitization and gastroesophageal reflux disease in children with recurrent croup.

Background: Croup, which is seen commonly in childhood, is a disorder that can be recurrent and progress to bronchial asthma. In the present study the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and atopy and the response to therapy were investigated in children with recurrent croup. Methods: Between October 2003 and June 2004, 57 patients with acute stridor were admitted to the emergency room. The patients who had at least three croup episodes and patients with first croup episode were compared. Results: Thirty-two children had recurrent croup history, GER was found in of 62.5%, and atopy in 17.2%. Atopy was not found in any children with first croup episode. The difference was significant. In addition it was found that atopic dermatitis, previous history of wheezing and established atopy increased the risk of croup recurrence. Alone or combined inhaled corticosteroids and GER therapy were administered, and 77.7% of the patients responded very well. Conclusion: GER and atopy should be investigated in patients with recurrent spasmodic croup. Recurrent croup is a non-specific manifestation of atopy. Patients with atopy should be followed closely for developing bronchial asthma.
Arm Training Reduces the VO2 and VE Cost of Unsupported Arm Exercise and Elevation in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Background Patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may develop dyspnea with minimal arm activity, thoracoabdominal dyssynchrony with unsupported arm exercise (UAEX) and increased oxygen uptake (VO2), and minute ventilation (VE) with simple unsupported arm elevation (UAE) and UAEX. We investigated whether unsupported arm training, as the only form of exercise, could decrease the VO2 and VE cost (percentage increase from resting baseline) associated with unsupported arm elevation and exercise, respectively. Methods Twenty-six patients with severe COPD were randomized to 21-24 sessions of unsupported arm (ARMT) or low-intensity resistive breathing (RBT) training as the only form of exercise. Patients were studied before and after training using a metabolic cart and esophageal and gastric pressures to evaluate metabolic and respiratory muscle function. Results After ARMT, the VO2 (58% vs 38% increase, P Conclusion We conclude that arm training reduces the VO2 and VE cost of UAE and UAEX, possibly through improved synchronization and coordination of accessory muscle action during unsupported arm activity.
Spectral modification and geographic redistribution of the semi-diurnal internal tide

Abstract A realistic-geometry global baroclinic tidal model forced with a single tidal constituent ( M 2 ) is used to investigate the generation of the internal tide and the associated radiated baroclinic energy flux. The model internal wave spectrum is populated at discrete frequency multiples ( 1 / 2 , 1 , 3 / 2 , 2 , 5 / 2 , … ) of M 2 . The 1 / 2 M 2 subharmonic is particularly energetic at its turning latitude of ± 28.8 ° . Poleward only integer superharmonics of M 2 are significantly excited. The subharmonic turning latitude (SHTL) disturbance has high vertical wavenumber and shear, provided that internal tide energy level exceeds a threshold value. Under these circumstances, Richardson numbers smaller than 1/4 occur in the upper few hundred meters in both the realistic-geometry model and in a complimentary idealized geometry two-dimensional (2D) model. In the 2D model, the disturbance enables Richardson number dependent diapycnal entrainment to effect a modification of the stratification of the upper 400 m of the ocean, and poleward cross-SHTL energy flux falls to 10% of its pre-instability value due to energy transfer to the non-propagating (i.e., inertial) subharmonic. Realistic-geometry simulations suggest a more modest 40% decrease in net flux, although the strongest beams are almost entirely shut down. The predicted energy flux-convergence implies a thermocline dissipation rate in the 28.5–30.0°N latitude band of 5 × 10 - 9 W kg - 1 , with an associated diapycnal diffusivity of 10 - 4 m 2 s - 1 . North of Hawaii the implied regional dissipation rate reaches 4 × 10 - 8 W kg - 1 with an associated thermocline diffusivity of 8 × 10 - 4 m 2 s - 1 . Investigations of subgridscale parameterization and resolution sensitivity suggest that the basic character and magnitude of the predictions are robust to details of the numerical solutions. The present results are taken as further evidence that an increase in shear-driven turbulent mixing in the upper ocean is predicted at special latitudes. It is suggested that the search should be directed to regions where intense low-mode internal tide beams cross their subharmonic turning latitude.
Blended blown flaps and vectored thrust for low-speed flight

Short take-off and landing (STOL) capability is a recurring design goal for current and future aircraft design studies to meet reduced field length requirements, provide increased stores "bring back" capability, enhance carrier aircraft payload launch and recovery envelopes, and improve in-flight maneuvering. The Grumman Corporation has conducted a study to design and build an A-6 STOL demonstrator aircraft for the Navy that employes two-dimensional vectored nozzles and chordwise blowing for low-speed flight. If completed, this program would demonstrate operationally acceptable STOL performance with minimum loss in cruise performance. The results of a two-dimensional airfoil test determined that a plain blown flap with a large-radius, upper leading-edge blowing segment and a conventional-shaped trailing-edge section had better high-lift capability for the available blowing momentum of the design. Extensive three-dimensional wind tunnel testing verified predicted longitudinal characteristics, showed acceptable longitudinal and lateral-directional control, and defined design limitations associated with the high-lift system.
Bayesian Hierarchical Poisson Regression Models: An Application to a Driving Study with Kinematic Events

Although there is evidence that teenagers are at a high risk of crashes in the early months after licensure, the driving behavior of these teenagers is not well understood. The Naturalistic Teenage Driving Study (NTDS) is the first U.S. study to document continuous driving performance of newly licensed teenagers during their first 18 months of licensure. Counts of kinematic events such as the number of rapid accelerations are available for each trip, and their incidence rates represent different aspects of driving behavior. We propose a hierarchical Poisson regression model incorporating overdispersion, heterogeneity, and serial correlation as well as a semiparametric mean structure. Analysis of the NTDS data is carried out with a hierarchical Bayesian framework using reversible jump Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithms to accommodate the flexible mean structure. We show that driving with a passenger and night driving decrease kinematic events, while having risky friends increases these events. Further the...