cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A viscoplastic shear-zone model for deep (15–50 km) slow-slip events at plate convergent margins

Abstract A key issue in understanding the physics of deep (15–50 km) slow-slip events (D-SSE) at plate convergent margins is how their initially unstable motion becomes stabilized. Here we address this issue by quantifying a rate-strengthening mechanism using a viscoplastic shear-zone model inspired by recent advances in field observations and laboratory experiments. The well-established segmentation of slip modes in the downdip direction of a subduction shear zone allows discretization of an interseismic forearc system into the (1) frontal segment bounded by an interseismically locked megathrust, (2) middle segment bounded by episodically locked and unlocked viscoplastic shear zone, and (3) interior segment that slips freely. The three segments are assumed to be linked laterally by two springs that tighten with time, and the increasing elastic stress due to spring tightening eventually leads to plastic failure and initial viscous shear. This simplification leads to seven key model parameters that dictate a wide range of mechanical behaviors of an idealized convergent margin. Specifically, the viscoplastic rheology requires the initially unstable sliding to be terminated nearly instantaneously at a characteristic velocity, which is followed by stable sliding (i.e., slow-slip). The characteristic velocity, which is on the order of
Liquid worm-like and proto-micelles: water solubilization in amphiphile–oil solutions

Noncovalent interactions determine the structure–property relationship of materials. Self-assembly originating from weak noncovalent interactions represents a broad variety of solution-based transformations spanning micellization and crystallization, which, nevertheless, conforms to neither colloid nor solution sciences. Here, we investigate the weak self-assembly in water–amphiphile–oil solutions to understand the connection between the amphiphilic molecular structure and water solubilization in oil. X-ray and neutron scattering, converged with large-scale atomistic molecular dynamics simulations, support the fact that the amphiphiles assemble into liquid worm-like micelles and loose inverted proto-micelles. The inverted proto-micelles are energetically ready to accommodate a higher amount of water. These structures arise from a balance of intermolecular interactions controlled by the amphiphile tail-group structures. Thus, by linking the aggregate morphology to the molecular structure, this work provides insights on the molecular design for control of water solubility and dispersion in oil.
Treatment of endometriosis-related chronic pelvic pain with Ulipristal Acetate and associated endometrial changes.

Background Aberrant progesterone signaling has been demonstrated in mechanistic studies to be a shared common pathway in fibroids and endometriosis. Progesterone receptor modulation with the selective progesterone receptor modulator (SPRM) ulipristal may decrease pain associated with endometriosis. Case A 25-year-old nulligravidae with endometriosis-related pelvic pain refractory to medical and surgical intervention was administered 15mg ulipristal every other day for 3 months. Daily pain scores and bleeding diary were recorded and serum chemistries and hormone levels were checked prior to, during, and after treatment. Pre-treatment and surveillance endometrial biopsy specimens were examined for histology and stained for estrogen and progesterone receptor status. During therapy, pain scores decreased to a median of 0 (P<0.05) and the patient became amenorrheic. Surveillance endometrial biopsy demonstrated SPRM-associated endometrial changes that appeared strikingly similar to simple hyperplasia and resolved with ulipristal discontinuation. Immunohistochemical evaluation demonstrated the presence of estrogen and progesterone receptors before and during ulipristal treatment. Conclusions Progesterone receptor modulation with ulipristal substantially improved pain symptoms in a patient with treatment-refractory endometriosis. SPRM-associated changes in the endometrium closely mimicked hyperplasia, developed after less than three months of treatment, and resolved after discontinuation of ulipristal and induction of withdrawal bleed.
Incentives to Negotiate

The process of negotiation is a chain of interlocking choices. The parties must first decide if they are going to negotiate at all, and if so, whether they will adopt competitive or cooperative strategies. They also must choose when and where to meet, whether to confer publicly or privately, and what should be on the agenda. Likewise, each negotiator must decide when to tender an offer and how to respond to a demand. Ultimately, the parties must decide whether to ratify a possible settlement, continue negotiating, or even leave the bargaining table. (In fact, as we shall see later in this book, after an agreement is reached, the parties may be faced with choices about whether to breach it in whole or in part.) All these choices are interlocking in that the decisions made by one party often affect the options available to the other.
5.14 – Woody Biomass

An in-depth summary is presented on the state of technology of woody resources available for bioenergy. Resources discussed include several types of short-rotation woody crops, also called short-rotation forestry, and a variety of forestland-derived resources. Species most widely planted and researched for short-rotation applications include willow, poplar, eucalyptus, and pine. Production strategies include both coppice and single-stem management approaches and a wide range of planting densities. Data are presented on observed yields and feedstock supply analysis. Forestland-derived resources include logging residues and thinnings as well as industrial wood residues and urban wood wastes. Topics discussed for all resource types include harvesting/collection techniques, economics, and sustainability.
CORTICAL MAPPING AND COMPUTATIONAL ANATOMY: A PROJECTIVE INVARIANT RECURSIVE FLOW MODEL OF VISUAL CODING

Publisher Summary The term computational anatomy has been used to refer to the fact that certain geometric symmetry operations are simpler, in computational terms, when the cortical structure of a visual stimulus is examined. Specific examples are size and rotation symmetry: For a given fixation point, the cortical image is an invariant “Gestalt” that undergoes a linear shift under size (or rotation) of the retinal projection of the stimulus. This aspect of symmetry in the complex logarithmic plane has been demonstrated to be of utility in computer pattern recognition applications and it suggests that perhaps the anatomy of the cortical map may be contributing to the computational aspects of visual processing. Other examples of computational anatomy are also evident: The existence of periodic interlacing of two slightly different maps of a stimulus causes a spatial frequency coding of the difference mapping of the stimuli. Thus, the ocular dominance column pattern of striate cortex might allow a simple feature extraction for depth simply by the application of a high pass spatial filter to the cortical representation of a stimulus.
Insertional mutagenesis of the signal transduction pathway for low CO2 acclimation in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

To survive in various conditions of CO2 availability, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii shows adaptive changes, such as induction of a COa-concentrating mechanism, changes in cell organization and induction of several genes, including a periplasmic carbonic anhydrase (pCA1 ) encoded by Cah1. Among a collection of 1 Abbreviations: AMPSO, 3-(N-(1,1-dimethyl hydroxyethyl) amino)-2-hydroxypropane sulfonic acid; AZA, acetazolamide; CA, carbonic anhydrase; CCM, CO2concentrating mechanism; Ccp, chloroplast carrier protein; Ci, inorganic carbon; HEPPS, 4-2(-hydroxyethyl)-1 -piperazine propane sulfonic acid; MES, 2-(Nmorpholino) ethanesulfonic acid; MOPS, 3-(N-morpholino) propane-sulfonic acid; mtCA, mitochondrial carbonic anhydrase; pCA1, periplasmic carbonic anhydrase 1 ; pCA2, periplasmic carbonic anhydrase 2. 2 Interdepartmental Plant Physiology Major and Department of Botany, 353 Bessey Hall, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011
Testing the Waters: A Demonstration of a Novel Water Quality Mapping System for Citizen Science Groups

Citizen science initiatives are increasingly using new devices, smartphone apps, and interactive websites to improve data quality and collection procedures, better visualize trends and changes, and increase volunteer engagement and retention. This methods paper reports on the development and demonstration of a prototype water quality instrument array and website to modernize volunteer water quality sampling. Using open source software and off-the-shelf components, our device measures GPS location, dissolved oxygen, temperature, conductivity, and pH at a high sampling rate. Combined with a smartphone app and website, the system provides real-time maps and visualization of water quality data. We demonstrated the device on an 11-day public expedition called “Testing the Waters: A Paddle and Probe Adventure” down the Rock River in Wisconsin. The event was successful in collecting 30,000 GPS-tagged water samples across 324 km providing a unique profile of the river’s water, identifying potential water quality issues, and establishing a baseline for comparison. Through the project and additional volunteer feedback, we learned lessons about a broader-scale adoption including: 1) need to simplify setup and calibration; 2) need for further development of online tools to better communicate with a non-technical audience; and 3) need for a flexible device that works in a variety of situations, e.g., static deployment. The pilot demonstrated the potential of new technology and a low-cost device to expand the types and amount of water quality data collected by citizen monitors.
A BEHAVIOURAL APPROACH TO THE LEAN STARTUP/MINIMUM VIABLE PRODUCT PROCESS: THE CASE OF ALGORITHMIC FINANCIAL SYSTEMS

This paper theorises about the behaviour of firms engaged in complex product systems innovation and engineering under the lean startup/minimum viable product process. In doing so, it fills a gap in...
Practical Implementation and Efficiency Evaluation of a Phase Shifted Full Bridge DC-DC Converter Using Radiation Hardened GaN FETs for Space Applications

The practical implementation and efficiency evaluation of a Phase Shifted Full Bridge DC-DC converter for space applications using 200 V, 18 A, radiation hardened Gallium Nitride (GaN) Field Effect Transistors (FETs) are presented in this paper. Design considerations for topology selection and auxiliary circuitry resulting from constraints currently encountered in power electronics for space applications are briefly described. In addition, the process followed to design the power stage, as well as the effects of resonant inductance and transformer design on converter performance are presented. Furthermore, a hard-switched Full Bridge DC-DC converter was implemented to study the performance differences with the phase shift modulated converter. Both DC-DC converters deliver 500 W at a 20 V regulated output from a 100 V nominal DC bus. The Phase Shifted Full Bridge DC-DC converter presented in this paper achieves more than 95% peak efficiency at its nominal operating point, with an initial prototype power density of 79 W/inch3 obtained.
A comparison of writing tasks in ESL writing and first-year composition courses: A case study of one US university:

Many international students in American universities are required to take writing courses in English as a second language (ESL) before participating in a mainstream first-year composition (FYC) cou...
NADPH Oxidases Are Important Regulators of Growth and Migration in Myeloid Neoplasms.

Abstract Abstract 2190 Poster Board II-167 Myeloid neoplasms are frequently associated with transforming tyrosine kinase oncogenes, including BCR-ABL in chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), JAK2V617F in myeloproliferative disorders and FLT3.ITD in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Cells transformed by tyrosine kinase oncogenes have been found to display increased levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Elevated ROS levels have been implicated in genomic instability through oxidative DNA damage, but also regulate cellular functions through redox-sensitive proteins. The majority of intracellular ROS in non-phagocytic cells are produced within the mitochondria. Nevertheless, recent studies indicate a role for NADPH oxidases (NOX) in transformation. There are five NOX genes (NOX1-5) and two genes encoding the related dual oxidases (DUOX1-2) in humans. We asked whether NOXs alter cell growth, migration and ROS production in hematologic malignancies transformed by tyrosine kinase oncogenes. Real-time PCR analysis in patient-derived cell lines KU812 (BCR-ABL), HEL (JAK2V617F) and Molm13 (FLT3.ITD), showed expression of NOX2, NOX4, and NOX5. Murine cells are readily transformed by BCR-ABL, JAK2V617F and FLT3.ITD, even though the gene for NOX5 is absent in mice. Therefore, we targeted NOX2 and NOX4 in KU812, HEL and Molm13 cells using lentiviral-based shRNAs. In addition, we also performed knockdown of p22phox, a common subunit that is required for stability and functioning of NOX1-4, thus also controlling for functional redundancy between the NOX genes. Interestingly, we found that p22phox knockdown reduced cell growth by 16.0-32.0% in KU812, 27.3-50.9% in HEL, and 31.3-54.2% in Molm13 cells (p Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Structure of Optimal Quantizer for Binary-Input Continuous-Output Channels with Output Constraints

In this paper, we consider a channel whose the input is a binary random source X ∈ {x 1 ,x 2 } with the probability mass function (pmf) p X = [p x1 ,p x2 ] and the output is a continuous random variable Y ∈ R as a result of a continuous noise, characterized by the channel conditional densities p y|x1 = ϕ 1 (y) and p y|x2 = ϕ 2 (y). A quantizer Q is used to map Y back to a discrete set Z ∈ {z 1 ,z 2 ,...,z N }. To retain most amount of information about X, an optimal Q is one that maximizes I(X;Z). On the other hand, our goal is not only to recover X but also ensure that p Z = [p z1 ,p z2 ,...,p zN ] satisfies a certain constraint. In particular, we are interested in designing a quantizer that maximizes βI(X;Z)−C(p Z ) where β is a tradeoff parameter and C(p Z ) is an arbitrary cost function of p Z . Let the posterior probability ${p_{{x_1}\mid y}} = {r_y} = \frac{{{p_{{x_1}}}{\phi _1}(y)}}{{{p_{{x_1}}}{\phi _1}(y) + {p_{{x_2}}}{\phi _2}(y)}}$, our result shows that the structure of the optimal quantizer separates r y into convex cells. In other words, the optimal quantizer has the form: ${Q^{\ast}}\left( {{r_y}} \right) = {z_i}$, if $a_{i - 1}^{\ast} \leq {r_y} < a_i^{\ast}$ for some optimal thresholds $a_0^{\ast} = 0 < a_1^{\ast} < a_2^{\ast} < \cdots < a_{N - 1}^{\ast} < a_N^{\ast} = 1$. Based on this optimal structure, we describe some fast algorithms for determining the optimal quantizers.
Occurrence of dogwood anthracnose, spot anthracnose, and Botrytis blight in native stands of flowering dogwood in North Alabama.

Abstract In North Alabama, dogwood anthracnose (Discula destructiva) was the most common and damaging disease identified in stands of native flowering dogwood (Cornus florida). In the spring of 199...
The Correlation of LibGuides to Print and Electronic Book Usage: A Method for Assessing LibGuide Usage

This research project explores whether a correlation exists between the use of one university library’s subject-specific LibGuides and print and electronic book usage in associated subject areas. S...
Effectiveness of an Intersection Violation Warning System

People age 65 years and older are the fastest growing segment of the U.S. population and the fastest growing sector of the driving population. When compared to other age groups, older drivers are overrepresented in intersection crashes (Subramanian & Lombardo, 2007; Braitman et al., 2006), and approximately half of the charges in fatal intersection crashes are for failure to obey the traffic control device. This project explored an in-vehicle warning system for failure-to-obey (running a stop sign or stop light) violations. Participants who were not using the system made nearly three times as many did-not- stop errors (27%) than participants who were using the system (10%). This effect was most pronounced in older drivers with more risk factors associated with crashes; however, the effect of age group was not statistically significant.
Structure, Electronic Properties and Dynamics of the NiAl(110) Surface

We present the results of a theoretical study of the atomic geometry and the related electronic and vibrational properties of the NiAl(110) surface. These calculations are carried out using an efficient real space formuation of the mixed basis pseudopotential method which we have recently reported. Minimization of the surface energy in a 5-layer slab geometry yields a rippled relaxation of the surface layer, with the Ni sites contracting toward the bulk by 6.9% of an interlayer spacing and the Al sites expanding by 6.6%. The calculated movement of the surface atoms are in good agreement with experimental estimates from LEED and MEIS. We find a spectrum of surface states within 1 eV of the Fermi energy, which are quite strongly localized on the surface Ni d -orbitals. Surface phonons polarized along the surface normal are also obtained from the ground state potential. One of them is a strongly localized surface optical mode in a bulk symmetry gap at 27.2 meV, which is identified with the intense peak observed in HREELS at 27 meV.
Whole-genome sequencing of uropathogenic Escherichia coli reveals long evolutionary history of diversity and virulence

Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) are phenotypically and genotypically very diverse. This diversity makes it challenging to understand the evolution of UPEC adaptations responsible for causing urinary tract infections (UTI). To gain insight into the relationship between evolutionary divergence and adaptive paths to uropathogenicity, we sequenced at deep coverage (190×) the genomes of 19 E. coli strains from urinary tract infection patients from the same geographic area. Our sample consisted of 14 UPEC isolates and 5 non-UTI-causing (commensal) rectal E. coli isolates. After identifying strain variants using de novo assembly-based methods, we clustered the strains based on pairwise sequence differences using a neighbor-joining algorithm. We examined evolutionary signals on the whole-genome phylogeny and contrasted these signals with those found on gene trees constructed based on specific uropathogenic virulence factors. The whole-genome phylogeny showed that the divergence between UPEC and commensal E. coli strains without known UPEC virulence factors happened over 32 million generations ago. Pairwise diversity between any two strains was also high, suggesting multiple genetic origins of uropathogenic strains in a small geographic region. Contrasting the whole-genome phylogeny with three gene trees constructed from common uropathogenic virulence factors, we detected no selective advantage of these virulence genes over other genomic regions. These results suggest that UPEC acquired uropathogenicity long time ago and used it opportunistically to cause extraintestinal infections.
Introduction: The Burden of Modern Democracy

Twenty five years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, the democratic ascendency of the post-Soviet era is under severe challenge. While fragile democracies in Eastern Europe, Africa, and East Asia face renewed threats, the world has witnessed the failed democratic promises of the Arab Spring. What lessons can be drawn from these struggles? What conditions or institutions are needed to prevent the collapse of democracy?Embattled democracy is the subject matter of a new book, Fragile Democracies: Contested Power in the Era of Constitutional Courts. This book argues that the most distinctive antidote to authoritarianism in the post-1989 period is the presence of strong constitutional courts. A signature feature of the third wave of democratization, these courts serve as a bulwark against vulnerability to external threats as well as a catalyst for the internal consolidation of power. Particularly in societies still riven by deep divisions of race, religion, or national background, courts have become pivotal actors in allowing democracy to take root. The introductory chapters is presented here.
Expression, Purification and Crystallization of the Xanthmonal Avirulence Protein, AvrBs1.1, and its Target in Capsicum annuum, the Transcription Factor WRKY-1

Brown spots and leaf loss of Capsicum annum, a pepper found in the Americas, are caused by prolonged activation of the plant's defense mechanisms to bacterial infection resulting in a phenomenon ca...
Glutathione and the Hexose Monophosphate Shunt in Phagocytizing and Hydrogen Peroxide-treated Rat Leukocytes

Abstract The phagocytosis-associated stimulation of glucose-1-14C oxidation by rat polymorphonuclear leukocytes is markedly inhibited by 0.1 mm N-ethylmaleimide, which does not appreciably affect resting cell glucose-1-14C oxidation, glucose uptake, or lactic acid production. One millimolar KCN, 1 mm sodium azide, and 50 mm 3-amino-1H-1,2,4-triazole increase the particle-stimulated activity of the hexose monophosphate shunt. Hydrogen peroxide, either generated enzymatically by d-amino acid oxidase plus d-alanine or added directly, stimulates leukocyte direct oxidation of glucose, and this stimulation is enhanced by KCN and sodium azide and inhibited by N-ethylmaleimide. Hydrogen peroxide-dependent irreversible inhibition of catalase by 3-amino-1H-1,2,4-triazole is increased in rat leukocytes following polystyrene ingestion. Rat polymorphonuclear leukocytes contain a KCN-insensitive glutathione peroxidase and a NADPH-specific glutathione reductase. Fortified 105,000 x g supernatants of rat leukocytes rapidly reduce oxidized glutathione or glutathione which has been oxidized by the addition of hydrogen peroxide and exhibit a concomitant increase of glucose-1-14C oxidation. The data indicate that both phagocytosis and hydrogen peroxide stimulate rat leukocyte hexose monophosphate shunt activity, and similar effects of inhibitors on these two processes suggests that endogenously generated hydrogen peroxide may stimulate the direct oxidation of glucose in phagocytizing cells.
Attitudes Toward Psychological Telehealth: Current and Future Clinical Psychologists’ Opinions of Internet-Based Interventions

Objectives The current study explored differences in acceptance of telehealth interventions amongst currently licensed and future clinicians with a focus on web camera-based intervention. The influence of theoretical orientation was also assessed. Method An online survey assessed 717 participants comprising 409 licensed psychologists (40.8% female, mean age = 56.57, standard deviation [SD] = 11.01) and 308 doctoral-level students (78.9% female, mean age = 27.66, SD = 5.9) across domains of endorsement and rejection. Results Binary logistic regression indicated no significant difference between currently licensed and future psychologists in their endorsement of telehealth modalities. Cognitive-behavioral, cognitive, behavioral, and systems psychologists were significantly more accepting of telehealth interventions than were dynamic/analytic or existential therapists. Conclusions Increasing exposure to telehealth through education as well as continued research on efficacy for specific diagnoses may help psychologists to more effectively determine whether telehealth is the “best fit” for both clinician and client.
Drawing the red line in Java

Software-based protection has become a viable alternative to hardware-based protection in systems based on languages such as Java, but the absence of hardware mechanisms for protection has been coupled with an absence of a user/kernel boundary. We show why such a "red line" must be present in order for a Java virtual machine to be as effective and as reliable as an operating system. We discuss how the red line can be implemented using software mechanisms, and explain the ones we use in the Java system that we are building.
Linear Ablation Lesions for Control of Unmappable Ventricular Tachycardia in Patients With Ischemic and Nonischemic Cardiomyopathy

Background—Conventional activation mapping is difficult without inducible, stable ventricular tachycardia (VT). Methods and Results—We evaluated 16 patients with drug refractory, unimorphic, unmappable VT. Nine patients had ischemic and 7 had nonischemic cardiomyopathy. All patients had implantable defibrillators and had experienced 6 to 55 VT episodes during the month before treatment. Patients underwent bipolar catheter mapping during baseline rhythm. The amount of endocardium with an abnormal electrogram amplitude was estimated using fluoroscopy in 3 patients and a magnetic mapping system (CARTO) in 13 patients. For the magnetic mapping, normal endocardium was defined by an amplitude >1.5 mV; this measurement was based on sinus rhythm maps in 6 patients who did not have structural heart disease. Radiofrequency point lesions extended linearly from the “dense scar,” which had a voltage amplitude <0.5 mV, to anatomic boundaries or normal endocardium. To limit radiofrequency applications, 12-lead ECG durin...
Modeling of Polarization-Specific Phonon Transmission Functions Through Interfaces

The atomistic Green’s function (AGF) method has been used successfully in previous research to predict the transmission function for energy carriers at interfaces. In this work, the method is extended to capture the transmission function for each phonon polarization. The inputs for this extension are the same as for the original AGF method. Furthermore, this method does not require any complex manipulation of harmonic matrices and can be applied to different materials and geometries. The eigenvectors and eigenvalues of the overall density of states matrices are manipulated to yield the density of states matrix for each polarization. A decomposed self-energy is calculated from the density of states matrix for each polarization and used to calculate the transmission function for a particular phonon branch. In a pure bulk material such as silicon, each transmission function exhibits a frequency-independent value of unity, which matches the theoretical prediction. In heterogeneous bulk materials, the transmission function is reduced significantly due to the contact of dissimilar materials. The summation of the decomposed transmission functions is shown to reproduce the result from a direct AGF calculation in which all branches were treated together.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Absorption in the 220 GHz atmospheric window

The atmospheric absorption spectrum in the 220 GHz window region is controlled primarily by the water vapor lines centered at 183.3 and 323.8 GHz. There are however, numerous other lines in the submillimeter part of the spectrum which contribute significantly to the losses. At the longer millimeter wavelengths, it has been the practice to lump the contributions of the submillimeter lines using the Van Vleck low frequency approximations. This procedure is not permissible for the 220 GHz window region because of the promixity of some of the submillimeter lines. Experimental measurements substantiate this observation. The present study introduces an alternative approximation for calculating the residual effect of submillimeter lines. The results, larger by a factor of 2, are in closer agreement with experimental observations.
Attachment, tautology, and ontological security

Three days after the attacks of 11 September 2001, President George W. Bush stood atop the still smouldering remains of the World Trade Center in New York. Although he had a megaphone in hand, some...
3-dimensional acquisition and visualization of ultrasound data (Proceedings Only)

We present two approaches to capture and visualize a volumetric ultrasound dataset. One is a straightforward one degree-of-freedom method. The other employs a six degree-of-freedom electromagnetic tracking device attached to the ultrasound transducer. Using an efficient incremental algorithm the 3-D volume is reconstructed from the acquired arbitrarily oriented and positioned sections. The 3-D volume is visualized and manipulated using the VolVis and MediView volume visualization systems.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Identification of putative transmembrane receptor sequences homologous to the calcium-sensing G-protein-coupled receptor

Abstract The sensing of extracellular calcium is a general paradigm for regulating diverse cellular functions in many tissues. A calcium-sensing receptor (Casr) belonging to the metabotropic glutamate family of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) that transduces the effects of extracellular calcium in the parathyroid gland as well as other tissues has been identified. The diversity of GPCR families and the recent finding of calcium sensing in cells lacking the known Casr suggest the existence of additional receptors related to Casr. By polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and screening of genomic libraries, we have identified multipleCasr-related sequences(Casr-rs) in the mouse. Using primers designed to regions of the first and third intracellular loops of Casr, we initially PCR amplified a 497-bpCasr-related sequence(Casr-rs1) with high homology to Casr. The deduced protein sequence ofCasr-rs1is 63% similar and 40% identical to Casr over the available transmembrane region. We screened a mouse genomic library with aCasr-rs1probe and identified two additionalCasr-related sequences(Casr-rs2andCasr-rs3). In the predicted transmembrane domain,Casr-rs2andCasr-rs3are 95% identical toCasr-rs1.We mappedCasr-rs1to mouse Chromosome (Chr) 7 by interspecific backcross analysis, whereas the knownCasrlocalizes to mouse Chr 16. By fluorescencein situhybridization,Casr-rs2also localized to mouse Chr 7 andCasr-rs3mapped to mouse Chr 4. We were able to distinquishCasr-rs1fromCasr-rs2by PCR using specific primers, suggesting that they are distinct genes clustered on Chr 7. By RT-PCR, we identified additionalCasr-rstranscripts in mouse kidney, brain, testis, embryo, and MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts, but not in lung or liver. The homologous sequence in mouse kidney, embryo, and MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts, designatedCasr-rs4,has a deduced amino acid sequence that is 100% similar and 97% identical to that ofCasr-rs1.The sequence amplified from mouse brain,Casr-rs5,has a deduced protein sequence that is 96% similar and 92% identical to that ofCasr-rs1.Our findings establish the existence of a novel multimembered family ofCasr-related sequencesin the mouse which may encode receptors that transduce responses to diverse extracellular cations.
Synthesis and characterization of Δlac-acetogenins that potently inhibit mitochondrial complex I

Abstract Four Δlac-acetogenins have been prepared and characterized as inhibitors of the mitochondrial respiratory chain, to define the effects of unsaturation within the alkyl substituents. In keeping with earlier reports, the presence of acetylenic functionalities within the alkyl substituents slightly diminished their potency of inhibition of NADH oxidase activity, which measures the overall transfer of electrons from NADH to oxygen through mitochondrial complexes I, III, and IV. In contrast, both of the acetylenic Δlac-acetogenins were far more active in a NADH–ubiquinone Q1 oxidoreductase assay that measures complex I function per se.
Cholesterol ester metabolism in the brain: properties and subcellular distribution of cholesterol-esterifying enzymes and cholesterol ester hydrolases in adult rat brain.

Abstract 1. 1. The properties and subcellular distribution of the enzymes directly related to the formation and degradation of cholesterol esters were investigated in the young adult rat brain. They were a cholesterol-esterifying enzyme, lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase, and two distinct cholesterol ester hydrolases. 2. 2. The cholesterol-esterifying enzyme incorporated exogenous free [1- 14 C]-oleic acid into cholesterol ester. The pH optimum was 5.5–5.6. Exogenous ATP or CoA did not stimulate the activity, and the presence of an excess amount of unlabelled oleyl-CoA did not diminish the incorporation of the radioactive oleic acid. Various bile acids and Tween 20 were inhibitory, particularly at higher concentrations. Under the optimum conditions, the total activity of the brain was approximately 40 μg cholesterol esterified per h per g. Nearly half of the activity was found in the crude mitochondrial fraction. Purified myelin contained no activity. 3. 3. All attempts failed to demonstrate the activity of lecithin-cholesterol acyltranferase in the adult rat brain, using the specific substrate, lecithin labelled at the β-position with [1- 14 C]oleic acid. The contribution of this enzyme to the formation of cholesterol ester in normal adult rat brain appears to be, if not nil, negligible. 4. 4. Two distinct cholesterol ester hydrolases were present. One had the pH optimum of 4.2, was activated by deoxycholate, taurocholate, and cholate, and moderately inhibited by Tween 20. Under the optimum condition in the presence of taurocholate, the total activity of this enzyme was approximately 30μg of cholesteryl oleate hydrolyzed per h per g. This enzyme was primarily localized in the crude mitochondrial fraction, and the subfractionation of the crude mitochondrial fraction suggested that this enzyme might be localized in mitochondria, rather than in lysosomes. Purified myelin was devoid of the pH 4.2 cholesterol ester hydrolase. 5. 5. The other cholesterol ester hydrolase had the pH optimum of 6.6. It was strongly inhibited by deoxycholate and activated by taurocholate. Cholate activated the enzyme at a low concentration, but was moderately inhibitory at a higher concentration. At the optimum condition with added taurocholate, the total activity of the brain was about 170 μg cholesteryl oleate hydrolyzed per h per g. The bulk of this enzyme appeared to be localized in microsomes. However, the highly purified myelin fraction was also enriched with this enzyme by more than 3-fold, compared to the starting homogenate, and it retained 20% of the total activity of the pH 6.6 cholesterol ester hydrolase in the homogenate.
U.S. national population projections methods: A view from four forecasting traditions

Abstract Four traditions — judgmental, time series, demographic accounting, and explanatory — represent different approaches to national population projections. The U.S. Census Bureau's methodology for national population projections is mainly within the demographic accounting tradition incorporating selected aspects of the other three traditions. Several avenues for combining the best methods from each of the four forecasting traditions in future projections activities are outlined.
New alpha1-adrenergic receptor antagonists for the treatment of hypertension: role of vascular alpha receptors in the control of peripheral resistance

The pharmacology, clinical efficacy and safety of new alpha-adrenergic receptor antagonists for the treatment of hypertension was reviewed (Table XIV). Although all these agents block alpha 1 receptors, some of them have additional effects on histamine, serotonin, dopamine, and alpha 2 receptors. These other actions account for the differences in the side effect profiles observed, i.e., increased incidence of central nervous system side effects found with indoramin, ketanserin, and urapidil, as well as for some additional beneficial effects of ketanserin (i.e., antiplatelet aggregation activity). The magnitude of BP reduction observed with antagonists of alpha 1-adrenergic receptors is modest. In most studies, the degree of BP reduction is comparable to that of prazosin, but less than that achieved with thiazide diuretics, beta-receptor antagonists, or methyldopa. Studies on the comparative efficacy and safety of new alpha 1 antagonists with converting enzyme inhibitors or calcium-channel blockers are not available. In general, alpha 1 antagonists produce greater reductions in standing than in supine BP, an effect due to the venodilatory action of these drugs. New alpha 1 antagonists appear to have equal efficacy in black and white hypertensive individuals. Their comparative efficacy and safety in young vs elderly hypertensive individuals requires further investigation. No information about the possible development of tolerance during treatment with new alpha 1 blockers was encountered. The effects of alpha 1 antagonists on HR are variable and depend on how long after the oral dose the measurements were obtained. In most studies, no significant HR changes are noticed for readings obtained 24 hours post dose; whereas tachycardia has been observed at the time of peak hypotension. Since alpha 1 antagonist-induced tachycardia is most likely of reflex nature, i.e., mediated to an increase in sympathetic activity, the increased HR may be associated with increases in myocardial contractility and in myocardial oxygen consumption. Consequently, a 24-hour HR monitoring during treatment with alpha 1 antagonists should be required for evaluation of new agents. The hemodynamic, humoral, and hormonal effects of the newer alpha 1-receptor antagonists are comparable to those of prazosin. The most consistent finding is a reduction in total peripheral resistance associated with either no change or with only small increases in cardiac index. These agents have been shown either not to change or to increase renal blood flow.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
An Examination of the Changing Rates of Autism in Special Education

Using U.S. Department of Education data, the current study examined changes in the rates of special education eligibility classifications. This was done to determine if classification substitution might be an explanation for increases in the number of students being found eligible for special education using the Autism criteria. Results reveal that as the rates of Autism have gone up, the rates of mental retardation (MR), emotional disturbance (ED), and specific learning disability (SLD) have gone down. From these data it was concluded that it is possible that the increased numbers of students found eligible for special education using Autism criteria, is at least in part a function of IEP teams being increasingly more willing and able to use autism criteria instead of MR, ED, and SLD criteria.
Whole globe inflation testing of exogenously crosslinked sclera using genipin and methylglyoxal

Exogenous collagen cross-linking has been investigated as method of reinforcing scleral biomechanics, with the goal of counteracting scleral weakening that occurs at the onset of myopia. This study uses whole globe inflation testing to investigate the biomechanical effect of treating posterior sclera with the collagen cross-linking agents methylglyoxal and genipin. Pairs of porcine eyes were treated in four ways. Three groups involved 1% methylglyoxal: two-hour (Group I) or thirty-minute (Group II) incubation of the whole globe, and thirty-minute incubation of only the posterior sclera of the intact eye (Group III). Group IV consisted of a thirty-minute incubation of the posterior sclera in 1% genipin. Following treatment, each eye was subjected to inflation testing under physiological pressure levels (0-150 mmHg); four strain markers on the posterior pole were tracked, providing displacement measurements in two directions. Results were used to derive load versus deformation behavior and to calculate stiffness at 0.25% strain (toe stiffness) and at peak strain (peak stiffness). Toe stiffness of Group I was 4.8 and 1.3 times greater than controls (sagittal and transverse directions, respectively: 5.23 ± 0.39 vs. 0.90 ± 0.08 mHg, P < 0.001; and 3.41 ± 0.19 vs. 1.51 ± 0.22 mHg, P < 0.01; values in mean ± SE). Group II was 7.4 and 4.3 times stiffer than controls (sagittal and transverse directions, respectively: 5.26 ± 0.49 vs. 0.63 ± 0.10 mHg, P < 0.02; and 3.44 ± 0.44 vs. 0.65 ± 0.07 mHg, P < 0.003). Group III was 3.6 and 3.4 times stiffer than controls (sagittal and transverse directions, respectively: 5.21 ± 0.39 vs. 1.13 ± 0.31 mHg, P < 0.01; and 4.94 ± 1.48 vs. 1.13 ± 0.25, P < 0.01), while Group IV was 8.2 and 2.8 times stiffer than controls (sagittal and transverse: 12.36 ± 1.96 vs. 1.35 ± 0.14 mHg, P < 0.01; and 12.45 ± 1.34 vs. 3.27 ± 0.50 mHg, P < 0.05). In all groups, there was no significant difference in peak stiffness after scleral cross-linking (SXL). At low strain, the posterior sclera was stiffer in both measured directions following methylglyoxal and genipin treatments, however at peak strain the treated sclera was not stiffer. Additionally, the saturation level of scleral stiffening by methylglyoxal can be reached within thirty minutes of treatment.
Necessary conditions for the existence of stable slugs

Abstract A consideration of the velocity with which the tail of a slug propagates downstream yields a minimum film height required to sustain stable slugs. Measurements of liquid heights and photographs for horizontal air/water flow in a 0.0953 m horizontal pipe provide support for this necessary condition for the existence of slugs, if the tail is considered to be an inviscid bubble. The representation of the front of a slug as a hydraulic jump yields a minimum gas velocity below which slugs cannot exist.
Choice situation, strategy, and performance: A reexamination

This study further examines strategy and performance relationships between and within situations of varying strategic choice and environmental determinism. Contrary to Lawless and Finch's (1989) previous test of Hrebiniak and Joyce's (1985) dynamic, interactive view of organizational adaptation, the results are more in line with the theory. Some discrepancies are found, however, suggesting useful issues and hypotheses for future research.
THE FUTURE OF CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Corporate social responsibility is one of the earliest and key conceptions in the academic study of business and society relations. This article examines the future of corporate social responsibility. Bowen's (1953) key question concerned whether the interests of business and society merge in the long ran. That question is assessed in the present and future contexts. There seem to be distinctly anti‐responsibility trends in recent academic literature and managerial views concerning best practices. These trends raise significant doubts about the future status of corporate social responsibility theory and practice. The vital change is that a leitmotif of wealth creation progressively dominates the managerial conception of responsibility. The article provides a developmental history of the corporate social responsibility notion from the Progressive Era forward to the corporate social performance framework and Carroll's pyramid of corporate social responsibilities. There are three emerging alternatives or competitors to responsibility: (1) an economic conception of responsibility; (2) global corporate citizenship; and (3) stakeholder management practices. The article examines and assesses each alternative. The article then assesses the prospects for business responsibility in a global context. Two fundamentals of social responsibility remain: (1) the prevailing psychology of the manager; and (2) the normative framework for addressing how that psychology should be shaped. Implications for practice and scholarship are considered.
Lysosome stabilization by adjuvant arthritis serum

Evidence is presented that serum from rats with adjuvant arthritis stabilizes the membranes of isolated normal rat liver lysosomes. The stabilizer retarded the release of the lysosomal enzymes, acid phosphatase and β-glucuronidase, but not the release of the mitochondrial enzyme, isocitric dehydrogenase. Stabilizing activity in serum paralleled adjuvant disease, being greatest when the inflammation was most intense and subsiding as the arthritis diminished. Activity could be removed from the serum by absorption with isolated membranes; adjuvant arthritis serum did not inhibit enzyme activities. The membrane reactant was neither a corticosteroid nor an antibody but was a large molecular weight substance with charge properties similar to an α-globulin.
Ion transport through a strong magnetic field gradient by r.f.-only octupole ion guides

Abstract An ion transport system consisting of two consecutive octupole ion guides is proposed to inject externally generated ions into an ion cyclotron resonance (ICR) ion trap in a high (9.4 T) magnetic field through an off-axis injection port. A first octupole brings continuously generated ions on-axis from the source at near-zero magnetic field through the magnetic field gradient into the homogeneous high-field region of the solenoid. A second octupole tilted by a 1.14° from the magnetic field direction transports ions to a point 1 cm off-axis at the front end cap of the ICR ion trap. Simulated ion trajectories show that the proposed ion transport system should be capable of guiding ions of a wide range of mass-to-charge ratios (up to miz 5000) and a wide range of initial azimuthal kinetic energies (up to 4 eV) and initial (x, y) positions (up to ± 1 mm or more), at relatively low r.f. amplitude (approx. 100 V) and r.f. frequency (approx. 2 MHz), over a distance of about 1 m from an external ion source to an ICR ion trap in less than 1 ms. For example, externally generated ions of m/z 500 with 2 eV of initial azimuthal kinetic energy are transported with > 99% efficiency. The relative senses of cyclotron and magnetron rotation are reversed for an r.f.-only octupole in a magnetic field, compared to ion rotations in a magnetic field alone. Comparison of trajectories computed from instantaneous electric potential and pseudopotential shows that the pseudopotential approximation can be made semi-quantitatively accurate by reducing the r.f. voltage by a constant scale factor (approx. 0.4 for the present configuration). The present simulations improve our understanding of the mechanism of ion injection mechanism, so that we may now proceed to design and optimize an experimental r.f.-only octupole ion guide for off-axis injection of externally generated ions into a high-field FT-ICR mass spectrometer.
A novel regulation on developmental gene expression of fruiting body formation in Myxobacteria.

Myxobacteria are Gram-negative soil microorganisms that prey on other microorganisms. Myxobacteria have significant potential for applications in biotechnology because of their extraordinary ability to produce natural products such as secondary metabolites. Myxobacteria also stand out as model organisms for the study of cell–cell interactions and multicellular development during their complex life cycle. Cellular morphogenesis during multicellular development in myxobacteria is very similar to that in the eukaryotic soil amoebae. Recent studies have started uncovering molecular mechanisms directing the myxobacterial life cycle. We describe recent studies on signal transduction and gene expression during multicellular development in the myxobacterium Myxococcus xanthus. We provide our current model for signal transduction pathways mediated by a two-component His–Asp phosphorelay system and a Ser/Thr kinase cascade.