cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Determination of the Hydrogenase Status of Individual Legume Nodules by a Methylene Blue Reduction Assay

Abstract We adapted a method for the rapid screening of colonies of free-living Rhizobium japonicum for hydrogenase activity to determine the hydrogenase status of individual soybean nodules. Crude bacteroid suspensions from nodules containing strains known to be hydrogen uptake positive (Hup+) caused a localized decolorization of filter paper disks, whereas suspensions from nodules arising from inoculation with hydrogen uptake-negative (Hup−) mutants or strains did not decolorize the disks. The reliability of the method was demonstrated by its successful application to 29 slow-growing rhizobia. The Hup phenotype on methylene blue filters agreed with that determined amperometrically with either methylene blue or oxygen as the electron acceptor.
Interactions of eight-branes in string theory and M(atrix) theory

We consider eight-brane configurations in M(atrix) theory and compute their interaction potentials with gravitons, membranes, and four-branes. We compare these results with the interactions of D8-branes with D0-branes, D2-branes, and D4-branes in type IIA string theory. We find agreement between the two approaches for eight-brane interactions with two-branes and four-branes. A discrepancy is noted in the case with zero-branes. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}
Logic-based decision support for computer capacity planning

Abstract This paper reports on a decision support system for computer capacity planning. The system is currently under development for Sandia National Laboratories to support planning in an environment characterized by large scale scientific as well as more traditional administrative computing needs, governmental budgetary limitations, and specific planning documentation required by the funding source. The implementation vehicle for this system is an extended version of Prolog which allows interactions with externally defined computational routines and sources of data. This provides for the integration of various data sources with a set of models for estimating capacity requirements and optimizing different objective functions subject to budgetary constraints. This paper outlines the decision environment, pointing out the benefits of using a DSS to support management in forecasting user requirements and optimizing their supercomputer acquisitions, subject to cost, time, financial options and user needs.
Regulation of the Transient Receptor Potential Channel TRPM2 by the Ca2+ Sensor Calmodulin

TRPM2, a member of the transient receptor potential (TRP) superfamily, is a Ca2+-permeable channel activated by oxidative stress or tumor necrosis factorα involved in susceptibility to cell death. TRPM2 activation is dependent on the level of intracellular Ca2+. We explored whether calmodulin (CaM) is the Ca2+ sensor for TRPM2. HEK 293T cells were transfected with TRPM2 and wild type CaM or mutant CaM (CaMMUT) with substitutions of all four EF hands. Treatment of cells expressing TRPM2 with H2O2 or tumor necrosis factor α resulted in a significant increase in intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i). This was not affected by coexpression of CaM, suggesting that endogenous CaM levels are sufficient for maximal response. Cotransfection of CaMMUT with TRPM2 dramatically inhibited the increase in [Ca2+]i, demonstrating the requirement for CaM in TRPM2 activation. Immunoprecipitation confirmed direct interaction of CaM and CaMMUT with TRPM2, and the Ca2+ dependence of this association. CaM bound strongly to the TRPM2 N terminus (amino acids 1–730), but weakly to the C terminus (amino acids 1060–1503). CaM binding to an IQ-like motif (amino acids 406–416) in the TRPM2 N terminus was demonstrated utilizing gel shift, immunoprecipitation, biotinylated CaM overlay, and pull-down assays. A substitution mutant of the IQ-like motif of TRPM2 (TRPM2-IQMUT1) reduced but did not eliminate CaM binding to TRPM2, suggesting the presence of at least one other CaM binding site. The functional importance of the TRPM2 IQ-like motif was demonstrated by treatment of TRPM2-IQMUT1-expressing cells with H2O2. The increase in [Ca2+]i observed with wild type TRPM2 was absent and cell viability was preserved. These data demonstrate the requirement for CaM in TRPM2 activation. They suggest that Ca2+ entering through TRPM2 enhances interaction of CaM with TRPM2 at the IQ-like motif in the N terminus, providing crucial positive feedback for channel activation.
Avatar e-mail versus traditional e-mail: Perceptual difference and media selection difference

The study investigates how knowledge workers perceive avatar e-mail differently from traditional e-mail, and how they select traditional versus avatar e-mail when different levels of task equivocality and different types of communication direction are present. Three field studies were conducted with knowledge workers who have used avatar and traditional e-mail. This study demonstrates that overall perception toward avatar e-mail is significantly different from traditional e-mail with respect to media richness and social presence characteristics. In addition, this study found individuals used different e-mail selection approaches when conducting tasks with different equivocality (high versus low equivocal tasks) and tasks for different communication direction (lateral versus upward). Avatar e-mail users also sent lengthier messages than traditional e-mail users when conducting a highly equivocal task.
Heterogeneous integration of III-V on Si: Overcoming the lattice-mismatch barrier via the 1D route

We demonstrate one-dimensional heteroepitaxy of In x Ga 1−x As nanowires in the entire composition range on silicon substrates without dislocations. Doping and interfaces are characterized. Applications including improving the silicon solar cell efficiency will be presented.
Rheological Characteristics of Apple Skin and Apple Firmness

The modulus and breaking strength of the skins of different apples were measured: McIntosh, Red Delicious, and Empire stored under controlled atmosphere; McIntosh stored at 1.7°C without atmospheric control, and Honey Crisp and Crimson Gala grown under light and heavy crop conditions. The moduli of the skins of Honey Crisp and Crimson Gala were lower (P < 0.05), than those of Empire, McIntosh, and Red Delicious. Peak puncture force values of McIntosh, Red Delicious, and Empire were lower (P < 0.05) than those of Crimson Gala and Honey Crisp; the contribution of the skin of the Honey Crisp apples to the peak force was least among all the studied apples.
Micro mixed hemadsorption assay — A sensitive method for detecting antibodies against tumor-associated antigens

Antibodies against methylcholanthrene (MCA)-induced sarcomas in Fischer (F344) rats were detected by a modified micro mixed hemadsorption (MHA)-assay. The assays detected anti-tumor antibodies as titers up to 1 : 320 in sera from hyperimmunized rats and at titers up to 1 : 160 in sera from rats bearing a 5-8 cm3 progressively growing tumor. MHA-titers decreased when sera were absorbed with sarcoma cells prior to MHA-assays. IgG antibodies in sera from tumor bearing rats showed titers of 1:20 and 1:5. These anti-tumor sera formed rosettes on the corresponding sarcoma cells as well as other sarcomes induced by MCA in F344 and Lewis strain rats tested. The assay was modified for a micro technique using a microtest plate (No. 3034, Falcon, CA). This modification yielded as assay requiring only 10 microliter of test sera. The test is quantitative and highly sensitive and results are reproducible. Several critical factors which influence test results in this assay were examined.
Flow Calorimetric Comparison of the Acid-Base Bonding in the Outer Surface and Subsurface Regions of Coal

A flow calorimetric method was developed for comparing the strength and/or extent of acid-base bonding in the outer surface and subsurface regions of fine coal particles. This method was applied to an ultrafine sample of a low-sulfur, low-ash bituminous coal. Information about the acid-base bonding in the outer surface region of the fine particles was deduced from heats of interaction of 4-tert.-butylpyridine dissolved in 2.2,4-trimethylpentane (“"isooctane”). The penetration of this basic probe molecule into the particles is limited by its tert.-butyl group. The acid-base character of the subsurface region was deduced from heals of interaction with acetone and pyridine. good coal penetrants/swelling agents. The results suggest that the outer surface of the low-sulfur, low-ash coal studied is H-bonded to a considerably greater extent than the subsurface region. Such results are rationalized on the basis of mild oxidative weathering conditions, which may render the outer surface of coals richer in ether ox...
Redistribution equilibria involving fluoro and azido groups on the dimethylsilicon moiety

Abstract Equilibrium constants are reported for scrambling of the fluoro and azido groups with chloro, cyanato, methoxyl, methylthio, and dimethylamino groups on the dimethylsilicon moiety. The ΔF° values obtained from these constants show that fluorine lies first in the halogen series ( e.g. F, Cl, Br) with respect to exchange with various other substituents and that the azido groups acts as a pseudohalide. The mixed species (CH 3 ) 2 SiF(N 3 ), (CH 3 ) 2 SiF(NCO),(CH 3 ) 2 SiF(OCH 3 ), (CH 3 ) 2 SiF[N(CH 3 ) 2 ] 2 , (CH 3 ) 2 Si(N 3 )(SCH 3 ), (CH 3 ) 2 Si(N 3 )(OCH 3 ), and(CH 3 ) 2 Si(N 3 )[N(CH 3 ) 2 ] observed in this work are all new compounds.
Rapid development of a sensory attribute in young chickens

Development of a consistent pattern in responses to frequency changes is revealed with individual differences scaling. Newborn chicks respond to changes in a background tone to which they have become habituated with momentary delays in their otherwise regular peeping. Durations of these delays are used as measures of perceived difference between all possible pairs of five frequencies between 500 and 608 Hz. Coordinates of five points are calculated to create a map of these frequencies such that distances between points are maximally correlated with delays. A steeply sloped s-shaped curve describes the rapid emergence, from the beginning to the middle of the first postnatal day, of maps that explain significantly more of the input data than expected by chance. This implies that over a few hours birds come to reliably rank different frequencies along a consistent scale. Controlled rearing conditions of decreased external stimulation or early exposure to frequency changes have no effect on this development. In conclusion, scaling is a replicable way to evaluate the development of consistent responses to frequency changes. Similar processes are likely important in other aspects of perceptual development, learning, and memory.
Seeking inflation fossils in the cosmic microwave background

If during inflation the inflaton couples to a ``fossil'' field---some new scalar, vector, or tensor field---it typically induces a scalar-scalar-fossil bispectrum. Even if the fossil field leaves no direct physical trace after inflation, it gives rise to correlations between different Fourier modes of the curvature or, equivalently, a nonzero curvature trispectrum, but without a curvature bispectrum. Here we quantify the effects of a fossil field on the cosmic microwave background temperature fluctuations in terms of bipolar spherical harmonics (BiPoSHs). The effects of vector and tensor fossils can be distinguished geometrically from those of scalars through the parity of the BiPoSHs they induce. However, the two-dimensional nature of the cosmic microwave background sky does not allow vectors to be distinguished geometrically from tensors. We estimate the detectability of a signal in terms of the scalar-scalar-fossil coupling for scalar, vector, and tensor fossils, assuming a local-type coupling. We comment on a divergence that arises in the quadrupolar BiPoSH from the scalar-scalar-tensor correlation in single-field slow-roll inflation.
Hypertension treatment and control evolution from single risk and single organ to multirisks and multiorgans.

Hypertension treatment and control evolution from single risk and single organ to multirisks and multiorgans
Channel kets, entangled states, and the location of quantum information

The well-known duality relating entangled states and noisy quantum channels is expressed in terms of a channel ket, a pure state on a suitable tripartite system, which functions as a pre-probability allowing the calculation of statistical correlations between, for example, the entrance and exit of a channel, once a framework has been chosen so as to allow a consistent set of probabilities. In each framework the standard notions of ordinary (classical) information theory apply, and it makes sense to ask whether information of a particular sort about one system is or is not present in another system. Quantum effects arise when a single pre-probability is used to compute statistical correlations in different incompatible frameworks, and various constraints on the presence and absence of different kinds of information are expressed in a set of all-or-nothing theorems which generalize or give a precise meaning to the concept of 'no-cloning'. These theorems are used to discuss the location of information in quantum channels modeled using a mixed-state environment, the classical-quantum channels introduced by Holevo, and the location of information in the physical carriers of a quantum code. It is proposed that both channel and entanglement problems be classified in terms of pure statesmore » (functioning as pre-probabilities) on systems of p{>=}2 parts, with mixed bipartite entanglement and simple noisy channels belonging to the category p=3, a five-qubit code to the category p=6, etc., then by the dimensions of the Hilbert spaces of the component parts, along with other criteria yet to be determined.« less
Pathways to the doctor-from person to patient.

Abstract In this brief essay, I would like to accomplish several goals; the description of (1) a central problem in the understanding of the patient and his environment, (2) the difficulties inherent in studying this problem, (3) the insights from psychiatry and anthropology which made its investigation possible and (4) the first of a series of studies which ultimately was spawned out of a consideration of items 1, 2 and 3 [1].
EFFECT OF DIETARY SODIUM DEPRIVATION DURING PREGNANCY

Sodium is an essential nutrient for growth. The effects of its deficiency during gestation remain controversial. Some studies have shown fetal growth retardation while others have shown no effect. This study investigated the effects of graded sodium restricted diets on maternal and fetal growth. Thirty-four three day pregnant,S-D rats were randomized into four different sodium intake groups. The total sodium dose during the experiment was: 7000ueq(Control),5000ueq(E1), 3000ueq(E2), 1000ueq(E3). On day 20 of gestation the pregnancies were terminated. There was no difference in litter sizes. Analysis of covariance for litter weight to litter size for the four groups showed no difference in fetal growth. The maternal minus fetal weight gain was linear to total sodium ingested Y=17.3+008X, p<.001, r=0.83, as was maternal bone sodium concentration Y=210+.0053X, p<.001, r=0.79. There were no differences in fetal concentrations of N, Na, K, Cl, Ca or fat. We conclude that graded sodium deficient diets during gestation cause a proportionate loss of maternal weight and bone sodium but cause no significant fetal growth retardation.
Generation of dark-current-free quasi-monoenergetic 1.25 GeV electrons by laser wakefield acceleration

We report electron acceleration to 1.25 GeV by petawatt-laser-driven wakefield acceleration at plasma density 5×1017 cm3. Electron beams are dark-current-free, quasi-monoenergetic, highly collimated (<1mrad divergence), contain tens of pC and have excellent pointing stability.
An Elementary Plate Theory Prediction for Strain Energy Release Rate of the Constrained Blister Test

Abstract A technique based on elementary plate theory is proposed for estimating the strain energy release rate of the constrained blister specimen for the case of a relatively stiff blister adherend. The results of finite element analysis for an aluminum specimen confirm the applicability of the elementary plate theory approach for the constrained blister test. The paper also proposes an experimental scheme which could be automated to measure the necessary parameters to determine the strain energy release rate of the constrained blister specimen.
The Party in Uniform: Toward a Theory of Civil-Military Relations in Communist Political Systems

This article is an effort to establish a comparative theoretical framework for the study of civil-military relations in communist political systems. Although the literature on civil-military relations in polyarchic and praetorian polities is theoretically as well as empirically rich, theories of civil-military relations in the field of comparative communism are still at the preliminary stage of development. It is argued that civil-military relations, like all the fundamental dynamics of communist political systems, derive from the structural relationship between a hegemonic Leninist party and the other institutions of the polity. Although the party directs and supervises all other institutions, its political supremacy is necessarily limited by the division of labor among various institutions. The relative autonomy of the military and its relations with the party vary from one country to another and can be described as coalitional, symbiotic, or fused. These relations are dynamic, changing over time in each country in response to contextual circumstances. The role of the military in politics is complex and variegated: on ideological issues, there is usually little conflict between party and army; on issues of “normal politics,” the military acts as a functionally specific elite engaged in bargaining to defend its perceived institutional interests; and in crisis politics, the military is a political resource that various party factions seek to enlist against their opponents.
Individual animal and maternal risk factors for morbidity and mortality of neonatal beef calves in Colorado, USA☆

Abstract A prospective study was conducted to quantify the individual animal and maternal factors that affected morbidity and mortality of calves in Colorado beef herds. The study subjects were all calves born in ten participating herds during the 1990 and 1991 calving seasons. All 3666 calves born during the study period were individually identified at birth, and subsequent disease events were recorded by the producers. The disease outcomes of interest and their observed incidence rates were: perinatal (birth to 12 h) mortality, 2.5%; general neonatal (12 h to 45 days) mortality, 2.2%; general neonatal morbidity, 4.4%; neonatal diarrhea, 1.1%; neonatal respiratory disease, 1.0%; mothering problems/weak calves, 1.2%; and neonatal enterotoxemia/sudden death, 1.4%. Data analysis utilized multiple logistic regression. All analyses were adjusted for herd. Perinatal mortalily was greater ( P P P =0.06). General neonatal mortality was higher ( P
Synthetic Thyrotropin Releasing Factor as a Test of Pituitary Thyrotropin Reserve

The iv administration of 0.5 mg of synthetic thyroptropin releasing factor (TRF) to control subjects increased plasma TSH from baseline levels of 2.1 ± 0.01 μU/ml to peak values of from 8.5–27 μU/ml. Plasma TSH levels in subjects with primary myxedema were elevated and rose further following TRF. In seven of 16 euthyroid subjects with pituitary tumors, peak values of plasma TSH following TRF ranged from 2.5–6.5 μU/ml indicating limited reserve for TSH secretion. Subjects with hypothyroidism secondary to Sheehan’s syndrome or pituitary tumors did not alter their plasma TSH levels following TRF indicating inadequate pituitary function. Plasma TSH rose normally following TRF in five subjects with TSH deficiency in the absence of a known organic pituitary lesion. This latter group of subjects may have TRF deficiency as a cause of their decreased TSH secretion.
Measurement structures in classes that are not universally axiomatizable

Abstract Let D be a four-place relation on a set A. Let ϱ be a metric in Euclidean n-space. In multidimensional scaling one is interested in representations by vector-valued functions f such that, for all a, b, c, d ϵ A, abDcd ↔ ρ(f(a),f(b)) ⩽ ρ(f(c),f(d)) . For both the “supremum” metric and the ordinary Euclidean metric there can be no finite universal axiomatization which is necessary and sufficient for the above representation.
Dominance of the α1B-Adrenergic Receptor and its Subcellular Localization in Human and TRAMP Prostate Cancer Cell Lines

The function and distribution of alpha1-adrenergic receptor (AR) subtypes in prostate cancer cells is well characterized. Previous studies have used RNA localization or low-avidity antibodies in tissue or cell lines to determine the alpha1-AR subtype and suggested that the alpha1A-AR is dominant. Two androgen-insensitive, human metastatic cancer cell lines DU145 and PC3 were used as well as the mouse TRAMP C1-C3 primary and clonal cell lines. The density of alpha1-ARs was determined by saturation binding and the distribution of the different alpha1-AR subtypes was examined by competition-binding experiments. In contrast to previous studies, the major alpha1-AR subtype in DU145, PC3 and all of the TRAMP cell lines is the alpha1B-AR. DU145 cells contained 100% of the alpha1B-AR subtype, whereas PC3 cells were composed of 21% alpha1 A-AR and 79% alpha1B-AR. TRAMP cell lines contained between 66% and 79% of the alpha1B-AR with minor fractions of the other two subtypes. Faster doubling time in the TRAMP cell lines correlated with decreasing alpha 1B-AR and increasing alpha1 A- and alpha1D-AR densities. Transfection with EGFP-tagged alpha1B-ARs revealed that localization was mainly intracellular, but the majority of the receptors translocated to the cell surface after extended preincubation (18 hr) with either agonist or antagonist. Localization was confirmed by ligand-binding studies and inositol phosphate assays where prolonged preincubation with either agonist and/or antagonist increased the density and function of alpha 1-ARs, suggesting that the native receptors were mostly intracellular and nonfunctional. Our studies indicate that alpha1B-ARs are the major alpha1-AR subtype expressed in DU145, PC3, and all TRAMP cell lines, but most of the receptor is localized in intracellular compartments in a nonfunctional state, which can be rescued upon prolonged incubation with any ligand.
Broadband field directionality mapping with spatially-aliased arrays

This paper addresses the problem of broadband spatial spectrum estimation using multiple spatially-aliased arrays. Unlike previous approaches using sparse arrays, the signals here are assumed to be uncorrelated between multiple arrays which, in fact, may be receiving the same source during different time intervals. This paper presents an approach which jointly exploits spatial-orientation and broadband temporal diversity in order to estimate the spatial spectrum even when the inter-element spacing within each array is greater than a half-wavelength. A dynamical model for the spatial spectrum is employed to formulate a maximum likelihood estimate, which is computed via a recursive version of the expectation-maximization algorithm using data from different arrays. Simulation results are presented to demonstrate the ability of the method to suppress spatial grating lobes and increase low SNR target detection in an interference dominated environment.
Standoff Raman Hyperspectral Imaging Detection of Explosives

Optical standoff detection of hazardous materials has been developed that combines hyperspectral IR imaging, Raman imaging and laser induced breakdown spectroscopy. Sensor characteristics will be presented.
Comparison of mixed-Higgs scenarios in the NMSSM and the MSSM

We study scenarios in the minimal and next-to-minimal supersymmetric models in which the lightest CP-even Higgs boson can have mass below the 114 GeV standard model LEP limit by virtue of reduced ZZ coupling due to substantial mixing among the Higgs bosons. We pay particular attention to the size of corrections from superpartners needed for these scenarios to be viable and point to boundary conditions at large scales which lead to these scenarios while at the same time keeping electroweak fine-tuning modest in size. We find that naturalness of electroweak symmetry breaking in the mixed-Higgs scenarios of both models points to the same region of soft supersymmetry breaking terms as in the decoupled scenarios with mass of the CP even Higgs boson above 114 GeV, namely those leading to large mixing in the stop sector at the electroweak scale, especially if we also require that the lightest CP-even Higgs explains the Higgs-like LEP events at {approx}98 GeV.
Readmissions at a public safety net hospital.

Objective We aimed to determine factors related to avoidability of 30-day readmissions at our public, safety net hospital in the United States (US).
A Comparison of Triceps Skinfold and Upper Arm Circumference Measurements Taken in Standard and Supine Positions

Because hospitalized patients are often unable to assume the upright position recommended for anthropometric measurements, the effect of patient position on accuracy of triceps skinfold and arm circumference measurements was investigated. Three measurements of triceps skinfold and arm circumference were taken on the right arm of 74 patients by trained technicians with extensive experience in anthropometric evaluation using a Lange caliper and Inser-tape. Measurements were repeated in the supine position 5 hours later on the same day by the same observer. Mean triceps skinfold, arm circumference, and calculated arm muscle circumference values obtained in the upright position correlated highly with those obtained in the supine position. Differences were less than one measurement unit and not significant when compared using parametric (Student t-test) and non parametric (Wilcoxon Matched-Pairs Signed-Ranks Test) statistically analysis. This study indicates that triceps skinfold and arm circumference can be measured accurately, reproducibly, and comparably in the supine position when the patient is unable to assume the recommended upright stance.
Selective Sensitization Induced by Lithium Malaise and Footshock in Rats

Following exposure to an aversive stimulus, Sprague—Dawley rats were allowed to choose between a novel and a familiar stimulus presented contingent upon licking a drinking spout. Rats pretreated with footshock showed reduced preference for a novel auditory or visual stimulus if shock was administered immediately before the test session but not if shock occurred 5 or 25 min earlier (Experiment 1). Subjects pretreated with lithium chloride (LiCl) before a choice test between a novel saccharin solution and familiar tap water showed a reduced preference for saccharin if the LiCl was administered 35 min before testing but not if the LiCl was administered 6 hr earlier (Experiment 2). However, pretreatment with LiCl did not reduce subjects' preference for a novel visual or auditory stimulus, and footshock did not affect the preference for a novel saccharin solution (Experiment 3). This demonstration of selective sensitization effects is contrary to characterizations of sensitization as a general, nonspecific mechanism. The results are discussed in terms of anatomically mediated differential processing of interoceptive and exteroceptive stimuli.
Analysis of Aldehydes and Ketones in the Headspace of Heated Pork Fat

Volatile chemicals in the headspace above heated pork fat were purged into aqueous solutions of cysteamine, sodium bisulfite, or methylhydrazine to trap aldehydes and ketones. Nine aldehydes and four ketones were determined as thiazolidine derivatives in traps containing aqueous cysteamine or aqueous sodium bisulfite. The major compounds produced were hexanal, heptanal, and pentanal. In general, aqueous cysteamine was more efficient at trapping carbonyl compounds than was aqueous sodium bisulfite. However, formalydehyde and acetaldehyde were trapped better by sodium bisulfite solution than by cysteamine solution. Acrolein and malonaldehyde were determined as l-methyl-2-pyrazoline and 1-methylpyrazole, respectively, from the trap containing methylhydrazine. This represents the first time that malonaldehyde has been determined in the vapor phase.
Needed for mental health management: A new measurement paradigm

While the service paradigm in mental health management changed from custodialism to active treatment 25 years ago, the measurement paradigm for program performance measures did not. Consequently, many performance measures now in use may potentially mislead program administrators. The increasing importance of managing for results and for quelity makes this a favorable time to change.
Some observations on the behaviour of the sodium efflux in barnacle muscle fibres towards lithium ions.

Abstract 1. 1. The behaviour of the Na efflux towards Li + was studied using single barnacle muscle fibres as a preparation. 2. 2. It is found that the Na efflux into Li + -ASW (artificial seawater) is reduced and that this effect is not fully reversed by returning back to Na + -ASW. 3. 3. Preinjection of 100 mM-EGTA reduces the magnitude of the fall of the Na efflux into Li + -ASW. 4. 4(a). The remaining Na efflux into Li + -ASW is further reduced by external application of 10 −4 M-ouabain. (b) The remaining Na efflux in ouabain-poisoned fibres is reduced by replacing Na e by Li + . However, some fibres show a rise rather than a fall. 5. 5. Fibres loaded with NaCl (by injection) show a prompt and sustained stimulation of the Na efflux when Na e is replaced by Li + . A similar but less pronounced response is often seen with ouabain-poisoned fibres. 6. 6. Injection of LiCl (e.g. a 2 M-solution), causes a 20% fall in Na efflux. Subsequent replacement of Na e by Li + fails to bring about a fall in the remaining efflux. 7. 7. Itis concluded that the Na efflux in these fibres consists of a Na-Na exchange diffusion component which is not mediated by the Na-K pump and that its operation is interrupted by injecting Li + . The relative size of this component is about one-fifth and not one-half of the Na efflux.
Purification and properties of thymidylate synthase from calf thymus

Thymidylate synthase has been purified about 5000-fold from the thymus gland of young calves by (NH4)2SO4 fractionation, DEAE, hydroxylapatite, Sephadex G-200 column chromatography and column electrophoresis. The purified enzyme was found to be homogeneous on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The molecular weight, pH values of optimal activity and Michaelis constant were evaluated. A competitive inhibition by dTMP for dUMP was observed and the inhibition constant was determined. The enzyme activity was not stimulated by Mg2+. ATP was found to inhibit the enzymatic activity, while ATP-Mg2+ had no effect.
New developments in osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) has been a frustrating disease for both the patient and the physician. Its current impact on society is tremendous and rivals that of ischemic heart disease in many regards. As the baby boomers reach late adulthood and the obesity epidemic rages on, OA will assume an even greater impact on society. The current OA armamentarium only reduces pain and perhaps improves function, but has no impact on the disease incidence or progression. Thus, the challenge for researchers to develop disease-modifying OA drugs becomes an issue of paramount importance. Several advances in the understanding of OA pathophysiology have provided a glimpse of optimism that disease modification is a real possibility.
Updating a Land Surface Model with MODIS-Derived Snow Cover

Abstract A simple scheme for updating snow-water storage in a land surface model using snow cover observations is presented. The scheme makes use of snow cover observations retrieved from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) aboard NASA's Terra and Aqua satellites. Simulated snow-water equivalent is adjusted when and where the model and MODIS observation differ, following an internal accounting of the observation quality, by either removing the simulated snow or adding a thin layer. The scheme is tested in a 101-day global simulation of the Mosaic land surface model driven by the NASA/NOAA Global Land Data Assimilation System. Output from this simulation is compared to that from a control (not updated) simulation, and both are assessed using a conventional snow cover product and data from ground-based observation networks over the continental United States. In general, output from the updated simulation displays more accurate snow coverage and compares more favorably with in situ snow...
smoothened, thickveins and the genetic control of cell cycle and cell fate in the developing Drosophila eye

The Hedgehog and Decapentaplegic pathways have several well-characterized functions in the developing Drosophila compound eye, including initiation and progression of the morphogenetic furrow. Other functions involve control of cell cycle and cell survival as well as cell type specification. Here we have used the mosaic clone analysis of null mutations of the smoothened and thickveins genes (which encode the receptors for these two signals) both alone and in combination, to study cell cycle and cell fate in the developing eye. We conclude that both pathways have several, but differing roles in furrow induction and cell fate and survival, but that neither directly affects cell type specification.
Actual and imagined first smoking experiences and resisted smoking opportunities of Asian American adolescents.

Objective To explore the metamotivational states experienced during first smoking experiences of Asian American adolescents. Design and Sample This survey research investigated the differences among the smokers, resisters, and smoking naives of a convenience sample of 328 Asian Americans, aged 16–19 in New York City (NYC). Measures The study used a demographic questionnaire, Temptation Episode Surveys (First Smoking Occasion, First Resisted Smoking Opportunity, and Opinions on First Smoking Occasion), the Telic/Paratelic State Instrument, and the Rebellious State Scale. Results Statistical analyses revealed that Asian American adolescents smoked the first time when in paratelic, arousal-seeking states, and when the physical and social environments are permissive to smoking, initiation opportunities such as presence of peers and friends smoking and in places where adults are not present. Conclusions The first smoking experiences of Asian American adolescents parallel that of smoking cessation when individuals lapse in a highly tempting situation and when the environment is permissive to smoking. This study is the first to use reversal theory pairs as a framework for smoking initiation. Smoking prevention and intervention programs should consider the importance of the physical, social environment, and the psychological states of adolescents when they smoke the first time.
Fertility in urban areas of Mexico: Implications for the theory of the demographic transition

Recent investigations indicate that fertility is not universally associated with urbanization and economic development in the manner predicted by the theory of the demographic transition. It is possible, however, that these investigations only partially test the theory, for the degree of industrialization in urbanareas is rarely taken into account. Two hypotheses are tested based upon Mexican census and vital registration data for 1940-60: (a) urban fertility is inversely related to the proportion of the urban population employed in the secondary sector of the economy and (b) changes in urban fertility are inversely related to changes in the proportion of the urban population employed in the secondary sector of the economy.At each census date from 1940 to 1960, the association between urban fertility (age-standardized child-woman ratio adjusted for infant mortality) and the percent in the secondary sector is low and positive. In 1960, however, the association is negative (suggesting a possible change in the direction of the association), but city growth rates and the proportion of females married are more closely related to fertility than percent in the secondary sector. Hypothesis a, then, receives little support from the data.Much the same is true of hypothesis b. The association between changes in urban fertility and changes in the percent in the secondary sector is positive. Moreover, city growth rates and changes in the proportion literate explain more of the variation in fertility change than does the percent in the secondary sector.In addition, over-all fertility has risen since 1940, and this rise is pronounced in large urban areas. It is suggested that among certain segments of Mexican society, the response to economic development has been an increase rather than a reduction in fertility. It is further suggested that if city growth is indicative of rural-urban migration, the presence of large numbers of rural migrants in urbanareas may help to explain the decreasing size of the urban-rural fertility differential in Mexico.If this interpretation is correct, the theory of the demographic transition is in need of further modification, specification, and verification.
Outlying Sequence Detection in Large Data Sets: A data-driven approach

Outliers refer to observations that do not conform to the expected patterns in high-dimensional data sets. When such outliers signify risks (e.g., in fraud detection) or opportunities (e.g., in spectrum sensing), harnessing the costs associated with the risks or missed opportunities necessitates mechanisms that can identify them effectively. Designing such mechanisms involves striking an appropriate balance between reliability and cost of sensing, as two opposing performance measures, where improving one tends to penalize the other. This article poses and analyzes outlying sequence detection in a hypothesis testing framework under different outlier recovery objectives and different degrees of knowledge about the underlying statistics of the outliers.
Numerical solution of the electron diffusion equation

Abstract A numerical solution to the integro-differential equation describing the energy distribution of a beam of electrons which has passed through matter, losing energy by radiation only, has been obtained utilizing a finite difference mesh method. Solutions were obtained for thicknesses of up to 0.1 radiation lengths for a complete screening approximation to the energy loss equation. The accuracy of the method was checked by comparison of results with known solutions to the diffusion equation. The formulas of Mo-Tsai and Tsai for electron straggling distributions were compared to the numerical results. Good agreement was found near the high energy end of the distribution, the numerical results being within two percent of the theoretical predictions. At the low energy end of the distribution, the numerical results differ from those predicted by as much as eight percent at thicknesses of 0.1 radiation length. The disagreement was found to be proportional to thickness traversed by the beam.
Curvature-based representation of objects from range data

Abstract A representation technique for visible three-dimensional object surfaces is presented which uses regions that are homogeneous in certain intrinsic surface properties. First, smooth patches are fitted to the object surfaces; principal curvatures are then computed and surface points classified accordingly. Such a representation scheme has applications in various image processing tasks such as graphics display and recognition of objects. An algorithm is presented for computing object descriptions. The algorithm divides the range data array into windows and fits approximating surfaces to those windows that do not contain discontinuities in range. The algorithm is not restricted to polyhedral objects nor is it committed to a particular type of approximating surface. It uses tension splines which make the fitting patches locally adaptable to the shape of object surfaces. Maximal regions are then formed by coalescing patches with similar intrinsic curvature-based properties. Regions on the surface of the object can be subsequently organized into a labelled graph, where each node represents a region and is assigned a label depicting the type of region and containing the set of feature values computed for that region.
Evidence for large pre-industrial perturbations of the Black Sea chemocline

RECENT studies1–8 have documented significant short-term vertical fluctuations in the position of the oxic–anoxic interface (chemocline) in the waters of the Black Sea, the world's largest anoxic basin. Natural5,9 and anthropogenic3,4,8,10 influences have been invoked as possible causes of the observed fluctuations, but it has been difficult to establish the relative importance of these two forcings. One reason is that observations of the magnitude of chemocline displacement have not extended sufficiently far in the past to eliminate the possibility of anthropogenic changes in fresh-water input. Here we present chemical analyses of shelf sediments, collected from the Bosporus region of the Black Sea, which contain a record of past water column chemistry. We find that the chemocline in this region rose by at least 40–50 m ≥250–300 years ago, precluding anthropogenic forcing as a viable cause. Although our results do not rule out an anthropogenic cause for the recent variations, they do show that natural perturbations more than twice as large as the more recent changes have occurred in the past.
Improving the convergence of the iterative solution of matrix equations in the method of moments formulation using extrapolation techniques

A strategy is presented for improving the convergence of iterative solvers when used for solving the matrix equations of the method of moments (MOM) formulation of EM scattering problems in a frequency sweep. Based on the use of an initial guess, which is derived via an extrapolation procedure involving the solution obtained at previous frequency steps, this procedure improves the convergence behaviour over the use of either a zero initial guess or the employment of the solution at the last frequency as the initial value for conjugate gradient (CG) iteration.
Duplex sonography of the breast

A commercially available duplex ultrasound unit was used to examine 54 breast lesions in 44 women. The 7.5 MHz imaging probe contained a 3 MHz pulsed Doppler crystal, and the 10 MHz imaging probe contained a 4.5 MHz pulsed Doppler crystal. Doppler signals were elicited from normal breast tissue in only one patient. No Doppler signals were found in the five cysts examined in this study. For the 35 solid masses with biopsy or adequate follow-up that were examined with one or both probes, the sensitivity of Doppler for the diagnosis of carcinoma was 69%, the specificity 59%, positive predictive value 50%, negative predictive value 76%, and the accuracy 63%. Because of intermittent malfunction of the 10/4.5 MHz probe, some patients were examined with only the lower frequency probe. For the 34 solid lesions with biopsy or adequate follow-up that were examined with the 7.5/3 MHz probe, the sensitivity was 62%, specificity 38%, positive predictive value 50%, negative predictive value 72%, and accuracy 62%.
How do fighting ability and nest value influence usurpation contests in Polistes wasps

Most research on animal contests has focused on the factors that influence the intensity and outcome of aggressive contests within nonsocial species, while relatively little is known about contests in social taxa. Here, we examine contests among queens of the social paper wasp, Polistes dominulus. Queens use multiple reproductive strategies, including nesting alone, usurping established colonies, and cooperatively joining other queens. We stage contests between a nesting queen and a challenger to test how resource value (RV) and resource holding potential (RHP) influence (a) who occupies the nest at the end of the contest and (b) the extent of conflict between the queen and challenger. We found that RHP, as measured by individuals’ facial patterns and body size, influenced the outcome of the contest. Challengers with high RHP were more likely to successfully usurp the nest than challengers with low RHP. Interestingly, queens with relatively high RHP were more likely to form a cooperative association with the challenger than queens with lower RHP, suggesting that queens may evict individuals that are an aggressive threat. RV influenced the intensity of conflict. There was more aggressive conflict over large nests than over small nests. Overall, social taxa have complex contest dynamics with important parallels to contests in nonsocial taxa. Studying contests in social taxa provides an important perspective on the factors that influence individual decisions about conflict versus cooperation.
Dual Click reactions to micropattern proteins

In the study described in this report orthogonal Click reactions were utilized to immobilize two different proteins on surfaces side-by-side and in multilayer constructs. Alkyne- and azide-functionalized poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogel features were fabricated. Copper-catalyzed Huisgen 1,3 dipolar cycloaddition and oxime chemistry were employed to conjugate an azide-functionalized ubiquitin and oxoamide-modified myoglobin, respectively. Multicomponent patterning was verified by fluorescence imaging.
How does a risk-oriented “future-self” influence behavior?: A structural-equation-modeling approach with marijuana-related outcomes

A study was conducted to examine the influence of a risk-oriented future self on self-reported marijuana use among college students. Drawing on theoretical work on possible selves, it was hypothesized that the extent to which a future self is viewed as risk-oriented will be associated with reported marijuana use and that effects of a risk-oriented future self on use would be partially mediated by risk-oriented attitudes and perceived attractiveness of users. Analysis of data from an online survey of college students supported hypotheses, with the additional finding that the effect of user attractiveness on use is mediated by attitudes.