cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Structure, expression, and function of kynurenine aminotransferases in human and rodent brains

Kynurenine aminotransferases (KATs) catalyze the synthesis of kynurenic acid (KYNA), an endogenous antagonist of N-methyl-D: -aspartate and alpha 7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Abnormal KYNA levels in human brains are implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease, and other neurological disorders. Four KATs have been reported in mammalian brains, KAT I/glutamine transaminase K/cysteine conjugate beta-lyase 1, KAT II/aminoadipate aminotransferase, KAT III/cysteine conjugate beta-lyase 2, and KAT IV/glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase 2/mitochondrial aspartate aminotransferase. KAT II has a striking tertiary structure in N-terminal part and forms a new subgroup in fold type I aminotransferases, which has been classified as subgroup Iepsilon. Knowledge regarding KATs is vast and complex; therefore, this review is focused on recent important progress of their gene characterization, physiological and biochemical function, and structural properties. The biochemical differences of four KATs, specific enzyme activity assays, and the structural insights into the mechanism of catalysis and inhibition of these enzymes are discussed.
Heliophysics missions show promise.

A recent News of the Week story (“Report puts NASA's solar program under a cloud,” A. Lawler, 13 March, p. [1415][1]) noted that a report from the National Research Council (NRC) (“A performance assessment of NASA's heliophysics program”) was critical of the performance of NASA's
Emotional intelligence and social skills: Necessary components of hands-on learning in science classes

The multiple intelligences are familiar concepts to K-12 teachers and to many university professors, especially those in teacher education. The majority of educators have also heard of Daniel Goleman and the concept termed “emotional intelligence.” Emotional intelligence is rarely discussed as an important variable in the classroom, however, even though it has a profound influence on student learning. It should, therefore, inform decisions regarding the type and variety of instructional activities. Goleman’s (1995) research supports the claim that emotional intelligence, even more than IQ, is the most reliable predictor of success in school and in life. In this article, emotional intelligence is presented as the foundation for social skills—skills that students must possess to successfully work together collaboratively and in cooperative groups. Research conducted in U.S. classrooms indicates that the benefits of cooperative group learning depend on the quality of the interactions that occur. When the interactions are respectful and inclusive, more frequent use of small groups is associated with increases in academic and prosocial outcomes. When group interactions are disrespectful and inequitable, frequent use of groups is associated with reduced academic and prosocial outcomes. Linn, Lewis, Tsuchida, and Songer (2000) suggested that science education, as well as academic instruction of all kinds, should be studied in the larger context of students’ social and ethical development (i.e., responsibility, helpfulness, and the willingness and capacity to express disagreement respectfully); however, few reform efforts in the U.S. focus simultaneously on academic content, social development, and character development (Schaps, Watson, & Lewis, 1997).
Enkephalin-dopamine interactions in behavioral arousal

Abstract 1. 1. Central injection of a long lasting enkephalin analog (D-Ala2-leuo-enkephalin-amide) produced a syndrome of stereotyped motor activity. 2. 2. This activation syndrome was significantly reduced by two dopamine (DA) blockers (pimozide, fluspirilene) and by an agonist of inhibition-mediating DA receptors [(3,4-dihydroxyphenylamino)-2-imidazoline]. 3. 3. Intact DA functioning is necessary for the occurrence of this enkephalin-mediated behavioral syndrome.
The Organisation of Behaviour in Hermit Crabs: Responses To Variation in Stimulus Strength

Chemical stimuli were presented to individuals of the hermit crab Diogenes avarus to determine the nature of the interactions between stimuli that elicit conflicting responses. The odour of degraded snail flesh (a signal associated with potential empty shells) elicited an increase in both locomotion and the rate of grasping of gastropod shells. The odour of a visual predator (Matuta lunaris) elicited a cessation of locomotion by the hermit crabs. When snail flesh odour was presented in combination with various strengths of the predator odour (5% to 100%), the responses tended to show a step-function relationship to stimulus strength. Predator inhibition of snail-induced grasping dominated until predator strength was just 5% of full strength odour. However, 5% predator odour alone induced a response similar to full strength predator odour. In the case of locomotion, snail-induced increases predominated no matter what the strength of the predator odour. For both behaviours, responses of hermit crabs tended to be hierarchical rather than graded.
Variable nuclear markers for Melanoplus oregonensis identified from the screening of a genomic library

We report the isolation of seven single-copy nuclear loci from the montane grasshopper Melanoplus oregonensis. With an average length of approximately 930 bp and between five and 67 variable sites, these loci are useful for population genetic analyses within M. oregonensis. Amplification of nuclear loci in additional species of western Melanoplus grasshoppers suggests that they will also be useful for a variety of population genetic, phylogeographic and phylogenetic studies.
Earth science: inside history in depth.

The history of how Earth's interior evolved, and how it accounts for many aspects of our planet's behaviour, remains largely unwritten. Taking water into account could well help to explain a great deal more.
Homozygosity for Multiple Contiguous Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms as an Indicator of Large Heterozygous Deletions: Identification of a Novel Heterozygous 8-kb Intragenic Deletion (IVS7–19 to IVS15–17) in a Patient with Glycogen Storage Disease Type II

Current methods for detection of mutations by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequence analysis frequently are not able to detect heterozygous large deletions. We report the successful use of a novel approach to identify such deletions, based on detection of apparent homozygosity of contiguous single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The sequence analysis of genomic DNA PCR products containing all coding exons and flanking introns identified only a single heterozygous mutation (IVS18+2t→a) in a patient with classic infantile-onset autosomal recessive glycogen storage disease type II (GSDII). Apparent homozygosity for multiple contiguous SNPs detected by this sequencing suggested presence of a large deletion as the second mutation; primers flanking the region of homozygous SNPs permitted identification and characterization by PCR of a large genomic deletion (8.26 kb) extending from IVS7 to IVS15. The data clearly demonstrate the utility of SNPs as markers for large deletions in autosomal recessive diseases when only a single mutation is found, thus complementing currently standard DNA PCR sequence methods for identifying the molecular basis of disease.
Samarium(III) as luminescent probe for copper(II)

Abstract Lanthanide-based luminescent sensing of copper(II) is currently an active area of research given the need for determining trace amounts of the analyte in environmental and biological matrices. Moreover, the increasing interest of Cu-doped materials for a variety of applications (e.g. luminescent and plasmonic) calls for appropriate measures for the assessment of residual Cu2+ in the solid state. In this work, Sm3+ ions are investigated as luminescent probes for Cu2+ within a glass matrix as model system based on Sm3+→Cu2+ energy transfer. The Cu2+ concentration dependence of the Sm3+ emission quenching and decay rates of the 4G5/2 excited state allow for establishing calibration curves useful for determining Cu2+. The luminescence-based approaches are employed for estimating residual Cu2+ in a Cu+/Sm3+ co-doped glass as ‘unknown’, the results being compared with the spectrophotometric method based on Cu2+ absorption in the visible. Remarkably, the approaches appeared in good agreement. Thus, the present work demonstrates the potential of Sm3+ ions for optical sensing of copper(II), opening research avenues extending from materials to liquid phase systems with relevance to biological and environmental sciences.
Normative Self-Interest or Moral Hypocrisy?: The Importance of Context.

We re-examine the construct of Moral Hypocrisy from the perspective of normative self-interest. Arguing that some degree of self-interest is culturally acceptable and indeed expected, we postulate that a pattern of behavior is more indicative of moral hypocrisy than a single action. Contrary to previous findings, our results indicate that a significant majority of subjects (N = 136) exhibited fair behavior, and that ideals of caring and fairness, when measured in context of the scenario, were predictive of those behaviors. Moreover, measures of Individualism/Collectivism appear more predictive of self-interested behavior than out-of-context responses to moral ideals. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
The dual-mechanism model of inflectional morphology: A connectionist critique

Clahsen has added to the body of evidence that, on average, regular and irregular inflected words behave differently. However, the dual-mechanism account he supports predicts a crisp distinction; the empirical data instead suggest a fuzzy one, more in line with single-mechanism connectionist models.
3 H and 4 He binding energies in the "truncated t-matrix" approximation

We study the truncated t-matrix approximation for the triplet nucleon-nucleon interaction in the trinucleon bound state problem, where binding energies are found to be within 8% of the exact result. Numerical results in this approximation for the four-body bound state energy are also quoted.
THE USE, ACCEPTANCE, AND IMPACT OF TAKING THE SAT—A TEST FAMILIARIZATION BOOKLET

The College Board recently published Taking the SAT, a booklet designed to improve candidates' familiarity with the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and the Test of Standard Written English (TWSE), which is administered with the SAT. Prepublication copies were mailed to a random sample of SAT candidates, and the recipients, after taking the tests, were surveyed for their perceptions of the booklet and its influence on their test-taking. An equivalent random sample received only About the SAT, a briefer Board publication that Taking the SAT is to replace, and were surveyed for their test-taking experiences and their opinions of the older test familiarization booklet. Test scores of the students in both groups were subsequently obtained from SAT score files for comparison. The survey showed that the first group had reacted positively to the new publication and used it extensively. These candidates perceived numerous benefits from its use, some of them greater than the benefits perceived by candidates who had used only the older, briefer publication. The analysis did not, however, uncover any effects of the new booklet on scores for any section of the SAT or TSWE. Nevertheless, many students believed that Taking the SAT had helped them achieve higher scores. The report documents the strong points of the new booklet and makes recommendations for improving some sections in future editions.
Disorientation Kinetics of Aligned Polymer Layered Silicate Nanocomposites

The kinetics of disorientation of polymer layered silicate nanocomposites following alignment of the silicate layers by prolonged large amplitude oscillatory shear are examined using linear viscoelastic measurements. Nanometer thick disks with diameters of 30 nm, 0.3−0.6 μm, and 5 μm dispersed in polymer matrices exhibit disorientation kinetics that are non-Brownian. The disorientation process exhibits signatures of aging observed in soft-colloidal glasses and is shown to be independent of temperature, nanoparticle size, and chemical details, viscoelasticity and molecular weight of the polymeric matrix.
Late onset 21-hydroxylase deficiency and HLA in the Ashkenazi population: a new allele at the 21-hydroxylase locus.

Abstract The congenital form of 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21-OH-def), which results in virilization at birth from intrauterine exposure to testosterone, results from the inheritance of an HLA-linked recessive disease allele from each parent a t the 21-OH locus (the 21-OH 0 allele). In this study we establish a relationship between intermediate and late onset 21-OH-def and HLA. In studies of five Ashkenazi families, we concluded that these syndromes can be caused by either of two combinations of genes at the 21-OH locus: They can occur in individuals who carry the 21-OH 0 allele on one baplotype and who in addition inherit a “susceptibility” 21-OH-def gene (21-OH 8 ) from their other parent (genotype = 21-OH 0 /21-OH 3 ; or they can occur in individuals who are homozygous for the “susceptibility” 21-OH-def allele (21-OH 8 /21-OH 3 ). The biochemical abnormality in late onset 21-OH-deficiency is characterized by elevated basline levels of plasma 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OH-P) and urinary pregnanetriol and/or relatively high 17-OH-P following ACTH stimulation. Although clinical symptoms are not always present in all family members with this biochemical abnormality, the abnormality appears to behave as a simple autosomal recessive trait that is linked to HLA. Among the five probands studied, eight of the eight haplotypes from five nonconsaguinous families assumed to carry the 21-OH 3 allele had the HLA antigens B14 and DRwl and also had the factor B (Bf) S (Slow) variant. The two remaining disease haplotypes were assumed from biochemical data to carry 21-OH 0 alleles. The results suggest that the biochemical abnormality in these syndromes is linked to HLA and that the 21-OH 3 allele has nonrandom association with the particular HLA haplotype B14, DRwl, BfS in the Ashkenazi population.
Characterization of cholinesterase activity in larval Chironomus riparius meigen (= thummi kiefer)

Abstract The cholinesterase activity of larval Chironomus riparius was characterized and found to have: 1. 1. A substrate optimum of 6.4 × 10 −4 M for acetylthiocholine and aceto-β-methylthiocholine. 2. 2. A broad pH optimum between pH 7 and 9. 3. 3. A temperature optimum of 30°C. 4. 4. A significant activation by magnesium ion but no activation by potassium or sodium. 5. 5. A high solubility above pH 6.0. At pH 8,85% of total activity remained in the 10,000 g supernatant and 76% in the 100,000 g supernatant. The enzyme exhibited low solubility below pH 5.5. 6. 6. Two isoelectric points, one at pH 3.5 and one at 4.0. 7. 7. A stable acid precipitate which remained active for a month or more with refrigeration.
Study of Couette flow in polymer-based liquids via 1-D NMR imaging

Abstract Couette flow in or near the laminar regime has been studied with a 1-D nuclear magnetic resonance spin-echo projection technique, and compared with numerical simulations. Newtonian flow is confirmed for water (power law exponent n = 1.00 ± 0.05), shear thinning is measured for a polybutadiene melt (n = 0.60 ± 0.04) and departures are detected from uniform tangential flow in slurry of polybutadiene +SiO2 powder. The method does not require transparent samples or trace scatterers, operates with small specimens (∼ 0.1 ml) and can be extended to deal with complex and turbulent flows.
Analysis of analogies used by science teachers

Science teachers use analogies that display a rich variety of form and content. An account of science teacher analogies that relies solely on systems of analysis imported from other fields of inquiry tends to obscure the unique features of these analogies as they operate within classroom discourse. This study examines teachers' analogies in context and highlights some of their special characteristics. The purpose of this analysis is to increase our understanding of how analogies operate in naturalistic instructional settings and to generate new research questions about science teaching and learning in view of the broader dimensions of the curriculum. Science isa very human activity. It involves human actors and judgements, rivalries and antagonisms, mysteries and surprises, the creative use of metaphor and analogy. It is fallible, often uncertain, and sometimes creatively ambiguous [Lemke, 1990, p. 134].
Displacements in closed circular rings subject to concentrated diametral loads

Abstract Numerical values for the following displacements in a closed ring subject to diametral external loads are derived by an application of the general solution of plane elasticity: 1. 1. Radial displacement at the ends of an external diameter which is perpendicular to the direction of the applied loads; 2. 2. Radial displacement at the ends of an internal diameter which is perpendicular to the direction of the applied loads; 3. 3. Radial displacement at the ends of an internal diameter which is parallel to the direction of the applied loads. The proportions of the rings for which the values are given are ρ o = R i R o = 3 12 , 4 12 , 5 12 , 6 12 , 7 12 , 8 12
Effects of radioactive iodine on free sarcoma 37 cells in the peritoneal fluid of the mouse.

Summary1. CFW mice of 25 g weight were inoculated intraperitoneally with requisite numbers (mostly 10,000) of S-37 cells and treated i.p. with radioactive iodine (I131) (0.2 or 0.4 mc). The fate of tumor cells was studied by repeated withdrawal and examination of peritoneal fluid in each mouse and compared with their fate in control animals (inoculated with the same dose of cells, but untreated or treated with decayed I131).
A gas chromatographic assay for quantitative analysis of volatiles in solid materials by discontinuous gas extraction

A method has been developed for the quantitative analysis of volatile compounds in solid samples. The method is based on a stepwise gas extraction of the volatiles with subsequent analysis of the extracted material and is termed “discontinuous gas extraction”. Any quantitative analysis requires an exhaustive extraction, which, however, is often too time-consuming for routine analysis. It is shown how the total amount of each volatile compound can be calculated from only a few extractions. Such a calculation is possible because for analytical purposes it is the information of the extraction process and not the extracted material that is needed. This method is useful for samples which are insoluble, such as certain polymers or residual solvents in printed foils, and which cannot be analyzed quantitatively by headspace gas chromatography, since no calibration solution can be prepared. It is further shown how discontinuous gas extraction can also be used to calibrate headspace analysis. Thus, both methods combine well together in that discontinuous gas extraction provides the accuracy while the headspace analysis gives convenience and speed of sample throughput, particularly if carried out with an automated headspace analyzer.
Human thymocyte responsiveness to stem cell factor: synergy with interleukin-2 for the generation of NK/LAK cytotoxicity

Human recombinant stem cell factor (SCF) increases the viability and cell size of a subset of thymocytes in vitro, but does not independently induce phenotypic changes on thymocytes indicative of T cell differentiation. The SCF-responsive thymocytes have characteristics of large granular cells, that do not express T, B or NK cell-related antigens, and are primarily found in immature thymocyte subsets. These large granular thymocytes do not display cytotoxic activity. However, SCF acts synergistically with IL-2 in the generation of cytotoxic effector cells from thymocyte precursors. Synergy in cytotoxicity is observed to both NK-sensitive and NK-resistant targets. Studies of the SCF receptors on thymocytes show that receptors are expressed on mature 'bright' CD3+ cells, immature 'dim' CD3+ cells as well as CD3- cells. IL-2 increases the frequency of SCF receptor-positive cells in cultured thymocytes, which may explain its synergy with SCF in the generation of NK/LAK cytotoxicity. These data show that SCF enhances the functional development of thymic NK/LAK cells in vitro.
Efficiency of a Geiger-Mueller tube for non-penetrating electrons

Abstract The efficiency for the detection of non-penetrating electrons of a Geiger-Mueller tube, specifically an Anton No. 302, was investigated in several physical situations in the energy range of 15 to 125 key. The experimental results were applied to examples in which the tube was encased in a closed shell which served as the electron target in a region of an omnidirectional electron flux. This investigation serves as a basis for the quantitative determination of electron fluxes via the intermediate electron bremsstrahlung process with a Geiger-Mueller tube.
A national framework to integrate remote sensing sciences in STEM education and training

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration-Cooperative Remote Sensing Science and Technology (NOAA-CREST) Center at the City College of the City University of NY, funded through a major grant by NOAA's Educational Partnership Program (EPP) is one of NOAA's lead research and education partner in the application of remote sensing science & technology in issues pertaining to assessment, monitoring and stewardship of the earth's environment. NOAA/EPP's goal to increase the number of students especially the underrepresented and for them to be trained and to graduate in the NOAA sciences resonates with CREST's mission and is honed over the Center's ten years to recruit, educate, train and graduate students through academic programs strongly complemented by hands-on participation in state-of-the-art research. CREST recruits and trains high school, undergraduate, master's and doctoral students in NOAA sciences with a special emphasis on satellite and remote sensing technology to help increase a diverse STEM workforce of NOAA, other agencies and industries alike. CREST offers summer high school internships & science enrichment programs including a weather camp, and year-round seminars; summer internships with NOAA and industrial partners and school-year research assistantships for graduate and undergraduate students.
A polynomial time approximation algorithm for Dynamic Storage Allocation

Abstract We use an on-line algorithm for coloring interval graphs to construct a polynomial time approximation algorithm WIC for Dynamic Storage Allocation. The performance ratio for WIC is at most six; the best previous upper bound on the performance ratio for a polynomial time approximation algorithm for Dynamic Storage Allocation had been 80.
Assortative mating with respect to physical characteristics.

(1968). Assortative mating with respect to physical characteristics. Eugenics Quarterly: Vol. 15, No. 2, pp. 128-140.
Regulation of the dual function tissue transglutaminase/Gαh during murine neuromuscular development: gene and enzyme isoform expression

Coagulation Factor XIII (F. VIII), a member of the transglutaminase (TGase) superfamily, is activated by thrombin, cross-links fibrin and stabilizes clots. Another member of this family, tissue TGase (tTG), having similar enzymatic activity, is implicated in neural development and synapse stabilization. Our previous studies indicated that synapse formation and maintenance at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) involved components of the coagulation cascade in development. Others then showed that either F. XIII or tTG were localized at NMJs in a developmentally-regulated fashion. In the current studies, we addressed the temporal course of skeletal muscle tTG gene expression and found maximal expression at birth and continuing into the immediate postnatal period. Subcellular fractionation revealed a relatively constant particulate isoform of TGase activity which predominated in early embryonic muscle development. In contrast, cytosolic TGase specific activity became the major isoform in the postnatal period. The timing of muscle TGase activity correlated well with expression of tTG mRNA and we now present novel data of Tgm 2 gene expression for tTG in skeletal muscle. Confirming and extending the previous studies, TGase becomes localized at NMJs in the early, further ramifying in the late, neonatal period. These data suggest that the early pulse of particulate activity could coincide with the period of myoblast cell death in embryonic muscle. On the other hand, the peak cytosolic TGase activity occurs in the neonatal period, correlating temporally with muscle prothrombin expression during activity-dependent synapse elimination and possibly the source of the enzyme localized to the NMJ extracellular matrix resulting in synaptic stabilization.
Probing for Life in the Ocean Crust with the LEXEN Program

The oceanic upper crustal reservoir is a mosaic of environments with different thermal and hydrological characteristics that may form distinct biospheres. The upper 500 meters of oceanic crust is porous, permeable, and the site of extensive circulation of warm sea water—from the axis out to the sea floor that is more than tens of millions of years in age. This upper crustal section represents an enormous reservoir of hydrothermal fluid that has been suggested as a microbial incubator of global proportions. In the axial crustal formation zone at mid-ocean ridges, local environments near high temperature hydrothermal vent fields can harbor unique microbial populations [Summit and Baross, 2001; Huber et al., 2002]. The geographic distribution of these microbial populations is not known, and they may exist only in the immediate proximity of individual vent fields, or they may be more extensively distributed within the near-surface rocks along the entire spreading axis.
Activity and transcriptional regulation of bacterial protein-like glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase of the haloarchaea in Haloferax volcanii.

ABSTRACT Glycerol is a primary energy source for heterotrophic haloarchaea and a major component of “salty” biodiesel waste. Glycerol is catabolized solely by glycerol kinase (encoded by glpK) to glycerol-3-phosphate (G3P) in Haloferax volcanii. Here we characterized the next critical step of this metabolic pathway: the conversion of G3P to dihydroxyacetone phosphate by G3P dehydrogenase (G3PDH). H. volcaniiharbors two putative G3PDH operons: (i) glpA1B1C1, located on the chromosome within the neighborhood of glpK, and (ii) glpA2B2C2, on megaplasmid pHV4. Analysis of knockout strains revealed that glpA1(and not glpA2) is required for growth on glycerol. However, both glpA1and glpA2could complement a glpA1knockout strain (when expressed from a strong promoter in trans) and were required for the total G3PDH activity of cell lysates. The glpA1B1C1, glpK, glpF(encoding a putative glycerol facilitator), and ptsH2(encoding a homolog of the bacterial phosphotransferase system protein Hpr) genes were transcriptionally linked and appeared to be under the control of a strong, G3P-inducible promoter upstream of glpA1. Overall, this study provides fundamental insights into glycerol metabolism in H. volcaniiand enhances our understanding of central metabolic pathways of haloarchaea.
An Efficient Algorithm to Identify Strong-Velocity Pulses in Multicomponent Ground Motions

Ground motions with strong velocity pulses are of special concern for structural engineers. We describe an efficient and quantitative method to identify such ground motions. Previous algorithms to classify these pulse-like ground motions con- sidered the ground motion in a single orientation, which made classifying pulses in arbitrary orientations difficult. We propose an algorithm that can identify pulses at arbitrary orientations in multicomponent ground motions, with little extra computa- tional cost relative to a single-orientation calculation. We use continuous wavelet transforms of two orthogonal components of the ground motion to identify the ori- entations most likely to contain a pulse. The wavelet transform results are then used to extract pulses from the selected orientations, and a new classification criterion based on support vector machines is proposed. Because we are mostly interested in forward directivity pulses, which are found early in the time history, a criterion to reject pulses arriving late in the time history is also proposed. The procedure was used to classify ground motions in the Next Generation Attenuation-West2 database (Ancheta et al., 2013). The list of pulse-like ground motions was then manually filtered using source- to-site geometry and site conditions to find the pulses most likely caused by directivity effects. Lists of both pulse-like ground motions and directivity ground motions are provided, along with the periods of the pulses and the orientations in which the pulses were strongest. Using the classification results, new models to predict the probability of a pulse and pulse period for a given future earthquake scenario are developed. Online Material: Table of all the pulse-like ground motions identified in the Next Generation Attenuation-West2 database, and HTML files of source-to-site geometry, the recorded time history, extracted pulse, and other directivity parameters for each identified pulse.
Baroreflex dysfunction in diabetes mellitus. I: Selective impairment of parasympathetic control of heart rate

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of diabetes mellitus on baroreflex control of heart rate. Diabetes (blood glucose = 378 +/- 21 mg/dl) was induced in rabbits by alloxan (n = 9). Alloxan-treated rabbits that remained normoglycemic (n = 9) and rabbits given saline instead of alloxan (n = 5) served as controls. Baroreflex control of heart rate was evaluated in conscious rabbits by measuring changes in heart rate during phenylephrine-induced increases and nitroglycerin-induced decreases in arterial pressure. In diabetic rabbits, the gain of the baroreflex-mediated bradycardia in response to increased pressure decreased significantly from -1.8 +/- 0.3 beats.min-1 x mmHg-1 before alloxan (n = 9) to -0.9 +/- 0.1 and -0.9 +/- 0.3 beats.min-1 x mmHg-1 after 12 and 24 wk of diabetes, respectively (n = 8; P < 0.05). There was no significant change in baroreflex gain in either alloxan-treated or saline-treated normoglycemic rabbits. Baroreflex-mediated bradycardia was not influenced significantly after beta-adrenergic blockade with propranolol (1 mg/kg) and was still impaired in diabetic vs. control rabbits after propranolol. The gain of the baroreflex-mediated tachycardia in response to decreased pressure was not altered in any of the three groups. Propranolol significantly decreased but did not abolish baroreflex-mediated tachycardia. Neither the vagal nor the sympathetic component of the tachycardia was altered significantly by diabetes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Rule-Based Specification of Auction Mechanisms

Machine-readable specifications of auction mechanisms facilitate configurable implementation of computational markets, as well as standardization and formalization of the auction design space. We present an implemented rule-based scripting language for auctions, which provides constructs for specifying temporal control structure, while supporting orthogonal definition of mechanism policy parameters. Through a series of examples, we show how the language can capture much of the space of single-dimensional auctions, and can be extended to cover other novel designs.
Wide-area power system visualization with geographic data views

The paper gives an overview of a panel presentation on a power system visualization technique known as geographic data views, or GDVs. The impetus behind the development of GDVs is to use dynamically created visualization in order to show a wider range of power system information than is possible using the existing geographically based wide-area visualizations that are becoming common in electric power control centers. With the GDV approach power system visualizations can be dynamically created by operators or engineers using power system information along with geographic information imbedded in the power system model.
Understanding proper names

There is a fairly general consensus that names are Millian (or Russellian) genuine terms, that is, are singular terms whose sole semantic function is to introduce a referent into the propositions expressed by sentences containing the term. This answers the question as to what sort of proposition is expressed by use of sentences containing names. But there is a second serious semantic problem about proper names, that of how the referents of proper names are determined. This is the question that I will discuss in this paper. Various views consistent with Millianism have been proposed as to how the semantic referents of proper names are determined. These views can be classified into (1) description theories and (2) causal theories, but they can also be classified into (3) social practice theories, on which a name's referent is determined by a social practice involving the referent, and (4) individualistic theories, on which the referent of the use of a name is determined by the speaker's state of mind. Here I argue against social practice theories of the sorts proposed by Kripke and Evans and in favor of an individualistic approach to name reference. I argue that social practice is irrelevant to determining name reference and that, as a consequence, names have no meanings in natural languages. In the second part of the paper I motivate and propose a new form of individualistic theory which incorporates features of both description theories and Evans's social practice theory.
Optimization of compact power modulators for transient plasma ignition

Non-equilibrated (non-thermal) plasma generated by short (ns), high-voltage (kV) pulses has attractive electron characteristics that fundamentally and favorably alter pre-combustion chemistry and physics [1]. This technology has been demonstrated in applications for airborne engines, including pulse detonation engines [2], in collaborative studies with Nissan in applications for internal combustion engines [3], as well as for more fundamental studies [4]. We report recent studies where two compact power modulator systems are used to produce non-equilibrium plasma in the transient, formative phase of an arc, and are applied to ignition and combustion (transient plasma ignition or TPI) in a constant volume reactor. In this work, ignition delays, a key parameter in the application to pulse detonation engines, were measured in transient plasma ignited C 2 H 4 -air in a constant volume reactor at atmospheric pressure. Two compact power modulators were used; a 12 ns SCR-switched magnetic compression based pulse generator and an 85 ns pseudospark switched line-type pulse generator. The results show that despite the difference in energy delivered (70 mJ vs. 400 mJ), both systems achieve similar ignition delays across a broad range of equivalence ratios, and produce ignition delays up to two times shorter than with traditional spark ignition, confirming previous results obtained in an flowing system (pulse detonation engine) [5]. The results indicate that lower energy, more compact power modulators may be used for this application.
Lack of evidence for rickets in the osteopetrotic rat mutation, toothless

A common, but paradoxic, feature among osteopetrotic human infants is the presence of rickets. This disorder of mineralization is manifested radiographically and histologically by increased growth plate cartilage and hypertrophic cell zone thickness and excess metaphyseal osteoid and biochemically by decreased serum calcium and phosphorus concentrations. Rickets has also been reported in two osteopetrotic animal mutations, the osteosclerotic (oc) mouse and the toothless (tl) rat. Although the phenotypic expression of the rachitic lesion in the oc mouse closely resembles that in affected humans, the results of the present study show that the lesion in the tl rat does not. Compared with normal littermates, histologic and morphometric analyses of tibial growth plate cartilage in tl rats up to 5 weeks of age showed age-related increases in thickness of the proliferative cell zone and decreases in thickness of the hypertrophic cell zone that were most apparent within the central, but not lateral, regions of the growth plate and areas of acellularity and failure of chondrocytes to transform synchronously from proliferative cell to hypertrophic cell phenotypes. Femoral ash content, composition, and accretion rates did not differ from those in normal rats during the first 5 weeks of life. These findings do not support the rachitic nature of the cartilage lesion in the tl rat. Rather, a chondrodysplastic disorder is suggested, which more closely resembles the cartilage defect present in this mutation.
The hierarchical structure and mechanics of plant materials

The cell walls in plants are made up of just four basic building blocks: cellulose (the main structural fibre of the plant kingdom) hemicellulose, lignin and pectin. Although the microstructure of plant cell walls varies in different types of plants, broadly speaking, cellulose fibres reinforce a matrix of hemicellulose and either pectin or lignin. The cellular structure of plants varies too, from the largely honeycomb-like cells of wood to the closed-cell, liquid-filled foam-like parenchyma cells of apples and potatoes and to composites of these two cellular structures, as in arborescent palm stems. The arrangement of the four basic building blocks in plant cell walls and the variations in cellular structure give rise to a remarkably wide range of mechanical properties: Young's modulus varies from 0.3 MPa in parenchyma to 30 GPa in the densest palm, while the compressive strength varies from 0.3 MPa in parenchyma to over 300 MPa in dense palm. The moduli and compressive strength of plant materials span this entire range. This study reviews the composition and microstructure of the cell wall as well as the cellular structure in three plant materials (wood, parenchyma and arborescent palm stems) to explain the wide range in mechanical properties in plants as well as their remarkable mechanical efficiency.
PRO-COMMUNITY ALTRUISM AND SOCIAL STATUS IN A SHUAR VILLAGE

Reciprocity theory (RT) and costly signaling theory (CST) provide different explanations for the high status of pro-community altruists: RT proposes that altruists are positively and negatively sanctioned by others, whereas CST proposes that altruists are attractive to others. Only RT, however, is beset by first- and higher-order free rider problems, which must be solved in order for RT to explain status allocations. In this paper, several solutions to RT's free rider problems are proposed, and data about status allocations to Ecuadorian Shuar pro-community altruists are analyzed in light of RT and CST. These data confirm that perceived pro-community altruists are indeed high status and suggest that (1) community residents skillfully monitor the altruism of coresidents, (2) residents who engage in opportunities to broadcast desirable qualities are high status only to the extent that they are considered altruistic, and (3) individuals who sanction coresidents based on coresidents' contributions to the community are themselves relatively high status. To a greater extent than CST, RT straightforwardly predicts all of these results.
Acute satiety response of mammalian, avian and fish proteins in dogs

Fish proteins have been reported to be more satiating than meat proteins. The objective was to determine the effect of different animal protein pre-meals on satiety. A total of ten intact female hounds were fed pork loin, beef loin, chicken breast, salmon fillet or pollock fillet. Each pre-meal was fed to contain 100 g protein. Blood was collected at 0, 5, 15, 30, 60, 90 and 120 min postprandially and analysed for glucose, insulin, total ghrelin, active glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and plasma amino acids (AA). Dogs were fed 2 × metabolisable energy, 3 h following the pre-meal, and intake was determined 30, 60, 180 and 1440 min after food presentation. Glucose decreased over time (P < 0·001), but was lowest (P = 0·01) when dogs consumed pollock or chicken. Insulin increased (P < 0·0001) over time, and was greater (P = 0·09) when dogs consumed salmon. GLP-1 increased (P < 0·001) over time, and was greatest (P = 0·04) when dogs consumed beef. Ghrelin decreased (P < 0·0001) over time for all pre-meals. The tryptophan:large neutral AA ratio tended to be greater (P = 0·08) when dogs consumed pork, salmon and pollock. Different protein sources may influence blood markers in dogs, but it does not appear that fish substrates have different satiating abilities than mammalian or avian sources.
Differential phosphorylation of two size forms of the N-type calcium channel alpha 1 subunit which have different COOH termini.

Two size forms of the class B N-type calcium channel alpha 1 subunit were recently identified with CNB1, an antipeptide antibody directed against an intracellular loop of this channel (Westenbroek, R.E., Hell, J.W., Warner, C., Dubel, S.J., Snutch, T.P., and Catterall, W.A. (1992) Neuron 9, 1099-1115). To investigate the biochemical differences between these two size forms, the antibodies CNB3 and CNB4 were raised against peptides with sequences corresponding to the COOH-terminal end of the full-length form. Immunoblot experiments demonstrated that both antibodies specifically recognize the longer form of 250 kDa, indicating that the COOH-terminal regions of the two size forms of the class B N-type channel alpha 1 subunit are different. Phosphorylation experiments with immunopurified calcium channels and different second messenger-activated protein kinases revealed that both the 220- and 250-kDa forms of the class B N-type calcium channel alpha 1 subunit are substrates for cAMP-dependent protein kinase, cGMP-dependent protein kinase, and protein kinase C. These three kinases incorporated approximately 1 mol of phosphate/mol of binding sites for omega-conotoxin (omega-CgTx) GVIA, a ligand specific for the N-type calcium channel, and may regulate the activity of both forms in vivo. In contrast, calcium- and calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaM kinase II) phosphorylated only the long form of the class B N-type calcium channel alpha 1 subunit, with a stoichiometry of 0.5 mol of phosphate/mol of total omega-CgTx GVIA binding sites. Specific phosphorylation of the long form of the class B alpha 1 subunit by CaM kinase II may differentially regulate the function of N-type calcium channels containing different size forms of their alpha 1 subunits in vivo.
Discrimination of organic solvents using an infrared-emitting diode-based analyzer. Part I: Feasibility

This report demonstrates the feasibility of discriminating organic solvents on the basis of short-wave near-infrared spectra (from 0.7 to 1.1 μm). Both library searching and multivariate statistical methods were applied to 8-cm-1 spectra and to spectra de-resolved to the point achievable with an analyzer using discrete infrared-emitting diode sources. Library searching performed satisfactorily if the unknown and library spectra were collected under reasonably similar conditions, but performed poorly if the temperature of hydrogen-bonding solvents was varied. A multivariate discrimination technique based on Mahalanobis distance computation was capable of discriminating between several alcohols while allowing for a temperature variation of 20°C. These results indicate that a very low resolution (on the order of 100 cm-1) short-wave near-infrared analyzer can achieve successful discrimination between similar solvents under variable conditions.
Analysis of factors associated with outcome in patients with malignant peritoneal mesothelioma undergoing surgical debulking and intraperitoneal chemotherapy

Purpose: Malignant mesothelioma (MM) arising in the peritoneal cavity is a rare neoplasm characterized by peritoneal progression and for which there are limited therapeutic options. We evaluated the peritoneal progression-free and overall survival (PFS and OS, respectively) for patients with peritoneal MM after surgical resection and regional chemotherapy. Patients and Methods: Forty-nine patients (28 males, 21 females; median age, 47 years; range, 16 to 76 years) with MM underwent laparotomy, tumor resection, continuous hyperthermic peritoneal perfusion with cisplatin (median dose 250 mg/m2), and a single postoperative intraperitoneal dwell of fluorouracil and paclitaxel (n = 35) on protocols approved by the Institutional Review Board. Standard techniques for actuarial analyses of potential prognostic variables (Kaplan-Meier method with two-tailed log-rank test and Cox proportional hazards model) were performed. Results: At a median potential follow-up of 28.3 months, median actuarial PFS is 17 months an...
Laser Treatment of Choroidal Neovascularization

(1994). Laser Treatment of Choroidal Neovascularization. Seminars in Ophthalmology: Vol. 9, No. 1, pp. 10-22.
Allocapnia tsalagi, sp. n. and notes on A. recta (Claassen) from the Cumberland Plateau region of northeastern Alabama, U.S.A.

A new species of eastern Nearctic snowfly, Allocapnia tsalagi, is described from Jackson Co., Alabama, U.S.A. The new species is distinguished from closely-related A. malverna and A. mohri by details of the epiproct. Additionally, the dorsal process of the 8 th abdominal tergite of morphologically-variable A. recta is illustrated from the Cumberland Plateau region of northeastern Alabama.
Designing Physical Security

Physical security may be overlooked because it is not as complex or interesting as technology security. However the number one threat, at 35 % of forensic-analyzed attacks, was physical attacks and most of them involved ATMs and Point of Sale devices or controllers [1]. Of organization-reported security breaches, the number one cause involved lost, misdelivered or stolen media, documents, and faxes. All of these physical issues involve or could involve data breaches, protected by law.
An interdisciplinary computational/experimental approach to evaluate drug-loaded gold nanoparticle tumor cytotoxicity

Aim: Clinical translation of cancer nanotherapy has largely failed due to the infeasibility of optimizing the complex interaction of nano/drug/tumor/patient parameters. We develop an interdisciplinary approach modeling diffusive transport of drug-loaded gold nanoparticles in heterogeneously-vascularized tumors. Materials & methods: Evaluated lung cancer cytotoxicity to paclitaxel/cisplatin using novel two-layer (hexadecanethiol/phosphatidylcholine) and three-layer (with high-density-lipoprotein) nanoparticles. Computer simulations calibrated to in-vitro data simulated nanotherapy of heterogeneously-vascularized tumors. Results: Evaluation of free-drug cytotoxicity between monolayer/spheroid cultures demonstrates a substantial differential, with increased resistance conferred by diffusive transport. Nanoparticles had significantly higher efficacy than free-drug. Simulations of nanotherapy demonstrate 9.5% (cisplatin) and 41.3% (paclitaxel) tumor radius decrease. Conclusion: Interdisciplinary approach evalu...