cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The C- and N-terminal STIM1 binding sites on Orai1 are required for both trapping and gating CRAC channels

Key points • The endoplasmic reticulum protein, stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1), activates Orai1 channels by directly interacting with each Orai1 subunit at the C- and N-termini. Current models about the roles of these sites are rooted in notions of modularity, with the C-terminal site thought to mediate STIM1 binding and the N-terminal site thought to regulate channel gating. • Here we report that the functions of the two sites are not so distinct: the N-terminal site contributes to the stable association of STIM1 to Orai1, and, conversely, the C-terminal site regulates channel activation. • In addition to channel activation, STIM1 binding also modulates Orai1 channel ion selectivity. The structural requirements for modulation of ion selectivity closely match those seen for gating, suggesting that gating and permeation are closely coupled in Orai1 channels. • These results help us understand the molecular requirements of STIM1-mediated activation of Orai1 channels and regulation of channel ion selectivity. Abstract Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channels are activated through a mechanism wherein depletion of intracellular calcium stores results in the aggregation of stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1), the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+ sensor, and Orai1, the CRAC channel protein, at overlapping sites in the ER and plasma membranes (PMs). The redistribution of CRAC channels is driven through direct STIM1–Orai1 binding, an important event that not only controls gating, but also regulates Orai1 ion selectivity. Orai1 harbours two STIM1 binding sites, one each on the intracellular C- and N-termini. Previous studies have proposed modular functions for these sites, with the C-terminal site thought to regulate STIM1–Orai1 binding and trapping of Orai1 at the ER–PM junctions, and the N-terminal site mediating gating. However, here we find that a variety of mutations in the N-terminal site impair the binding of Orai1 to STIM1 and to the soluble CRAC activation domain (CAD). Gating could be restored in several N- and C-terminal point mutants by directly tethering the minimal STIM1 activation domain (S) to Orai1 (Orai1–SS channels), indicating that loss of gating in these mutants by full-length STIM1 results from insufficient ligand binding. By contrast, gating could not be restored in mutant Orai1–SS channels carrying more drastic deletions that removed the STIM1 binding sites (Δ1–85, Δ73–85, or Δ272–279 Orai1), suggesting that STIM1 binding to both sites is essential for channel activation. Moreover, analysis of ion selectivity indicated that the molecular requirements for gating and modulation of ion selectivity are similar, yet substantively different from those for Orai1 puncta formation, suggesting that ion selectivity and gating are mechanistically coupled in CRAC channels. Our results indicate that the C- and N-terminal STIM1 binding sites are both essential for multiple aspects of Orai1 function including STIM1–Orai1 association, Orai1 trapping, and channel activation.
Pump power dependence in resonance femtosecond stimulated Raman spectroscopy

Femtosecond stimulated Raman spectroscopy (FSRS) has emerged as a powerful new technique that is capable of obtaining resonance Raman spectra of fluorescent species and transient photochemical intermediates. Unlike related transient infrared absorption techniques, the FSRS signal is quite sensitive to the laser power utilized in the vibrational probing event. In particular, FSRS spectra are highly sensitive to the intensity of the picosecond Raman-pump pulse. We have measured the power dependence of the FSRS signal using pulse energies from ~10−9 to ~10−5 J and molecules with a range of molar absorptivities at the Raman-pump wavelength of 400 nm, including β-carotene (e400 = 58 300 M−1 cm−1), para-nitroaniline (17 800 M−1 cm−1), nitronaphthalene (247 M−1 cm−1) and ferrocene (57 M−1 cm−1). We show that for strongly absorbing molecular systems, such as β-carotene and para-nitroaniline, the ground-state (GS) FSRS signal actually decreases with increasing pump power at pump fluences above ~10−2 J cm−2, due to depletion of the GS population. However, for weakly absorbing species like nitronaphthalene and ferrocene, the signal increases linearly with increasing pump fluence until ~0.5 J cm−2, at which point two-photon absorption by the solute induces nonlinear absorption of the pump pulse and attenuation of the FSRS signal. The data are quantitatively simulated with a photophysical kinetic model, and the results are analyzed to provide simple guidelines for acceptable Raman-pump powers in resonance FSRS experiments. The acceptable Raman-pump power is proportional to the focused beam area and depends inversely on the sample's molar absorptivity. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The privacy in the time of the internet: secrecy vs transparency

In the current time of the Internet, specifically with the emergence of social networking, people are sharing both sensitive and non-sensitive information among each other without understanding its consequences. Federal regulations exist to mandate how sensitive information (e.g., SSN, health records, etc.) of a person can be shared (or, used) by organizations. However, there are no established norms or practices regarding how information that is deemed to be not sensitive may be used or shared. Furthermore, for the sake of transparency, different organizations reveal small amounts of non-sensitive information (i.e., photos, salaries, work hours, size of the houses, etc.) about their clients or employees. Although such information seems insignificant, the aggregation of it can be used to create a partial profile of a person which can later be used by malicious parties for robbery, extortion, kidnapping, etc. The goal of this work is to create awareness by demonstrating that it is plausible to create such a partial profile of a person just by crawling the Internet. For this, we have developed an open source framework that generates batch crawlers to create partial profiles of individuals. We also show empirical comparisons of the amount of information that can be gathered by using free and also paid websites.
Development of an Agrobacterium-mediated transformation protocol for the tree-legume Leucaena leucocephala using immature zygotic embryos

The tree-legume Leucaena leucocephala (leucaena) is used as a perennial fodder because of its fast-growing foliage, which is high in protein content. The use of leucaena as a fodder is however restricted due to the presence of the toxin mimosine. Improvements in the nutritional contents as well as other agronomic traits of leucaena can be accomplished through genetic transformation. The objective of this research was to develop a transformation protocol for leucaena using phosphinothricin resistance as the plant selectable marker. Explants obtained from immature zygotic embryos infected with the Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain C58C1 containing the binary plasmid pCAMBIA3201 produced four putative transformed leucaena plants. Transformation was confirmed by PCR, RT-PCR, Southern blot, Western analyses, GUS-specific enzyme activity and herbicide leaf spraying assay. A transformation efficiency of 2% was established using this protocol.
Electrical-Thermal Co-Simulation for DC IR-Drop Analysis of Large-Scale Power Delivery

For accurate DC IR-drop analysis of integrated circuits, electrical-thermal co-simulation is necessary to consider the effect of Joule heating. A suitable numerical method for this co-simulation is the finite element method (FEM) because of its capabilities in modeling complex geometries and materials. To deal with large-scale problems, a domain decomposition scheme is applied to the FEM to enable simulation with multiple processors in parallel and achieve significant reduction in computation time.
Turing-like indistinguishability tests for the validation of a computer simulation of paranoid processes

A computer simulation of paranoid processes in the form of a dialogue algorithm was subjected to a validation study using indistinguishability tests. Judges rated degrees of paranoia present in initial psychiatric interviews of both paranoid patients and of versions of the paranoid model. Judges also attempted to distinguish teletyped interviews with real patients from interviews with the simulation model. The statistical results indicate a satisfactory degree of resemblance between the two groups of interviews. It is concluded that the model provides a successful simulation of naturally occurring paranoid processes as measured by these tests.
Power spectrum scale invariance quantifies limbic dysregulation in trait anxious adults using fMRI: adapting methods optimized for characterizing autonomic dysregulation to neural dynamic time series.

In a well-regulated control system, excitatory and inhibitory components work closely together with minimum lag; in response to inputs of finite duration, outputs should show rapid rise and, following the input's termination, immediate return to baseline. The efficiency of this response can be quantified using the power spectrum density's scaling parameter β, a measure of self-similarity, applied to the first-derivative of the raw signal. In this study, we adapted power spectrum density methods, previously used to quantify autonomic dysregulation (heart rate variability), to neural time-series obtained via functional MRI. The negative feedback loop we investigated was the limbic system, using affect-valent faces as stimuli. We hypothesized that trait anxiety would be related to efficiency of regulation of limbic responses, as quantified by power law scaling of fMRI time series. Our results supported this hypothesis, showing moderate to strong correlations of β (r = 0.4–0.54) for the amygdala, orbitofrontal cortex, hippocampus, superior temporal gyrus, posterior insula, and anterior cingulate. Strong anticorrelations were also found between the amygdala's β and wake heart rate variability (r = −0.61), suggesting a robust relationship between dysregulated limbic outputs and their autonomic consequences.
Service-oriented sensor-actuator networks: Promises, challenges, and the road ahead

In recent years, significant advances have been achieved in almost all research areas related to Sensor-Actuator Networks (SANETs) including hardware, architectures, operating systems, routing protocols, query optimization, reliability and security. These advances have enabled a wide spectrum of applications. Yet, numerous aspects are still to explore and complex challenges remain. In this paper, we first discuss some of the limitations of current SANET architectures. To address these limitations, we introduce service-oriented SANETs (SOSANETs) as a novel approach for building a new generation of open, efficient, interoperable, scalable, application-aware SANETs. We investigate the benefits of SOSANETs in the context of TinySOA, a prototype SOSANET that we developed on top of TinyOS. We also elucidate the challenges that must be overcome before the much touted ''pervasive sensor computing paradigm'' becomes a reality. We conclude with a discussion of some promising research directions that are crucial in shaping tomorrow's SANETs.
The diameter and albedo of 1943 Anteros

We report the results of broadband visual and infrared photometry of the Apollo-Amor asteroid 1943 Anteros during its 1980 apparition. By means of a radiometric model, we calculate a diameter of 2.3 ± 0.2 km and a visual geometric albedo of 0.13 ± 0.03. The albedo and reflectance spectrum of Anteros imply that it is a type S asteroid. Thus, Anteros may have a silicate surface similar to other Apollo-Amor asteroids as well as some stony-iron meteorites.
798-4 Predictors of the Efficacy of Sotalol, a Class III Antiarrhythmic Agent, in the Treatment of Atrial Arrhythmias

Sotalol, a class III antiarrhythmic drug (AAD) approved for use in ventricular arrhythmias, is being used with increasing frequency for supraventricular arrhythmias (SVA). To determine the efficacy of sotalol in the treatment of SVA and the predictors of sotalol failure or intolerance, 114 pts in whom Sotalol was begun for SVA were reviewed. All pts had atrial fibrillation (109) and/or atrial flutter (32) (AF: paroxysmal in 76, chronic in 35), except for 3 who had SVT. Mean duration after diagnosis of SVA was 5.2 ± 8.2 yrs. The mean number of priorfailed AADs was 1.96 ± 1.27 (range 0–6). Electrical cardioversion was achieved in 38/41 pts; 18 pts pharmacologically converted. Sotalol was stopped prior to discharge in 16 pts (inefficacy in 8, side effects in 4, prolonged QT in 2, and no longer indicated in 2). Prior to discharge, proarrhythmia occurred in 1 pt and bradycardia in 15 pts. 26 pts had prior pacemakers, and 11 pts required pacemakers for sotalol. Mean discharge dose was 229 ± 78 mg/day and mean discharge QTc was 462 ± 59 ms. Predictors for discontinuation of sotalol prior to discharge included degree of left atrial enlargement (LAE, p = 0.03) and QTc on sotalol (p = 0.063). Of 88 pts discharged on sotalol in sinus rhythm, 52 developed recurrent SVA (mean f/u 7.8 mos). After dose changes, 3 more pts became recurrence free. Of 36 recurrence-free pts, 12 had sotalol discontinued (side effects in 7, no longer indicated in 5). 2 pts discharged on sotalol developed proarrhythmia, and 2 pts died (1 noncardiac and 1 CVA). Overall, 27/114 pts (23.6%) begun on sotalol remained recurrence free and on the drug. Of 10 pts who began sotalol as first line antiarrhythmic therapy, 2 stopped sotalol in the hospital, 2 after hospital discharge, and 2 recurred after discharge (overall 40% recurrence free on sotalol). Univariate predictors of recurrent SVA on sotalol for pts discharged in NSR included younger age (60 ± 13 vs 68 ± 9 yrs, p = 0.001), longer duration since diagnosis of SVA (7.7 ± 11 vs 2.8 ± 4.0 yrs, p = 0.009), prior CABG (p = 0.01), number of failed AADs (2.4 ± 1.3 vs 1.4 ± 1.1, p = 0.0003), and shorter baseline QTc (441 ± 46 vs 465 ± 59 ms, p = 0.049) and discharge QRS (109 ± 32 vs 128 ± 41 ms, p = 0.025). Changes in HR or QTc were not significant predictors of sotalol success. Significant multivariate predictors of SVA recurrence adjusted for the follow-up period included number of failed AADs (p = 0.0024), discharge QRS (p = 0.0038) and age (p = 0.03). In summary, sotalol showed moderate (24%) efficacy in pts previously refractory to AADs and comparable efficacy as a first-line agent to that reported with other AADs. Changes in QT interval or HR could not be used to predict long term efficacy.
End-to-end system performance analysis model for FLIR sensor using PC-based scientific spreadsheet

Often FLIR system performances are predicted using standard models such as FLIR92 and ACQUIRE from the US Army NIght Vision and ELectronic Sensor DIrectorate. These models typically produce results such as MRTD verses spatial frequency, NETD, and probability of detection and/or recognition ranges, etc. This paper presents and end-to-end FLIR system performance model using actual IR scene as an input, and produces visual output. This model is developed and run using a commercially available PC based scientific spreadsheet, and it can predict how an actual target would appear on the display of a particular FLIR sensor under a given atmospheric condition and range. It serves as a helpful supplement to the FLIR92 and ACQUIRE models.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The role of response-produced cues in paired-associate transfer as a function of intralist stimulus similarity

This experiment was designed to determine if the effects of acquired distinctiveness and equivalence pretraining depend upon the initial discriminability of the task stimuli. The Ss were assigned to one of eight experimental conditions, consisting of four types of stimulus pretraining and two levels of intralist stimulus similarity followed by a discriminative transfer task involving the same stimuli. Distinctiveness pretraining resulted in positive transfer, the amount of which was independent of the level of stimulus similarity. Equivalence pretraining did not result in any transfer at either level of stimulus similarity.
Resisting anchoring effects: The roles of metric and mapping knowledge.

The biasing influence of anchors on numerical estimates is well established, but the relationship between knowledge level and the susceptibility to anchoring effects is less clear. In two studies, we addressed the potential mitigating effects of having knowledge in a domain on vulnerability to anchoring effects in that domain. Of critical interest was a distinction between two forms of knowledge—metric and mapping knowledge. In Study 1, participants who had studied question-relevant information—that is, high-knowledge participants—were less influenced by anchors than were participants who had studied irrelevant information. The results from knowledge measures suggested that the reduction in anchoring was tied to increases in metric rather than mapping knowledge. In Study 2, participants studied information specifically designed to influence different types of knowledge. As we predicted, increases in metric knowledge—and not mapping knowledge—led to reduced anchoring effects. Implications for debiasing anchoring effects are discussed.
Racial differences in marijuana-users' risk of arrest in the United States

A recent study of arrest data show that African Americans are 2.5 times more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession offences than Whites, even though general prevalence estimates show that they are no more likely to be using. The current study investigates the purchase patterns of marijuana users from the 2002 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) to evaluate whether differences in purchasing behaviors exist across racial groups. Although in general people who purchase marijuana are more likely to buy in private settings and from someone they know, this analysis shows that African Americans are statistically more likely to engage in risky purchasing behaviors that increase their likelihood of arrest. Using trivariate probit regression with demographic, drug use, and drug market covariates, analyses reveal that African Americans are nearly twice as likely to buy outdoors (0.31 versus 0.14), three times more likely to buy from a stranger (0.30 versus 0.09), and significantly more likely to buy away from their homes (0.61 versus 0.48). These results provide an additional explanation for the differential in arrest rates between African Americans and Whites.
A Preliminary Investigation of Supplemental Computer-Assisted Reading Instruction on the Oral Reading Fluency and Comprehension of First-Grade African American Urban Students

This preliminary investigation examined the effects of a computerized supplemental reading program on the oral reading fluency, reading growth rates, and comprehension of 8 African American first graders. Participants were selected for this study according to scores within risk categories on the Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS) oral reading fluency (ORF) winter benchmark, indicating the potential for reading failure. Participants engaged in a supplemental, computer-based reading program designed to improve reading fluency and comprehension. Treatment sessions were conducted 3–4 times per week, for 14–16 weeks. Following the treatment, each participant received the DIBELS ORF spring benchmark as a post-test measure. A pre-intervention/post-intervention analysis showed that all of the participants increased their reading fluency, 5 of the 8 participants reduced their risk status, and 7 of the 8 students increased their reading rate. All of the students improved their comprehension scores. The results support supplementary interventions and computer-based reading programs. The findings are discussed in the context of reading needs and instruction for African American primary-aged students.
Reference and functional unit can change bioenergy pathway choices.

Purpose This study aims to compare the life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of two cellulosic bioenergy pathways (i.e., bioethanol and bioelectricity) using different references and functional units. It also aims to address uncertainties associated with a comparative life cycle analysis (LCA) for the two bioenergy pathways.
New integral representation for the spin S Ising ferromagnet

Abstract A simpler derivation is given for a recently discovered integral representation for the spin 1 2 Ising ferromagnet.
Thermochemistry of Na 2 O-WO 3 system at 1065 to 1239 K

Physico-chemical properties of the Na2O-WO3 binary oxide system have been studied using the following cell: % MathType!MTEF!2!1!+-% feaafiart1ev1aaatCvAUfeBSjuyZL2yd9gzLbvyNv2CaerbuLwBLn% hiov2DGi1BTfMBaeXatLxBI9gBaerbd9wDYLwzYbItLDharqqtubsr% 4rNCHbGeaGqiVu0Je9qqqrpepC0xbbL8F4rqqrFfpeea0xe9Lq-Jc9% vqaqpepm0xbba9pwe9Q8fs0-yqaqpepae9pg0FirpepeKkFr0xfr-x% fr-xb9adbaqaaeGaciGaaiaabeqaamaabaabaaGcbaWaaqGaaeaafa% qabeGabaaabaacbaGaa83vaiaa-HcacaWFZbGaa8xkaiaa-XcacaWF% GaGaa83vaiaa-nfadaWgaaWcbaGaa8NmaaqabaGccaWFOaGaa83Cai% aa-LcaaeaacaWFobGaa8xyamaaBaaaleaacaWFYaaabeaakiaa-nfa% caWFOaGaa83Caiaa-LcaaaaacaGLiWoafaqabeGabaaabaGaa8Ntai% aa-fgadaahaaWcbeqaaiaa-TcaaaGccaGGSaaabaGaeqOSdiMaa8xl% aiaa-fgacaWFSbGaa8xDaiaa-1gacaWFPbGaa8NBaiaa-fgaaaWaaq% qaaeaafaqabeGabaaabaGaa83tamaaBaaaleaacaWFYaaabeaakiaa% -HcacaWFNbGaa8xkaiaa-XcacaWFqbGaa8hDaiaa-HcacaWFZbGaa8% xkaaqaaiaa-5eacaWFHbWaaSbaaSqaaiaa-jdaaeqaaOGaa83taiaa% -1cacaWFxbGaa83tamaaBaaaleaacaWFZaaabeaakiacid4FTbGaiG% mG-vgacGaYa+hBaiacid4F0baaaaGaay5bSdaaaa!6C74!\[\left. {\begin{array}{*{20}c} {W(s), WS_2 (s)} \\ {Na_2 S(s)} \\ \end{array} } \right|\begin{array}{*{20}c} {Na^ + ,} \\ {\beta - alumina} \\ \end{array} \left| {\begin{array}{*{20}c} {O_2 (g),Pt(s)} \\ {Na_2 O - WO_3 melt} \\ \end{array} } \right.$$ The activity of Na2O in Na2O-WO3 melts has been determined for temperatures from 1065 to 1239 K and for the composition range ofNw (mole fraction of WO3) from 0.5 to 0.84. It has been calculated that at 1200 K and for 0.52 <Nw < 0.8, the relative partial molar free energy of Na2O isGN/M = 95.10 − 347.2Nw;(kJ/mole). For temperatures between 1065 Kand 1213 K and compositions betweenNw = 0.5 andNw = 0.8, the relative partial molar enthalpy was found tobeHN/M = −709.8 + 262.58/Nw; (kJ/mole). The free energies of the compounds in this system were also estimated.
Descriptive Modeling of Longitudinal Outcome Measures in Traumatic Brain Injury: A National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems Study

Establishing accurate mathematical models of outcome measures is essential in understanding change throughout the rehabilitation process. The goal of this study is to identify the best-fitting descriptive models for a set of commonly adopted outcome measures found within the Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems National Database where the modeling is based on data submission through 2011 and the complete range of recorded time points since injury for each individual, where time points range from admission to rehabilitation to 20 years postinjury. The statistical methodology and the application of the methodology contained herein may be used to assist researchers and clinicians in (1) modeling the outcome measures considered, (2) modeling various portions of these outcomes by stratification and/or truncating time periods, (3) modeling longitudinal outcome measures not considered, and (4) establishing models as a necessary precursor in conducting individual growth curve analysis.
SU-E-J-157: Investigation of Gated Cone-Beam CT to Reduce Respiratory Motion Blurring

Purpose: Respiration‐correlated cone‐beam CT (RC‐CBCT) using slow continuous gantry rotation is commonly used to reduce respiratory motion blurring but image quality is limited by uneven projection spacing. This study investigates the efficacy of a novel gated CBCT technique (gantry motion and imaging only within gate) in reducing motion blur with improved image quality using a new type of computer‐controlled linac (Varian TrueBeam).Methods: For gated CBCT, the linac is programmed to gate gantry rotation and kV image acquisition with approximately 25% duty cycle around end expiration. The two‐part study examines images in phantom and prospectively in patients with thoracic and abdominal tumors. A motion phantom is programmed to follow a patient respiratory trace (1.4cm mean excursion) and CBCT scans are performed in standard “free‐breathing”, RC‐CBCT, and gated CBCT modes. A standard CBCT of the stationary phantom serves as ground truth. Evaluation of phantom image quality compares contrast‐to‐noise ratios (CNR) of spheres embedded in acrylic, delineated on the static image and aligned to the other images. In patient studies, image fidelity in standard free‐breathing and gated CBCT is compared relative to a respiration‐correlated CT (RCCT) on the same day, by computing a cross‐correlation metric (CCM) in an ROI around the internal target volume following rigid registration.Results: CNR in motion phantom for gated CBCT is nearly that for static phantom (ratio gated/static 0.95) and larger than for RC‐CBCT (ratio 1.64) and standard CBCT (1.22). CCM of the tumor ROI in gated CBCT is larger than standard CBCT in all three thoracic cases thus far (ratio gated/standard mean 1.04 range 1.03–1.06), indicating higher congruence with the ground‐truth RCCT Conclusions: Gated CBCT visibly reduces image blurring caused by respiratory motion. By exploiting recent computer‐controlled linactechnology, complete projection sets can be acquired within a gate, yielding improved reconstruction image quality relative to RC‐CBCT.
[Met]enkephalin in the spinal cord is involved in the antinociception induced by intracerebroventricularly-administered etorphine in the mouse

Abstract We have recently reported that the antinociception induced by etorphine given i.c.v. is mediated in part by the stimulation of both μ - and ϵ -opioid receptors and the activation of both monoaminergic and opioidergic descending pain control systems. [29] Since the opioid ϵ -receptor-mediated antinociception induced by β -endorphin is mediated by the release of [Met]enkephalin and subsequent stimulation of δ -opioid receptors in the spinal cord, the present studies were designed to determine if β -endorphin-like action is also involved in etorphine-induced antinociception. The tail-flick test was used to assess the antinociceptive response performed in male ICR mice. Etorphine at doses from 5–20 ng given i.c.v. produced a dose-dependent inhibition of the tail-flick response. The inhibition of the tail-flick response induced by etorphine given i.c.v. was antagonized by intrathecal pretreatment for 60 min with antiserum against [Met]enkephalin (10 μ g), but not with antiserum against [Leu]enkephalin (10 μ g) or dynorphin A (1–13) (10 μ g). Desensitization of δ -opioid receptors in the spinal cord by intrathecal pretreatment with [Met]enkephalin (5 μ g) for 60 min attenuated i.c.v. administered etorphine-induced tail-flick inhibition. However, intrathecal pretreatment with [Leu]enkephalin (5 μ g) or dynorphin A (1–17) (0.1 μ g) for 60 min did not attenuate i.c.v. administered etorphine-induced tail-flick inhibition. The results indicate that antinociception induced by etorphine given i.c.v. is mediated in part by the stimulation of the ϵ -opioid receptor at the supraspinal sites and by the release of [Met]enkephalin which subsequently stimulates δ -opioid receptors in the spinal cord.
A Comparison of Three Methods of Scoring True-False Tests.

Eakin and Long (1977) have recently proposed a scoring technique for True-False tests which they indicate "offset(s) some disadvantages in the two standard scoring techniques—percentage right scoring and the right minus wrong scoring" (p. 659). The present paper notes that the advantages of the Eakin and Long technique over the standard techniques, are attained at the cost of a larger risk of misranking the examinees.
A practical approach for optimizing aircraft trajectories in winds

Developing optimal aircraft trajectories that minimize flight times, fuel burn, and associated environmental emissions not only enhances air traffic flow but also helps the aviation industry cope with increasing fuel costs and reduce aviation-induced climate change. This study develops a trajectory optimization algorithm for minimizing aircraft travel time and fuel burn by combining a method for computing minimum-time routes in winds on multiple horizontal planes, and an aircraft fuel burn model for generating fuel-optimal vertical profiles. It is applied to assess the potential benefits of flying user-preferred routes for commercial cargo flights operating between Anchorage, Alaska and major airports in Asia and the contiguous United States. Flying wind optimal trajectories with a fuel-optimal vertical profile reduces average fuel burn of international flights cruising at a single altitude by 1–3%. Long-haul flights not only gain fuel savings from en-route step climbs but also potentially benefit from high-speed winds at higher altitudes. The potential fuel savings of performing en-route step climbs are not significant for many shorter domestic cargo flights that have only one step climb. Wind-optimal trajectories reduce fuel burn and travel time relative to the flight plan route by up to 3% for the domestic cargo flights. However, for trans-oceanic traffic, the fuel burn savings is up to about 10%. In general, the savings are proportional to trip length, and depend on the en-route wind conditions and aircraft types.
Group, Sub-Group, and Nominal Group Idea Generation: New Rules for a New Media?

How should a group organize itself to generate ideas? Should all group members work together as one intact group, should they form several smaller sub-groups that work independently, or should all members work separately as individuals without communicating? Research with verbal media presents a clear answer: all members should work separately without communicating. This paper examines this question for computer-mediated idea generation. In two separate studies, intact groups generated more ideas (with higher quality) than those working as individuals or in several smaller sub-groups. We attribute these differences to reduced blocking, and different social processes adopted in the different sized groups.
Fungal evolution and speciation

Molecular-genetic methods are making possible a revolution in the the study of fungal evolutionary biology. To date, substantial progress has been made toward the goal of determining phylogenetic relationships, This is particularly true for higher taxonomic levels, where small-subunit rRNA sequences have proved valuable. The tremendous range of life-cycle diversity exhibited among fungi makes them excellent candidates for exploring areas of evolutionary biology that are as yet poorly investigated, particularly in terms of population biology, reproductive strategies and speciation. This argument is supported by the results of recent studies.
Chinese administrative reforms in international perspective

Examines recent reform initiatives in the PRC compared with advanced industralised democracies, searching for common attributes in order to establish, if possible, global patterns in such administrative reform initiatives. Reviewing these issues, admits that administrative reform, along with all other matters, is decided by the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party. Details the history of Chinese administrative reform since the early 1950s. Asks, in conclusion, whether reform initiatives in the PRC are similar to those elsewhere. The PRC clearly differs in this from the principles of the New Public Management (NPM). However, with global economic competition and the increasingly free dissemination of ideas the PRC may find it hard to resist reform. Even so, administrative reforms borrowed from elsewhere will invariably be influenced by Chinese ethnocentric characteristics.
Ellipsometry study of poly(o-methoxyaniline) thin films

Spin-coated poly(o-methoxyaniline) (POMA) thin films on various substrates were investigated using spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) in the 1.5–4.5 eV photon energy range. Spin-coating process parameters are reported (spin speed and concentration). Substrates with higher surface energy were found to increase polymer film thickness and decrease roughness. An optical model was developed using SE data along with complementary data from atomic force microscopy and UV–vis spectroscopy to obtain optical properties—refractive index n and extinction coefficient k for POMA. The model includes Lorentz oscillators for the POMA film and a Bruggeman effective medium approximation for roughness. In-plane film optical anisotropy was not observed, but a small out of plane anisotropy was detected for the polymer.
Robust Phylogenies and Adaptive Radiations: A Critical Examination of Methods Used to Identify Key Innovations

A critical examination of a recent article by Brooks and McLennan has led to the conclusion that their phylogeny of parasitic Platyhelminthes is based on "synapomorphies" that are clearly wrong or superficial similarities whose homology is unlikely. Using characters likely to be homologous and DNA analyses, it has been shown that Temnocephalida is not the sister group of the parasitic Platyhelminthes (Neodermata), Udonellidea is unlikely to be the sister group of the other Neodermata, the sister group of the Neodermata is unknown but likely to be a large taxon comprising several turbellarian groups, no evidence indicates that the Arthropoda are the original hosts of the parasitic Platyhelminthes, the possibility cannot be ruled out that species poverty of some groups of parasitic Platyhelminthes is an artifact, and "key innovations" supposedly explaining the great species richness of the parasitic Platyhelminthes and some taxa within them are based on insufficient or faulty evidence. Based on an examinati...
FATIGUE LIFE BEHAVIOR OF COPPER SINGLE CRYSTALS. PART I: OBSERVATIONS OF CRACK NUCLEATION

In low strain fatigue, cracks often form in persistent slip bands (PSB) in a wide variety of materials. Observations of crack nucleation involving PSB have been made in copper single crystals by careful interferometric studies. The width, length, step height and thus strain localization in the PSBs remain very stable during saturation, even up to three-quarters of the life. For a given applied strain amplitude, the specimen will form PSBs having a certain distribution of slip offsets. The fatal crack is found to nucleate in the group of micro-PSBs having the largest offsets, and the largest strain localization. The PSB volume fraction for a given strain amplitude depends only very slightly on crystal orientation, and the slip offsets not at all. Thus the kinetics of crack nucleation are not affected by orientation. The mechanism of nucleation is concluded to be one of random walk in the slip offsets of PSBs.
Transforming high school computing: a call to action

The CS 10K project is an ambitious initiative to transform computing education in the United States; its success is critical to the country's ability to innovate and compete. The computing community has an unprecedented opportunity to affect K-12 education with its enthusiasm and experience, together with its best ideas on curriculum, pedagogy, and ways to engage a broader, more diverse group of students. This community will be able to showcase the potential and promise of computing and it will have the opportunity to inspire and be inspired by local teachers and students.
Action potentials, calcium transients and the control of differentiation of excitable cells

Abstract Calcium influx via action potentials in differentiating nerve and muscle is regulated principally by the expression of potassium currents. Transient elevations of intracellular calcium in spontaneously active. cells are necessary for normal neuronal development. The mechanisms that connect calcium elevations to long term developmental change are likely to be utilized in the mature nervous system.
TH-A-18C-10: Dynamic Intensity Weighted Region of Interest Imaging

Purpose: For image guidance tasks full image quality is not required throughout the entire image. With dynamic filtration of the kV imaging beam the noise properties of the CT image can be locally controlled, providing a high quality image around the target volume with a lower quality surrounding region while providing substantial dose sparing to the patient as well as reduced scatter fluence on the detector. Methods: A dynamic collimation device with 3mm copper blades has been designed to mount in place of the bowtie filter on the On-Board Imager (Varian Medical Systems). The beam intensity is reduced by 95% behind the copper filters and the aperture is controlled dynamically to conformally illuminate a given ROI during a standard cone-beam CT scan. A data correction framework to account for the physical effects of the collimator prior to reconstruction was developed. Furthermore, to determine the dose savings and scatter reduction a monte carlo model was built in BEAMnrc with specifics from the Varian Monte Carlo Data Package. The MC model was validated with Gafchromic film. Results: The reconstructed image shows image quality comparable to a standard scan in the specified ROI, with higher noise and streaks in the outer region but still sufficient information for alignment to high contrast structures. The monte carlo modeling showed that the scatter-to-primary ratio was reduced from 1.26 for an unfiltered scan to 0.45 for an intensity weighted scan, suggesting that image quality may be improved in the inner ROI. Dose in the inner region was reduced 10–15% due to reduced scatter and by as much as 75% in the outer region. Conclusion: Dynamic intensity-weighted ROI imaging allows reduction of imaging dose to sensitive organs away from the target region while providing images that retain their utility for patient setup and procedure guidance. Funding was provided in part by Varian Medical Systems and NIH Grants 1RO1CA120540, T32EB002103, S10 RR021039 and P30 CA14599. The contents of this work are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of any of the supporting organizations.
Abstract 4602: Cholesterol and ezetimibe: Effects on tumor growth and survival outcomes: An interim analysis

Introduction and Objectives: Prostate cancer (PC) is affected by cholesterol metabolism and cholesterol-mediating medications. Ezetimibe, a gut cholesterol-uptake inhibitor, inhibits angiogenesis in human PC xenografts when given as preventive therapy. We investigated the effect of ezetimibe on PC growth when given as treatment therapy. Methods: We randomized 125 SCID mice into three initial diets: a high-fat, low-cholesterol diet (HFLC) (40% fat, 43% carbohydrates, 17% protein, 0.21% cholesterol), a high-fat, high-cholesterol diet (HFHC) (40% fat, 43% carbohydrates, 17% protein, 1.25% cholesterol), and a high-fat, high-cholesterol diet supplemented with ezetimibe (30mg/kg) (HFHC+Z). Mice were fed ad libitum. After two weeks, we injected 106 LNCaP cells into the flanks, with 5-10 mice/group serving as non-injected controls. At two weeks post-injection, half the injected and control mice in the HFHC diet group had ezetimibe added to their diet (HFHC+delayed Z). Tumor volumes and body weights were measured twice weekly. Mice were sacrificed once tumors reached 1000mm3. Body weights and tumor volumes were compared across groups using Kruskal-Wallis test. Interim survival outcomes for this on-going study up to 86 days post-injection were evaluated with Cox proportional hazards. Results: At 1 day prior to injection, there were no significant differences in body weights across groups. At post-injection day (PD) 2, HFHC+Z mice with tumors were significantly lighter vs. all other mice (p=0.009). By PD 21, HFHC+delayed Z mice with tumors also became significantly lighter vs. the HFLC and HFHC mice with tumors (p Conclusion: Preliminary evidence from this on-going study demonstrates that ezetimibe is associated with weight loss, but only in mice with PC xenografts. The administration of ezetimibe as preventive vs. treatment therapy does not appear to affect tumor growth or survival. Future studies to explore the interplay between cholesterol metabolism and PC include comparing serum levels of cholesterol, insulin, IGF-1, and IGFBP-3, and tumor markers of proliferation and angiogenesis including akt, pakt, mTOR, VEGF, HIF, CD31 (microvessel density) and ki67 (proliferation). Moreover, we are continuing to follow the mice for any differences in tumor growth or survival. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4602. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-4602
Patriarch Mcguire and the Spread of the African Orthodox Church To Africa

Church (AOC) in the United States and Africa. It was originally formed in the United States in 1921 by West Indians with linkages to Marcus Garvey's Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA). Through the medium of the UNIA's official organ, The Negro World, information on the AOC was disseminated to Africa. In 1924, William Daniel Alexander, a black South African former Anglican clergyman and member of the schismatic indigenous African Church, petitioned the AOC to open a branch of the AOC in South Africa.' Alexander eventually became the Church's first bishop in Africa and in the 1930s he travelled to Kenya and Uganda where he ordained several priests and established further branches. The AOC, therefore, was an early display of successful ties fashioned between Blacks of the diaspora and Africa. The AOC of Africa was seeded by an Afro-American nationalist movement led by West Indians. The AOC of the United States was created through the energies of George Alexander McGuire. McGuire, born on 26 March 1886 in Antigua in the British West Indies, went through a religious sojourn during which he was baptised an Anglican, educated by Moravians and became pastor of a Moravian congregation in St. Croix in the Virgin Islands. He migrated to the United States in 1893 where he first worked for the African Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1895 he became an ordained minister in the Protestant
A small computer system for micrograph analysis

Abstract A small computer system is described that makes use of video graphics to interactively analyze electron micrographs. The advent of relatively inexpensive digital frame buffers (digital memory that holds one TV frame) permits an image of at least 512 X 512 pixel resolution to be displayed and rapidly changed in contrast, brightness, and color. These devices can also perform pan (picture movement), zoom and marking of objects of interest with circles, vectors and alphanumerics. These features have suddenly made it possible to quantitatively analyze micrographs in an efficient and interactive way. A minimal system is described here to implement the application of this equipment to measure molecular weights of individual proteins (or mass per unit length measurements) and to perform several image enhancement processes such as background gradient removal and contouring of molecules. This system is a stand-alone microcomputer with disk, video processor and TV set and is simple enough to permit an untrained user to make a statistical study of his micrographs after only a few minutes of instruction.
Exploring last n value prediction

Most load value predictors retain a large number of previously loaded values for making future predictions. In this paper we evaluate the trade-off between tall and slim versus short and wide predictors of the same total size, i.e., between retaining a few values for a large number of load instructions and many values for a proportionately, smaller number of loads. But results show, for example, that even modest predictors holding sixteen kilobytes of values benefit from retaining four values per load instruction when running SPECint95. A detailed comparison of eight load value predictors on a cycle-accurate simulator of a superscalar out-of-order microprocessor shows that our implementation of a last four value predictor outperforms other predictors from the literature, often significantly. With 21 kB of state, it yields a harmonic mean speedup of 12.5% with existing re-fetch misprediction recovery hardware and 13.7% with a not yet realized re-execution recovery mechanism.
(+)-3-Oxoandrost-4-ene-17β-carboxylic Acid: Catemeric Hydrogen Bonding in a Steroidal Keto Acid

The title keto acid, C20H26O4, forms carboxyl-to-ketone hydrogen-bonding catemers [O⋯O = 2.653 (5) A and O—H⋯O = 172 (5)°], linking translationally related mol­ecules via the A-ring ketone. The two mol­ecules in the cell form two parallel counter-directional chains, screw-related in b. A total of four intermolecular C—H⋯O=C close contacts was found, involving both ketone functions.
Forest fuel mapping and evaluation of LANDFIRE fuel maps in Boulder County, Colorado, USA.

A key challenge in modern wildfire mitigation and forest management is accurate mapping of forest fuels in order to determine spatial fire hazard, plan mitigation efforts, and manage active fires. This study quantified forest fuels of the montane zone of Boulder County, CO, USA in an effort to aid wildfire mitigation planning and provide a metric by which LANDFIRE national fuel maps may be compared. Using data from 196 randomly stratified field plots, pre-existing vegetation maps, and derived variables, predictive classification and regression tree models were created for four fuel parameters necessary for spatial fire simulation with FARSITE (surface fuel model, canopy bulk density, canopy base height, and stand height). These predictive models accounted for 56–62% of the variability in forest fuels and produced fuel maps that predicted 91.4% and 88.2% of the burned area of two historic fires simulated in the FARSITE model. Simulations of areas burned based on LANDFIRE national fuel maps were less accurate, burning 77.7% and 40.3% of the historic fire areas. Our results indicate that fuel mapping efforts that utilize local area information and biotic as well as abiotic predictors will more accurately simulate fire spread rates and reflect the inherent variability of forested environments than do current LANDFIRE data products.
Experience-dependent plasticity of zinc-containing cortical circuits during a critical period of postnatal development.

Distinctive subsets of glutamatergic neurons in cerebral cortex sequester the transition metal zinc within the synaptic vesicles of their axon terminals. In the present study we used histochemical localization of synaptic zinc to investigate normal postnatal development and experience-dependent plasticity of zinc-containing circuits in somatosensory barrel cortex of rats. First, we found that zinc-containing cortical circuits are dynamically reorganized between postnatal day (P) 0 and P28. Whereas most cortical laminae exhibited idiosyncratic increases in zinc histochemical staining with advancing age, lamina IV barrels were darkly reactive early in life and then lost much of their complement of synaptic zinc during postnatal weeks 2–4. Second, we established that sensory experience plays a major role in sculpting the zinc-containing innervation of cortical barrels. Trimming a particular facial whisker arrested the normal postnatal decline in synaptic zinc in the corresponding, deprived barrel. This resulted in more intense zinc staining in deprived barrels compared with adjacent, nondeprived barrels. Notably, the influence of experience on development of zinc circuits was most robust during a critical period extending from about P14, when an effect of whisker trimming first could be observed, through P28, after which time chronic deprivation no longer resulted in heightened levels of synaptic zinc in lamina IV. These findings indicate that sensory input can have a marked influence on development of cortical circuits, including those within lamina IV, throughout the first postnatal month. J. Comp. Neurol. 447:43–56, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.