cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Taking Stock - Salary and Options Too: The Looting of Corporate America

Executive compensation has come to mean corporate greed. CEO pay has soared to incomprehensible levels. Even during the current financial crisis, more CEOs saw pay increases than cuts. Public resentment to multi-million dollar paychecks swelled to outrage when AIG and Merrill Lynch used bailout funds to dispense enormous bonuses to executives. The looting of America’s corporations has led to numerous strategies to curb executive compensation. These strategies include heightened corporate disclosure requirements, tax incentives, say-on-pay, and shareholder input into the process for nominating directors. All these strategies have failed and will continue to fail to control executive pay because they do not grapple with the problem directly. This Article proposes a framework that will enable corporations to pass bylaws to establish Shareholder Compensation Committees. Such Committees would have the authority to review, and, if appropriate, to make counter proposals to the recommendations of the director compensation committee for compensation packages for the CEO, CFO, three next most highly paid executives, and the chairperson of the board. Both sets of proposals would appear on the company’s proxy materials. Shareholders would have a binding vote to decide between the competing proposals. This approach would prevent directors from supporting the greed of executives rather than the interests of the corporations they ostensibly serve. It would vest the decision to set pay levels where it belongs - with shareholders.
Novel Biological Insights and New Developments in Management of Burkitt Lymphoma and High-Grade B-Cell Lymphoma.

Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is highly curable, and prompt institution of therapy is critical to achieving optimal outcomes. Although current “standard” approaches are very effective in disease eradication, treatment-related toxicity makes optimal delivery of curative therapy a challenge, especially in older and immunocompromised individuals. Reduced intensity approaches with fewer toxic complications have been the focus of some recent studies. A critical question is if they can replace “standard” approaches by maintaining high curability with improved tolerability. Additionally, new molecular insights in BL biology suggest that in the future, “targeted therapy” approaches may be feasible using small molecule inhibitors and novel strategies. Recently, a new category of aggressive lymphoma named “high-grade B-cell lymphoma (HGBL) with MYC and BCL2 and/or BCL6 translocations” has been recognized. This category overlaps clinically and biologically with BL and has an inferior prognosis compared to most B-cell lymphomas, and the optimal approach to its management remains, as yet, undefined. In this review, we discuss the current landscape of BL treatment including recent results with low-intensity regimens and also consider current approaches to HGBL. We also explore how recently elucidated novel biological insights in BL biology may shape future therapeutic directions including the use of novel cellular therapy approaches.
Choline and methionine supplementation in layer hens fed flaxseed: effects on hen production performance, egg fatty acid composition, tocopherol content, and oxidative stability

ABSTRACT Choline is an essential nutrient in laying hen diets and is needed for the formation of phosphatidylcholine (PC), that serves as a rich source of long chain (≥20 C) n-3 fatty acids (FA) in eggs. Methionine (Met) is the first limiting amino acid in layer hen diets and serves as a lipotropic agent with antioxidant properties. The objectives of the current study is based on the hypothesis that choline and Met supplementation will enhance egg PC and n-3 FA status, lipid stability, and production indices in layer hens fed flaxseed. Ninety-six, 40-wk-old laying hens (W-36 White Leghorns) were randomly allocated to 4 treatment groups, with 6 replicates containing four hens per cage. Hens were fed corn-soybean meal-based diet containing 0% flaxseed (Control), 15/100 g flaxseed (Flax), Flax+50% more methionine requirement for W-36 White Leghorns (Flax+Met), or Flax+0.15g/100g choline chloride (Cho) (Flax+Cho). All experimental diets were isocaloric and isonitrogenous and fed for a period of 120 d. Egg production and egg mass (g/hen/d) was higher for Flax+Met and Flax+Cho when compared to Flax and Control (P 0.05). The results from the current study suggest that n-3 FA content of egg yolk can be greatly increased by feeding flaxseed but reduced egg production. However, dietary Met and Cho can improve production performance in hens fed flaxseed-containing diets. Addition of Cho to flaxseed increased in egg weight, yolk α-tocopherol levels, PC content and oxidative stability of eggs when compared to hens fed flaxseed. Met and choline could be used in flaxseed (>15%) to increase egg production and egg mas.
Tutorial: Decentralized Digital Identity with Blockchain

In the digital world, identity data and records are scattered across each digital service‚Aos database. Government entities, public and private companies hold their own instances of a person‚Aos set of credentials which are often outdated and seldom integrated. Such dissemination of data increases the attack surface for cyber-criminals and companies fail too frequently to protect the information, increasing the cases of phishing and identity theft. The owner of the identity has few ‚Aiif any‚Ai means to control when, how and by whom their information is accessed or used. Blockchain offers a decentralized way of issuing and verification of people‚Aos credentials, without the need of disclosing personal identification information and under control of the identity owner. This one-hour presentation will cover the following agenda: – Introduction to Blockchain – Self-sovereign identity use case – Review existing use cases and applications – Decentralized identity with Blockchain Architecture Overview 5. – Cloud based resources to get started
Plasticity in female timing may explain current shifts in breeding phenology of a North American songbird

O_LIClimate change has driven changes in breeding phenology. Identifying the magnitude of phenological shifts and whether selection in response to climate change drives these shifts is key for determining species reproductive success and persistence in a changing world. C_LIO_LIWe investigated reproductive timing in a primarily sedentary population of the dark-eyed junco (Junco hyemalis) over 32 years. We predicted that juncos would breed earlier in warmer springs in response to selection favouring earlier breeding. C_LIO_LITo test this prediction, we compared the annual median date for reproductive onset (i.e., egg one date) to monthly spring temperatures and examined evidence for selection favouring earlier breeding and for plasticity in timing. C_LIO_LIEgg one dates occurred earlier over time, with the timing of breeding advancing up to 24 days over the 32-year period. Breeding timing also strongly covaried with maximum April temperature. We found significant overall selection favouring earlier breeding (i.e., higher relative fitness with earlier egg one dates) that became stronger over time, but strength of selection was not predicted by temperature. Lastly, individual females exhibited plastic responses to temperature across years. C_LIO_LIOur findings provide further evidence that phenotypic plasticity plays a crucial role in driving phenological shifts in response to climate change. For multi-brooded bird populations, a warming climate might extend the breeding season and provide more opportunities to re-nest rather than drive earlier breeding in response to potential phenological mismatches. However, as plasticity will likely be insufficient for long-term survival in the face of climate change, further research in understanding the mechanisms of female reproductive timing will be essential for forecasting the effects of climate change on population persistence. C_LI
Functional analysis of the polar amino acid in TatA transmembrane helix

The twin-arginine translocation (Tat) pathway utilizes the proton-motive force (pmf) to transport folded proteins across cytoplasmic membranes in bacteria and archaea, as well as across the thylakoid membrane in plants and the inner membrane in mitochondria. In most species, the minimal components required for Tat activity consist of three subunits, TatA, TatB, and TatC. Previous studies have shown that a polar amino acid is present at the N-terminus of the TatA transmembrane helix (TMH) across many different species. In order to systematically assess the functional importance of this polar amino acid in the TatA TMH in Escherichia coli, a complete set of 19-amino-acid substitutions was examined. Unexpectedly, although being preferred overall, our experiments suggest that the polar amino acid is not necessary for a functional TatA. Hydrophobicity and helix stabilizing properties of this polar amino acid were found to be highly correlated with the Tat activity. Specifically, change in charge status of the amino acid side chain due to pH resulted in a shift in hydrophobicity, which was demonstrated to impact the Tat transport activity. Furthermore, a four-residue motif at the N-terminus of the TatA TMH was identified by sequence alignment. Using a biochemical approach, the N-terminal motif was found to be functionally significant, with evidence indicating a potential role in the preference for utilizing different pmf components. Taken together, these findings yield new insights into the functionality of TatA and its potential role in the Tat transport mechanism.
Interactive simulation games to assess federated satellite system concepts

Federated satellite systems (FSS) consist of heterogeneous spacecraft with opportunistic data services. FSS membership is based on voluntary participation by independent actors without the centralized control required for systems engineering methods. New approaches must be developed to identify and assess mechanisms and incentives for collaborative behaviors required in a FSS. Towards this goal, this paper develops an interactive tabletop board game to demonstrate a technical simulation model integrated inside a social decision-making activity. Although simplified in technical detail, the game achieves a level of realism by basing its structure and behavior on a logical model of FSS with hierarchical federation, federate, system, and subsystem constructs. A prototype game provides a physical form using a game board, mats, tokens, counters, and cards to represent key constructs. Play-testing sessions reveal insights regarding FSS including participation based on minimizing opportunity cost, legacy hardware as a barrier to participation, partnerships to overcome the initial actor problem, and frequent under-estimation of network complexity and robustness.
A PHYSICAL SIGN USEFUL IN DIAGNOSIS OF ROSEOLA INFANTUM BEFORE THE RASH

I WISH to call attention to a physical sign, hitherto unremarked as far as I am aware, which is often useful in the preeruptive diagnosis of roseola infantum. It has been my observation that early in the course of roseola, there develops a characteristics facies brought about by the presence of palpebral edema. As a matter of fact, it is often sufficiently evident to evoke comment from the parents, who will describe the child as having "heavy eyelids," or a "droopy" or "sleepy" appearance. This facies makes itself evident early in the course of the disease, sometimes on the first day, rarely later than the third. It is unrelated to the degree of temperature elevation. It is unaccompanied by conjunctivitis, tearing or other evidence of ocular pathology. Periorbital edema is absent; the swelling is confined to the eyelids themselves. In most instances it disappears about 24 hours after the appearance of the rash. One rarely will see a child with roseola who does not display this characteristic appearance. On the other hand, there is a small group of children, representing about 10% of instances, where unexplained palpebral edema occurs without evidence of roseola infantum. Most of these latter instances occur in the summer months. The accompanying photographs of patients with roseola infantum illustrate this appearance (Fig. 1).
Molecular modeling of the 3-D structure of cytochrome P-450scc

Sequence-alignment studies of the bovine mitochondrial cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme cytochrome P-450scc with the bacterial cytochrome P-450cam (camphor hydroxylating enzyme) have been undertaken. Our novel alignment of the sequences revealed 69 identical residues and many highly conserved regions. The results of the sequence alignment studies were used to model the 3-D structure of P-450scc based on the available crystal structure of P-450cam. The major insertions in the sequence are found mainly on four external-loop regions of the molecule, while the core structure of P-450cam is retained with subtle internal modifications. The most hydrophobic of these four external loops is proposed as a candidate for membrane attachment.
A comparative study of the interactions of Escherichia coli leucyl-, seryl-, and valyl-transfer ribonucleic acid synthetases with their cognate transfer ribonucleic acids.

Abstract Kinetic and equilibrium binding studies (enzyme-tRNA complex formation examined by gel filtration) were conducted in the same buffer with leucyl-tRNA synthetase and five tRNAleu isoacceptors, seryl-tRNA synthetase and three tRNAser isoacceptors, and valyl-tRNA synthetase and two tRNAval isoacceptors. All of the enzymes and tRNAs were highly purified from one strain of Escherichia coli K-12. The tRNA Km values and relative binding affinities are closely similar (estimates of ΔF range between 10 and 11 kcal per mole), suggesting that tRNA recognition by these three enzymes has some common thermodynamic feature. The results at least indicate basic similarities in the geometry of the aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase-tRNA complex. This notion is supported by the finding that all three enzymes exhibit a reaction sequence of the bi uni uni bi ping pong type, the addition order of substrates being amino acid, ATP, tRNA. The three enzymes differ in their susceptibility to ATP substrate inhibition.
Model-Reference Adaptive Control of Robots Using Interconnected Feedback

This paper presents a simple centralized adaptive control algorithm for a multi-link robot manipulator. The proposed control scheme for each joint consists of (1) PD feedback control with adaptively adjusting gains; (2) a second derivative feedforward control loop with adjusting gains; (3) a compensation for the static and dynamic couplings, which is added through an interconnection of link control loops and consists of a PD and D2 feedforward loop from other links. The overall controller is simple and easy to implement and is tolerant to variations of the parameters and the payload.
Valuation of Property Surrounding a Resort Community

This article uses hedonic modeling for valuation of real estate located near Jackson, Wyoming and agricultural property throughout the remainder of Wyoming. The attributes of the hedonic model used...
Purification and Characterization of a Reduced Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate-linked Aldehyde Reductase from Brain

Abstract The presence of a nonspecific NADPH-linked aldehyde reductase (alcohol:NADP oxidoreductase, EC 1.1.1.2) was observed in various areas of bovine brain in vitro. In the midbrain, hypothalamus, and pons, the rate of NADPH oxidation, with p-nitrobenzaldehyde as substrate, was approximately 4.0 nmoles per min per mg of protein; but somewhat lower values were obtained when other regions of the brain were studied. It was found that the enzyme was localized primarily in the soluble supernatant fraction of rat brain homogenates. The enzyme from bovine brain was purified approximately 120-fold and was found to catalyze the reduction of a number of aldehydes, including substituted benzaldehydes, substituted phenylacetaldehydes, and some long chain aliphatic aldehydes. Short chain aliphatic aldehydes such as acetaldehyde or propionaldehyde were not reduced by the enzyme. With p-nitrobenzaldehyde as substrate, NADPH, but not NADH, was oxidized by bovine brain aldehyde reductase. The pH optimum for the enzyme was found to be 6.75 for aldehyde reduction, whereas the rate of oxidation of p-hydroxyphenylethanol, with NADP as cosubstrate, was optimal at pH 9.7. Km values for various substrates ranged from 3.7 x 10-6 m to 1.4 x 10-4 m. Km values for various substituted benzaldehydes were correlated with the electropositive nature of the carbonyl carbon atom by the Hammet σ-ρ relationship. Oxidation of NADPH by the partially purified enzyme was inhibited approximately 50% by 0.1 mm concentrations of amytal, phenobarbital, or chlorpromazine. The enzyme activity was not altered, however, by 10 mm pyrazole.
3D Time Dependent Stokes Vector Radiative Transfer in an Atmosphere-Ocean System Including a Stochastic Interface

Abstract : The major objective of this proposal is to calculate the 3-D, time dependent radiation field both within the ocean and in the atmosphere in the presence of a stochastically varying interface which may also be perturbed by sea foam, air bubbles, surfactants, rain, etc. This study will serve as the genesis to the future evolution of an inversion algorithm whereby one could reconstruct images that have been distorted by the interface between the atmosphere and the ocean or the ocean itself. This study will rely heavily on both the spectral and polarimetric properties of the radiation field to deduce both the sea state and the perturbations produced on it. A second phase of this study will be to explore the asymptotic polarized light field and to determine how much information can be obtained about the IOP s of the medium by measuring it. The third phase of this proposal will deal with the problem of improving image resolution in the ocean using some novel polarimetric techniques that we are just beginning to explore. Once these studies have been completed using a passive source, it will be rather straightforward to extend them to active sources where we can explore the use of both photo-acoustic and ultrasound-modulated optical tomography to improve image resolution.
Boost feature subset selection: a new gene selection algorithm for microarray dataset

Gene selection is usually the crucial first step in microarray data analysis. One class of typical approaches is to calculate some discriminative scores using data associated with a single gene. Such discriminative scores are then sorted and top ranked genes are selected for further analysis. However, such an approach will result in redundant gene set since it ignores the complex relationships between genes. Recent researches in feature subset selection began to tackle this problem by limiting the correlations of the selected feature set. In this paper, we propose a novel general framework BFSS: Boost Feature Subset Selection to improve the performance of single-gene based discriminative scores using bootstrapping techniques. Features are selected from dynamically adjusted bootstraps of the training dataset. We tested our algorithm on three well-known publicly available microarray data sets in the bioinformatics community. Encouraging results are reported in this paper.
Robust eigenvalue assignment in generalized systems

The authors examine the problem of robust pole placement using state-feedback in generalized systems. They develop a robustness theory for the finite generalized spectrum of the system as a partial problem. The basic tool that is exploited in this theory is the concept of chordal metric. The feedback laws presented always guarantee the closed-loop regularity. These results led to necessary and sufficient conditions for perfect conditioning, and showed how the results for optimal conditioning can be used for the generalized case. >
Thermochemistry of Azo, Hydrazo, Azoxy and Related Species

1 Introduction: Scope and Definitions 2 Azo Compounds 3 Hydrazines 4 Hydrazides 5 Azoxy Compounds 6 Azodioxy Compounds 7 Acknowledgements Keywords: thermochemistry of azo, hydrazo, azoxy related species; thermochemical data sources and nature; azo compounds; hydrazines; aliphatic azo compounds; allicyclic azo compounds; aromatic azo compounds
Comparisons and Combinations of Long and Long/Short Strategies

Market-neutral long/short strategies get their returns from alphas and short rebates; long strategies get their returns from alpha and the market. Differing return and risk sources complicate their comparison, partly because of the strong market-referenced focus of conventional performance analysis. Compelling theoretical advantages of active return per unit of active risk suggest that long/short strategies are better able to deliver excess return than are conventional institutional long strategies. Long/short strategies, even with tiny positive alphas, are seen to improve investors' efficient frontiers when added to a traditional T-bill/long portfolio mix, mostly because their risk sources are uncorrelated. Surprisingly, the improvement occurs even if long/short strategies are Sharpe-ratio inferior to long strategies. These results provide theoretical support for including long/short strategies in most investors' mix of assets.
Fitting and Dispensing Hearing Aids

Fitting and Dispensing Hearing Aids by Taylor and Mueller is a valuable contribution to the present literature on hearing aids. The work is clinically based and provides step-by-step instructions a...
ACTIVATION OF EXTRACELLULAR SIGNAL-REGULATED KINASE IN HUMAN PROSTATE CANCER

ABSTRACTPurpose: To investigate the level of expression, activation state, and functional significance of extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) in prostate cancer.Materials and Methods: Human prostate tissue samples (n = 22) were obtained from patients undergoing radical prostatectomy for localized adenocarcinoma of the prostate (n = 16, age range 44 to 72 years) or normal prostate specimens (n = 6, age ranges 19 to 47 years) obtained from rapid autopsy. Immunoblots, in vitro kinase assays, and immunohistochemistry were used to determine the expression and activation state of ERK in human prostate cancer.Results: Immunoblot and in vitro kinase assays demonstrated a 15-fold increase in ERK activation in prostate cancer specimens compared with normal human prostate tissue; however, ERK expression levels were only 1.3-fold higher in cancer. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated similar expression of ERK in cancer and normal tissues; however, phosphorylated ERK demonstrated greater intensity in the ...
The Effects of Variable Mass and Geometry, Pretwist, Shear Deformation and Rotatory Inertia on the Resonant Frequencies of Intact Long Bones: A Finite Element Model Analysis

The influence of pretwist, nonuniformities in mass and flexural stiffness, rotatory inertia and shear deformation on the natural frequencies of intact bones is evaluated by means of a linear elastic, finite-element model which has been programmed for solution on the digital computer. Theoretical results are compared to the results on the forced vibration of intact canine radii obtained experimentally by Thompson. Surprisingly, inclusion of fairly large pretwist angles (from -14 to 12 deg for one specimen) had little affect on the first three frequencies of transverse vibration in either the cranial or lateral directions. Inclusion of shear deformation reduced the third-mode frequency in the stiffest (lateral) direction by about six percent, otherwise shear deformation played a minor role in determining natural frequencies. Similarly. rotatory inertia had negligible influence up to the third natural frequency. The predominant influence on the first three natural frequencies of transverse vibration could be attributed to the variations in mass and flexural stiffness along the length of the test specimens. Different effective moduli of elasticity are required to yield correct absolute values for the frequencies which correspond to experimental findings. thus implying the presence of some inhomogeneities in material properties around the bone cross-section and/or along its length.
A cognitive radio reconfigurable “filtenna”

This paper presents a new technique to implement a frequency reconfigurable antenna system. The antenna reconfiguration is based on integrating a tunable band-pass filter within the feeding line of the antenna structure. The combination of the filter and the antenna together in the same substrate constitutes a system called “filtenna”. The tuning of the antenna operating frequency is achieved by changing the operating band of the filter via a varactor. A prototype antenna is fabricated and tested. A good agreement is found between the simulated and the measured data.
Time-dependent variation in cerebral and autonomic activity during periodic leg movements in sleep: implications for arousal mechanisms

Abstract Objectives : A hierarchy in arousal response has been proposed for spontaneous arousal by analyzing the temporal changes in heart rate (HR) and electroencephalographic (EEG) activity. To address the question as to whether the same continuum may be proposed in sleep disorders, we performed temporal spectral EEG and HR analyses during periodic leg movements (PLM) associated or not with microarousal (MA). Methods : Data were obtained in 12 patients with restless leg syndrome and/or PLM syndrome. PLMs were classified into 3 types including PLM associated with MA, PLM without MA, and PLM associated with delta or K-complex bursts. HR and EEG spectral analyses were done for 10s before and 10s after the PLM onset. Results : Each type of PLM was associated with a typical EEG and autonomic pattern consisting of an increase in HR and delta band activity before the PLM, regardless of the presence or absence of MA. Thereafter, a rise in delta, alpha and beta 2 activity was noted associated with tachycardia. This was greater when MA or bursts of slow wave activity were present. In the period following the PLM, HR, delta and alpha power showed a long-lasting decrease with values significantly below the baseline. Conclusions : From these data, we can conclude that: (1) cardiac and cerebral changes occur in association with PLM even when MA cannot be detected; (2) the combined increase in delta activity and HR before the onset of PLM suggests that these changes are part of the arousal response during PLM; (3) the graded arousal response during PLM confirms that the human arousal response involves a progression of central nervous system activation from brainstem to cortical level.
Modeling of spectral emission-based lidar remote sensing

Stand-off Laser-Induced-Thermal-Emission (LITE), Laser-Induced-Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS), and remote Raman Lidar are being studied for the remote sensing of a wide range of target substances, including explosive and chemical species. Each of these techniques use a transmitted laser beam to remotely excite a spectral emission process at a distant target, have some optical and detection characteristics in common, but also have several other excitation and delivery aspects that are unique to each technique. In order to better understand these techniques, we are developing a computer program to model and simulate a LITE, LIBS, and Raman lidar system for the stand-off detection and spectral identification of close to moderate range target species. In particular, a modified lidar equation has been used for the LIBS technique, in which the influence of the transmission of the atmosphere is also computed to determine its influence on the backscattered spectral information as a function of wavelength and range. The standard Lidar equation was modified to take into account the emission of a laser induced source at a range r, and the subsequent transmission of the emission back toward the (Lidar) telescope receiver. Applications for LITE and Raman lidar analysis are planned.
The Relative Importance of Correlates of Organizational Citizenship Behavior and Counterproductive Work Behavior Using Multiple Sources of Data

Many correlates of organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) and counterproductive work behavior (CWB) have been established, but their relative importance has rarely been investigated. A dominance analyses based on data from 375 participants and 214 of their supervisors indicated that individual differences accounted for more of the variance associated with OCB and with CWB than did organizational attitudes. Confirmatory factor analysis and dominance analyses provided discriminant validity for a four-factor model based on the target of these behaviors that included interpersonal OCB, organizational OCB, interpersonal CWB, and organizational CWB. A comparison of supervisor- and self-report data indicated that relationships were stronger when using self-report data, but the overall pattern of results was similar.
Alkaline Bohr effect of human hemoglobin Ao.

Abstract Differential oxygen binding measurements obtained over the pH range 6.95 to 9.10 at 25 °C have allowed a detailed description of the alkaline Bohr effect of human hemoglobin A o . Phenomenological analysis of the data in terms of the Adair equation shows that: (1) the oxygen binding curves are asymmetrical with the population of the triply oxygenated species being negligible throughout the pH range studied: (2) the shape of the oxygen binding curve is affected by pH, especially at low saturation; and (3) the maximum O 2 -prolon linkage is −0.52 mole of proton per mole of oxygen at pH 7.4. A possible molecular mechanism of the Bohr effect is proposed within the framework of an allosteric model which accounts for the low population of triply oxygenated hemoglobin species. At least three Bohr groups are necessary for a quantitative description of the alkaline Bohr effect. Two of these groups titrate in the range of the His 146β and Vall α residues, which have long been identified as the main alkaline Bohr groups, and altogether contribute 84% of the alkaline Bohr effect at physiological pH. A third ionizable group, linked to oxygenation presumably at the β chains, is implicated and is titrated in a pH range characteristic of a surface histidyl residue.
The effect of fluorocarbon gases on sonoluminescence: a failure of the electrical hypothesis

Abstract Ultrasonic irradiation of solutions containing volatile organometallic complexes results in intense emission from excited-state metal atoms. We have determined the effect of dissolved gases (Xe, Kr, Ar, Ne, He, CF4, C2F6, CO, N2) on the intensity of the sonoluminescence resulting from ultrasonic irradiation of silicone oil solutions of Cr(CO)6. This provides a well-defined, spectrally resolved probe of sonoluminescence with emission resulting from a single species, the chromium atom excited states. As predicted by the hot-spot, thermal mechanisms of sonoluminescence, the intensity of excited-state Cr emission decreases with increasing thermal conductivity of the noble gases. The intensity of sonoluminescence increases with increasing γ (i.e. Cp/Cv), which is also in accord with a thermal mechanism. Sonoluminescence is substantially diminished by the addition of even small amounts (≈ 1%) of CF4 or C2F6, even though they are capable of supporting electrical discharge. This is in agreement with a thermal mechanism, but is in direct conflict with electrical theories of sonoluminescence.
Growth of a wetting layer in a flowing binary-liquid mixture at bulk coexistence

Using reflectivity, we observe the effect of steady fluid flow on the growth of gravity-thinned wetting films in a binary-liquid system of nitromethane and carbon disulfide at bulk coexistence. The substrate is a horizontal borosilicate glass surface. The growth process is driven by the substrate-liquid interaction and opposed by a gravity-induced pressure gradient. We find that the steady-state wetting-layer thickness increases with the stirring rate in qualitative agreement with the hydrodynamic theory of Kayser, Moldover, and Schmidt [J. Chem. Soc. Faraday Trans. 2 82, 1701 (1986)] for wetting-layer development. We observe diffusion-limited exponential buildup of the wetting layer toward steady state. The steady-stirring experiments presented here are compared with earlier random stirring results. Finally, we find that at high stirring rate the bulk liquid-liquid interface becomes unstable against the formation of liquid droplets. This instability is responsible for a fast growth mode of the wetting layer.
Genetic and transgenic approaches to dissecting muscle development and contractility using the Drosophila model system.

Both genetic and transgenic analyses of Drosophila melanogaster, the common fruit fly, are providing important insights into the mechanisms of muscle cell determination and development, myofibril assembly, and muscle contraction. This model system affords tremendous advantages such as ease of isolating mutants defective in these processes, determining the identity of affected genes, and analyzing protein function by transformation with in vitro mutagenized versions of such genes. These approaches have identified a series of proteins that are critical to mesoderm and muscle determination, many of which are likely to serve similar roles in vertebrates. The effects of mutating structural protein genes upon myofibril assembly and function in Drosophila help to define the differential roles of contractile protein isoforms and the importance of proper protein stoichiometry for physiologic function. These studies may also provide insight into the role of structural proteins in vertebrate contractility.
The recombinant 5-HT1A receptor: G protein coupling and signalling pathways.

The 5-hydroxytryptamine 5-HT1A receptor was one of the first G protein coupled receptors whose cDNA and gene were isolated by molecular cloning methods. Transfection of the cDNA of this receptor into cells previously bearing no 5-HT receptors has resulted in the acquisition of large amounts of information regarding potential signal transduction pathways linked to the receptor, correlations of receptor structure to its various functions, and pharmacological properties of the receptor. Transfection studies with the 5-HT1A receptor have generated critical new information that might otherwise have been elusive. This information notably includes the discovery of unsuspected novel signalling linkages, the elucidation of the mechanisms of receptor desensitization, the refinement of models of the receptor pharmacophore, and the development of silent receptor antagonists, among others. The current review summarizes the most important studies of the recombinant 5-HT1A receptor in the decade since the identificiation of its cDNA.
Automated Pharmacophore Query Optimization with Genetic AlgorithmsA Case Study Using the MC4R System

Due to the recent availability of high quality small molecule databases, such as ZINC and PubChem,1,2 virtual screening is playing an even more important role in identifying biologically relevant molecules in drug discovery campaigns. The success of pharmacophore-based virtual screening (PBVS) relies largely on the accuracy and specificity of the pharmacophore query employed. Deriving a pharmacophore query from a single structure inevitably introduces uncertainty, and the derived query is unlikely to be optimal against every collection of input compounds, especially when it is desired to discriminate among compounds with similar chemical structures. In this study, we present an optimization approach empowered by genetic algorithms (GA) to enhance the accuracy and specificity of a primary pharmacophore query. The example utilized is the human melanocortin type 4 receptor (hMC4R), for which the pharmacophore query was built on the basis of the structure of a rigid cyclic peptide agonist.3 The optimized quer...
Therapy determined by assessment in the modification of smoking: A case study☆☆☆

Abstract The present study demonstrates that effectiveness of techniques to reduce smoking depends on matching the treatment to the client. Self control and the rapid smoking of cigarettes were used to reduce the smoking behavior of a 52-yr-old female. The self-control technique brought about an immediate and stable reduction of smoking to within one-third of base line, while the introduction of the rapid smoking technique resulted in a gradual reduction to zero. Follow-up information (3 and 6 months) revealed a slight regression to base line.
Functional, physical, and ultrastructural localization of CD15 antigens to the human polymorphonuclear leukocyte secondary granule.

A murine monoclonal IgM antibody, M3, which interferes with both polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) phagocytosis and bactericidal activity, was used to examine the subcellular location of antigens bearing 3-fucosyllactosamine (CD15 antigens) within this cell type. Percoll gradient-separated secondary granule fractions were rich in CD15 antigens, with at least seven antigens recognizable in SDS-PAGE/electroblot studies. Sonication/sedimentation experiments using secondary granule fractions showed that both soluble and sediment-able CD15 antigens were present. Exposure of purified PMN to the secondary granule secretagogue phorbol myristate acetate caused extracellular release of two or three CD15 antigens, which could be purified by immunoprecipitation using antibody M3. Triton X-114 phase-partition experiments showed that secondary granule fraction CD15 antigens could be partitioned into hydrophilic (aqueous phase) and hydrophobic (detergent phase) antigens, suggesting that several of these antigens were integral secondary granule membrane components. Ultra-structurally, PMN intracellular granules showed two patterns of CD15 expression, localization over both granule matrix/granule membrane and localization to only granule membrane. Colocalization studies showed that lactoferrin and CD15 antigens were both present in a subset of intracellular granules, confirming a secondary granule location for these antigens.
Extension Factors for Trimester Yields of Milk and Fat

Evidence of problems with sire proofs of extended incomplete records suggests the desirability of another method of evaluating dairy bulls for milk that minimizes the need for extending records by instead considering yields of three parts of a lactation (days 1 to 90, 91 to 180, and 181 to 270) as distinct and separate traits. Records of less than 90 days (or 180 or 270 days) require extension to 90-day (or 180- or 270-day) equivalents. Last sample day production of 17,826, 15,282, and 12,115 firstlactation records of Holstein cows was used to calculate extension factors to predict remaining yields to days 90, 180, and 270 for months of freshening and days in milk. Cumulative remaining yield was computed as the product of days remaining to day 90, 180, or 270, yield on last sample day, and the appropriate extension factor. There were no differences in factors due to age, but factors were different for months of freshening and number of days in milk.
Mitigating Deafness in Multiple Beamforming Antennas

Deafness is considered as a major medium access problem arising due to directional communication in beamforming antennas. In this paper, we provide a novel algorithm for mitigating deafness (AMD) in such antennas. The algorithm extends the directional virtual carrier sensing mechanism by dynamically maintaining parameters for every beam. AMD can easily be implemented with the existing medium access control (MAC) protocols for multiple beamforming antennas. Simulation results show that considerable performance gains can be achieved when the proposed algorithm is employed by the existing MAC schemes.
Distributed files for SAA

Files are still a major way of storing data in computer systems, and they are a significant part of the information to be handled by the distributed processing networks that are developing. Systems Application Architecture is supporting distributed files. In this paper, the goals, benefits, and problems of providing this support are discussed, along with the role of Distributed Data Management architecture.
Small concentrations of alamethicin induce a cubic phase in bulk phosphatidylethanolamine mixtures

Under normal conditions, excess water dispersions of liquid crystalline 1,2-dielaidoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DEPE) are known to convert from a liquid crystalline lamellar (Lα) to inverse hexagonal (HII) phase at about 60°C. The nonlamellar phase behavior of lipid systems is also known to depend on the monolayer spontaneous curvature. The single-channel activity of alamethicin in black lipid bilayer membranes has been shown to be dependent upon the lipid composition of the membrane. Since the monolayer spontaneous curvature properties (e.g., the monolayer spontaneous curvature, curvature coefficients and bilayer thickness) vary with lipid composition, the single-channel activity of alamethicin presumably also correlates with the monolayer spontaneous curvature properties. Accordingly, we reasoned that if alamethicin couples to the curvature properties of a lipid film, then the curvature properties must, in turn, be perturbed by the presence of alamethicin and that this perturbation should be observable in the lipid phase behavior. Here X-ray diffraction and NMR are used to show that the presence of as little as 1% alamethicin introduces a large region of cubic phase into the thermal phase diagram. This suggests that perturbation of the nonlamellar phase behavior of a lipid system may be a method to survey different channel-forming molecules for possible behavior that indicates that the ion channel is sensitive to the monolayer spontaneous curvature properties.
Influence of high dietary aluminum on performance and phosphorus bioavailability in dairy calves.

Abstract Sixteen male intact Holstein calves averaging 72kg and 64 d of age were used to study the effects of high dietary Al on calf performance and P bioavailability. The main effects were two concentrations of added aluminum (0 and .20% Al) and two of added P (0 and .22% P). The basal diet contained, by analysis, .132% P, .74% Ca, and .021% Al. The calves were assigned to four treatment groups balanced according to body weight. The four treatments were 1) normal P, low Al; 2) low P, low Al; 3) low P, high Al; and 4) normal P, high Al. Calves had ad libitum access to their respective diets for 7 wk. Metabolism of a single oral 32 P dose was determined during wk 6. The adverse effects of high dietary Al include a 17% reduction in feed intake and a 47% reduction in body weight gains. Alkaline phosphatase and plasma glutamic oxaloacetate transaminase activities increased in calves receiving the high Al diets. A negative balance of P and Ca was noted in the calves fed high concentrations of Al. Apparent absorption of 32 P was reduced (37%) in calves fed diets high in Al (44% of dose vs. 69%). Urinary excretion of 32 P was not affected by dietary Al concentrations. Calves fed the low P (deficient) diet showed significant reductions in feed intake, weight gain, serum inorganic P, bone ash, and P content of bone. Dietary P did not significantly affect 32 P absorption. Adding .20% dietary Al severely affects P metabolism and performance of young growing calves.
Material-depednent non-linear modeling of fine coal grinding

Abstract Fine grinding of lignite in a ball mill was shown to be non-linear in rate because of the presence of both weaker and stronger organic phases. Weaker phases were ground rapidly, whereas stronger phases were ground more slowly. Lignite grinding was modeled by evaluating two sets of time-independent linear breakage rate constants, one for the weaker phases and one for the stronger phases. The time of transition when the comminution rate became controlled by the stronger phases rather than the weaker phases was determined by observing changes in gas release rate and particle properties such as composition, shape, and porosity.
An Extension of the Norms for the Stress Response Scale for Children

This article reports an attempt to develop experimental norms on the Stress Response Scale (SRS) for adolescents aged 15 to 18 years. The SRS is a 40-item behavior rating scale designed to measure the impact of stress on the child's behavioral adjustment and to provide scores for five subscales: Acting Out, Passive-Aggressive, Overactive, Dependent, and Repressed. Subjects (N = 167) were selected randomly from a central Texas high school, and ratings on the SRS for each child were provided by a parent along with demographic information. Results of a confirmatory factor analysis replicated three of the five SRS subscales, x2(474) = 1721.23, p < .05. Two of the scales (Repressed and Dependent) did not fit well with the older children although the overall GFI was .88, an indication of a fair fit. While the original factor structure was not replicated entirely, there was enough of a relationship to proceed with establishing experimental norms for the older age group. These norms have potential utility for bot...
High-resolution measurements of chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) in the Neponset River Estuary, Boston Harbor, MA

Abstract The Neponset River Estuary is a small, tidally dominated urban system that is fringed with Spartina spp. salt marsh and drains the second largest river into Boston Harbor, MA. High-resolution measurements of chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) were taken with a towed instrument package, the MiniShuttle, to explore tidal and seasonal variations in the sources and distributions of CDOM in the estuary. A mid-estuary source of CDOM was apparent on all surveys representing 10–50% of the freshwater CDOM source to the system. Presumably this source results from the degradation of salt marsh derived organic matter within the estuary. The strength of this source peaked in late summer, an observation that is consistent with this interpretation. Two-dimensional (tow-yo) data shows that the constricting Granite Avenue Bridge displays a major influence on circulation in the estuary. Further, large-scale tidal mixing and variations in the freshwater endmember on the time scale of hours make interpretations difficult. High-resolution measurements show that a fluctuating freshwater endmember and a constant CDOM source from the fringing salt marsh during August, 2002 are consistent with observations.
Voltage dependence of junctional conductance in early amphibian embryos

Isolated pairs of blastomeres from early amphibian embryos (Ambystoma, Rana, Xenopus) are electrontonically coupled. Junctional conductance and permeability to the dye Lucifer Yellow are markeldy and reversibly decreased by moderate transjunctional polarization in either direction. The relationship between junctional conductance and transjunctional voltage is sufficiently steep that a physiological role in regulation of intercellular communication is plausible.
Chemopreventive and antineoplastic activity of N-homocysteine thiolactonyl retinamide

N-homocysteine thiolactonyl retinamide was synthesized from trans retinoic acid and the free base of homocysteine thiolactone. In doses of 90-1800 mg/kg given i.p. in mixed lipid vehicle over nine weeks, the compound decreased to 60% of controls the number of lung tumors which was induced in A/J mice by 20 mg of ethyl carbamate. The highest dose also decreased the mean volume of lung tumors to 50% of controls, resulting in a total tumor volume of 30% of controls. Retinoic acid itself at 450 mg/kg was toxic, and no chemopreventive activity was observed. The free base and the lipophilic perchlorate salt of homocysteine thiolactone both increased the number of lung tumors to 114-117% of controls, indicating a co-carcinogenic effect. In C57BL/6N mice with transplanted MUO4 rhabdomyosarcoma, N-homocysteine thiolactonyl retinamide in a dose of 1000 mg/kg given over 11-21 days decreased the weight of the tumors to 30-70% of controls. These results show that N-homocysteine thiolactonyl retinamide has chemopreventive activity against chemical carcinogenesis and antineoplastic activity against a transplanted neoplasm.