cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Further Studies on the Coupling of Mitochondrially Bound Hexokinase to Intramitochondrially Compartmented ATP, Generated by Oxidative Phosphorylation☆☆☆

Hexokinase, bound to nonphosphorylating rat brain mitochondria, exhibits Michaelis–Menten kinetic behavior, with an apparentKmfor ATP of 0.44 ± 0.08 mM. After initiation of oxidative phosphorylation, a steady-state rate of Glc phosphorylation is maintaineddespitethe fact that extramitochondrial [ATP] continues to increase but remains well below saturating levels (i.e., <0.4 mM). This independence from extramitochondrial [ATP] is taken to indicate that hexokinase is not utilizing extramitochondrial ATP as substrate, but rather draws substrate ATP from an intramitochondrial compartment supplied by oxidative phosphorylation. The steady-state rate of Glc phosphorylation by hexokinase bound to phosphorylating mitochondria isnotaltered by increase in total rate of ATP production resulting from addition of hexokinase-depleted mitochondria to the system. In contrast, the steady-state rate of Glc phosphorylation by yeast hexokinase, which does not bind to mitochondria, is directly related to the total rate of ATP production in the system. These results are also consistent with the view that, during oxidative phosphorylation, mitochondrially bound hexokinase is selectively using intramitochondrially compartmented ATP; such substrate selectivity would be expected to require physical association of hexokinase with the mitochondria and be dependent solely on the oxidative phosphorylation activity of the hexokinase-bearing organelles. TheKmfor Glc is only modestly affected by the binding of hexokinase to mitochondria and not further altered upon induction of active oxidative phosphorylation, suggesting that neither binding nor oxidative phosphorylation greatly affects the conformation of the Glc binding site. The reliance on intramitochondrial ATP is suggested to result from oxidative phosphorylation-dependent changes in the interaction between the mitochondrial surface and the regions of the hexokinase molecule involved in binding ATP.
On the second eigenvalue and random walks in randomd-regular graphs

The main goal of this paper is to estimate the magnitude of the second largest eigenvalue in absolute value, λ2, of (the adjacency matrix of) a randomd-regular graph,G. In order to do so, we study the probability that a random walk on a random graph returns to its originating vertex at thek-th step, for various values ofk. Our main theorem about eigenvalues is that $$E|\lambda _2 (G)|^m \leqslant \left( {2\sqrt {2d - 1} \left( {1 + \frac{{\log d}}{{\sqrt {2d} }} + 0\left( {\frac{1}{{\sqrt d }}} \right)} \right) + 0\left( {\frac{{d^{3/2} \log \log n}}{{\log n}}} \right)} \right)^m $$ for any\(m \leqslant 2\left\lfloor {log n\left\lfloor {\sqrt {2d - } 1/2} \right\rfloor /\log d} \right\rfloor \), where E denotes the expected value over a certain probability space of 2d-regular graphs. It follows, for example, that for fixedd the second eigenvalue's magnitude is no more than\(2\sqrt {2d - 1} + 2\log d + C'\) with probability 1−n −C for constantsC andC′ for sufficiently largen.
A priori orienteering with time windows and stochastic wait times at customers

Abstract In the pharmaceutical industry, sales representatives visit doctors to inform them of their products and encourage them to become an active prescriber. On a daily basis, pharmaceutical sales representatives must decide which doctors to visit and the order to visit them. This situation motivates a problem we more generally refer to as a stochastic orienteering problem with time windows (SOPTW), in which a time window is associated with each customer and an uncertain wait time at a customer results from a queue of competing sales representatives. We develop a priori routes with the objective of maximizing expected sales. We operationalize the sales representative’s execution of the a priori route with relevant recourse actions and derive an analytical formula to compute the expected sales from an a priori tour. We tailor a variable neighborhood search heuristic to solve the problem. We demonstrate the value of modeling uncertainty by comparing the solutions to our model to solutions of a deterministic version using expected values of the associated random variables. We also compute an empirical upper bound on our solutions by solving deterministic instances corresponding to perfect information.
Mocotos: mobile communications tools for children with special needs

Children with special needs often struggle to communicate about even the most basic of concepts. For children who cannot verbally communicate, augmentative visual communications tools can enable them to get their needs met, to socialize, and more. Despite these benefits, the tools currently available have many shortcomings. In this paper, we present results from a preliminary formative study focused on understanding current tools, and determine needs for the design of new tools. We also present the design of Mocotos, a new class of mobile communications tools for children with special needs.
Protein Rearrangements Underlying Slow Inactivation of the Shaker K+ Channel

Voltage-dependent ion channels transduce changes in the membrane electric field into protein rearrangements that gate their transmembrane ion permeation pathways. While certain molecular elements of the voltage sensor and gates have been identified, little is known about either the nature of their conformational rearrangements or about how the voltage sensor is coupled to the gates. We used voltage clamp fluorometry to examine the voltage sensor (S4) and pore region (P-region) protein motions that underlie the slow inactivation of the Shaker K+ channel. Fluorescent probes in both the P-region and S4 changed emission intensity in parallel with the onset and recovery of slow inactivation, indicative of local protein rearrangements in this gating process. Two sequential rearrangements were observed, with channels first entering the P-type, and then the C-type inactivated state. These forms of inactivation appear to be mediated by a single gate, with P-type inactivation closing the gate and C-type inactivation stabilizing the gate's closed conformation. Such a stabilization was due, at least in part, to a slow rearrangement around S4 that stabilizes S4 in its activated transmembrane position. The fluorescence reports of S4 and P-region fluorophore are consistent with an increased interaction of the voltage sensor and inactivation gate upon gate closure, offering insight into how the voltage-sensing apparatus is coupled to a channel gate.
Multi-system management: the next step after supervisory control?

This paper introduces the human-machine systems engineering problem of "multisystem management" and discusses the effect of increasing levels of automation on the role of the human operator in supervisory control systems. Characteristics of automation, the role of the human operator in increasingly automated systems, and the problems created by poorly design automation are discussed. Finally, an integrated theory of the function of multiple layers of automation and the role of the human operator in multisystem management is offered.
Comparison of peak exercise oxygen uptake in men versus women in chronic heart failure secondary to ischemic or idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy

Abstract In summary, women with chronic heart failure were characterized by shorter exercise time, peak VO 2 , and lower peak oxygen pulse than men with heart failure. There was a 4.1-ml/kg/min difference in peak VO 2 between genders after the adjustment of age, peak heart rate, respiratory exchange ratio, ejection fraction, and etiology of heart failure.
A history and theory of informed consent

A History and Theory of Informed Consent, Faden, R.R., and Beauchamp, T.L. (Oxford University Press, New York, 1986), 392 pages, $29.95.
Sensitizing Teachers to English Language Learner Evaluation Procedures for Students with Learning Disabilities.

Identifying appropriate evaluation strategies for students who are English Language Learners (ELL) and have a learning disability is of critical importance in today's schools. A lack of sensitivity to the differences in ELL characteristics and Those of learning disabilities has often resulted in over-identification for special education services. This study examines the effect of training on teachers' sensitivity to the complex issues surrounding the evaluation process of second language acquisition and its similarities to learning disabilities. A group of teachers were trained using a CD-ROM instructional program and then surveyed to ascertain their sensitivity to components of evaluations for English language learners and students with learning disabilities. Responses from a control group of untrained teachers were compared with the trained responses. Significant differences were noted between the two groups indicating the efficacy of training teachers to be sensitive to the conventional second language...
A protein canyon in the FGF–FGF receptor dimer selects from an à la carte menu of heparan sulfate motifs

Heparan sulfate (HS) is an essential and dynamic regulator of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling. Two fundamentally different crystallographic models have been proposed to explain, at the molecular level, how HS/heparin enables FGF and FGF receptor (FGFR) to assemble into a functional dimer on the cell surface. In the symmetric 'two-end' model, the heparin-binding sites of FGF and FGFR merge to form a basic canyon that recruits two HS for binding. Within this canyon, the HS molecules primarily act to orchestrate and fortify multivalent and cooperative protein-protein contacts within the dimer that are the foundations of dimerization. In contrast, in the asymmetric model, which mechanistically resembles the previously proposed trans FGF dimer model, a single heparin molecule facilitates dimerization by cross-linking two FGFs into a trans dimer that brings together the two FGFRs. Interestingly, the crystal structure upon which the asymmetric model is based contains a symmetric dimer reminiscent of the symmetric two-end model, suggesting that a different interpretation of the crystal structure has led to the postulation of the asymmetric model. Importantly, the symmetric two-end model provides an intriguing solution to the problem of how HS selectivity is achieved in FGF signaling. The model reveals that, within the canyon, FGF and FGFR no longer adhere to their individual HS binding specificities, but instead act in unison to search for a unique HS motif from a plethora of HS epitopes that are expressed in a tissue-specific and developmentally regulated fashion. Primary sequence differences within the heparin-binding sites of FGFs and FGFRs, together with ligand-induced changes in FGFR conformation, lead to the formation of distinct canyons with unique HS specificity for individual FGF-FGFR complexes.
The Influence of Victimization History on PTSD Symptom Expression in Women Exposed to Intimate Partner Violence

Repeated exposure to victimization, including instances of intimate partner violence (IPV), is associated with increased psychological distress generally and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom severity specifically. Although most research has focused on increases in PTSD symptoms broadly, in the current study we tested the hypothesis that the context in which victimization occurs will be uniquely linked to severity of specific PTSD symptoms. For example, multiple instances of victimization by different perpetrators, defined here as revictimization, may lead to different psychological consequences than repeated victimization by the same perpetrator, defined here as chronic victimization. In the current study, we examined associations between individual PTSD symptoms and revictimization and chronic victimization in a sample of 236 ethnically diverse women recruited following exposure to police reported IPV. When looking at individual symptoms, revictimization (and not chronic victimization) predicted symptoms associated with “passive” avoidance or emotional numbing, whereas chronic victimization (and not revictimization) predicted symptoms associated with “active” avoidance. The findings suggest that particular forms of victimization may correspond with specific PTSD symptoms.
Methacholine reactivity predicts changes in lung function over time in smokers with early chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

As part of a clinical trial of early intervention in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (the Lung Health Study), 5,733 smokers with mild to moderate airflow obstruction underwent methacholine challenge tests at baseline. All participants were randomized to receive either usual care (no intervention) or special intervention, consisting of intensive smoking cessation counseling and the prescription of a metered-dose inhaler containing either ipratropium bromide or placebo (two inhalations three times daily). For this report, we analyzed the relationship between baseline methacholine reactivity and subsequent change in lung function. Methacholine reactivity was expressed as a logarithmic function of the two-point slope of percent decline in FEV1 over the concentration of methacholine (LMCR). Using a random effects linear model, LMCR was found to be a strong predictor of change in FEV1% predicted, after controlling for baseline lung function, age, sex, baseline smoking history, and changes in smokin...
Collaborative problem solving agent for on-board real-time systems

Breakthrough in Earth Science Observing will occur when constellations of Earth observing satellites are able to fully collaborate together and collectively monitor the conditions of our planet through a vast array of instruments. These satellites form a network that consists of distributed processes that need to respond to perceived scientific events, the spacecraft environment, spacecraft anomalies and user commands. The requests and responses exhibit dynamic behavior. In order to handle such dynamic environments, a method is needed to guarantee the real-time quality of service constraints. The DeSiDeRaTa resource management approach is being enhanced to characterize the dynamic aspects of intraconstellation topologies and to accommodate the concept of service levels and utility.This paper presents a design model of cooperative problem solving to show how the solution approach addresses the key challenges presented in the problem and specifies how the agent, resource manager and satellite constellations would operate correctly and interact in complex, dynamic and unpredictable environments. It extends the system model of DeSiDeRaTa to accommodate the concepts of utility, service levels and planning. The system model for the IPA is presented to show the proof of concept.
Mapping methane emission from Arctic tundra using satellite data, a digital elevation model, and discriminant functions based on field data

Arctic tundra is a significant source of atmospheric methane. The size of this source and its variation across landscapes, however, is uncertain. Images representing environmental variables relevant to methane emission have been derived from satellite data and a digital elevation model. Multivariate functions relating these environmental variables to methane emission have been derived from field data. The images will be combined using these functions into a digital map of methane emission rates within the study area. The map will be used to spatially extrapolate seasonally integrated methane emission values for several vegetation types typical of the study area. The resulting map of seasonal methane emission will incorporate both spatial and temporal variation in more detail than previous emission estimates.
Production of Germline Transgenic Prairie Voles (Microtus ochrogaster) Using Lentiviral Vectors

The study of alternative model organisms has yielded tremendous insights into the regulation of behavioral and physiological traits not displayed by more widely used animal models, such as laboratory rats and mice. In particular, comparative approaches often exploit species ideally suited for investigating specific phenomenon. For instance, comparative studies of socially monogamous prairie voles and polygamous meadow voles have been instrumental toward gaining an understanding of the genetic and neurobiological basis of social bonding. However, laboratory studies of less commonly used organisms, such as prairie voles, have been limited by a lack of genetic tools, including the ability to manipulate the genome. Here, we show that lentiviral vector-mediated transgenesis is a rapid and efficient approach for creating germline transgenics in alternative laboratory rodents. Injection of a green fluorescent protein (GFP)-expressing lentiviral vector into the perivitelline space of 23 single-cell embryos yielded three live offspring (13 %), one of which (33%) contained germline integration of a GFP transgene driven by the human ubiquitin-C promoter. In comparison, transfer of 23 uninjected embryos yielded six live offspring (26%). Green fluorescent protein is present in all tissues examined and is expressed widely in the brain. The GFP transgene is heritable and stably expressed until at least the F(2) generation. This technology has the potential to allow investigation of specific gene candidates in prairie voles and provides a general protocol to pursue germline transgenic manipulation in many different rodent species.
Atmospheric Deposition and Re-Emission of Mercury Estimated in a Prescribed Forest-Fire Experiment in Florida, USA

Prescribed fires are likely to re-emit atmospherically deposited mercury (Hg), and com- parison of soil Hg storage in areas affected by prescribed fire to that in similar unburned areas may provide cross-validating estimates of atmospheric Hg deposition. Prescribed fires are common in the southeastern United States (US), a region of relatively high Hg deposition compared to the rest of the US, and are thus a potentially significant source of re-emitted atmospheric Hg. Accordingly, Hg was determined in soil layers of a prescribed fire experiment in a Florida longleaf pine forest. The Hg deficit in the annually burned forest floor relative to the forest floor unburned for 46 years (0.180 gh a −1 yr −1 ) agreed to within 5% of an independent estimate of Hg deposition for this site based on a regional monitoring network and computer model (0.171 g ha −1 yr −1 ). Consideration of other potential inputs and outputs of Hg suggested that atmospheric deposition was the primary input of Hg to the site. If extrapolated, these results suggest that prescribed fires in the southeastern US mainly re-emit atmospherically deposited Hg and that this re-emission is less than 1% of total US anthro- pogenic emissions. However, emissions at other sites may vary due to the possible presence of Hg in underlying geological strata and differences in fire regime and levels of atmospheric Hg deposition.
Superoxide anion generation by the cytochrome bc1 complex.

We have measured the rates of superoxide anion generation by cytochrome bc1 complexes isolated from bovine heart and yeast mitochondria and by cytochrome bc1 complexes from yeast mutants in which the midpoint potentials of the cytochrome b hemes and the Rieske iron–sulfur cluster were altered by mutations in those proteins. With all of the bc1 complexes the rate of superoxide anion production was greatest in the absence of bc1 inhibitor and ranged from 3% to 5% of the rate of cytochrome c reduction. Stigmatellin, an inhibitor that binds to the ubiquinol oxidation site in the bc1 complex, eliminated superoxide anion formation, while myxothiazol, another inhibitor of ubiquinol oxidation, allowed superoxide anion formation at a low rate. Antimycin, an inhibitor that binds to the ubiquinone reduction site in the bc1 complex, also allowed superoxide anion formation and at a slightly greater rate than myxothiazol. Changes in the midpoint potentials of the cytochrome b hemes had no significant effect on the rate of cytochrome c reduction and only a small effect on the rate of superoxide anion formation. A mutation in the Rieske iron–sulfur protein that lowers its midpoint potential from +285 to +220 mV caused the rate of superoxide anion to decline in parallel with a decline in cytochrome c reductase activity. These results indicate that superoxide anion is formed by similar mechanisms in mammalian and yeast bc1 complexes. The results also show that changes in the midpoint potentials of the redox components that accept electrons during ubiquinol oxidation have only small effects on the formation of superoxide anion, except to the extent that they affect the activity of the enzyme. 2003 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
A programmable high performance processor using the residue number system and CMOS VLSI technology

The authors describe the general architecture of RNS (residue number system) processors, the VLSI implementation of the associated hardware, and finally, an RNS processor designed by the authors. The 2- mu m CMOS implementation of the processor performs a 16*16 b (signed or unsigned) multiply-accumulate with 32-b accuracy at clock speeds greater than 20-MHz. It is noted that the advantages of the RNS over traditional binary computers is mainly speed. This advantage comes at a cost of larger hardware size, with a reduction in design complexity and design time due to the use of programmable logic arrays in a VLSI environment. Signed or unsigned operations take the same amount of time, use the same basic hardware, and have roughly equal delays for addition, subtraction, and multiplication. The disadvantage of this approach is that it is difficult or impossible to perform magnitude comparisons, bitwise operations, or division while the number is in RNS format. >
Branchiootorenal syndrome and oculoauriculovertebral spectrum features associated with duplication of SIX1, SIX6, and OTX2 resulting from a complex chromosomal rearrangement†

We report on a 26-month-old boy with developmental delay and multiple congenital anomalies, including many features suggestive of either branchiootorenal syndrome (BOR) or oculoauriculovertebral spectrum (OAVS). Chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) initially revealed a copy-number gain with a single BAC clone (RP11-79M1) mapping to 14q23.1. FISH analysis showed that the third copy of this genomic region was inserted into the long arm of one chromosome 13. The same pattern was also seen in the chromosomes of the father, who has mental retardation, short stature, hypernasal speech, and minor craniofacial anomalies, including tall forehead, and crowded dentition. Subsequent whole genome oligonucleotide microarray analysis revealed an � 11.79 Mb duplication of chromosome 14q22.3–q23.3 and a loss of an � 4.38 Mb sequence in 13q21.31–q21.32 in both the propositus and his father and FISH supported the apparent association of the two events. Chromosome 14q22.3–q23.3 contains 51 genes, including SIX1, SIX6, and OTX2. A locus for branchiootic syndrome (BOS) has been mapped to 14q21.3–q24.3, and designated as branchiootic syndrome 3 (BOS3). Interestingly, mutations in SIX1 have been reported in patients with BOR/BOS3. We propose that the increased dosage of SIX1, SIX6 ,o rOTX2 may be responsible for the BOR and OAVS-like features in this family. 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Location, location, location: it's all in the timing for replication origins

The differential replication timing of eukaryotic replication origins has long been linked with epigenetic regulation of gene expression and more recently with genome stability and mutation rates; however, the mechanism has remained obscure. Recent studies have shed new light by identifying novel factors that determine origin timing in yeasts and mammalian cells and implicate the spatial organization of origins within nuclear territories in the mechanism. These new insights, along with recent findings that several initiation factors are limiting relative to licensed origins, support and shape an emerging model for replication timing control. The mechanisms that control the spatial organization of replication origins have potential impacts for genome regulation beyond replication.
Modeling and simulation of large biological, information and socio-technical systems: an interaction based approach

We describe an interaction based approach for computer modeling and simulation of large integrated biological, information, social and technical (BIST) systems. Examples of such systems are urban regional transportation systems, the national electrical power markets and grids, gene regulatory networks, the World-Wide Internet, infectious diseases, vaccine design and deployment, theater war, etc. These systems are composed of large numbers of interacting human, physical, informational and technological components. These components adapt and learn, exhibit perception, interpretation, reasoning, deception, cooperation and non-cooperation, and have economic motives as well as the usual physical properties of interaction.
Association of hospitalization with long-term cognitive and brain MRI changes in the ARIC cohort

Objective: To determine whether hospitalization is associated with subsequent cognitive decline or changes on brain MRI in a community-based cohort. Methods: Baseline and follow-up cognitive testing (n = 2,386) and MRI scans with standardized assessments (n = 885) were available from a subset of white and black participants in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study. Cognitive tests included the Delayed Word Recall Test (DWRT), Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), and Word Fluency Test (WFT). Hospitalization characteristics were determined using ICD-9 codes. Regression models adjusted for demographics, education, comorbidities, and APOE e4 were used to estimate the independent association of hospitalization with changes in cognition or neuroimaging. Results: Over a mean 14.1 years between visits, 1,266 participants (53.1%) were hospitalized. Hospitalization compared with no hospitalization was associated with greater decline in DSST scores (1.25 points greater decline, p Conclusions: Cognitive decline and neuroimaging changes may occur after hospitalization, independent of baseline demographics and comorbidities.
Fluorescence-enhanced optical imaging and tomography for cancer diagnostics

The discovery and development of molecularly based drugs has been progressing at a rapid pace necessitating the development of diagnostic methods for identification of molecular targets for individual tailoring of therapy. The clinical standard of molecular imaging is currently nuclear imaging whether for planar scintigraphy imaging with gamma emitters or for tomographic imaging with gamma or positron emitters. The use of near-infrared excitable fluorescent agents conjugated to targeting moieties can also be used to provide a new, nonionizing form of molecular imaging. In this contribution, we summarize the advances in planar optical imaging as well as tomography using near-infrared fluorescent contrast agents and compare future prospects in light of the current state of nuclear imaging modalities.
Nuclear structure with pions

Abstract This paper presents a short review of the field of pion-nucleus physics and a discussion of some recent results.
The PAS protein VIVID defines a clock-associated feedback loop that represses light input, modulates gating, and regulates clock resetting

Abstract vvd , a gene regulating light responses in Neurospora , encodes a novel member of the PAS/LOV protein superfamily. VVD defines a circadian clock–associated autoregulatory feedback loop that influences light resetting, modulates circadian gating of input by connecting output and input, and regulates light adaptation. Rapidly light induced, vvd is an early repressor of light-regulated processes. Further, vvd is clock controlled; the clock gates light induction of vvd and the clock gene frq so identical signals yield greater induction in the morning. Mutation of vvd severely dampens gating, especially of frq , consistent with VVD modulating gating and phasing light-resetting responses. vvd null strains display distinct alterations in the phase–response curve to light. Thus VVD, although not part of the clock, contributes significantly to regulation within the Neurospora circadian system.
Informing aggression-prevention efforts by comparing perpetrators of brief vs. extended cyber aggression

As debate continues over the definition of cyberbullying, an important endeavor is identifying aggression-prevention efforts likely to impact reasons for cyberbullying and the broader phenomenon of cyber aggression. No empirical research has examined whether there are useful prevention-related distinctions between perpetrators of cyberbullying vs. perpetrators of brief cyber aggression. Using an online survey, this study explored perpetrators' beliefs, emotions, and behaviors related to 72 brief vs. 128 extended episodes of cyber aggression. The most pronounced difference was that more extended-episode perpetrators reported having been hurt by something that happened in cyberspace. One pronounced similarity was that if there had been a news story about the perpetrator doing it, 79% or more of both groups said they would not have felt proud; whereas 63% or more said they would have felt ashamed. Among both groups, 76% or more did not agree with the assertion that there should be no offline consequence for online behavior. The findings support prevention efforts intended to do the following: encourage respect and empathy, facilitate adaptive communication and decision-making skills, promote socially appropriate ways of coping with anger and conflict, and increase knowledge and application of relevant rules and laws.
Effect of age on the pharmacokinetics of a single daily dose of gentamicin sulfate in healthy foals

†Summary Reasons for performing study: Therapeutic drug monitoring in a small number of foals of various ages indicates that the standard adult dose of 6.6 mg/kg bwt q. 24 h for gentamicin is too low and a dose of 12 mg/kg bwt has been proposed. The pharmacokinetics of this dosage in foals and the ages at which this higher dose should be used have not previously been investigated. Objective: To determine the effect of age on the pharmacokinetics of a single 12 mg/kg bwt i.v. dose of gentamicin in foals. Methods: Six healthy foals were given a single i.v. dose of gentamicin at 1–3 days, 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks of age. Plasma concentrations were measured using LC-MS/MS. Results: Elimination half-life (mean s.d.) was significantly longer in 1–3-day-old foals (8.2 2.0 h) than in foals 4 weeks of age (3.7 1.5 h) or older. Volume of distribution was significantly higher in 1–3-day-old foals (0.75 0.20 l/kg bwt) than in 8- (0.27 0.10 l/kg bwt) or 12-week-old foals (0.29 0.11 l/kg bwt). Concentrations of gentamicin 1 h after administration were significantly lower in 1–3-day-old foals (20.52 2.07 mg/ml) than in all other age groups (>42.16 17.57 mg/ml). Concentrations of gentamicin 24 h after administration were significantly higher in the 1–3-day-old foals (1.97 0.90 mg/ml) than in all the other age groups (<0.85 0.46 mg/ml). Conclusions: The pharmacokinetics of gentamicin change considerably in the first 2 weeks of life. Potential relevance: Intravenous administration of gentamicin at a dose of 12 mg/kg bwt q. 36 h would be required in foals less than 2 weeks of age. In foals 2 weeks of age or older, a lower dose of 6.6 mg/kg bwt given q. 24 h was predicted to be adequate.
Micromachined piezoelectric ultrasonic transducer based on dome-shaped diaphragm supported by flat square diaphragm

This paper reports a microfabricated ultrasonic transducer based on a piezoelectrically actuated dome-shaped diaphragm supported at the center of a flat square diaphragm. The dome-shaped diaphragm is fabricated by silicon isotropic wet etching while the whole diaphragm including the flat square diaphragm is released by KOH etching with a novel dicing-based front-to-back alignment method. Shadow masks are used for patterned film depositions on 3D dome diaphragm. With 30 Vpp drive voltage, the transducer produces sound pressure level (SPL) as high as 88.21 dB between 10 and 40 kHz when measured at 5 mm away in an open field. The linearity of the sound output as a function of input voltage is measured to be very good. In addition, post-process laser cutting was utilized to form a cantilever-like diaphragm structure, which boosted the maximum SPL to 95.12 dB without degrading the linearity.
Should the Equilibrium Point Hypothesis (EPH) be considered a scientific theory

The purpose of this commentary is to discuss factors that limit consideration of the equilibrium point hypothesis as a scientific theory. The EPH describes control of motor neuron threshold through the variable lambda, which corresponds to a unique referent configuration for a muscle, joint, or combination of joints. One of the most compelling features of the equilibrium point hypothesis is the integration of posture and movement control into a single mechanism. While the essential core of the hypothesis is based upon spinal circuitry interacting with peripheral mechanics, the proponents have extended the theory to include the higher-level processes that generate lambda, and in doing so, imposed an injunction against the supraspinal nervous system modeling, computing, or predicting dynamics. This limitation contradicts evidence that humans take account of body and environmental dynamics in motor selection, motor control, and motor adaptation processes. A number of unresolved limitations to the EPH have been debated in the literature for many years, including whether muscle resistance to displacement, measured during movement, is adequate to support this form of control, violations in equifinality predictions, spinal circuits that alter the proposed invariant characteristic for muscles, and limitations in the description of how the complexity of spinal circuitry might be integrated to yield a unique and stable equilibrium position for a given motor neuron threshold. In addition, an important empirical limitation of EPH is the measurement of the invariant characteristic, which needs to be done under a constant central state. While there is no question that the EPH is an elegant and generative hypothesis for motor control research, the claim that this hypothesis has reached the status of a scientific theory is premature.
Measuring the Composition and Stable-Isotope Labeling of Algal Biomass Carbohydrates via Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry.

We have developed a method to measure carbohydrate composition and stable-isotope labeling in algal biomass using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The method consists of two-stage hydrochloric acid hydrolysis, followed by chemical derivatization of the released monomer sugars and quantification by GC/MS. Fully 13C-labeled sugars are used as internal standards for composition analysis. This convenient, reliable, and accurate single-platform workflow offers advantages over existing methods and opens new opportunities to study carbohydrate metabolism of algae under autotrophic, mixotrophic, and heterotrophic conditions using metabolic flux analysis and isotopic tracers such as 2H2O and 13C-glucose.
Solvent-dependent gating motions of an extremophilic lipase from Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Understanding how organic solvent-stable proteins can function in anhydrous and often complex solutions is essential for the study of the interaction of protein and molecular immiscible interfaces and the design of efficient industrial enzymes in nonaqueous solvents. Using an extremophilic lipase from Pseudomonas aeruginosa as an example, we investigated the conformational dynamics of an organic solvent-tolerant enzyme in complex solvent milieux. Four 100-ns molecular dynamics simulations of the lipase were performed in solvent systems: water, hexane, and two mixtures of hexane and water, 5% and 95% (w/w) hexane. Our results show a solvent-dependent structural change of the protein, especially in the region that regulates the admission of the substrate. We observed that the lipase is much less flexible in hexane than in aqueous solution or at the immiscible interface. Quantified by the size of the accessible channel, the lipase in water has a closed-gate conformation and no access to the active site, whil...
The Hybrid Nonprofit: An Examination of Feminist Social Movement Organizations

The analysis of nonprofits tends to characterize these organizations as either bureaucratic organizations or voluntary grassroots associations. In this article, feminist social movement organizatio...
Investigating Movement and Characteristics of a Frozen Debris Lobe, South-central Brooks Range, Alaska

Frozen debris lobes (FDLs) are large masses of soil, rock, incorporated organic material, and ice moving down permafrost-affected slopes in the south-central Brooks Range, Alaska. In this paper, we focus on FDL-A, which is an impending geohazard to the Dalton Highway, located just under 40 m away from the highway embankment. We present the results of multi-faceted research, including field-based studies, laboratory testing of soil samples, slope stability analysis, and a GIS analysis. Subsurface instrumentation indicates that major movement of FDL-A occurs in a shear zone 20.6 to 22.8 m below the ground surface, with temperature-dependent internal flow as a secondary movement mechanism. Surface measurements show an overall average rate of movement of 1.2 cm per day, which is an increase over historic rates. The slope stability analysis required a back analysis to determine soil strength parameters at failure, resulting in cohesion values between 43 to 53 kPa and friction angles between 10° and 16°. The modeling results indicated a high sensitivity to pore water pressure and cohesion. This is critical since the melting of massive ice and thawing of frozen soil will increase pore water pressure and lower shear strength, resulting in the acceleration of FDL-A towards the Dalton Highway. The GIS analysis also provided insight into the movement and instability of FDL-A, and provided groundwork for a GIS protocol to examine catchment and lobe features of all FDLs along the highway corridor.
Quantity and location of groundwater recharge in the Sacramento Mountains, south-central New Mexico (USA), and their relation to the adjacent Roswell Artesian Basin

The Sacramento Mountains and the adjacent Roswell Artesian Basin, in south-central New Mexico (USA), comprise a regional hydrologic system, wherein recharge in the mountains ultimately supplies water to the confined basin aquifer. Geologic, hydrologic, geochemical, and climatologic data were used to delineate the area of recharge in the southern Sacramento Mountains. The water-table fluctuation and chloride mass-balance methods were used to quantify recharge over a range of spatial and temporal scales. Extrapolation of the quantitative recharge estimates to the entire Sacramento Mountains region allowed comparison with previous recharge estimates for the northern Sacramento Mountains and the Roswell Artesian Basin. Recharge in the Sacramento Mountains is estimated to range from 159.86 × 106 to 209.42 × 106 m3/year. Both the location of recharge and range in estimates is consistent with previous work that suggests that ~75 % of the recharge to the confined aquifer in the Roswell Artesian Basin has moved downgradient through the Yeso Formation from distal recharge areas in the Sacramento Mountains. A smaller recharge component is derived from infiltration of streamflow beneath the major drainages that cross the Pecos Slope, but in the southern Sacramento Mountains much of this water is ultimately derived from spring discharge. Direct recharge across the Pecos Slope between the mountains and the confined basin aquifer is much smaller than either of the other two components.
Geometric Stability of a Threshold ARMA-ARCH Model with Delay

In this article,a new class of threshold ARMA-ARCH model with random delay is proposed.Its limited behavior is discussed and the sufficient condition for its convergence is obtained.This paper makes threshold ARMA-ARCH model with fixed time delay to threshold ARMA-ARCH model with random time delay,so it can better imitate many substantial problems in the real world.On the other hand,this paper popularizes the ARCH model,which makes the model more adaptive to improve application to phenomena of price behavior fluctuation in financial market.
Study on the role of the ischemia postconditioning with adenosine A2A receptor agonist

Objective Ischemia postconditioning has been used performed on the vascular pedicle with repeated clamping and loosing which may compromise the vascular.The drug postconditioning is recorded as a future development,widely among heart and kidney and so on.Adenosine A2A is a key target to control the inflammation of the skin flap.So further research is performed to explore whether adenosine A2A postconditioning can protect the skin flap.Methods The healthy new Zealand rabbits are divided into 3 groups.A group is defined as sham group;B group is ischemia reperfusion group;C group,adenosine A2A is injected 5 minutes before the reperfusion..Then the examinations are held about the survival skin flap、TNF and IL-6.Results B group has a more survival percentage area of skin flap.The inflammation factor is lower than the ischemia-reperfusion group.Conclusion Adenosine A2A postconditioning can inhibit the inflammation factor and protect the skin flap.It can be a new thearptic measure to protect the skin flap with adenosine A2A postconditioning.
The Women I Studied and My Own Family History

There is a personal story behind every social science research project. The birth of this book and its related research were closely related to and inspired by my family stories and the educational experiences I have had and continue to have in the U.S. as a first-generation immigrant scholar. I am inspired by three generations of independent, powerful, and courageous women in my family who did not give in to the so-called “social traditions” and were able to establish their own niche in a profoundly sexist professional and social environment. They observed, listened, questioned, and acted. I then followed their path.
Multifocal Choroiditis and Panuveitis

Multifocal choroiditis and panuveitis (MCP) is an idiopathic inflammatory eye disease characterized by discrete variably sized chorioretinal lesions accompanied by an inflammatory reaction in the vitreous and often anterior chamber. Clinically, MCP mimics presumed ocular histoplasmosis syndrome with the exception that MCP is associated with vitreous and often anterior chamber cellular reaction. It is presumed to have an autoimmune etiology. It is more common in young moderately myopic females and is generally bilateral. Secondary complications, such as macular edema, epiretinal membrane (ERM), and choroidal neovascularization (CNV), are important causes of vision loss with MCP.
Maximization of Approximately Submodular Functions

We study the problem of maximizing a function that is approximately submodular under a cardinality constraint. Approximate submodularity implicitly appears in a wide range of applications as in many cases errors in evaluation of a submodular function break submodularity. Say that $F$ is $\eps$-approximately submodular if there exists a submodular function $f$ such that $(1-\eps)f(S) \leq F(S)\leq (1+\eps)f(S)$ for all subsets $S$. We are interested in characterizing the query-complexity of maximizing $F$ subject to a cardinality constraint $k$ as a function of the error level $\eps > 0$. We provide both lower and upper bounds: for $\eps > n^{-1/2}$ we show an exponential query-complexity lower bound. In contrast, when $\eps < {1}/{k}$ or under a stronger bounded curvature assumption, we give constant approximation algorithms.
Uptake of ammonium and soluble reactive phosphorus in forested streams: influence of dissolved organic matter composition

Many microbes responsible for inorganic nutrient uptake and transformation utilize dissolved organic matter (DOM) as a nutrient or energy source, but little is known about whether DOM composition is an important driver of nutrient uptake in streams. Our goal was to determine whether incorporating DOM composition metrics with other more commonly considered biological, physical, and chemical variables improved our ability to explain patterns of ammonium ( $${\text{NH}}_{4}^{ + }$$ –N) and soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) uptake across 11 Lake Superior tributaries. Nutrient uptake velocities (Vf) ranged from undetectable to 14.6 mm min−1 for $${\text{NH}}_{4}^{ + }$$ –N and undetectable to 7.2 mm min−1 for SRP. Logistic regressions suggested that DOM composition was a useful predictor of where SRP uptake occurred (4/11 sites) and $${\text{NH}}_{4}^{ + }$$ –N concentration was a useful predictor of where $${\text{NH}}_{4}^{ + }$$ –N uptake occurred (9/11 sites). Multiple regression analysis revealed that the best models included temperature, specific discharge, and canopy cover, and DOM composition as significant predictors of $${\text{NH}}_{4}^{ + }$$ –N Vf. Partial least squares revealed fluorescence index (describing the source of aquatic fulvic acids), specific ultraviolet absorbance at 254 nm (an indicator of DOM aromaticity), temperature, and conductivity were highly influential predictors of $${\text{NH}}_{4}^{ + }$$ –N Vf. Therefore, streams with higher temperatures, lower solute concentrations, more terrestrial DOM signal and greater aromaticity had greater $${\text{NH}}_{4}^{ + }$$ –N Vf. Our results suggest that DOM composition may be an important, yet often overlooked, predictor of $${\text{NH}}_{4}^{ + }$$ –N and SRP uptake in deciduous forest streams that should be considered along with commonly measured predictors.
Integrated Evaluation of Reliability and Stability of Power Systems

This paper investigates the impacts of transient instability on power system reliability. Traditionally, composite system reliability evaluation has been performed based on steady-state estimation of load curtailments; system dynamics have often been ignored, mostly due to computational complexity. In this paper, three probabilistic transient stability indices are proposed to assess system robustness against dynamic contingencies and to account for system instability in computing reliability indices. A direct method is utilized for transient stability assessment based on computing the energy margin of the system under fault events (energy margins measure the ability of a system to withstand contingencies). Energy margins along with the probability of occurrences of the events are used to update the probabilistic transient stability indices. The dependencies of reliability and stability indices on the fault clearing time are also evaluated. This method is applied on the reduced Western Electricity Coordinating Council and the New England 39 bus test systems. The results indicate the importance of considering the effect of stability in reliability evaluation.
Teaching Tip: Is This Integral Zero?

(2011). Teaching Tip: Is This Integral Zero? The College Mathematics Journal: Vol. 42, No. 5, pp. 373-373.
Using Next-Generation Sequencing to Explore Genetics and Race in the High School Classroom

Modern genetics relies on cutting-edge sequencing and bioinformatics technologies. A high school experiment that explores current sequencing techniques in the context of race and genetics is described.