cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Studies on the mechanism of phosphorylation and transport of β-galactosides by the lactose phosphotransferase system of Staphylococcus aureus kinetic investigations using tosyl galactosides as reversible dead-end inhibitors

Summary Tosyl galactosides, previously shown to be potent reversible dead-end inhibitors of the membrane-bound Enzyme II lac of the lactose phosphotransferase system of Staphylococcus aureus , were used for an investigation of the kinetic mechanism of the sugar phosphorylation/transport reaction catalyzed by this enzyme: phospo-Factor III lac +sugar→Enzyme II lac Factor III lac +sugar phosphate. Inhibition of Enzyme II lac was studied in three different systems. Washed membranes, and washed membranes in the presence of 0.1% Triton X-100 were used for phosphorylation experiments, and whole cells were used for transport studies. When washed membranes were used to supply Enzyme II lac , inhibition of phosphorylation by tosyl galactoside was linear non-competitive against both the sugar and phospho-Factor III lac substrates, with an apparent K 1 of about 5 mM. This K 1 decreased with increasing Factor III lac concentration. In the presence of 0.1% Triton X-100, the phosphorylation reaction was stimulated; under these conditions the inhibition became strictly competitive against sugar, and completely uncompetitive agaist phospho-Factor III lac . Apparently washed membranes can catalyze phosphorylation both via a reaction sequence in which sugar binds first and via one in which phospho-Factor III lac binds first, but in the presence of 0.1% Triton the reaction does not occur by the former sequence. The inability of bound phospho-Factor III lac to hinder the binding of tosyl galactosides suggests that the initial binding sites of the two substrates of Enzyme II lac are separated by at least the distance of the tosyl moiety. Radioactive methyl 6- O -( p -toluenesulfonyl) β -galactoside was not converted into a phosphorylated product in the reaction mixtures, i.e. it is a tree dead-end inhibitor. Inhibition of β -galactoside transport into whole cells by tosyl galactosides was competitive, with an apparent K 1 of 5–10 mM, an order of magnitude higher than the K 1 for inhibition of phosphorylation by membrane preparations. This result suggests that a significant suggests that future mechanistic studies should employ membranes prepared under well-defined conditions, and thoroughly characterized with respect to the orientation of vesicular structures.
Gradient Calculation of the Traveltime Cost Function Without Ray Tracing

Gradient based traveltime tomography algorithms require the computation of the gradient of the traveltime misfit cost function many times. This calculation is customarily done by ray tracing, the path length of the rays being closely related to the gradient. We propose in this work an alternative method to compute the gradient of the traveltime cost function without ray tracing. We use upwind finite difference schemes to compute the traveltime field by solving the eikonal equation. Then by adjoint state techniques we derive a closed-form expression of the gradient of the traveltime cost function. This approach allows an accurate computation of the gradient as well as the freedom to change the norm on the model space.
Asthma and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ reuptake in airway smooth muscle.

to the editor: We were delighted to note the concurrent publication of two studies linking decreased expression and function of sarcoendoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA) in human airway (bronchial) smooth muscle (ASM) to asthma. The first study, published in the July 2009 issue of American
Comparison of gross and histopathologic findings with quantitative computed tomographic bone density in the distal third metacarpal bone of racehorses.

Comparison of subchondral bone density determined by quantitative computed tomography (CT) with gross and histopathologic changes have not been made in horses. The goal of this study was to determine if mean quantitative CT density and mean voxel standard deviation are associated with the presence and severity of osteochondral lesions in the palmar aspect of the distal third metacarpal bone in racing horses. Metacarpophalangeal joints from nine racehorses were imaged using CT and scored for gross damage. Fourmillimeter-thick sagittal and 301 palmar dorsal plane sections were cut, decalcified and stained with hematoxylin and eosin from the distal third metacarpal bone. Microscopic osteochondral lesions and subchondral remodeling were scored on a scale of 0–3. Percent subchondral bone, expressed as the ratio of bone volume to tissue volume, was also measured. Mean quantitative CT density and mean voxel standard deviation were measured from three-dimensional models of CT images comparable with histologic sections. Mean quantitative CT density was not associated with lesion severity or number of lesions. A weak correlation between mean quantitative CT density and gross score was found, but mean quantitative CT density was not predictive for gross score. Mean voxel standard deviation was not correlated with gross or histopathologic measures, but was predictive of mild osteochondral lesions. Results support the association of subchondral remodeling with the development of palmar metacarpal lesions. However, there was not a strong correlation between mean quantitative CT density or mean voxel standard deviation and histopathologic lesions of the distal third metacarpal bone. Veterinary Radiology & Ultrasound, Vol. 48, No. 6, 2007, pp 518–527.
Cyclic AMP-stimulated phosphorylation of bovine tracheal smooth muscle contractile and non-contractile proteins.

Abstract 1. 1.|Various proteins isolated from bovine tracheal smooth muscle were examined as phosphate acceptor substrates for a cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase isolated from the same tissue. A fraction prepared in a manner similar to that of skeletal muscle troponin was the best substrate of the presumptive contractile proteins isolate. Actomyosin and tropomyosin were relatively poor substrates. 2. 2.|An assay was developed for the rapid detection in a large number of samples of the muscle specific substrate for the protein kinase on which we reported previously. 3. 3.|Using this assay, the muscle specific substrate found in bovine tracheal smooth muscle was partially purified resulting in a preparation which when resolved by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed a single peak of 32P incorporated, and which could be further characterized. 4. 4.|Our findings suggest that the substrate contains a protein subunit of molecular weight 19 000, which can be phosphorylated at serine and threonine residues, in the presence of cyclic AMP and protein kinase. The phosphate is in a covalent ester linkage with these residues. 5. 5.|A phosphoprotein phosphatase was isolated from the bovine tracheal smooth muscle. 6. 6.|Bovine tracheal smooth muscle contains cyclic AMP dependent protein kinase and phosphoprotein phospahatase activity as well as the muscle specific substrate, suggesting that these elements may be part of a mechanism which regulates smooth muscle tone.
Pollution prevention research at EPA's risk reduction engineering laboratory: Cleaner production processes and cleaner products for a cleaner environment

Abstract “I have four priorities for the Agency. First, pollution prevention…” (carol Browner, US EPA Administrator, April 13, 1993). EPA's Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory (RREL) in Cincinnati, Ohio, has since 1988 supported a program to encourage the development, demonstration, and adoption environmentally cleaner products and cleaner production processes. To date, some $8 million has been expended in various elements of the program. In this paper, the author highlights some achievements of the program, discusses current activities and projects, and offers some observations about where the RREL Pollution Prevention Program, and the pollution prevention movement in general, appears to be heading.
Opiate control of spontaneous locomotor activity in a urodele amphibian

Abstract An intraperitoneal injection of the preferential opiate receptor agonist (±)bremazocine HCl given to male rough-skinned newts acutely and dose-dependently reduced their spontaneous locomotor activity. Inversely, and contrary to the situation generally observed in other vertebrates, administration of the opiate receptor antagonist naloxone HCl dose-dependently and acutely stimulated locomotion. Given at a behaviorally active dosage, naloxone counteracted the inhibitory effect of bremazocine on locomotion. The behavioral influence of the two substances was observed using two different sampling techniques (continuous recording for 3 minutes; repeated instantaneous sampling for 60 minutes). These data are discussed in view of our current knowledge on the opiate regulation of locomotor activity in vertebrates.
Anatomy of the Coronary Arteries in Health and Disease

This is a brief perspective review of some personal observations on the normal and abnormal anatomy of the human coronary arteries. Since it is possible to cover in detail but a few aspects of such a broad subject, the presentation was oriented to stress topics of special value to the physician dealing with patients having heart disease.
Self-aligned In/sub 0.52/Al/sub 0.48/As/In/sub 0.53/Ga/sub 0.47/As heterojunction bipolar transistors with graded interface on semi-insulating InP grown by molecular beam epitaxy

A self aligned In/sub 0.52/Al/sub 0.48/As/In/sub 0.53/Ga/sub 0.47/As double heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT) with a graded heterointerface has been grown by molecular-beam epitaxy (MBE) and tested. The DC characteristics of HBT structures with a compositionally graded junction using a linear graded In/sub 0.53/Ga/sub 0.47-x/Al/sub x/As between two ternary layers were investigated. Typical quaternary graded devices with an emitter dimension of 50*50 mu m/sup 2/ exhibited a current gain as high as 1260, as compared to 800 for abrupt devices, at a collector current density of 2.8*10/sup 3/ A/cm/sup 2/. >
Kinetics and mechanism studies of large protonated water clusters, H+ (H2O)n, n=1-60, at thermal energy

Abstract Large protonated water clusters, H+ (H2O)n, n = 1–60, were produced and their reaction kinetics with CH3CN, CH3COCH3, and CH3COOCH3 were studied under thermal conditions in a fast flow reactor. The experimental findings show that the ionization method and temperature are the most crucial factors for producing these large clusters. The results also demonstrate that the attainment of an uniform temperature distribution, limiting the amount of water added into the flow tube, and carefully controlling the heating of the reactant gas inlet are among the important parameters which must considered in making quantitative measurements of the reaction rate constants. For the case of all three reactants, the measured rate constants agree fairly well with theoretically predicted collision rates within experimental error for the temperature range covered in the experiment, and for the full range of cluster sizes up to n = 60. The reaction mechanisms were found to change from proton transfer to ligand switching, and ultimately to an association process as the cluster size increases.
Determination of phase changes and metabolic rates in plant tissues as a function of temperature by heat conduction DSC

Abstract Heat conduction differential scanning calorimetry methods have been developed for the continuous measurement of metabolic heat rates of plant tissues as a function of temperature. Thermally induced transitions and metabolic heat rate can be determined simultaneously. As examples of the utility of this method, data are given on metabolic heat rates measured as a function of temperature for barley root tips and cultured tomato cells.
Ellipsometry of liquid helium films on gold, cesium, and graphite

We have developed a modulated null ellipsometer with sub-monolayer resolution to measure adsorbed liquid helium thin films at temperatures below 4 K. Adsorption isotherms of 4 He on gold, cesium, and graphite are presented. For Au and Cs substrates, the reflecting surface for our ellipsometric measurements is the metallic electrode of a quartz crystal microbalance(QCM). Performing both types of measurements simultaneously on the same substrate provides a direct method of converting the ellipsometric signal into an absolute film thickness without constructing a detailed model of the refractive index of the substrate. Isotherms on gold above and below T λ ¸ show that the ellipsometric signal is unaffected by the superfluid transition; the ellipsometer measures the total film thickness independent of the superfluid fraction. Isotherms on cesium above the wetting temperature show a prewetting step. Isotherms on clean graphite show steps due to layering.
Assessment of pharmacy faculty members' opinions regarding required postgraduate pharmacy residencies.

Purpose. Agreement between pharmacy faculty members and the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) recommendations regarding the requirement of residency training to provide direct patient care or attain a position in academia is discussed. Methods. Faculty members of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy participated in a survey administered by an online survey tool. The survey contained a variety of yes/no, multiple choice, and Likert scale questions. Participants were asked to disclose whether they agreed with the ACCP recommendations. Other data collected included faculty demographics, individual awareness of the ACCP position statement, and postgraduate training recommendations before receiving the survey. Results. The survey was sent to 2414 faculty members, and 623 (26%) of those responded. A majority of the respondents (74.8%) identified themselves as pharmacy practice faculty. Of those who replied, 55.6% agreed that one year of residency training should be required to provide direct patient care. Approximately 64% agreed that a postgraduate year 1 residency should be required in order to be appointed as adjunct clinical faculty or preceptor of pharmacy students, while 50.1% agreed that two years of residency training should be required in order to be appointed to rank assistant professor. Conclusion. A slight majority of faculty members responding to this survey agreed with recommendations in a 2006 ACCP position statement that proposed requiring residencies for all pharmacy students graduating from pharmacy school in order to attain positions in academia or settings providing direct patient care.
Prototype COBRA near-real-time processor

The U.S. Marine Corps COBRA countermine surveillance program has developed, as a risk- reduction alternative, a near real-time processor for the output of the COBRA multispectral camera. This processor has been tested using approximately 13.5 hours of video data from the COBRA DT-0 developmental test, representing approximately 243,000 frames of multispectral data. The results have been very encouraging--the system is robust and the minefield detection performance has met the goals of the COBRA program. The MITRE COBRA prototype processor is built from commercial-off-the-shelf VME bus technology. Video capture is provided by a Transtech TDM 435 capture/display VME card. Control is performed on a GMSV64 Super Sparc card that resides in two VME slots. The compute engine consists of two Pentek 4270 Quad TMS320C40 digital signal processing boards. There are two additional 6U VME boards to provide fast SCSI IO. The system is capable of capturing, digitizing and processing the COBRA data stream at between one-eighth and one-half real-time, depending on processing options. The nominal compute power of the system is 2.2 GOPS, 450 MFLOPS. The system is easily upgradeable due to the open architecture--one proposed upgrade will be to increase the number of available TMS320C40 processors to sixteen, providing real-time performance without compromising the current investment in software and hardware. The software for the system is primarily written in C, with hand-optimized assembler code for portions of the compute kernel. The algorithm that is implemented is based on the MITRE minefield detection algorithm detailed at AeroSense '95. The system development required a registration algorithm--this was the only algorithm development that was performed, the rest of the algorithms coming from previous MITRE effort on the COBRA program. Lessons learned from the development and upgrade/test plans will be presented.
Wilderness monitoring and data management

Abstract In the last decade, increased public interest in natural areas has resulted in increased monitoring activity by federal wilderness managers to assess the status of wilderness values. Wilderness values are those large-scale entities of wilderness which comprise, in sum, wilderness character. Data collected through wilderness monitoring must support the maintenance of wilderness values. Wilderness monitoring must include the development of clear data management strategies and provisions for hypothesis testing. Unfortunately, some monitoring programs do not support the status assessment of wilderness values. Often wilderness monitoring programs have neglected even the most rudimentary principles of data management. This paper presents a model for wilderness monitoring, guidelines for data management, and an overview of a PC-compatible wilderness monitoring data base, the Monitoring Information Data Analysis System (MIDAS).
Morphologic basis for loss of regulated insulin secretion by isolated rat pancreatic islets

Laboratories engaged in secretory studies of rat pancreatic islets often encounter high baseline insulin secretion with poor secretory response to secretagogues, such as glucose. The specific morphologic abnormalities that accompany this unregulated release have not been described. We isolated islets comparing two approaches. Both used stationary digestion with collagenase. In method I, we distended the biliary duct extracorporeally with collagenase and minced the pancreas after a 28 min digestion (37 degrees C). In method II, we distended the pancreas intracorporeally and digested for 40 min without mincing. Both methods utilized a similar collagenase concentration (2 micrograms/ml in Hank's balanced salt solution (HBSS). Both methods yielded over 300 islets/rat. Islets from both methods appeared intact, when viewed under the dissecting microscope. We found that adequate secretion from incubated islets was evoked with method I, i.e., low basal insulin levels at low glucose (3.3 mM), tripling at 11.0 mM glucose, and nearly quadrupling in response to higher glucose (16.7 mM). In contrast, method II was characterized by high basal levels without response to higher glucose. Ultramicroscopic examination of islet B cells in method I revealed normal cytological features, while B cells in method II showed marked degranulation, profiles of swollen endoplasmic reticulum, and swollen mitochondria. Morphometric analysis of B cells confirmed quantitatively a decrease in secretory granule density and mitochondrial enlargement in method II compared to method I. Anatomic changes, largely confined to the B cells of islets may account for functional alterations of responses. Defects cannot be predicted from gross appearance of islets.
Ultrafast dynamics of photoexcited C6O

The ultrafast dynamics of solid C60 following optical excitation are discussed. Excitation into the lowest optical band using pulses 12 fs in duration centered at 620 nm results in coherent vibrational motion as well as nonexponential relaxation dynamics dominated by interactions between photoexcitations. Excitation at 500 nm into the next highest band reveals complex relaxation dynamics indicative of fast energy relaxation from the higher electronic state.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Regular Unital Finite-Dimensional Lattice-Ordered Algebras

The main result in this article is to show that a regular unital finite-dimensional lattice-ordered algebra over ℝ with zero l-radical is isomorphic to a finite direct sum of lattice-ordered matrix algebras of lattice-ordered group algebras of finite groups over ℝ.
Immune restoration following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation : an evolving target

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is the definitive cure for many malignant and nonmalignant diseases. However, delays in immune reconstitution (IR) following HSCT significantly limit the success of transplantation and increase the risk for infection and disease relapse in the transplant recipient. Therefore, ways to measure and to manipulate immune recovery following HSCT are emerging and their success depends directly upon an enhanced understanding for the underlying mechanisms responsible for reconstituted immunity and hematopoiesis. Recent discoveries in the activation, function, and regulation of dendritic cell (DC), natural killer (NK) cell, and T-lymphocyte subtypes have been critical in developing immunotherapies used to prevent graft-versus-host disease and to enhance graft-versus-leukemia. For example, regulatory T cells that induce tolerance and NK receptor-tumor ligand disparities that result in tumor lysis are being used to minimize GVHD and tumor burden, respectively. Furthermore, expansion and modulation of immune effector cells are being used to augment hematopoietic and immune recovery and to decrease transplant-related toxicity in the transplant recipient. Specifically, DC expansion and incorporation into antitumor and anti-microbial vaccines is fast approaching application into clinical trials. This paper will review our current understanding for IR following HSCT and the novel ways in which to restore immune function and decrease transplant-related toxicity in the transplant recipient.
Microsuperfusion of neurointermediate lobes of Xenopus Laevis: Concomitant and coordinately controlled release of newly synthesized peptides

Abstract 1. Release of [3H]lysine-labelled peptides from the neurointermediate lobe of black adapted Xenopus laevis was studied using a microsuperfusion system and high-performance liquid chromatographic analysis. 2. It appeared that all newly synthesized peptides, inclusive the precursor for these peptides, were concomitantly released. 3. On the basis of the total release of labelled peptides as a function of superfusion incubation time, 3 time-periods were selected to study the effects of secretagogues on the release-process. 4. Dopamine inhibited the release of all newly synthesized peptides, except the precursor, leading to an enhanced level of these peptides remaining in the lobe. Cyclic AMP stimulated the release of all peptides, except the precursor, leading to reduced levels of lobe-peptides.
Birth characteristics of persons dying of cerebral aneurysms.

Abstract Birth characteristics of patients who died from cerebral aneurysms and cerebral hemorrhage were compared with those of controls. No differences were found in season of birth, maternal age, birth order, birth weight, mother's residence, parental occupation, or complications of pregnancy. In addition, no familial aggregation was detected. When considered in conjunction with previous pathological studies, these results do not support theories of a congenital etiology of cerebral aneurysms, although they do not rule out prenatal factors unassociated with the variables studied.
Estimate of the “true” magnetic transition temperatures for the ICTA reference materials GM761

Abstract New estimates were determined for the “true” magnetic transition temperatures of the ICTA Certified Magnetic Reference Materials GM761, using a six-point calibration method traceable to the standards of the International Practical Temperature Scale of 1968. These new estimate values have a pooled standard deviation of ±2.0°C, making them acceptable as temperature calibration materials for thermogravimetric apparatus.
Genes with promoters in retrovirus vectors can be independently suppressed by an epigenetic mechanism

We have constructed retrovirus vectors containing two genes, each with its own promoter, whose products can be selected in vivo. In cell clones harboring a single copy of this bicistronic provirus, we find that the 3' gene is usually suppressed when there is selection for expression of the 5' gene, and the 5' gene is usually suppressed when there is selection for expression of the 3' gene. We find that the suppression is epigenetic, reversible, and cis-acting, and is influenced by the strength or position of the different promoters. This type of gene suppression is novel for its action on a gene that can be either upstream or downstream to an adjacent active gene.
Olfactory relationships of the telencephalon and diencephalon in the rabbit. II. An autoradiographic and horseradish peroxidase study of the efferent connections of the anterior olfactory nucleus

The efferent connections of the anterior olfactory nucleus in the female albino rabbit have been studied using the autoradiographic and horseradish peroxidase methods for tracing axonal pathways. Following a unilateral injection of 3H-leucine into the olfactory peduncle, radioactively labeled efferent projections from the anterior olfactory nucleus were traced into all layers of the ipsilateral main olfactory bulb beneath the olfactory nerve layer and through the ipsilateral anterior limb of the anterior commissure and plexiform layer of the medial side of the cerebral hemisphere to the deep half of the plexiform (IB) and pyramidal cell (II) layers of the prepyriform cortex, the tenia tecta, and the entire surface of the olfactory tubercle. Labeled projections crossing the midline within the anterior commissure were followed to layers IB and II of the contralateral anterior prepyriform cortex and pars externa, pars lateralis, and pars dorsalis of the anterior olfactory nucleus, and through the periventricular layer of the olfactory peduncle to all layers of the main olfactory bulb beneath the olfactory nerve layer. No well-defined labeled projection was traced to the contralateral accessory olfactory bulb. Evidence for possible anterior olfactory nucleus and/or prepyriform cortical projections to the ipsilateral paleocortical half of the claustrum, horizontal limb of the nucleus of the diagonal band, the posterior lateral hypothalamus at the level of the mammillary complex, and to the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis is discussed. Intra-axonal retrograde transport of horseradish peroxidase from axon terminals to parent cell bodies after unilateral injection of the protein into the main olfactory bulb or anterior olfactory nucleus revealed that anterior olfactory nucleus projections to the olfactory bulbs and the contralateral anterior olfactory nucleus arise predominately from the pars externa. The autoradiographic data indicate that the anterior olfactory nucleus projects to olfactory cortical structures which also receive afferent input from the olfactory bulb and that the termination of these projections is complementary to those from the olfactory bulb.
Relationship between valproic acid dosage, plasma concentration and clearance in adult monotherapy patients with epilepsy

Significant variability has been reported in the plasma concentration-dose relationship for the anticonvulsant compound valproic acid (VPA). Several factors may contribute to this observed variability, including heterogeneous patient populations of children and adults, polytherapy, and timing of plasma concentration sampling. To optimally determine the relationship between trough VPA plasma concentration and dose, we evaluated a homogeneous group of adult ambulatory patients with epilepsy receiving VPA monotherapy. Furthermore, we sought to evaluate whether a relationship existed between VPA dosage and plasma clearance for both total and unbound or free drug. Steady-state trough plasma concentrations were determined in thirty-two patients. Mean VPA dose was 22.8 +/- 10.3 mg/kg/day. Mean total and unbound VPA plasma concentrations were 97.9 +/- 34.9 and 13.2 +/- 10.6 micrograms/ml, respectively. Significant correlations between VPA dose and total and unbound plasma concentrations were found (r = 0.82 and r = 0.85, P < or = 0.001, respectively). Significant relationships were also observed between VPA dose and clearance. A positive correlation was noted for dose and total plasma clearance (r = 0.61, P < or = 0.001), while an inverse correlation existed between dose and unbound VPA plasma clearance (r = -0.51, P < 0.01). Although a statistically significant correlation does exist between VPA dosage and both total and unbound plasma concentrations, significant interpatient variability still remains even under 'optimal' therapeutic drug monitoring conditions.
Resonant generation of surface acoustic waves between moving and stationary piezoelectric crystals.

The propagation of surface acoustic waves in a system composed of two piezoelectric crystals moving with respect to each other and separated by a vacuum gap is considered. The waves are localized on different sides of the gap and coupled only through the electrostatic interaction. It is shown that when the velocity of the relative motion of crystals is close to some value, there occurs a wave instability resulting in a resonant generation of these surface waves. The rate of growth of Bleustein–Gulyaev waves in piezoelectric crystals of 6mm symmetry class is determined analytically.
Comments on "Harmonic analysis via Kalman filtering technique"

The authors of the above letter[1] used Kalman filtering to estimate the harmonic coefficients of a periodic waveform from noisy samples. The purpose of this letter is to show that their technique is identical to a recursive least squares procedure.
Using Concept Mapping to Assist Prospective Elementary Teachers in Making Meaning.

Science educators working with prospective elementary teachers strive to facilitate an understanding of science as well as an understanding of student and teacher roles in learning science in the classroom. One goal should be the introduction of strategies which assist prospective teachers in learning independently. Concept mapping provides a useful learning tool in assisting students’ critical reading of assigned materials. In this study, each student constructed his or her own map which facilitated group discussions and provided further opportunity to reflect on the ideas being presented. The purpose of reading became making connections instead of absorbing information. Through the process students gained a better understanding of a way of thinking about science which provides a valuable foundation for facilitating continued learning.
Incorporating genomic information and predicting gene expression patterns in a simplified biogeochemical model

Abstract. We present results from a new marine plankton model that combines selective biogeochemical processes with genetic information. The model allows for phytoplankton to adapt to a changing environment by invoking different utilization pathways for acquisition of nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) in response to concentration changes. The simulations use simplified environmental conditions represented by a continuously stirred tank reactor, which is populated by 96 different types of phytoplankton that differ in their physiological characteristics and nutrient uptake/metabolism genes. The results show that the simulated phytoplankton community structure is conceptually consistent with observed regional and global phytoplankton biogeography, the genome content from the dominant types of phytoplankton reflects the imposed environmental constraints, and the transcription of the gene clusters is qualitatively simulated according to the environmental changes. The model shows the feasibility of including genomic knowledge into a biogeochemical model and is suited to understanding and predicting changes in marine microbial community structure and function, and to simulating the biological response to rapid environmental changes.
How to Plan and Run Summer Computing Camps: Logistics (Abstract Only)

This workshop will provide details on how to plan and run non-residential, week-long computing summer camps for 4th-12th grade students. Georgia Tech has been offering computing summer camps since 2004. These camps are financially self-sustaining and effective. Items used in the camps include: CS Unplugged, LightBot, Scratch, Alice, LEGO robots (WeDo, NXT, EV3, and Tetrix), EarSketch, and App Inventor. Georgia Tech helped start other computing camps at eleven other colleges and universities in Georgia from 2007 to 2010 as part of Georgia Computes! NSF BPC grant. Since 2014, as part of the Expanding Computing Education Pathways (ECEP) NSF grant we have also helped institutions start or expand summer computing camps in South Carolina, Massachusetts, and California.The workshop will include presentation about application forms, a timeline, sample agendas, sample flyers, budget plans, a planning checklist, suggested projects, surveys, pre and post-tests, evaluation results, lessons learned, and more. Laptops are recommended for this workshop.
The Poverty of Impoverishment Theory: The Economic Well-Being of the Elderly, 1890–1950

Progressive Ear and New Deal reformers claimed that industrialization impoverished the elderly by degrading older workers. This has become the standard interpretation in popular and scholarly accounts. Data from 1890 through 1950 show that real wages of older workers rose sharply during this peroid and that family economic strategies promised the elderly considerable security. Birth cohort analysis indicates positive age-earnings profiles across the life cycle. Although the elderly benefited from economic growth, security in old age often demanded intrafamilial exchanges. Tensions arising from these transfers may explain the broad popular support Social Security received.
Endogenous Growth Regulators in Leaves and Tissue Cultures of Pennisetum purpureum Schum.

Summary Endogenous levels of major plant growth regulators were measured in leaves and tissue cultures of Napiergrass ( Pennisetum purpureum Schum.) either by high-performance liquid chromatography or radioimmunoassay. The developmentally young, basal region of the tightly furled innermost four young leaves are highly embryogenic (45% of explants produce embryogenic callus) as compared to the more mature middle (28%) and distal (5%) parts of the same leaves. The basal region contained, on a fresh-weight basis, higher levels of both indole-3-acetic acid (IAA; 19 ngg -1 ) and abscisic acid (ABA; 862 ngg -1 ) as compared to middle (11 ngg -1 and 282 ngg -1 , respectively) and distal (13 ngg -1 and 97 ngg -1 , respectively) regions. Segments from fully expanded “mature” leaves did not form any callus and contained lower levels of endogenous IAA (6 ngg -1 fresh weight) and ABA (364 ngg -1 fresh weight) compared to the basal portion of young leaves. Accumulation of high levels of cytokinins (zeatinriboside, dihydrozeatinriboside, 2-isopentenyladenine) was detected in explants after 10d of culture, at the time of visible callus formation. In comparison to the non-embryogenic callus the embryogenic callus consistently contained higher levels of endogenous IAA (5- to 20-fold) and ABA (3- to 4-fold). Levels of cytokinins in non-embryogenic callus were at least two times that in embryogenic callus. These trends were reproducible during regular maintenance for over a year by subculture at two- to three-week intervals. Callus cultures maintained without subculture lost their embryogenic competence after six weeks and contained only low or nondetectable levels of IAA and ABA. The role of endogenous plant growth regulators in determining the morphogenic competence of leaf explants is discussed.
Individual variation in baseline and stress-induced corticosterone and prolactin levels predicts parental effort by nesting mourning doves

article i nfo Endocrine systems have an important mechanistic role in structuring life-history trade-offs. During breeding, individual variation in prolactin (PRL) and corticosterone (CORT) levels affects behavioral and physiological processes that drive trade-offs between reproduction and self-maintenance. We examined patterns in baseline (BL) and stress induced (SI; level following a standard capture-restraint protocol) levels of PRL and CORT for breeding mourning doves (Zenaida macroura). We determined whether the relationship of adult condition and parental effort to hormone levels in wild birds was consistent with life-history predictions. Both BL PRL and BL CORT level in adults were positively related to nestling weight at early nestling ages, consistent with the prediction of a positive relationship of hormone levels to current parental effort of adults and associated increased energy demand. Results are consistent with the two hormones acting together at baseline levels to limit negative effects of CORT on reproduction while maintaining beneficial effects such as increased foraging for nestling feeding. Our data did not support predictions that SI responses would vary in response to nestling or adult condition. The magnitude of CORT response in the parents to our capture- restraint protocol was negatively correlated with subsequent parental effort. Average nestling weights for adults with the highest SI CORT response were on average 10-15% lighter than expected for their age in follow-up visits after the stress event. Our results demonstrated a relationship between individual hormone levels and within population variation in parental effort and suggested that hormonal control plays an important role in structuring reproductive decisions for mourning doves.
A critical evaluation and a search for the ideal colonoscopic preparation

Summary Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of various bowel preparations in accomplishing colonic cleansing for optimal mucosal visualization during colonoscopy. Methods The study included a cohort of 980 patients who underwent colonoscopy at our endoscopy center within the last 3 years. All of the study patients were subdivided into four groups. Each group included 245 patients, all receiving a different type of bowel preparation. The bowel preparations used in this study included: magnesium citrate (Group I), a combination of oral sodium phosphate (fleets) and powder PEG-3350 (Group II), powder polyethylene glycol-3350 (PEG-3350 powder for Group III), and oral sodium phosphate (fleets for Group IV). A Colon Prep Score (CPS) was devised to compare the quality of the different bowel preparations used. The colonoscopy results from all of these patients were tabulated and analyzed statistically and expressed as mean ± 1 standard deviation. Statistical analysis was performed using a one way ANOVA with Holm–Sidak method for intergroup analysis. Results Group I patients received magnesium citrate and had a mean CPS ± 1SD of 3.11 ± 0.91. Group II patients (fleets and powder PEG-3350 combination) achieved a CPS of 3.37 ± 1.16. The patients in Group III (powder PEG-3350) actually showed the highest mean CPS of 3.44 ± 1.12. Group IV patients who used oral sodium phosphate alone reached a mean CPS of 3.23 ± 1.01. Group III patients (powder PEG-3350 only) demonstrated a statistically higher CPS ( P P Conclusions Overall, all four colon preparations achieved an average CPS greater than 3.0 indicating clinically adequate colonic cleansing. However, powder PEG-3350 alone and in combination with oral sodium phosphate was observed to be statistically superior to magnesium citrate, when used for colon preparation for colonoscopy.
Potentially reversible autoimmune limbic encephalitis with neuronal potassium channel antibody

Objectives: To describe the clinical features and coexisting serum autoantibodies in seven patients with encephalitis associated with autoantibodies to α-dendrotoxin-sensitive voltage-gated potassium channels (VGKCs), and to compare this disorder with other autoimmune encephalopathies. Methods: Clinical information was obtained from a retrospective review of medical records and telephone interviews. All autoantibody testing was performed in a single laboratory. Results: The seven patients were examined for subacute cognitive and behavioral changes. Seizures, usually temporal-onset complex partial type, were documented in six patients, and all seven patients had EEG abnormalities. None had symptoms or signs of neuromuscular hyperexcitability. One described hypersalivation. Four patients had additional autoantibody markers of neurologic autoimmunity (muscle acetylcholine receptor, striational, P/Q-type calcium channel, or GAD65), and two had thyroperoxidase antibodies. Two patients had a history of cancer: one had active prostate adenocarcinoma, and the second had a remote history of tongue carcinoma. Cranial MRI demonstrated mesial temporal lobe abnormalities in all patients. One patient improved spontaneously, and six were treated with IV methylprednisolone. Three improved remarkably with treatment. At follow-up evaluation, one had no cognitive deficits, four had mild persistent short-term memory dysfunction, and two had persistent disabling behavioral deficits. Conclusions: Voltage-gated potassium channel antibodies are a valuable serologic marker of a potentially reversible autoimmune encephalopathy. The neurologic manifestations of this disorder are indistinguishable from paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis but are distinct from Morvan syndrome and Hashimoto encephalopathy.
Computed tomography evaluation of intestinal ischemia

OMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY plays an important role in imaging patients with acute abdominal complaints. Computed tomography (CT) is a rapid, accurate, and cost-effective imaging tool, which is especially valuable in the assessment of patients with vague clinical symptoms, nonspecific physical findings, or confusing laboratory results. This article reviews and illustrates the value of CT for the evaluation of patients with intestinal ischemia. Thromboembolic and nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia are discussed as well as colonic ischemia and ischemia resulting from trauma and obstruction.
Mulga bird communities. I. Species composition and predictability across Australia

Data are presented from bird censuses at 20 mulga (Acacia aneura) sites across Australia. Null (binomial) models show that community composition is far more consistent among censuses than is expected by a random drawing from all candidate species. By denning and using the designations ‘core species’, ‘peripheral species’, and ‘casual species’, it was shown that 32% of the total 81 bird species censused constituted core species and core niches that account for nearly 75% of the bird density in mulga bird communities countrywide. A minor proportion of the variation in the mulga censuses was attributable to geographic variation in vegetation structure, related to the β-component of diversity. Some mulga niches have regional replacements that contribute to a species turnover among sites and to the γ-diversity of the species set; other species of sporadic occurrence are attributable to the geographic position of the mulga site in terms of adjacent habitats (mostly eucalypt woodland and mixed acacia scrub), a ‘spillover’ effect. Regional variations in the composition of some specific guilds, namely ‘crows’, ‘wrens’, ‘butcherbirds’, foliage insectivores, ground-foraging insectivores, perch-and-pounce foragers and mid-sized, ground-foraging omnivores, are analysed in some detail to illustrate factors that contribute to a large species total in mulga, despite the predominance of core species.
Three-dimensional visualization of the rotavirus hemagglutinin structure

Three-dimensional structures of a native simian and reassortant rotavirus have been determined by electron cryomicroscopy and computer image processing. The structural features of the native virus confirm that the hemagglutinin spike is a dimer of VP4, substantiated by in vivo radiolabeling studies. Exchange of native VP4 with a bovine strain equivalent results in a poorly infectious reassortant. No VP4 spikes are detected in the three-dimensional reconstruction of the reassortant. The difference map between the two structures reveals a novel large globular domain of VP4 buried within the virion that interacts extensively with the intermediate shell protein, VP6. Our results suggest that assembly of VP4 precedes that of VP7, the major outer shell protein, and that VP4 may play an important role in the receptor recognition and budding process through the rough endoplasmic reticulum during virus maturation.
Sleep-wake behavior and responses to sleep deprivation of mice lacking both interleukin-1β receptor 1 and tumor necrosis factor-α receptor 1

Data indicate that interleukin (IL)-1 beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) are involved in the regulation of non-rapid eye movement sleep (NREMS). Previous studies demonstrate that mice lacking the IL-1 beta type 1 receptor spend less time in NREMS during the light period, whereas mice lacking the p55 (type 1) receptor for TNFalpha spend less time in NREMS during the dark period. To further investigate roles for IL-1 beta and TNFalpha in sleep regulation we phenotyped sleep and responses to sleep deprivation of mice lacking both the IL-1 beta receptor 1 and TNFalpha receptor 1 (IL-1R1/TNFR1 KO). Male adult mice (IL-1R1/TNFR1 KO, n=14; B6129SF2/J, n=14) were surgically instrumented with EEG electrodes and with a thermistor to measure brain temperature. After recovery and adaptation to the recording apparatus, 48 h of undisturbed baseline recordings were obtained. Mice were then subjected to 6h sleep deprivation at light onset by gentle handling. IL-1R1/TNFR1 KO mice spent less time in NREMS during the last 6h of the dark period and less time in rapid eye movement sleep (REMS) during the light period. There were no differences between strains in the diurnal timing of delta power during NREMS. However, there were strain differences in the relative power spectra of the NREMS EEG during both the light period and the dark period. In addition, during the light period relative power in the theta frequency band of the REMS EEG differed between strains. After sleep deprivation, control mice exhibited prolonged increases in NREMS and REMS, whereas the duration of the NREMS increase was shorter and there was no increase in REMS of IL-1R1/TNFR1 KO mice. Delta power during NREMS increased in both strains after sleep deprivation, but the increase in delta power during NREMS of IL-1R1/TNFR1 KO mice was of greater magnitude and of longer duration than that observed in control mice. These results provide additional evidence that the IL-1 beta and TNFalpha cytokine systems play a role in sleep regulation and in the alterations in sleep that follow prolonged wakefulness.
Determination of the electrical center of ventricular depolarization in the human heart.

Abstract The most influential parameter in the human heart-body electrical system is the location of the electrical center of the heart. A new research method for locating the electrical center of the QRS complex may be carried out using a precision cancellation technique which fits potentials around the chest of a human subject at the transverse level of the heart to dipole potentials produced in a homogeneous torso model. The method fails automatically if the dipole representation is invalid. The electrical center of the QRS complex may be established by this technique to an accuracy of ± 0.5 cm. anatomically and ± 0.2 mv. electrically. Once the center is determined, dipole components during the QRS complex may be measured accurately. Dipole movement during the QRS complex in a normal male subject is shown to be less than 0.5 cm. For the QRS complex in a normal male subject it is shown that precordial potentials are 95 per cent dipolar. An accurate reference terminal may be deduced from experimental data and enables direct measurement of the Wilson central-terminal potential on the intact human subject, which is not negligible. Amplitude and shape of body potentials may be predicted with good accuracy from dipole coefficients of a homogeneous torso model. Since the method is insensitive to individual chest contour, detailed torso data are given which may be applied to a wide variety of subjects.