cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Presidential address: Malignant glioma—A nemesis which requires clinical and basic investigation in radiation oncology☆

Malignant gliomas account for 40% of all central nervous system malignancies. These are essentially localized neoplastic tumors that have defied most treatment. In spite of improved techniques, surgery is unlikely to increase survival further since true cancer operations cannot be performed. Radiation therapy has made a significant difference in outcome. Investigation in radiation oncology is essential for further improvement in the treatment of these tumors. The pattern of failure is local tumor recurrence, but the method to overcome this resistance to treatment is not clear. Radiation therapy techniques and inherent radio-resistance have been considered as possible reasons for failure. With newer imaging procedures, the extent of tumor can be more accurately defined allowing improved treatment planning. Identifying an effective treatment program is more difficult. Studies have documented the beneficial effect of radiation therapy, but the optimal dose or fractionation schedule has not been determined. Whereas some studies have reported improved survival using higher radiation doses, others have reported no benefit. More recently, studies of multiple daily fractionation schedules have been conducted using two or three daily fractions. Equally confusing results have been reported. Histologically, these tumors have necrotic areas and may be radioresistant due to hypoxic cells. Treatment methods designed to overcome the radioprotective effect of hypoxia have yielded disappointing results. The addition of hypoxic cell sensitizers has not produced the expected improvement in outcome. Studies using neutron radiation therapy report tumor control but not improved survival. Radiobiologic information is now available which may contribute to our understanding of the response of these tumors to radiation. Further laboratory and clinical investigation is required. Carefully designed clinical trials are needed to test new treatment concepts, and all radiation oncologists should be prepared to participate in such clinical studies.
Cost predictions for photovoltaic energy sources

Abstract A preliminary assessment of the solar cell cost prediction art has been made, both in terms of a review and analysis of the prior literature and through an extension of these prior studies. The primary purpose of this study is to establish a basis for judging the relative credibility of the existing cost estimates. The initial step in this evaluation is to develop a self-consistent system of “reaonable” assumptions concerning the future market environment of solar cell energy sources. The second step is to establish the key assumptions which dominate the cost estimates obtained in prior studies. The results from these first two steps form the basis for judging the relative credibility of the existing cost predictions. Finally, an alternative set of cost estimates is generated. These alternative cost predictions are made for single-crystal Si cells (Czochralski vs “ribbon” growth), current technology Cu 2 SCdS cells, and a “generalized” thin-film photovoltaic device.
Crystal Structure of Quinone Reductase 2 in Complex with Resveratrol

Resveratrol has been shown to have chemopreventive, cardioprotective, and antiaging properties. Here, we report that resveratrol is a potent inhibitor of quinone reductase 2 (QR2) activity in vitro with a dissociation constant of 35 nM and show that it specifically binds to the deep active-site cleft of QR2 using high-resolution structural analysis. All three resveratrol hydroxyl groups form hydrogen bonds with amino acids from QR2, anchoring a flat resveratrol molecule in parallel with the isoalloxazine ring of FAD. The unique active-site pocket in QR2 could potentially bind other natural polyphenols such as flavonoids, as proven by the high affinity exhibited by quercetin toward QR2. K562 cells with QR2 expression suppressed by RNAi showed similar properties as resveratrol-treated cells in their resistance to quinone toxicity. Furthermore, the QR2 knockdown K562 cells exhibit increased antioxidant and detoxification enzyme expression and reduced proliferation rates. These observations could imply that the chemopreventive and cardioprotective properties of resveratrol are possibly the results of QR2 activity inhibition, which in turn, up-regulates the expression of cellular antioxidant enzymes and cellular resistance to oxidative stress.
Ion association of dilute aqueous potassium chloride and potassium hydroxide solutions to 600°C and 300 MPa determined by electrical conductance measurements

The limiting molar conductances (Λ0) and ion association constants of dilute (<0.01 mol · kg−1) aqueous potassium chloride and hydroxide solutions were determined by electrical conductance measurements from 200 to 600°C and from 100 to 600°C, respectively, and pressures up to 300 MPa. The limiting molar conductances of KOH(aq) increase with increasing temperature up to 300°C and decreasing density. Above 400°C and densities between 0.8 and 0.4 g · cm−3 for KCl(aq) and between 0.8 and 0.6 g· cm−3 for KOH(aq), Λ0 is nearly temperature-independent but increases linearly with decreasing density. The molal ion association constants (KA(m)) for both KCl(aq) and KOH(aq) increase with increasing temperature and decreasing solution density. At corresponding temperatures and densities, ion association of KCl(aq) is similar in extent to NaCl(aq), whereas for KOH(aq) the values are slightly lower than for NaOH(aq). The log KA(m) values for KCl(aq) and KOH(aq) were calculated using the Shedlovsky equation exclusively from data obtained at temperatures ≥400°C and can be represented as functions of temperature (T, Kelvin) and the logarithm of water density (ϱw, g · cm−3) as follows: log KA(m)(KCI) = 0.753 100.21/T − (10.316 − 3598.9/T) log φw and log KA(m)(KOH) = 10183 − 132.61/T − (13.002 − 621.8/T) logφw These expressions apply strictly at ϱw ≥ 0.4 g · cm−3 where the measurements are most precise.
The demonstration of cholinesterases by the formation of osmium blacks at the sites of Hatchett's brown

Small amounts of Hatchett's brown (cupric ferrocyanide, Cu2Fe(CN)6·7H2O), deposited at the sites of cholinesterase activity in tissues by the procedure of Karnovsky and Roots (1964), may be enhanced by bridging to osmium through thiocarbohydrazide (TCH). Alternatively, amplification of the deposits may be attained by utilizing the cupric ferrocyanide as a catalyst to effect the oxidative coupling of 3,3′-diaminobenzidine (DAB). The resulting intensely colored osmiophilic polymer is more visible and after osmication, is electron opaque. With these procedures, the light microscope preparations are more permanent than with the Gomori modification of the Koelle and Friedenwald procedure.
The Disappearing Seasonality of Autism Conceptions in California

Support for this article comes from the NIH Director’s Pioneer Award Program, part of the NIH Roadmap for Medical Research through grant number 1. DP1 OD003635-01.
Effect of pressure on the charge-transfer band of the [Fe(CN)6]4−·dimethyl viologen ion pair

The effect of pressure on the optical charge-transfer (CT) band of the ion pair (Fe(CN)/sub 6/)/sup 4 -//center dot/DMV/sup 2 +/ (DMV = dimethyl viologen) has been studied in aqueous solution. The most significant effects of pressure were twofold: (1) In the pressure range 0.001 to 10.0 kbar (1 kbar = 986.92 atm = 0.1 GPa) the CT band maximum shifted to higher energy by /approximately/1700 cm/sup -1/. (2) In this same pressure range the integrated intensity of the CT band increased by /approximately/35%. There were no changes in the peak's full-width at half maximum (FWHM). Qualitatively, these phenomena are in accord with a vibronic coupling model used to describe mixed-valence metal compounds and also with a general theory of absorption spectra of ions in solution, as well as with Mulliken's theory of charge transfer. We also noted that the oscillator strength of the CT band decreased by over a factor of 2 at ambient pressure with increasing concentration of the ion pair (from 1.0 to 50 mM). This change correlates with the change of the ionic strength over the same concentration range. 28 refs., 3 figs.
Synthesis and characterization of biodegradable hydrophobic-hydrophilic hydrogel networks with a controlled swelling property

A biodegradable polymer network hydrogel system with both hydrophilic and hydrophobic components was synthesized and characterized. The hydrophilic and hydrophobic components were dextran and poly(D,L)lactic acid (PDLLA), respectively. These two polymers were chemically modified for incorporating unsaturated groups for subsequent UV crosslinking to generate a hydrogel with a three-dimensional network structure. The effects of the reaction conditions on the synthesis of a dextran derivative of allyl isocyanate (dex-AI) were studied. All newly synthesized materials were characterized by Fourier transform infrared and NMR. The swelling property of the hydrogels was studied in buffer solutions of different pHs. The results of this study showed that a wide-range swelling property was obtained by changes in the dex-AI/PDLLA composition ratio, the type and degree of unsaturated groups incorporated into dextran, and the UV photocrosslinking time. The solvent extraction effect on the swelling property of the hydrogels was also studied. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 38: 2392–2404, 2000
The macroinvertebrate fauna of an acid‐stressed headwater stream system in the Adirondack Mountains, New York

SUMMARY. 1The Silver Run system in the Adirondack Mountains of New York includes three first-order streams with very different pH regimes: one moderately acidic (pH 5.8-7.2), the others much more so (pH generally 4.4-5.0) 2The less acidic (acidophilic) site yielded a relatively diverse, well balanced fauna, with at least 10% each of midges, mayflies, stoneflies and elmid beetles. Ephemerella funcralis (Ephemeroptera) and Oulimnius latiusculus (Coleoptera) were dominant in this community. They appear to be among the most acid-tolerant species of their respective families and may become abundant under moderately acidic conditions. Their absence or low abundance in the more acidic tributaries of the Silver Run system suggests that they arc eliminated as acidification intensifies, These species therefore may he useful indicators of advancing acidification. 3The more acidic (acidobiontic) communities contained fewer Hum half as many taxa as the acidophilic communities, contained few elmid beetles or mayflies, and were heavily dominated In stoneflies. Leuctra feiruinea and Isopecrla sp. were dominant, comprising.56-86% of the individuals. Other common constituents included black flies (Simuliumn gouldingi and S. venustum) and the caddisfly Rhyacvphila fuscula.
DYNAMIC ADAPTIVE AUTONOMY IN MULTIAGENT SYSTEMS: REPRESENTATION AND JUSTIFICATION

Autonomy is an often cited but rarely agreed upon agent characteristic. Although no definition of agent autonomy is universally accepted, the concept of adaptive autonomy promises increasingly flexible and robust agent-based systems. In general, adaptive autonomy gives agents the ability to seek help for problems or take initiative when otherwise they would be constrained by their design to follow some fixed procedures or rules for interacting with other agents. In order to access these benefits, this article provides a core definition and representation of agent autonomy designed to support the implementation of adaptive agent autonomy. This definition identifies "decision-making control" governing the determination of agent goals and tasks as the key dimension of agent autonomy. In order to gain run-time flexibility and any associated performance improvements, agents must be able to dynamically adapt their autonomy during system operation. This article justifies the implementation of dynamic adaptive autonomy through a series of experiments showing that a multiagent system operating under dynamic adaptive autonomy performs better than a multiagent system operating under fixed autonomy for the same changing run-time conditions.
What does serum fibroblast growth factor 23 do in hemodialysis patients

Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) is a phosphate-regulating substance largely produced by osteocytes. Its major action, in normal subjects, is the inhibition of Na-coupled reabsorption of inorganic phosphate in the renal proximal tubule. FGF-23 levels increase markedly in dialysis patients. Why do the FGF-23 levels increase in these patients, and do they have any physiologic or pathophysiologic effects?
Innocuous jaw movements increase c-fos expression in trigeminal sensory nuclei produced by masseter muscle inflammation.

Muscle tenderness and pain during movements are prominent symptoms associated with persistent jaw muscle pain. However, there is virtually no information on how trigeminal neurons respond to jaw movements (JM) or muscle palpation in the presence of muscle tissue injury or myositis. In this study, we investigated the effects of innocuous JM in the presence of acute masseteric inflammation on postsynaptic responses in the trigeminal brainstem nuclei by examining the expression of c-fos. In one group of rats, unilateral injections of an inflammatory substance, mustard oil (MO: 20%, 25 μl) were made into a masseter muscle. In another group, controlled and systematic JM were provided following MO injection. Three additional groups of rats were used to control for anesthetic, JM, and injection procedure. MO injected in the masseter muscle induced a high level of Fos protein expression in four principal trigeminal regions: the subnucleus caudalis (Vc), the ventral and dorsal regions of the Vc/Vi (subnucleus interpolaris) transition zone, and the paratrigeminal nucleus (PTN). Movements following MO injection consistently produced a significantly greater level of Fos expression in all these areas, especially in the Vc/Vi transition region and caudal Vc on the ipsilateral side. Importantly, movements also induced a significantly greater level of Fos expression in the caudal Vc on the contralateral side. The present results provide the first documentation that innocuous JM in the presence of muscle inflammation significantly increase the MO-induced c-fos expression in the trigeminal brainstem nuclei, which may explain the greater pain experienced during movement of inflamed or injured muscles.
Harmonic generation in Taylor vortices between rotating cylinders

A theory of finite-amplitude secondary flow between concentric rotating cylinders has been published by Davey (1962). A necessary feature of the theory is the generation of harmonics of the spatial periodicity in the axial direction of the velocity field. A method has been devised to measure the amplitude of each harmonic separately and experimental results for the fundamental and first three harmonics are presented here for Taylor numbers up to 100 times the critical value. The agreement with Davey's theory is excellent, and the agreement extends far beyond the range where the theory is expected to be valid. It is shown that all the harmonics are in phase with the fundamental. This result requires that jets and shock-like structure must be present in the velocity field.
A method for recording X-ray diffraction patterns of milligram quantities of particulates

Abstract A method for recording X-ray diffraction patterns of milligram quantities of particulates has been developed. The resulting diffraction patterns are similar to patterns obtained by standard methods. Application of this method to analysis of airborne particulates in the vicinity of a lead smelting operation has demonstrated the practical use of the method. Sample sizes as low as 1.1 mg have produced useful diffraction patterns.
Social factors modulate the effects of hormones on the sexual and aggressive behavior of macaques

We previously reviewed the effects of gonadal hormones on the sexual and aggressive behavior of macaques as observed in field, outdoor colony, and laboratory studies. There were consistent similarities between findings from different observational settings, but there were also noteworthy differences which suggested the importance of social and environmental factors in modulating the effects of hormones. We now examine the role of these factors further and consider the extent to which partner preferences, familiarity between individuals, and also dominance rank can affect the behavior of male-female pairs and thereby modify the influences of hormones. The evidence suggests that all these factors are important. Hormone-dependent short-term partner preferences appear to be critical for the formation of consort bonds and to facilitate mating between unfamiliar partners. Socially based partner preferences tend to dampen hormonal influences and may lead to long-term familiarity. Long-term familiarity decreases sexual interactions and may be a proximate mechanism underlying incest avoidance and periodic male troop transfers. Both males and females exhibit mate competition under certain conditions, and their dominance rank can modify sexual and aggressive behavior by either optimizing or reducing hormone-dependent changes. These interaction effects between social and hormonal variables also have relevance for the design and interpretation of laboratory experiments. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Pharmacological effects of methylphenidate on plasma homovanillic acid and growth hormone

The acute pharmacological actions of methylphenidate, a potent psychotogenic stimulant, were studied by measuring plasma homovanillic acid (HVA) and serum growth hormone (GH) as indices of presynaptic and postsynaptic functions, respectively. Twenty psychiatric inpatients participated in a double-blind, placebo-randomized study of methylphenidate infusion. Multiple samples of plasma HVA and GH were measured before and up to 24 hours after both methylphenidate and placebo infusions. There was a robust and significant GH response during the 2-hour postmethylphenidate period when compared to placebo. The peak response was significantly greater in male patients than in female patients. Although there were no changes in plasma HVA during the 2 hours following the infusion, there was a significant decrease in HVA 24 hours after methylphenidate as compared to preinfusion baseline values. Plasma HVA values also tended to be lower 24 hours after methylphenidate when compared to the corresponding postplacebo value. Schizophrenic patients did not differ significantly from nonschizophrenic patients in their physiological or biochemical responses.
Influence of amidines and anilides on biogenic amine regulatory mechanisms in the bulb mite Rhizoglyphus echinopus

Levels of dopamine (DA) and its precursor 3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)alanine (DOPA) in adult bulb mites Rhizoglyphus echinopus (Fumouze and Robin), after exposure for 1 and 24 h in vials precoated with an acetone solution (1.0 mg ml−1) of the amidines chlordimeform, clenpyrin, or flubenzimine, were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection and compared with those of untreated controls. When mites were exposed to the formamidine chlordimeform, there was an initial increase in levels of DA and DOPA; after 24 h, DOPA levels were still increased, but there was a significant decrease in the levels of DA. Exposure of mites to the cyclic amidines clenpyrin and flubenzimine resulted in decreased levels of DA and DOPA at both time intervals. The effects of amidines and anilides on the metabolism of 2-phenylethylamine (PEA) by whole homogenates of bulb mites were also examined. Degradation of PEA was inhibited by chlordimeform and some of the other formamidines, but not by the cyclic amidines clenpyrin and flubenzimine. Formanilides, that are degradation products of certain formamidines, were the most potent inhibitors of PEA metabolism. These studies provide direct evidence for the interaction of amidines with mite biogenic amines and their regulatory mechanisms.
The Evolution of Academic Advising: One Institution's Historical Path

The 130-year history of academic advising at a large land-grant university is explored. The story of how advising structures, procedures, and programs were created to meet growing numbers of students, the increasing complexity of the curricula, and the expanding advising needs of a diverse student body emerges in the descriptions related.
In Memoriam: David H. Staelin

David H. Staelin, a Professor in the MIT Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and the Research Laboratory of Electronics, died November 10 of cancer. He was 73. Staelin joined the MIT faculty in 1965, conducting research in radio astronomy. Among his first accomplishments, he developed in 1968 a computationally efficient algorithm that enabled him to co-discover the Crab Nebula Pulsar, helping confirm the existence of neutron stars predicted by theoretical physics. Over time, Staelin's interests expanded to include remote sensing for climate monitoring, a field to which he brought a strong command of electromagnetics, signal-processing methodology, and computational trends. Among many examples of his leadership in this field, he was principal investigator in the development of the first two Earth-orbiting microwave-imaging spectrometers, launched in 1975 for mapping global temperature and humidity through clouds. He was also a co-investigator on the 1977 NASA Voyager 1 and 2 spacecraft missions, studying nonthermal radio emission from the outer planets. Staelin received the IEEE Geoscience and Remote Sensing Society (GRSS) Distinguished Achievement Award in 1996. Starting in 1998, he co-developed techniques using operational millimeter-wave sounding satellites for more frequent and complete mapping of global precipitation. In recent years, Staelin turned his attention to diverse emerging problems requiring sophisticated signal processing and estimation theory. These included the development of practical image- and video-compression technology, advanced methodologies for data-rich manufacturing problems, heterogeneous and wireless communication architectures, and, most recently, neuronal computational models.
The 25(OH)D level needed to maintain a favorable bisphosphonate response is ≥33 ng/ml

Summary Why only some osteoporotic patients maintain response to prolonged bisphosphonate therapy is unknown. We examined bisphosphonate response and its association with serum 25 hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) level in a “real world” setting. Serum 25(OH)D level was strongly associated with maintaining bisphosphonate response arguing that vitamin D may be involved in optimizing prolonged bisphosphonate therapy.
Micromachined optically transparent, flexible pressure sensor array exhibiting ultrahigh sensitivity

Development of an array of ultrasensitive capacitive pressure sensors which is both optically transparent in the visible range and flexible would represent a significant advance over current sensor capabilities. To construct these micromachined pressure sensors, the efficacy of oxygen plasma to bond the microfluidic network constructed out of polydimethlysiloxane and various plastic substrates has been examined. These pressure sensing elements can find potential applications in lab-on-a-chip environments, biosensors and photonic switching. The design, modeling, fabrication and measurement results are presented.
An active site tyrosine influences the ability of the dimethyl sulfoxide reductase family of molybdopterin enzymes to reduce S-oxides.

Dimethyl sulfoxide reductase (DMSOR), trimethylamine-N-oxide reductase (TMAOR), and biotin sulfoxide reductase (BSOR) are members of a class of bacterial oxotransferases that contain the bis(molybdopterin guanine dinucleotide)molybdenum cofactor. The presence of a Tyr residue in the active site of DMSOR and BSOR that is missing in TMAOR has been implicated in the inability of TMAOR, unlike DMSOR and BSOR, to utilizeS-oxides. To test this hypothesis, Escherichia coli TMAOR was cloned and expressed at high levels, and site-directed mutagenesis was utilized to generate the Tyr-114 → Ala and Phe variants of Rhodobacter sphaeroides DMSOR and insert a Tyr residue into the equivalent position in TMAOR. Although all of the mutants turn over in a manner similar to their respective wild-type enzymes, mutation of Tyr-114 in DMSOR results in a decreased specificity for S-oxides and an increased specificity for trimethylamine-N-oxide (Me3NO), with a greater change observed for DMSOR-Y114A. Insertion of a Tyr into TMAOR results in a decreased preference for Me3NO relative to dimethyl sulfoxide. Kinetic analysis and UV-visible absorption spectra indicate that the ability of DMSOR to be reduced by dimethyl sulfide is lost upon mutation of Tyr-114 and that TMAOR does not exhibit this activity even in the Tyr insertion mutant.
Mn/V ratio as a tracer of aerosol sulfate transport

Abstract Concentrations of SO 4 2− , Al, V and Mn were determined in airborne particles during July-August 1981 at five sites in New York State: for 6-h intervals at Mayville, Brewerton and Whiteface Mountain and for 24-h intervals at Oneonta and West Haverstraw. Episodic high [SO 4 2− ] were observed during 18–21 and 24–26 July and 1–4 August. Air trajectories showed that during the 18–21 July and 1–4 August episodes peak [SO 4 2− ] coincided with slow-moving air masses which had spent 1 or more days in the midwestern states of Indiana, Michigan, Ohio or Pennsylvania prior to entering New York. During the episodes [SO 4 2− ] decreased from west to east. No significant local sources of SO 4 2− exist at the 6-h sites. All these lines of evidence together show that during these episodes SO 4 2− were transported from the industrial Midwest. During the 24–26 July episode, peak [SO 4 2− ] at Mayville coincided with air masses entering the state from Ohio, but at Brewerton and Whiteface Mountain the highest [SO 4 2− ] occurred when air masses came from metropolitan New York City and the mid-Atlantic states. The average [SO 4 2− ] at Mayville were 2-fold higher than at Brewerton and Whiteface Mountain. The average manganese/vanadium ratio (Mn/V) in aerosols from the Midwest (1–10) has been suggested to be ~ 10 times that in the Northeast ( 4 2− ] were due to transport from the Midwest. On 25–26 July the average Mn/V was high at Mayville (2.8) but low at Brewerton (0.29) and Whiteface Mountain (
‘Social control of the self’ and pleading guilty in criminal court

In Donald Black's 1994 work The Social Structure of Right and Wrong, he introduces the intriguing concept of the self-application of social control. According to Black, the ‘social control of the self’ follows the same principles of the behavior of law. Conceptualizing a guilty plea as a self-application of social control, this study of 717 homicide cases processed in an urban American court represents the first empirical test of this theory. Support for Black's theoretical perspective was mixed, with only the predictions regarding the effects of social morphology on the self-application of social control finding support. Defendants who were less socially integrated than their victims were significantly more likely to plead guilty when compared to other case configurations. When relational distance between parties was low, the case was significantly less likely to be resolved with the self-application of social control in the form of a guilty plea. The importance of Black's perspective for elucidating the...
Analysis of Dynamic Loads on the Dies in High Speed Sheet Metal Forming Processes

During high-speed sheet metal forming processes, the speed at which the work piece contacts the die tooling is on the order of hundreds of meters per second. When the impact is concentrated over a small contact area, the resulting contact stress can compromise the structural integrity of the die tooling. Therefore, it is not only important to model the behavior of the workpiece during the high-speed sheet metal forming process, but also important to predict accurately the associated workpiece/tooling interface loads so that engineers can more confidently propose robust die tooling designs. The foundation to accurate predictions of contact stress on die tooling is a reliable contact model within the context of a finite element simulation. In literature, however, there exists no comprehensive guideline for establishing a contact model for high-speed sheet metal forming processes using the finite element method. In this paper, mathematically justified contact model recommendations are offered for the electrohydraulic forming (EHF) process.
Life in the Forest Canopy

Scientists have been devoting increased time and attention to the tops of trees. As made clear by results of their studies, the environment of the forest canopy is teeming with life. Perhaps because the crowns of trees are difficult for people to reach, and due to the micro-climates within them, they hold a rich and diverse collection of life forms. Advances in the use of ropes, ladders, and suspended walkways is now making it possible for humans to be more frequent visitors to these realms.
Measuring CaMKII concentration in dendritic spines.

Here, we present a method for measuring the concentration of endogenous protein in cellular compartments. Importantly, the method is applicable to compartments such as dendritic spines with dimensions often close to the resolution limit of optical microscopy. To our knowledge, a method with such capabilities has not yet been described. The method utilizes overexpression of the protein of interest, which is tagged with fluorescent protein. This is followed by immunostaining of both overexpressed and endogenous proteins. Expression of a volume marker is also required. We applied this method to measure the concentration of Ca/Calmodulin kinase II (CaMKII) in different cellular compartments of hippocampal pyramidal neurons. It was found that the concentrations of CaMKIIα subunits in cell bodies, proximal dendrites, and spines on these dendrites are 71, 46, and 103 μM, respectively. Considering the 3:1 ratio of α to β CaMKII subunits in the hippocampus, the concentrations of total (α + β) CaMKII subunits in these compartments are 94, 61, and 138 μM, respectively.
Estimates of Improved Productivity and Health from Better Indoor Environments

Abstract The existing literature contains strong evidence that characteristics of buildings and indoor environments significantly influence rates of respiratory disease, allergy and asthma symptoms, sick building symptoms, and worker performance. Theoretical considerations, and limited empirical data, suggest that existing technologies and procedures can improve indoor environments in a manner that significantly increases health and productivity. At present, we can develop only crude estimates of the magnitude of productivity gains that may be obtained by providing better indoor environments; however, the projected gains are very large. For the U.S., we estimate potential annual savings and productivity gains of $6 billion to $19 billion from reduced respiratory disease; $1 billion to $4 billion from reduced allergies and asthma, $10 billion to $20 billion from reduced sick building syndrome symptoms, and $12 billion to $125 billion from direct improvements in worker performance that are unrelated to health. Sample calculations indicate that the potential financial benefits of improving indoor environments exceed costs by a factor of 18 to 47. The policy implications of the findings are discussed and include a recommendation for additional research.
Winning Over the Resistant Teacher

Exemplars for initiating positive behavior support programs in schools for students with behavioral difficulties are discussed. Such programs may not be sufficient to change the attitudes of teachers who have had negative experiences with these students, compromising both their ability to remain objective and their willingness to "help" these students. The limitations for achieving acceptance of system-wide positive behavior support programs among teachers who are resistant to such changes is also discussed. A suggested remedy is to use a process involving attributional training in combination with skills development.
Surface interactions of adsorbed molecules as probed by their optical properties

Abstract Polarized absorption and fluorescence spectroscopies have been used to probe fundamental interactions at interfaces both between adsorbed dye molecules and between the adsorbate and the substrate. We have observed optical manifestations of long range dipole-dipole coupling between adsorbates as well as aggregation of dye molecules. A silica interface acts as a simple dielectric medium which confines the molecules to a two-dimensional arrangement; a rough silver interface participates intimately in the electromagnetic interactions between the adsorbate molecules.
A comparison of cobalt(II) and iron(II) hydroxyl and superoxide free radical formation.

We have employed the electron spin resonance spin-trapping technique to study the reaction of Co(II) with hydrogen peroxide in a chemical system and in a microsomal system. In both cases, we employed the spin trap 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide (DMPO) and were able to detect the formation of DMPO/.OH and DMPO/.OOH. DMPO/.OOH was the predominant radical adduct formed in the chemical system, while the two adducts were of similar concentrations in the microsomal system. The formation of both of these adducts in either reaction system was inhibited by the addition of superoxide dismutase or catalase, and by chelating the cobalt with either ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) or diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA). The incorporation of the hydroxyl radical scavengers ethanol, formate, benzoate, or mannitol inhibited the formation of DMPO/.OH in both systems. We also repeated the study using Fe(II) in place of Co(II). In contrast to the Co(II) results, Fe(II) reacted with hydrogen peroxide to yield only DMPO/.OH, and this adduct formation was relatively insensitive to the presence of added superoxide dismutase. In addition, Fe(II)-mediated DMPO/.OH formation increased when the iron was chelated to either EDTA or DTPA rather than being inhibited as for Co(II). Thus, we propose that Co(II) does not react with hydrogen peroxide by the classical Fenton reaction at physiological pH values.
The link between fluid intake and weight gain in psychosis.

Diurnal weight gain was found to be abnormal among 44 of 77 institutionalized chronically psychotic patients. All patients were weighed and urine samples obtained weekly for 3 weeks at 7 A.M. and 4 P.M. Diurnal weight gain was normalized as a percentage by subtracting the 7 A.M. weight from the 4 P.M. weight, multiplying the difference by 100, and then dividing the result by the 7 A.M. weight. Normalized diurnal weight gain (NDWG) was 2.504 +/- 1.266% for the 44 study patients with abnormal findings, .631 +/- .405% for the 16 acutely psychotic controls, and .511 +/- .351% for 29 normals. Urine excretion was related (r = .476, p = .001) to NDWG in the subgroup of study patients with abnormal NDWG, consistent with the observation that their fluid intake exceeded fluid excretion in the afternoon.
Higher order Fokker-Planck operators

If the scattering interaction in linear particle transport problems is highly peaked about zero momentum transfer, a common and often useful approximation is the replacement of the integral scattering operator with the differential Fokker-Planck operator. This operator involves a first derivative in energy and second derivatives in angle. In this paper, higher order Fokker-Planck scattering operators are derived, involving higher derivatives in both energy and angle. The applicability of these higher order differential operators to representative scattering kernels is discussed. It is shown that, depending upon the details of the scattering kernel in the integral operator, higher order Fokker-Planck approximations may or may not be valid. Even the classic low-order Fokker-Planck operator fails as an approximation for certain highly peaked scattering kernels. In particular, no Fokker-Planck operator is a valid approximation for scattering involving the widely used Henyey-Greenstein scattering kernel.
Ciliated Human Respiratory Epithelium: A New Model for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Infection. • 774

Ciliated Human Respiratory Epithelium: A New Model for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Infection. • 774
Dietary supplementation with cholesterol and docosahexaenoic acid increases the activity of the arginine-nitric oxide pathway in tissues of young pigs

Nutrients, such as dietary lipids, can influence development of the central nervous system [1, 2]. Particularly, an increase in plasma concentrations of cholesterol, which is an essential constituent of all animal cells (especially of brain) and abundant in milk, is positively associated with enhancement of cerebrum weight gain and behavioral development [2–4]. Additionally, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is a component of complex lipid in membranes, nerve insulation, as well as a precursor for signaling molecules (including prostaglandins). The availability of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, including DHA, also modulates eicosanoid metabolism and myelination during growth spurt of the brain [5,6]. Interestingly, dietary DHA supply enhances visual and neurological development both in prematurely born infants [7] and in term infants [8,9], while promoting problem-solving and childhood intelligence [10]. The beneficial influences of dietary cholesterol and DHA on brain development are currently interpreted as modification of the membrane structure and functions of membrane-associated proteins [11]. Nitric oxide (NO), synthesized from L-arginine by NO synthase (NOS), plays an important role in development and function of the brain [12]. All isoforms of the NOS [neuronal NOS (nNOS), endothelial NOS (eNOS), and inducible NOS (iNOS)] are present in neurological tissue. Of particular interest, nNOS activity is decreased when the protein is phosphorylated at the inhibition site of Ser 852, whereas eNOS activity is increased when the enzyme is phosphorylated at the activation site of Ser 1177 [12]. GTP-CH activity, Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), which is synthesized from GTP via the GTP cyclohydrolase I (GTP-CH) pathway [13], is an essential cofactor of NOS [14]. NO is a potent signal that regulates many physiological processes affecting behavior and cognitive function, including synaptic plasticity during long term potentiation and depression [15]. NO also acts as a retrograde messenger to stabilize or refine synapse during development, as a regulatory second messenger involved in the control of brain blood flow, and as an agent that contributes to both brain degeneration and neuropotection [16]. Additionally, NO promotes angiogenesis, redox state, cell immunity, and neuronal survival [14,17]. Cholesterol and DHA are known to regulate NO synthesis in vascular endothelial cells [17]. We hypothesized that dietary supplementation with cholesterol and DHA can influence the arginine-NO pathway in the brain of neonatal animals. This hypothesis was tested with piglets by measuring NOS activity, total and phosphorylated levels for the three NOS isoforms, as well as concentrations of arginine, BH4 and NADPH in brain. To determine whether the effects of DHA and cholesterol are specific to the neuronal tissue, we also analyzed the above parameters in skeletal muscle and liver.
Evidence for a gene influencing fasting LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels on chromosome 21q

Abstract High levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and high levels of triglycerides (TG) are strong predictors of cardiovascular disease risk. Motivated by previous evidence for pleiotropy between cholesterol and TG levels, we conducted bivariate linkage analysis of LDL cholesterol and TG concentration among participants of the Hypertension Genetic Epidemiolgy Network (HyperGEN), one of four networks in the NHLBI sponsored Family Blood Pressure Program Project. All available hypertensive siblings and their first-degree relatives were recruited. Both phenotypes were similarly adjusted for ethnicity, study center, sex, age, age-by-sex interactions, smoking, alcohol consumption, hormone use, diabetes medication use, and waist circumference. Variance component linkage analysis was performed as implemented in SOLAR, using ethnicity-specific marker allele frequencies derived from founders and multipoint IBDs calculated in MERLIN. A maximum genome-wide empirical LOD score of 3.9 was detected on chromosome 21 at 54cM, between markers D21S2055 and D21S1446. This signal overlaps with suggestive and/or significant linkages for total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and apolipoprotein B in three other studies and is suggestive of one or more genes on chromosome 21q jointly regulating LDL cholesterol and TG concentration.
The influence of epididymal agenesis on the development and maturation of the testis: experimental model and clinical correlations.

The August X Copenhagen (ACI) rat provides an excellent model to study the effect of congenital epididymal anomalies on testicular function. Despite epididymal absense, testicular maturation and function are unchanged until puberty. At puberty, with increased testicular fluid and spermatozoa output, involution of germinal epithelium occurs. This involution is similar to the changes seen with ligation of the efferent ductules of the epididymis. These findings suggest that in this mammalian model the testis functions normally until the pubertal period. At that time, because of proximal epididymal agenesis and failure to reaborb testicular secretions, in tratesticular hydrostatic pressure increases with rapid germinal epithelial atrophy. Clinical correlations are made in patients with epididymal abnormalities, especially in association with undescended testis.
Rapid detection of bacteria in water

A rapid detection of bacteria in water is essential for a timely response. This applies primarily to drinking water, be it bottled water or water from a public supply system, but is equally important for the analysis of water from swimming pools and beaches, and ballast water from oceangoing ships discharging into coastal or inland waters of the US. There are several methods available today for a rapid test including PCR based methods, flow cytometry, and electro chemiluminescence, to name a few. All of the above methods work, but are complicated and/or require expensive equipment and highly trained analysts in a laboratory. The method described here is based on lysing the bacteria after capture on a membrane filter, and measuring the ATP in a luminometer after the addition of luciferin/luciferase. This bioluminescence test can be done onsite, in less than 5 minutes, with equipment that fits onto a clipboard. It is a fast screening test that indicates if there is enough biologically active material in the same to pose a threat to the consumer. If this is the case, an additional step using immunomagnetic separation may be used to identify the responsible organisms. Tests have been done with E. coli 0157:H7, pseudomonas, and logionella. These tests take about 30 minutes each, and allow a quick determination of bacterial threats in a field situation.© (2002) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Holographic Associative Memory Employing Phase Conjugation

The principle of information retrieval by association has been suggested as a basis for parallel computing and as the process by which human memory functions.1 Various associative processors have been proposed that use electronic or optical means. Optical schemes,2-7 in particular, those based on holographic principles,8'8' are well suited to associative processing because of their high parallelism and information throughput. Previous workers8 demonstrated that holographically stored images can be recalled by using relatively complicated reference images but did not utilize nonlinear feedback to reduce the large cross talk that results when multiple objects are stored and a partial or distorted input is used for retrieval. These earlier approaches were limited in their ability to reconstruct the output object faithfully from a partial input.
Mechanical State Estimation of Overhead Transmission Lines Using Tilt Sensors

The electrical transmission infrastructure worldwide has witnessed severe environmental hazards, accidents and in countries like Columbia and India malicious attacks leading to the sabotage of transmission towers. These events underscore the need to develop new techniques to ensure safe and reliable operation of the transmission infrastructure. This paper deals with an online monitoring technique based on mechanical state estimation of overhead transmission lines subjected to tower tilt. The proposed approach provides a quick assessment of the grid condition at the initial stages of an extreme mechanical event. A computational algorithm based on least squares state estimation is applied to transmission line sag-tension equations developed through a geometric transformation to determine conductor sag levels. The measurements of tower tilt, conductor tension, core temperature, inclination angle of conductor with the horizontal and other transmission line parameters are utilized for the purpose of state estimation. Appropriate warning alarms generated in the case of considerable changes in the sag levels or violation of limits enable operators to take designated actions during the initial stages of the physical disruption.
Post-conflict urban planning: The regularization process of an informal neighborhood in Kosova/o

Abstract The 1999 conflict in Kosova/o caused widespread physical and social destruction of urban environments throughout the region. Post-conflict urbanization trends helped to create informal neighborhoods in Kosova. At this time, these informal neighborhoods are being brought into the formal urban plan of cities in Kosova so that citizens may have full ‘right to the city.’ This process is called ‘regularization’ or ‘upgrading’ of community areas. This article illustrates the process of bringing informal neighborhoods and community areas into the formal urban plan of cities in post-conflict Kosova. More specifically, this article draws upon the informal community of Zatra in the city of Peja/Pec in western Kosova as a case study of how regularization and neighborhood upgrading occurs in Kosova. This procedure involves several sets of actors ranging from the individual residents in the local community of Zatra to the international community. Understanding post-conflict urbanization processes and the role of informal communities in post-conflict Kosova can aid in knowing how to best conduct post-conflict urban planning to help urban areas stabilize and progress from the ills of war when they do, unfortunately, occur. Therefore, this article uses the case of Zatra to present a method of regularization that other informal neighborhoods in Kosova and in other post-conflict cities could use a model.
A β2 -microglobulin-like molecule on earthworm (L. terrestris) leukocyte membranes

We have shown that a β2-m-like molecule may exist on earthworm leukocyte membranes, but this molecule is not expressed by all leukocytes. Although our experiments dealing with absorption using Lumbricus cells are encouraging, we do acknowledge that the monoclonal antibody may recognize only a discrete epitope (Julliard et al., 1980) of a protein present on both vertebrate and invertebrate cell membranes and that the two may not be necessarily related. Thus, such precise recognition raises the question of how significant is the homology detected by monoclonal antibodies.