cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genetic Algorithm Managed Peptide Mutant Screening: Optimizing Peptide Ligands for Targeted Receptor Binding

This study demonstrates the utility of genetic algorithms to search exceptionally large and otherwise intractable mutant libraries for sequences with optimal binding affinities for target receptors. The Genetic Algorithm Managed Peptide Mutant Screening (GAMPMS) program was used to search an α-conotoxin (α-CTx) MII mutant library of approximately 41 billion possible peptide sequences for those exhibiting the greatest binding affinity for the α3β2-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) isoform. A series of top resulting peptide ligands with high sequence homology was obtained, with each mutant having an estimated ΔGbind approximately double that of the potent native α-CTx MII ligand. A consensus sequence from the top GAMPMS results was subjected to more rigorous binding free energy calculations by molecular dynamics and compared to α-CTx MII and other related variants for binding with α3β2-nAChR. In this study, the efficiency of GAMPMS to substantially reduce the sample population size through evolutiona...
Ryuretic: A modular framework for Ryu

We present Ryuretic as a modular, programming framework for SDN application development. Ryuretic draws its inspiration from Pyretic, which already offers powerful, modular abstractions for network operators; however, Ryuretic also builds on Ryu's greater variety of packet match fields and its access to advanced OpenFlow protocols. This framework allows programmers to create new, extensible, and more powerful network applications at a much higher level of abstraction. As Pyretic does with POX, Ryuretic places an additional abstraction layer over the Ryu framework for network application development. Additionally, its abstractions allow researchers to target specific layers of the OSI model and install both proactive and reactive rule sets, without immersing themselves in the Ryu architecture. Ryuretic is under continual development, and it is available to users via GitHub.
An investigation of mantle Rayleigh waves

Dispersion of Rayleigh waves for a new range of periods ranging from 1 to 7 minutes is described. The group velocity curve shows a long-period and a short-period branch merging at a minimum value of 3.54 km/sec. with a corresponding period of about 225 sec. It is suggested that the known variation of velocity with depth in the mantle can account for the observed dispersion. The small scatter in the velocities and the absorption of these waves suggests that, unlike shorter-period surface waves, refraction and attenuation effects are negligible at the continental margins. From the absorption of mantle Rayleigh waves the internal friction in the upper mantle for periods of 140 and 215 sec. is found to be given by 1/Q = 670 × 10^(−5). This is of the same order as that reported from vibration measurements at audio frequencies on laboratory samples of crystalline rocks at normal pressure and temperature.
Analysis of Push and Pull Factors in Turnover of Nurses

This survey based descriptive study has been undertaken in Tirunelveli city, Tamil Nadu with the objective of identifying perception of nurses towards push and pull factors for their turnover. A total of 60 nurses have been sampled from private multispeciality hospitals using both convenient and judgment sampling techniques. Both mean and standard deviation have been administered to rank push and pull factors of turnover of nurses and to find extent of their perception towards these factors. The study has ranked various push and pull factors of turnover of nurses. The analysis has shown that the perceptions of respondents towards push factors of turnover of nurses is at medium level and their perception towards pull factors of turnover of nurses is at high level. The study has given suitable suggestions to control and prevent turnover of nurses in private hospitals.
Fetal Growth Restriction

Fetuses who are growth restricted are at a high risk for perinatal mortality, with rates 6–10 times greater than normally grown fetuses. Specific patterns of growth restriction include asymmetric and symmetric which generally reflect the timing and duration of the underlying etiology. Possible underlying conditions include constitutionally small fetuses, abnormal fetuses (aneuploidy, infection, syndromes), and placental insufficiency [1].
Experiments on three-dimensional metallic metamaterials

The hybridization of plasmon modes in a multilayered structure composed of gold bars are experimentally shown to exhibit inversion between their hybridized modes in the near-infrared domain. Moreover, experimentally, the decay (radiation) rates of plasmonic modes are quantitatively estimated. This is of practical importance for sensing applications as it pertains and allows for loss engineering. We highlight the importance of fabrication quality and its effect on device performance dependent on added losses.
Introduction to Massive Gravity

We review recent progress on massive gravity. We first show how extra dimensions prove to be a useful tool in building theories of modified gravity, including Galileon theories and their DBI extensions. DGP arises from an infinite size extra dimension, and we show how massive gravity arises from ‘deconstructing’ the extra dimension in the vielbein formalism. We then explain how the ghost issue is resolved in that special theory of massive gravity. The viability of such models relies on the Vainshtein mechanism which is best described in terms of Galileons. While its implementation is successful in most of these models it also comes hand in hand with superluminalities and strong coupling which are reviewed and their real consequences are discussed.
State domination in Singapore’s public–private partnerships

Within U.S. cities, public–private partnerships (PPPs) consisting of government agencies and property developers have been dominated by the profit-driven goals of the private partners. In sharp con...
Adolescent obesity intervention: Validation of the SHAPEDOWN program

The effectiveness of the adolescent obesity intervention SHAPEDOWN was evaluated for 15 months through a randomized experimental design study. Test groups (no. = 37) participating in the intervention were compared with a no-treatment control group (no. = 29) at four sites in northern California. The program employs a variety of cognitive, behavioral, and affective techniques adapted to make successive small modifications in diet, exercise, communication, and affect that are sustainable. Very-low-calorie or restrictive diets are avoided in the program. Parents are instructed on strategies for supporting their adolescents' weight-loss efforts. Participation in the group application of the program was associated with significant improvement in relative weight, weight-related behavior, depression, and knowledge of weight management concepts at post-treatment and at 1-year follow-up. Self-esteem increased significantly regardless of condition. Change in relative weight for the test group was -9.9 +/- 14.9% (mean +/- standard deviation) and for the control group was -0.10 +/- 13.2%. At month 15 of the study period, weight change in the test group compared with the controls was -5.15 kg. For all subject variables examined in the test group, mean change in relative weight at 1-year follow-up was negative, suggesting that none of the characteristics examined contraindicate program participation among obese adolescents seeking care. Drop-out rate was 16%. The study suggests that the program produces significant long-term outcomes in obese adolescents and is transferable to a variety of settings.
Chapter 49 – Transplantation

This chapter provides an overview of the innate and adaptive immune process as it relates to solid organ transplantation and discusses immune and molecular parameters informative of a patient's status. Innate as well as adaptive immunity contributes to the anti-allograft repertoire. The innate immune system, which comprises monocyte/macrophages, neutrophils, and other granulocytes, is triggered via pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) expressed on their cell surface. The antigen specific immune response is initiated when the host immune cells encounter alloantigens within the allograft and/or the host lymphoid organs. Antigen experienced cells are recruited to the site of inflammation by the chemoattractants. Immune parameters that predict allograft outcome and those that identify individuals requiring modulation of their immune system are beginning to be resolved. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), dinucleotide repeats, and microsatellites in genes encoding cytokines, cytokine receptors, chemokines, and their receptors, and adhesion molecules are identified as genomic factors that may influence immune responsiveness of the graft recipient..
Identification of mouse SIP24/24P3 as a new acute phase protein and study of its expression

We have previously reported mouse SIP24 protein as a secreted inducible protein produced by quiescent Balb/c 3T3 cells. SIP24 can be produced in response to many factors, including serum, basic fibroblast factor (bFGF), prostaglandin F2a, phorbol ester, and dexamethasone. Here we present evidence to show that SIP24 is the product of mouse 24P3 mRNA. The 24P3 cDNA was originally cloned fi-om an SV-40-transformed quiescent mouse primary kidney cell culture, and it has been classified as a new member of the lipocalin protein family. We show that the SIP24/24P3 protein and mRNA increase dramatically in mouse serum and liver during the acute phase response induced by turpentine injection. Injection of mice with dexamethasone caused a modest increase of SIP24/24P3 mRNA in the liver. Tissue distribution studies revealed that SIP24/24P3 is mainly expressed in liver during the acute phase response.
Granular Activated Carbon and Preozonated Granular Activated Carbon Treatment for Biologically and Physically-Chemically Treated Wastewater Effluents

The Duck Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant is a combined municipal-industrial wastewater treatment facility serving a municipal population of over 200,000 and an industrial community of over 600 various light industries. This 30 MGD treatment facility operates in a split-stream mode, with 7.5 MGD treated by biological processes and 22.5 MGD treated by physical-chemical processes. Final treatment for both systems is supposed to consist of granular activated carbon treatment and chlorine disinfection. Problems in operation and implementation of the granular activated carbon systems for the combined biological and physical-chemical treatment effluents prompted The University of Texas at Dallas to design and construct a pilot plant facility composed of 5 pilot plant systems. This facility provides for evaluation of granular activated carbon (GAC) treatment and preozonated granular activated carbon (POGAC) treatment for biologically, physically-chemically, and blended (biologically and physically-chemically) treated wastewater effluents simultaneously. The UTD-Duck Creek Pilot Plant Facility has been operating since November, 1979, demonstrating the improved operation and treatment efficiency of preozonated granular activated carbon treatment for biologically, physically-chemically, and blended wastewater effluents. In addition to improved treatment efficiency demonstrated by the preozonated granular activated carbon systems, average operational life prior to bed exhaustion was extended from an average 70 days for GAC to over 300 operational days for POGAC.
The Impact of Climate and Weather on a Small Tourism Business: A wSWOT Case Study:

Climatic variability and shifting weather patterns, resulting in extreme weather events and natural disasters, pose risks to small businesses in the United States. This is particularly true in coas...
Ten-Year Outcomes of Selective Fusions for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Background:Selective fusions of the structural curve remain a common treatment strategy for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, yet long-term outcomes are not well-understood. The purpose of this study was to report 10-year prospective radiographic and patient-rated outcomes of selective fusions of the
DNA Packaging: The Translocation Motor

Abstract Many double-stranded DNA viruses use a powerful ATPase motor to package their genomes into a capsid shell. Two classes of related viral genome packaging motors, the phi29 and terminase motors, have been studied in detail to uncover the packaging mechanism. The two classes use a similar ATPase fold to power DNA translocation, and extensive single molecule work has elucidated the phi29 packaging chemomechanical cycle in detail. The terminase motor mechanism is less clear, and several models have been proposed in regard to both its DNA translocation and endonuclease mechanisms. Below we summarize the current knowledge and views for ATP hydrolysis regulation, DNA translocation, and terminase endonuclease activity.
Retrospective Analysis of Candida-related Conditions in Infancy and Early Childhood Caries.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to assess whether there is an association between oral thrush or other Candida-related conditions in infancy and early childhood caries (ECC) diagnosed by pediatricians. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study using electronic health records from six national children's hospitals that participate in the PEDSnet research network. There were 1,012,668 children with a visit at ages one to 12 months and another visit at ages 13 to 71 months. The independent variables were diagnosis of thrush or Candida-related conditions in the first year of life, while the dependent variable was diagnosis of ECC between 13 to 71 months old. RESULTS Oral thrush detection was strongly associated with ECC, particularly between 13 and 36 months (rate ratio between 2.7 [95 percent confidence interval (95% CI) equals 2.5 to 2.9; P<.001] and 3.0 [95% CI, equals 2.8 to 3.4; P<.001]). A similar trend was observed with other Candida-related conditions. CONCLUSIONS Oral thrush may be a risk factor for early childhood caries.
HyDRS-WoT: Hybrid Disaster Response System using Web of Things

A Disaster Response System is crucial for the safety of citizens. However, existing DRSs have often failed in securing major infrastructures and citizens' properties and lives. To remedy the limitations of current DRSs, many researchers have been proposed ways to improve disaster response, but do not successfully reduce the human cost of disasters. In this paper, we propose the HyDRS-WoT, an innovative DRS that allows people in a disaster area and the smart Things to organize disaster-responsive communities and cooperate with each other by leveraging Web of Things. Towards this goal, we propose an extension of WoT for dynamic cooperation among Things, called WoT-HyDRS.
Abnormal Pretreatment Liver Function Tests Are Associated with Discontinuation of Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy in a U.S.-Based Neuroendocrine Tumor Cohort.

Background Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) is effective for treating midgut neuroendocrine tumors (NETs); however, incorporation of PRRT into routine practice in the U.S. is not well studied. Herein we analyze the first year of PRRT implementation to determine tolerance of PRRT and factors that increase risk of PRRT discontinuation. Materials and methods Medical records were reviewed and data were abstracted on all patients with NETs scheduled for PRRT during the first year of PRRT implementation at a U.S. NET referral center (August 2018 through July 2019). Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with PRRT discontinuation. Results Fifty-five patients (56% male) were scheduled for PRRT over the study period. The most common primary NET location was small bowel (47%), followed by pancreas (26%), and 84% of the NETs were World Health Organization grade 1 or 2. The cohort was heavily pretreated with somatostatin analog (SSA) therapy (98%), non-SSA systemic therapy (64%), primary tumor resection (73%), and liver-directed therapy (55%). At the time of analysis, 52 patients completed at least one PRRT treatment. Toxicities including bone marrow suppression and liver function test (LFT) abnormalities were comparable to prior publications. Eleven patients (21%) prematurely discontinued PRRT because of toxicity or an adverse event. Pretreatment LFT abnormality was associated with increased risk of PRRT cancellation (odds ratio: 12; 95% confidence interval: 2.59-55.54; p Conclusion PRRT can be administered to a diverse NET population at a U.S. NET referral center. Baseline liver function test abnormality increases the likelihood of PRRT discontinuation. Implications for practice Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) can be successfully implemented at a U.S. neuroendocrine tumor (NET) referral center in a NET population that is diverse in tumor location, grade, and prior treatment history. Toxicity and adverse effects of PRRT are comparable to prior reports; however, 21% of individuals prematurely discontinued PRRT. Patients with baseline liver function test abnormalities were more likely to discontinue PRRT than patients with normal liver function tests, which should be taken into consideration when selecting treatment options for NETs.
Chapter 6 – Community Policing and Crime

Publisher Summary Community policing suggests that creativity and innovation are required to approach serious crime from new angles—that is, making incremental improvements that hold the promise of making long-term substantive improvement. It recognizes the importance of treating all social problems, including property crime, as serious police business. The professional policing model has been ineffective in reducing crime, reducing citizens' fears, and satisfying victims that justice is being done. The chapter explains the special contribution that community policing can make in extending the overall impact of the police and examines the most heinous crime, murder, to show the way community policing augments motor patrol's attempts to prevent, thwart, or solve this crime. Homicide including murder, non-negligent manslaughter, and negligent manslaughter, is often a crime of passion or profit. It focuses special attention on those at the risk of becoming offenders and victims. It involves people in efforts to make their communities more crime-resistant including participating in projects to reduce neighborhood problems. It involves Community policing officers (CPOs) as community outreach specialists, allowing them to function as the community's ombudsmen to other agencies that can help. Community policing pays particular attention to juveniles, not only because young people commit crime, but because of the hope that positive police intervention at an early age holds a greater promise of discouraging problems in the future.
Unified neural pathways that gate affective pain and multisensory innate threat signals to the amygdala

Abstract Perception of aversive sensory stimuli such as pain and innate threat cues is essential for animal survival. The amygdala is critical for aversive sensory perception, and it has been suggested that multiple parallel pathways independently relay aversive cues from each sensory modality to the amygdala. However, a convergent pathway that relays multisensory aversive cues to the amygdala has not been identified. Here, we report that neurons expressing calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the parvocellular subparafasicular thalamic nucleus (SPFp) are necessary and sufficient for affective-motivational pain perception by forming a spino-thalamo-amygdaloid pain pathway. In addition, we find that this thalamic CGRP pain pathway, together with well-known parabrachio-amygdaloid CGRP pain pathway, is critical for the perception of multisensory innate threat cues. The discovery of unified pathways that collectively gate aversive sensory stimuli from all sensory modalities may provide critical circuit-based insights for developing therapeutic interventions for affective pain- and innate fear-related disorders.
Cell-Based Therapies for Trabecular Meshwork Regeneration to Treat Glaucoma

Glaucoma is clinically characterized by elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) that leads to retinal ganglion cell (RGC) and optic nerve damage, and eventually blindness if left untreated. Even in normal pressure glaucoma patients, a reduction of IOP is currently the only effective way to prevent blindness, by either increasing aqueous humor outflow or decreasing aqueous humor production. The trabecular meshwork (TM) and the adjacent Schlemm’s canal inner wall play a key role in regulating IOP by providing resistance when aqueous humor drains through the tissue. TM dysfunction seen in glaucoma, through reduced cellularity, abnormal extracellular matrix accumulation, and increased stiffness, contributes to elevated IOP, but current therapies do not target the TM tissue. Stem cell transplantation for regeneration and re-functionalization of damaged TM has shown promise in providing a more direct and effective therapy for glaucoma. In this review, we describe the use of different types of stem cells for TM regeneration in glaucoma models, the mechanisms of regeneration, and the potential for glaucoma treatment using autologous stem cell transplantation.
At the intersection of mathematics and language: Examining mathematical strategies and explanations by grade and English learner status

Abstract Among the requirements of new College and Career Ready Standards are students’ abilities to explain what mathematics problems are asking, how to solve them, and why solutions make sense. A fundamental question is, how might the mathematical strategies that students adopt during tasks impact the language of their explanations? Linguistic demands are expected to be challenging to English learner and proficient students alike. English learner (EL; n = 62) and English-only or proficient (n = 58) kindergarten, 3rd, and 5th grade students completed a mathematics task and explained their solutions. Overall, explanations of less complex strategies contained fewer words, shorter sentences, less frequent general academic vocabulary and temporal discourse connectors, and fewer characteristics of well-developed explanations. Explanations produced by English proficient students were linguistically more sophisticated but not more cogent than those of EL students. There were differences in connections between strategies and explanations by grade but few by EL status. We discuss implications for implementing new mathematics standards with all students.
Brain activation to cocaine cues and motivation/treatment status

Motivation to change is believed to be a key factor in therapeutic success in substance use disorders; however, the neurobiological mechanisms through which motivation to change impacts decreased substance use remain unclear. Existing research is conflicting, with some investigations supporting decreased and others reporting increased frontal activation to drug cues in individuals seeking treatment for substance use disorders. The present study investigated the relationship between motivation to change cocaine use and cue-elicited brain activity in cocaine-dependent individuals using two conceptualizations of 'motivation to change': (1) current treatment status (i.e. currently receiving versus not receiving outpatient treatment for cocaine dependence) and (2) self-reported motivation to change substance use, using the Stages of Change Readiness and Treatment Eagerness Scale. Thirty-eight cocaine-dependent individuals (14 currently in treatment) completed a diagnostic assessment and an fMRI cocaine cue-reactivity task. Whole-brain analyses demonstrated that both treatment-seeking and motivated participants had lower activation to cocaine cues in a wide variety of brain regions in the frontal, occipital, temporal and cingulate cortices relative to non-treatment-seeking and less motivated participants. Future research is needed to explain the mechanism by which treatment and/or motivation impacts neural cue reactivity, as such work could potentially aid in the development of more effective therapeutic techniques for substance-dependent patients.
A new instrument for medical decision support and education: the Stanford Health Information Network for Education

The information needs of physicians are complex and ever increasing in a world of rapidly expanding medical knowledge and a practice environment where physicians are required to know and do more with shrinking resources. Current strategies for providing clinical decision support and continuing medical education have failed in part, because they have not provided timely, easy access to information that is current, integrated with other information and the physician's workflow, and relevant to specific questions that occur during the patient encounters. Meeting these challenges involves understanding the nature of medical knowledge, the different information needs of physicians, the clinical decision making process, and the constraints of the physician's work environment, as well as the traditional barriers to physician education. We explore the nature of some of these challenges and propose one solution in the form of a highly integrated Web based technology-The Stanford Health Information Network for Education (SHINE).
The New Medical College Admission Test: New Dimensions in Assessment

The three-to-one ratio of applicants to available first-year positions in medical school assures that two of every three candidates will be delayed or stopped by barriers erected by the admissions process. The admissions procedure is complex and demands the utmost in energy, careful thought, and comparison if all competitors are to be treated fairly.
The Geographic Distribution of the Size and Timing of Monetary Policy Actions

This paper examines the magnitude and timing of the effects of changes in the monetary base on the aggregate and regional changes in bank loans within the United States. We consider both Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) regions, and individual states and the District of Columbia for our regional analysis. The empirical analysis provides some insight on the bank-lending channel of monetary policy. We find strong evidence of a 4-quarter lag in the effect of changes in the monetary base on bank loans. That finding proves robust across all regions and nearly all states.
Tritium Handling and the Preparation of DT-Containing Micro-Targets for Laser Fusion Experiments

Within the High-Temperature Chemistry Group (CMB-3) at Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory hollow micro-targets for fusion experiments are routinely filled with 50–50 DT gas at pressures ranging from 1 to 1000 atm and temperatures of 300–400°C. Li(D,T) targets are also prepared using the exchange of LiD spheres with tritium gas. The gas system has provisions for mixing, purifying (using a uranium-tritide bed), storing, and analyzing (using mass spectrometry) mixtures of DT gas. Although only small amounts of gas are actually used in the filling procedure, the system is capable of handling up to about four moles (90l) total. The highpressure gas is generated using a metal hydride bed which produces the pressure via the decomposition of V(D,T)2. The pump is considerably more convenient to use than conventional systems and is capable of pumping pressures of up to 1400 atm (20,000 psi). Problems and safety aspects of handling and containing bulk amounts of tritium are discussed.
InP-based HEMTs: status and potential

InP based HEMT technology has evolved from research in a few labs into the mainstream of high speed microwave and millimeter wave circuits. InP HEMTs produce lower noise figures, higher gain, and higher cut-off frequencies in comparison to the best GaAs based FETs. Recent improvement in the performance of the GaInAs-channel HEMT may be attributed to: (i) obtaining superior transport properties in higher In mole-fraction channels; (ii) reducing parasitic resistance by self-aligning the ohmic contacts to the gate; and (iii) reducing the gate-length while maintaining a high aspect ratio. These efforts combined have led to a successful fabrication of ultrafast 0.1 /spl mu/m gate-length HEMTs in the late 80's to present state-of-the-art 0.05 /spl mu/m gate-lengths in the early 90's. Consequently, they are now the most promising candidate for low noise amplifiers, millimeter wave power amplification, broadband distributed amplifiers, and high frequency oscillator circuits. A review of the low noise performance is presented along with recent diversification in the InP based HEMT technology to microwave and millimeter wave power amplification. >
Mitogen stimulation affects contractile protein mRNA abundance and translation in embryonic quail myocytes.

Abstract In cultures of differentiated, fusion-blocked muscle cells obtained from embryonic Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica), mitogen stimulation leads to an immediate reduction in the rates of synthesis of skeletal muscle myosin heavy chain (MHC) and alpha-actin. The molecular mechanisms responsible for this downregulation were examined. The cellular abundances of the alpha-actin and MHC mRNAs were affected differently by mitogen stimulation; alpha-actin mRNA abundance declined by an amount which quantitatively accounted for the observed decrease in alpha-actin synthesis, whereas MHC mRNA abundance remained virtually unchanged during the first 6 h following mitogen stimulation, a period during which MHC synthesis declined by more than 70%. MHC mRNA abundance did decline between 6 and 12 h after mitogen stimulation. Downregulation of MHC synthesis therefore involves an initial block in mRNA translation combined with a later loss of MHC mRNA from the cytoplasma, while alpha-actin synthesis is regulated at the level of mRNA abundance. These observations are consistent with the hypothesis that, in addition to transcriptional activation of muscle-specific genes, skeletal muscle differentiation normally involves cell cycle-dependent modulations in cellular factors which control message stability and message translation.
Comparison of dental esthetic perceptions of young adolescents and their parents.

Objective To compare dental esthetic perceptions of adolescents at age 13 with those of parents and to assess associations with dental fluorosis.
New spatial measures of terrain dynamics derived from time series of lidar data

We anticipate that multiyear lidar surveys, currently focused on vulnerable coastal areas, will soon become a common resource for monitoring and analysis of various aspects of regional terrain change. We propose raster based measures for mapping and quantification of discrete and continuous terrain changes by introducing novel concepts, such as core and envelope surfaces, contour evolution band, and evolution regression slope map that can provide insights into the spatial aspects of terrain dynamics and changes in structures. The methodology is applied to a section of North Carolina coast where multiyear time series of lidar data is already available. Dynamics of bare dune and beach systems, changes in structures and vegetation growth are mapped and quantified to evaluate the proposed approach.
Ischemia-associated intraventricular conduction disturbances during exercise testing as a predictor of proximal left anterior descending coronary artery disease

To determine the incidence and significance of transient intraventricular conduction abnormalities occurring in association with myocardial ischemia during exercise testing, the recordings of 2,200 consecutive exercise tests were reviewed. Ten patients (0.45%) were identified as having both ischemia and intraventricular conduction abnormalities that developed transiently during the exercise test. In all 10 patients both typical angina and electrocardiographic evidence of ischemia developed during exercise. Among the 10 patients, left anterior hemiblock developed in 4, left posterior hemiblock in 2, right bundle branch block (RBBB) in 2, RBBB with left axis deviation in 1, and left anterior hemiblock progressing to complete left bundle branch block (LBBB) in 1. All 10 patients had cardiac catheterization showing significant obstruction of the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery at or before the origin of the first septal branch. Eight patients were treated surgically and 2 medically, all with relief of ischemic symptoms. Nine of the 10 had repeat exercise stress testing without angina or electrocardiographic evidence of ischemia and without recurrence of the transient intraventricular conduction disturbance. It is concluded that the development of transient intraventricular conduction abnormalities associated with myocardial ischemia during exercise testing is an uncommon occurrence (0.45%). When such conduction disturbances do develop, the existence of significant disease in the proximal portion of the LAD coronary artery is strongly suggested. With control of myocardial ischemia, the transient conduction disturbances during exercise are ameliorated.
Economical in situ processing for orbital debris removal

This paper proposes and develops the first description of a concept for the removal of large pieces of orbital debris. After a brief discussion of the growing importance of the general problem of orbital debris, the idea of utilizing local resources for clearing the debris is introduced. A description of the initial terrestrially working hardware and future projections for this Autonomous Space Processor for Orbital Debris concludes this paper.
Optimal city size, the economic theory of clubs and exclusionary zoning

The analysis of a city of equals, while admittedly removed from the real world, does yield an important finding: in spite of the presence of increasing returns to scale, the optimal city size is finite. Moreover, the application of the theoretical developments of the theory of clubs to the concept of the co-operative city and to coalitions within the city seems difficult but possible. It may provide valuable insights into programs of public acquisition of urban land and the creation of New Towns, and into the analysis of the urban political process, respectively. Also, I might conjecture that, with this transfer, there is considerable scope for further development of the areas of inter and intra-urban migrations, and of a general theory of urban growth and decay.
Electromagnetic response of dynamic magnetized plasma

An electromagnetic wave is transformed in a remarkable way by a transient magnetoplasma medium. The main effect of the temporal change in the parameters of the medium is the splitting of the source wave into new waves whose frequencies are different from the incident wave frequency. Several transient problems [1] involving slow or fast creation or slow or fast collapse of the plasma medium in the presence of a static magnetic field will be discussed. Approximate perturbation solution for the case of rapid temporal change of the plasma medium, based on time-domain Green's function, will be presented. WKP or Adiabatic analysis for the problem of slow temporal change of the plasma medium will also be presented. Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) method of numerical solution will be developed. Several interesting results obtained by the author by using the approximate solutions and verified by the FDTD method will be discussed. The more important results are: (1) frequency upshifting with power intensification of a whistler wave by a collapsing plasma medium, (2) conversion of a whistler wave into a controllable helical wiggler magnetic field, (3) mode coupling due to a magnetized plasma in a cavity, and (4) frequency down-shifting due to switched plasma layers in the presence of a background magnetic field. A switched magentoplasma can act like a frequency transformer. The source wave can be generated in an available frequency band and the switched plasma device converts the source wave into a new wave in a frequency band not easily obtainable by other methods. Frequency shifting mechanism can be applied for plasma cloaking of satellites and aircraft and for producing short-chirped-pulses as ultra wide band signals. Recent proof of the principle experiments confirmed many theoretical results. Many more experiments need to be done to study the scalability of the results. Fast Switching of magnetized plasma is a challenging experimental task.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The Reaction of the Soybean Cotyledon Mitochondrial Cyanide-resistant Oxidase with Sulfhydryl Reagents Suggests That α-Keto Acid Activation Involves the Formation of a Thiohemiacetal

The cyanide-resistant alternative oxidase of plant mitochondria is known to be activated by alpha-keto acids, such as pyruvate, and by the reduction of a disulfide bond that bridges the two subunits of the enzyme homodimer. When the regulatory cysteines are oxidized, the inactivated enzyme is much less responsive to pyruvate than when these groups are reduced. When soybean cotyledon mitochondria were isolated in the presence of iodoacetate or N-ethylmaleimide, the intermolecular disulfide bond did not form and the alternative oxidase was present only as a noncovalently associated dimer. N-Ethylmaleimide inhibited alternative oxidase activity, but iodoacetate was found to stimulate activity much like pyruvate, including enhancing the enzyme's apparent affinity for reduced ubiquinone. The presence of pyruvate or iodoacetate blocked inhibition of the enzyme by N-ethylmaleimide, indicating that all three compounds acted at the same sulfhydryl group on the alternative oxidase protein. The site of pyruvate and iodoacetate action was shown to be a different sulfhydryl than that involved in the redox-active regulatory disulfide bond, because iodoacetate bound to the alternative oxidase at the activating site even when the redox-active regulatory sulfhydryls were oxidized. Given the nature of the covalent adduct formed by the reaction of iodoacetate with sulfhydryls, the activation of the alternative oxidase by alpha-keto acids appears to involve the formation of a thiohemiacetal.
Volume Average Turbulence Dissipation Equation for Multiphase Flow

A dissipation transport equation for the carrier phase turbulence in particle-laden flow is derived from fundamental principles. The equation is obtained by volume averaging the same equation used for single phase flows. This process yields three additional terms that reflect the effect of the particles; these terms are evaluated assuming Stokes flow around the particles. Two of the terms reduce to zero and only one term remains which is identified as the production of dissipation due to the particles. The dissipation equation for the standard k-e model is reformulated to include the additional term. The equation is then applied to the case of particles falling in an initially quiescent fluid and experimental data are used to evaluate the empirical coefficients. The ratio of the coefficient for the production of dissipation (due to the presence of particles) to the coefficient for the dissipation of dissipation is found to correlate well with the relative Reynolds number.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Intraventricular lactate infusion attenuates the transactivational effects of the glucose antimetabolite, 2-deoxy-D-glucose, on hypothalamic vasopressinergic neurons.

Abstract Glucopenia stimulates neurohypophyseal arginine vasopressin (AVP) secretion and expression of the transcription factor, Fos, by paraventricular (PVN) and supraoptic (SON) magnocellular neurons. Recent studies suggest that central compensatory responses to glucose substrate imbalance are initiated by regulatory signals of periventricular origin. Since the glycolytic endproduct, lactate, is a preferred substrate for central neuronal respiration, we investigated whether intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) infusion of this monocarboxylate fuel attenuates transactivational effects of glucoprivation on PVN and SON AVP neurons. Continuous intraventricular infusion of sodium lactate (1.0 or 10.0 μM/h) or vehicle was initiated before intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of the glucose antimetabolite, 2-deoxy- d -glucose (2DG), or saline. Anterior hypothalamic tissue obtained 2 h after systemic injections was processed for colocalization of cytoplasmic AVP- and nuclear Fos-immunoreactivity (Fos-ir). Fos-ir was absent from the PVN and SON of rats treated by i.c.v. infusion of vehicle or either dose of lactate. Intraventricular administration of 10.0 μM lactate/h, but not the lower dose, significantly decreased mean numbers of colabeled AVP neurons in each structure in glucoprivic animals. These data suggest that Fos stimulus-transcription cascade is activated in these cells by decreased central availability of this monocarboxylate fuel, and that cellular sources of regulatory signaling of lactate utilization exist within the periventricular CNS.
Performance analysis of the cyclic MUSIC method of direction estimation for cyclostationary signals

The cyclic MUSIC algorithm exploits the cyclostationarity exhibited by most man-made communication signals to perform signal-selective estimation of directions of arrival at an array of sensors. In the paper, the bias and mean-squared error of these direction estimates are derived under the assumption that the signals are complex, possibly non-Gaussian, and cyclostationary. The analytical results are shown to be excellent predictors of empirical results obtained from computer simulation of the cyclic MUSIC algorithm, and are also compared with the Cramer-Rao bound, which in certain cases can be orders of magnitude less than the Cramer-Rao bound for the directions of arrival of stationary signals. >
Light microscopic evidence of serotoninergic projections to olivocochlear neurons in the bush baby (Otolemur garnettii).

Abstract Double-label techniques were used to concomitantly label olivocochlear neurons and serotoninergic fibers in the bush baby ( Otolemur garnettii ) brainstem. Light-microscopic examination (using a 100 × plan apochromatic oil-immersion objective) of the sections revealed that serotonin-positive varicosities (presumptive terminal endings) contacted somata and dendrites of neurons belonging to both the lateral and medial olivocochlear neurons near the superior olivary nuclei. These results provide direct evidence that the olivocochlear system (a specific auditory brainstem pathway) receives input from the serotoninergic system (a diffuse reticular brainstem network).
HALIDE EXCHANGE REACTIONS BETWEEN CpW(CO)3 − AND CpMo(CO)3X

Abstract Halogen atom transfer from CpMo(CO)3X (X = Cl, Br and I) to CpW(CO)3 − forming CpMo(CO)3 − and CpW(CO)3X occurs with a first-order dependence on the oxidant and the reductant. The rate constants show a very small dependence on the identity of X, suggesting a mechanism involving nucleophilic attack by CpW(CO)3 − on a carbonyl of CpMo(CO)3X.
Protease inhibitors restore radiation-induced apoptosis to Bcl-2-expressing lymphoma cells.

The proteasome pathway is important for the turnover of many regulatory proteins. This pathway has recently become a target for antitumor agents and several research groups have demonstrated that inhibitors with specificities for the proteasome are potent apoptosis-inducing agents. Many mechanisms by which proteasome inhibitors exert their effects have been suggested, including inhibition of NF-κB activity and stabilization of the p53 tumor suppressor protein. We investigated the ability of inhibitors with specificities for the proteasome and for another protein degradation enzyme, calpain, to sensitize a murine B-cell lymphoma with constitutive NF-κB1 homodimer activity and high expression of Bcl-2 protein to radiation-induced apoptosis. Protease inhibitors tested were calpain inhibitor I, calpain inhibitor II, calpeptin, MG132, and Lactacystin. All five inhibitors induced apoptosis and sensitized cells to radiation despite the maintenance of Bcl-2 protein levels throughout the course of treatment. An electrophoretic migration shift assay for NF-κB1 activity provided evidence that reversal of NF-κB activity was not required for induction of cell death; however, p53 levels were elevated for all inhibitors tested. HL-60 cells, devoid of p53, could not be sensitized to radiation by MG132 treatment, suggesting that p53 was important for cell death induced by combined treatment with protease inhibitors and radiation. We concluded that protease inhibitors are capable of overcoming the protective effects of Bcl-2 to induce apoptosis and suggest that protease inhibitor treatment, when combined with ionizing radiation, leads to p53-mediated apoptosis. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Substrate Temperature Dependence of the Structural Properties of Glow Discharge Produced a-Ge:H

A series of glow discharge a-Ge:H films has been produced at substrate temperatures, Ts, between 100 and 350°C. The films were structurally characterized using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Gas Evolution (GE), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The DSC and GE results are substrate dependent. Two exothermic peaks are seen in DSC spectra for films deposited on aluminum foil while only one peak, identified by Raman measurements as the crystallization peak, is seen for samples deposited on beryllium, NaCl, carbon coated mica, crystalline silicon and 7059 glass. The crystallization peak temperature of films deposited on 7059 glass decreases with increasing Ts until 250°C where it then remains constant up to Ts=350°C. GE results show a relative increase of high temperature evolution with an increase in Ts. A well defined island/tissue structure seen in TEM micrographs of low Ts films disappears at higher Ts values. SEM measurements show columnar structure present only in films produced at Ts≤250°C. All the structural measurements point to a more stable material of higher density for Ts>250°C.
Induction of chromosome loss in yeast by combined treatment with neurotoxic hexacarbons and monoketones

The neurotoxic hexacarbon compounds n-hexane, 2-hexanone and 2,5-hexanedione were tested in combination with acetone and methyl ethyl ketone for the potential to induce chromosome loss in strain D61.M of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. n-Hexane and 2-hexanone, alone or in combination, induced only marginally positive chromosome loss, whereas the metabolite and presumed proximal genetically active agent 2,5-hexanedione was strongly positive when tested alone and in combination. These observations are discussed in relation to the reported potentiation of the neurotoxic effects of these hexacarbons when exposure results from combinations with other solvents, e.g., acetone and methyl ethyl ketone. Treatments that result in neurotoxicity in experimental animals and humans and those that result in chromosome loss in a yeast genetic test system may be correlated by their activity on a common intracellular target.
Beyond Federal Urban Policy

Under Democratic and Republican leaders alike, urban policy has receded into a Washington backwater, and it is unlikely to reemerge as a priority any time soon. This essay provides a brief narrative of the rise and fall of urban policy, with a focus on the climax of urban policy making in the late 1970s. The essay also offers some thoughts on the frameworks—the architecture—the status and alignment of which affects the prospects for federal government involvement in local problem solving and building quality communities.