cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Do honey bee (Apis mellifera) foragers recruit their nestmates to native forbs in reconstructed prairie habitats

Honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies are valued for the pollination services that they provide. However, colony mortality has increased to unsustainable levels in some countries, including the United States. Landscape conversion to monocrop agriculture likely plays a role in this increased mortality by decreasing the food sources available to honey bees. Many land owners and organizations in the Upper Midwest region of the United States would like to restore/reconstruct native prairie habitats. With increasing public awareness of high bee mortality, many landowners and beekeepers have wondered whether these restored prairies could significantly improve honey bee colony nutrition. Conveniently, honey bees have a unique communication signal called a waggle dance, which indicates the locations of the flower patches that foragers perceive as highly profitable food sources. We used these communication signals to answer two main questions: First, is there any part of the season in which the foraging force of a honey bee colony will devote a large proportion of its recruitment efforts (waggle dances) to flower patches within prairies? Second, will honey bee foragers advertise specific taxa of native prairie flowers as profitable pollen sources? We decoded 1528 waggle dances in colonies located near two large, reconstructed prairies. We also collected pollen loads from a subset of waggle-dancing bees, which we then analyzed to determine the flower taxon advertised. Most dances advertised flower patches outside of reconstructed prairies, but the proportion of dances advertising nectar sources within prairies increased significantly in the late summer/fall at one site. Honey bees advertised seven native prairie taxa as profitable pollen sources, although the three most commonly advertised pollen taxa were non-native. Our results suggest that including certain native prairie flower taxa in reconstructed prairies may increase the chances that colonies will use those prairies as major food sources during the period of greatest colony growth and honey production.
Incidence and public health burden of sunburn among beachgoers in the United States.

The beach environment creates many barriers to effective sun protection, putting beachgoers at risk for sunburn, a well-established risk factor for skin cancer. Our objective was to estimate incidence of sunburn among beachgoers and evaluate the relationship between sunburn incidence and sun-protective behaviors. A secondary analysis, of prospective cohorts at 12 locations within the U.S. from 2003 to 2009 (n = 75,614), were pooled to evaluate sunburn incidence 10-12 days after the beach visit. Behavioral and environmental conditions were cross-tabulated with sunburn incidence. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the association between new sunburn and sun-protective behaviors. Overall, 13.1% of beachgoers reported sunburn. Those aged 13-18 years (16.5%), whites (16.0%), and those at beach locations along the Eastern Seaboard (16.1%), had the highest incidence of sunburn. For those spending ≥5 h in the sun, the use of multiple types of sun protection reduced odds of sunburn by 55% relative to those who used no sun protection (Odds Ratio = 0.45 (95% Confidence Interval:0.27-0.77)) after adjusting for skin type, age, and race. Acute health effects of sunburn tend to be mild and self-limiting, but potential long-term health consequences are more serious and costly. Efforts to encourage and support proper sun-protective behaviors, and increase access to shade, protective clothing, and sunscreen, can help prevent sunburn and reduce skin cancer risk among beachgoers.
Site of metastatic recurrence impacts prognosis in patients with high-grade upper tract urothelial carcinoma.

Abstract Purpose Metastatic recurrence occurs in over 25% of upper tract urothelial carcinoma patients treated with radical nephroureterectomy. While metastatic recurrence suggests poor prognosis, the impact of the specific site of recurrence on prognosis is not well documented. Materials and methods We retrospectively analyzed 188 patients who underwent radical nephroureterectomy for high-grade, node-negative upper tract urothelial carcinoma at our institution from 2003 to 2018 without receiving neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy. Competing-risks survival analysis was performed to evaluate the cumulative incidence and predictors of metastatic recurrence. The Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test were used to estimate and compare recurrence site-specific survival probabilities following metastatic recurrence. Cox regression analyses were performed to assess site-specific prognoses. Results Of the 188 patients, 47 (25%) developed metastatic recurrence over a median follow-up of 30 months (interquartile range: 10.5–58.5 months). The 1- and 2-year cumulative incidences of metastatic recurrence were 13.6% and 23.6%, respectively. On multivariable analysis, lymphovascular invasion was significantly predictive of metastatic recurrence (subhazard ratio: 2.6, P = 0.01). Of the 47 patients who developed recurrence, 38 (80.9%) died over a median follow-up of 10 months (interquartile range: 5–20 months). Metastatic recurrence was most common in the lungs (n= 13, 28%) and at multiple sites (n= 14, 30%). Median time to recurrence was shorter for recurrences at multiple sites (6.5 months) and those in the liver (13 months) and bone (18 months) compared to other sites. Patients who recurred in the liver (hazard ratio: 6.3, P = 0.007), bone (hazard ratio: 4.9, P = 0.02), and multiple sites (hazard ratio: 4.6, P = 0.01) had significantly worse prognosis compared to those who recurred in lymph nodes. Statistical significance persisted after adjusting for treatment with salvage therapy. Conclusions A significant proportion of high-grade upper tract urothelial carcinoma patients recur systemically after radical nephroureterectomy. Lymphovascular invasion is a predictor of metastatic recurrence and may inform decisions regarding perioperative chemotherapy. Hepatic and osseous recurrences have relatively quicker onset and less favorable prognosis compared to other sites. These findings may benefit future efforts to develop recurrence site-specific treatment plans and highlight the necessity of subsequent endeavors to explore the genetic associations of recurrence in upper tract urothelial carcinoma.
Why is colorectal cancer increasing in younger age groups in the United States

Introduction: While colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality have decreased for older adults, the rates are increasing in adults younger than 50 years of age in the United States as well as ...
Botanizing in the borderlands: the limits of scientific indigeneity in late colonial New Spain

In 1793, in a letter to his mentor, a young naturalist stationed in the far reaches of colonial Mexico summed up his experience as a scientist in the northern borderlands. ‘I am so miserable here t...
My Brilliant Friends: Our Lives in Feminism

Nancy K. Miller (born 1941) has extraordinary intellectual and emotional friendships with her female colleagues. Now an academic in her twilight years, living with a cancer diagnosis, she looks bac...
A Review of "Library Analytics and Metrics"

If you hear the phrase “library analytics and metrics” and immediately think of Google Analytics usage reports, then the book Library Analytics and Metrics will undoubtedly broaden your thinking. L...
CD137 in the Regulation of T Cell Response to Antigen

CD4+ and CD8+ T cells express high level of CD137 on the cell surface upon activation. A well-documented function of CD137 is its costimulatory effect on both CD4+ and CD8+ T cell growth and differentiation in vitro. In vivo experiments, however, reveal a far more complex effect of CD137 signaling on T cell-mediated immunity. Administration of CD137 agonistic mAb delivers a potent stimulatory signal and leads to CD8 T cell-mediated viral clearance and tumor regression in various models. In sharp contrast, the same agonist mAb is also effective to prevent or even reverse ongoing autoimmune responses, largely mediated through inhibition of CD4+ T cell. In addition to T cells, CD137 is also found on other cells. Therefore, the effect of CD137 should be analyzed in the context of regulator of both innate and adoptive immunity in addition to simply be a T cell costimulator.
Hybrid Multivariable Adaptive Model-Matching Controllers for Robotic Manipulators

This paper proposes a hybrid, multivariable, adaptive model-matching scheme for controlling robotic manipulators and demonstrates its advantages over similar discrete schemes. In the hybrid approach, the controller itself is a continuously adjustable one, but the adaptation mechanism uses discrete algorithms. Thus it offers the advantages of less parameterization and complete freedom in the choice of the sampling rate. Furthermore, it assures stable operation because the minimum phase property of the original continuous time plant is retained.
Management of Raynaud Phenomenon and Digital Ulcers in Scleroderma

Raynaud phenomenon (RP) and associated digital ischemia can be among the most vexing clinical problems for patients with systemic sclerosis (scleroderma). Understanding the treatment approach to RP and associated ischemia and how to prevent digital ulcers is important for clinicians caring for these patients. This article reviews the management of RP and digital ischemic ulcers. The magnitude of the problem and pathophysiology of RP are first discussed, with an emphasis on recent advances in understanding of the disease process. Options for the practical pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions for RP and digital ischemic ulcers are detailed.
Structure of the RGS-like domain from PDZ-RhoGEF: linking heterotrimeric g protein-coupled signaling to Rho GTPases.

Abstract Background: The multidomain PDZ-RhoGEF is one of many known guanine nucleotide exchange factors that upregulate Rho GTPases. PDZ-RhoGEF and related family members play a critical role in a molecular signaling pathway from heterotrimeric G protein-coupled receptors to Rho proteins. A ∼200 residue RGS-like (RGSL) domain in PDZ-RhoGEF and its homologs is responsible for the direct association with Gα 12/13 proteins. To better understand structure-function relationships, we initiated crystallographic studies of the RGSL domain from human PDZ-RhoGEF. Results: A recombinant construct of the RGSL domain was expressed in Escherichia coli and purified, but it did not crystallize. Alternative constructs were designed based on a novel strategy of targeting lysine and glutamic acid residues for mutagenesis to alanine. A triple-point mutant functionally identical to the wild-type protein was crystallized, and its structure was determined by the MAD method using Se-methionine (Se-Met) incorporation. A molecular model of the RGSL domain was refined at 2.2 A resolution, revealing an all-helical tertiary fold with the mutations located at intermolecular lattice contacts. Conclusions: The first nine helices adopt a fold similar to that observed for RGS proteins, although the sequence identity with other such known structures is below 20%. The last three helices are an integral extension of the RGS fold, packing tightly against helices 3 and 4 with multiple hydrophobic interactions. Comparison with RGS proteins suggests features that are likely relevant for interaction with G proteins. Finally, we conclude that the strategy used to produce crystals was beneficial and might be applicable to other proteins resistant to crystallization.
Model-based performance diagnosis of master-worker parallel computations

Parallel performance tuning naturally involves a diagnosis process to locate and explain sources of program inefficiency. Proposed is an approach that exploits parallel computation patterns (models) for diagnosis discovery. Knowledge of performance problems and inference rules for hypothesis search are engineered from model semantics and analysis expertise. In this manner, the performance diagnosis process can be automated as well as adapted for parallel model variations. We demonstrate the implementation of model-based performance diagnosis on the classic Master-Worker pattern. Our results suggest that pattern-based performance knowledge can provide effective guidance for locating and explaining performance bugs at a high level of program abstraction.
Enhancements to NDBC's Digital Directional Wave Module

The present paper describes advancements that the National Data Buoy Center (NDBC) has achieved recently in improving its Digital Directional Wave Module (DDWM). Using the 3DM-GX1® (MicroStrain®, inc.) in the DDWM has expanded wave-measuring capability by addition of a triaxial acceleration package in place of a single, along-mast accelerometer used in the older NDBC wave system called the Angular Rate Sensor (ARS). NDBC has initiated two important changes in onboard processing. First, we transform along-mast accelerations to true vertical accelerations using measurements of pitch and roll angle. This change eliminates potential errors arising from a constant buoy heel angle. Second, NDBC has changed from a linear noise correction to an ƒ −2 inverse power function. The NDBC Engineering Laboratory has carefully tested these changes using apparatus of the Dr. Ed Michelena Sensor Test Facility, NDBC's latest mechanical wave machine, the Desktop Wave Simulator (DTWS) and a detailed electronic computational wave model, the Directional Wave Simulation Software (DWSS). The DWSS was developed to examine extreme conditions that cannot be simulated in the laboratory. It also provides a method to obtain a known input for end-to-end system testing or evaluating future on-board processing modifications. In addition, triaxial accelerations are used to determine the average pitch and roll angles of the platform without need of a separate tilt sensor. The latest version of the DDWM can be used in either directional or nondirectional modes. A compact flash memory unit is now installed as a standard feature on all DDWM units, providing high-resolution records of raw measurements.
Model and geometry dependence of radio distance determinations of extragalactic supernovae

I hope that the above discussion elucidates the systematic model and geometry dependent uncertainties in using radio supernovae as distance indicators. Of all the models considered, a uniform sphere is the most “conservative” in that it yields the highest value of Ho. Since Chevalier's model currently seems to best satisfy the observational and theoretical constraints, it seems likely that the value of Ho obtained by adopting a uniform spherical geometry is high by 25–34%. However, supernovae may have a few surprises in store for us. The multifrequency VLBI data of Bartel suggest a possible frequency dependence of 0inferred even though v ≫ vm. This should not be possible unless gradients in magnetic field and particle energy exist in the emitting region. For example, the electrons whose radiation peaks at 2.3 GHz could occupy a larger volume than those whose radiation peaks near 5 GHz. It is difficult for this to yield significantly different observed sizes, however, since synchrotron radiation is broadband, which precludes sharp frequency cutoffs within a given volume of emission. Nevertheless, we should remain aware that unexpected complicating effects such as gradients in magnetic field and relativistic particle densities and energies, scattering, coherent emission mechanisms, and inhomogeneous opacity effects could plague our efforts to use radio supernovae as distance indicators.
Semisolid Dosages: Ointments, Creams, and Gels

Semisolid dosage forms are traditionally used for treating topical ailments. Various categories of drugs such as antibacterials, antifungals, and antivirals are incorporated into these products, which show their activity on the surface layers of tissues or penetrate into internal layers to reach the site of action. This article focuses on the formulation, evaluation, and regulatory features of ointments, creams, and gels. Keywords: semisolid dosage forms; ointments; creams; gels
Prostaglandin E2–Induced Changes in Alveolar Macrophage Scavenger Receptor Profiles Differentially Alter Phagocytosis of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus Post–Bone Marrow Transplant

The effectiveness of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation as a therapy for malignant and nonmalignant conditions is complicated by pulmonary infections. Using our syngeneic bone marrow transplant (BMT) mouse model, BMT mice with a reconstituted hematopoietic system displayed increased susceptibility to Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. BMT alveolar macrophages (AMs) exhibited a defect in P. aeruginosa phagocytosis, whereas S. aureus uptake was surprisingly enhanced. We hypothesized that the difference in phagocytosis was due to an altered scavenger receptor (SR) profile. Interestingly, MARCO expression was decreased, whereas SR-AI/II was increased. To understand how these dysregulated SR profiles might affect macrophage function, CHO cells were transfected with SR-AI/II, and phagocytosis assays revealed that SR-AI/II was important for S. aureus uptake but not for P. aeruginosa. Conversely, AMs treated in vitro with soluble MARCO exhibited similar defects in P. aeruginosa internalization as did BMT AMs. The 3′-untranslated region of SR-AI contains a putative target region for microRNA-155 (miR-155), and miR-155 expression is decreased post-BMT. Anti–miR-155–transfected AMs exhibited an increase in SR-AI/II expression and S. aureus phagocytosis. Elevated PGE2 has been implicated in driving an impaired innate immune response post-BMT. In vitro treatment of AMs with PGE2 increased SR-AI/II and decreased MARCO and miR-155. Despite a difference in phagocytic ability, BMT AMs harbor a killing defect to both P. aeruginosa and S. aureus. Thus, our data suggest that PGE2-driven alterations in SR and miR-155 expression account for the differential phagocytosis of P. aeruginosa and S. aureus, but impaired killing ultimately confers increased susceptibility to pulmonary infection.
Optimal even‐tempered gaussian atomic orbital bases: First‐row atoms

Atomic Hartree--Fock self-consistent-field energy-optimized even- tempered Gaussian bases are obtained for hydrogen, helium and all first-row atoms in their ground states. In comparison with Huzinaga-type bases the present energies are found to form somewhat weaker upper bounds. The utilization of the even-tempered Gaussian atomic orbital bases in molecular calculations is discussed with regard to their special capabilities. (auth)
Geochemical assessment of petroleum migration phenomena on a regional scale: case studies from Brazilian marginal basins

Geochemical effects of secondary migration on marine oils derived from a single source of enhanced salinity have been investigated in the Sergipe-Alagoas Basin, but no molecular migration characteristics that are independent of source constraints were identified. Mixed oils from the Potiguar Basin, derived from both lacustrine freshwater and marine source beds of enhanced salinity reveal compositional trends which are related to source rock features and maturity conditions. Heterogeneities in their oil compositions can be related to the history of migration and reservoir filling. Also, short-term stratigraphic variations seen for biomarker compositions observed in core samples of source rocks from the Potiguar Basin help explain anomalies in the trends defined by the migrated mixed oils in the Basin.
Flavoprotein and peroxidase as components of the indoleacetic acid oxidase system of peas.

Abstract 1. 1. Several lines of evidence indicate that the IAA-oxidase system of peas consists of a light-activatable flavoprotein enzyme coupled through H 2 O 2 to a peroxidase. 1.1. ( a ) The system is inhibited by catalase, the inhibition being reversed by blue light. 1.2. ( b ) The activity of the system is increased by the addition of H 2 O 2 in the dark, and by the addition of crystalline horseradish root peroxidase in the light. This indicates that H 2 O 2 limits the reaction in the dark; in the light, H 2 O 2 production is increased and the peroxidase becomes limiting. 1.3. ( c ) Crystalline horseradish root peroxidase readily oxidizes IAA in the presence of H 2 O 2 . 1.4. ( d ) The IAA-oxidase system has been separated into a peroxidase and a flavin-containing component. The peroxidase component is active in the presence of H 2 O 2 in oxidizing IAA and conventional peroxidase substrates. Successful reconstitution of the IAA-oxidase system from its fragments has been achieved. The substrate for the flavin enzyme is unknown, but may be IAA itself. 1.5. ( e ) An analog of the IAA-oxidase system has been made by combining the xanthine oxidase of cream with the crystalline peroxidase of horseradish root. The analog system differs from IAA oxidase in requiring a substrate other than IAA for the flavoprotein. 2. 2. Possible alternative schemes have been examined.
Identification of the T4rIIB gene product as a membrane protein.

Synthesis of membrane proteins was found to occur after T4 infection of Escherichia coli. Many of the T4-induced proteins were clearly absent from membranes isolated from uninfected cells. One of these proteins was shown to be genetically controlled by the T4 genome and identified as the primary product of the rIIB cistron. This protein was absent from membranes isolated from rIIB-infected cells, was present in membranes from rIIA-infected cells, was synthesized with delayed-early kinetics, and had a molecular weight that was close to that predicted for the rIIB product. In addition, certain rIIB deletion and frameshift mutants were found to cause the synthesis of membrane-bound peptides the molecular weights of which corresponded to the portion of the rIIB cistron expected to be translated in those mutants. Synthesis of the fragment produced by deletion mutant T4r187 showed delayed-early kinetics, was unaffected by deletion of the rIIA cistron, but was eliminated by additional alterations of the rIIB cistron. Tryptic peptide analysis of the membrane protein found after T4+ infection and of the polypeptide found after T4r187 infection demonstrated the common origin of these two proteins. An extra peptide derived from the wild-type protein probably corresponded to the portion of the rIIB cistron that was deleted in r187. An extra tryptic peptide derived from the r187 fragment may correspond to a portion of the adjoining cistron co-translated with the rIIB fragment. This analysis did not permit identification of the rIIA product, although there was an indication that it too may be a membrane-bound protein.
Uroxicillin/clavulanate in urinary tract infection

A new beta-lactamase-stable oral antibiotic (Augmentin) has been found to be effective in the treatment of urinary tract infections (uncomplicated and complicated, recurrent, and nosocomial) and bacteriuria. The literature is reviewed.
Cold Dark Matter and Strong Gravitational Lensing: Concord or Conflict?

Using the number and sizes of observed gravitational lenses, I derive upper limits on the dark matter content of elliptical galaxies. On average, dark matter can account for no more than 33% of the total mass within one effective radius (Re) of elliptical galaxies or 40% of the mass within 2Re (95% confidence upper limits). I show that galaxies built from cold dark matter (CDM) mass distributions are too concentrated to comfortably satisfy these limits; a high-density (ΩM = 1) CDM cosmology is ruled out at better than 95% confidence, while a low-density, flat cosmology is only marginally consistent with the lens data. Thus, lensing adds to the evidence from spiral galaxy dynamics that CDM mass distributions are too concentrated on kiloparsec scales to agree with real galaxies and extends the argument to elliptical galaxies. Lensing also provides a unique probe of the very inner regions of galaxies, because images are predicted to form near the centers of lens galaxies but are not observed. The lack of central images in deep maps of radio lenses places strong lower limits on the central densities of galaxies. The central densities of CDM galaxies are too low on ~10 pc scales. Supermassive black holes can help suppress central images, but they must lie well off the observed black hole-bulge mass correlation in order to satisfy current limits on central images. Self-interacting dark matter, or any other modification to regular cold dark matter, must simultaneously reduce the densities on kiloparsec scales and increase the densities on parsec scales in order to satisfy the unique constraints from lensing.
A search for forward scattering of sunlight from the lunar libration clouds

Data obtained with the white-light coronagraph on Skylab are analyzed to determine the radiance of forward scattered sunlight from particles in lunar libration regions. It is found that the libration regions could not be distinguished against the solar K + F coronal background, and upper limits are determined for the libration cloud radiance as well as density enhancements in the libration region. The actual spatial density enhancement is calculated on the basis of previous observations by Roach (1975). The radiance contrast of a possible model libration cloud is calculated with respect to the K- and F-corona/zodiacal-light background and is found to be a maximum in the vicinity of a solar elongation angle of the order of 30 deg.
STEAM: a software tool based on empirical analysis for micro electro mechanical systems

In this research a generalized software framework that enables accurate computer aided design of MEMS devices is developed. The proposed simulation engine utilizes a novel material property estimation technique that generates effective material properties at the microscopic level. The material property models were developed based on empirical analysis and the behavior extraction of standard test structures. A literature review is provided on the physical phenomena that govern the mechanical behavior of thin films materials. This survey indicates that the present day models operate under a wide range of assumptions that may not be applicable to the micro-world. Thus, this methodology is foreseen to be an essential tool for MEMS designers as it would develop empirical models that relate the loading parameters, material properties, and the geometry of the microstructures with its performance characteristics. This process involves learning the relationship between the above parameters using non-parametric learning algorithms such as radial basis function networks and genetic algorithms. The proposed simulation engine has a graphical user interface (GUI) which is very adaptable, flexible, and transparent. The GUI is able to encompass all parameters associated with the determination of the desired material property so as to create models that provide an accurate estimation of the desired property. This technique was verified by fabricating and simulating bilayer cantilevers consisting of aluminum and glass (TEOS oxide) in our previous work. The results obtained were found to be very encouraging.
Understanding CT Dose Display

CT gantry rotation to mimic the scatter properties of human tissues. Different phantoms are used for different applications; for example, the standard body phantom is 32 cm in diameter, whereas a 16-cm phantom is used to mimic either the adult head or the pediatric body, and a 10-cm phantom is used to mimic the pediatric head. Ionization chambers are used to measure radiation exposure in different parts of the phantom, after which a standard formula is applied, ultimately yielding CTDIvol in milligrays. Dose-length product is equal to CTDIvol multiplied by the length of the area scanned in centimeters and is expressed in milligray-centimeters. Dose-length product is especially useful when attempting to convert exposures from the CT dose index (CTDI) paradigm to effective dose in sieverts, the universal currency of patient radiation exposure that encompasses the risk for harm from radiation effects models.
Roles of GABAA and GABAB receptors in regulating thalamic activity by the zona incerta: A computational study

The posterior thalamic nucleus (PO) is a higher order nucleus heavily implicated in the processing of somatosensory information. We have previously shown in rodent models that activity in PO is tightly regulated by inhibitory inputs from a GABAergic nucleus known as the zona incerta (ZI). The level of incertal inhibition varies under both physiological and pathological conditions, leading to concomitant changes in PO activity. These changes are causally linked to variety of phenomena from altered sensory perception to pathological pain. ZI regulation of PO is mediated by GABAA and GABAB receptors (GABAAR and GABABR) that differ in their binding kinetics and their electrophysiological properties, suggesting that each may have distinct roles in incerto-thalamic regulation. We developed a computational model to test this hypothesis. We created a two-cell Hodgkin-Huxley model representing PO and ZI with kinetically realistic GABAAR- and GABABR-mediated synapses. We simulated spontaneous and evoked firing in PO and observed how these activities were affected by inhibition mediated by each receptor type. Our model predicts that spontaneous PO activity is preferentially regulated by GABABR-mediated mechanisms, while evoked activity is preferentially regulated by GABAAR. Our model also predicts that modulation of ZI firing rate and synaptic GABA concentrations is an effective means to regulate the incerto-thalamic circuit. The coupling of distinct functions to GABAAR and GABABR presents an opportunity for the development of therapeutics, as particular aspects of incerto-thalamic regulation can be targeted by manipulating the corresponding receptor class. Thus these findings may provide interventions for pathologies of sensory processing.
A homolog of FHM2 is involved in modulation of excitatory neurotransmission by serotonin in C. elegans.

The C. elegans eat-6 gene encodes a Na+, K+-ATPase α subunit and is a homolog of the familial hemiplegic migraine candidate gene FHM2. Migraine is the most common neurological disorder linked to serotonergic dysfunction. We sought to study the pathophysiological mechanisms of migraine and their relation to serotonin (5-HT) signaling using C. elegans as a genetic model. In C. elegans, exogenous 5-HT inhibits paralysis induced by the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor aldicarb. We found that the eat-6(ad467) mutation or RNAi of eat-6 increases aldicarb sensitivity and causes complete resistance to 5-HT treatment, indicating that EAT-6 is a component of the pathway that couples 5-HT signaling and ACh neurotransmission. While a postsynaptic role of EAT-6 at the bodywall NMJs has been well established, we found that EAT-6 may in addition regulate presynaptic ACh neurotransmission. We show that eat-6 is expressed in ventral cord ACh motor neurons, and that cell-specific RNAi of eat-6 in the ACh neurons leads to hypersensitivity to aldicarb. Electron microscopy showed an increased number of synaptic vesicles in the ACh neurons in the eat-6(ad467) mutant. Genetic analyses suggest that EAT-6 interacts with EGL-30 Gαq, EGL-8 phospholipase C and SLO-1 BK channel signaling to modulate ACh neurotransmission and that either reduced or excessive EAT-6 function may lead to increased ACh neurotransmission. Study of the interaction between eat-6 and 5-HT receptors revealed both stimulatory and inhibitory 5-HT inputs to the NMJs. We show that the inhibitory and stimulatory 5-HT signals arise from distinct 5-HT neurons. The role of eat-6 in modulation of excitatory neurotransmission by 5-HT may provide a genetic explanation for the therapeutic effects of the drugs targeting 5-HT receptors in the treatment of migraine patients.
A test program on thermomechanical and thermal-hydraulic aspects of nuclear systems for magnetically confined fusion power reactors

Abstract The First Wall/Blanket/Shield Engineering Test Program (FW/B/S Program), is a broadly based program aimed at developing engineering technology for fusion. Roughly half of the program is devoted to thermo-mechanical and thermal-hydraulic testing. The facilities, test plans and general strategy for this part of the program are reviewed with emphasis on the electron beam facilities being used to apply surface heat loads to test heat rejection panels and on the generic issues in fusion blanket technology targeted for investigation and in particular, heat transfer from solid tritium breeding compounds.
Psychometric properties of the shortened disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Questionnaire (QuickDASH) and Numeric Pain Rating Scale in patients with shoulder pain.

Purpose To examine the psychometric properties of the Shortened Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Questionnaire (QuickDASH) and the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) in patients with shoulder pain. Methods Single-group repeated measures design in which 101 patients presenting to physical therapy completed the QuickDASH and the NPRS at the baseline examination and at a follow-up visit. At the follow-up all patients also completed the Global Rating of Change (GRC), which was used to dichotomize patients as improved or stable. Baseline and follow-up scores were used to determine the test-retest reliability, construct validity and minimal levels of detectable and clinically important change for both the QuickDASH and NPRS. Results Test-retest reliability was 0.90 for the QuickDASH and 0.74 for the NPRS. The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) was 8.0 points for the QuickDASH and 1.1 for the NPRS. Conclusion The NPRS and QuickDASH exhibit good test-retest reliability and responsiveness in patients with shoulder pain.
Quartic normal forms for the periodic nonlinear Schrödinger equation with dispersion management

We investigate Birkhoff normal forms for the periodic nonlinear Schrodinger equation with dispersion management. The normalization we describe is related to averaging arguments considered in the literature, and has the advantage of producing fewer resonant couplings between high spatial frequency modes. One consequence is that the normal form equations have invariant subspaces of large but finite dimension, where we can find several classes of periodic orbits. The formal arguments apply to other related dispersive systems, and to normal forms of high order. We also present a rigorous version of the normal form calculation and show that solutions of the quartic normal form equations remain close to solutions of the full system over a time that is inversely proportional to a small nonlinearity parameter.
Determination of herbicides and their degradation products in surface waters by gas chromatography/positive chemical ionization/tandem mass spectrometry

A rapid, sensitive and specific method was developed for the analysis of selected herbicides and their degradation products in surface water samples using gas chromatography/positive chemical ionization/tandem mass spectrometry (GC/PCI/MS/MS). Compounds included atrazine and its degradation products (deethylatrazine and deisopropylatrazine), simazine, alachlor and its degradation products (2-chloro-2′,6′-diethylacetanilide, 2-hydroxy-2′,6′-diethylacetanilide and 2,6-diethylaniline) and metolachlor. Daughter ion spectra for the protonated molecule of these compounds were generated and are described. The coeluting interferences present using GC/electron impact mass spectrometry in the surface water samples were eliminated by using GC/PCI/MS/MS in the neutral loss mode to detect specific daughter ions. The detection limit for most of the compounds was 200 pg, and instrument response was linear over three orders of magnitude.
Fast events in protein folding

Understanding how proteins fold is one of the central problems in biochemistry. A new generation of kinetic experiments has emerged to investigate the mechanisms of protein folding on the previously inaccessible submillisecond time scale. These experiments provide the first glimpse of processes such as secondary structure formation, local hydrophobic collapse, global collapse to compact denatured states, and fast barrier crossings to the native state. Key results are summarized and discussed in terms of the statistical energy landscape theory of protein folding.
The source of lactate dehydrogenase in preimplantation mouse embryos

Studies of enzyme activities in preimplantation mouse embryos of the Swiss-Webster strain have demonstrated several developmental patterns of change [ 1,2] . Among these is the pattern manifested by lactate dehydrogenase (EC.1 .l .1.27) and glucose 6phosphate dehydrogenase (EC.1 .l .1.49). The activities of these enzymes remain constant for the first two days of development, up to the 8-16 cell stage. There is then an exponential decline in activity over the next two days, and the activities in the late blastocysts are only about 1520% of those in the early stages of development. The cause of the decline in activity is not known, but one possibility is the existence of specific processes leading to enzyme degradation or inactivation [l] . However, Gibson and Masters have recently suggested, on the basis of work with the Quackenbush strain, that the high activity of lactate dehydrogenase and the developmental decline in activity detected in mouse ova do not reflect the true enzymatic situation of the embryo [3]. Rather, they proposed that virtually all of the activity detected is the product of enzyme adsorbed from the oviducal fluid, and the decline in activity is attributed to loss of this surface enzyme secondary to changes in the surface and location of the embryo. Because of the obvious importance of these suggestions for an understanding of the regulation of enzyme concentrations in early mammalian embryos, the activity of lactate dehydrogenase in embryos from Swiss mice has been reinvestigated. The results obtained are not compatible with the hypothesis that the enzyme being assayed is adsorbed from the oviducal fluid. Mouse embryos ranging from 2 cells (day 1) to the late blastocysts stage (day 4) were obtained from random bred Swiss mice by the methods previously described [l] All flushing of the oviducts and handling of the embryos was carried out in the culture medium of Whitten and Biggers [II]. Follicular oocytes were obtained by pricking follicles of ovaries removed two days after the unmated animals received the priming dose of pregnant mare serum. Embryo culture and enzyme assay were carried out as previously described [ 1,2] . Electrophoresis in 7.5% polyacrylamide gels was carried out at pH 8.1 with a continuous tris-glytine buffer system. The stacking gel was omitted. The gels were stained for lactate dehydrogenase activity with a mixture consisting of 1.6 g Na-D, L-lactate, 10 mg NAD, 0.8 mg phenazine methosulfate, and 10 mg nitro blue tetrazolium in 40 ml of 0.05 M trisHCl, pH 7.1.
Energy dispatch schedule optimization and cost benefit analysis for grid-connected, photovoltaic-battery storage systems

A linear programming (LP) routine was implemented to model optimal energy storage dispatch schedules for peak net load management and demand charge minimization in a grid-connected, combined photovoltaic-battery storage system (PV+ system). The LP leverages PV power output and load forecasts to minimize peak loads subject to elementary dynamical and electrical constraints of the PV+ system. Battery charge/discharge were simulated over a range of two PV+ system parameters (battery storage capacity and peak load reduction target) to obtain energy cost for a time-of-use pricing schedule and the net present value (NPV) of the battery storage system. The financial benefits of our optimized energy dispatch schedule were compared with basic offpeak charging/on-peak discharging and real-time load response dispatch strategies that did not use any forecast information. The NPV of the battery array increased significantly when the battery was operated on the optimized schedule compared to the off-peak/on-peak and real time dispatch schedules. These trends were attributed to increased battery lifetime and reduced demand charges attained under the optimized dispatch strategy. Our results show that Lithiumion batteries can be a financially viable energy storage solution in demand side, energy cost management applications at an installed cost of about $400 - $500 per kWh (approximately 4050% of 2011 market prices). The financial value of forecasting in energy storage dispatch optimization was calculated as a function of battery capacity ratio.
Discovery and Characterization of Super-Enhancer-Associated Dependencies in Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a biologically heterogeneous and clinically aggressive disease. Here, we explore the role of bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) proteins in DLBCL, using integrative chemical genetics and functional epigenomics. We observe highly asymmetric loading of bromodomain 4 (BRD4) at enhancers, with approximately 33% of all BRD4 localizing to enhancers at 1.6% of occupied genes. These super-enhancers prove particularly sensitive to bromodomain inhibition, explaining the selective effect of BET inhibitors on oncogenic and lineage-specific transcriptional circuits. Functional study of genes marked by super-enhancers identifies DLBCLs dependent on OCA-B and suggests a strategy for discovering unrecognized cancer dependencies. Translational studies performed on a comprehensive panel of DLBCLs establish a therapeutic rationale for evaluating BET inhibitors in this disease.
Changepoint Alternatives to the NOAEL

The onset-of-trend changepoint model is applied to the dose-response setting en countered in regulatory toxicology experiments with continuous responses. An investigation of the least squares criterion over each of the dose intervals provides insights into the distribution of the changepoint estimate for small dose group sample sizes and a simple computational procedure for finding this estimate. A new accessible proof of the consistency of this estimate as dose group size increases is developed. For normally distributed data, an asymptotic procedure is developed for constructing a lower confidence limit on the changepoint. The performance of the changepoint estimate and the lower confidence limit are compared directly to the no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) via a large simulation study and an example dataset. The lower confidence limit on the changepoint is shown to be a better regulatory quantity than the NOAEL from a statistical perspective.
High temperature brittle integranular cracking in high strength nickel alloys undoped and doped with S, Zr and/or B—I. crack growth characteristics

Abstract High temperature (823–923 K) brittle intergranular cracking behavior has been studied in γ′ strengthening nickel alloys doped with and without S, B and/or Zr. The growth rate of brittle intergranular cracks was found to be described by d a/ d t = a O (K/K O ) n where K O and a O represent a transition from the crack nucleation to growth controlling process. The alloy composition and temperature produced quite different effects on KO and n. In undoped and S-doped alloys, high temperature cracking occurred at the lowest KO which strongly depends on the temperature. However, the undoped and S-doped alloys exhibited the lowest and highest values of n, respectively, almost independent of the temperature. The addition of B increased KO and decreased n more greatly than that of Zrx in alloys with high S. The alloy with high S and Zr showed the strongest temperature dependence of n in all the alloys. It has been shown by estimating the activation energy from the Arrhenius plot of ȧO that the brittle intergranular cracking behavior is controlled by S diffusion at grain boundaries and on crack surfaces.
Synthesis of 2'-modified oligodeoxynucleotides via on-column conjugation.

Oligodeoxynucleotides modified at the 2‘-position of 2‘-amino-2‘-deoxyuridine or uridine were prepared in high yield and purity using phosphoramidites 2 and 3, respectively. Oligodeoxynucleotide conjugates were prepared on the solid-phase synthesis support following selective unmasking of the nucleophile incorporated in these phosphoramidites. Synthesis of oligodeoxynucleotides modified at the 2‘-position of an internal nucleotide provides molecules that are complementary to those previously prepared via a similar approach using C5-substituted pyrimidines. The efficiency of functionalization of the 2‘-O-alkylamino-uridine derived from 3 in a protected oligodeoxynucleotide was less susceptible to steric hindrance than the 2‘-amino-2‘-deoxyuridine in the same polymeric substrate. However, the greater reactivity of the 2‘-O-alkylamine containing nucleotide gave rise to undesired acetamide formation resulting from nucleophilic attack on the 5‘-terminal acetate in capped failure sequences. This problem was ove...
Revalorizing the Political: Towards a New Intellectual Agenda for African Civil Society Discourse

Who needs civil society? What is civil society useful for? While the foregoing and similar dilemmas dominated the early civil society literature on sub-Saharan Africa, this was soon followed by a steady shift to the analysis of non-governmental organizations. The shift foreshadowed the recent methodological approach to civil society research which emphasizes ‘measuring’ and ‘surveying’ civil society. In this essay, I contend that this approach, to the extent that it seems to totalize civil society as component voluntary associations that can be measured, deepens the crisis of understanding which it aspires to transcend. Yet, although I critique—and reject—this approach, I argue nonetheless that it ought to be seen as an opportunity to reinstate a more theoretically robust and politically driven imagination of civil society, one that problematizes, not just civil society organizations that are, ultimately, only an aspect of civil society, but the civil domain as a whole. While conceding that ‘measuring’ ci...
RESPONSE BIAS IN JOB ANALYSIS RATINGS: RELATION BETWEEN RATINGS OF TASK LIKING AND TASK CHARACTERISTICS '

Summary.-Through a task analysis of the position of Resident Hall Assistant, 97 incumbents and 19 supervisors provided ratings on task liking and three task characteristics-frequency of occurrence, level of difficulty, and consequence of error-for 88 separate tasks. A significant relation was demonstrated between task liking (a potential response bias) and the ratings on these task characteristics. Within job analysis, incumbents and supervisors provide ratings of task characteristics and other measures which form an empirical base for the development of personnel systems, e.g., employee selection, performance evaluation, etc. (Levine, 1983). Response bias may contaminate these ratings, providing an erroneous foundation for the construction of the systems that
Direct Dating of Prehistoric Canal Sediments Using Archaeomagnetism

The problems with dating prehistoric canals are renowned, due to the fact they seldom contain material appropriate for traditional dating methods. However, the application of archaeomagnetic techniques may offer a method of dating canals in those regions where master curves of polar wandering already exist. Detrital remanent magnetism in Hohokam canal sediments seems to produce accurate dates with ranges of ca. 200 years, twice the resolution of previous canal-dating attempts. However, at least some of the sediments seem to record inclinations that are less accurate than the declinations. In these cases, the declination values for the sediments can be compared to master declinations curves as a method of dating the sediments.
Dynamic Two-Dimensional Computer Simulation of Three-Terminal Semiconductor Devices

Special schemes for treating device geometry permit the use of the very fast Hockney technique for solving the two dimensional Poisson equation so that dynamics of three-terminal semiconductor devices can be computer simulated economically. Successful simulations of bipolar devices and F.E.T.s are reported here.